Do You Overpack When You Cruise?

I was so excited when I took my first cruise just like you were or will be.  Did you overpack?  I did and so will you.  I had shoes for every outfit plus flip flops and tennis shoes plus deck shoes.  I took several bathing suits and everything I packed filled 2 suitcases and a carry on.  Needless to say, this was way before anyone charged for bags at the airport.

Now when I travel, I carry only what I absolutely need.  I take two pair of black slacks, 2 pair of play pants, and one black skirt and any tops should go with them.  I also take a black jacket as it will go over anything if I need to dress up.  I take one pair of shoes other than what are on my feet.  I wear very little jewelry other than my rings, one watch and one bracelet.  You don't want to wear a lot of jewelry when you travel anyway.  You are inviting disaster.  Your makeup can be cut down as well.  A little moisturizer, blush or bronzer, mascara, and a lipstick and you are set.  Remember, you are on vacation, not going to meet the president.  I now take one bag and no carryon.  This will do me for 7 days.

Now if you just have to pack an outfit or two for every day, try to roll your clothes.  You will fit more in your suitcase.  Put hose and/or socks inside your shoes, and be sure when you pack a hat to fill it up with underclothes to save space.  There is always more than one way to pack a suitcase.

What is your favorite ways to pack?

All Inclusive Vacations

LUXURY VACATIONS FOR
TWO PEOPLE IN LOVE or just wanting a romantic getaway.

Come experience the very pinnacle of all-inclusive excellence in the Caribbean. Sandals delights couples in love with supreme luxury resorts featuring gourmet candlelit dining for two, gorgeous tropical settings and some of the world's most exquisite beaches in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas. If you are planning a wedding, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destination weddings and honeymoon packages.

air

hotel

transfers

unlimited food

unlimited alcohol and beer and sodas

unlimited non-motorized water sports

Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts are great for girl's getaways, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and also great for the family if a couple wants a destination wedding.  Children are allowed at Beaches and they can meet Big Bird and Cookie Monster there.

Can You Still Afford to Travel?

Is The Economy Slowing Down Travel?

The biggest question in the travel industry right now is whether travel is slowing down or if our clients are still traveling.

I can tell you that Bannister Travel's clients are still traveling. Just because money is tight doesn't mean we have to stop traveling. If you are used to flying somewhere on vacation, try going on a cruise out of a port that you can drive from. Not purchasing airfare can save you a lot of money and with the money you save, you can upgrade to a balcony from an interior stateroom and have money left over.

In our area, we have Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, LA, and Gaveston, TX which are all within driving distance from the Mid-South area.

Our clients are taking 4, 5 and 7 day cruises out of these ports. We have 2 large group that are going out of New Orleans in January and another that is going out in February. Going in a group will help keep your costs down as well.

If you don't like cruising, you can drive to Nashville, St. Louis, Atlanta, Birmingham, Panama City, Branson, Gatlinburg, and any number of other places where you can have a great vacation and save that airfare money for something else.

Is the economy down? You bet it is. Does that have to change your vacation plans? Maybe a little, but at Bannister Travel, we are finding ways for our clients to have a great vacation with family and/or friends while staying within a budget that the clients set.

Call one of our agents today and let them help you plan a vacation. You can find them all, listed under "About Us" on our website at www.bannistertravel.com .

Patricia Bannister, owner of Bannister Travel, 662-288-9052

Travel Insurance

Do you need Travel Insurance? Check with your health care providor and see if you are covered for medical expenses incurred outside the continental United States. If they say yes, have them fax you a copy of that page of your policy so that you have it in writting.

If not, contact me so that I can send you the information that you need to have to make a good decision about what you need.

Do you have pre-existing conditions that need to be covered? Do you know that you can be covered for as little as $50 and msot people don't pay over $150 no matter what kind of insurance they get.

It is always better to be sure, so check with your providor before you travel anywhere. If you go to the Grand Canyon and climb rocks, or if you go skiing in Colorado Springs, you may not be covered because it is consdiered a sports injury and many insurance policies don't cover that.

Just be sure. Please.

My Favorite Places

MY FAVORITE PLACES IN THE CARIBBEAN

JAMAICA – Sandals Negril

CANCUN – Azul 5 and Seaside Resorts

JAMAICA – Beaches Resorts

CANCUN – Karisma Resorts

BAHAMAS – Sandals Royal Bahamian

MY FAVORITE PLACES IN THE USA

Las Vegas - The Venetian (all suites)

Branson - Holiday Inn Centre Point

New York

New Orleans - Monteleon

Orlando – Disney

MY FAVORITE PLACES IN EUROPE

London

Paris

Prague

Rome/Vatican City

All of Ireland