Calling Las Vegas

Nevada Area Codes 
02-July-2013 

The introduction of a new Nevada area code will change call procedures in Clark County. Due to the addition of a new 725 area code, local calls will need to include an area code before the seven digit number. The new call procedure will be introduced on August 3, 2013. Dialing seven digit numbers will still connect at that point up until May 3, 2014, when the new calling procedures will be enforced.

The Bellagio fountains were named the number one U.S. landmark in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards.

Bellagio 
26-June-2013 

The Bellagio fountains were named the number one U.S. landmark in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards, beating out Gettysburg National Military Park, the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, the Top of The Rock Observation Deck, and other famous American sites and spectacles. On the global list of top landmarks, the fountains ranked 12th.



Source: Las Vegas Travel Trade Newsletter

Sedona Makes Fodor’s Top 10 Best Small Towns List

Sedona Makes Fodor’s Top 10 Best Small Towns List

Sedona has made the Fodor’s travel list of the one of the 10 best small towns in America to visit. Fodor’s is the largest publisher of English language travel guides and books. Fodor’s top 10 list is based on small towns’ cultural, outdoor, dining and other tourism options for travelers. The New York-based travel publisher liked Sedona’s spas, resorts, arts scene and restaurants, as well as its 

hiking options and serene Red Rocks mountain landscape. Sedona has also been a popular travel spot for spiritual and New Age travelers.

Courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism.

Down but not out

Due to family illnesses, our agency has been in a “stand by” mode for the past couple of months.

I’m sorry if you tried to reach us and could not. All of my energies have been focused on family.

We are back in a position where we can start servicing clients again, however.

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever - Explore and Enjoy It!

The world is now more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel. If you’re part of that twenty percent, a world of travel awaits you.

Travel professionals such as myself who are accessible travel advocates certified by Special Needs Group www.specialneedsgroup.com, the leading global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, have unique, specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.

Here are a few tips from Special Needs Group to ensure that when your next travel opportunity arises, you are ready to go.

Outline your travel needs

Take time to evaluate the logistics of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater, street fairs or sporting events at home?

Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides? How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of Special Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.

Plan Ahead

If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’ notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.

Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paperwork are required.

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.

Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.

When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions

When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible.”

For example, are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room?

Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?

Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars?

Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals?

Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort?

On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?

Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how to find the necessary equipment.

I look forward to helping you with all of your accessible travel needs!

Webpage Updates

I’m updating the webpage look, and none of the header photos fit the new format.

So, it gives me something to do when I should be sleeping.  Please excuse the “all the same” headers while we upgrade.

This fall, Disney Cruise Line® will say farewell to its homeport in Galveston, Texas. You can still get onboard and take advantage of a great rate—plus, receive an onboard credit and half-off deposit.

Rates for a 7-night Bahamian or Western Caribbean cruise start at $699 for an Inside stateroom, $749 for Oceanview stateroom and $899 for Verandah stateroom (per person, based on double occupancy).

Contact us for more information, and to book your Disney Cruise.

Quick Cruise Specials

Have you ever thought about a last minute cruise?  Most cruise lines have last minute specials available, but they don’t publish them because of the fluid nature of the specials.  They change daily, depending on unsold capacity on the various ships.

If your schedule is flexible, contact us to see what might be available.  Sometimes a 3-4 day cruise might be just the ticket to get away from the hassles and stress of day-to-day living…and it might be cheaper than a weekend stay at a resort.

Scheduled Air Service to Puerto Peñasco? Sooner than you think!

Courtesy of the Puerto Peñasco OCV:

"The possibility of having commercial flights take-off from Puerto Peñasco, linking our seaside port to the rest of the world, is drawing nearer with each passing day. The planned route of Hermosillo – Puerto Peñasco – Las Vegas, NV will guarantee Puerto Peñasco’s aerial connectivity to spots in Mexico via Sonora’s capital, and North into the US, Canada, and the world through Las Vegas.  The flight, which will be operated by AeroMéxico, is planned to run three times a week…"

Scheduled air service that touches in Las Vegas would open up Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) to a whole new batch of tourists.  Currently, it is known as a party town, where Arizona college students go and drink away their weekends and holiday breaks.

Also, by flying in, the fear that some have of driving in Mexico would be eliminated.

Hopefully they will run the air route as Las Vegas -> Puerto Peñasco -> Hermosillo on a Friday and then reversing it for the Sunday/Monday flight would make jumping to the Sea of Cortez almost as easy as shuttling between LA and Las Vegas.

Scheduled Air Service to Puerto Peñasco? Sooner than you think!

Disney Cruise Line® has added new sail dates to its Miami Kids Sail Free Offer. You can choose from 4-night Bahamian cruises or 5-night Western Caribbean cruises with most itineraries including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

The following dates will be available beginning Jan. 14, 2013:
4-Night Bahamas
• 4/18/2013
5-Night Western Caribbean
• 4/8/2013
• 4/13/20/13
• 4/22/2013
• 4/27/2013

Offer Details
Kids 17 and under sail FREE when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in Categories 4A – 11B on most Miami sailings Jan. 14 – Feb. 25, 2013 (excluding February 16) and April 8 – April 27, 2013. Rate does not include Government Taxes and Fees of approximately $80 per person for a 4-night Bahamian cruise and $65 per person for a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise (all amounts subject to change)

Contact us for more information!

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See what makes an Adventures by Disney family vacation unlike any other!

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)