Basic Economy Fare

Basic Economy Tickets

Heard about plane tickets are getting cheaper nowadays. That sounds music to someone who loves travel. But is it really worth the savings? Not sure this is worth the savings? Paying less seems like one of those "You get what you pay for" kind of deals. Basic economy can be horrible or advantage to you. You have no control over picking your seats, you can’t take any carry on and you get on the plane last. Is this something you would do when heading to your vacation? Horrible for some but maybe not for those who wants to save some bucks!

I tried it, and yes, it sucked. I got to the gates quickly (first) and was lucky into good seats. Got on last but was able to carry on my bags. But, hey, I would never do it again, it's too stressful! And how to share this experience with my clients?  Maybe let them book it themselves…

When it was still in the works, I was seated back where it was to be Basic Economy and I thought my seat was broken! It must be terrible to sit on a broken seat the whole flight unless it is only for an hour but still…

Booking First class or Business class is way better than that! You got to pay more to get what you used to when dreaming of a perfect vacation!

Someone who scored a basic economy fare on American Airlines from PHX to AUS for $50. That is way too good compared to $150! Will you do it?

When I flew back home, it wasn't that bad. I would do it for me but not for client unless they ask and take the risk of having unpleasant flight.

For those who like to choose their seat, they will not go for it. That is one thing you can’t do with a basic economy fare. If you will be happy to save $100 and sit where they let you then go for it! Some people let go of their flight day when ask to be paid for a next day flight which happens to a friend of mine. A whopping $400 to let someone else board on the scheduled flight and him sleeping in a hotel to wait for next day flight. Not bad at all.

Or if you are someone who normally sleeps through flights, it might be acceptable unless you need that window seat to lean on the wall or refusing to sit between two people.

Whatever you think is comfortable for you, you decide whether basic economy fare is for you or not. There’s always a first class or business class available. In the end, you still get what you paid for!

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Oasis To Discover

The Sian Ka'an at Grand Tulum Luxury / Grand Oasis Sens The Pleasure Resort

How far is Tulum from the airport (CUN)?

Tulum is a great destination for nature, bliss and recharging! If you are taking "private transportation" we are about 1 hour south of the airport. about 15 minutes from Playa Del Carmen and 10 minutes from the Tulum ruins. This is a calm and tranquil property,  is not the "party" property but offers great restaurants, beaches, excursions. The Sian Kaan at Grand Tulum is the latest one. Beautiful large rooms with VIP beach clubs featuring Bali Beds with food/beverage service, priority reservations at all restaurants and so much more.

The Sian Ka'an at Grand Tulum is for adults 21 and over

Entertainment Resorts - The Pyramid Luxury at Grand Oasis , Grand oasis Cancun / Oasis Cancun Lite

Every night from 8:00-9:30 enjoy a Cirque du Soleil/Las Vegas style show in the Atrium Lobby of the Pyramid that is out of this world. A must see! Offers snack & show or dinner & show as well at a cost. Otherwise gather around the 360 degree lobby to see the show for free!

A pool at this complex is 1/4 mile long. The longest pool in Cancun as well as the largest beachfront
It's a good idea to use the hotel resort maps to get oriented; especially for large resorts such as this one.

Offers Weddings & Honeymoons and More

A maximum 2 weddings per day
Groups are a minimum of 10 rooms, with a minimum of 3 nights-stay!

Great for Corporate Incentive, Corporate Sales Meetings, Corporate Training, Family Reunions, Wedding, Bachelor and friends, Single's Only, GIRL'S Trip!!! Great opportunities for ALL TYPES of GROUPS are offered and available in all of  OASIS RESORTS!

How is Oasis with allergies?

Very responsive to diets and allergies. Also have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Remember to gain access to all of these fine restaurants as part of the all-inclusive package, must be in the deluxe categories / luxury properties.

Grand Oasis Palm and Oasis Palm are our family-friendly resorts, offering a fantastic children's program including over 50,000 square feet of dedicated kids areas. It's not handicap certified but there's elevator / ramps, outdoor massage, wristbands and minimum 10 rooms for groups.

With Family Fun Suites Cancun Oasis, guarantee a connecting rooms for 2 adults + 3 children because those suites are two connecting rooms. The connecting rooms are such a plus for families and can accommodate up to 5 persons, which is really great! Have you seen our fantastic Kiddo Zone? Open all day long with amazing activities for kids up to 12!

This resort complex is an Entertainment Resort therefore a truly fun place for those looking to have non-stop action.

The Grand Oasis Cancun complex comprises of  budget friendly Oasis Cancun Lite hotel with 8 restaurants/11 bars. And better is the Grand Oasis Cancun with 18 restaurants/19 bars and for those looking to have access to all facilities, there is the Pyramid at Grand Oasis with 24 restaurants/26 bars.

The hotel is not a truly designed accessible hotel. The rooms are not wheelchair accessible and the grounds have bridges so preferably would have to have some mobility.

With over 100 Entertainment staff that provides great daytime and night time entertainment. The fun never stops.

And, every night from 8:00-9:30 we have a Cirque du Soleil/Las Vegas style show in the Atrium Lobby of the Pyramid that is out of this world. A must see! Offers snack & show or dinner & show at a cost. Otherwise, gather around the 360 degree lobby to see the show for free

All of the properties are in Cancun and Tulum/Mexico



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When Traveling Take Some Of These Little Things

I know this do not sound good but it is better to be cautious when traveling. There was a honeymoon couple who stayed at  Punta Cana and love it! They stayed for a week to have a fun and relaxing couple time. However, the groom returned home with Typhoid Fever! He is very young and very sick at the moment. Anyway, the doctor told them the Typhoid may have been passed by feces which means that  most likely someone preparing food did not wash their hands.


Please know that some places we travel is behind, especially most islands in hygiene and people do get sick going there. It could happen during the vacation time or after getting back home to where you are most acclimated to. 


The doctor suspects Lyme disease can happen from a mosquito bite while zip-lining since it is usually situated in a dense forest or water. 



It is best to recommend vaccinations before traveling. Be prepared with little things you can think of to protect yourself like:

Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent, 
Bedbug traps

Vitamins

Pepto Bismol

Granola bars, protein bars or trail mix.

Water purification tablets, or a water filter.

Toilet paper

Paper towels

Shampoo, Soap, Laundry detergent, and a few feet of rope to use as a clothesline (among other things).

Enough hand sanitizer to sterilize a small village.

A universal rubber plug, for use in tubs and sinks.

A universal plug for outlets  

A small, battery-operated fan

A sewing kit

Ziploc and plastic bags for protecting your electronics and documents 

Swiss Army pocket knife (remember to put it back in your checked bag).

A waterproof container of matches, or a lighter (also to remain in your checked bag).

A small roll of duct tape. 

A luggage lock and coiling cable (preferably one for each of your bags).

Keychain flashlight

A thin blanket or bed sheet just in case!

These are little things we take for granted which may save you from time to time when in a foreign land.

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Argentina & the Life of Pope Francis

Argentina & the Life of Pope Francis

Visit Buenos Aires, Argentina and acquaint yourself with the “Paris of South America” leisurely, and a glimpse of the life of #PopeFrancis.

How about sightseeing at La Boca, a colorful district? Enjoy a short walk and head to the famous late colonial buildings of San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, La Casa Rosada ( the President’s Pink House, and celebrate Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral and more to see like the following:

Colon Opera house

CEMETERY OF THE RECOLETA – burial site of Eva Peron

famous TANGO CLUB - a DANCE LESSON

SAN CARLOS BORROMENO CHURCH - nicest architecture

Day 1 Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina

SAN JOSE DE FLORES “The Call of God”

Pope’s neighborhoods of Buenos Aires such as Almagro, Caballito, Flores and Floresta

ARGENTINE ESTANCIA

LUJAN BASILICA - the Virgin of Lujan (Patron Saint of Argentina)

Local WINE TASTING

Excursion to Tigre – Tigre Delta , Parana River

SAN ISIDRO CATHEDRAL

see the historic city of Colonia, Uruguay

CHURCH OF THE SACRED SAINT, the oldest church in Uruguay

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Discovering Palawan in 7 Day Itinerary

Here's a 7-day itinerary for Palawan:
Day 1: Visit El Nido
Day 2: Join an island hopping tour in El Nido
Day 3: Explore the beaches of El Nido
Day 4: Visit Coron
Day 5: Join an island hopping tour in Coron
Day 6: Snorkel or dive in Coron
Day 7: Relax on Coron Beach


If you want to relax please extend as you wish. Hensley Travel


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Cuba Travel

Traveling To Cuba

If you are a U.S. citizen and plan to travel to Cuba you need a passport and a visa to enter the country.

Cruising Royal Caribbean from US to Cuba? You need a passport and a visa.

In fact, we are encouraging all International Travel for travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive security.

The travel advisory recommends US citizens not travel to Cuba due to recent sonic attacks against US citizens. Should you be concern if you are traveling to Cuba? Concern is always there when traveling elsewhere, not only Cuba. It is advised to keep an eye on any suspicious situation, trust your gut and stay vigilant. You may consult the website for passport information and warnings. If you have concerns, consult your travel agent. You make the final decision whether to go or not. The travel agent maybe able to help but does not guarantee a safe travel since you are the traveler.

For peace of mind, travel insurance might be a wise decision to include in your travel investment.

Due to the recent happening to some Americans who were in Cuba; they closed the embassy except for essential personnel and ordered American diplomats to leave because they were targeting American's and making them ill. It is true there is crime everywhere and this is a concern, especially it can be dangerous for some.

Some who just returned from their trip to Cuba said they arrived in Cuba safely and had a wonderful time. The country is beautiful and Cuban people are hospitable. They loved Havana!

If you have some concerns, feel free to Check the site - US Cuts Havana Embassy Staff Stops Issuing Visas In Cuba

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Between Princess Cruises And Holland America Line

Between Princess Cruises And Holland America Line

For couples in their 60s who have only been on one cruise before in the Caribbean and want to do a cruise / land combo to Alaska this summer, I recommend princess and Holland when there is a land component involved.

If the couples liked the laidback “freestyle” cruising, then NCL would be good. I’m wondering if Holland or Princess would feel too rigid for the couples? As a travel agent, thinking for the client is part of our job because our first priority is to make sure the cruise fits the cruisers. When cruise fits to their personality, everyone is happy!

When you want to do Alaska once, as a dream cruise, then do it right! I absolutely agree and want to make sure recommending the right thing would be best.

Do they care if there are kids on the ship? No.

Do they care about food? No, they are not huge foodies.

How long a cruise they plan on doing? 10 – 15 days option…

That would mean that they can have more time in Denali.

Princess / Holland might be too rigid for them? Maybe no.

Another cruiser think Princess or Holland for Alaska were not that rigid or stuffy and mostly loved it. She likes the fact that there is a naturalist on the Princess cruise that gave lectures and enjoyed it very much! It was phenomenal to listen and learn about natural. Princess is awesome! Holland is a bit pricey for some. So, which one would be the option for age range 60s? Well, if they are willing to spend a little more money, then Holland America would be great! If not, princess would be great as well.

How about dining?

Being able to go outside at a specified time and they would always seat us, make us feel special.

Or maybe try Uncruise, if budget isn't an issue. 

I did learn to just fly in to Vancouver where the ship is docked for Holland America cruise/tour. It’s hard and iffy to fly into Seattle then cross the border. Either way, it is not my decision but the one who's going. I am here to assist, not insist on what I think is the correct way because there is no right way unless one knows what they want.

Princess, though not labeled “freestyle”, gives plenty of choices with Anytime dining and the ability to do what you want when you want. Princess Cruises does a fabulous job in Alaska. For the more independent person, their on-your-own cruise tours are a good option. They have their own lodges and go to Glacier Bay but Holland is also good and has the same options if they are looking at the Haven Suite.

What would you choose?

I love Princess!

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