You may be asking yourself, “Where do we go from here?” I know I am. What should your travel strategy be? What is most important? When can you travel and what are the top destinations on your bucket list? There are so many questions, so much pent-up travel desire. Yes, I feel it too.
Travel today has taken on a few new challenges, but with proper preparation, they can be easily overcome. Political and health issues at your destination can change quickly. It would be a good idea to do some research on your destination well in advance, so you know what you need to do to travel in a healthy and safe way.
This past year has been quite a year of travel for me. I was fortunate to have done the following:
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.
There is more to Disney World than just going to the parks. In particular, I enjoy taking educational tours; learning more about Walt Disney; resort hopping and dining at the different themed resorts even without visiting a park; visiting Disney Springs which has many new restaurants, great shopping, live music, and utilizing the Disney transportation system, without driving! If you are staying at a Disney resort this transportation is complimentary.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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?
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.