Judy McElroy/Independent Travel Consultant

10 reasons why you still need a travel agent

Tax Tip: If you are claiming deductions for meals from meetings for your home-based business, attach receipts to the meetings agenda. You'll be prepared in case the IRS comes knocking!

foxnews.com Many agents still provide services or have knowledge that you just can’t get online –and sometimes, especially in times of crisis, working with a real live person is just plain superior.

[01/08/15]   2014 was a year of learning and growing for my home-based business. Now, in 2015, I represent 3 travel companies: one local and two internationals. Each company allows me to better serve your travel needs. My business includes personal, group, specialty, and corporate travel.

THE BIG NEWS EVENT:
I have launched my website (www.intelli-travel.com).

This website gives you the chance to do several things:
• book your own travel
• join the travel club
• become a travel agent
• join the Paycation network

Talk to me about the following:
• traveling like an insider
• increasing your financial income
• owning your own home-based business
• decreasing your tax liability

Why take a vacation when you can take a PAYCATION!

Email me – [email protected]; Call me for all your travel needs - 216.491.2150; Visit my website - www.intelli-travel.com

Frontier Airlines extends sale to Florida destinations another day

cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Frontier Airlines is extending its sale to Florida destinations and adding a few other one-day deals to other cities. One-way flights between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers, Florida, are $49 if traveling on...

Frontier Airlines holding one-day sale offering one-way fares as low as $19

Great Deal: Travel ONE WAY between December 6 - 18
As low as $19 - Atlanta, Chicago, Raleigh/Durham, and Washington Dulles
As low as $29 - New York La Guardia
As low as $49 - Orlando
Deal EXPIRES at 11:59 TONIGHT

cleveland.com You can travel to Atlanta, Chicago, Raleigh/Durham and Washington-Dulles for $19 one way. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. tonight and travel must be completed by Dec. 18.

[09/25/14]   THINGS TO AVOID WHEN TAKING A CRUISE

11. Using Your Cell Phone
If you're on vacation, you should avoid your phone. Plus, cell phone providers that have contracts with the cruise line will charge you a hefty amount for service aboard. Before cruising, have a plan for cell phone usage and know the cost.

12. Not Taking Care of Yourself
Catching a bad bug is one of the most common issues cruise travelers face. Eat right, drink plenty of water, and take care of your body.

[09/23/14]   THINGS TO AVOID WHEN TAKING A CRUISE

8. Overdoing Yourself on Day One: It's tempting to want to explore everything on the ship in one day, but don't. Pace yourself. You'll have plenty of time to explore.

9. Eating at Every Restaurant
While trying every restaurant sounds great, don't do it if you don't want to spend a lot of money. Cruise meals are much pricier, and the cost can easily add up.

10. Spending All Your Time in Tourist Spots
Most cruises dock in tourist spots. Don't be afraid to explore outside the area and see the hidden gems of each travel location. Make arrangements prior to cruising to get off the beaten path. At least, do the research and know what else is available.

[09/19/14]   THINGS TO AVOID WHEN TAKING A CRUISE

7. Neglecting the Staff: Part 2

Additional tips to consider:

Tip Calculator - Go online and visit http://www.cruisetip.tpkeller.com/ to determine the appropriate amount of gratuities to budget based on the cruise line, duration of your trip and number of adults and children sailing.

Individual Service - Some cruise staffers provide individual services to select guests (usually those in suites and higher categories). If you happen to be one of these guests, acknowledge this special attention with a gratuity commensurate with the service(s) rendered.

Special Services - Butlers, concierge, salon and spa attendants should be tipped for their services at your discretion - usually 15%.

Gratuities for Drinks - Bar bills almost always include a 15% gratuity, even if the ship has a "no tipping" policy.

Specialty Restaurants - Many of the larger cruise ships feature specialty restaurants in addition to main dining rooms. Since guests pay separately for these meals, tipping should be consistent with eating at a fine restaurant.

Compliments - If a ship employee deserves a gratuity, but there is a strict no-tipping policy in place, contact his or her supervisor about the great service, or give the person a complimentary note (take along some stationary).

Captain and Officers - Don't tip the ship's captain or other officers - you'll just embarrass them.

[09/16/14]   THINGS TO AVOID WHEN TAKING A CRUISE

3. Skipping Travel Insurance
Many people skip this insurance because they assume it is just an extra cost that agencies cash in on. Generally speaking, nothing could be further from the truth. Insurance is purchased through an independent companies working with the industry. While it will be wonderful and lucky for you to never need your travel insurance, it is always a good idea to purchase it. Unexpected things can happen. Having your trip reimbursed later if something happens is better than losing money.

Cruise breaks new ice in Arctic

Something for all cold-weather peeps!
Definitely, this is not for me. I can't even do Alaska until Ohio has a milder winter with a hotter than usual summer predicted!
Call me if you're interested: 216.491.2150

edition.cnn.com Years of planning have gone into this.

Video shows giant croc stalking swimmer

Wow!

fox8.com A swimmer in Mexico narrowly escaped a giant crocodile chasing after him as onlookers watched in horror...

So You Think Your Luggage is Safe?

Do more to SECURE your luggage when you travel!

The Tell-Tag Innovation Most common coil-type suitcase zips can be easily "breached" by the insertion of a small screwdriver or similar tool into the closed ...

Frontier announces $19 fares to celebrate new destinations

FRONTIER AIRLINES
Take advantage of this great price, but some dates are blacked out.
Must be purchased TODAY.

fox8.com CLEVELAND -- Frontier Airlines announced Monday that it will fly to three new destinations from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Chicago; Washington, DC; and New York City were included in ...