Safeguard your luggage - Travel Tip

Phoenix just can't catch a break these days. One event after another just keep happening that puts my city in a bad light.

Last year we had that woman that died at Sky Harbor Airport under police custody. A protester (black dude!!) decided it was fun to shake things up and carry an rifle outside the building the President was giving a speech at. This rifle carrying protester is a member of a church whose pastor publicy expresses his pure hatred for our President. The resulting incident led Arthur Frommer to encourage the masses to avoid visiting the Phoenix area all together. Of course our Mayor and CVB was not happy to hear that.

Thennnnn...

We got folks just walking into our airport all willy nilly and stealing thousands of luggage in the span of a year!

*sigh*

This is reason number 3,957,209 why I carry on my luggage.

Should it be neccessary for you to check your bags here are a few tips to protect your luggage:

* Use a lock but make sure it's the TSA approved ones

* Attached brightly colored ribbons or luggage tags to identify your suitcase from a distance.

* Invest in high quality, brightly colored, boldly designed luggage. These bags are easy to spot among all the bland, plain black ones.

* Purchase a luggage hugger.

* Label your luggage. Sky Harbor just added patrols to the baggage claim area who will inspect bags upon exiting the airport. My girlfriend gifted me these labels. I get lots of comments.

* Place something smelly in your suitcase like rotten cheese or a really dirty sock. The smell can convince the kleptos to stay away.

Any other tips?

It's not right... but it's okay... OTJ

I received the following phone call:

Caller: I need to book travel from Phoenix to Chicago and the current prices are $500. However if I book travel from Tuscon to Chicago it only cost $300 round trip. The Tuscon flight has a layover in Phoenix. Can I just board the flight when it arrives in Phoenix?

Me: No, sir. It doesn't work that way.

Caller: Well can I book this trip out of Tuscon, arrange a shuttle to take me to the airport there and upon my return get off of the aircraft when it lands in Phoenix for the layover before continuing back to Tuscon?

Me: Well.... airlines frown on that type of behavior. That's all I can say about that.

It's not right....

But ...

I understand... somtimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

You win some... you lose some... OTJ

Last week I got a inquiry from a lead generation site from a potential client who was interested in spending his honeymoon in Alaska. I sent him a follow up email probing him for further questions about his trip desires. Less than an hour later I got the following:

His responses are in blue and mine are in red. I've copied the email, spelling/grammatical errors as is.

Am I paying for this service? I don't remember giving any credit card information? I didin't realize I would have a ongoing discussion with an agent.

When you put in your initial request to [site} about an upcoming trip, they connect you with thousands of agents in their database. Your inquiry was sent to me. Naturally, I assumed you were serious about your upcoming honeymoon plans and needed professional assistance. It would be my pleasure to do this for you. Was this not the case? What were your expectations? Let me know. Thanks!

But there's no way you can just do this for free I mean how can you make a living off of hooking people up with vacations and not get paied for it?

I'm thinking: Dude...who cares?! Let's nip this shyt in the bud. Either your interested or you're not. Just stop wasting my time!

As a travel agent, tour companies pay me for booking vacations through them. Are you still needing professional assistance in planning your upcoming honeymoon? Let me know.

well yes I suppose I would appreciate being referred to a top quality private bed an breakfast in Fairbanks. I'll set up the actual reservations but if you wouldn't mind directing me to an appropriate establishment that would be great! Also my wife is a vegetarian, who is lactose in tolerant and can't eat anything with gluten (wheat) so is there a restaurant that you would suggest for someone with those needs? Thanks alot for your help!

*scrrreaaccch!* Hold up, son. You want me to provide you some information without paying me for my time? Sorry, dude, but you're not even on the top of myFaves list. Those folks get my services for free.

I kindly responded with a link to the Alaska Visitors Bureau.

Moving on....


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Hotel - W Atlanta, Downtwon

Let me preface this by saying:
1- I took horrible pictures of this property
2- I didn't take enough pictures of this property

This hotel is s-w-a-n-k-y. Love it, love it, love it.

I would love the grand entrance of my home to look like this...

The outside deck where Lisa and I enjoyed cocktails and people watched

The hotel was stocked with food, candy, and other munchies. I didn't even want to know how much it all would cost.

Fabulous, well stocked mini bar.

This shower head was cute in theory but it was a battle trying to duck and weave to prevent my hair from getting wet

Voss water in the bathroom. My first night I texted my boyfriend asking him if I should go ahead and pay $5 for this bottle of water to swallow an advil. (To prevent the morning after hangover) He responded: "Hell no! Drink from the sink!" (He's so Jewish. Ha)

Uh oh! Bliss spa products! Ya'll already know I jacked the maid's cart MULTIPLE times to stock up on my stash.

Thursday Travel Tip - Do you tip at hotels?

(message reads: Thank You. Please leave some tea bags and (hot) cups and stirs with coffee and creamer)

This was a recent tip left by one of my roommates during the blogalicious conference. The maid took the money but left no extra tea bags or cups. (How rude!) Of course Auntie Anna was mad. I suggested perhaps the maid couldn't read English.

"Oh, but she can read $5!!!" she exclaims.

*LMAO!*

It's not that funny but still... the question remains: "Do you tip at hotels?"

Honestly, I never thought to tip. I always appreciate the maids when they come to clean my room. I try to keep it clutter free as possible and suggest (when I can) to reuse the towels or sheets. But that's about it. I do tip the bellboy and my hotel bartender.

What about you?

Travel Emergecny Kit

What do you keep your travel emergency kit?

My unoffiial kit contains:
* Clorox wipes
* Eye Mask
* Airbone or some form of vitamin C
* Phone/laptop charger
* Cash/Starbucks gift card
* Chapstick
* Six magazines
* Blanket and pillow
* Thick pair of socks

That's about it for me and that's A LOT!

What's in your emergency kit? I need some ideas!



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Woot Woot Woot

Yesterday I just booked my first client. Let me rephrase - my first large client account. I've been blessed since I've started this job as a travel agent. The client requests have just been pouring in. Let's hope it keeps raining on my head like this for a long time!

*************************************************************************************

On a totally different note: E announced to me yesterday that if he closes this deal that he's been working on the past few weeks, he's going to Turks and Caicos.

*insert mean screw face here*

He responds: "Oh, don't you even start! You've been on countless vacations without me!" Then he starts rattling off the places I've been the past few months. My answer to all of that was "At least I stayed in the country!!"

I'm happy for him cuz he works hard but rarely treats himself. He's going for anywhere between 5 to 12 days, in an all inclusive resort, with two other guys. He's expected to return a few days before Christmas.

Fabulous resort. Fabulous Island. Three guys. Two who are single. (Otherwise this would have been a couples trip) Five to twelve days.

*side eye*

Should I be worried?

Resort Crashing: The Royal Palms Resort - Phoenix

A friend inquired about the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix located off 52nd street and Camelback road. I'd told her I'd go and check it out.

The sign is not huge and can easily blend with the desert background. Except at night when it all pretty and lit up. Upon turning onto the property, you'll drive down a short, palm tree lined, cobbled stone road up to the main front entrance of the resort. You'll be greeted by valet staff who will gladly take your car and lead you to the reception area.

The property is beautiful. It's not the best resort in Phoenix. Meaning it lacks all the glitter and glamor that you may expect to see at a resort like The Phoenician. (Which is located right down the road) It's small, cozy, unpretentious, and downright friendly. If you're looking for a relaxing place to stay without all the drama and crowds. This can definitely your place.

I took a bunch of pics but here are a few. Check out my facebook page for the rest of the pictures.

This court yard is littered with comfortable tables and chairs in the shade

Tiny reception area

Lots and lots of walkways littered with lushes desert plants

Found a garden plant that was dedicated to me...

My plant needs watering... * sigh *

Lots of cozy "hiding places" and sitting areas on property. I can totally foresee a romantic scavenger hunt happening here

The resort showed me 3 different bedrooms

Many of the rooms are decorated differently. Alot comes with a private terrace or sitting area adjacent to the room.

Each room is stocked with the resort's own line of bath and beauty products.

The pool area was disappointingly small.

That $60,000 question...

This is partial Thursday Travel Tip and partial OTJ training.

Since I got the job, I get asked the following question a lot: "Why do I need a travel agent?"

At this point, I'm like "Uhh...." *scratches head*

Hey, it's a good question. The answer to that is "A sista needs to collect a paycheck, that's why!"

Just kidding. Seriously - - most folk these days can book their own travel thanks to the world wide web. While the growth of the internet has put some travel agencies out of business, it is not totally a lost cause for all. (Including me!)

Here is an interesting article from Independent Traveler that answers this question a lot better than I can.

Reading is fundamental, ya'll.

In case you don't have time to read the link, here is a synopsis:

The big online travel sites got too smart for their own good; by tidying up and repackaging all the data each according to their own assumptions about travel purchasing, they show us what they think we want to see, but not always what we really want to see. That is, by becoming "online travel agents," rather than mere booking sites, they end up in competition with real travel agents, who can usually do the work better than computers can. Despite being "smarter" and more comprehensive than ever, the typical travel booking experience has way too many dead ends. Whether it be the inability to get seats together, or disappearing fare sales, or the inability to lock in a fare for a short time, booking online is like being trapped inside a bad video game with countless trapdoors and false exits.

It has gotten to the point that many travelers truly dread the moment they have to sit down at the computer to research travel. Seems like a good time to call in a pro, no?

Hello? Huh? Whatcha say? Umm, can you text me? (OTJ)

On the Job (OTJ) Training

One thing I'm learning... re-learning about my new job as a travel agent is there is a lot of talking on the phone.

Some of my clients like to work exclusively thru email. (Love those clients) Others... well, they just enjoy a good ole fashioned phone conversation. I'm not mad. Talking on the phone helps to build a rapport and (possibly) close the sale.

I'm notorious for sending my calls to voice mail. In fact, my voice mail messages clearly states that I RARELY check my messages and any urgent messages needs to be routed to my email or text. I need to change that voice message because that can surely lose me some potential clients!

By the end of the year, I'm going to be a lean, mean, phone talking machine!

(Does that last sentence make any sense at all?)

Current unheard voice messages on my cell phone: 11

Blogalicious Day 3

Someone requested I posted my day 3 pictures. I should let you know that my camera decided on the morning of the 3rd day to run out of juice. Jazzy didn't even bother to pack her camera battery because she never runs out of juice on her camera. (That's an indication how many pics I took last weekend)

Here's whats left of my photos. Enjoy!

How many folks went to the fitness walk after partying hard at the Disney party the night before?

Here's some more that delicious water I love so much. I'm seriously addicted to water now.

Fabulous W hotel staff setting up for our Suave brunch

It's a full house and Denene Miller is preparing to speak and bring the room into tears

Closing remarks from the MamaLaw Ladies thanking everyone for attending, including their husbands for holding down the fort, changing diapers, and paying bills while they spent countless night planning THE conference of the year.

Jonesie and Fergie presented their (good looking!!!) husbands with wine to show appreciation for their support. Something tells me the wine is for the Ladies. How many of you guys do that? Buy your man a gift that was really intended for you? *raises hand*

Shortly before the conference was offically over, the MamaLaw announced Blogalicious10 will be held in Miami, Fl!!

*the crowd goes crazzzzy!!!*

Atlanta Budget Recap

Remember my previous budget plan?

$250 Airfare
$90 Hotel (my share divided by 4 ladies)
$60 Food (Meals will be provided during some parts of the conference.)
$40 Shopping and misc purchases
$50 Just in case shit happens
Total $490

Here's the damage
$289.20 Airfare
$85 Hotel
$36.16 Food and cocktails (Overcharged by $2.00)
$4.50 subway transportation and tips
$0 No drama

Total $414.86

I see on my bank statement the hotel over charged me $2.00 for one of my cocktails. I'm too lazy to dispute. Does that make me a bad person?

The hotel had amazzzzing food and that helped keep my costs low. In addition, just about every party I attended served free drinks. Still, I couldn't resist an espresso martini or two while I "celebrity watched" on the deck.

Totally happy with this trip budget.

Celie, go fetch me a cool drink!

All weekend long the W hotel in Atlanta kept us hydrated with a delicious pitcher of water. My first reaction when I saw this water was "This is bougie!!!"

It was love at first sip.

Those of you who know me knows I haaaaate water. I won't even touch it unless it has like 4 lemons in it.

The "W" water is a step above and beyond. Each pitcher was filled with slices of oranges and lemons. Along with a good helping of fresh cranberries. Some pitchers even included a mint leaf.

When I landed yesterday, I was severely dehydrated. All I could think about was the "W" water. Uh, oh. This hotel done changed me now. That lil ole bottle of Dasani can't do squat for me any more.

I was beyond exhausted and my bladder was screaming for a bathroom break. I ignored all of that and headed to my grocery store to duplicate the "W" water at home. I acted a fool squirming and jumping in the check out line cuz my bladder was like "Now. Must. Go. Now." You can imagine the conversation I was having in my head:

"Lord, please! Not now! I don't wanna go to the bathroom now! I need to get this water. Please, take hold over my bladder. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

Twenty minutes later, I arrived home. My bladder was threatening to revolt. I wanted badly to go in the kitchen and get started on my water. * sigh * I put the bag down and went to the bathroom to relieve myself.

Once that was all said and done, I got to chopping, I went a lil crazy with the cranberries, and I made this:

I had two full cups before bed.

Yes, shocker.

E would be so proud of me.

I'm pouring myself a tall cup of water in my new blinged out Chevy coffee cup (pictures to come later) before I head out the door to work.

Oh yea... this water done changed me.

Question is for how long before I get bored with this drink?

Yes - I'm offically bougie. It's all good...

Blogalicious Day 2

A few pictures from Day 2 of Blogalicous09 conference. Find more exclusive pictures on my twitter page: @traveljonez

Disney Princess stopped by!

I test drove a new Chevy!

After all the workshops and events were over, Style Mom hosted a party in her suite

The best party of the conference was hosted by Disney! They gave us crowns and rings so we can all dress like princesses.
Pictured here: The Broke Socialite

Ladies feeling glamorous and given the royal treatment when staff welcomed us with a waiting glass of champagne.

The DJ's kept the nite rocking with old school and MJ jams

Carrie from Bilingual in the Boonies...

Just had to throw in a couple vanity shots....

1am ... back to bed!

Blogalicious09 day 1

I'm honored to be attending the Blogalicious conference. Even more honored to donate my time as a volunteer and see the behind the scene stuff in action. Let me tell you - - the beautiful, talented, ladies behind MamaLaw Media Group worked really hard to make this inaugural event happen.
(If you see yourself in these pics... shout out!)

Just sharing a few pics... then I'm off to lunch!

Swag!

Over 150 bags stuffed!

The lovely couple behind Black and Married with Children

Justice Jones

Our Swanky Bartender preparing the "Blogatini" for the Cocktail Reception

A bunch of us leaving the cocktail reception and heading to Uptown Lounge for the party hosted by SunKissed Mommy

Chevy On Star provided us with free transportation!! Check my twitter pics to meet Rene, our fabulous driver.

Lisa and I had our eye on these 2 bartenders who kept our glasses full

Are we done partying yet?! Apparently not. Headed up to the Suite for the Sweet treat party hosted by the Clever Girls

1 am I had to call it a night...

The hotel we're staying in is s-w-a-n-k-y.... stay tuned for pics

Packing Dilemma

The day before yesterday I was just super nervous about packing for my upcoming ATL trip to the Blogalicious conference.

"What am I gonna wear?!" "I have no fall jacket!" "Wait, what do you wear to a conference?" "I need a fabulous new dress!"

The most important question I needed to answer was "When do I have time to go shopping?!"

This week has been a whirlwind. Work has been extremely busy, a college friend visited from out of state, and I tried squeezing in some quality time with the boyfriend.

Needless to say, E is not too happy with me and the lack of attention. (I'll make it up to you soon, babe!)

Typical story: I've been telling E for weeks that I'm going to Atlanta. As it gets closer to the date and I remind him about the upcoming trip, I get the same answer: "Whatchoo going to Atlanta for?!" After I tell him for the upteeth tine, he exclaims: "Well, fine! Me and my boys are going to go to Miami next month!" Baby, I don't care where you and your boys go as long as you book your travel thru me!

This post is getting long. Wednesday night I tried in vain to go clothes shopping. I had only 45 minutes to do so. I left a networking event early and headed over to Old Navy. *gag* Why did I even bother with that store? Their sweater sale piqued my interest. I zoomed next door over to Marshalls. I tried on like 15 different shirts and jackets. My full bladder was fully interfering with my shopping experience! I had to sit in the corner and pray to God to control my bladder because 5 minutes before closing was not the time to pursue a bathroom break.

I swear if I could eliminate two things - it would be the need to go to the bathroom and the need to sneeze. So annoying!

Marshalls failed and I went home in defeat to my waiting boyfriend. I pulled out my suitcase and promptly fell asleep on the floor next to it. A quick 15 minute nap became 30 minutes.... 1 hour... 2.5 hours... Bf gave up on me and went to bed. I woke up at 1am determined to take The Broke Socialite's advice. Shop my own closet for fabulous gear.

A little digging around and I found 2 dresses I've forgotten about. I also found a pair of black pumps that I've only worn once! An hour and a half later, I had to decide which clothes I was going to eliminate from my suitcase as it was over packed!

I was still without a jacket. Thursday morning, forty minutes before my work shift was supposed to start I ran into Ross. SCORE! Brought a fab six button, belted jacket for a cool $25 bucks. Why, oh, why, do I sleep on Ross?!? I always write that store off and then I walk in as a last resort and come out a winner.



Not too shabby. Okay I must log off to sleep. I've bee up since 6am EST which makes it 3am in Arizona. Once this conference get started at noon, I'm not going to be able to rest again until Sunday night. This is going to be such a fun weekend!

Atlanta Budget

I'm super excited about my upcoming trip to Atlanta for the Blogalicious 2009 Conference.

Here's the game plan

$250 Airfare
$90 Hotel (my share divided by 4 ladies)
$60 Food (Meals will be provided during some parts of the conference.)
$40 Shopping and misc purchases
$50 Just in case shit happens

Total $490

I'mma just round this trip budget up to a cool $500. I already know I went over on my Airfare budget. I also have to investigate how I will get to the hotel from the airport. That may cost additional funds.

I think I may be slightly unrealistic with this budget. Then again, I'm going to be working long hours during the conference, there hardly be anytime to spend money. Except during happy hour. We'll see what kind of damage I do.

Alcantara Vineyards

E and I took a last minute trip to Alcantara Vineyards... Good wine... good times...

He's a blessing cuz he drove both ways. I looove sleeping during road trips. I'm horrible company cuz I'm snuggled up under my blanket and pillow snoring away.

Check out my facebook page for the pics....

B6 offically sucks

Okay... it's official. B6 Airlines is on my do-not-fly list. Well truth be told I was never able to fly them because they hardly advertise sales to or from Phoenix destinations.

Sad...cuz this used to be my favorite airline. Loved the leather seats and the televisions and the cute uniforms. Their NYC hub employs some of the most beautiful people I've seen on God's green earth.

B6 posts weekly sales every Monday that are stupid cheep. As low as $9 one way. Today they are having a ridiculously sick sample sale. I had to scroll the website like three times. No sale geared towards Phoenix.

It's okay tho. I'm not mad. I had to get rid of one airline to make room for the new airline that has recently become my new BFF - AirTran Airlines. (shocker, right?)

Happy Friday

Enjoy your weekend!

On the job training/Travel Tip

I told my boss I purchased airline tickets and she asked how did I book my trip. I told her via airline website. Her response "You're a Travel Agent now! Why aren't you using Sabre to book, silly goose?!"(BTW - Sabre is an airline reservation system)

She gave me this tip: In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, a customer that has booked their travel thru an agent will have better protection than a customer that booked thru a website. It doesn't matter if its Travelocity, Orbitz, or the airline's direct website. It is a known fact that airlines treat their own customers like crap vs. those that are served by an agent.

(Channeling Sophia from Golden Girls)
Picture this:

Your flight is canceled due to weather and the airport is in chaos. There is a long line, two miles deep for the Customer Service desk. You're seated in the airport lounge, on the phone with your travel agent. Your agent puts you on hold while they are on the other line booking your ticket on a different airline so you can get to your destination. Upon receiving your new ticket information, you cooly walk pass that 2 -mile Customer Service line to your new gate. Crisis adverted.

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Addendum: Meet Benjamin

Remember when I introduced Hank and Gnarly?

I briefly mentioned about Benjamin, whom we met at the end of our trip. Here is the long awaited picture.


I don't even know why E got his thumb up like that. He ain't no damn politician.

Atlanta To-Do list

• Figure out transporation from airport to hotel
  
• Get total hotel bill for my portion
  
• See if it is possible to meet up with Butta Baby on my way home
• Even better if I can meet Baby Nyla
  
• Refresh my hair-do
• Update ipod - add new songs
  
• Gather business cards
• Plan trip budget
  
• Get a list of near by business and attractions near hotel
  

I do it just for the thrill of the chase

Blogalicious 09 Trip planning

Last week Tuesday - PHX-ATL $114 each way. Suhhwweet deal. Must wait until payday to purchase.

Last Friday - WTH?! You want how much one way?! $200-something bucks. *cursing under breath*

Last Weekend - scouring various sites and Sabre for a better deal

Monday morning - *sigh* I just may as well pay for this fare that is asking $189 each way before the prices get any crazier

Monday, 6pm - AirTran announces a Monday evening fare sale for the next three days. PHX-ATL $139 each way. *jumps for joy!*

Purchase ticket and celebrate with a glass of wine.

A happy belated birthday...

Remember my birthday wish list?

I say 3 out of the 4 ain't bad. All of my wishes are coming true this week.

1. Yesterday I started a new job at a Travel Agency. *squeals*

2. Boo - no $600 in disposable income. I have a feeling JetBlue will pull another event like this in the near future.

3. Tomorrow I get on the plane to see 2 of my 5 babies. *squeals*

4. My momma loves me. She purchased for me a netbook yesterday. *squeals* It is not going to arrive in time for my trip tomorrow but I have the perfect place to pack my new laptop on my trip to Atlanta next month for Blogalicous09 conference.





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