All Posts by Marian Blessing

Top 10 TRAVEL TIPS FROM 2019

This past year has been quite a year of travel for me.  I was fortunate to have done the following:

  • 4-night cruise to the Bahamas in January 
  • 3-week trip to Australia and New Zealand in April 
  • 7-night cruise to the Caribbean in May, a 4-night trip to Portland in July 
  • 7-night cruise to Alaska in August
  • 8 night trip to Costa Rica in December

I’m a bit weary thinking about it, but what an amazing year! I enjoyed myself and enjoyed the company of my travel companions immensely.

Upon getting back from my last adventure I decided to think through my travels from 2019 and jot down some Take-Aways, 10 to be exact.

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The Travel Insurance Dilemma

One of the options for any trip is whether or not to purchase travel insurance.  It is an added expense that many people find goes against the grain.  In my opinion, it is necessary, and like car insurance, if you need it, it can be worth its weight in gold.  Imagine that you are packed for a trip and find that you cannot travel.  With no insurance you stand to lose your travel investment.  It actually just happened to me and thankfully I had insurance.

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5 Places To Find A Travel Companion

Boy do you really get to know others when you travel with them; it can be the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!  Life-long relationships can and have formed during a trip.  Sometimes you meet people and travel with them, and sometimes you meet people because you are traveling.  I met a very dear friend on a trip to Canada in 1992.  We have traveled to many exciting destinations, worked together planning travel for others, watched our kids grow up, attended weddings and now share the joys of grandparenthood.  Throughout the years, she is a person whom I can always rely on, no matter what.  She is such an important part of my life and had I not taken that tour to Canada, even though we lived in the same city, I would never have met her.

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How to Stay Fit, Body and Mind, on Long Haul Flights

You are setting out for a fabulous destination and you are super excited about everything EXCEPT the LONG plane ride.  The onslaught of dry air, sodium rich foods and inactivity, can wreak havoc on your body.  Don’t fret, though, help is on the way!   There are steps you can take to help you be more comfortable.  I’ve listed 11 tips below to help you stay fit, mind and body, during the dreaded long haul flights..  

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How To Qualify A Potential Travel Companion

So you now have a few ladies in mind that may be possible travel companions.  Congrats, that’s exciting news!  You have obviously selected them because your share similar interests, both outside and inside of travel.  Once you have identified a person or persons with whom you would consider traveling with, it's VERY important to find out about their travel habits.  There are certain things that you can discuss in advance that will help ensure the best possible experience.  Below are a few questions that will help you uncover some of those things you wish you would have known in advanced.  

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Dot Your I’s And Cross Your T’s

When Selecting A Travel Consultant

You're ready to travel, you selected your dream destination and now it’s time to make your arrangements… Now What??? If you are brave at heart, then the next logical step is to self-book. If you’re an old (no pun intended) pro, then move forward but proceed with caution. If you are a novice, are planning an international trip, a very expensive trip, or the trip of a lifetime, I recommend using a travel consultant. For those of you lacking the chops to self-book, no worries, there are many travel consultants willing to help; you just need to know where to find them. Let’s begin with what qualities you should look for, then we will move into how to find them...fair enough? 

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Impromptu Travelers Beware!

The 5 Challenges You May Face Once You Arrive At Your Destination

Planning a trip is no easy feat, especially when traveling abroad. If I’m honest, it's my favorite part though it is the MOST challenging. Deciding where to go is usually the easiest part. Planning how you are going to get around and exactly what you will do once you arrive, is a whole other animal. For those of you who don’t care for planning, we salute you. You are the Impromptu Traveler, the daring soul who says “Once I get there, I’ll just wing it!” I have much respect and admiration for you. Frankly, this is exploration at it’s best. So for those of you who “wing it”, this is for you.

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How Travel Does Last A Lifetime

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back… Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”

Terry Pratchett

We often get together and discuss our lives and travels; just us ladies, some lunch, and great spirits. It’s a great way to get to know one of another, talk about upcoming trips and ask for advice and recommendations. Betty is a particularly spunky member of our group and she forever changed my perception of how travel truly enriches.

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