Ask Endora
Dear Endora,
I was planning on booking my own air from the East coast to Hawaii -- the best fare showed different carriers being used and I was wondering am I going to have to get my luggage when I get onto the next flight?
Leery traveler
Dear Leery traveler,
I don't blame you for being leery, who wants to schlep luggage at each new terminal? All the airlines have different types of agreements between themselves. I am not sure if the online fares just put together the lowest prices without any of these baggage agreements in place. This is something you would have to inquire about directly with the online company and you want to make sure you ask about each segment of your flight.
Typically, the answer to your question would be YES you will have to schlep your luggage claimed at each spot where no baggage agreement is in place and go through security all over again. I do know that all of Incredible Journey's wholesalers book flights with airlines that do have baggage agreements with each other -- and the fares will beat the internet rates over 90% of the time!
Good luck,
Endora
Dear Endora,
We are thinking about renting a privately owned home someday. Do we need to travel on weekends like you normally have to do with timeshares?
Holly -- Indianapolis
Dear Holly,
With privately owned residences, whether they are homes/villas/cottages/condos, you can travel whenever you desire as long as there is availability. Private home rentals can be a great way to travel. You get to become immersed in the lifestyle of the destination you are visiting, which in my opinion is all part of the reason why we travel! Having the extra space to move around in a home rather than being confined to a tiny hotel room is a big advantage too!
Before you decide to book a privately owned home make sure you weigh out the pros and cons as renting a home is not always the most desirable way to travel for every getaway.
All the best,
Endora
Dear Endora,
We are empty nesters who now have a beloved dog we can't travel without. Will we find accommodations that are four stars, and above that will take our pet?
Dog lover
Dear Dog lover,
Yes, travel with our beloved animals is becoming a big thing now in America. Actually, in Europe it has been big for a long time and this is where you will find many properties that will allow you to take your pooch, in fact many of the higher end properties will pamper your pooch as much as they pamper you! There are also cruise lines (luxury liners) that will allow you to take your pet -- although they are not allowed to sleep in the room with you, they have their own room, albeit more of a kennel type facility.
Throughout the United States many of the upscale resorts will allow you to bring your pet. And many spa type resorts are popping up where you and your pet can be pampered harmoniously together.
Lastly, a big no to travel with the pooch to tropical destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii and the South Pacific, when traveling here you will want to hire a pet sitter you can trust to stay at home with your beloved animal.
Endora
