Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Teen Safety & Limousines


Lessons on Teen Safety in Limos

Thanks to Jasmine Henry from BeTransported.Com for this Article. www.betransported.com 

limos in the newsTeens and parents love limousines for prom night and sweet 16 parties, but even placing your transportation needs in the hand of a chauffeured transportation provider isn't always enough to guarantee teens will make safe choices. A 16 year-old New Yorker was tragically killed this weekend in New York state by sticking his head through a top hatch of a double-decker party bus filled with dancing teens headed to a party. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of 16 year-old Daniel Fernandez. Keeping teens safe from peer pressure is a real need, and we're offering expert insight on safety and luxury transportation to caring parents nationwide:

1. Small Groups are Safer

It's a fact that the larger the group, the harder it can be to control the teens. According to limo expert Emily Darocha, "its much more dangerous when you have a double decker bus with 65 kids." If you're concerned about your teen's ability to avoid peer pressure or the logistics of controlling a large group, it may be wise to book transportation for a smaller group or a series of smaller rides to avoid the pressure of a large crowd.

2. Chaperone

The single best way to ensure a safe evening, even in very large groups, is to field adult chaperones. The recommend minimum for a double-decker party bus is one adult per floor, but many experts recommend a higher ratio of adults to children. Discuss security options with your limousine company and don't be afraid to ask for a few extra adults on board. Many chauffeured transportation providers are able to field highly trained security professionals for crowd control on the vehicle during large events.

3. Negotiate

Don't be afraid to have a frank conversation with your limo provider about their policies for teens. Limo companies often check teens' bags for hidden alcohol, and are happy to stick to an itinerary provided by the parents for an evening. If you're worried about your teens trying to direct the limo driver to an off-limit, unchaperoned party, be clear with the limo company about your expectations, and learn their policies for keeping teens safe on big nights.

4. Understand Chauffeurs

The role of a chauffeur is to provide safe, luxury transportation and customer service throughout the evening. Chauffeurs aren't paid babysitters and can't focus on watching the behavior of teens, particularly in larger vehicles. While a highly-trained, professional driver can expertly navigate hazards on the road, they can't necessarily ensure every member of a large group is behaving.

5. Set Clear Boundaries

Many tragedies occur when teens are peer pressured into breaking clearly-marked rules. In the case of hatches on the top of party buses, most are clearly marked as only to be used for emergency exits. In the tragic case of Fernandez, the on-bus security Officer had issued repeated reminders to keep the emergency exit closed, which were disregarded. Let your teen know about the possible consequences of disregarding safety rules. One of the best preventative measures can be a frank conversation with your teen ahead of time about the importance of paying attention to posted safety rules, no exceptions.
Prepare for Prom or homecoming night by taking the time to sit down with your teen and a reputable luxury transportation company to have a few honest conversations about safety. Give your teen the tools and chaperones to ensure a safe evening out.

Friday, August 17, 2012

A how to guide for Wedding Transportation


Posted by Jasmine Henry @ www.betransported.com

Wedding Limos, Style and More!

wedding limos can benefit your planningWhen it comes to a wedding limo, most brides think of using a white stretch for their grand entrance and exit. Experts recommend that brides dedicate between 2-5% of their total wedding budget to a limo. There are a lot of other ways that outsourcing your transportation to a professional driver can benefit friends and family throughout your big weekend. Here are some questions to help you start imagining how you can use a wedding limo throughout the big week:

Are You Planning a Destination Wedding?

If your wedding requires friends and family to travel far from home, renting a mini-bus for transport from the hotel and airport can be a kind gesture. If your friends and family are already paying plane fare and hotel, rental cars can be a budgetary strain. Planning up to a week of optional activities is a major trend for destination weddings. If your guests are making the trip, make sure they stay entertained in the days before the wedding! Enlist a local friend or family member in designing an intinerary for a tour of the town. Renting a mini-bus to pay visits to local landmarks can be a creative and relatively inexpensive way to treat your guests prior to the ceremony.

Will You Be Serving Alcohol?

Anytime you're serving or purchasing alcohol in the days prior to the wedding is the perfect time to consider renting a wedding limo. Allow your guests and family to relax and enjoy the festivities, and use a professional chauffeur for safe transport. Both bachelor and bachelorette parties are the perfect time to take advantage of an unusual style of wedding limo. Even if you're not comfortable using a bright pink hummer for your grand entrance at the ceremony, your bridesmaids will likely love turning heads around town. Putting transportation in the hands of a highly trained professional is the safest and most reliable choice for any event during the wedding week when alcohol will be served. From transporting the bachelor party in a stylish hummer limo to giving relatives rides home in a mini-bus after the rehearsal dinner, a wedding limo is an investment in safety.

What About Parking?

If your ceremony is far from the reception venue or your getting hitched in an urban area with a parking shortage, using a wedding limo mini-bus to transport guests from a free, open parking area to the church can ensure no one is stuck circling the streets trying to find a spot during your vows. Even if you only rent one or two wedding limo mini-buses, your guests will appreciate the fact that they're able to focus on the celebration instead of parallel parking. Park-and-rides are often an excellent option for your guests on the weekend.

What is Your Style?

Modern weddings are all about breaking the rules and expressing personal style. If you're not sure you can see yourself driving off to the airport in a black wedding limo, there could be other options that fit your personal vibe a little better. Maybe a perfectly-restored car from the 1940's is a way to relay your love for everything vintage. If you're fond of bright colors and turning heads, enhance your entrance and exit with a hummer or Chrysler 300 wedding limo. If your personal style is typically a little more subtle, consider a classic black BMW or Lexus SUV. Whether you're trying to express classic style or fly under the radar like a true VIP, there is a wedding limo perfect for you.
From the rehearsal dinner to setting up a park-and-ride for your ceremony, renting a wedding limo can be the perfect way to reduce stress throughout your wedding week. There are the perfect options for every event surrounding the ceremony and reception. Using a wedding limo can promise an on-time arrival in safety and style.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Complete Guide to Executive Travel by Air

Posted by Jasmine Henry from www.betransported.com

Dreading Your Executive Travel Flight?

make your executive travel flight more comfortableFirst class seating for Executive Travel is considered a luxury and while the accomodations beat coach, long flights can still be a drag. When you are taking a long domestic or International flight, the endless hours in the air can put a damper on an otherwise pleasurable business trip. While we can't help emulate the luxury of a private jet, we've compiled some of the best suggestions to help you enjoy your Executive Travel flight and make it a better experience.

Reserve Good Seats

Even with the same fare and class, you will find that some seats in an Executive Travel flight are far more superior compared to others. Therefore, when you reserve a seat consider an exit row or aisle seat for legroom. A window seat will be ideal if you want to sleep, as it is more comfortable. You should definitely avoid taking seats near the bathrooms because other passengers will be using them regularly. In addition, the light and noise that escapes when the door is being opened and closed can be disturbing while you are trying to get some sleep.

Online Check-In

While online check-in is not necessary, it is still the best option, as you do not have to rush to check-in at the airport. Executive Travel passengers often have a separate and shorter security line, which makes it convenient for you to wait a little while before heading to the airport. In addition, you have the convenience of boarding and disembarking the plane first.

Come Prepared When On Board

If you plan to sleep on an Executive Travel flight, you should come prepared by bringing a head restraint or a travel pillow. The airlines will normally provide pillows for Executive Travel passengers, but the pillows may not be as comfortable as the ones you get to choose yourself. Therefore, take the time to shop for an Executive Travel high-end neck pillow before you go on your holiday or business trip.

Personal Items For Entertainment

Executive Travel usually come with movies on board, but they do not start until a certain time. Moreover, the built-in movies and music selections can be rather poor, thus, you should bring your own entertainment gadgets such as iPod, Gameboy, iPad, or CD player. Additionally, you can bring a portable game or a new book with you.

Bring A Pair Of Headphones

For Executive Travel passengers, the airline will provide a pair of headphones but they are normally of poor quality, which can be annoying when you are using them to watch a movie or to listen to your favorite songs. Consider taking your own pair of headphones especially if you own noise-cancelling and in-ear headphones. These can definitely help block out the engine noise.

Personal Comfort During Executive Travel

Executive Travel passengers should bring an eyeshade and some earplugs during your travel because these items can make all the difference in your attempt to sleep. When you are traveling in the air, it can be dehydrating, thus you should stick to drinking plenty of water. During your Executive Travel, you should consider taking some aspirin, as it could stop blood clots. However, ensure that you check with your medical doctor first before taking any medications in the air. Make sure you take a bottle of eye drops with you too, because it can prevent your eyes from drying out during your Executive Travel trip. Invest in compression stockings, as they can keep your feet from swelling during the flight.

These are just a few tips on how you can feel a lot more comfortable during your Executive Travel. Finally yet importantly, enjoy your Executive Travel holiday or business trip!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Top 10 Questions to ask your limousine company!



Top 10 Questions to ask your limousine company!


Betransported.com suggests asking 10 critical questions before booking a Limousine. Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine is proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We want you to know you are in good hands. Here are the 10 questions and our answers.

Top 10 Questions


  1. Are all charges included in my rate? -Yes, the rate we give you includes all charges. We will clearly state your charges and booking times on your confirmation receipt.

  2. What model year is the limo I have selected? - We have the newest vehicle fleet in Northwest Florida. All of our vehicles are no older than 4 years.

  3. How much insurance do you carry? -We carry a $5 Million Dollar insurance policy. Not many companies carry this much.

  4. What happens if my limo is late for my pickup? -We are known for our reliable and timely service. We pride ourselves on being on-time for every pickup. However, if we are late. We will gladly work out a solution to the problem in a timely manner.

  5. How do handle a breakdown? -We have the largest fleet in Northwest Florida. We have driver's ready to go at all times. We also have a full-time on call mechanic. We will dispatch another vehicle immediately.

  6. Am I billed form pickup to drop off only? -Yes you are billed only from pick-up to drop-off.

  7. Are you Certified? -Yes, our owner even serves on The Florida Limousine Association's Board.

  8. Is chauffeur gratuity included? -Gratuity is included in your price.

  9. What type of training do your chauffeurs go through? -We have an extensive 30 day training program that all chauffeurs must pass. We call this "The Sunshine Way" training.

  10. When will I be billed for my trip? -You will be billed for your trip immediately after the trip is over.

We answer the top 10 questions to ask before booking a limousine!


Top 10 Questions to ask your limousine company!


Betransported.com suggests asking 10 critical questions before booking a Limousine. Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine is proud of the level of service that we offer our clients. We want you to know you are in good hands. Here are the 10 questions and our answers.

Top 10 Questions

  1. Are all charges included in my rate? -Yes, the rate we give you includes all charges. We will clearly state your charges and booking times on your confirmation receipt.

  2. What model year is the limo I have selected? - We have the newest vehicle fleet in Northwest Florida. All of our vehicles are no older than 4 years.

  3. How much insurance do you carry? -We carry a $5 Million Dollar insurance policy. Not many companies carry this much.

  4. What happens if my limo is late for my pickup? -We are known for our reliable and timely service. We pride ourselves on being on-time for every pickup. However, if we are late. We will gladly work out a solution to the problem in a timely manner.

  5. How do handle a breakdown? -We have the largest fleet in Northwest Florida. We have driver's ready to go at all times. We also have a full-time on call mechanic. We will dispatch another vehicle immediately.

  6. Am I billed form pickup to drop off only? -Yes you are billed only from pick-up to drop-off.

  7. Are you Certified? -Yes, our owner even serves on The Florida Limousine Association's Board.

  8. Is chauffeur gratuity included? -Gratuity is included in your price.

  9. What type of training do your chauffeurs go through? -We have an extensive 30 day training program that all chauffeurs must pass. We call this "The Sunshine Way" training.

  10. When will I be billed for my trip? -You will be billed for your trip immediately after the trip is over.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Sunshine Shuttle has acquired Trumpet Coach, of Chipley, Fla., making Sunshine a major transportation company in northwest Florida.



The recent acquisition also expands Sunshine into a more diverse transportation company in the Panhandle, offering sedans, limousines, vans, local shuttle vehicles, and now, luxury motor coaches. The new arm of Finch’s transportation business is Sunshine Coach. During peak season, the company will employ about 40 workers.

Sunshine began in 2002 by John Finch, the owner of Sunshine Shuttle and Sunshine Limousine, as a secondary business interest. When Finch’s development investments dissolved, he concentrated his entrepreneurial efforts on the transportation company. The company has seen double-digit growth three years in a row, and Finch says he expects even greater things with his latest expansion.

Finch plans to capitalize on the success of the 21-year-old Trumpet Coach and says there are 26 charters already on the books. Trumpet’s last full year showed annual sales of $5 million. “Calls to Trumpet now come into our central office where we use state of the art reservation and dispatch software and equipment. We have people available 24/7.

“It’s a tough business, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s seasonal to some degree but our bills come due every month. Adding the coach business to our already-established line of professional transportation options will allow us to provide year round travel to areas out-of-state as well provide service to our large local customers more efficiently.”

Sunshine works closely with many high-end resorts along the northwest Florida coastline to provide transportation to the three major Panhandle airports. Sunshine also provides ground transportation at Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort, and is the designated transportation provider for Southwest Airlines personnel in northwest Florida. It also has been the official transportation courier for events such as the Destin (Florida) Seafood Festival and the Panama City Beach Jazz Festival.

Finch credits his tough performance standards for the company’s continued success. “I demand the best from my employees so they can provide the best service to our customers. We want to bring the limousine service to the shuttle and motor coach business.”

According to several trade journals, such customer focused business models provide more long-term success and ultimately, larger profits and has brought national attention to the hometown business.

In November 2011, for the third consecutive year, Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine Service was selected for the 2011 Best of Santa Rosa Beach Award by the U.S. Commerce Association.

John was recently selected to hold a board position for the Limousine Association for the state of Florida. Among other achievements, Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine was voted Best Transportation by the readers of Destin Magazine.

“More festivals, tournaments and sporting events are coming to the Panama City Beach area every year, and these events require additional transportation. Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine recent and continued expansion is in direct alignment with this transportation need,” says President & CEO of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, Beth Oltman.

President and CEO of the Walton Area Chamber Kitty Whitney said the acquisition will have a positive impact on the area’s tourism business. "Sunshine Shuttle’s services and programs have been innovative and necessary as our streets become more crowded, especially during peak tourism season. We are proud that our members take very seriously these opportunities in economic growth and development.”