Preparing for your flight takes careful planning, and it’s easy to be caught off guard with all the rules on what you can and cannot bring on the flight, or what type of ID is accepted. Fortunately, TSA recently implemented a way to text your questions before you fly....
From the Desk of Denise Koranek
Traveling with Young Children: A Joy or a Chore?
You may be tempted to put vacations on hold when you have a baby or a toddler, thinking it’s more effort than it’s worth. From personal experience, we’re here to say a vacation with young kiddos can be relaxing, rewarding, and fun with the right planning. Young...
REAL ID required for airport screenings beginning in May: What you need to know
The REAL ID Act has been around for nearly 20 years, with the goal of standardizing driver’s licenses and ID cards across all U.S. states. If you recall seeing REAL ID signs near TSA checkpoints a few years ago, it’s because full enforcement was previously scheduled...
How to have an enjoyable river cruise: A first timer’s guide
River cruises offer a boutique way to immerse yourself in a variety of countries and experiences. Unlike ocean cruises, the smaller ships allow you to disembark close to walkable, inland city centers, giving you more time to take an excursion or explore on your own....
Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort: Our Top Tips
If you’re looking for a stress-free getaway that your whole group will enjoy, an all-inclusive resort may be a perfect fit. With beautifully manicured properties and a set rate for meals, drinks, and activities, you can relinquish the worry of planning to truly relax...
Europe Travel is a Bargain in 2025. Here’s Why.
Even with its consistent popularity, Europe is a bargain right now for U.S. travelers. This is because the Euro has weakened against the dollar, meaning trips in 2025 are more wallet friendly. Fifteen years ago, the exchange rate was around $1.50 USD for 1 Euro. Now...
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,...
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...
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
Keeping your data safe when traveling: Cybersecurity tips for 2026
No matter where you travel this year, chances are you’ll bring your devices and stay at least somewhat connected while away. Technology is useful and essential, from presenting your boarding pass to discovering nearby attractions, but it’s important to protect your...
Our Sunset Group is sailing the Western Mediterranean in 2026! Get inspired with these all-inclusive excursions (Part 1)
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the Western Mediterranean in six-star, all-inclusive luxury, now is your chance! You are cordially invited to join me and Tom on our 2026 Sunset Group journey, sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain, September 13-23, 2026...
Dreading your Long-Haul Flight? Stay Comfortable and Healthy with These Tips
As much as we look forward to our vacation, long flights take a mental and physical toll. Planes are usually full, and especially if you’re in the economy section, 8-10 hours in the air is daunting. This week we offer some tips to combat some of the side effects of a...
Visiting Ireland for the first time? Here are 10 tips
Ireland is filled with lush green landscapes, castles, bustling pubs, coastlines, quaint villages, and more. Visitors to the “Emerald Isle” comment on its mysterious draw that awakens the senses and sticks with you long after you return home. With some of the...
New entry/exit requirements to visit Europe are coming. Here’s what to know.
Starting this fall, visitors to Europe will need to register with an automated entry/exit system (EES). This applies to U.S. citizens for short term stays, defined as 90 days within a 180-day period. This is not a visa, but there are some steps to be aware of...