Alexandria, Va., Aug. 11, 2010- In much of the world, cash is still king and for those traveling abroad, the local ATM can be a vital source of money and decent exchange rates. However, with many banks seeking to keep a tight rein on fraud, some travelers are finding it harder to use their debit cards at ATMs in certain countries.

“ATM cards linked to the PLUS or Cirrus networks can be used in more than 135 countries, which makes them the convenient choice of cash-strapped travelers, however when traveling overseas, getting cash is not always as easy as it is at home,” said Chris Russo, American Society of  Travel Agents (ASTA) president and chair. “Travel agents recommend that their clients contact their bank or check out its Web site before they leave to find out if your debit card will work at their destination.”

Here are some additional tips from travel agents concerning the use of ATMs when traveling abroad:

• Variety is essential. Take a variety of payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, traveler’s checks and currency, to be prepared for all circumstances.
• Tell a teller. Go to a bank if you have problems withdrawing cash from an ATM. Many debit cards can also function as a credit card, which will allow you to get a cash advance (though at a higher interest rate than a normal debit transaction).
• Bank on it. Bring your bank’s contact information when you travel, just in case your card fails to work like you expect. Also, be sure to alert the bank that you will be traveling overseas, so they will expect to see activity generated on your account in a foreign country.
• No more than four. If your PIN number is longer than four digits, go to your bank and have it changed. Many ATM’s abroad, especially in Europe, do not accept PIN numbers longer than four digits.
• A, B, C, 1, 2, 3. If your PIN number is based on letters, translate the letters into numbers before leaving the country. Many ATMs abroad only have numbers on their keypads.
• Constant contact. Always have your travel agent’s contact information with you. It’s good to have an ally back home you can call whenever a problem arises.

Regardless of travel plans, using your professional Stellar Travel ASTA travel agent can save time and money.

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Effective July 13, the U.S. State Department will impose new fees for many of its passport-related products and services. The total cost of a new passport will increase from $100 to $135 for adults (age 16 and older) and from $85 to $105 for minors. Renewals will increase from $75 to $110 for adults and from $60 to $80 for minors. Travelers needing extra visa pages will pay $82. Previously, this service has been offered free. As a result, ASTA members should take this opportunity to alert travelers of the new fees.

The complete rules and fee chart can be found on the Passport page of the State Department’s website.

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(June 17, 2010) – Delta Air Lines recently announced a major enhancement of its domestic schedule, with plans to make First Class service available on all domestic flights longer than 750 miles, or about two and one-half hours of flight time, beginning this fall.

The enhancement means Delta customers can enjoy the benefits of First Class service on more domestic flights, and SkyMiles members will have more opportunities for upgrades to First Class seating.

When the upgrade is complete, 50 routes that currently feature Delta Connection flights with only one class of service will be upgraded to two-cabin aircraft with First and Economy Class service. Some of the routes scheduled for enhanced service include flights between Atlanta and Albany, N.Y.; Boston and Memphis, Tenn.; Detroit and San Antonio; and Cincinnati and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Delta Connection aircraft featuring First Class cabins include Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 models.  The aircraft feature between nine and 12 seats in First Class and between 56 and 64 seats in Economy.

First Class service onboard flights operated with these aircraft is consistent with the amenities offered on Delta mainline flights.  Meals, china and linen service, pre-departure beverages, and complimentary cocktails, beer and wine are offered on all Delta Connection flights featuring a First Class cabin.

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LOOK WHO VISITED OUR OFFICE TODAY!

Wayne Lundin, Manager, Client Services

 SONORA RESORT Canada

www.sonoraresort.com

Situated on a beautiful British Columbia island, Sonora Resort is a recent addition to the Virtuoso family of preferred hotels and resorts.  Wayne Lundin, Manager of Client Services visited Stellar Travel to give us an insider’s view of this luxury wilderness resort.

88 rooms and suites are available for vacation or business retreats.  A four-bedroom villa accommodates families or groups with totally private decks and a hot tub under the stars.   Guest rooms have sumptuous bedding, fireplaces and a seamless harmony with the outdoor surroundings.  Originally designed as an exclusive Chinook fishing resort, more activities have been added including a spa and wellness center, kayaking, fly-fishing, Grizzly bear watching stations (situated a few miles away), whale-watching and eco-tours.

This Relais & Chateaux resort is all-inclusive with meals and beverages included in the rates starting at $400+ per night per person.   Access from Seattle is via Kenmore Air to dockside Sonora Island (with one stop in Nanaimo to clear customs) or by 50-minute private helicopter from Vancouver, B.C.   For more information and reservations including extra and exclusive Virtuoso amenities contact sheryl@stellartravel.com – 425.747.1900 ext. 222

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Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 7:42 AM

To: Karen Yeakel

Subject: Wow! We are so happy at Hotel Arts Barcelona!

What a great way to complete a wonderful trip – our room is amazing (as though it wasn’t enough that the club level and the property are so terrific, they upgraded us to a huge corner suite with a view that is to die for!) and the service is fabulous. And thank you so much for the strawberry treats – that was a lovely and thoughtful surprise! YUM!

Much to share when we get back and all of it is good! We thank you for all of your help and for taking such great care of us. It was a worry-free vacation and all we had to do was enjoy, have fun and create lifelong memories!

 Talk to you when we get back!  ~ B.N.

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 (May 18, 2010) – Delta Air Lines today announced it has received final Chinese government approval to launch nonstop flights between Seattle and Beijing, beginning June 4. The new route, which will operate five times weekly, will connect customers from destinations throughout Delta’s and code-share partner Alaska Air Group’s network to the Chinese capital via convenient connections at the Seattle hub.

Departure and arrival times have been revised from the initial announcement of the route based on the slot times granted at Beijing’s Capital International Airport.  Flights will operate as follows:

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The Iceland volcano eruptions that are causing flight cancellations and delays have created some uncertainty about upcoming trips to Europe.  You need a travel agent as your safety net!  Here’s what we’ll do for you at Stellar Travel:

• Our business and vacation traveler’s flights are monitored and we take care of re-booking all reservations.
• We use our inside contact relationships at international airlines because they give our clients priority.  During flight cancellation periods, it is very difficult for internet-booked customers to get through to a real live airline person.
• If flights are cancelled, we secure refunds and/or apply ticket values to future travel dates.
• We re-book the entire itinerary to ensure hotels and car rentals are re-scheduled to match flight changes.
• We help you sort through travel insurance programs for trip cancellation coverage options.
• Bottom line:  We do things you can’t do yourself and give you peace of mind!

There are some good, last-minute values on 2010 Europe tours and Mediterranean cruises. To be a happy traveler, email info@stellartravel.com  or call us at 425.747.1900.

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“Friends of ours nearly got divorced when the wife spent 19 days in an inside cabin her husband got on the internet and hoped he’d get an upgrade!”

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Alaska Airlines announced new baggage fees today:

For tickets purchased after May 1, 2010 for travel starting June 16, 2010 the following apply.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air will charge $20 each for a passengers first three checked bags. This represents a $5 increase for the first checked bag, a $5 decrease for the second bag and a $30 decrease for the third bag.  The fourth through tenth checked bag will decrease from $100 to $50 each. Excess size and weight restrictions still apply fees still apply. Please note that with our bag fee change, any new groups booked after April 22nd and ticketed for travel after May 1st for travel June 16th or later will have the new bag fees applied.

Group travel already in contract will have the first bag fee of $15 honored.

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As of Tuesday morning, April 20, a few Volcano-cancelled flights are now operating as some airspace is re-opened.

Here’s what we’ve been doing and will continue to do in the Stellar Travel corporate department for our affected clients:

• At the beginning of the crisis all of our travelers and their flights were monitored.  Where they were, where they were going, and contingency planning began.
• We use our inside contact relationships within the international airline sales departments.  These valued contacts give us direct access to flight status and assist with re-accommodation to other flights – giving our clients priority over internet or phone-booked travelers.
• As we monitor traveler’s flights for current and future travel, we re-book their reservations and keep them informed by email and phone in the U.S. and Europe.  Travel agency computer systems display all airline information in one source.
• Some alternate transportation has been available and reserved:  Eurail, car rental, and motorcoach options.
• We assist with business travel hotel reservations and re-booking to ensure the entire itinerary is re-scheduled or cancelled as needed.
• For cancelled trips, corporate agents work to secure refunds and/or apply ticket values to future dates of travel.

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