Latest Travel Blog Entries

Monday, March 01, 2010

Trafalgar's "last minute deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until March 15, 2010. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.
 
Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process

Europe & Britain Tours

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

With Trafalgar family tours you can experience a myriad of amazing destinations, magical countries and enchanting cities on ten first class family experiences across Europe, the United States and Canada.

Everything is taken care of... hotel accommodations, transportation, most meals & included family-friendly activities like pizza making in Rome and flamenco dancing in Spain.  A Trafalgar tour travel experience is hassle-free, memorable and above all, fun for the entire family.

Learn more about family tour vacations

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

You’ve shared his every adventure from printed page to the silver screen. Now you can join Harry Potter and his friends as you venture into a world where magic is real…and excitement knows no bounds.  It’s all at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter to be revealed in Spring 2010 at Universal Studios Orlando in the Islands of Adventure park.  Pass through Hogwarts castle gates and explore the familiar passageways, classrooms and corridors. 

New Rides/Attractions

Experience new pulse-pounding rides.  On Dragon Challenge, you’ll need the courage of a Triwizard Tournament champion as you climb aboard one of two ferocious dragons that twist, loop and nearly collide in a high-speed, intertwining rollercoaster chase across the sky.  Each side provides a completely different ride.   On Flight of the Hippogriff, take off on a family friendly coaster that spirals and drives around the pumpkin patch and past Hagrid’s hut.   Last but not least, on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, experience a state of the art attraction that brings the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before imagined.  Make your way through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts.  Then soar above the castle grounds on a groundbreaking new ride that lets you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure. 

Food & Drink:

Sample fare from the wizarding world’s best known establishments.  Dine at Three Broomsticks where you can choose from fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, soup, salads and tasty desserts.  At Hog’s Head, enjoy Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and other beverages while adults can also choose from a selection of domestic and imported beers, specialty drinks, wine, spirits and mixed drinks.  Visit the legendary Honeydukes for sweets including Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, exploding bonbons, treacle fudge, Chocolate Frogs and more.

Shopping:

Shop for magical supplies and wizarding  equipment at Dervish and Banges. Browse confiscated items and purchase Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing, movie prop replicas, magical created toys and more at Flich’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.  In Ollivanders, step inside the small dusty shop where a Wandkeeper will help the wand choose YOU.  Try different wands with unpredictable results in this interactive experience.  Send letters with a Bogsmeade postmark from the Owl Post or visit Zonko’s Joke Shop where you can browse a selection of novelty items and toys including Sneakoscope, Extendable Ears and more.

Keep in mind when you book a vacation package, some packages ensure you will have Early Park Admission to experience all the magic and excitement of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Universal’s Islands of Adventure will open an hour early each day so guests can enjoy all three rides before the general publc…this can save you hours in line.  Call us for details.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

We all know the famous question: “Are we there yet?” Traveling by plane with kids does not have to be draining. Here is a checklist to help right from the planning stages of your trip so you will arrive at your destination excited and ready to have fun.

Start by making things easier – If your budget is a little flexible, the best practice is have as few connections as possible. Book direct or non-stop flights whenever you can.

Make sure you arrive at the airport early so you are not stressed while finding parking, checking in and getting through security. Realize that traveling with young children always takes longer to walk through the airport than you expect.

Have your children carry their own bags with snack and entertainment items. Even toddlers can wear backpacks or use rolling bags and they like the responsibility. You may also want to carry on any favorite stuffed animal to avoid a problem if the checked bag gets lost.

Bring a favorite pillow to help your children sleep on the flight and on while on vacation. Airlines no longer supply everyone with pillows on flights.

Have some healthy snacks packed. Don't rely on the schedule of the flight attendants for food. Bring some paper cups and buy a bottle of water after you get through security. Some people take an empty water bottle and fill it after getting through security, saving money and the wait in line to purchase water.

Bring your own entertainment. Do not count on the movie selection being appropriate for children or being something that can hold their attention. Here are some suggestions for the different age groups:

• Older Babies and Toddlers - nested containers, sets of things to put into containers, Busy Boxes with hand activities and moving parts, board books, blanket, stuffed animal
• Pre-Schoolers - books, stickers and activity or coloring books, crayons, lap-sized wipe-off easels and pens, post-it notes, scotch tape, magnetic letters or dolls & metal tin
• Young School Age - books, comics, stickers and activity or coloring books, small magnetic puzzles, travel-size Etch-a-Sketch, Go-Fish cards, books on tape, miniature worlds: little houses with figures, hand-sized playsets, LeapFrog Leapster- fun games and assisted reading
• Older School Age - books, activity kits, blank paper for drawing, Hangman, or Xs & Os, deck of cards, travel size board games, Mastermind: a great game for age seven and up, cribbage set, small Lego sets, hand-held toys with the sound turned off, electronics (iPods, games, DVD players, used with headphones). If you do not have a DVD player, they can be rented at many airports.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

As you get ready to travel?

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.