When my family of four visited Italy this past March, we had an amazing trip. We traveled through centuries of history, beyond what our brains could even comprehend. We saw amazing art, picturesque landscapes, iconic architecture. We ate and drank Italian delicacies to our hearts’ content. We will never forget this trip. However, this trip was not something I’d call a vacation – this was traveling.
It’s important to set the proper expectations for yourself and any fellow travelers when you embark on a trip. The term “vacation” stirs up images of relaxation, and that is not always what a trip is about. Our trip to Italy was not a vacation in the true sense of the word. We were traveling: experiencing, up early, bed late, moving, walking, doing, seeing. My personal intent for this trip was for it to be “traveling” so that we might return for “vacation.”
Europe can be overwhelming with so much to do and see. For someone like myself, it’s nearly impossible to relax somewhere until I’ve seen and done all the things. I would have a hard time going to Italy and relaxing in a villa overlooking a winery, if I haven’t seen the Colosseum, floated in a gondola, gone to the Vatican, witnessed the Leaning Tower…I just can’t help myself. “Well, if we’re flying into Rome, we should stay a day or two and…”
Traveling gives us a different satisfaction than a traditional vacation. We still get the break from our jobs and routines, but the mental break is different. Instead of disconnecting we are igniting our minds with new experiences and encounters. Traveling changes you in a different way than a vacation does. Both have their own perks and purpose.
Working with a travel advisor like myself can help skew a trip more toward “traveling” or “vacation” based on your goals and desires. By us taking the details and planning off your plate, you have less anxiety over what’s next and how to get there. When your number one goal is to relax, we make sure you go to a destination that will provide just what you’re looking for and we will take care of anything that get’s in the way.
So what will it be? Either way, don’t wait to get started.
Finally! The world is opening up, and we are all eager to travel again. It is a wonderful and exciting feeling to say the least. Patience, however, is still necessary while going through the planning and travel process. Naturally, a trusted travel advisor can help you navigate the choppy seas, and having the proper expectations before traveling will save you a lot of frustration. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Flights will change.
Airlines are in the process of restoring their flight schedule back to pre-covid levels. This is a complicated process that involves a lot of moving parts. The benefits of this change include more choices and thus possibly better pricing. But if you booked the perfect flights for your upcoming vacation, don’t be shocked if one of the flight legs changes significantly. A 7pm return might become a 9pm return, or vice versa. This is not always ideal but it’s something you should expect might happen. If a flight change is so drastic that you can no longer reasonably take the flight, the airline will usually cooperate to help you find an alternative with not additional fees.
Did you say, “fees?”
Yes! Fees are back. The days of covid-waivers are coming (or in most cases have come) to an end. Be prepared to pay the change fees again when you need to change a flight. Cancelation policies are back and in some cases, tougher than they used to be. For example, many hotels and resorts are requiring some payment beforehand and/or strict cancelation windows. What used to be a 24-hour cancelation has grown to 5, 7, and in some cases (think holidays) up to 30 days beforehand. Travel insurance can help with this in many, but not all, cases.
Pent-up demand has greatly decreased availability.
You know the age-old economics theory of supply and demand? Well that is in full effect right now. Hopefully you didn’t get used to thinking you can wait until November to book a week away over New Year’s Eve, or start planning a July 4th vacation in June. Many resorts are already booked for December holidays, February holidays, and spring break. Do not delay if you want to get away at a reasonable price!
Speaking of reasonable prices – do not expect “deals.” After taking a tremendous hit in 2020, the travel industry is barely keeping afloat with minimal staff, capacity limits, staffing shortages, and more. It is very difficult for all aspects of travel to perform at the levels of service to which you’ve been accustomed. They cannot afford to discount.
Good staff is hard to find.
Covid-19 knocked out the hospitality industry, as it did many others, and forced almost every hotel and restaurant to furlough or lay-off the staff. Some of these trusted staff members were hired by other companies, or went a different direction, among other reasons for not being able to return. The fact of the matter is, the industry operated for the past year with a very skeletal staff, and now as the demand as dramatically increased, they do not have the staff to support it. This might mean people are doing multiple jobs and/or doing the job of three people – even at the most upscale resorts. It might cause longer delays for service at meals. It might cause longer lines at check-in. It might cause shortages of food and drink. It most certainly will cause frustration to travelers. But, if you expect this going into your trip, it will not come as a surprise.
Keep that mask handy.
Until the world figures out a global way to prove vaccination, keep your mask handy. You will still need it (might even prefer to have it) on the airplane. Depending on where you’re traveling, different destinations still require masks in public or tight spaces. Don’t try to argue about it. If you are unwilling to go along with the many Covid protocols still in place, stay at home. Check the requirements for each destination because they are not created equal. Even if you are vaccinated, you will likely still need to show proof of a negative Covid test.
Check your passport!
When is the last time you checked the expiration date on your passport? Not only do passports expire, but we travel advisors always recommend at LEAST 6 months of validity from your trip return date, because many destinations require this. This means, if you are traveling from December 1st – 5th, your passport needs to be valid through June 5th of the following year. We cannot emphasize this enough. While we all spent a year cooped up, our passports did not freeze in time. Neither did TSA or Global Entry verifications. Please, please check the dates, even if you think you know, or you checked yesterday. Travel advisors everywhere have witnessed many trips get canceled over this detail. Also be prepared for the renewal process to take longer than normal.
In closing…
This is the current state of things, and you need to be willing to accept them if you want to travel. It goes without saying that it’s been a difficult year for all. I can tell you from the companies and contacts I deal with daily, that every hotel, airline and tour operator is doing their best to please us and come back better than ever. It’s in all of their collective best interest to have our best interests in mind. How much are you willing to sacrifice for a vacation? I don’t know about you, but I would rather travel with patience, compassion and understanding, than not travel at all.
Mexico literally has something for everyone, and some of the most unique resorts in the world. There are resorts of all types and price points from budget to extreme luxury, wellness spas to bohemian escapes. Don’t let any preconceptions of Mexico keep you from traveling there — especially during these pandemic times! The country is open, following strict Covid-19 guidelines and welcoming travelers with the warm hospitality Mexico is known for. Here are just some of the reasons to put this destination next on your list:
The Variety
You cannot go to Mexico once and say, “I’ve already been there.” Especially if you went there for your college spring break 20+ years ago. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula (where Cancun is located) has so much to offer in both beauty and history. The western coast of Mexico offers a completely different feel and experience. In fact, a visit to Los Cabos on the Baja Peninsula is going to be quite different than a visit to the more southern Riviera Nayarit area. You cannot base the entire country on one experience. It’s like someone from Europe saying they’ve already been to the United States and only have visited New York City.
The Value
In the travel industry, we consider Mexico an excellent value for your dollar. This is indeed true. It does not, however, mean “cheap.” There are luxury resorts beyond your most extravagant dreams, as well as more affordable options. Let’s just say there are budget-friendly resorts for all budgets.
It’s Safe
One of the saddest misconceptions about the country and its people is that it’s dangerous. If you look into the tragic stories you hear, they usually take place far away from any resort areas. With a trustworthy travel advisor on your side, you have no reason to fear Mexico. The country is very dependent on tourism, and the resorts work hard to maintain safety and security for their visitors.
Sooooo Many Things to Do
If you think Mexico is all Señor Frogs, sombreros and salsa, you’re sorely missing out! There are ancient ruins, rain forests, beaches that make the Caribbean blush, and a very notable food scene throughout the country. You can also find unique small towns with cultural character, local art, surfing, world-class golf, wellness activities, horseback riding and more. You can be as secluded as you want to be (tree house, anyone?), and you can also find tons of activity for families. There is much more to do than drink tequila!
Let’s Go
We can find the right destination that fits all of your wants and needs. Let me know when you’re ready!
I wish we could ignore it, but with new updates daily amidst rising death tolls, it’s difficult — and admittedly foolish — to do so. The Coronavirus is on top of my clients’ minds. Your minds. Travel advisors do a lot of traveling themselves, and this is something we are all watching. We know it is frustrating, when you plan that trip you’ve been dreaming of, only to worry about your health and safety if you choose to go (and in some cases, if you’re allowed to go).
I am not a doctor. I am not a lawyer, either. But aside from being a travel advisor, I am a mom and a wife with a family whose health and safety is of paramount importance. We finally booked our dream trip for June. Just about every detail has been taken care of. We are so excited. But…we’re going to Italy – one of the places where there has been an increase in diagnosed cases and extensive media coverage. What to do?
I will share with you how my family is handling our travel plans. First, we have insurance. Insurance is a part of my business I am always uncomfortable offering. Personally, I hate the extended warranties and insurance policies that are always peddled whenever I make a large purchase. However, since I’ve been working in the travel business, I can whole-heartedly tell you I would never travel without it. You truly never know what could arise before or during a trip. So for the insurance, I am thankful. However, insurance does not cover a cancelation just because you’re nervous about contracting a potentially deadly virus. The government would have to prohibit travel to your destination in order for you to file a claim to have all or most of your money refunded.
Regardless of insurance, there are still reasons to be apprehensive to travel. While I am not blind to that, I also know that my trip is too far off for me to take action. Currently, the travel industry is doing the right thing for people traveling during the month of March (and some are making accommodations through April). I will wait and see. As my travel gets closer, I trust that the airlines and travel operators will have my best interest in mind, because my best interest is THEIR best interest.
No one is going to win here. Airlines and travel operators are going to try to be as compassionate as they can be, because when this is over (which we hope will be soon), they want to be remembered as upstanding organizations who tried to help people manage a bad situation. You might lose some money. They definitely will lose money. It’s an unfortunate situation, a world-wide issue, beyond our control. We need to be compassionate travelers as well.
I want to repeat that I am not of any authority to tell you what you should or should not do. Sharing my choices is not necessarily my advice. Many people are anxious about what lies ahead. We all are to some degree, and we will all handle that in our own way. I am here for anyone who wants to weigh the pros and cons, whether I organized your travel or not. Do not hesitate to reach out!
It’s time. The holiday season is behind us, the resolutions have been broken (or not – good for you!), and the cold weather has officially become intolerable. The best cure for the winter blues is vacation planning! It is truly therapeutic to have a planned, warm-destination vacation to look forward to, to countdown to, to dream about while you shiver.
Sunset in Islamorada, Florida
But where to go?
Here are some destinations to consider based on possible parameters, whether it be time, budget, or otherwise.
We can’t go away for a full week. (And/or: We don’t have valid passports) Maybe your kids’ schools have different breaks. Maybe you don’t have enough vacation days. Maybe you have family obligations. Whatever the reason, sometimes we just can’t make a full week work. This limits the distance you’d want to travel because no one wants to waste precious time in an airport or on a long car ride. Staying within the US is probably your best bet. Florida may seem like an obvious choice, but don’t ignore the west coast. While east-coasters might think it’s too far, consider the time difference – this can add significant pool time to your abbreviated vacation. Southern California, Palm Springs, Scottsdale. Consider Puerto Rico – the island is rebuilding fast and could use some tourism support! Those who live close to cruise ports could consider 3-5 night cruises.
We don’t want to just go to the Caribbean and sit on a beach. There are plenty of warm-weather destinations that have a lot to do and see. Costa Rica has rain forests, a volcano, and various wildlife (monkeys, anyone?), not to mention some world-class surfing opportunities if that’s your thing. Belize has a 185-mile long barrier reef and Mayan temples. Arizona has beautiful resorts near red rock hiking trails and more. The Florida Keys have an eclectic flare, and are popular for fishermen and non-fishers alike. Kayak, paddle, snorkel. Mexico has many gorgeous resorts on both coasts, alongside delicious cuisine, history and cultural opportunities.
We just want to sit on a beach and do nothing. Certainly this can be accomplished anywhere you can find a beach. But if you’re like me, sometimes the pressure of places or things you “must see” and “must do” can take away from relaxing. Most Caribbean islands fit the bill as there are few, if any, that have major tourist attractions beyond their sparkling turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
We are not beach people but we want to go somewhere warm. The southwest has some gorgeous resorts. Scottsdale, Arizona or Palm Springs, California might be good choices for your family. Also, the Florida Keys are not widely known for their beaches as the coastlines are often rocky. The waters, however, whether you choose ocean, bay, or pool, are heavenly. Cabo San Lucas is also a great destination if you’re not a beach bum. While there are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy there, much of the coastline is rocky, making swimming in the ocean difficult. The resorts compensate by providing beautiful pool areas. Yacht charters are also something to consider if you enjoy the water and adventure. Theme parks are a fun alternative but can be very crowded during spring break weeks.
We’re traveling with a group of friends and/or family. Group travel can be tricky, but if you’re a flexible bunch, there are a lot of options. Cruises are great for groups. There are many different cruise lines and types to choose from. Villas with a staff/cook can make everyone’s lives much easier (there’s no “who’s cooking tonight” or “where should we eat” and “who takes reservations for 15?”). Yacht charters are something for small groups to consider. It might sound fancy and super expensive but there has been an effort to make this more affordable for the average person to enjoy. All-inclusives are also a great option for groups. Personally, I find the most stressful part of group travel to be the meals. The who/what/when/how/price of eating with a crowd can be stressful, so removing that variable is a huge relief for all.
We’re on a tight budget. Cruises and all-inclusives will definitely get you the most bang for your buck. However, there are some things to consider. Depending on how close you live to a cruise port, cruises might require a flight to port and also a hotel room to stay the night prior to departure. All-inclusives can be economical for some families, while others might benefit more from having a room with a kitchen, grocery shopping for some light meals, and dining out on their own. Driving to destinations help with airfare, but consider your gas and the meals you’ll buy along the way.
Before you plan any trip outside the US, be sure to check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries won’t allow entry if your passport expires within 3-6 months of your date of entry.
Tumbleweed 