Vacation
Maggie Lewallen Earns Top Travel Agent Award
Mar 18th
Maggie Lewallen, Vacation Travel Specialist at Menno Travel Service/American Express won the American Express Pacesetter Award from the American Express Travel Network. “This award is the most elite form of recognition a travel agent can receive within the American Express network,” said Ellen Bettridge, Vice President, Retail Travel Network, American Express Travel.
Each Pacesetter is carefully selected based on their leadership role in the travel agency community and their exemplary level of performance and customer service. Maggie won an all expense paid trip to Paris this spring, where she will be recognized as a top-producing travel professional across the American Express Representative Network.
Maggie joined Menno Travel Service in 1993 and is a Certified Travel Associate, Accredited Cruise Counselor, Certified Sandals Specialist, Disney Specialist as well as a Destination Specialist for many regions around the globe. Dorothy Shirk, Vacation Department Manager says, “Maggie is truly dedicated to her clients, consistently providing them with outstanding value and service. She is loyal to the American Express preferred suppliers, which positively affects our company bottom line.”
“We offer our congratulations to Maggie for winning this individual award.” say co-owners, Geof Landis and Doug Risser.
Menno Travel Service/American Express Wins Rep Excellence Award
Mar 16th
American Express Travel named Menno Travel Service/American Express a Representative Excellence Award winner for 2010. The award was established to recognize members of the American Express Travel Network who achieve exceptional preferred supplier sales growth and are also in compliance with specific operational responsibilities of membership, established by American Express in support of the Brand.
“We are thrilled to receive this award for the first time in our 17 years of affiliation with American Express Travel. We are proud to be one of the Top Five Representatives in percentage growth year over year in preferred tour and cruise sales”, says Doug Risser, co-owner of Menno Travel Service
As a result of their concentrated effort in selling preferred suppliers and engaging in American Express products and programs, a member of the Menno Travel Service management team will be hosted on a Silversea seven-day voyage aboard the Silver Spirit from Southampton, United Kingdom to Barcelona, Spain this spring.
“We will be recognizing all of our staff for their hard work this past year with a celebratory company dinner. They all deserve the credit!” say co-owners, Geof Landis and Doug Risser.
New Limits on Using U.S. Dollars in Mexico
Oct 20th
New Limits on Using U.S. Dollars in Mexico
A new Mexican law limits the use of U.S. dollars for purchases made in Mexico. Payments made with credit card, Travelers Checks, pesos and non-American foreign currencies (including Canadian dollars) are not affected.
Hotels and exchange booths in Mexico will only change a maximum of $1,500 U.S. dollars per person per month into pesos. Businesses in Mexico will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 U.S. dollars per transaction, but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted. Certain businesses may not accept U.S. dollars at all.
If you are traveling to Mexico, be prepared to pay for purchases with a credit card, Travelers Checks or Mexican pesos. Purchase Mexican pesos from Menno Travel Service, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except holidays. Cash sales only. Valid driver’s license required.
Americans continue to visit Mexico despite issues
Sep 17th
Americans continue to visit Mexico despite issues
The global economic downturn and an increase in drug-related violence have raised the red flag about visiting Mexico, but Americans continue to make their way south of the border. “I live in New York City,” said Shari Prince, who recently returned from a five-day getaway on the Riviera Maya. “I’d be more concerned about the crime here than in Mexico.” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39196406/ns/travel-destination_travel/
** New Passport Fees July 13, 2010 **
Jul 8th
Effective July 13, 2010 the U.S. State Department imposed new fees for many of its passport-related products and services. The total cost of a new passport will increase from $100 to $135 for adults (age 16 and older) and from $85 to $105 for minors. Renewals will increase from $75 to $110 for adults and from $60 to $80 for minors. Travelers needing extra visa pages will pay $82. Previously, this service has been offered free.
We take passport photos in our Menno Travel Service office in Goshen and have the forms to help you get started with passport processing. Or, you may apply online and get more information at the U.S. State Department website.
No More Fees on Delta Award Redemption Tickets
Jun 24th
SkyMiles award points redeemed for tickets within 20 days of departure no longer are accessed fees of up to $250. This is one of several improvements Delta made recently to their SkyMiles program, including a “first checked bag free” benefit, increased allocation of preferred seating in economy class, and complimentary upgrades on domestic award redemption tickets.
Go to the Delta SkyMiles website for more information.
