Thursday, November 29th, 2018 | BLOG | No Comments
The Best Italian Wine Region You’ve Never Heard Of
The world does not yet come to the Friuli region, and so much the better
The world is now discovering Friuli’s wines. It’s now widely understood that Italy’s finest white wines are produced here…that the region’s equidistance from the Austrian Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south has created a sunny and breezy micro-climate that conspires with the marlstone soil to yield grapes of astonishing fragrance and minerality.
Like a glass of Venica Pinot Grigio, the wines tremble on the tongue but are finally focused and persistent…a silver bullet to the palate, the very opposite of the buttery California Chardonnays Americans tend to associate with white wine. The label reads VENICA, the name of the producer, COLLIO…the word just below. Collio is a derivation of the Italian word for “hill” and the preeminent winegrowing district in the region just east of Venice, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Drinking it is like taking the first bite into a ripe golden apple, piercingly tart. Are you even aware that there is any more east to go in Italy after Venice?
It happens that excellent red wines are also made here…particularly Merlots of surprising power and elegance…along with daring “orange wines” fermented in ceramic amphorae. Friuli wines evoke a place that remains as fresh and untrammeled as the region itself. The world still does not come to Friuli. No tourist buses, no guides with hoisted flags, no selfie sticks contaminate the region.
Tags: Italy, wine
Sunday, November 4th, 2018 | BLOG | No Comments
If you’re looking for a getaway wh
ere everything is taken 
care of, which vacation type — a cruise or an all-inclusive resort — is truly the better deal?
While cruise lines like to promote their vacations as “all-inclusive,” that is a misrepresentation in most cases, leaving many cruise travelers wondering why they’re being charged for soda, alcohol, specialty coffees, meals in specialty restaurants, bottled water, gratuities and select onboard activities. And that’s on top of paying for shore excursions, spa treatments, fitness classes, commemorative photos and souvenirs.
Typically, your cruise fare includes onboard accommodations, meals in a few (but not all) onboard eateries, select nonalcoholic beverages, pool use and some daytime kids programs.
On many of the newer ships, cruise fares also give passengers access to ropes courses, water parks with multiple slides, rock climbing walls and even zip lines. Most onboard entertainment also is included. In the evening, Vegas-style shows, Broadway musicals, comedy, magic acts and more are available. During the day, a variety of audience participation activities are offered, though some (like bowling, bingo and beer and wine tastings) do carry extra fees.
Luxury cruise ships are a different story. Many higher-priced cruise lines, as well as some river cruise and expedition ships, include some or all shore excursions and a selection of both nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages in their fares.
What is not included in my cruise fare?
On most cruise ships, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, meals in alternative restaurants (and associated gratuities), spa treatments, Internet, purchases in the onboard shops, certain menu items like surf ‘n’ turf or a la carte snacks like pastries and sushi, shore excursions, some fitness classes, limited-access sun decks, baby-sitting services, arcade games, and some shows and entertainment experiences carry an additional cost. On some European lines’ ships, there might also be an additional charge for water at non-mealtimes.
As a reminder, meals in the main dining room and buffet, water and juice from buffet or pool-area dispensers, most room service (some lines charge during certain hours or for hot items), select fitness classes and use of the gym, kids and teens facilities, some onboard classes, use of the casino, the pool, most entertainment and your room are included in the price you pay for your cruise.
All-inclusive resorts, on the other hand, have rates that encompass much more. Head to a land-based “AI,” and your payment will include meals at all on-site restaurants, all drinks (soda, alcohol, coffee), beach and pool access, daytime activities like beach sports challenges, fitness classes, kids programming, and nonmotorized water sports like snorkeling, kayaking and Hobie Cat sailing. Some may even include scuba and snorkel trips, beach and restaurant access at sister properties, and golf outings.
On the surface, it looks like an all-inclusive resort offers vacationers the most value. But is the comparison that black and white? And if you add in extras (like flights), is an all-inclusive still the cheaper option?
Also, you need to know that many low-cost all-inclusive resorts are not really that, with extra fees for steak and/or seafood and other fine dining experiences, premium alcohol if it is even available.
Before you dump the cruise, though, consider flights. With few exceptions, all-inclusive resorts are located outside the United States, making flying a necessity. Cruises, on the other hand, depart from a large selection of U.S. cities, so it’s easy for a significant portion of U.S. travelers to drive there. That eliminates the need to pay for airfare, which can be costly.
The Bottom Line
Determining which option is the best value depends on your vacation priorities and spending habits.
If you’re happy lying on the same beach for a week straight and want to dance and drink the night away, an all-inclusive resort might be your best bet. If you want to visit more than one destination and see a show in the evening instead, a cruise might be best. Just remember that any excursions at all those destinations are an additional cost.
Still need help determining which option is best for you? Here are a few guidelines:
Pick the cruise if …
… you don’t spend a lot on extras like shore excursions, spa treatments or specialty dining. The base prices for cruises are typically lower than prices for resorts because the cruise lines expect you to make up the difference in onboard purchases.
… you like Broadway-style entertainment. Resort entertainment, when there is some, tends to be more low-key, showcasing local acts.
… you don’t drink. At an all-inclusive, you may be subsidizing someone else’s alcohol consumption.
… you like to gamble. Few all-inclusive resorts have on-site casinos.
… you want to visit different destinations in a week and enjoy (or don’t mind) days at sea.
Pick the resort if …
… you like hanging out in a bathing suit all day. Most cruise lines make you put on a cover-up to grab a buffet meal, sandwich or pizza.
… you want to be able to walk on the beach at sunrise or sunset … or any time you want. With a cruise, you’re restricted to hours in port; at a resort, the beach is right out your front door.
… you want to eat and drink as much as possible without worrying about racking up high bills for cocktails or trying out multiple dining options.
… you enjoy fine dining freshly prepared, all you can eat and/or dining around for no additional fees. At some resorts, even steak and lobster are included as well as top shelf liquor and wine with dinner.
… Wi-fi is included.
… like on a cruise, fitness centers and certain areas of the spa, like hydro-therapy, are included.
… you enjoy pool activities and nightly entertainment. Quality of shows varies greatly at different resorts, so do your research if this is important to you.
… you plan on taking advantage of water sports and other activities.
Cruise travelers can quickly jack up their onboard tabs on shore excursions. (The more ports a cruise visits, the more you’ll spend.) If you want to spend your vacation snorkeling, kayaking and body surfing, you’ll save money at the resort where these activities are included. Just know that resorts do charge extra for spa treatments and off-site excursions like zip-lining and dune buggy rides.
Once you decide what is your style of vacation and you want to see what the bottom line cost is, be sure you are comparing like resorts and ships as well as room/cabin categories.
If you’re still confused about which option is the best value for you — both in terms of price and vacation satisfaction — reach out to your friendly neighborhood travel agent. Getting advice from an expert who’s knowledgeable about different resorts and ships, as well as picking the trip that best meets your budget and holiday preferences, might be the easiest way to get the best value for your vacation dollar.
Cindy Rainwater
CEO International Accents Travel
Tags: all-inclusive resort, Cruise, Cruises
When coffee houses like Starbucks, first became popular in the United States, I had the worst time ordering exactly what I wanted as I was more familiar with these terms in Italy. I like Caffe Latte, but here I was getting something more like milk with American coffee, not expresso with hot milk, really bad stuff. In the USA, we ask for “latte”, but in Italy, that is simply “milk”, so if you don’t say “caffee latte”, you will just get a glass of milk.
Reading a menu at an Italian coffee bar can feel like more than just a foreign language, it’s a glimpse into Italy’s culture and identity. Unlike American coffee, Caffè Italiano revolves solely around espresso and the different ways it can be served. Here’s an in-depth guide to your options for how to order your coffee like an Italian.
Coffee:
The Basic Caffè: A simple espresso. Though caffè means “coffee” in Italian, it isn’t your standard American coffee. If you’re unfamiliar with espressos, you’ll be getting a small cup of strong coffee served on a saucer with a spoon
Cappuccino: An espresso with steamed whole milk and foam, an Italian favorite typically served in a slightly larger cup than the espresso.
Caffè Latte: An espresso with hot milk, served in a glass. Remember to ask for “caffe latte” or you will end up with just a glass of milk!
Caffè Macchiato: An espresso with a bit of foamed milk on top. Macchiato means “marked” or “stained,” so it is an espresso “marked” with a little foamed milk.
Latte Macchiato: A glass of steamed milk with a bit of espresso, or “marked” with a small amount of espresso. If you want a bit more espresso, like a double latte, order a dark version, or latte macchiato scuro.
More Than Milk
Caffè con Panna: An espresso topped with sweet, often fresh, whipped cream. This drink is especially for those who want a sweeter version of the caffè macchiato.
Caffè Corretto: An espresso with a drop of liquor. Popular choices are grappa, Sambuca, or cognac.
Caffè con Zucchero: An espresso with sugar added for you. Most bars have patrons add their own sugar from a packet or container at the bar.
Less Caffeinated
Decaffeinato or Caffè Hag: A decaffeinated espresso. Hag is the largest producer of decaf coffee in Italy, so some bars will write their name on the menu instead of decaffeinato.
Caffè Lungo: A “long” espresso, when the barista allows the machine to pour water until the coffee is weak and bitter.
Caffè Americano: An espresso diluted with hot water, the closest drink to American filtered coffee you’ll find in an Italian bar.
Caffè Americano Decaffeinato: A decaf espresso diluted with hot water, the closest drink to American filtered decaf coffee.
Cold Coffee:
Caffè Shakerato: An espresso shaken with sugar and ice, typically served in a martini or cocktail glass. Some bars add chocolate syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.
Caffè Freddo: An espresso served iced or cold, typically served in a glass. If you order a caffè freddo alla vaniglia, you can add vanilla syrup or vanilla liquor to the mix.
Granita di Caffè: An espresso-flavored icy slush, typically with added sugar, almost like a coffee snow cone.
Regional Specialities:
Espresso in Naples typically comes with the sugar added. If you don’t like your coffee sweet, order un caffè sense zucchero. Try Caffè alla Nocciola, an espresso with froth and hazelnut cream, for a special local treat.
In Milan, coffee bars serve an upside-down cappuccino called a marocchino. Served in a served in a small glass sprinkled with cocoa powder a marocchino starts with a bottom layer of frothed milk and is finished off with a shot of espresso.
The Piemontese enjoy a traditional drink created from layers of dense hot cocoa, espresso and cream, called bicerìn.
Tags: coffee, Europe, Italy
Thursday, April 20th, 2017 | BLOG | No Comments
So 
many people return year after year to the same place for vacation. Why? One reason may be that they don’t know how to travel outside what they know and have no idea where to go to learn how to do this.
Then, there are the people who think that they can go online, search the booking engines and now they are an expert travel planner with no need for a travel agent. Here’s a few things they don’t know:
- They can get the same or even better rate through a travel agent, remember, it is “value” for your dollar, not “cheap” travel that you want
- Most online booking engines have people making your reservations who have never traveled at all, so the only advise you get from them is what they are reading to you
- These online services are ONLY booking engines, not travel agents, they’re just order takers
- They are limited to the resorts, hotels, airlines, car rental companies that contract with them
- Most do charge a service and/or handling fee once you enter all your information and once you pay, you’re committed to the purchase
- Once you’re on your trip there is no one there that can help you if you have a problem with flights, hotels, tours, etc.
- They take no responsibility if the hotel or resort you book is not as represented online, so you’re stuck with it, like it or not
- They won’t sell you a package trip that is anything other what is offered on their site. No customization.
- They can’t give you personalized information about destinations, resorts, hotels or tours. They just read the script
- And then there is the amount of time spent researching and the overwhelming information gathered. Many people get so tired and confused; they end just booking something to get it over with.
What a waste of hard earned money and vacation time!!! Be smart and let someone who is trained in planning travel do all the work.
Tags: book online, cheap travel, online booking engine, savvy traveler
Saturday, April 1st, 2017 | BLOG | No Comments
There are some people who perfectly happy to stay where they are, never feeling the urge to leave their home. They’re content just sitting on the couch, watching TV, surrounded with everything familiar to them.
Then there are people like us, who can’t sit still, with constant travel plans and always with a passport at hand… just in case. We are afflicted with WANDERLUST, a desire for the unknown or just an honest love for travel. It is a hunger to explore that can never be feed, no matter how many journeys or vacations we take. It’ like and addiction, a craving that can’t be satisfied. There’s always the next thing, the next adventure, the lust for something different, and before you know it you’re on a flight in search of new adventures.
According to recent scientific researches, the wanderlust gene may have been embedded in our DNA long before our first trip with parents. One Psychology Blog claims that the built-in urge for travel goes back to one genetic derivative gene DRD4, commonly associated with the dopamine levels in the brain. The same “wanderlust gene” is responsible for increased levels of restlessness and curiosity.
Another separate study supported the same findings with additional link, 7R (the mutant form of DRD4), is found in people who are more likely to take risks, explore, are open to new ideas and more willing to take greater risks. Oh, I have this badly! One study shows that only 20% of the world’s population possess the DRD4-7R gene, so we are very rare.
The next time you hear that inner voice saying “quit work and travel the world”, it’s just in your DNA. Now you have to decide whether to do it or not.
Cindy Rainwater
International Accents Travel
Tags: Travel, wanderlust
Wednesday, July 20th, 2016 | BLOG | No Comments
Here are the top three reasons while travel agents are still in demand:
- Expert Advice
Travel agents are industry trained professionals who are experts at navigating through the options and asking the right questions to ensure their clients find the right vacation. Their expert recommendations are the kinds of details that take a vacation from good, to incredible. Not to mention they are typically seasoned travelers and travel enthusiasts who can share their experiences and tips for destinations around the globe. This knowledge allows them to make educated recommendations based on their clients’ needs to design the perfect holiday experience they’ve been daydreaming about.
- Best Value
A key benefit of working with a travel agent is that not only are they often able to secure better fares but they also add value to your vacation. They can save you hours of stressful research and review reading by asking you a few simple questions about what kind of vacation you’re looking for and guiding you in the right direction with their industry knowledge. In addition, our clients often receive other exclusive extras like bonus onboard cash credits, room upgrades, reduced deposits and more!
- Personal Relationship
Working with a travel agent brings back the human component of sales that is rare today providing an opportunity for our vacation consultants to get to know their customers and build a relationship where they can provide them with the best service for their needs. Our vacation consultants take pride in making dream vacations come true for travelers in their community and being right here in your neighborhood allows them to connect with you on a more personal level.
Tags: travel agent
Wednesday, March 30th, 2016 | BLOG | No Comments
Recently, on CNN Money there was an article announcing that Google has launched a new feature; ‘Destinations on Google’, which is a travel search engine. You simply type ‘vacation’ or ‘destination’ after a state, country, or continent on Google on our phone, to which they respond by giving you summarized options of hotel prices and flight costs. You can then have them customize your search results according to specifications you may have, so this feature is about to take the market by storm.
Is this good news or bad news for the travel industry? In truth, I will always stand by the fact that working with travel agents and real people is the better way to book your travel. This is not just because I am a travel agent either. This is because if I was booking a trip I would want a real person on the other end of the transaction working on my behalf so that my plans go off without a hitch. But, in the interest of playing devil’s advocate, let’s take an honest look at the pros and cons of using this new Google service.
Pros
1. Efficient – Who would not like the idea of booking travel at any place, time, or location? Although, if we’re being honest here, most good travel agents are available to you any time, day or night.
2. Flexible – You can keep changing up the details of your travels as many times as you would like before you book. Again, agents will work with you here too and probably be able to offer you suggestions that a bot wouldn’t have thought of. But, I digress….
3. Fast – You get an instant response about a variety of locations.
4. Cheap – You might get cheaper accommodations and transportation. MAYBE! (CHEAP being the key word here)
Cons
1. Isolation – In the event that things go wrong as they sometimes do, you are left stranded and without anyone who can advise you on what to do next.
2. Logistical Failures – If the internet connection ceases while you are trying to pay for your trip you might be left in limbo.
3. Data Safety – As with all online transactions, you risk losing some vital information or having it intercepted.
4. No Follow-Up – A robot doesn’t care if you arrived at your destination on time and/or if you had a good trip.
5. No personal connection – Goes with the no follow-up con, but wouldn’t you rather work with a small business than a big corporation that honestly doesn’t care about you?
Hopefully, you have seen why you should keep working with real people and caring agents instead of yet another online travel agent wannabe.
TRAVEL 101
Is it necessary to have a passport to travel outside the USA? Yes, unless you are traveling to one of the US territories. This would include Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix or Guam. It is not necessary to travel with a passport when going on an ocean cruise if you arrive back into the same port as your departure, however, it is advisable as you would not be able to return to the US without a passport should the need arise during your travel. If you are planning to travel outside the US, your passport must be current until 6 months from your return date.
- To obtain a passport, you can either print an application form online at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html or go to your post office. You will need an original copy or certified copy of your birth certificate and one passport photo. Be sure to meet all requirements before submitting your application. Send these along with a check in the amount of $140 plus a $25 execution fee. Remember, a passport card is not good for travel outside the USA.
Be a savvy traveler and know before you go. This will make your travel easier and keep a lot of other travelers from wanting to punch you out right in the line at TSA. If you are not a pre-check traveler, remove your shoes, belts, jewelry and jackets and place them in a bin. Put your quart size zip-lock baggie of liquids, gels and aerosols in the bin too. Familiar yourself with the 311 rule and other important information at http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information. Put your computer in a bin by itself. PLEASE don’t wait until you are next in line to get your things ready, be a good scout and be prepared.
Want to know more? Watch for our next Ups and Downs of Travel Blog at www.ia-travel.com/blogs
Friday, September 5th, 2014 | BLOG | No Comments
Airline Passenger “Recline Rage” It seems like wh
ining about reclining seats is the newest American fad. Did you know that 3 flights in the last 2 weeks were diverted when due to passenger “recline rage”? I have personally experienced recline rage when I reclined my seat the short couple of inches that it will recline on a regional jet. I looked behind me before reclining my seat and the gentleman there was about my height. The seat in front of me was reclined and I found it to be no problem, however I would definitely be more comfortable with my seat reclined as well. I very slowly reclined my seat back even though the man behind me did not have his table down and was leaning back in his seat apparently sleeping. I didn’t notice if his seat was reclined. I fell asleep and then was suddenly rudely awakened as I was catapulted forward by the man sitting beside the person behind me. He took his fist and shoved my seat back forward and started yelling that I was crushing his knees. I told him he was not behind me; therefore I could not possibly crush his knees. I slowly reclined my seat back again, turned around and looked to prove my point. He started yelling again and slammed me forward again, almost causing my nose to make contact with the back of the seat in front of me. I called the flight attendant, which I hated to do, being a former flight attendant myself. She was young and embarrassed, but I suggested that she move the man to another seat. The small regional jet had no first class, however, there was no one in the front row and I knew that. She took my suggestion and moved him and the man behind me, who turned out to be his very embarrassed son. I promptly went back to sleep. This turned out to be an easy solution, but what if there had been no empty seats? He was making a connection but I think someone should have taken him aside before he boarded his next flight and had a very serious talk with him concerning each person’s space on the plane and his attitude. He was average height and had no reason at all to behave in this manner. He did not request a seat with more leg room and should have done so if he felt it was needed. No one promised that it would be the most comfortable flight on a small jet, but then it was a short 30 minute flight at a very early hour in the morning. I wondered what made this man so special that he had to disrupt the entire flight. My husband was in the seat in front of him and his seat was not reclined, neither was the seat in front of him. Should we make the whole incident a domino effect and make everyone leave their seat backs upright to please one passenger? I don’t think so. In my opinion, the man should have been banned from flying unless he could control his temper. Air Travel Etiquette The combined results of our poll and speaking with travelers revealed this basic consensus about air travel etiquette. *Do look behind your seat before reclining and assess your fellow passenger’s needs. Are they very tall? Are they using a laptop? *Don’t put your seat back during meal time. *Always keep your cool. What do you think about reclining an airline seat?
Tags: airline seats, airlines, recline rage
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014 | BLOG | No Comments
Why It Pays to Book with a Travel Agent
Booking a trip often proves to be an extremely stressful, grueling undertaking. You can spend hours online searching for deals on flights and hotels, bouncing from one website to another in pursuit of the perfect price. This kind of process is o ften headache-inducing: According to a recent survey by the I.B.M. Institute for Business Value, approximately 20 percent of more than 2,000 travelers worldwide said it took them more than five hours to search and book travel online. Faced with countless choices for flights, hotels, car rental, and tours, some consumers are dumping the DIY approach. To quote James Shillinglaw, editor-in-chief of Travalliancemedia, “There are simply too many travel products in the market today for individuals to decipher on their own. You need a guide to help you cut through all the different things out there that are available.” There’s a difference between price and value. Here are six reasons to consider booking your next vacation with a travel agent:
- Save time
- Save money
- Learn what you want
- Connections
- Authenticity
- Knowledge
- Troubleshooting
Taken from: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2012/04/30/why-it-pays-to-book-with-a-travel-agent
Do you remember the days when it wasn’t a faceless online search engine that helped you find the best deals on flights, but real live people called travel agents? One source says she scours the Web for deals but says her agent beats the prices she finds. Plus, the agency alerts her to local customs abroad and tosses in perks, such as setting up tours at popular sites so she doesn’t have to wait in lines. “We’ve outsmarted ourselves by not taking advantage of the knowledge that travel agents have.” In some cases, travel agents don’t charge their clients—for example, an agent who books a cruise may earn a 10% commission from the cruise line. Others impose booking fees—say, $35 for an airline ticket—or require a deposit that they’ll keep if you cancel. The more complex or luxurious the trip, the more useful an agent can be. Agents have an inside track on deals and upgrades, and they can quickly solve problems or change plans while you’re on a trip. Let’s take a scenario such as the passengers on the stranded cruise ships faced when they finally reached port and their cruise was terminated early. If you had a travel agent, you could already have a nice air-conditioned hotel room waiting for your arrival or your airline tickets could already be rebooked so you just have to head back home instead of waiting hours on end for someone to help you find a place to sleep. Maybe you would even like to just stay at the beach a few days. All arranged for you while you wait to get back to dry land. Taken from: http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T059-C000-S002-travel-agents-vs-do-it-yourself-online-travel-book.html#h4kumdxu8DpDDJUG.99
Even for budget travelers, the overall experience can offer better value, was found in a recent test of agents versus online search engines. This survey showed “Agents won nearly every time, on both price and service. In other words, the agents suggested alternate routes, gave advice on visas and just generally acted, well, more human than their computer counterparts”. Taken from: http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/is-the-best-travel-search-engine-around-the-corner/