Before we required fees for air travel, travel agents represented the airlines to the public and made most of their money through the commissions paid by the airlines.  That all went away more than 15 years ago – so you may be asking what can today’s travel consultant offer me that I can’t find on the internet?  Thankfully, it was only the airlines that decided to stop paying commissions and about 70% of travelers still book their cruises and tours with travel agents.  In fact, there are tour companies that will still only work directly with travel agents because they appreciate the expertise and quality service we provide to our clients.

Bay World Travel and its consultants subscribe to an airline computer reservation system (ours is Worldspan) and in that system we can compare airline, car, and hotel rates and routings.  We also know how to book “open jaw” itineraries, including multiple city stops and routings that can be not only a money saver, but a time saver as well.   Did you know travel agents can hold seats on a domestic flight for 24 hours and up to 72 hours on international flights before requiring ANY payment at all?

We maintain close working relationships with wholesalers and consolidators that allow us to sell air inventory at lower than published rates and make a profit while saving money for you, the consumer.  Just because a price is on the internet does not mean it is the lowest price available.   This is especially true for international fares and any Mexico or Hawaii package that includes either a car rental or hotel.

Our competitive quotes often vary depending on dates and season of travel, but we are happy to use our expertise to do a quick price match on International and Hawaii fares. Just contact us and tell us what you have seen and we will give you our best price, including all taxes and our issuing fee.  You may find you are pleased with the ease at which our experience and expertise can give you the best routings and connections at the lowest cost.

So give us a call and let us do the work for you!

Pura Vida – that is the universal greeting that sets the tone for this unique country.  The Tican people take great pride in their homeland and are eager to share it with visitors.  With close to 5% of the world’s biodiversity within a small land mass, visitors may travel without covering long distances and enjoy such wonders as majestic volcanoes, beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific, dry and wet tropical rain forests as well as the most exhilarating jungle panoramas.

On a recent visit to Costa Rica, my husband and I had an opportunity to experience much that Costa Rica has to offer.   On the Caribbean Coast in Tortuguero National Park, we explored the rivers and canals through densely vegetated areas in search of alligators, howler monkeys and birds!   Arenal Volcano National Park and its surroundings have great hikes, horseback riding, and river trips all with views of Lake Arenal.   Tabacon Hot Springs offers a great opportunity to “soak” and relax after hiking.  The Hanging Bridges give you views of 4 different levels of the rainforest where you can observe Macaws, Toucans, beautiful plants and flowers, and the amazing leaf cutter ants.  On the Pacific Coast you can kick back at various surfing breaks and see more wildlife in Manuel Antonio – up close and personal – than you could ever imagine.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, from low impact walking tours, to biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip lines and much more.

The variety of accommodations matches the diversity of the country, from basic hotels and condos, to unique properties with rainfall showers, to the ultra deluxe rooms and suites.   Costa Rica has it all – and I want to share it with you.

Italy

Whether you would like to be part of a tour group or prefer to travel independently, the sites and scenes of Italy have kept it the most popular destination for years. You can explore the cities on Segway cruisers or try a family friendly walking tour and stay in family suite rooms. Step into the pages of history and visit the Colosseum and Forum in Rome. Create a Carnivale Mask in Venice or make a family meal in Florence.

Hawaii

Hawaii is always a favorite family destination offering beautiful beaches, hiking, whale watching, Hawaiian culture, and plenty more activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Bay World Travel and Tours has family packages from select companies currently offering: guaranteed connecting rooms, breakfast for 4, kids club passes, SUV upgrades, dinner credits, waived resort fees, and 2 free car seats.

Wild West Theme

For a great vacation and something different, every family should try visiting a Dude Ranch! There are many Dude Ranch locations available including: Western Canada, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Children ages 5 and over can participate in horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, gathering eggs from the hen house, campfires, dinner off the bbq, star gazing and learning the ropes of a ranch lifestyle.

California Coast

If you are looking to get a little warmer with only a minimum toll on your time and resources (at least for us locals), try heading down the California Coastline. You can head south and visit Solvang, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Disneyland, or all the way to San Diego. Your children can take surf lessons without a wet suit, explore La Jolla cove, visit the zoo, choose from numerous family friendly resorts and enjoy the surf & sun within your budget.

Tip: Travel Agents can help you save time & money when planning your vacation packages, cruises and tours. You might not know that our wholesale partners offer pricing as good as the internet, but you have the advantage of working with a local knowledgeable resource who can assist you before, during and after your travel!

Of course you may not really care what others think about how you look and/or act when you are traveling abroad, but to a certain extent, blending in and not acting like a typical tourist can make your trip a much safer, more pleasant experience.

Here are My Top Ten Tips for A Safe and Pleasant European Vacation:

1) Keep your voice down!!!

This is probably the number one complaint by locals when tourists come to town, either alone or with a tour group. You may think it unnatural to speak softly, but if you want to blend in and be less of a target for pickpocketing, then limit your loudness. This goes for speaking on your cell phone as well, as many people often do not realize how loud they are during a phone conversation. Not only might you be profiled, but you are probably also disturbing the peace.

2) Lose the map

Don’t pull out the big old map or bulky guidebook in the middle of a public square or in a crowded metro or tram car. Not only will you be getting in someone’s way, but again, this is a perfect chance for a pickpocket to slip swiftly in and out with some of your valuables. In larger cities, you will be one of many lost tourists, and therefore may attract a scam artist who will offer to show you the route in exchange for cash or may even direct you to the wrong place.

3) Don’t accept offers from people on the street

Don’t accept offers for hotel accomodations, currency exchange (especially), or nearby restaurants/bars from persons soliciting on the street or at a train or metro station. They are simply preying on clueless, unprepared tourists. Read your guidebook ahead of time and get an idea of where you can exchange currency, have a meal, or spend the night. If you really can’t find what you are looking for, go to a respectable looking business or even a police officer to get direction assistance.

4) Skip the fanny pack

Maybe you find the fanny pack a comfy and convenient way to carry around your money and other valuables. You will, however, rarely find any Europeans wearing them, and it will be more than obvious that you are a tourist. Try a money pouch that you can wear under your shirt or coat instead and use a small day pack that fits inside your backpack or carry-on luggage.

5) Be aware of your surroundings while taking pictures

Taking lots of photos of landmarks and bridges, can’t be helped. That is what you are there for; to be awed and to capture that awe through your photos. But if you go snap happy with your camera, you will attract plenty of attention, guaranteed. Just make sure you have your possessions securely on your person while you are busy being distracted by the view.

6) Use neutral-colored luggage

As normal as it may be in the US to have fun-colored suitcases (like neon green or pink) which no doubt can help you swiftly identify your luggage in the chaos of baggage claim, it is amazing how many people will stare at you and immediately know that you are from out of town… way out of town. If you want to fit in, carry dark blue, black or brown luggage. Not only will it decrease your chances of being stopped by curious customs agents, but dirt or stains won’t show as easily either.

7) Wear neutral colors

Dress in black, or some other neutral, rather bland color–at least on the days of rail or air travel. Try not to stand out by dressing too artsy or hippie or flashy–at least for your flights. With ever-tightening airport security and “random” searches, you want to avoid standing out in a crowd. Keep your sunglasses and hats off as well.

8 ) Dress like a local

If you know a few things about the customs and fashion of the place to which you are traveling, try to either dress like the locals or make sure you can purchase a few small items to wear once you are there. For example, instead of wearing your baseball cap (huge giveaway that you are a tourist, and most likely American!) when it rains, you would do better to carry an umbrella. Generally women in central and eastern Europe don’t wear shorts. Bring a skirt and you’ll feel part of the crowd,

9) Speak the language

On a similar note, it always helps to pick up a few phrases of the local language before traveling. Locals will respond much better if you just give their language a try. They will likely speak enough English to answer your questions, but will appreciate your effort. Carry a phrase book with you or make sure you buy a guidebook that has plenty of practical phrases in it.

10) Enjoy the culture that you are visiting

Leave your home at home, and don’t expect to find every convenience and custom that you typically take for granted. Yes, things may run a bit slower or there may not be such a thing as customer service or free refills, but the cliche is there for a reason: “When in Rome…..”. You will learn a lot about the culture, the people, and yourself if you just go with the flow. Plus, the most interesting, exciting travel stories usually grow out of a traveler’s encounter with and acceptance of the diversity of people and their cultures.