why is airfare so expensive??
and when is it coming down??

28 Saturday Jan 2023

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

I don’t really know. I was advising clients last year to purchase their flights before the end of 2022 because there was murmuring that this was going to happen. Why? No clue. Airlines were given so much PPP money and travel has not slowed down in 2 years, so what gives? I only wish I knew the ins and outs of how these conglomerates work their budgets and targets, but I am just the Travel Advisor who is advising, what often feels like blindly because there is no rhyme or reason right now.

What can you do to offset some of these costs?

PLAN AHEAD: If you want travel to be apart of your world, you are going to have to plan for it. Gone are the days where you could plan a quick trip on the fly and it didn’t cost a fortune. I am not saying it is not possible- it absolutely is. There are moments where the hotels or airlines over inflate pricing and rooms or seats don’t sell, and you may get the lucky one-off chance to grab a deal. But “deals” anymore are few and far between, unless you planned for them months, sometimes years in advance. I am going to give you another scenario: Cruises. From November through December 2022, there were actual “deals” on the cruise lines. 2023 hits, and those “deals” were based on highly inflated rates then “discounted” to make the consumer feel like they are getting a “deal” when their friend bought the same cruise in November for half the cost. It happens. It’s not just cruises, but right now, I am experiencing the most with this field of the travel industry. If you are thinking about a family vacation during Thanksgiving or Festive (Christmas and New Years holiday weeks), then we should be talking now. Planning ahead buys you time to watch fares and even enjoy the benefits of “Bundling” a package with some of those amazing bulk fares airlines pass on through suppliers.

BUNDLE: Sometimes it is in the best interest of my clients to “Bundle” their package. This works well in places where you need air and a hotel for at least 3-nights. Airlines offer suppliers Bulk Pricing, which is pricing only the suppliers and the airlines can see. What you and I typically see is called Published Fares. What happens is the supplier has access to these bulk fares, which in turn makes the hotel options very affordable as well. When you bundle air and hotel, sometimes I can even find some pretty stellar pricing on Premium Economy or Business Class. Cruise lines will offer air as well, and sometimes it is better or there are promotions running like a buy 1 fare for 2 passengers- so it is definitely worth inquiring, and keeping all of your options open. Again, planning ahead is in your favor when bundling as well. Price watch, and if the air drops, in most cases, as long as final payment has not been made, the airline will honor the price drop.

PRICE WATCH: You bought air at a ridiculously high price yesterday. Today it dropped $1000. That happens. Guess what? Call the airline and ask them to adjust the cost of the fare. Most airlines will do this, but you have to be on top of it. They aren’t that nice and won’t do it automatically for you. Always ask and confirm this before you purchase your air so you understand the rules.

TRY SOMETHING NEW: I read recently that domestic carriers, such as Delta, United and American, are starting to do away with traditional First Class on long-haul flights. This is why you are seeing cabin classes like Delta One and Polaris come on the scene. Not a true First Class, more like a Business Class with lie flat seats and experienced service. So fares should drop right? Nope. In fact, it is predicted that Business Class fares will continue to rise, and it will become more and more difficult to afford Business Class (or Biz Class as I like to shorten it to). But there are options out there that feel like a private jet option, and when you weigh the costs compared to brand-name airlines, it might make more sense. Of course, we are all familiar with JetSuitesX which is increasing its destination options yearly. Another new carrier to get you to and from Newark to Paris, Nice, and Milan, La Compagnie, which is like a JetSuitesX with a smaller passenger load, but all Biz Class- lie-flat seats and exceptional service. And, here’s a little tip I learned for those of you who love Mexico. If you can get yourself to San Diego, you can get yourself to the Tijuana International Airport, and you can get yourself for half the cost to Cabo San Lucas (or anywhere else in Mexico) through domestic Mexico airlines. The easiest thing I heard was from a San Diego local who drove her car to the border where there is a facility set up for Americans to leave their vehicles, then walk across a bridge that takes you straight into the Tijuana International Airport. Customs are done, so you can be one of those gorgeously dressed people that just cruise through while we all wait in the Disneyland line that is Customs in Cabo.

USE MY AIR DESK: As much as you hate dealing with the airlines, I hate it worst, promise. But I love my clients so much and I want everyone to travel and be able to comfortably, so I decided this year to take on AIR. I am working with two consolidators, my agency’s Air Desk, and also a separate consolidator, Global First, so I can offer my clients options to compare what they are finding and what my consolidators can find. What is an Air Consolidator? Much like the suppliers I keep mentioning, Air Consolidators have access to bulk and GPS fares, meaning they can see everything the airlines are seeing, and even more, than my suppliers can see. The beauty of working with me to book your air is that everything is then coordinated for your trip and there is no concern or stress about having your air match up to the itinerary, that all falls on me and my suppliers to make sure you get there in the time frame indicated. Sometimes a commission is already built into the cost through the airline, and you won’t see the difference (much like when you book hotels and packages through me already), and in some instances you will see a fee that varies based on things like domestic, international, connections, one way, round trips, etc.

January 2023

28 Saturday Jan 2023

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun, Tips

≈ Leave a Comment

Leaving On A Jet Plane (or at least trying to…)

So far 2023 has been a doozy thanks to the airline industry (special thanks to SWA for bringing all that chaos into 2023!) Hopefully, you were not caught up in that bit of a mess, but I was and so were some of my clients. Fortunately, my clients had the savvy to start tracking down flights that would get them from their domestic location to their international destination, even if it meant overnighting in an unexpected city and flying on a different airline. Fortunately for me, I had the option to drive to my destination, Telluride, CO, which we have done many times. My kids are so used to road tripping they were actually looking forward to the experience. Me- not so much. I am a trooper but it is a lot of work to drive through the entire state of Utah in the winter months when the weather can be very unpredictable. I also saw those horrific photos of everyone’s luggage piled up in Vegas and Denver (nightmarish visions of LHR and FRA this summer!!) and some lost for weeks like Flat Stanley, making its way around the country until it finally ended up where it was supposed to, if lucky enough. My sister’s family and my son had too much valuable snowboarding gear to take that chance, so RoadTrip it Was! We ended up having a great time and New Year’s Eve was saved! We watched the Torch Light Parade of skiers come down the mountain as intended, ooo’d and awww’d at the fireworks, sipped champagne and made it back to the house before midnight where we cooked dinner, played games and had a dance party. Best time ever.

Enough about me…for those of you who haven’t been so lucky in the Flight Club, what’s a passenger to do when the airlines fail us and destroy our travel plans? I wish I had all the answers for this, but I can offer a few suggestions that might make the next time (and sadly, there will probably be a next time) a little smoother.

TRIP INSURANCE: Yes, this is my number one response, and I know you all hear me say it over and over again, but having Trip Insurance should be a non-negotiable for your travel budget. Here’s why:
Scenario- You’re on a non-stop flight to your destination. What could go wrong? A lot. I lived this scenario this past summer. Nonstop flight to Costa Rica. Weather Delay. Divert to Panama City. Not enough crew members to fly a plane (remember Delta this summer?), or to rebook us on another flight or to take our luggage off the plane so we could book ourselves on another flight (I’ll talk about that next). We missed the first two days of our trip. We missed a family spa appointment that was pre-paid. We missed an excursion, partly paid. Guess what? If you miss all that because of the airline- it’s not on the hotel or the supplier to dig into their pockets to make it right. It actually should be on the airline, but in the US, passengers have very little to no rights when there is any sort of delay or cancellation on the airline’s part. In these cases, you are at the mercy of the airline and what they might offer, if anything, to compensate you for your time and investment. Trip insurance will cover some of these losses, all of these losses, or up to a certain amount. It is super important in these situations to take photos of all the things- the board at the gate saying there is a delay, any receipts for food, accommodations, clothing, or transportation that you would not have paid for if not delayed. Screen shot any conversations you have with airline agents on chat in the app or emails confirming what occurred. The more you can prove the quicker and better chance you have to receive the most amount of money back. I partner with Allianz Travel Insurance when booking custom quotes, and sometimes I use the supplier’s Trip Protection because they are easier to work with, less time filing claims, etc., and you get your money back faster. Of course, you can always seek out your own, and some credit card companies will offer trip protection if you paid for the trip with that credit card. However, super important to understand the language around their coverage as it may not actually cover what you need or want it to cover. And, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask the agents all the questions- it is their job to make sure you 10000% understand their policy before you purchase or decide to only use their coverage. There’s a few items like “Pre-Existing” or “Cancel At Anytime” that have strict rules and language to make sure your claims qualify if needed.

CARRY ON: When you can. This is not easy for me, I am a “pack it to the brim and check it so I can relax” traveller. Carrying on stresses me out because I usually forget stuff, or I don’t leave room for things I buy, or it’s just so dang heavy to lift over my head, or what if I don’t have overhead space when I get on the plane?? UGH! I am getting better at it, and realize the benefits. So I have allowed myself in certain situations to carry-on on my way TO my destination, and allow myself to check on my way BACK home. Carrying on is beneficial for several reasons:

1. Your flight is delayed or cancelled. Having your bags with you gives you the freedom to hop on another flight, or get a rental car or whatever mode of transpo to get you to your destination.

2. Going through Customs is so much quicker. You won’t have to wait for your luggage to show up so you can haul it off the belt, push it through Customs then check-it back in again. We all have Global Entry, or are working on it, right? So if you have Global Entry and you check your bag, guess what? You still have to wait with everyone else who doesn’t have Global Entry. I was slightly embarrassed and a tad jealous to watch this gorgeously dressed couple ease through Global and cruise through Customs while I was the first to get through Customs, but one of the last to get out since I had to wait for my bag. 🙄 I mean, sometimes, you just cannot avoid checking, but when you can or you know it’s going to be an easy trip to pack for, carrying on will be in your favor.

3. If you have multiple destinations in your destination. For example- you are moving throughout a country every 2-3 days, most likely, if your bags are lost or delayed, it will be very difficult and/or timely for the airline to find you. Again, carry-on there, check on the way back. I also try to bring an extra bag that I can fold up but fill up during my travels. One that is sturdy enough to check, but also, I rearrange items so that I am carrying on with me things I don’t want to lose (precious or expensive purchases, my favorite handbag) but checking in items I would not be too devastated if I lost. I also purchase Trip Insurance for every trip I take, seriously. If it is lost, then I will file a claim like everyone else and get reimbursed.

4. Tight connections. No nonstop, no problem. Carrying on will assure you that you will have your bag when you arrive. I am not a fan of tight connections, but the airlines seem to think we can maneuver through the airports like a certain sports star back in the day. It seems like connections are either getting tighter or reallllyyyy long. So the nice thing about carrying on with a connection is that you have your stuff. Also, it is nice to be able to rest that heavy personal item you have loaded down and wheel it through the airport instead of suffering neck and shoulder spasms on your next flight.

HAVE A BACK UP PLAN: I get it. No one wants to spend more than they budgeted for on vacation. It is stressful. We all want everything to go as planned. But, sometimes, and most often lately, it doesn’t always work that way. So, if you have purchased the Trip Insurance, in the back of your head you know you can file a claim to regain some of those expenses. If you checked your bag, make sure you have one night’s worth of stuff to get you through in case you and your luggage get separated. You really don’t need a whole suitcase full of pjs and clothes, etc., but do make sure you take the basics with you: glasses, contacts, medicines, travel sized deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, clean underwear, socks, bathing suit, pair of flip flops. Consider your destination and think about what you know you would be able to find if necessary, and what might be a challenge. When we were stuck in Panama City for 18-hours, believe it or not, it was tricky to find a toothbrush, and this was not something I thought about bringing on board with me. And, worse case scenario, make sure you have a credit card with a decent amount available in case you do need to book a flight, a hotel room, buy a new wardrobe, etc. One that won’t eat into your current travel budget. I always travel with my AmExPlatinum- mostly for access into the lounges, but also because it gives me peace of mind to know that in an emergency I can use it. It pretty much stays tucked away in my “goes in the safe” bag and hardly ever comes out. Another option is to find a credit card company that offers a debit account where you can stash some emergency cash in case you don’t want to mess with credit cards. American Express has a Rewards Checking that offers a competitive APY and you can also earn points on your purchases. The only downfall with this option are the international fees accrued when using this card outside of the US.

Be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best! Happy Travels!

xoxo-

Stefanie

Hotel Review: Montage Los Cabos

19 Tuesday Feb 2019

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun, International, Luxury, One Day In Itineraries, Resorts, Where To Go Now

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Cabo, international travel, montage

Contact me today for your 2019 Virtuoso promotions and amenities for Montage Los Cabos!

Every February, my husband and I use his birthday as an excuse to get out of town by ourselves for a few days. Typically, he can only get away from the J O B for a few days before he is back at the grind. I’m lucky if I can keep him off the phone for the short amount of time we are away. For the first few years after our twins were born (our last kiddos), we did Cabo. One stay at the One & Only Palmilla, another in a friend’s luxury villa complete with personal chef and pool. That was 6 years ago. That is so sad!

This year, I decided to surprise my guy by taking him away to Cabo San Lucas, as it has always been our happy place to relax, sun, drink and dine. I have to admit, the thoughts of, “Is Mexico safe?”, did cross my mind. But at the end of the day, the sea, sun and mezcal was calling our names- as was the brand new Montage Los Cabos- we couldn’t resist.

Sitting exclusively in its own private alcove on the Sea of Cortez in the Santa Maria Bay, is the newest Montage property. You may be somewhat familiar with this brand, with properties located in desirable destinations such as Laguna Beach, Deer Valley, Maui and Beverly Hills. The service and offerings at a Montage property are second to none. (And, we also love their sister company, Pendry Hotels!) The Los Cabos property boasts of 174 oceanview guest rooms, suites and residences, 3 signature dining options, a world-class spa, a killer pool and the most amazing staff.

February was definitely a perfect time to visit. We happened to be there right before the crowds started rolling in…we were leaving as they were coming. We had any spot to ourselves on the beach and pool. We watched the whales swim and play right in front of us- no need for a boat cruise! We had coffee on the beach in the morning, hand-crafted margaritas in the afternoon, the most delicious fresh-caught grilled lobster, and a Mezcal tasting experience to finish off our stay.

Morning coffee with coconut milk- like real coconut milk. Like from the coconut. Watching the whales swim in the sea in front of us…paraiso.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Being just the two of us, we chose the Oceanview King at 859 sq.ft., and it was perfect. The room itself is quite spacious, offering a morning wake-up view of the Santa Maria Bay. We enjoyed breakfast on our very spacious balcony each morning. The bathroom reminded us of our honeymoon in Bali complete with a stand alone soaking tub and an outdoor shower. The pillows on this bed were my absolute favorite, and I am still trying to find out if I can purchase them for my own bed!

The rooms are quite spacious for two, but would work well with 1-2 small children as well.

The outdoor shower is not only relaxing, but can offer an additional shower for getting ready needs and rinsing off sand.

The Oceanview King sleeps 3 comfortably, with a roll-away or crib. If we were to visit with our 4 children, we would have to look at the 2-bedroom suite or a connecting room option. Although, we may just keep this gem on the Cortez all to ourselves!

DINING

Every meal at Montage Los Cabos was fantastic. I truly cannot decide which to tell you about…the hand cut tortilla chips with salsa, guac and sea bass ceviche to the chicken enchiladas for breakfast? Maybe the fresh cut papaya served with lime wedges and a basket of Mexican pastries? Or the homemade paletas as a refreshing afternoon treat.

Marea by Day highlights the continuation of blues as sky meets sea against the contrast of the light brown sand, vignetted by the surrounding mountains forming the cove. The swim-up bar in the pool is also part of Marea.

Marea by Night invites a more romantic ambiance with candlelit pathways and shelves looking out into the sea. Nightly entertainment secures the atmosphere.

Fresh caught grilled lobster….I’m still dreaming of it!

Mezcal is the restaurant that also provides the room service dining. The special Mezcal tasting with a Mezcal Master can be arranged by the concierge. This was a really cool experience, and quite educational. We learned all about Mezcal, the difference between Mezcal and Tequila and how to sip and enjoy. This was also the place where I tasted my first cricket salt. Yes. Crickets. They were actually good- though I don’t think my mind would let me try them again. Good thing the Mezcal Master told me after the fact.

Mezcal also provides the in-room dining menu.

Mezcal looks out onto Santa Maria Bay while you dine on breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Cricket Salt paired with an agave based beer at our Mezcal tasting.

WHAT TO DO

We did a whole lot of nothing, eating and drinking, which was our plan. There was a debate for a minute on whether or not we should ride camels. But it was fleeting. The whales swimming in the distance was enough entertainment for us.

The concierge at the Montage Los Cabos will provide you with very accurate and relevant suggestions like camel safaris, zip lining and deep sea fishing. There is plenty to do if you are looking for some adventure or to leave the resort. However, being that the Santa Maria Bay is one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, the Montage also offers complimentary use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, and SUPs to use in the bay. There is also the Twin Dolphins Golf Course, a Fred Couples Signature course.

Complimentary water sports equipment available to Montage Los Cabos guests: SUP, Kayak and snorkel gear

SPAAAHHH

The Spa at Montage Los Cabos deserves its own paragraph. It was that amazing. We enjoyed a couples massage, the Mezcal experience- some exfoliation, and smelly oils and one of the best head to toe massages I have had in a while. It ranks right up there with the Head, Body and Sole at Cavallo Point in the Bay Area.

There is an adult only pool located inside the spa. The spa facilities include sauna, steam and jacuzzis. Showers and lockers are available for personal use. There are also several relaxation areas for both separate male/female and co-ed sharing space.

GETTING THERE

What happened to all the direct flights from Las Vegas to Cabo!? Hoping that this mini-boom of interest in the Southern Baja town brings back the direct flights from Las Vegas. There were many folks we chatted with on our flight coming and going from Vegas, through LAX. There is also a Phoenix option, but we preferred to fly Delta. American Airlines flies through Phoenix and SouthWest Airlines can get you there via Orange County, LAX, San Diego or Oakland.

Advice: Global Entry for an easier customs experience. American Express Card Platinum holders are given a credit towards Global Entry.

Once you get through customs, be prepared to walk the hustle of the city transports and timeshare traders. My advice is to arrange transport through your hotel or resort. We arranged for the Montage Los Cabos to pick us up- it was simple, comfortable, the driver spoke English very well, and we felt at ease.

To find your driver, you will have to walk through the airport, say, “No, Gracias,” a lot, and continue across the street to an area called The Beach. There you will see the organized transports through your hotel or arranged in advance.

GETTING AROUND

Though we set up a driver for transport to and from hotel to airport, we used the taxis to get us around to our destinations in Cabo. During our stay we visited the new Thompson Hotel The Cape, Edith’s Restaurant and Flora Farms. We took taxis to all of these locations. We felt safe every time. The cabs are much more affordable in Cabo, and Uber is not quite a thing there yet. Stick with the cabs.

FOR THE KIDS

The Montage is known for its children’s program, Paintbox, for children ages 5-12 years old. Fees and availability vary, and everything is listed on the website. There is also a Merits program, which works like a scavenger hunt offering ideas/activities for families throughout their stay.

ANY DOWNSIDE?

For us, there was no downside, but could see how there could be a few points of contention for some.

There is a bit of walking to and from the beach, but golf carts are available for an escort at any time.

We did speak to one gentleman who felt like he didn’t have enough privacy. If you are in need of absolute privacy, you may consider looking into one of the Residence options. With that being said, the resort does seem a bit secluded, and it was very quiet when we were there, but it could have been the time of year.

The food was magnificent, but with only two true dining options, I could see how this could be critical for an extended stay. We were there for 4 days and left the resort twice for dinner and once for brunch- but that was more for purpose of my work. I would have been very content to eat on property every meal for 4 days/3 nights.

The pool and hot tubs are somewhat limited and I could see if there resort was quite busy how that could possibly be cumbersome with a mix of couples and families.

WHO SHOULD COME HERE?

Anyone! It seemed perfect for couples, again, was quiet during our stay. Maybe consider that if you plan for a couples only trip as there is an adult-only pool at the spa, which we never had to use.

I would definitely recommend the Montage Los Cabos as a chic, luxury vibe with plenty of room for families, friends, and couples.