What's the Connection between Halloween and Ireland?

With Halloween soon to be here I thought it would interesting to share a bit about this fun holiday and explore it's Irish roots. 

Many believe that Halloween is rooted in the Irish folk lore of Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival (pronounced "SAH-win or "SOW-win") which was a pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. It also marks the transition from the light of harvest to the darkness of winter, symbolizing the thin veil between the living and the spirit world. Celtic people believed that during the festival, spirits walked the Earth. 

After the harvest work was complete, celebrants joined with Druid priests to light a community fire using a wheel that would cause friction and spark flames. The wheel was considered a representation of the sun and used along with prayers. Cattle were sacrificed, and participants took a flame from the communal bonfire back to their home to relight the hearth.

Early texts present Samhain as a mandatory celebration lasting three days and three nights where the community was required to show themselves to local kings or chieftains. Failure to participate was believed to result in punishment from the gods, usually illness or death.

There was also a military aspect to Samhain in Ireland, with holiday thrones prepared for commanders of soldiers. Anyone who committed a crime or used their weapons during the celebration faced a death sentence.

Later on, Christian missionaries introduced All Souls Day on November 2 which perpetuated the idea of the living coming into contact with the dead at the same time of year.

Jack O' Lanterns are also part of the Irish folklore that we have incorporated into modern day Halloween celebrations. 

Legend is that a man named Stingy Jack who repeatedly trapped the Devil, only to let him go on condition that Jack would never go to Hell. When Jack died, he learned that Heaven didn't want his soul so he was forced to wander the Earth as a ghost for eternity. The Devil gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a carved out turnip to light his way. Locals started to carve scary faces into their own turnips to frighten away evil spirits.  

One of the most popular Samhain stories told during the festival was of “The Second Battle of Mag Tuired,” which portrays the final conflict between the Celtic pantheon known as the Tuatha de Danann and evil oppressors known as the Fomor. The myths state that the battle unfolded over the period of Samhain.

One of the most famous Samhain-related stories is “The Adventures of Nera,” in which the hero Nera encounters a corpse and fairies, and enters into the Otherworld.

Samhain figured into the adventures of mythological Celtic hero Fionn mac Cumhaill when he faced the fire-breathing underworld dweller Aillen, who would burn down the Hall of Tara every Samhain.

Samhain also figures into another Fionn mac Cumhaill legend, where the hero is sent to the Land Beneath the Wave. As well as taking place on Samhain, it features descriptions of the hero’s holiday gatherings.

As Christianity gained a foothold in pagan communities, church leaders attempted to reframe Samhain as a Christian celebration.

The first attempt was by Pope Boniface in the 5th century. He moved the celebration to May 13 and specified it as a day celebrating saints and martyrs. The fire festivals of October and November, however, did not end with this decree.

In the 9th century, Pope Gregory moved the celebration back to the time of the fire festivals, but declared it All Saints’ Day, on November 1. All Souls’ Day would follow on November 2.

Neither new holiday did away with the pagan aspects of the celebration. October 31 became known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween, and contained much of the traditional pagan practices before being adopted in 19th-century America through Irish immigrants bringing their traditions across the ocean.

Trick-or-treating is said to have been derived from ancient Irish and Scottish practices in the nights leading up to Samhain. In Ireland, mumming was the practice of putting on costumes, going door-to-door and singing songs to the dead. Cakes were given as payment.

Halloween pranks also have a tradition in Samhain, though in the ancient celebration, tricks were typically blamed on fairies.

 Just think, all of these wonderful traditions came from the mystical island of Ireland. Ready for more? Join me in a trip to the Emerald Isle in September of 2025! More information on the tour can be found on the website, www.tripalongtravel.com, or on Trip Along Travel's facebook page. There is a link to a short video about the tour. Or you can find more information here: 

https://tripalongtravel.com/mbg/2025-fall-ireland-escape/

Happy Hauntings!

How do Travel Agents get paid?

There are so many misconceptions about what a travel agent does and how they are paid, so I thought I would try and answer some of those questions.

First, not all travel agents are created equal. All agents will strive to get the best value for the money, but in all honesty if you are comparing a travel agent quote to the rock bottom price at Costco, the travel agent will tell you to book Costco.

Why? One, the travel agent can’t compete with the pricing Costco has. That said, Costco cannot compete with the service a Travel Agent will provide.

For example, you booked your trip with Costco. You have a connecting flight but your first was delayed and you missed the second flight. You are now stuck at the airport with no support from Costco to get another flight to catch, say your cruise in time.

Now, that same scenario but you booked with a travel agent. You contact your agent, and they immediately provide you support and start working to get you booked on the next flight or make arrangements to connect with your cruise should you be unable to make the embarkation port in time. This is just part of the service a travel agent provides.

Another example for those of you that love to cruise. A travel agent is able to find options for you such as free upgrades and onboard spending credits.

A travel agent will spend hours looking for the best lodging options, resorts or put together a road trip that you ask for. They will follow up with each reservation and confirm everything to make sure your vacation goes a smoothly as possible.

Should an emergency arise while you are on vacation, your travel agent will be there to help you make arrangements to get home as quickly as possible.

If there are a group of people that wish to travel together, a travel agent can also make arrangements to provide additional ‘perks’ and secure group rates.

So, how does a travel agent get paid? Charging fees are left up to the individual agent and is something that you should ask about at your initial meeting with your agent. Many agents do not charge a planning fee.

As for myself, I do not charge a fee for vacation planning. I do charge a fee for destination weddings. This is what many travel agents do.

So, how do agents get paid? By commission. Each reputable supplier that an agent uses to book your vacation pays the agent a commission. These commissions vary from supplier and type of service. Agents are paid AFTER their client travels.

Commission rates do not impact the price you pay. For example, if you booked a cruise directly with your favorite cruise line, the price is exactly the same as if you booked through a travel agent. The supplier does not discount the rate.

So, please remember, when you ask a travel agent to look up some options for you, it is time they spend working for you. They get paid ONLY after you have not only booked, but after you have traveled. If you decided to go elsewhere or think you have found a better price and book elsewhere, the agent gets nothing for their time.  Many times, if you have found a better price AND you are comparing apples to apples, bring the same offer to your agent and they might be able to price match it.

Remember, using a travel agent isn’t just about getting the best deal, but about the service an agent can give you.

That said, I would be remiss if I didn’t plug a few hosted tours I have coming up in 2025

In January, I am hosting an 8-night Caribbean cruise! This cruise is almost sold out! Hurry to secure your stateroom. 

In July of 2025 I am hosting a 11-day Alaska cruise/tour. I have just a few slots left so if you are interested please reach out. This cruise will also sell out. 

September 2025 join me in Ireland! One of my favorite countries to visit. 

Join myself and my mom (My travel buddy) on either or both of these tours and stay tuned for planned trips for 2025!

Destination: Aruba

Discover the Caribbean charm of Aruba, a distinctive jewel nestled amidst the sapphire splendor of the azure waters.

Drawn by the allure of its white sandy beaches, Aruba's Eagle Beach has been voted the best in the Caribbean!

But Aruba offers so much more. 

This small island, just 70 square miles, boasts an average balmy 82 degrees and is packed with stunning beaches and remnants of gold mining, the many museums showcase the diverse cultures that have influenced the island. Not to mention the impact on local foods, traditions and festivals.  

Delve into Aruba's rich past, filled with riveting tales woven together to create a tapestry of cultural heritage. Treat your tastebuds to the island's legendary rum, a local secret known for its smooth and flavorful experience. 

"Aruba has a vibrant art scene, influenced by the indigenous cultures, European colonialism and Africa Heritage. Regional artistic traditions continue to be deeply intertwined with social and political history that reflects the struggles and triumphs of it's diverse communities."-- Aruba Tourism Board

As a friendly professional travel consultant that has visited this lovely island paradise, I guarantee that your journey to Aruba will leave you with not just memories, but stories that will persist long after the tan fades. 

Ready to pack your bags and let’s dive into the enticing and adventurous world of Aruba? 

The World is waiting. Where will YOU go? 

.

Catch the Wave Season!

Wave season is upon us! Are you ready? 

What is wave season? This is one of the best times to book a cruise. Cruise lines are actively working on filling ships across the board and this is the time you'll find some great offers. This is the cruise line industry 'black Friday deals'. 

While the 'season' typically is January to March, you don't want to wait to book. Prime options, cabin locations and more will sell out quickly. Moreover, the earlier you book, the better the offering. 

With so many choices, cruise lines, itineraries, it call be a bit daunting trying to find the perfect match. 

This is where your travel advisor can really help you. 

Looking for a winter get away cruise? The Caribbean offers a number of exciting itineraries. 

What about Italy or Greece? Yes! These and so much more are available in the Mediterranean. 

Perhaps you wish to see some Norwegian fjords or visit Iceland-Yep, those too.

From small ships to ocean liners, eco adventures to party time, wave season is some of the very best time to book. 

Contact me today and we can talk about your cruise plans!

The World is waiting. Where will YOU go? 

Spotlight on Aruba!

 Aruba is located in the Caribbean sea near the cost of Columbia. This 69 square mile island belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is also part of the ABC islands along with Bonaire and Curacao. 

Aruba is unique in the Caribbean in that it is a dry climate and an arid cactus strewn landscape. It is relatively warm and sunny year round. This arid climate made it unsuitable for slave based plantations so the type of large scale slavery that was so common on other Caribbean islands never became established on Aruba. 

The weather and temperature is moderated by the trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Tempurature typically stays between 80 and 85 degrees year round. 

Aruba is home to some of the best white sandy beaches of the world. 

While mostly flat, compared to other islands in the Caribbean, you can clearly identify the volcano that is situated on this island. The volcano, Hooiberg, rises 541 feet above sea level and is in the center of the island. 

Interested in visiting this wonderful island? I'm hosting a cruise in January 2024 that will be stopping in at this wonderful island. 

How much does it cost to hire a travel agent?

There are so many misconceptions about what a travel agent does and how they are paid, so I thought I would try and answer some of those questions. 

First, not all travel agents are created equal. All agents will strive to get the best value for the money, but in all honesty if you are comparing a travel agent quote to the rock bottom price at Costco, the travel agent will tell you to book Costco. 

Why? One, the travel agent can't compete with the pricing Costco has. That said, Costco cannot compete with the service a Travel Agent will provide. 

For example, you booked your trip with Costco. You have a connecting flight but your first was delayed and you missed the second flight. You are now stuck at the airport with no support from Costco to get another flight to catch, say your cruise in time. 

Now, that same scenario but you booked with a travel agent. You contact your agent, and they immediately provide you support and start working to get you booked on the next flight or make arrangements to connect with your cruise should you be unable to make the embarkation port in time. This is just part of the service a travel agent provides. 

Another example for those of you that love to cruise. A travel agent is able to find options for you such as free upgrades and onboard spending credits. 

A travel agent will spend hours looking for the best lodging options, resorts or put together a road trip that you ask for. They will follow up with each reservation and confirm everything to make sure your vacation goes a smoothly as possible. 

Should an emergency arise while you are on vacation, your travel agent will be there to help you make arrangements to get home as quickly as possible. 

If there are a group of people that wish to travel together, a travel agent can also make arrangements to provide additional 'perks' and secure group rates. 

So, how does a travel agent get paid? Charging fees are left up to the individual agent and is something that you should ask about at your initial meeting with your agent. Many agents do not charge a planning fee. 

As for myself, I do not charge a fee for vacation planning. I do charge a fee for destination weddings. This is what many travel agents do. 

So, how do agents get paid? By commission. Each reputable supplier that an agent uses to book your vacation pays the agent a commission. These commissions vary from supplier and type of service. Agents are paid AFTER their client travels. 

Commission rates do not impact the price you pay. For example, if you booked a cruise directly with your favorite cruise line, the price is exactly the same as if you booked through a travel agent. The supplier does not discount the rate. 

So, please remember, when you ask a travel agent to look up some options for you, it is time they spend working for you. They get paid ONLY after you have not only booked, but after you have traveled. If you decided to go elsewhere or think you have found a better price and book elsewhere, the agent gets nothing for their time.  Many times, if you have found a better price AND you are comparing apples to apples, bring the same offer to your agent and they might be able to price match it. 

Remember, using a travel agent isn't just about getting the best deal, but about the service an agent can give you. 

That said, I would be remiss if I didn't plug a few hosted tours I have coming up in 2023.  

In January, I am hosting an 8-night Caribbean cruise! Prices start at $520/person with on board spending credit of $75! Only available with Trip Along Travel. 

My March Panama Canal cruise is SOLD OUT. 

In December of 2023 I am hosting a 12-day German Christmas market tour. This tour is December 1-12 so you will be back in plenty of time to spend Christmas at home. This tour is $1850 per person and is filling up quickly. 

Join myself and my mom (My travel buddy) on either or both of these tours and stay tuned for planned trips for 2024! 

Family Historians and Genealogists Who Love to Travel

Calling family historians and genealogists! 

I don't know about you, but I love to delve into my families past and uncover nuggets of history that I previously didn't know. Finding those connections from one generation to another are very satisfying. 

I started my journey as the family historian looking for a birth great grandfather. (Still looking but finding clues!) I started over 30 years ago and each find has truly been a gem. 

One of my favorite finds was a connection to a family in Yorkshire. We started emailing and confirmed the connection. He graciously extended an offer to visit and look at a treasure trove of documents he had. As in originals from 1500's! 

A few years later I was able to travel to Yorkshire. Unfortunately, in the intervening years he had passed away. I did however, meet with his son, another cousin! I was given a private tour of the home my ancestors continue to reside today. Did I mention they are peerage? 

It was great fun. 

I would never have had that experience if I hadn't started down that road, looking for family connections.

Making the connection on paper is a great thing, but to actually travel to those places make your own, private history, come alive. 

Imagine crossing the Irish sea on a small ship looking for the opportunity to farm your own plot of land. Or peruse the castle ruins of the long-ago king that ruled the city state that was your 15th grandfather. Or imagine the countless families that fled the potato famine by immigrating to the U.S. 

Their stories are your stories.

Traveling to those small villages might, just might, open a small chink in that brick wall that you hit. While troves of documents are available online, so many more are not and only a trip to the local parish or depository will have that one piece of paper, that one vital piece of information that you need to take that next step. 

If you have a group of people that are interested in the same area, all the better to share and bounce ideas off and research together. 

Maybe you already have a group of people interested in going to Ireland, or Scotland or maybe Germany. Or any other place that you may wish to research. Give me a call and we can put together a lovely itinerary to include sites, research options and more. Groups can be as large as 40, small as 10 or even couples or individuals. 

The World is waiting. Where will YOU go?