First Friday

Monthly Celebration….Biloxi MS

Vendors Paradise….


Love To Travel? … Make It Your Business!


Entertainment For The Evening….


Keep Up To Date With All The Travel News!


My love of both Music and Photography made for my total enjoyment of the evening. All photos were taken with my first-generation Nikon Z6; coupled with my Nikon 50mm, f1.8 Prime lens.

Before sunset I used my (manual setting); 1/125-250 shutter speeds; ISO settings between 400 to 800.

After sunset I switched to my (shutter speed setting); 1/125; switched between a constant ISO setting of 3200, and automatic ISO.

Join Us For Next Month’s Celebration! (April 7, 2023)

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Air B N Bs

Study reveals families are opting for Airbnbs over hotel stays
from The Navigator
I love Airbnbs, but as someone who typically travels with just my significant other, they’re not always necessary for me. In fact, the times I find myself prioritizing them are when I’m traveling with family or a group of friends. New research says I’m not the only one who feels this way. 

According to new data from Airbnb, family travel is thriving. On their platform, it skyrocketed by 60% in 2022 compared to before the pandemic. Airbnb saw 15 million check-ins in nearly 90,000 destinations. Considering you can book a two-bedroom two-bath house per night for the same cost as one hotel room, the numbers make sense. 

Another significant advantage of Airbnb for families is the access to a kitchen. Nearly 90% of Airbnb listings have kitchens, allowing families to save money by cooking instead of eating out for every meal. 

Moreover, the experience is unique. You can choose a home with a yard so the kids can run wild. You can indulge in a pool you don’t have to share with other guests. And families can really unpack—staying for longer periods of time. In 2022, more than half of families stayed between two and six nights, while nearly half stayed for a week or longer. This flexibility allows families to plan their trip around their schedule, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or an extended family vacation.

So where are families going?  Everywhere! Paris, France, London, United Kingdom, and Melbourne, Australia are just a few of the top destinations for family travel on Airbnb. Additionally, Airbnb offers families the opportunity to travel near and far with unique experiences. The top-booked categories for family travel in 2022 included amazing pools, beach destinations, skiing destinations, tropical destinations, and national parks.
I just found a flight deal for $468 from Los Angeles to Finland, which had me wondering: If I was packing up the whole family for this epic trip, what Airbnb could I score to round out the most reasonable trip ever? I can get this stunning 3-bedrooms 2-bath cottage for $199 a night.

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American Cruise Lines Opens 2023 Season

By NewsdeskFeb 10, 2023 11:49am

American Cruise Lines has announced that American Star departs from Florida on February 18, marking the opening of the line’s 2023 U.S. cruise season. The line is celebrating “Wave Season” by running more small ships from U.S. ports than ever before. The line begins this year’s season with two riverboats and two small ships setting sail along the East Coast from Florida and South Carolina, the West Coast from California, and the Mississippi River from Louisiana.

On the West Coast, American Jazz will embark along a historic cruise from San Francisco on February 24, 2023. Following the new eight-day “San Francisco Bay” itinerary, American Jazz will be the first U.S. riverboat in over 80 years to explore San Francisco Bay and the California Delta, cruising wine country along the NapaSacramento, and San Joaquin rivers.

On the East Coast, two of the company’s smallest cruise ships, the 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, depart February 18 and February 25, respectively. American Star will begin the season along the eight-day “Great Rivers of Florida” cruise, roundtrip from Jacksonville. A Sister ship, American Independence, will sail the line’s popular eight-day “Historic South & Golden Isles” itinerary between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida; exploring the country’s Gold Coast along the protected Intracoastal Waterway. The recently renovated American Heritage begins the 2023 season on the Mississippi River, following a classic eight-day “Lower Mississippi” itinerary from New Orleans to Memphis, departing February 25.

American Cruise Lines offers five new riverboats and 11 itineraries on the Mississippi alone in 2023 and has a growing fleet of new small ships and riverboats operating 50+ itineraries in 35 states this year.


It’s Time To Travel Again!


American’s 2023 season continues to open around the country, with “Chesapeake Bay Cruises” in March; “Columbia and Snake Rivers” cruises and “Puget Sound Cruises” in April; “New England” cruises in May; “Alaska Cruises” in June; “Hudson River” cruises in September; and “Holiday Cruises” in November and December.

The company’s small ship cruises offer an all-inclusive experience and feature over 400 shore excursions. All the line’s itineraries include complimentary onboard enrichment and entertainment, fine cuisine, and a festive cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres each evening. American ships also include Starlink Wi-Fi. Cruise pricing 2023-24 for includes port charges and fees as well as tips and gratuities.

For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.


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TRAVEL ADVISOR CERTIFICATION

Experts in New Orleans Travel…

We have been officially certified as specialists by New Orleans & Company.

Certifications:

  • AMERICA’S MOST UNIQUE CITY
  • NEW ORLEANS TASTES & TUNES
  • CRUISING NEW ORLEANS
  • DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN NEW ORLEANS
  • GROUPS IN THE CRESCENT CITY
  • NEW ORLEANS & BEYOND
  • WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR CLIENT GOES

Enter Our World of Travel !


AMERICA’S MOST UNIQUE CITY……From Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street to the finest Creole and Cajun dining, New Orleans serves up a one-of-a-kind experience for clients. Knowing how to direct our clients to the unique experiences of the Big Easy is key to ensuring they have the best, most memorable vacation possible.

We are able to recommend a good orientation to the city and offer insights about the New Orleans sights and sounds.


NEW ORLEANS TASTES & TUNES….New Orleans wouldn’t be the city that it is without its unique dining scene and unsurpassed musical heritage. We are well-versed in culinary and music history and know where to access the city’s best current offerings. We will help you create a dining and musical experience that is nothing short of a masterpiece.


CRUISING NEW ORLEANS…Historic grace and modern cruising grandeur come together in one destination in New Orleans. Visitors to the city can take advantage of both experiences – an educated travel advisor makes the difference. We understand the history of cruising in New Orleans and are well-versed as to the newest opportunities for New Orleans-bound travelers.


DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN NEW ORLEANS…New Orleans is known as the “Paris of the South.” For centuries, couples have been saying ‘I do in New Orleans. Destination weddings in New Orleans are not just three-hour events, they are three-day plus celebrations with friends and family that will have guests talking about the big event for a long time.


GROUPS IN THE CRESCENT CITY….Groups heading to New Orleans will discover a city that welcomes them with two big open arms. There is so much to discover in the Crescent City, starting with its incredible heritage.

It is home to more National Historic Landmarks than any other city in the United States. Groups will explore a destination distinctively its own, whether it’s a walking tour of the historic French Quarter, including countless restaurants and fascinating architecture; discovering the Arts District, with its endless galleries; or shopping on Magazine Street, one of the oldest and most diverse shopping districts in the city.


NEW ORLEANS & BEYOND…There’s no disputing that New Orleans is a city filled with countless attractions and activities of its own. However, when clients head here and just stay within its environs then they are missing out on a host of excitement all within a radius of a two-hour drive.

Whether it’s a repeat visitor to New Orleans, or a first-timer looking for a longer stay, they won’t want to miss out on all there is to see and do beyond the city.


WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR CLIENT GOES…Welcome to New Orleans…where the motto of “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” (Let the Good Times Roll) sums up the celebratory atmosphere of the city while paying tribute to its French heritage. The Crescent City’s European and Caribbean influences date back more than 300 years and can be felt, seen, heard, and tasted in its music, architecture, and cuisines.

New Orleans is also proud to be a part of the great American South with historical architectural gems such as antebellum plantations along the Mississippi River and mansions in the Garden District, as well as a steamboat paddlewheel that harkens back to another time.

Visitors can stroll through New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods, experience Mardi Gras, listen to jazz, eat Cajun favorites, shop for antiques, and embrace life the New Orleans way.


Book Your New Orleans Adventure !


Let’s Do This Thing….

Email: wmlumpkin@digitalagetravelprofessionals.com
Phone: 731.334.2106
Booking Site: https://willielumpkin.inteletravel.com


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Hilton Garden Inn… 821 Gravier New Orleans CBD

been there….done that….

Hotel Evaluations Based On Personal Stays…….


Located in New Orleans’ Central Business District, two blocks from the French Quarter’s famous Bourbon Street. Countless bars, restaurants, and shops are within a 10-minute walk. The Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center are under a mile away. Enjoy our rooftop pool, 11th floor lobby lounge, and Great American Grill.


The Great American Grill host daily breakfast buffet between the hours of 6am and 10am daily. Staff members Ursula, Marlene, anchored by Keith (mgr) offer above board hospitality. Cost is 19.95/ea. Dinner served evenings.


Rooms are very accommodating bosting plenty of space for both working and relaxing.


Buy the Galaxy Book3 Series and Double your storage to 1TB for the price of 512GB on Windows 11 Home PCs ($200 value)

Enjoy rooftop pool, exercise room,11th floor lobby lounge, and Great American Grill. WiFi is Free!


Rent Cars US

InteleTravel Hotel Inspection Form

First Impression of Hotel…………………………….. ( 4)

Accessibility Of Front Entrance…………………….. ..( 2)

Lobby Appearance and Size …………………………. (4 )

Number of Elevators ………………………………… ( 4) one not operational

Number of Available Bellstaff ……………………….. ( 4)

Number of Staff at Front Desk ………………………. (4 )

Appearance and Diversity of Dining Areas …….. ……..( 5)

Appearance and Diversity of Entertainment …………… (N/A )

Closeness to Restaurants, Shops, etc. ……………… …( 5)

Closeness to Public Transportation …………………. ..( 5)

Appearance/Apparent Safety of Neighborhood ………… ( 5)

Size of Guest Rooms …………………………………..(5 )

Appearance of Guest Rooms …………………………..(4 )


this is how I see it…..

Pros:

  • Central Location
  • Staff; Keith (mgr), Ursula, & Marlene provide excellent customer care..and a wonderful breakfast experience!
  • Spacious/Comfortable Rooms

    Cons:

    • Front Entrance
    • Parking
    • Accessibility to Lobby

    All said and done I enjoyed my stay! I give this 3 Star hotel…

    My Personal Rating of 4 Stars!…

    Visit New Orleans CBD

    Book Your Stay @ Digital Age Travel Professionals

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    Celebrity Launches World’s First Digital Cruise Ship Experience in Metaverse

    By Newsdesk Dec 30, 2022 10:00am

    Wonderverse
    (Celebrity Cruises)

    Celebrity Cruises is sailing into the future with the launch of a new virtual experience dubbed, the “Wonderverse.”

    In an industry first, travelers will get to “see before they sail,” exploring a hyper-realistic, digital recreation of aspects of their newest ship in Celebrity’s transformational Edge SeriesCelebrity Beyond, complete with the ship’s spaces, entertaining signature moments like Celebrity’s famous Martini Bar Flair Show, and the ability to visit top destinations that Celebrity sails to—from Alaska to the Caribbean and Europe to Asia

    In addition, guests can meet and chat with the line’s key leaders as digital avatars, including President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the Captain Kate McCue—the first, and still only, American female captain of a major cruise ship, and Nate Berkus, Celebrity’s Edge Series travel ambassador and designer of the Sunset Bar on Celebrity Beyond

    Built-in partnership with virtual event platform architects Surreal Events, Celebrity’s Wonderverse is also complete with mini-games and activities, entertainment, easter eggs, and much more, all hosted on the web at celebritycruises.com/wonderverse

    Once logged in to the Wonderverse, consumers will move from space to space, enjoying immersive, interactive content throughout, as they learn more about the ship and the destinations they can sail to on Celebrity Cruises, including: 

    • The Magic Carpet that soars cantilevered above the sea with uninterrupted vistas for enjoying virtual cocktails or dinner. The first space users will experience, it also doubles as a meeting space, providing a dynamic way for users to interact together virtually. 
    • The majestic Grand Plaza, the social epicenter of Celebrity Beyond, spanning three decks with the brand’s signature Martini Bar at the heart of it all, will serve as a social-first lounge where passengers can connect, listen to music, enjoy Celebrity’s iconic Martini Bar Flair Show and chat with Celebrity’s President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
    • The Resort Deck, featuring a Rooftop Garden, the ship’s Main Pool, unique cantilevered float pools, and sunken seating offers interactions with Captain Kate and Nate Berkus, who showcases the brand’s 2024-2025 season offerings. Visitors can also relax in lounge chairs and jump in the pool.
    • The Nate Berkus-designed Sunset Bar, where Berkus shares his personal travel experiences reflected in the internationally-inspired ambiance at the multi-level, multi-terraced outdoor space while visitors enjoy one of the most talked about spaces on any cruise ship.

    The journey begins with a user-controlled tender game to the iconic Magic Carpet, where participants will have a chance to create their own personalized avatar.  Participants will then be transported to the Resort Deck, where they will be greeted personally by Captain Kate, on hand to help answer questions and can explore the ship from there. 

    From there, visitors can also experience some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations in the Wonderverse, including the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier in Alaska; SantoriniGreece; Japan’s capital city of Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji; and the white sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters of St. Lucia, all before reuniting with Nate Berkus at the Sunset Bar, where they’ll have the opportunity to ask him a series of questions about the ship and destinations. As part of the experience, guests will be able to easily access a portal for immediate bookings. 

    For more information on all Celebrity Beyond sailings, visit www.celebritycruises.com.  

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    Stats: 2023 Will Mark Full Recovery of International Travel

    By Newsdesk Dec 20, 2022 12:16pm

    Next year will see international travel recover at a faster pace despite increasing prices, as travelers shake concerns from the pandemic and plan bigger trips, according to recent research by travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth.com, which analyzed booking trends to identify five key 2023 travel predictions. 

    Here’s what it had to share:

    1. 2023 Will Mark the Full Recovery of International Travel

    Nearly 90 percent of insured travel was for international destinations, marking the first time international travel matched pre-pandemic levels. Squaremouth anticipates a high demand for international trips to continue in 2023.

    2. Antarctica Will Be a Top Destination for the First Time in 2023

    With international travel back, bigger trips to more adventurous destinations will trend in 2023. Preliminary 2023 trip data shows Antarctica is a top destination for the first time ever. Other top destinations early in 2023 include IsraelCosta RicaFranceSpain, and Japan

    Squaremouth.com

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    3. Travelers Primed to Spend at Least 25 Percent More on Travel  

    With lingering economic uncertainties, travelers are becoming more budget-conscious and changing their spending habits. That said, travel is getting more expensive, and will continue to increase in 2023. Travelers spent an average of 25.53 percent more on trips in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic figures. Of all age cohorts, Millennials are feeling the most price pressure, spending an average of 40 percent more on trips compared to 2019.   

    4. Older Travelers Return

    Older travelers have returned to pre-pandemic numbers going into 2023. Squaremouth expects Millennials and Gen Z will continue to purchase travel insurance at a higher rate than 2019.

    Over 60 percent of travel insurance buyers are born before 1980, which includes Generation X and Baby Boomers; collectively, this group is expected to spend over $2 billion on travel in 2023. Throughout the pandemic, these demographics saw the largest drop-off. At the same time, Millennials and Gen Z grew their market share of travel insurance purchases by over 15 percent

    5. Travelers Will Worry Less About Coronavirus and More About Airlines

    Due to aviation-related travel disruptions in 2022, trip cancelation and travel delays are becoming bigger concerns for travelers going into 2023. Searches for travel insurance including COVID-related coverage dropped by around 2 percent in 2022, while searches for “Cancel for Any Reason” dropped by nearly 3 percent from 2021, and almost 9 percent compared to 2020. Trip delay coverage had the biggest increase of all searches, due in part to airline flight cancelation issues.

    Methodology: Squaremouth analytics compared travel insurance policy sales for trips being insured between January 1 and December 5, 2022. To determine the top insured destinations for 2023, Squaremouth analytics analyzed all plans purchased by December 5, 2022, for travel between January 1 and December 31, 2023. 


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    Airport Marriott….Atlanta GA

    been there…..done that…..

    Expect an effortless blend of style and service at Atlanta Airport Marriott. This modern hotel sits on 14 acres of scenic grounds near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Take advantage of their free airport shuttle, available 24 hours a day.

     Fuel up for a day of sightseeing in Atlanta at VOYA Bistro or linger over a delicious dinner at Bentleys Steakhouse, two of five hotel dining outlets. 

    Then unwind in stylish, soundproof hotel rooms with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, smart TVs, balconies, and views of our hotel pool.

    Nicely Appointed Bathroom

    Adequate Work Space

    Combination Indoor/Outdoor Pool

    If you’re looking for things to do near our airport hotel, you’re in luck. From small-town coffee shops and breweries to nearby event venues and museums, Atlanta Airport Marriott puts you close. Utilize the digital concierge to explore before you head out.

    InteleTravel Hotel Inspection Form

    First Impression of Hotel………………………………. ( Curb appeal is outstanding )

    Accessibility Of Front Entrance…………………….. ( Drive very accessible)

    Lobby Appearance and Size …………………………. ( Hugh Open Lobby )

    Number of Elevators …………………………………….. ( Nice and roomy )

    Number of Available Bellstaff ……………………….. ( On Point )

    Number of Staff at Front Desk ………………………. ( Available & Efficient )

    Appearance and Diversity of Dining Areas …….. ( On-site Coffee Shop, and Restaurants)

    Appearance and Diversity of Entertainment ……. ( Weekend Entertainment )

    Closeness to Restaurants, Shops, etc. ……………… ( Restaurants on Site / Shopping UA)

    Closeness to Public Transportation …………………. ( Airport Shuttle (public trans @airport Uber/Lyft)

    Appearance/Apparent Safety of Neighborhood … ( Suburban)

    Size of Guest Rooms …………………………………….. ( Spacious )

    Appearance of Guest Rooms ………………………….. ( Very Nice)

    How I See It…..

    Wonderful Stay, Very Comfortable.

    BOOK YOUR STAY @ https://willielumpkin.inteletravel.com

    Marriott International Introduces Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Responding to Growing Consumer Demand As Travelers Increasingly Blend Work and Leisure

    NOVEMBER 9, 2022

     — BETHESDA, MD

    New offering expected to spur development opportunities globally

    Marriott International, Inc., today announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott BonvoyTM. The company is seizing upon growing consumer interest among families and friends seeking more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel, and the desire among younger travelers for wider accommodations options.

    Marriott is building upon its 26 years of experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the U.S. and Canada.

    “Travelers planning vacations and long business trips today are seeking more choice in accommodations, and the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy responds to those trends while offering developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, growing their loyalty to the portfolio and its range of brand offerings.”

    Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands, with distinctly designed products that reflect the local neighborhood for independent travelers seeking more space and residential amenities. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer, but will be differentiated from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands by not providing certain traditional hotel services such as food and beverage, meeting spaces, and retail. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy is anticipated to offer developers the flexibility to build new properties or convert existing properties, with a design approach similar to the company’s successful Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio lodging brands, which offer consumers independent, uniquely distinguished hotel experiences. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will be backed by Marriott’s powerful reservations engine and Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s award-winning travel program with 173 million members.

    Among travel consumers and Marriott Bonvoy members, there is a growing desire for premium accommodations that provide home-like amenities as travelers combine work and leisure trips to reconnect with family and friends. According to Phocuswright’s research, three of the top five reasons for selecting an apartment-style rental are more room or space, access to a full kitchen and laundry, and a home-like feel.1

    Prospective developers can learn more about Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy and all the company’s brands on Marriott’s development website. Offer and sale by prospectus only.

    [1] Through the Roof: U.S. Short Term Rentals 2021, Phocuswright, January 2022

    Note on Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to planned new product offerings; demand trends for certain types of lodging products; growth plans and expectations for the new product offering; expectations regarding growth in customer loyalty; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    About Marriott International
    Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

    Media Contact
    John Wolf
    Vice President, Global Communications and Public Affairs
    Marriott International
    John.Wolf@Marriott.com

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