Lisa Bell Travel

Virtual Travel until your next trip........ Visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence to see the beautiful Botticelli paintings or the Musee d'Orsay in Paris for favorite Impressionist painters.

Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch Going into a self-quarantine can have many complex issues and complications beyond having enough food and supplies for two weeks. In terms of entertainment, it…

Thank you to the wonderful staff at L’Isola Della Pizze for a wonderful meal in Rome. For all those coming to Rome soon, be sure to put it on your list of go-to meals near the Vatican.

Happy that my clients all received their passports quickly (within 3-4 weeks) for their summer/fall travel but now back to longer lines for passports.........
The Passport Services agency of the United States Department of State has increased the processing time for international travelers to as long as eight weeks.

According to The Washington Post, the agency said it would now take between six and eight weeks to successfully process a passport application, a 50 percent increase from the four-to-six wait time experienced before May 31.

State Department officials said it offers an expedited processing service for an additional $60, which speeds up the arrival time of passports to between two and three weeks. While officials declined to comment on the long wait times when asked by The Post, the State Department did indicate short-staffing was to blame.

Despite the record number of passports and passport cards delivered each of the last two years, the number of passport specialists employed by the government has dropped by 14 percent.

Now, union leaders are complaining about mandatory overtime hours as a result.

“To address high passport workload levels this summer, the Department is leveraging all available resources to ensure processing times do not rise further and that they return to lower levels by September,” a State Department official who declined to be named told The Post.

Loved this article which explains the origins of airport codes that I always wondered why were so different as well as other interesting facts about airport names.

What are airport codes? Quick, you’re taking a flight from EWR to NRT—where are you, and where are you going?

Travel to the UK just got a bit easier: the destination is now allowing citizens of the United States and Canada to use its ePassport gates. Previously, the gates had only been open to people from the UK and European Union.
The gates are currently available at 15 air and rail terminals in the UK, including Heathrow, as well as the Eurostar terminals at Brussels and Paris.

It is available to travelers aged 18 and up who are traveling using a biometric or “chipped” passport. Travelers 12 to 17 years of age can also use them when accompanied by an adult.

The gates use facial recognition technology to compare the passenger’s face to the digital image recorded in their passport. Travelers eligible to use the gates are also exempt from the landing card requirement.

If a traveler is rejected at the gate, they are sent to a manned passport check to have their identity and passport checked.

This should make the travel experience better for visitors from the United States and Canada who make up a big part of Travelers to Britain.

With the final deadline for the REAL ID Act coming up, travelers everywhere will soon be impacted by new rules for flying domestically at every airport in the U.S., as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon stop accepting standard driver’s license or ID cards at airport security checkpoints.

Here’s what travelers need to know about what the REAL ID Act will do and how they can get compliant before the final Oct. 21, 2020, deadline.

What is the REAL ID Act?
Among other things, the REAL ID Act, which was passed in May of 2005 after a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, set requirements and standards for state driver’s licenses and ID cards to be accepted at federal facilities and at airport security checkpoints.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Act was aimed at improving the security of driver’s licenses in all 50 states. While previously it had been up to individual states to determine what the rules and criteria would be for issuing a driver’s license or an ID, the REAL ID Act would nationalize the rules and set a federal standard that states would be forced to meet.

After some delays, the DHS announced it would begin implementing the Act in four phases at the end of 2013, with the first three phases aimed at increasing security at facilities like DHS headquarters, nuclear power plants, and other federal facilities. The fourth phase of implementing the Act kicked off in 2016 and was aimed at air travel.

When will I be impacted?
The DHS originally planned on Jan. 22, 2018, as the deadline. The official rollout was then pushed back to Oct. 1, 2020, after some delays. Starting then, the DHS and TSA will only accept REAL ID-compliant IDs and licenses; otherwise, travelers will be required to have a passport when flying domestically.

How do I know if my state is compliant?
Right now, in total, there are seven states left to meet the requirements to be compliant with the REAL ID Act: Oregon, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maine, and Rhode Island. California is currently under review and is expected to be compliant by the end of May 2019.

Those non-compliant states are all currently operating with extensions, meaning that the current driver’s licenses and ID cards are still accepted at security checkpoints despite not being compliant with the Real ID Act. Pennsylvania and Kentucky have extensions until Aug. 1, 2019; while Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island have extensions until Oct. 10, 2019

The rest of the U.S. states are all currently compliant and are issuing REAL IDs. As long as a traveler has a license issued with the REAL ID requirements (usually designated by a star in the upper portion of the ID), he or she is able to travel domestically without a passport or another form of ID.

How do I get compliant?
Each state will have to follow the new federal requirements for issuing IDs. Travelers can check with their state’s DMV to understand exactly what they’ll need before heading to the DMV to get an updated license.

New York, for instance, began issuing REAL IDs in October 2017. The state now requires all travelers to get a REAL ID by going to the DMV with proof of ID, proof of social security number, date of birth, and U.S. citizenship, along with two different proofs of New York State residence.

What is the TSA doing?
The TSA most recently launched an awareness campaign to make sure everyone knows about the upcoming REAL ID deadline. Travelers will begin seeing new signs at airports nationwide in the coming weeks to remind them that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID — such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card, or U.S. military ID — will be mandatory for air travel as of Oct. 1, 2020 as passengers will not be allowed through security, thus missing flights without proper documents.

Exciting News for Italian Train travel !! Starting in December, you can take the fast train direct from Rome airport.
Starting on December 18th, the Frecciarossa fast trains will connect Rome's Fiumicino airport with Florence, Pisa, La Spezia, Genoa and Venice.

While the cities are already linked by rail, running the high-speed line via the airport will save inbound travellers a trip across town to either Termini or Tiburtina station on the other side of Rome.

There are plans to introduce similar services to and from Milan's Malpensa airport in 2019

In addition to the airport line, the company plans to increase the number of high-speed trains between Milan and Rome also in December, adding an early-morning service that will get passengers from Italy's second city to its first by 8:30 am.
Magnifico!!!

Not sure where to go for that special tropical getaway?
Half Moon in Montego Bay has a 65th Anniversary Offer.
Book your 2019 stay and enjoy six nights for the price
of five. Package also includes:
Complimentary round of golf at the championship course
Complimentary spa treatment at the award-winning spa
Cocktails at the popular Cedar Bar from 6:05 pm - 6:55 pm
Round-trip airport transfers

Unico 2087 in Riviera Maya Mexico- all inclusive to a whole new level with spa features, off resort excursions and much more! Call 610-789-5626 to inquire for destination weddings, honeymoons and anniversary packages.

For all you Downton Abbey Fans.......take advantage of the Viking 2 for 1 promotion that will be ending August 31st. Call or E-mail for more information to reserve your incredible experience.

Viking Enhances Partnership with Highclere Castle The line will sponsor a weekend event and produce videos to complement At Home at Highclere, the coffee table book by the Countess of Carnarvon.

A wonderful new property for those looking for an exotic destination on the Adriatic Coast. Now offering a special 20% off promotion!
Meraviglioso!

Honeymoons!!Destination Weddings!!
Let me help you pick the right destination, the right resort, the best room and tell you what not to miss while enjoying every minute!!!
So many pictures to share!
Just a few..
Jamaica over the water bungalows at Sandals South Coast! Those who want beautiful views, clear water, excellent food, no need to fly to Tahiti for the Dream Trip!!

Two favorite artists, Ed Sheeran and Andrea Boccelli singing together!!!!! in English as well as in Italian!
Truly Bellissma!! Hope you enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/trendsclu/videos/1513470202094475/

VIDEO: St Barth’s Quick Comeback “St Barth 2.0” has begun, and this remarkably resilient island has already sent a massive signal that while it may be in recovery, it is still St Barth. 


Montego Bay Jamaica
Hyatt Zilara/Ziva Resort partners with Granville Primary School to provide support in many ways for the students here in grades 1-6
Happy for the opportunity to visit the children of this school with colleagues and provide school supplies as donations! Beautiful resort as well as beautiful staff working in their community!

HARRISBURG, PA — State officials announced today, Oct 20, 2017 that they've received another extension from the federal government, this time through Oct. 10, 2018.

That's good news for travelers, who can rest easy knowing their state-issued license is sufficient to board a domestic flight until that date.

If the extension wasn't granted, a Pennsylvania license would not have been valid to board domestic flights or as identification for entering a federal facility after January 1st. If no additional extensions are given, come Oct 2018, residents with just a Pennsylvania license will need a passport or another approved form of identification to board domestic flights. Will keep you posted, but for now......good to travel!!!

Mexico on vacation with my husband and our sons 🌴
Started out fantastico!! Our Lomas driver met us with a sign outside of customs and away we went in a Roomy Navigator to.......
The lovely Generations Resort in Riviera Maya! Fabulous accommodations! All rooms are oceanview! Butlers Luis and Gerardo (over and above in their service!).
Great family gathering place with kids club and activities plus many additional adults only options next door at Casitas and El Dorado Royale!

Just returned from seeing the Over the Water Bungalows by Karisma, as well as other incredible hotels in the Mexican Yucatan peninsula. Love the organic greenhouse where they grow all the produce for their properties! Which is the best resort for you as a couple or as a family? Call to discuss and receive our professional help in arranging your dream trip. Our knowledge of the resorts and valued relationships will enhance your experience!

You’re just one click away from romance under the summer sun with El Dorado Casitas Royale. Take advantage of our special offer with rates starting from $272 pp/pn http://bit.ly/2aCL3D6.

I am proud and happy to partner with the Hyatt Playa Resorts to offer 10% discount to Military Service Members, Firefighters and Police Officers during the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month. Please contact us for details to take advantage of the savings to these magnificent all inclusive resorts in Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Jamaica

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
While you enjoy your Guacamole and chips with your Margaritas, here is a bit of history........

Cinco de Mayo ("5th of May") commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 – a victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over the French. The date is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride around the world. The Battle of Puebla delayed the French invasion of Mexico City. Five years later, Mexican forces defeated the French and expelled them from Mexico.

Why not have your Margaritas in Mexico?

Spring is in the air.....Love and Romance as well .....

One of the best promotions for a at El Dorado Spa Resorts is Cash For Your Bash, where the more rooms you book, the more money you receive… up to $15,000! http://bit.ly/2n4fza1

[Photo by: Cristina Sardaneta Photography]

Como se dice "I love to travel" Yo quiero.............................
This is the week to book your trip to Mexico!!!! Best pricing! Best resorts!!
Do you know the answer?
Vamos a practicar!!

Fact: Not all Mondays were created equal.

[Photo via IG user ]

Honeymoons, Anniversaries and Romance! Just one phone call and we can handle all the details. Call Lisa or Nicole at 610-789-5626 to book your Sandals or Beaches vacations.

Day 3: All your WeddingMoons by Sandals and Beaches Resorts dreams are about to come true! Which Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts would you choose for a honeymoon? Tag who you’d take below and tell us the resort of your dreams for your chance to win a wedding gown from Mon Cheri Bridals!

Remember to play every day for a shot at the most romantic trip for two to Sandals Resorts or Beaches Resorts http://bit.ly/2lBi5b1

Dreaming of a Mediterranean cruise? There is one stateroom left on Windstar cruise in July. 🛳
Explore the shores of Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, discovering the charm of Venice, the magnificence of Rome, and the vast beauty of the Dalmatian Coast. Wander down the ancient cobblestone streets of Taormina, travel up the sparking fjord to Kotor and bask in the allure of small ship cruising as your yacht anchors in the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik while larger ships only pass by. From remarkable small ports such as Rovinj to timeless cities like Venice and Rome, discover the Mediterranean’s most charming and historic destinations in one incomparable voyage.

Also receive $100 onboard credit per person! Call us to reserve your spot!

Amazing Savings at Sandals Resorts Get up to $1,229 in total savings, $1,000 instant air credit, and free Catamaran cruise for 2. There’s never been a better time to enjoy your dream trip to Sandals!

...sharing to brighten a rainy night in Pennsylvania.....just beautiful!!! This resort is pure luxury and after meeting the staff, and knowing which suites are the favorites, we know our clients will be well taken care of.....Dream of the tropics!

One&Only Palmilla Los

New Pennsylvania law will make passports mandatory for domestic air travel come Jan 2018. A driver's license will no longer be sufficient. Once this goes into effect, passport office lines and the time frame for receiving your passport will be longer. You must have at least 6 months validity on your passport when entering most countries, so this month is a good time to check your passport expiration date and call us to help you plan your next adventure!