One of the joys of travel is stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing all the sights and sounds of a new culture. Anytime you leave the U.S., though, you’re likely to encounter different laws, some of which may seem trivial to you but are taken seriously....
From the Desk of Denise Koranek
Traveling During Hurricane Season: What NOT To Do
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year, and in 2024 there were a total of 11 hurricanes that impacted the Caribbean and U.S. Besides the untold loss of property and life that hurricanes cause to residents, this time of year can create...
DOT Unveils New Refund Requirements for Airlines: Here’s What to Know
As of October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a new policy in effect that requires airlines to automatically issue refunds within 7 business days to travelers in certain situations. Previously, air travelers often had to request refunds through...
How to handle confusing rental car questions
Renting a car is sometimes a necessity when you travel. You might be inclined to think it’s as simple as booking the car, picking it up, and driving away. But the process is a bit more complicated these days. From all the extra questions the rental agent asks, to...
Stay safe when traveling with these expert tips and gadgets
Travel creates rich and rewarding experiences with memories that can last a lifetime. For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers, but bad actors exist, and this can turn a stress-free trip into a real spoiler. Being aware of your surroundings,...
Planning to take a long-haul flight? Stay healthy and comfortable with these tips.
As much as we look forward to our vacation, long flights can be physically and mentally demanding. Planes are usually full, and especially if you’re in the economy section, 8-10 hours in the air can seem daunting. This week we offer some tips to combat some of the...
Protect your investment in travel: What to do when your tour supplier financially defaults
Travel operators, like any industry, can be affected by financial conditions. Investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy paired with using a credit card for ALL payments allows you to breathe easy and focus on your stress-free vacation.
Is family vacation a joy or a headache?
Are you thinking about taking a family vacation? If this evokes images of defeated families, cranky kids, and folks looking like they’d just rather be home, we’re here to say it doesn’t have to be like that! A well-planned family vacation is an ideal way to grow...
Summer flying tips for in-the-know travelers
Summertime is a busy travel period, especially with schools on break and folks wanting to take advantage of the long days and sunshine. Busy airports and hot weather can also cause travel headaches, though, especially this year with the early heat wave paired with...
U.S. State Dept. unrolls online passport renewal for a limited time – Here’s what you need to know
In June 2024, the U.S. government announced a beta release of an online passport renewal system. If you're eligible, the system will open for a limited midday time window daily where eligible U.S. citizens can start their application. After the system's limit for the...
French River Cruise on the Seine – A sample of excursions
Sunset Vacations and Travel Planning is taking a river cruise in France, roundtrip from Paris, October 5-15, 2025. This is a chance to immerse into French culture, delve into history, and absorb beautiful scenery along the Seine. We hope you’ll consider joining Denise...
Sunset Groups to Normandy, France October 5-15, 2025
Take a journey down the river of dreams, October 5-15, 2025 11 days/ 10 nights – Roundtrip Paris onboard the Scenic Gem There are few superlatives that do justice to Paris, a city that oozes romance and is home to world renowned architectural wonders and iconic pieces...
Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list? Top tips and ideas for 2024
Nothing quite prepares you for seeing the northern lights in person. The colors and movements are hypnotizing, graceful, and mysterious, and they have captivated people for millennia. If seeing the northern lights is a bucket list item, know that 2024 is an especially...
Airlines want your data: How new booking rules impact travelers
Starting May 1, American Airlines announced that travelers who book tickets through third parties will no longer be eligible to receive AAdvantage miles and loyalty points. This change comes as part of an effort to persuade people to book directly with American...
Travel for mind, body, and spirit: Health benefits of taking a vacation
For some, travel is considered an occasional luxury, something that inevitably gets placed on the backburner of life. Pair this with our American work ethic and the next thing you know vacation days are left unused and the chance to form lifelong memories is delayed...
About Denise
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning. Recent Posts
Do your homework before you leave: These international laws may surprise you
One of the joys of travel is stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing all the sights and sounds of a new culture. Anytime you leave the U.S., though, you’re likely to encounter different laws, some of which may seem trivial to you but are taken seriously....
Traveling During Hurricane Season: What NOT To Do
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year, and in 2024 there were a total of 11 hurricanes that impacted the Caribbean and U.S. Besides the untold loss of property and life that hurricanes cause to residents, this time of year can create...
DOT Unveils New Refund Requirements for Airlines: Here’s What to Know
As of October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a new policy in effect that requires airlines to automatically issue refunds within 7 business days to travelers in certain situations. Previously, air travelers often had to request refunds through...
How to handle confusing rental car questions
Renting a car is sometimes a necessity when you travel. You might be inclined to think it’s as simple as booking the car, picking it up, and driving away. But the process is a bit more complicated these days. From all the extra questions the rental agent asks, to...
Stay safe when traveling with these expert tips and gadgets
Travel creates rich and rewarding experiences with memories that can last a lifetime. For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers, but bad actors exist, and this can turn a stress-free trip into a real spoiler. Being aware of your surroundings,...