| Travel Tips
Make Strategic Plans for your stay with us
  Trust us....
We've seen over twenty thousand Students pass through our doors for over twenty years. We know what it's like to live in a hotel room and we know how to make the most of it. Profit from our experience: If you're not comfortable in your after-class hours you won't be comfortable in class.
Our staff, and your learning experience, is identical at each conference site, but the local surroundings at each create three distinctly different moods. One may appeal to you more than another. When you come to see us, you're here to learn. But we believe you'll learn more if your setting is comfortable and relaxed and you are stress-free. You're an adult. Plan this important trip properly.
These are the little details that can make a big difference in making your trip safe and pleasant. It's all the tips and tricks we've learned.
If you're staying this long... |
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You should do this: |
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Only for the weekend: |
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Take either the shared shuttle (low cost, multiple stops likely on the way) or taxi. |
Three to six days: |
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Arrive like a Tourist and wait to see how confined you feel after you're here. Rental car rates drop dramatically after Noon on Thursday for returns prior to Noon on Mondays. And weekly rentals (5 days or more) can save you a lot of money. Car rentals can be arranged at your hotel. |
A week or longer: |
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You're serious about this trip. Get serious about your or your employee's comfort.
Rent an economy car and secure your independence. You'll be able to find wholesome foods at the grocery store, take in an off-site movie (for a lot less than in-room cost), and enjoy the local sites, all while keeping your sanity.
Many of our Student Guests pool their resources and share the cost of a rental car once they've arrived. If you decide to consider this, take the traditional transportation to the hotel when you arrive, and drop the car off on your return.
Dallas is easy to navigate in, even for our small-town Guests. And renting a car is as easy as buying your groceries. |
And by the way: If you're NOT staying at our host hotel, you're definitely going to need
your own car. You may want to avail yourself of after-hours access to our scanning laboratory; many Guests do.
Do not depend on taxis for punctual transportation to and from our meeting site.
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What to Wear
Don’t pack anything you’re not willing to risk being lost. Check your newspaper for the current local weather at the seminar site. And don’t forget your workout clothes or a swimsuit if you’re so inclined. All of our host hotels (and most others) have exercise rooms, Jacuzzis and swimming pools open year-round.
For classroom dress, plan to arrive in conservative, casual comfort. That means anything from a suit to jeans; whatever you’re most comfortable in, you will likely learn the most in. You won't need a lab coat. Meeting room temperatures tend to vary a lot so you might want to "dress in layers" so you’ll always be comfortable.
Air Line Travel
To get the best fare when purchasing your ticket, be flexible. Give your travel agent clear instructions to find the cheapest available fare, and then work backwards from there. By simply changing the day or hour of your departure you can drop the fare dramatically. Connecting flights may be cheaper than direct ones, depending on the airline. Shop around.
Before purchasing your ticket be sure you understand all of the fine print. Ask for a complete explanation of the terms of your contract (the legal term for the tickets you are purchasing). Things to ask about include:
Fares. Will it go up between the time I make my reservation and the day that I actually purchase my ticket? Are there any restrictions or penalties on changes or refunds? Are there lost ticket charges? Is ticketless travel (electronic ticketing) available?
Delays. What will the airline do if my flight is cancelled? Will they put me on the next available flight—regardless of airline—or only on its next available flight? Will my ticket have monetary value on another airline in the event I have to change carriers at the airport?
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Before Checking Your Baggage
Baggage liability varies from airline to airline. Check a copy of your contract before checking your bags. To be safe, make a list of all your packed items before leaving. Airlines require documentation of lost items before they’ll pay off for a lost or damage. Carry on all fragile or perishable items. It’s a good idea to pack toiletries and a change of clothes in a small bag and carry it with you on board.
If your bags are lost, immediately file a claim with the airline’s baggage office next to the baggage claim area. If you don’t see this office, ask. The airline really does a good job of tracking bags and will attempt to get your orphaned ones to you free by local taxi service as soon as possible. They cannot read minds, so be certain to put indestructible identification on each bag you check. In general, pack well, strap all suitcases, and carry an emergency set of clothes on board. Better to be wrinkled than bare.
Airport Check-In
Check in early at the departure gate, even if you have a pre-assigned boarding pass or are electronically ticketed. You will need photo identification to check your bags (either at curbside or the main ticket counter), and you’ll have to validate your boarding pass by photo ID (this can be done either at the main ticket counter or at the gate). Expect to spend two hours at the airport before you step on the plane, and all the while be grateful for the chance to fly safely in the first place.
If you're a member of the airline's frequent flyer club, verify that your trip has been credited to your account. If you're not, ask for an application on the spot; it's free.
Generally, in the event that inventory bumping of passengers is necessary, the last person at the gate is the first person bumped. If you are bumped the airline will attempt to get you on your way as quickly as possible. Specific concessions are dependent on the individual airline’s policy and may be subject to how insistent you are with their representative on site. In this case, unfortunately, the louder and longer you complain, the more likely you will get the attention you deserve.
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On Board the Aircraft
Read the safety card in the seat pocket in front of you. Make certain you locate two exits nearest you, and count the number of seats to them in case you have to exit the aircraft in a smoke-filled cabin. Above all, in an emergency, pay close attention to the flight attendants. The real reason they are on board is to secure your safety in an emergency.
Lost Tickets
Regardless of whether you have a paper or electronic ticket, record the ticket number (or photocopy it) for safe keeping. This way a replacement ticket can be generated quickly by any ticket agent when you arrive at the airport. Report a lost ticket immediately to the airline that issued it, not the travel agent.
Ground Transportation
Plan ahead! Probably the most anxious part of you trip is the time from the airport to the hotel, both of them strange and foreign places. We have ways of dealing with this. You can hire your own personal Taxi or catch a less expensive ride on the scheduled shuttle. Or, for just a few dollars more, you can prearrange a limousine pickup service to meet you at your gate, retrieve your bags, and drop you at your hotel door? Check out our Local Travel Details pages for suggestions and choices at each of our Training Centers: Dallas, Orlando, and Los Angeles
In general, taxi service is always available at any airport, but be certain that your driver is absolutely clear as to the hotel you are going to: Do not get in the taxi until the driver has called your hotel for directions, if he or she is not certain. Also, A host of shuttle services is available on site; check with the Shared Transportation counter or booth located in the baggage claim area for instructions and fares. And be sure to verify that the shuttle will drop you at your hotel's front door (believe it or not, some don't). Remember, these services may make more than one stop on the way to your hotel; you'll usually be trading the quicker ride in the taxi for the lower fare of the shuttle.
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Rental Cars
Contrary to popular belief, renting a car is not necessarily expensive. Or risky. Most of our classes are scheduled to allow you to take full advantage of discounted weekly or weekend rates. Weekend rates are usually in effect from Thursday at noon until Monday at noon. If you pick up and return your car within this time frame you'll qualify.
Be sure to compare prices on "upgraded" car models (meaning a larger-sized car). On weekends the difference between full-sized car and a micro-compact is often less than $3 per day. Ask your travel agent to shop for the lowest available rental agency, but be aware that many companies with "off-airport" locations may be located closer to the South Pole than the airport.
Before you leave home, check with your insurance agent to see if you are covered for damage and liability for rental cars. If so, you may wish to decline the optional rental agency coverage (which comes at the hefty additional daily charge). Be aware that some rental companies require you to present physical proof of your insurance if you opt to decline their own coverage. Don't leave home without it.
Plan to refuel the car before you return it and you'll also save on the refueling surcharge. And when you return to the airport, allow at least an extra hour to comfortably cover any unexpected delays at the Return Counter... and don't forget to drop off the keys.
Hotel Reservations
When making your reservations at our Host Hotels be sure to identify yourself with the Keith Mauney & Associates meeting to obtain your discounted room rate. Though you'll certainly want to shop around for other choices, remember that most of your peers in class will likely be staying at the Host Hotel site.
Bear in mind that discounted room rates are subject to availability and may be subject to change without notice. Make your lodging reservations well in advance whenever possible. If you’ll be arriving at the hotel late (usually after 6:00 PM) you’ll need to guarantee your reservation for late arrival. This will require a valid credit card or an advance deposit equal to one night’s stay. Last of all, before leaving home be certain you have the complete address and local phone number of your destination hotel. There are often several hotels with similar names in large cities.
Bring with you the Confirmation Number for your reservation (and record the Cancellation Number you'll be given if you should have to cancel). In the event you arrive at your hotel and they don’t have any space for you (or they don’t even have your reservation) present your confirmation number. This will require the hotel to pay for alternate lodging for you along with transportation to get there. They will not, however, be responsible for shuttling you to or from anywhere else. Without a confirmation number you’ll be essentially out of luck and on your own. In the event you should have to cancel a reservation, be sure to check your credit card statements for the next few months to be certain you are not billed erroneously as a "no-show" for your room.
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Hotel Check-In & Departure
Upon check-in you’ll most likely be asked for an imprint of a major credit card to establish a credit relationship with the hotel. This will allow you to pay for your room and additional guest charges, such as phone calls from your room, room service, movies, or other purchases.
If you do not have a major credit card be certain to contact the hotel before arrival to make alternate billing arrangements. A cash deposit is usually required in lieu of credit. If you are arriving early to the city, be aware that most hotel check-in times are not until after 3:00 PM. And when you do check in, be sure to verify your departure date and time with the front desk.
You may be able to extend your check-out time on the day of departure by one hour if you will call the front desk on the morning of your departure. When you finally check out, scrutinize your bill closely. Then check your credit card statement several weeks later to verify that no additional charges were posted to your account in error after you checked out.
Keeping in Touch With Home
It doesn’t cost a lot to create memories of your trip.
Purchase a book of stamps and plan to send some postcards or brief notes back home, just to keep in touch. Drop someone a note as soon as you can; they’ll be delighted you thought of them. In this age of electronic communication, the elegance of a simple handwritten letter often means more than a souvenir or a phone conversation. The hotel will have stationery stocked in your room, and you can mail your letters at the front desk. Be sure to thank those people that are looking after your home and your job duties. They are making it possible for you to improve your skills. And one of them is likely going to pick you up at the airport when you return.
If you see an inexpensive gift your loved ones might like, be sure to pick it up. It may come to be more important than you think. And finally, why not purchase a disposable camera with flash—only about $10. Take lots of pictures and share them when you return. You’ll be glad you did, because wherever you choose to join us, there'll be lots to look back on!
If you're a seasoned traveler, or this is your first time out alone, these travel tips will help make your trip smooth and headache-free.
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