Updated US COVID Testing Requirements

December 4th, 2021 by TTP_Admin

There has been a lot of information around the new Covid Testing Rules.  Much of the info on social media and in the news that is not accurate.  have provided the link to the complete set of requirements to enter both Jamaica and the United States.

Requirements to enter JamaicaJamaica Requirements

Requirements to enter United StatesUSA Requirements

Effective December 6th 2021 here are the requirements for entry to the United States:

All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country at or after 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on December 6, 2021, are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.

FAQ’s

What if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine or have tested positive for antibodies, do I still need a negative test?  At this time all air passengers, 2 years or older, traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 viral test result or documentation of recovery unless exempted.

What types of SARS-VoV-2 test are acceptable under the Order? You must be tested with a viral test that could be either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Examples of available NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 include but are not restricted to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR), and helicase-dependent amplification (HDA). The test used must be authorized for use by the relevant national authority for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the country where the test is administered. A viral test conducted for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) personnel, including DOD contractors, dependents, and other U.S. government employees, and tested by a DOD laboratory located in a foreign country also meets the requirements of the Order.

Can I get a rapid test? Rapid tests are acceptable if they are a viral test that meet the requirements under the Order.

Does this Order apply to land border crossings or persons arriving at seaports? No, the requirements of this Order only apply to air travel into the U.S.

More FAQs can be found on the CDC Site

Book Hedonism II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


How Tom Saved Lifestyle Month

January 1st, 2016 by TTP_Admin

Tom’s Trips would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hopes that you can make your dreams your reality in 2016. Below is a short story about how our founder Tom Wiseman helped keep alive the fantasy land that so many of us dream about.

Tom at Hedonism II

Tom at Hedonism II

The year was 2008 and the fate of January at Hedonism II was in jeopardy and nobody knew.  For years Lifestyle Tour and Travel had developed the top swinger event of the year at Hedonism II – Lifestyle Month.  The entire month of January was (and still is) devoted to those who accepted only the best in debauchery.  Lifestyle’s partnered with the best magazines, websites and travel agencies to promote and participate in Lifestyle Month.  No event at Hedonism or anywhere was it’s rival and still isn’t to this day.

This amazing event was on the verge of doom in the summer of 2008.  Due to a multitude of factors including the judgmental few who control the credit card processing industry.  Because of their beliefs about us they held back hundreds of thousands of dollars from Lifestyle Tour and Travel.  Payments that had been made in good faith by good people were being held from Lifestyles Tour and Travel.  Because of this attack on their cash flow Lifestyles was not going to be able to pay Hedonism for their Lifestyle Month reservations.

Some of you may have heard about couples showing up at Desire only to find out that there reservations were not paid for and guests were either forced to pay again or turned away.  This could have happened to hundreds of couples at Hedonism II if it weren’t for Tom Wiseman.

Not only would hundreds of people have lost their vacations but a scandal like this could have caused a ripple effect that would have dismantled Lifestyle Month, and hurt the chances that Hedonism would have survived the recession.  Fortunately for us all Tom Wiseman whose love and appreciation for Hedonism II was unmatched came to the rescue.

Hedonims II - 1 of 1In July of 2008 Tom agreed to honor all of the deposits for the Lifestyle Month reservations and hired Sandy Jones.  Sandy as many of you know is an integral part of Lifestyle Month.  She is the one that so many of you know and trust, and at the time outside from the Midwest Tom’s Trips was not as well recognized.

Tom put up over $200,000 in return for transferring Lifestyle Month to Tom’s Trips.  This far outweighed any commissions that he would earn in the short term.  Which is noteworthy because Tom didn’t have a lot of time.

Tom Wiseman had over 100 trips to Hedonism II during the 18 years he visited the resort.  He loved Jamaica and like many of us found that Hedonism II offered him the opportunity to be a part of a community like no other.  Mostly he loved the people and that they had a place that allowed them to be themselves.

Not only did Tom take on this commitment because he wanted to save Lifestyle Month and his beloved Hedonism II, he did it in without thoughts for his own future.  Tom was in the final months of battling Colon Cancer and knew that he would never see a financial return on his investment.  He just knew he didn’t want to see something so beautiful disappear.

Tom hoped that his family would continue the business and we are proud to be a part of his legacy.  Tom passed away in December of 2008 just 2 weeks before he would have experienced the first Tom’s Trips Lifestyle Month.  We know that he still watches over Hedonism II from his own special place in Heaven.

We also want to thank all of you who have stuck with us since 2008, your loyalty means so much to us.  We have tried to live up to Tom’s motto, “For A Good Time Call Tom” by providing you with the best host couples, entertainers and the one and only Sandy Jones.

Brochure Pictures - 1 of 1 (1)

Tom’s dream would not have been possible without a few other people that should be recognized:

  • Dr. Robert McGinley who owned Lifestyle Tour and Travel – had Dr. McGinley not agreed to allow Tom’s Trips to hire Sandy and transfer the contracts to Tom’s Trips this would not have been possible.
  • Sandy Jones who took a huge chance joining us when so much was uncertain.  We all owe Mama Sandy a huge thank you.
  • Terry and Terry, Ron and Jenn, Bob and Maureen, The Lady Suzy – Our January Host couples and advisors who helped teach us how to “Show You A Good Time.”
  • Hedonism II – They stuck with us in helping to keep Lifestyle Month alive.

Tom’s Trips Wins Lifestyle Award

September 20th, 2015 by TTP_Admin

LifestyleAward-400x250

FullSizeRenderTom’s Trips is honored to have been selected as the Lifestyle Travel Agency of the year at the Annual Lifestyle Awards.  The Lifestyle Awards show was held at the Naughty In Nawlins convention in New Orleans.   Each winner receives a beautiful gold statue.

The Annual Lifestyle Awards (aka the “Naughty Awards”) give recognition to the top lifestyle Parties, Clubs, Conventions, Cruises, Blogs, Resorts, Podcasts, Websites and much more. The winners will be determined by a month long voting period by fans of the swinging lifestyle.

Not only Did Tom’s Trips win for Best Lifestyle Travel Agency but our very own Mark Maze won The Lifestyle performer of the year.

Naughty in N’awlins is a lifestyle and swinger couples convention and is Bob & Tess’ signature event. Since 1999, this has been the most popular lifestyle event in the country. Where else does the city shut down their main street (Bourbon St.) and let 1,000 sexy swingers throw a parade? Only in New Orleans!

In addition to the Annual Awards Show, there are playrooms, Bourbon St. private parties at some of New Orleans hottest bars and clubs, seminars, workshops, erotic theme balls, entertainment, live music, great DJ’s, and much more.

ala-logo

FullSizeRender-2

 


Premium Rooms at Hedonism II

January 12th, 2014 by TTP_Admin

HEDONISM II –  NEW PREMIUM ROOMS

Tom’s Trips had the first chance to stay in the newly renovated premium rooms, and we have to tell you they are amazing.  The layout is much better, the quality of everything from the mattresses and linens to the woodwork and detail in these rooms is fantastic.  We took a few shots before “messing” the place up.  Let us know what you think of the new rooms at hedo on our Facebook page and join us on one of our group events at Hedonism II this year.

Hedonism-II-Room-Categories


Hedonism II Renovations – With Video

July 1st, 2013 by TTP_Admin

Winston gives you an overview of the changes that are underway at Hedonism II

Join us for one of our award winning trips to Hedonism II.

Check out these pictures from the renovations at Hedonism II

We are really excited about all of the improvements coming to Hedonism II.  The renovations are coming fast and furious.

  • Room Updates
  • Dining Room Update
  • New Beach Chairs
  • Flat Screen TV’s
  • Patio Doors on some rooms
  • Infrastructure Upgrades (Water, Electric, Stairs and Decking)
  • Update to Beach Bar
  • Pizza Oven at Nude Beach Grill

We are very excited to see Hedonism’s facilities finally coming up to par with it’s people.

Join us for one of our award winning trips to Hedonism II.


Tom’s Trips Recognized as Top Jamaica Travel Agency

April 9th, 2013 by TTP_Admin

TopAgent

Tom’s Trips recognized as one of the TOP 50 Travel Agencies for Jamaica.

We are proud of this accomplishment and want to thank the Jamaica Tourist Board for the opportunity to receive the award at Iberostar’s beautiful Rose Hall property in Montego Bay.

The Jamaica Tourist Board flew in the 50 top travel agents from across the United States and Canada to recognize them at a special ‘All White Affair’ at the Iberostar Grand in Rose Hall

READ THE ARTICLE IN THE JAMAICAN GLEANER


Be Wary – Unlicensed Travel Providers

January 29th, 2012 by TTP_Admin

Be wary – unlicensed travel providers without proper escrow accounts or travel agent insurance are becoming prevalent at some of the top adult travel destinations.   There is an extremely high level of risk in purchasing your trips from these groups.  Before you book a trip with anyone always ensure that they are a licensed travel agent, have travel agent liability insurance, and maintain your deposits in escrow accounts.

There have been reports of the following issues with unlicensed travel providers:

  • Trips paid to the travel provider, who then fails to pay the resort
  • Routine downgrades and/or guests being moved to other properties
  • High rates of Bankruptcy (guests are protected against this if the agencies maintains a proper escrow account, like Tom’s Trips)
  • Supplier Bankruptcy resulting in lost payments by travelers – Travel Agents with proper Travel Agent Liability Insurance protect the guests if the hotel/airline of other supplier goes out of business.

It is aways a good idea to verify your travel providers credentials.  IATAN (International Airline Travel Agent Network) is the leading industry recognized accrediting body.  VERIFICATION PAGE

Be sure to use the second entry field to “Validate Agency Numeric Code” if using the 8 digit code below to verify a travel agencies IATAN.

Tom’s Trips IATAN number is 23-6 4663 0

 

Why to use a Travel Agent

Joseph Watters, President of Crystal Cruises

“Why should I use a travel agent?” As a veteran travel executive, that’s a question I’m often asked. Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it’s no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that’s precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.

In January, the television news magazine, 20/20, reported the results of a test in which travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares. However, it is much more than the “lowest fare” that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent.

The best thing an agent can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that’s right for them. The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions.

Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided free or for a nominal charge, by travel agents:

1. Distilling the product information: Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information: No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4. Analyzing the current promotions: The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: Again, the benefits of a professional’s experience can save a traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Making recommendations for travel-related options: Travel agents share the to pack for different travel options.

7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction: Like a personal shopper, agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays – with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: Agents can add to the client’s experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Whether it’s airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.

10. Getting problems resolved: The agent serves as the consumer’s advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.

The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn’t questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

I hope you’ll consider sharing this information in future consumer interest columns.

 


Tom’s Trips Entertainment Staff

January 29th, 2011 by TTP_Admin

In recent years the Tom’s Trips Entertainment Staff has grown and become one of the most popular aspects of our groups.  We are of course incredibly proud of both Suzy and Mark.

Click Here to learn more about the Tom’s Trips Entertainment Staff and the extra value that brings to your vacation plans.


Quantcast