​Guest Post from Money.com

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the travel industry to a virtual standstill and credit card companies are tightening applications, it still might be a good time to look into travel credit cards. Despite not being able to immediately use some of the cards’ benefits, you can still start to rack up points or miles to use in the future. Some have even adapted to the ongoing situation and are offering their users additional—and currently, more applicable—benefits. For example, Chase recently announced that eligible cardmembers will be able to apply points on the Ultimate Rewards site to pay for purchases in select categories, starting with grocery stores, dining, and home improvement stores.

Whenever travel restrictions are eased, the best travel credit cards available in 2020 provide attractive perks such as skipping through airport security lines, relaxing in comfortable airport lounges, and scoring free benefits like checked bags or in-flight Wi-Fi each time you fly. Others let you upgrade your travel by making it easy to book suites in luxury hotels, cozy business class seats on international flights, and more.

Travel perks are nice, but you’ll want to make sure you earn a lucrative sign-up bonus and generous rewards for each dollar you spend on your card as well. To help with your search, we’ve studied and compared hundreds of travel credit cards in terms of their earning rates, welcome bonuses, travel benefits, and fees.

This list of top travel credit cards for 2020 highlights the absolute best credit cards for travel whether you want to plan a weekend getaway or a luxury trip thousands of miles away from home.

Important Things to Know About Travel Credit Cards
The top travel credit cards let you earn rewards for each dollar you spend. However, you need to think long and hard about the type of points you’d like to earn before you sign up. With some travel credit cards, you earn points that are only good for a few redemption options, such as flights with one airline or stays with a specific hotel brand.

*Don’t automatically write off cards with high fees. Most travel credit cards offer lucrative annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and other perks that can make paying an annual fee well worth it. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, a credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and more in exchange for its $550 annual fee.

*Many of the top travel credit cards charge a high APR whenever you carry a balance — even as high as 25.49%. To make the most of travel credit cards and other rewards credit cards, you should strive to pay your balance in full each month so you avoid long-term debt. If you need to carry a balance, it’s better to pick up a low interest credit card or a 0% APR credit card.

Travel Credit Cards and the COVID-19 Pandemic
While many of the benefits and rewards remain unchanged, credit card companies such as Chase and American Express have extended the eligible purchase periods by an additional three months so customers have extra time to earn their cards’ welcome bonuses.

Further, since many travel credit cards usually provide bonus points for purchases made at airlines, hotels, and car rentals–most of which are currently unavailable– some companies are providing additional bonus points for purchases that have picked up due to the pandemic such as streaming services and food and grocery deliveries.

To learn more about the Money.com guide to best travel credit cards, click here.

https://money.com/best-travel-credit-card/


​Best Travel Credit Cards of 2020  
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the travel industry to a virtual standstill and credit card companies are tightening applications, it still might be a good time to look into travel credit cards. Despite not being able to immediately use some of the cards’ benefits, you can still start to rack up points or miles to use in the future. Some have even adapted to the ongoing situation and are offering their users additional—and currently, more applicable—benefits. For example, Chase recently announced that eligible cardmembers will be able to apply points on the Ultimate Rewards site to pay for purchases in select categories, starting with grocery stores, dining, and home improvement stores.
Whenever travel restrictions are eased, the best travel credit cards available in 2020 provide attractive perks such as skipping through airport security lines, relaxing in comfortable airport lounges, and scoring free benefits like checked bags or in-flight Wi-Fi each time you fly. Others let you upgrade your travel by making it easy to book suites in luxury hotels, cozy business class seats on international flights, and more.
Travel perks are nice, but you’ll want to make sure you earn a lucrative sign-up bonus and generous rewards for each dollar you spend on your card as well. To help with your search, we’ve studied and compared hundreds of travel credit cards in terms of their earning rates, welcome bonuses, travel benefits, and fees.
This list of top travel credit cards for 2020 highlights the absolute best credit cards for travel whether you want to plan a weekend getaway or a luxury trip thousands of miles away from home.
Important Things to Know About Travel Credit Cards
The top travel credit cards let you earn rewards for each dollar you spend. However, you need to think long and hard about the type of points you’d like to earn before you sign up. With some travel credit cards, you earn points that are only good for a few redemption options, such as flights with one airline or stays with a specific hotel brand.
*Don’t automatically write off cards with high fees. Most travel credit cards offer lucrative annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and other perks that can make paying an annual fee well worth it. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, a credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and more in exchange for its $550 annual fee.
*Many of the top travel credit cards charge a high APR whenever you carry a balance — even as high as 25.49%. To make the most of travel credit cards and other rewards credit cards, you should strive to pay your balance in full each month so you avoid long-term debt. If you need to carry a balance, it’s better to pick up a low interest credit card or a 0% APR credit card.
Travel Credit Cards and the COVID-19 Pandemic
While many of the benefits and rewards remain unchanged, credit card companies such as Chase and American Express have extended the eligible purchase periods by an additional three months so customers have extra time to earn their cards’ welcome bonuses.
Further, since many travel credit cards usually provide bonus points for purchases made at airlines, hotels, and car rentals–most of which are currently unavailable– some companies are providing additional bonus points for purchases that have picked up due to the pandemic such as streaming services and food and grocery deliveries.
https://money.com/best-travel-credit-card/

Protect a carefully-planned trip with coverage for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters—the best travel insurance can soften the impact of unforeseen events.

Click here to learn more about Consumer Advocate.org guide to the best travel insurance.

 By Jesse Clarke of Soulful Travel
​
Craving some excitement and adventure for your family? Typically, you could satiate those cravings by planning a family vacation, but with travel restricted for the foreseeable future, that option is suddenly off the table. So how can you get your family out of the house and have fun safely? You could always plan an outdoor adventure! While trekking deep into the woods is not recommended right now, you can take a hike or even plan a safe camping trip for your family. Not sure where to start? You can include these essentials in your plans.
 
Lanterns and Headlamps 
 
One of the most important pieces of equipment you should carry in your pack is a quality source of light. You can use LED lanterns to keep your family safe if you do get stuck in the wilderness after dark, and carrying one of these bright and reliable lights is a great way to avoid having to start a fire. For added protection and so you can use your hands, you can also think about picking up a few headlamps for your family members, which can come in handy if anyone needs to venture out into the woods for a late night bathroom break or wants to read at night. 
 
Matches and Solar Blankets
 
Including a butane lighter or a book of matches in your outdoor essentials pack will ensure that you can keep your loved ones warm and protected from any wildlife that may be a threat in your area. Of course, you will also want to dress in layers in order to be prepared for the cooler nighttime temperatures, but for an added layer of warmth and protection for potential emergencies, also make sure you have some solar blankets. These reflective emergency blankets are designed to keep heat close to your body, which is essential for preventing hypothermia when temperatures drop or in colder wilderness climates.
 
Solar Phone Chargers and Maps
 
Worried about getting lost with your family while out in the woods? Well, the good news is that you can use mapping apps on your smartphone to plan and track your family’s outdoor adventures. Since you won’t have electrical outlets while hiking or camping (unless you camp in a cabin, of course), investing in solar chargers for your phones may be a smart solution in case of emergencies. While phones can be fairly reliable on your basic family wilderness trips, you should also include a map and reliable compass in your camping supply kit, in case you lose power or reception, and stick to trails only.
 
First Aid Kits and Emergency Supplies
 
Because injuries and accidents can and do happen while hiking, camping, and engaging in other outdoor activities, it’s also extremely important that you pack a fully stocked first-aid kit in with your family’s backpacks and gear. Your first-aid kit should include bandage, basic medications, and any prescription medications that may be needed by your loved ones during an emergency. In addition to a first-aid kit, you should also think about picking up other survival supplies, including a whistle, some sturdy rope, and water filters.
 
A Safe and Family-Friendly Adventure Plan
 
Once you have the right gear and equipment for your family excursion, you need a plan to keep things safe and stress-free for everyone. For example, hiking with kids can be fun for all involved, but little ones can also get bored or restless when they have been on the trail for a while. So you may need to plan a few hiking activities to keep things fun and interesting for your family. In addition to planning some family-friendly fun and activities while outside, you also need to have a plan for emergencies. Talk to your kids about wilderness safety before you all head out, and also share your plans with a loved one or friend who will be staying behind.
 
Getting out into nature is one of the only options you have for a family adventure right now. Just be sure to keep things safe by using the supplies and tips provided above, and always check in with local, state, and federal guidelines before planning a family outdoor adventure.
 
Photo Credits: Pexels

It’s a new world order as the COVID-19 (also known as the corona virus), takes the global economy by storm (literally and figuratively)

We are following the guidelines as mandated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to keep you safe on one of trips, family oriented magic shows, entertainment boat rides and walking tours.

We work with our vendors to ensure all precautions are in place to keep you safe. We also need your help to keep us safe.  Follow the CDC and WHO guidelines and wash your hands frequently and use sanitizers.

If you are sick or may have been exposed to the virus, then please stay home.  If you have a pre-existing medical condition, then please conduct your doctor.

​We look forward to keeping your travel and social diaries busy during this new world order.
 

​​


​

​By Jesse Clarke of Soulful Travel
​
​Many people put off planning the vacation of a lifetime because of budgeting concerns. But what if you could avoid paying full price for travel, making it more affordable and accessible than ever? Here’s how to save to ensure you always get the best deal on travel of all types.

Don’t Buy Without Searching for Discounts

Whatever you plan to purchase—be it luggage or gear—don’t check out until you search for discounts. Retailers like Macy’s offer promo codes and coupons for all manner of products—ensuring you never pay full price on everything you need for a good trip. You can save more by getting free shipping if you spend more than $99, opening a Macy’s credit card, and earning cash back on purchases on Macy’s products from sites like Rakuten. Read this 19 Ways to Save at Macy’s guide to learn about more ways you can save.

Select a Tour Instead of Driving
With the price of gas—plus vehicle maintenance—you can expect to pay a premium for road travel. The good news is, scheduling a tour often costs significantly less than driving around (and getting lost) on your own. Plus, you can see all the sights, no expert-level knowledge or navigation necessary.

Choose Package Deals When Possible
From bundles that combine flights, hotels, and car rentals to all-inclusive resorts with entertainment packages and dining options, package deals are almost always an excellent purchase. Plus, you save time searching for the perfect itinerary.

Sign Up for a Cash-Back Card
In addition to coupon offers that involve earning cash back, signing up for cash-back credit cards can help pad your pockets for travel. Many credit card companies offer extra point values for specific types of purchases—like travel, groceries, or gas—enabling you to earn more, faster.

Plan Trips in Advance
Instead of going into debt for your vacation—which can more likely happen to millennials than any other demographic, per Access Development—plan ahead to finance your trip. From booking early to planning around holidays (the worst time to travel), thinking ahead can help you cut costs.

Use Price-Matching Benefits
From cruise lines to airlines, many travel industry companies offer price matching features when you book with them. For example, Carnival gives you 48 hours within booking your cruise to find a better deal elsewhere. If you do, Carnival will give you 110 percent of the difference in onboard credit.
​
Airlines like British Airways, Delta, and American Airlines offer similar price matching features, USA Today highlights, and many hotels and resorts follow suit.

Take Advantage of Membership Benefits
Many companies offer membership benefits that include travel discounts and packages. For example, Costco offers its members exclusive travel packages that aren’t available elsewhere. Most Costco travel bundles include credit toward purchases at your destination, too.

Other companies with exclusive membership benefits include the Disney Vacation Club, AAA, USAA, and even AARP. Even if your membership affiliation only nets you a five percent discount, the savings can add up.

Select Vacation Rentals Rather Than Hotels
​With so many affordable vacation rental options available these days, it’s surprising that so many people stick with hotels. Even if you pay extra for a full apartment, condo, or home on your holiday, consider the fact that you can save on food costs if you have access to a kitchen.

Plus, you can save on travel if your vacation rental is centrally located. Unlike hotels, which tend to lie in hotel districts without amenities accessible by foot, many rental properties are in neighborhoods with excellent access to grocery stores, gas stations, and shopping.

​However you travel and wherever you’re headed, there are straightforward ways to save on your vacation budget. All it takes is a bit of planning, these insider tips, and the motivation to achieve the best—and most budget-friendly—adventure ever.

​Calling all Millennials, Gen Xers and Seniors, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. announces 10 cultural sightseeing tours to fill your travel diaries.  Whether you are seeking a learning adventure, baby moon or skip trip (grandparents traveling with grandchildren), our sightseeing adventures spotlight the culture, fine cuisine and soft adventure in Havana, Mexico City, Florence and Rome, Barcelona, Athens, Lisbon, Porto and Algarve, Ghana, Paris, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and the Maldives.

We offer an insider’s view into Havana Cuba, a once forbidden destination, thanks to the “Support for Cuban People” visa.  Multiple dates are available to uncover Havana’s rich history and culture, savor fine Cuban fare and of course, experience the vibrant nightlife. 

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is one of the oldest cities founded by the Native Americas.  Highlights include Teotihuacan Pyramid (Pyramid of the Sun), Temple of Quetzacoatl “The Feathered Serpent,” Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Mariachi performance and more. 

Our Florence, Rome, Lucca, Pistola and Pisa journey spotlights popular bucket list attractions – Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Il Colosseo, the Vatican City and others.   

Known as the birthplace of modern democracy, Athens expedition features the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Acropolis, and Temple of Apollo.  Take an interactive Mediterranean cooking class.  Indulge in a cruise around the Saronic Islands – Aegina, Poros and Hydras. 

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is an art enthusiast’s paradise.  This tour features a three-hour city tour, see Antoni Guadi’s architectural masterpieces (Sagrada Familia), a Cava vineyard trip to savor fine Spanish wines, a Flamenco dance show and dinner, and of course, Tapas cuisine.

Known as the “City of Lights,” Paris adventure features three-hour city tour, interactive cooking and perfume making classes, Palace of Versailles, Eiffel Tower and Seine river cruise, and of course, night on the town for Moulin Rouge.

Lisbon, Porto and Algarve Portugal excursion features a Lisbon city tour, Pena Palace and Sintra, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, wine tasting, sunset cruise, walking tour to learn about Portugal’s role in the slave trade, and sunset cruise.

Ghana cultural tour showcases sites associated with the slave trade to the Americas, dance and yoga classes, Tafi Atomi, a monkey sanctuary, and rainforest canopy walk.  Volunteer at a local orphanage.

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in India adventure features an Old Delhi pedicab tour, visit the Taj Mahal, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and Raj Ghat, a memorial to Ghandi, take in a Bollywood movie and indulge in an interactive cooking class.

Nestles in the Arabian Sea, The Maldives is a mecca for soft adventure lovers.  And, we have three packages to snorkeling, night fishing, or simply enjoy half day excursions to secluded islands in the Maldives.  Dates are flexible.  Tell us your dates and we make your dreams vacation come true.

​Groups packages are available.  We hope to see you on one of our excursions.  Visit www.abtravel.us or email jallen@abtravel.us to book your next adventure. 

Named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, courage, civilization, strategic warfare, law and justice, Athens will enchant visitors with a vibrant mix of modern amenities set amidst UNESCO World heritage sites.  Athens, after all is the birthplace of the modern democracy giving the world great thinkers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristole. 

Today, this city has evolved to be  one of the top European destinations offering visitors fine Mediterranean fare, bustling nightlife, trend setting fashion designers, and of course, tantalizing Greek wine. 

Where to visit in Greece?
Enriched with umpteen of picturesque coastal areas. Greece has wide Mountain range and plethora of islands which offers you the best historic sites with landscapes, nightlife scenes and cultural delights.

Halkidiki, Thessaloniki and Peloponnese
If you are looking for the city central area, social events, lively festivals, and for a buzzing nightlife, then Thessaloniki is best to go with. Halkidiki and Peloponnese offer you thrill with its excellent beaches on the other hand.

Athens and Delphi
Athens is one of the most vibrant cities in the Greece and this city hosted the 2014 Olympic Games.  The Acropolis of Athens is a must see ancient citadel perched on the rocky outcrop above the city of Athens.  The Arch of Hadrian, also known as Hadrian’s Gate, is another monumental gateway resembling a triumphal arch.

Delphi has been known throughout history for the oracles
 
Best places to visit in Athens
Athens is eminent for its most glorious past and ancient ruins. Enriched with archaeology museums and tourists enjoy spending time in Plaka district's. Apart from it, tradition restaurant terraces allure people with its palatable cuisine.

Athens Museums:
National Archaeology, Byzantine and Cycladic Art are well famous museums in Athens. National Archaeology was built up in the past century and is considered as the largest museum in Greece and one of the greatest antiquities museums in the world.

It has Greek sculptures from the 16th century BC and reveals a conventional period of late antiquity with rare masterpieces. On the other hand, Byzantine Museum demonstrates a valuable collection of Byzantine art with more than 25000 religious artifacts. Lastly, the Museum of Cycladic Art was established in the late 19th century and it has about 3000 antiques which symbolize ancient Greek and Cyclades art.

The Acropolis and Holy Apostles Church
It is considered the most illustrative building is the Parthenon. Do not forget to visit the largest temple of the traditional relic period dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With two fascinating neighborhoods, Plaka and Anafiotika are renowned for best cosines and picturesque pedestrian streets. Holy Apostles Church was built in 10th century and the world oldest building to visit.

Both these regions offer you the most spectacular views with antiques, traditional building and sunny beaches along with city features. For the best Athens package just visit ALLEN BATISTA TRAVEL

Summer is just a couple of months away.

If you are looking for a team building activity or a corporate summer party, then I hope you will consider one of Allen Batista Travel’s themed boat rides – Latin, stand-up comedy show, samba and adult magic show – for your new company outing.

Come set sail for three hours up the East River.  Take in spectacular views of Manhattan’s key attractions such as Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport, Governor’s Island all from a climate controlled, air conditioned U.S. coast guard certified boat.

Here is a quick overview for our themed parties.

Comedy Boat Ride
Expect waves of laughter from the rising New York City stand-up comedians during the comedy boat ride.  Our talented comics have performed at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, New York Comedy festival, television shows such as BET and Comedy Central and New York City’s comedy clubs. 

We offer a diverse line up of comedians – different nationalities as well as a mix of men and women – and our guests are guaranteed to tickle your fancy during these comedy cruises.

Latin Boat Ride
Professional Latin dancers will give guests helpful tips for fine tuning their salsa or bachata or cha cha dance moves on the floor.  Then, our professional dancers will dazzle guests with a spectacular dance presentation to one song.
Our DJ will keep the rhythms pulsing and keep our guests dancing all throughout the cruise with a diverse selection of salsa, bachata, reggaeton, cha cha, and Latin house.

Magic Show Boat Ride
Master magician will spin the ultimate web of deception with mentalism tricks during this sailing.  Audience participation is key.  Our master magician will skillfully weave audience members into the show and often leaves them with a look of wonder during this interactive show.

ABT will work with the client to tailor the menu to feature Kosher, vegetarian, gluten-free options on the menu.  Our package includes boat rental, entertainment and lunch or dinner.  There is an assortment of cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase from a cash bar.

Samba Boat Ride
If Brazilian music is your thing, then we hope you will consider our samba cruise.  Brazilian musicians keep our guests dancing to popular tunes such as bossa nova, forro, samba reggae and Brazilian pop music.
Allen Batista Travel works with talented and versatile dj’s who spin a variety of musical genres ranging from top 40, Latin, Brazilian and R&B.

​We are here to help with your private, team building cruise.  Email us at jallen@abtravel.us.
 

 
​
Prepare yourself for an afternoon filled with magic, mystery and comedy at the legendary Broadway Comedy Club, located in the heart of midtown.  Allen Batista Travel, Inc., a one-stop destination for airfare, car rentals, cruises, hotels and vacation packages, produces a family-oriented magic show twice a month featuring two professional magicians:  Randy Masters and Rich Kameda who perform in rotation at the comedy club.

Our family-oriented magic show is great for kids’ birthday parties, as well as adults who wish to see some sleight of hand and mentalism. It’s an interactive experience for the young, as well as the young at heart.  Though the venue is a comedy club, there is only clean comedy, and (no worries) no sword swallowing or fire eating.  Our magicians present magic and sleight of hand for all ages.

The Broadway Comedy Club doors open at 12:30 p.m.   There is close-up strolling magic at your table for the first thirty minutes.  Then, at 1:00 pm, there is an hour of dazzling magic guaranteed to keep you and your family on the edge of your seats.

About Randy Masters
Magician Randy Masters combines comedy, magic, mind reading, and audience-involvement into a high-energy show that is appropriate for ages 5 to 105.  After the 30-minute pre-show (close-up magic at your table), the hour-long stand-up comedy magic show includes illusions with cards and coins, borrowed rings and watches, billiard balls, flags, toilet seat covers, hot sauce, jumbo dice, balloons, eyeballs, rope and much more. There will be magic for the kids, as well as sleight of hand and mind-reading for adults.

Definitely something for everybody!  Randy Masters will perform on Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sat, Nov. 10.

About Rich Kameda
Master magician Rich Kameda, also known as the Astonishing Asian, is bilingual magician who can perform in English and in Japanese. Kameda spins the ultimate web of deception by having an image move on a sheet of paper, as well as ripping up a newspaper and then assembling the paper right before your eyes.
We have all heard the adage, “seeing is believing.”  However, our master illusionist will leave you with look of wonder during the family-oriented, kid friendly magic shows.

Rich Kameda will perform on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sat, Nov. 17.

Since our magic shows take place during lunch time, Broadway Comedy Club has a food and beverage requirement which is not part of the admissions ticket (2 item minimum per guest).  The comedy club’s menu includes pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, hummus, as well as an assortment of sodas, juice and water.  Parents can easily order food and beverages during the magic show.

If you are looking for a family-oriented magic show, or something special for a children’s birthday party, then please contact us at jallen@abtravel.us for tickets.