Newsletter

Greetings!

Nomadic Star Travel, LLC is appreciative of our loyal clients. Thanks for the referrals you send our way. The travel advisors we employ are certified and accredited. Our advisors stay current withe the latest travel trends. We attend formal training in person and through webinars.

Interested in Seeing the World?

Do you have a desire to see the world, travel, be together, and connect with others? We are pleased to have been fortunate to visit every continent, to date. Nomadic Star Travel, LLC would love to be “Your Passport to Adventure.”

Hours for Nomadic Star Travel, LLC

• Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-5:00pm
• Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm
• Closed all federal holidays and weekends

Convenient Payment Plan

A convenient payment plan, to fit most budgets, allow you to book travel now. This includes individual or group cruises, all-inclusive resorts, family reunions, class reunions, graduation celebration, anniversary celebrations and speciality outings (quilting, book clubs, dance, chess, pinochle, bridge). Performances at the theatres (London, New York and Las Vegas) can be booked with us.

Our Travel

We have traveled to every continent to date, except Antarctica. The holiday season is rapidly approaching. Now is a good time to think of your holiday trips.

The Promise

It is our promise to create an unforgettable travel experience and to make the first day of your vacation a memorable one.

Travel Advisors

Black travelers prefer to travel in groups and visit destinations specific to Black heritage. A 2021 MMGY study revealed Black American travelers spent $20.2 billion on international leisure trips and $109.4 billion on domestic leisure trips in 2019. Some of the most popular destinations and perceived safety and acceptance are Dubai, Greece, Ghana, Portugal, Panama, Colombia and the Caribbean.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of of six months for reentry into the United States. Please check your passport expiration date prior to making plans to travel to ensure all is correct.

Our Recent Dominican Republic Trip

The owner, Nomadic Star Travel, LLC accompanied clients on the Girl’s Trip to Punta Cana, DR on June 19, 2024. The resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, offered everything we desired. Some of us walked the beach early the second morning!

The gym was excellent and being in the company of one of our illustrious instructors, she ensured we warmed up, utilized the equipment properly, and had a total body workout. I admired three clients who attended the exercise classes regularly, visited the gym every day, and walked every morning.

We experienced, Rock Spa® hydrotherapy center with lagoons, two whirlpools, steam room, sauna, sensory expertise pool, and a cutting edge ice room. One cannot forget the relaxing 80 minute massage.
Three clients had the opportunity to enjoy the session on two different occasions. Visiting the beach, and just relaxing was wonderful. We were happy to know there was an adult pool!

Service Fee

Some ask, “Does Nomadic Star Travel, LLC charge a service fee?” The answer is “Yes.” This is how we are compensated for the time we devote to your individual travel request to ensure we are giving the client(s) exactly what was requested.

We ask questions for clarification of the request. These questions include:  (1) What is your budget? (2) Are your passports current? (3) What gateway (airport) will you depart? (4) If travel is to an all-inclusive resort, ar e you interested in a family resort, or all-adult resort? 

Travel, Accident and Baggage Insurance

Nomadic Star Travel, LLC sells travel, accident and baggage insurance on all travel booked through the agency. This insurance protects the agency and the client(s). The cost of insurance is based on the age, cost of trip and destination. Insurance should be purchased within 15 days of deposit which covers pre-existing conditions. Remember, with the change in the weather, you are not allowed to purchase travel, accident and baggage insurance once a hurricane has been named.

Contact Us

Please submit your travel request through the Contact Us link on the website, the travel advisors at Nomadic Star Travel, LLC will follow-up with your travel request(s) within two business days or sooner.   

E-mail is the most utilized means of communication by our travel advisors.

Limit Number of Electronics in Mexico

As a member of the consortium, Travel Leaders Network, I share the following with you as presented by the President, Travel Leaders Network. This concerns electronics in Mexico. According to the government of Mexico, travelers are entitled to bring in two cameras or camcorders and camara gear; three cellphones or other wireless devices; one GPS; one electronic organizer; one laptop, notebook, omnibook or other portable computing device; one portable copier or printer; one CD burner and one portable overhead projector and its accessories. This could use some updating—who is still using CD burners?

This is important and please abide by this rule … one laptop or one notebook/tablet.  Clients and or potential clients, there is possibility of being fined if your luggage is searched and more electronics are discovered. You can avoid this by limiting the amount of electronics to what is allowed, or be prepared to pay the fine, reported to be $200.
 
We are hopeful that Mexico will revise these guidelines, but until then, this information is provided to assist you in making the decision that is right for you. 

Cruise Ship News

• Crystal has entered into a memorandum of agreement with shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct two 690 passenger vessels? The first ship is expected to be delivered in spring 2028. The second ship’s timeline has not been announced.
• Tauck is piloting its “smaller group” tours in 2024 to an average of 15 guests. Tauck’s classic land journeys host an average of 35 to 44 guests.
• In response to California’s Senate Bill 478, Norwegian Cruise Line will now incorporate applicable taxes, fees, and port expenses into our advertised pricing? This change will alter how Norwegian Cruise Line display prices.
• Greece will restrict cruise ship berths or create a bidding process for ships to call at its popular islands, Santorini and Mykonos. Greece is the second major destination to voice a desire to restrict cruise traffic. Officials in Juneau announced a plan in early June to cap lower berths beginning in 2026. This is the latest in a spate of destinations to restrict or reshape how cruise ships visit their cities, ranging from Venice and Barcelona to Bar Harbor, Maine. Venice and other cities have charged travelers to discourage overtourism by implementing a fee for day trippers.

Sustainability Fees

• Aruba implemented a new sustainability fee for travelers when they enter. The new fee cost $20 and is collectable when travelers arrive by air. To pay the fee, travelers need to fill out the Embarkation and Disembarkation card online. To pay the fee, travelers need to fill out the Embarkation & Disembarkation (ED) Card using this link https://edcardaruba.aw Travelers can use several major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as Apple Pay. Cash payments on arrival will not be accepted and the fee must be paid before checking in for a flight in order to get clearance to travel. Visitors will only be required to pay the fee once each calendar year and repeat travelers will be exempt on future trips. Children under 8 years old, travelers arriving by cruise, Aruba residents, and some Aruban students are also exempt. The sustainability fee is in addition to the $3 environmental tax the island already charges. While it may cost a bit more to visit Aruba, the island’s near-perfect weather, amazing hotels and gorgeous beaches make it all worth it.  
• Amsterdam has increased its city tourist tax for travelers staying overnight or visiting on cruise ships.
• Paris raised taxes on hotel and other accommodations.
• Iceland has floated plans to add a new tax for tourists to support the country’s climate and sustainability goals.

Apartment Rentals

• Barcelona, Spain is reducing the number of rentals to visitors? This move is allow sufficient rentals for its residents.

Electronic Travel Authorization

• The United Kingdom will expand its Electronic Travel Authorization program to inbound travelers from Europe, the United States and elsewhere in 2025. The British government confirmed last week that non-Europeans will need an ETA for U.K. travel beginning Jan. 8, 2025, while Europeans will need one beginning April 2.  Non-Europeans can begin the application process on Nov. 27, while Europeans can begin the application process from March 5.  ETA is required for anyone planning to visit the U.K., except British and Irish citizens. Travelers will need to apply and be approved for an ETA prior to their trip, and the document will be linked to a traveler’s passport and “ensure more robust security checks.”  An ETA will cost 10 British pounds (about $13.10), and they will permit multiple trips to the U.K. for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. The aim of the program is to digitize the U.K. border and immigration system.

Future trips

• South Africa (January 21-February 3, 2025, Cape Town and Johannesburg 
• Ladies’ Getaway (May 2025) Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
• Dubai/Abu Dhabi (October 13-20, 2025)
• Greece (2026) … more information forthcoming
• Cruise on Oceania’s Allura … more information forthcoming
• Cruise, South Pacific and Tahiti … more information forthcoming for 2026

Group Travel with Nomadic Star Travel, LLC

We are pleased to travel with your group (minimum of 15 guests). All logistics will be handled by the agency.

Travel for Students: We book international travel for college and university students studying abroad. College and university personnel must provide a copy of the students’ passports to ensure names are spelled correctly, thereby avoiding a charge for such errors. Insurance is strongly recommended. Most insurance companies no longer offer “Cancel for any Reason” insurance. 

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibits (MICE): 

Organizations if you are interested in hosting your MICE onboard your favorite cruise line, contact Nomadic Star Travel, LLC . We will handle the logistics.

Best Caribbean Islands for Families

A visit to a resort jam-packed with activities can take the strain off parents and let everyone enjoy the trip. If you are looking for fun places for the family, you may want to visit:

• Barbados is the ideal Caribbean island for families. There is  everything from larger, more affordable resorts to smaller boutique offerings. Barbados is the best island for action.
• St. Lucia tops the islands to serving up romance. Coconut Bay is the biggest crowd pleaser on the island. The all-inclusive caters to couples, families and even wedding parties.

Airline News

For the most part, air travel has become an overall frustrating experience with shrinking seats, crowded flights, and rising fees for services is enough to make even the most savvy travelers exasperated! 

J. D. Power conducted a recent survey and asked thousands of fliers how satisfied they were with air carriers in the United States and Canada. A couple airlines have definitely earned passengers’ trust.

• Delta and Southwest are investing in staff training and recruitment to overcome negative effects of crowded gates and planes simply by being nice to their customers.
• Delta dominate the survey’s premium segment, earning the top spot in first/business class and the premum economy categories.
• Southwest Airlines is the favorite among budget fliers for the third year in a row, scoring points for perks like two free checked bags, complimentary snacks, and open seating policy.

Here is a list of the airlines ranking by cabin class:

First and business class –

1. Delta Air Lines
2. JetBlue Airways
3. United Airlines
4. Alaska Airlines
5. American Airlines
6. Air Canada

Premium economy

1. Delta Air Lines
2. Alaska Airlines
3. American Airlines
4. JetBlue Airways
5. WestJet
6. United Airlines
7. Air Canada

Economy and basic economy

1. Southwest Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. Allegiant Air
4. Alaska Airlines
5. JetBlue Airways
6. American Airlines
7. WestJet
8. United Airlines
9. Air Canada
10. Spirit Airlines
11. Frontier Airlines