TIP 1 : GET TO THE AIRPORT WITH TIME TO SPARE
Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. For international flights, that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan on two hours in advance. Lines are going to be very long at the ticket counters, baggage check and security, so if you cut it too close you run the risk of missing your flight. Also, remember to take advantage of any frequent-flier status you have on the airline to check in using the preferred or first-class line.

TIP 2 :  PREPARE FOR FLIGHT DELAYS
If you must change planes to get to your destination, schedule a longer connection time than you would normally. Even if you think you have plenty of time, a crowded airport means it’ll take you longer to make your way to another gate or terminal. Consider booking a nonstop flight, even if it’s more expensive. Additionally, try to book the first flight of the day as they are much less likely to experience delays. Likewise, don’t book the last flight of the day as that limits your options.

TIP 3 : USE CARRY-ON BAGS INSTEAD OF CHECKED BAGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
This way, if there’s a delay or cancellation, you won’t have to wait for your luggage to be pulled or be without your bags if you miss your connection. Most people over-pack so only bring what is necessary.

TIP 4 : BE PREPARED FOR DELAYED CHECKED BAGS
If you do check your bags, make sure you are taking your electronic devices and chargers, a change of clothes and any needed medications in your carry-on. In the event of a long delay, you’ll be glad you have them with you. Bonus Tip: Many travelers have found that placing a digital tracker, such as Apple Air Tags, in their luggage gives them peace of mind in knowing where their bags are at all times.

TIP 5 : TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
If you’re a member of an airline club lounge, utilize the staff at the service desk to make any changes caused by flight delays or disruptions. They will frequently go the extra mile for members. Also, take advantage of club-use privileges that come with credit cards you may have, such as American Express Platinum or Capital One Venture X
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Bonus Tip: Some clubs have limited admission to cope with overcrowding at peak times. Before leaving the club to head to your gate, double-check to make sure there are no potential delays. Once you leave the club, you may have to get back in line to re-enter.

TIP 6 : DOWNLOAD AIRLINE APPS
The airline apps are great sources of up-to-date information on flight status, tracking of your bags and proactive re-booking for missed connections. Often you can make same-day flight changes for free right in the app, so you don’t have to wait in long lines at the gate or ticket counter.

TIP 7 : CONSIDER INCENTIVES TO TAKE A LATER FLIGHT
If you have time to spare, consider taking the airline up on travel credits in exchange for changing your flight when your original one is overbooked. You could rack up some free trips for later in the year. Insist on cash credits rather than miles which may restrict your ability to redeem.

TIP 8 : ​BE FLEXIBLE AND PATIENT
There may be times when you’ll feel frustrated or angry, but taking it out on the people who work at the airport won’t get you anywhere. You are much more likely to get help from a sympathetic airline staff member by showing empathy than by being aggressive.

TIP 9 : ADD DAYS TO THE TRIP PLAN
Think about tacking a few days onto either side of your trip. If you’re just going away for a weekend, a flight delay could mean you lose valuable time at your destination. The same goes if you’re taking a tour or a cruise. You should plan on arriving at the starting point a few days early. You don’t want to miss out on your vacation because of a flight delay. Bonus Tip: Your travel advisor can help you arrange a hotel and car rental, if necessary

TIP 10 : CONTACT OUR TRAVEL AGENCY
As travel advisors, we are here to assist our clients. Your safety, health and well-being are our top priority. We provide available information, so our valued clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans. If you are still in the process for making plans to travel this fall, please don’t hesitate to contact us to offer expert advice on where to go, where to stay and which flights to take. And if there’s a delay or cancellation, rest assured you will have a human you can easily contact able to help resolve the issue.

Brought to you by Travel Leaders Network Courtesy of Horizon Vacations 

The time for implementation of the federal Real ID Act is quickly approaching – starting on October 1, 2020 travelers who use a state-issued driver’s license at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport checkpoints must be Real ID-compliant, which is designated by a star in a circle in the upper right corner of the license. Horizon Vacations recommends  checking your driver's license TODAY to make sure your identification is compliant. If it is not, you need to renew the ID as soon as possible to avoid disruption in your travel plans. Travel insurance does not cover denied boarding situations due to lack of correct documentation/expired ID/invalid passport,  etc. 

For more information, visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id 

US Department of State Mexico Travel Warning - This was initially created in 2016 in reference to a few of the states in Mexico that have organized crime issues. The US Department of State updated this warning to include Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun & Playa del Carmen. The reason why is due to shootings which occurred in these towns and crime on the outskirts of the tourist areas, but close enough they want you to be aware and use caution. Drug cartel and gunmen ARE NOT storming the beaches in Mexico, but the media makes it seem that way. Why? Clicks, clickbait, political, fake news, who knows? These words are constant every day wording with social media, news outlets and blogs. Please investigate what you’re reading!  By the way, did you know, currently there are no real warnings issued by the Department of State for Barcelona, Paris or London? Take a minute to let that sink in.
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We, as a society, have grown accustomed to reading headlines, forming ideas and opinions without ever opening the article to read the “real” story. The news media LOVES to sensationalize these articles. I am not downplaying the recent “advisory” that was updated on the US Department of State’s website, but I am merely trying to make travelers understand that there should not be this mass hysteria that the media has created. The drug cartel has been in Mexico for many years. This is not news, this is life in crime-ridden areas of Mexico. Do you think if this were occurring in the resort areas, that approximately 35 million vacationers would have come home happy and safe last year? Fox News Article on Mexico Tourism in 2016
If you read the warning, it references carjacking and kidnapping and other violent crimes that we also have right here at home in the great USA. Chicago, for example, had over 700 murders last year and on track to have similar numbers this year. I sent grandparents with 7 grandchildren in July to Chicago. They loved their vacation and were safe.

​To answer the initial question, there isn’t a “SAFE” place in this world. Recently, I had a friend share this website with me that shows Crime Rankings by Country. Now, as a travel agent, I receive vacation requests from clients who want to travel all over the world. There are very few places I don’t recommend, but that’s because there is crime anywhere you go. Did you know that Honduras is one of the most dangerous places in the world, #3 on this list?! Do you know where Mexico is? It’s #32 down AFTER Puerto Rico at #14. Yep, I had happy clients visit Puerto Rico this summer – the rainforest, the beaches and enjoyed San Juan and the local culture. 
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What to do if you have a current trip booked to Mexico:
If you do change or cancel your trip, make sure you do it for the right reasons. Read carefully what the Department of State is actually saying, compare to Numbeo.com, and then make an informed decision that is right for you.
 
You cannot live your life in fear. I mean, you can, but that’s no way to live! Instead use caution and travel with your common sense. Now, let’s go on vacation and enjoy life!  
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Shelley Morse
Horizon Vacations
(817) 426-6300
shelley@horizonvacations.com