 By Mariana Alvarez Are you looking to escape for a soft adventure getaway to swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters in Maldives and in Costa Rica? Allen Batista Travel, Inc. is currently offering two spectacular, customized trips to these destinations this fall. Just select your date and Allen Batista Travel will customize your one in a lifestyle getaway. Maldives Travel Package Our agency has teamed up with Turtle Maldives to provide soft adventure travelers with land packages for four days - three nights, six days - five nights and eight days - seven nights. Explore the ultimate getaway destination many dream about. To enter the Maldives, American travelers must follow these CDC guidelines.
Face masks are mandatory when traveling throughout the Maldives. $1 US = 15.45 MVR The Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) is the national currency of the Republic of the Maldives. Four days - three nights package costs $1,500 per person based on double occupancy and it includes four nights hotel accommodations, four breakfasts and dinners every day, half day excursions, and dinner on the beach. Six days - five nights package costs $2,000 per person based on double occupancy and it includes five nights hotel accommodations, five breakfasts and dinners daily, night fishing, dinner on the beach, and half day excursions. Eight days - seven nights package costs $2,900 based on double occupancy and it includes seven nights hotel accommodations, seven breakfasts, lunches and dinners, a sunset cruise, dinner on the beach, and half day excursions. Costa Rica Travel Package Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is the setting for a soft adventure getaway. The addictive sunshine and warm weather has everyone hooked. Allen Batista Travel will collaborate with the Drake Bay Greenleaf nestled in the rain forest on the Osa Peninsula for the all inclusive five night getaway. To enter Costa Rica, American travelers must follow these CDC guidelines.
Face masks are mandatory when traveling throughout Costa Rica. $1 US = 619.8 CRC The colón is the currency of Costa Rica. The all inclusive package includes unforgettable events such as the Cano Island Snorkeling tour and Corcovado National Park hiking tour. Three delicious meals are provided every day and the opportunity to indulge in unlimited natural juices and coffee is available as well. Sleep comfortably in five nights’ accommodations in spacious villas with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and Rain Forest. Roundtrip transportation from Sierpe or the local Drake Bay airport to the Drake Bay Greenleaf hotel is at your service. Price is $2,400 per person based on double occupancy. Roundtrip airfare is not included in this package. Other sightseeing tours are available such as whale and dolphin watching for an additional cost of $125 per person (minimum of four people are needed for this tour). About Allen Batista Travel, Inc. Allen Batista Travel Inc. offers extraordinary sightseeing tours where travelers can fully immerse themselves into the local culture, as well as showcase the breathtaking sightseeing adventures in different countries. Allen Batista Travel also provides savvy travelers with airfare, hotels, cruises, car rentals and vacation packages. Visit Allen Batista Travel Inc. to book the soft adventure getaways to Costa Rica and the Maldives.
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 By Mariana Alvarez Are you dreaming about seeing the Eiffel Tower, leaning Tower of Pisa and Temple of Athena Nike? As the European borders re-open to Americans, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. will offer three socially distant sightseeing trips to France, Greece and Italy this fall. All cultural tours will operate at a reduced capacity to stay within the CDC guidelines. Paris, France Sightseeing Trip - October 5 to October 12, 2021 Paris, city of lights, will enchant savvy travelers with a cultural trip to learn the history, savor the world-class cuisine and experience the nightlife. To enter France, all travelers must comply with the following CDC guidelines.
The Paris sightseeing tour includes a half-day city tour, dinner cruise on the Seine River, interactive hands on cooking class, Moulin Rouge show and of course, champagne tasting. Land tour cost is $3,800 based on double occupancy. Price is subject to change based on availability. Airfare is not included in the price. Athens, Greece Sightseeing Trip - October 12 to 17, 2021 Athens, the birthplace of modern democracy, is home to many archeological sites dating to the 5th century BC. To enter Greece, American travelers must follow these CDC guidelines.
Face masks are mandatory when visiting each location listed below. The Athens sightseeing trip will showcase historic sites such as The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, Partheneon, new Acropolis museum, Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. Other experiences include an interactive hands-on cooking session, as well as a one day cruise around three islands -- Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Land tour cost is $3400 per person based on double occupancy. Price is subject to change based on availability. Airfare is not included in the price. Tuscany and Rome Italy Sightseeing Trip -- October 19 to October 25, 2021 Many dream about seeing iconic sites such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as tasting the world-class Italian cuisine and wines. To enter Italy, American travelers must comply with the following guidelines.
Face masks are mandatory for travelers throughout the country. This private tour will have a bilingual tour guide (Italian and English) to showcase the cultural gems in Rome, Florence, Pisa, Luca, Pistoia. Price is $4,910 per person based on double occupancy. Price is subject to change based on availability. Airfare is not included in the price. Visit Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to sign up for one of the European sightseeing vacations.  By Mariana Alvarez Ciao - hello. Buon giorno = good morning. These are two important phrases you will need to know as you embark on your Italian sightseeing adventure. Join Allen Batista Travel, Inc. for a seven days - six nights private tour of Tuscany and Rome to truly immerse yourself into the Italian culture. Explore world-renowned destinations such as Rome, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia and Luca. After months of the Covid-19 lockdown, Italy has re-opened its borders welcoming American travelers once again with the following CDC guidelines. This private tour will be limited to four to 25 people to provide ample room for social distancing on the tour.
Another important Italian phrase to know is -- Quanto costa? = how much does it cost? And speaking of cost, the Euro is the official currency in Italy. Right now $1 US dollar = Euros. Some travelers may be urged to obtain Euros before the trip. Other travelers may choose to use ATM’s located in the airport upon arrival. It is important to let your bank know before leaving that you are traveling to Italy to avoid any problems with your debit or credit cards. Other important phrases you will need to know on this private tour are listed below.
Italians appreciate the effort when visitors enter their home. The private sightseeing tour of Tuscany and Rome includes the following experiences to help travelers truly immerse themselves into the Italian culture.
Create memories for a lifetime and check off your bucket list with this sightseeing Italian travel package. We hope you can join us for this private Tuscany and Rome sightseeing trip. Grazie = Thank you  Guest post by Jesse Clark of Soul Travel If you’re just getting your feet wet in the world of solo travel, there are many tricks that you will pick up along the way. However, there are also things that you can learn now to help you get the most value out of your vacation. From utilizing safety features on your phone to understanding sneaky fees, what you know before you go abroad or cross country can have a big impact on your trip. From flight plans and accommodations to cruises and sightseeing tours, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. can help you plan out and book everything you need for your next travel adventure. Keep scrolling, because the following quick tips are worth the three-minute read. Safety Tech When you’re driving cross country, you’ll likely need to refer to your phone for directions. But constantly grabbing your phone to find out where to turn next will put you at risk of getting into an accident. Choose navigation, traffic, and emergency-related apps that will allow you to keep your hands on the wheel. If you’re thinking of buying a new phone, make sure it’s reliable. Many devices can connect to your car and display important information on your dashboard. The Android Auto feature provides GPS navigation, traffic alerts and voice-activated technology, so you can respond to text messages verbally. It will also lock your phone while you’re driving. Meanwhile, Apple devices offer the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature, which can sense when you’re driving and will block incoming texts and calls. You’ll find other important features in the latest Apple phones; for example, you’ll be able to run anything efficiently on the iPhone 11 thanks to its powerful chip. Be sure to compare Android and Apple models while you’re shopping to help you decide which option will be best for you. Finally, make sure you keep a car charger in your vehicle. You don't want to get into a situation where your phone dies and you can't use it to look up directions or to find out where you are! Look into buying a car charger that has fast charging capabilities so that your phone is ready for use when you're ready to get out of the car and go exploring. Bigger Details to Keep in Mind There are many things that often fly under the radar of young travelers just learning the ropes, so to speak. The car you drive to your destination or what you plan to rent once you get there is one example. Before you choose your ride, do some research to know what will work based on your planned activities. While you’re certainly free to drive whatever vehicle you want, being prepared can save you time and money if you wind up having to rent a more capable mode of transportation upon arrival. Something else to consider is whether your car insurance will cover you for a rental vehicle. While some insurance policies will cover this, others don’t. So read the fine print of your policy or call your agent before agreeing to the rental car agency’s extra insurance plan. If you’re driving your own car, you should consider purchasing full-coverage insurance before heading out on your trip. When you’re traveling, the unexpected does happen, and this type of insurance will give you protection in case your car is damaged by weather or vandalism. Now You See Fee, Now You Don’t Taxes and fees are just a part of life on the road. Unfortunately, there are many more than you are probably aware of. In terms of airlines, Budget Travel lists cancellation and change fees, phone and in-person booking fees, and even charges for sodas and pillows as hidden expenses to be on the lookout for. The airlines are not the only ones to try to squeeze every last dollar and dime from your wallet. Many hotels dub themselves “resorts” and tack on an extra $20-$30 per night for what amounts to services that should be included in the quoted price. Before booking at a new hotel, call ahead to ask about any fees that aren’t listed in your reservation details. You may also dispute charges for things like uneaten snacks from your hotel minibar, or ask for a refund if you do wind up paying a resort fee, but find that promised amenities (like the pool or fitness center) are unavailable. Timing is Everything In travel as with life, timing is everything. This philosophy can be applied to both the planning process – booking early usually gets you the best price – and also to the logistical aspects of travel. The time you check into your hotel and when you get to the airport matter. At your hotel, earlier arrivals are likely to get the best rooms; at the airport, you may miss your flight if you get stuck in security or get lost heading to your gate. Many hotels will allow you to check in online and choose your room, so that will mitigate that inconvenience, but there’s very little you can do to avoid arriving at the airport at least an hour and a half ahead of departure. Traveling takes a lot of work and planning, but it’s worth it. And remember, your travel agent, parents, grandparents, and other more experienced travelers can offer a wealth of advice. Don’t count them out, and don’t be afraid to ask about anything you don’t understand.  By Joanna Ye After a year of lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, the travel industry is beginning to re-open with new Covid-19 restrictions. Travelers have pent up demand to start checking off their bucket list destinations. The Covid-19 vaccines are providing a desperately needed boost for the travel industry. Travelers will need to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination and/or negative Covid-19 test results 72 hours prior to arrival depending on the destination. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. highlights three travel deals to help savvy travelers venture abroad. There are a plethora of activities and amenities available that range from adventurous to relaxing, completely catered to you. You can unwind and be surrounded by crystal, blue waters along with a shining sun on a stunning island but also sightsee and indulge in local culture and food to have a fun, well-rounded vacation. Jamaica Travel Package One of the best places to visit is Jamaica which offers a fusion of art and culture and of course, is the birthplace of reggae. Visit the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort offers an all-inclusive experience in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It is an adults-only property filled with a variety of amenities from gyms to spa services provided for their guests. Other amenities include free on-site COVID-19 testing to ensure your safety and fulfill any travel testing guidelines that are necessary. All of the rooms are air conditioned with a television and internet access for your convenient use. The land only per person cost for a five night stay at this all inclusive hotel starts at $1,670. Price is subject to change based on availability and the time you travel. Oahu, Hawaii Travel Package Another gorgeous destination would be Oahu, Hawaii, the home of the iconic views of paradise, Diamond Head. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort located in Oahu, Hawaii is an expansive resort and the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip. It is filled with lush grounds, six incredible pools, a beachfront lagoon, various waterfalls, as well as a diversity of boutiques and restaurants to indulge in. There are amenities that caters to all ages and occasions- honeymoon perks and programs for children all into one. Experience Hawaiian culture with hotel provided activities such as lei making and hula lessons to enhance your experience in the beautiful island of Oahu. From Waikiki beaches to bountiful rainforests, there is an adventure out there for everyone. The land only per person cost for five nights starts at $567.50. Price is subject to change based on availability and the time of year you travel. Aruba Travel Package The lovely island of Aruba is just a few miles off the coast of Venezuela. Aruba actually holds one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the world. Aruba’s Riu Palace Antillas is an adults-only, all-inclusive hotel located in Palm Beach with the best views and activities that will highlight your stay in the Caribbean. The hotel offers free on-site COVID-19 testing as well as doctors on call to guarantee your safety throughout your stay. The resort has the most breathtaking beachfront and even have bike rentals available for visitors to explore Aruba on their bikes. They have a sun deck along with a swimming pool perfect to unwind and relax for a day in the sun. The rooms have wireless internet access as well as a liquor dispenser along with the mini bar available at your fingertips. The land only per person cost for this all inclusive hotel starts at $1,414.50. Price is subject to change based on availability To book one of these incredible vacations, please email jallen@abtravel.us. Socially Distant Party Boat Cruise -- Good Music, Good Memories and Good Views Up East River4/24/2021  By Maria Flouskakos Are you looking to plan a socially distant quinceañera, sweet 16 or milestone birthday, bachelorette or bachelor party, anniversary celebration? Consider a new twist -- celebrate your milestone event on a boat. After months of lockdowns, social butterflies can escape up the East River for three hour or more on state of the art, US coast guard certified party boats to celebrate their special occasion. All boats are operating at a 50 percent capacity to social distance and stay within the NYC Department of Health and the CDC guidelines to have fun on the waters. It is important to follow COVID-19 protocol -- by keeping ourselves socially distanced, by getting COVID-19 tested prior to entering the boat and by providing proof of Covid 19 vaccine -- when being on a party boat in this day and age. Here are other CDC protocols.
Allen Batista Travel, Inc. can broker lunch and dinner cruises to make your special event an affair to remember. Guests can simply rent out a boat to take a small trip around Manhattan. Or they can hire a band, DJ or even playing your own music! Themed parties on a boat make the party more interesting while providing ample opportunities to take in spectacular scenery on the water. Other activities could include Kahoot game, charades, as well as live performances and murder mysteries interactive shows. Our travel agency can also offer meals including vegan and Kosher options. For the 21 plus, the boats can offer a full bar for the guests to use! Juice, soda and water are available for those celebrating a quinceañera, sweet 16 or PROM. Docked on the East River, our travel agency works with a private boat charter to broker the following boats. All boats come with a dedicated crew, white linen table cloths and chairs, lunch and dinner package. There are several open bar packages available for guests drinking pleasure. While spending time on the boat, it is also nice to admire the scenery that is being looked at while on the boat. Nothing beats good music, a breeze and the ocean water on a nice warm New York City Day! It is important to stay conscious of Covid-19 while also enjoying yourself. With a socially distanced experience like a boat party has to offer, it is possible to stay safe! We hope to see you on a boat in the near future! Check out information about Allen Batista Travel’s socially distant lunch and dinner cruises.  By Kendall Mason Costa Rica is the perfect destination to escape to now -- breathtaking views, pristine beaches, amazing biodiversity. If you are looking for an escape during the pandemic, then Costa Rica is the place to be for travelers looking to escape from the stress and hustle of daily life. Allen Batista Travel has crafted the Costa Rica Travel Package to give you a memorable vacation in the tranquil rainforests of the Osa Peninsula. You’ll relax in a villa nestled in the rainforest, perfect for a safe and socially distanced vacation. Travelling in the Pandemic While restrictions are lifting and travel is becoming easier, it is important to remember that the pandemic is still ongoing and restrictions come with it. Don’t worry, our travel advisors will help you navigate any rules and regulations. Costa Rica is no longer restricting any country from entering, so there’s no worries there. You’re free to fly into one of two airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. If you prefer to travel by sea, that’s fine too, but you must enter through yacht or sailboat at one of the following marinas: Pez Vela, Papagayo, Banana Bar, Los Sueños, or Golfito. For those traveling by plane, the Costa Rican government has not issued any restrictions upon arrival. Travelers do not need to quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test. Sea travel comes with a little more restriction; if you have stopped in another country along the way or have not been on the boat for 14 days, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival. Even though you don’t have to quarantine, there are a few things you have to do before going on your vacation. The first is the HEALTH PASS, which has to be completed 48 hours before departure. It’s easily accessible, you can find it online here. Secondly, every tourist is required to purchase travel insurance, which exists to cover costs of any possible expenses that would occur if you were to contract the coronavirus while on vacation. Plenty of insurance companies qualify; the plan only has to be valid for the entirety of your stay, dedicate $50,000 for any possible medical expenses, and dedicate $2,000 for any lodging needed to quarantine in the case of a positive test result. What To Expect in Costa Rica Now that we’ve covered all of the logistics of traveling during the pandemic, we can move on to the fun part: what you’ll be doing on your vacation! After arrival, you’ll be taken to the Drake Bay Greenleaf. These villas are nestled into the lush rainforest, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore the wildlife. You’ll stay there for five nights, where you’re also given unlimited coffee and juice and three fresh and delicious meals every day. A hiking tour of the Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas of the entire world, is included in your trip, as is a Cano Island Snorkeling Tour. You’ll get the chance to see some of the world’s most interesting and beautiful creatures up close! Beyond these tours, there are plenty of other activities to fill your time in Costa Rica! Dolphin and whale watching tours are some of the most popular, followed closely by sport fishing. Extra options include bird watching tours, mangrove boat tours, relaxing on the serene beaches, and exploring the Cano Island Biological Reserve. Paying for any of these activities is simple too; most businesses in Costa Rica accept the U.S. dollar! One dollar is the equivalent to 614 Costa Rican colones, another fact that makes this island the perfect vacation destination. While you’re on the island, you’ll have the chance to taste-test some of its cuisine. Considered by many as the national dish of the country, gallo pinto is a popular and delicious dish. It translates to spotted rooster, named for the color variations that happen when its two main ingredients (rice and beans) are mixed together. Beyond this one dish, you can try plenty of other traditional foods like tamal, arroz con leche, and olla de carne. There is no shortage of tasty dishes in Costa Rica! Now that vaccines are available and we are successfully fighting the pandemic, we’re so excited to be able to travel again. Let the experts at Allen Batista Travel help you make your first vacation perfect and book your Costa Rica Travel Package today!  By Maria Flouskakos Welcome to Greece -- καλως ηρθες στην ΕΛΛΑΔΑ! (Kalos irthes stin Ellada!) Athens, Greece will welcome American travelers back to the beautiful country starting on May 14, 2021 with a few new rules due to Covid-19. It is important to know that all travelers entering Greece are now required to present a negative PCR test result for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours or present proof of the Covid-19 vaccine prior to entry to Greece. With Covid still in the picture, it is important to stay safe and adhere to the strict new quarantine measures in place upon arrival in the country. To help you feel like a local during a vacation in Athens, it is important for American travelers to know these key phrases.
Local residents will appreciate your effort to say basic words in Greek. One of the biggest attractions in the country of Greece would be traveling to the city of Athens. If you are a history fanatic, then Athens is definitely a city to check out. Not only is Athens the capital of Greece, it also has a lot of history behind it. Did you know . . .
Make sure to pack your comfortable shoes while in Athens so you can enjoy all the walking that you have ahead of you. Along with walking through the historical sights, there is also a lot of shopping that can be accomplished in Athens! In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples. There is a neighborhood called Plaka that has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets. It is surrounded with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes and local ceramics. Do not forget to stop by a sidewalk cafe or family-run taverna to get a traditional Greek coffee called a “frappe”! In Greece it is important to remember that the currency that they use is Euros. The rate from US dollars to Euros is that 1 Euro is equivalent to 1.19 Dollars. It slightly fluctuates each day however it is always around that ballpark. Traveling to Greece can be done on an affordable budget, Allen Batista Travel Inc has set up a whole seven day itinerary, The Athens travel package includes, six nights hotel accommodations, seven breakfast daily, three lunches, luxury bus transportation, sightseeing tour activities, a one day cruise around the Greek Isles with lunch included, and a Bilingual guide in Greek and English. Each day is filled with a new adventure that will make your vacation worthwhile. With many different tours such as going to the Acropolis and seeing the ancient temples, to traveling to Delphi for a day, we are even offering an awesome cooking class to be hosted by a Greek Chef. Not only is this trip filled with excitement and culture, you are able to learn and take something away from this adventure. A trip to Athens is not complete without indulging in the delicious Greek cuisine, desserts and drinks that they have to offer.
Delicious! - Νόστιμο (NO-STEE-MO) Currently, bars, cafes and clubs are still closed in Greece, however it is hopeful that they will be reopening soon. Masks are permitted to be worn indoors and outdoors in public. However, with Europe’s vaccination rollout and its “digital green certificates'' plan aimed at salvaging the summer tourism season, the tourism industry is feeling very optimistic about the return of international visitors. A city with so much culture has the potential to give you a vacation that you will never forget. You are bound to never have a dull moment when on this trip and make memories that will last a lifetime! We look forward to having you book this exciting Athens travel package with us! We hope to see you in Athens Greece! ~ (Ελπίζουμε να σας δούμε στην Αθήνα)  By Kendall Mason Costa Rica is the perfect destination to escape to now -- breathtaking views, pristine beaches, amazing biodiversity. If you are looking for an escape during the pandemic, then Costa Rica is the place to be for travelers looking to escape from the stress and hustle of daily life. Allen Batista Travel has crafted the Costa Rica Travel Package to give you a memorable vacation in the tranquil rainforests of the Osa Peninsula. You’ll relax in a villa nestled in the rainforest, perfect for a safe and socially distanced vacation. Travelling in the Pandemic While restrictions are lifting and travel is becoming easier, it is important to remember that the pandemic is still ongoing and restrictions come with it. Don’t worry, our travel advisors will help you navigate any rules and regulations. Costa Rica is no longer restricting any country from entering, so there’s no worries there. You’re free to fly into one of two airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport or Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. If you prefer to travel by sea, that’s fine too, but you must enter through yacht or sailboat at one of the following marinas: Pez Vela, Papagayo, Banana Bar, Los Suenos, or Golfito. For those traveling by plane, the Costa Rican government has not issued any restrictions upon arrival. Travelers do not need to quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test. Sea travel comes with a little more restriction; if you have stopped in another country along the way or have not been on the boat for 14 days, you may be required to quarantine upon arrival. Even though you don’t have to quarantine, there are a few things you have to do before going on your vacation. The first is the HEALTH PASS, which has to be completed 48 hours before departure. It’s easily accessible, you can find it online here. Secondly, every tourist is required to purchase travel insurance, which exists to cover costs of any possible expenses that would occur if you were to contract the coronavirus while on vacation. Plenty of insurance companies qualify; the plan only has to be valid for the entirety of your stay, dedicate $50,000 for any possible medical expenses, and dedicate $2,000 for any lodging needed to quarantine in the case of a positive test result. What To Expect in Costa Rica Now that we’ve covered all of the logistics of traveling during the pandemic, we can move on to the fun part: what you’ll be doing on your vacation! After arrival, you’ll be taken to the Drake Bay Greenleaf. These villas are nestled into the lush rainforest, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore the wildlife. You’ll stay there for five nights, where you’re also given unlimited coffee and juice and three fresh and delicious meals every day. A hiking tour of the Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas of the entire world, is included in your trip, as is a Cano Island Snorkeling Tour. You’ll get the chance to see some of the world’s most interesting and beautiful creatures up close! Beyond these tours, there are plenty of other activities to fill your time in Costa Rica! Dolphin and whale watching tours are some of the most popular, followed closely by sport fishing. Extra options include bird watching tours, mangrove boat tours, relaxing on the serene beaches, and exploring the Cano Island Biological Reserve. Paying for any of these activities is simple too; most businesses in Costa Rica accept the U.S. dollar! One dollar is the equivalent to 614 Costa Rican colones, another fact that makes this island the perfect vacation destination. While you’re on the island, you’ll have the chance to taste-test some of its cuisine. Considered by many as the national dish of the country, gallo pinto is a popular and delicious dish. It translates to spotted rooster, named for the color variations that happen when its two main ingredients (rice and beans) are mixed together. Beyond this one dish, you can try plenty of other traditional foods like tamal, arroz con leche, and olla de carne. There is no shortage of tasty dishes in Costa Rica! Now that vaccines are available and we are successfully fighting the pandemic, we’re so excited to be able to travel again. Let the experts at Allen Batista Travel help you make your first vacation perfect and book your Costa Rica Travel Package today!  Guest Post: Holly Johnson and Caitlin Mims Rewards credit cards and loyalty programs can help you save on Uber and Lyft rides Ridesharing has completely transformed the way consumers worldwide get from place to place, and that’s especially true in the U.S. A Gallup poll from 2018 reported that 30 percent of Americans use ridesharing services from companies like Uber and Lyft at least part of the time, and that percentage climbed to 45 percent for those ages 18 to 29. High-income and urban Americans were also more likely to lean on ridesharing to get around, which makes sense. City dwellers are less likely to own cars and those with high incomes are, well, wealthy enough to splurge for an Uber when they don’t want to drive. While many people have opted to drive during the pandemic instead of using rideshares, it continues to be a viable means of transportation for essential workers. During the coronavirus era, this could be a safer way to get around instead of using public transportation. But making the switch to ridesharing could come with a significant increase in transportation costs. Thankfully, the right card – and a few loyalty programs – can help you save money on your rides. One of the premier travel rewards cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is an excellent choice to help you earn more on ridesharing. Though it will cost you $550 a year, this card covers the first $300 you spend on travel (in the form of statement credits). After that, travel spending will earn you 3X points per dollar. If you frequently use Lyft or are open to switching, the Chase Sapphire Reserve could offer even more value, as through March 2022 you’ll earn 10 points per dollar on Lyft purchases. You’ll also get a free membership to Lyft Pink, Lyft’s subscription service, for one year (usually $19.99 per month). Lyft Pink promises 15% in savings on all Lyft rides, priority airport pickups, relaxed cancellations and more. But you don’t have to shell out a huge annual fee to earn outsized rewards on Lyft rides. Through March 2022, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card (with a $95 annual fee) offers 5 points per dollar on Lyft rides and the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom offers 5% cash back on Lyft rides. Chase Ultimate Rewards points also transfer 1:1 to popular airline and hotel brands like Hyatt, Southwest, British Airways and Marriott, which could lead to even more value. Travel rewards and airline expert Ramsey Qubein also recommends looking into The Platinum Card® from American Express if you’re considering a premier travel credit card. While this card comes with a hefty $550 annual fee, you get a big welcome bonus and 5X points on flights booked with AmexTravel.com or airlines and hotels booked and prepaid through AmexTravel.com. You also get airport lounge access, an annual $200 airfare credit and a $15 monthly Uber credit (plus bonus $20 in December) – good for up to $200 in rides per year, among other benefits. If you don’t want to pay a big annual fee, you can also consider the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card* since it gives you 3x points in popular categories like dining, travel and rideshares with no annual fee. Click here to read the full story |
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