Triple R Travel
Tips 'n Tales Newsletter
May 6, 2020  


Mayday Mayday Mayday!

The subject line was more clever when the newsletter was planned to be sent out five days ago. Oh well.


This one will be short, as not much travel is happening. So, we'll call notice to a few travel-related thoughts  that many of you have already read and thought about. (Note to Grammar Nazis: I'm dubbing "thought about" a compound verb to avoid ending the sentence with a preposition.) 

First, there's nothing definitive yet regarding the resumption of "normal," whatever that is. We travel freaks are optimistically planning to make up for lost time, hopefully beginning sometime in 2020. Fingers crossed.



Second (note this clever segue), how will travel and travel planning change? What's our new "normal?" Indications are that the current fleet of passenger planes will carry fewer than half the pre-virus capacity because of antisocial distancing guidelines. That's pretty drastic. I'm thinking fewer people will travel after this, as some who never were crazy about leaving home now have medical evidence on their side. Picture this one: Assume Italy and the Vatican get serious about antisocial distancing at tourist sites, and enforce it, and the usual mobs at the Coliseum, Vatican, et al, are reduced by 80%. Reservations will be a must.



Third, the travel agencies and insurance companies have done a reasonable job, given all the unknowns, keeping us informed. Remember that these folks are in the business to make money; they also provide services, but that's designed to make more money. Here are a few links to some good websites to help stay current:








Fourth: This one is not a good segue, just a pet peeve. Lysol does not kill this virus. You microbiologists in the group will point out that a virus isn't a life form anyway, but "kill" is more colorful and emotionally satisfying than "eliminate." Read the labels on your disinfectants, and pay attention to the disclaimers. "Coronavirus" is a category, and does not specifically identify this beast. If the solution is not at least 60% alcohol, Covid-19 probably ignores it.   

Reprinted from the last newsletter, as it's even more fitting now: The assumption is that people who still have jobs or other income will be more than ready to get out of the house. So keep your plans and dreams alive - postponed, not canceled. We have all our clients' information, wishes and preferences for the postponed trips, and can easily just change the dates when we're liberated. Hang in there, stay safe, be thankful for what you have and for those you love.  We remain grateful for your support and patronage. 

Remember, the next time you're planning a vacation, w hether it's domestic or international travel, Triple R Travel is here to help handle all of the details . And because our clients don't need to live locally, we can assist you and your friends or family that are interested in the professional services of a Certified Travel Counselor, then please send them my contact information.  We're here to handle the details, so they can  rest, relax and rejuvenate

  
P.S.  If you'd like to forward this newsletter to a friend, please click on the link on the upper left hand side -- and thank you!  A word-of-mouth referral is the  best  referral!
Have a great week, and thank you for supporting Triple R Travel -- we appreciate your business!
 
P.S.  If you'd like to forward this newsletter to a friend, please click on the link on the upper left hand side -- and thank you!  A word-of-mouth referral is the best referral!

Sincerely,

Robert (oh yeah, Raye too)



Quick Links
DESTINATION SUGGESTIONS

Dream Destinations for your next vacation
 
What is your dream destination -- someplace that you've always dreamed of seeing  one day?  Are you looking for a family vacation, or would you prefer a romantic getaway?  Here are some of our favorites:

Ireland
Scotland
Denali National Park
Skagway
Fairbanks
Anchorage
Rome
Naples
Florence
Seattle
Skagway
Ketchikan
Juneau
Prague
Durnstein
Vienna
Anne Frank House in   Amsterdam
Rotterdam, The   Netherlands
Brussels, Belgium
Brugge, Belgium
Mauna Loa/Haleakala/ Mauna Kea
Amsterdam 
St. Thomas
Hawaii Island
Europe -- Norway, Denmark, Sweden
Travel Information Corner
Traveling Internationally?
I know it will be awhile before you're able to travel internationally, so in the meantime, heck out our list of suggestions for your next international vacation -- and please, if you have any hints, tips, suggestions, pass them along.  International Travel Tips from Triple R Travel

Tips for Cruising
Hopefully it won't be too. many more months before we can hit the high seas again. If you're thinking of making, or if you've finally made that cruise reservation, or if you're still considering your first cruise, take time to read our Cruising Tips.
Hubby and me with Captain Ian in St. Kitts -- oh, what a catamaran trip!  LOVED this one!
About Raye and Triple R Travel
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to become a travel professional. So I was delighted when the opportunity presented itself in 2008, and Triple R Travel was born.  Triple R Travel will celebrate a decade of business/service on May 15, 2018, and we are quite pleased with that accomplishment.  I've gotten great support from friends, family, and business acquaintances -- Thank you!
 

I've lived all over this great country of ours -- including Hawaii, Oregon, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina -- and I've had the privilege of traveling to several of my bucket list dream destinations.  Participating in CLIA's certification program, I've acquired the Elite Cruise Counselor designation, as well as the Certified Travel Counselor certification from the Travel Institute. 

Thank you for your continued support and referrals.  Let us design your next dream vacation -- Triple R Travel handles the details so you can rest, relax and rejuvenate! And please stay safe and well and let's get through this together!


Sincerely,
Raye
Geneva Raye Hayden. CTC/ECC/LCS
Triple R Travel
919-371-8352
WHERE IN THE WORLD

THROWBACK THURSDAY (or whatever day it is!)



This is not a throwback Thursday -- or any other day for that matter -- photo.  It's just taking time to say, "take care and stay safe and well!"  I hope that you're enjoying your week and finding things to be productive while you're shut in. Why is it the minute someone tells you that you "can't" do something, that's exactly what you want to do, lol?!  We can do this -- so hang in there!
This 'n That Corner
Favorite Recipe

IF you've read this far, please email me with your favorite recipe -- we could use some new ones!

Baklava
Mochi
Spam Musubi
Favorite Apps (found in App Store)

Instagram
Flipagram
RetailMeNot
Metapho
GasBuddy
Smart Traveler 
xe (currency conversion) 
mobiliytrip

Do you have a favorite app that you'd like to share? Please send it to me at RayeHayden@TripleRTravel and I will use it in my next edition of this newsletter.  Thanks!

What others are saying . . . testimonials from our clients at Triple R Travel.
I consider myself a pretty savvy travel shopper until I started planning a 15 day trip for 4 to Europe. Venice, Italy was the main destination with a 7-day cruise thrown in for confusion! Plus, two of the travelers were friends who would be paying separately. Raye not only removed the confusion, but she saved us money and upgraded our cruise rooms, too. SI'm so glad we heeded her advice to add trip insurance. A semi-serious fall on the cruise ship created unexpected expenses that were reimbursed quickly. Whether you know what you want - or you don't - Raye will structure your travel efficiently and effectively. I'm ready to do it again!

Jo S.
Rolesville, NC 

My wife and I took a 7-night cruise through Triple R Travel from Seattle through the Inside Passage of Alaska.  We visited Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.  This was our very first cruise, and we had no idea what to expect.  My wife, in particular, was already skeptical about cruising in any fashion.  Raye Hayden, of Triple R Travel, went out of her way to give us a comfort level with the trip, answering probably a million questions (or at least it probably seemed that way to her) and offering advice on preparation for a cruise.  We were booked on a great ship and, with Raye's advice, picked out a really good stateroom.  We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and can't wait for our next opportunity.  If you are looking for someone knowledgeable and customer-friendly, I can heartily recommend Raye and Triple R Travel!!

Ed P.
Hendersonville, NC

What an unexpected pleasure that a friend recommended Raye Hayden at Triple R Travel to plan a "bucket list" cruise to Alaska. From our first contact thru the follow-up after we came home, we felt like we were Raye's only customer. She truly cares that our travel is worry free and having a great time is most important. Throw in professional and thorough and she is a perfect package doing Triple R Travel proud.  We feel like we've made a friend and will definitely come back and recommend.

Marty and Judy S.
Canton, MI  

Raye is Tops in Travel! Working with Raye has been a delight in every way. She is knowledgeable about all aspects of planning a trip, has excellent resources that she shares with her clients, offers practical suggestions to make travel easier. Since she has traveled extensively, she can offer first hand suggestions for restaurants, must-see tours, and the best deck on the cruise ship. Our 17 day land and cruise tour to Alaska was a truly memorable experience made easy with Raye's guidance.

Linda G.
Westminster, MD

It was a pleasure to work with Raye Hayden of Triple R Travel. Taking our first cruise was a little intimidating, but Raye made it so easy. Not only did she explain everything and assist us in making smart decisions about every aspect of our trip, she also went above and beyond with the little things that made our honeymoon truly memorable. Our next cruise will definitely happen through Raye.
Todd B.
Raleigh, NC

I asked Raye to provide a relaxing, romantic, secluded vacation for my husband and me to spend our 30th wedding anniversary. I had no destinations to request other than that it be warm in February. Raye came back in 2 days with an all-inclusive vacation that is perfect. We planned this trip over 5 months ago, and are leaving next week! We cannot wait to make this trip of a lifetime! Thank you, Raye, for ironing out all the details, and preparing us for our incredible journey.
Julie L.
Wake Forest, NC


Our Mission Statement
We work with empy-nesters and families who want to see the world through cultural experiences without having to deal with the stress of researching and planning the itinerary. We create memorable journeys with their loved ones that allow them to indulge themselves.
Triple R Travel | 919-371-8352| [email protected] | http://www.triplertravel.com
Tampa, FL  33647