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...
Insider Advice
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...
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...
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...
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...
The latest on tipping: Where and how much to tip in 2024
One expense that is commonly overlooked when traveling is tipping. We all know to tip at a restaurant in the U.S., but there are other situations that aren’t always so clear, both in the U.S. and especially abroad. Tipping customs and guidance change all the time it...
Looking to travel in 2024? Safeguard your booking with these tips
Travel is a worthy investment in yourself, helping you disconnect from the stresses and 24/7 connectivity of daily life and reconnect with what’s important. You’ve worked hard to carve out this time, so protect it! Here are some essential tips to consider that dispel myths and scams and highlight the importance of a travel advisor.
Cruising in 2024? Updated tips for first-time cruisers and important reminders for everyone
Make 2024 the year you take a much-needed cruise vacation! Whether you’re a newbie or experienced cruiser, these tips will help make your vacation as stress free as possible.
Give the best gift of all this Holiday season, the gift of travel
Are you wondering what to give yourself or your loved ones this Christmas? How about a gift that you already own; one that’s better than any item you could buy? This week we describe the benefits and many ways of giving the gift of travel including using your...
A Successful Plan to Beat Jet Lag
As someone who loves to travel, I’ve experienced my fair share of jet lag. The fatigue, insomnia, and general feeling of being out of sync can really put a damper on a trip. So when my son and I planned a trip from Toronto to Perth, involving three different flights,...
It’s hot outside! How to travel safely during a heat wave
There has been a lot of news coverage recently about the extreme temperatures in much of the northern hemisphere. Traveling in the summer has its perks – generally it’s peak time for tourism so everything is open and running, but you do need to be weather-aware....
Checking a bag on your next flight? Keep these items with you on the plane
Summer travel season is upon us, and with that comes high demand for flights and a surge in checked bags going through airports. While rare, every time you check a bag there is the risk it won’t end up on your plane which can cause a stressful start to any vacation....
Unwritten rules for flying: Travel etiquette to make everyone’s experience better (Part 2)
With summer travel just around the corner and air travel demand expected to come back in a big way, a few small steps can make the experience better for everyone. We’ve all heard of folks making some really bad decisions while flying which can result in jail time and...
Unwritten rules for flying: Travel etiquette to make everyone’s experience better (Part 1)
Air travel is increasingly stressful, but being aware of some simple etiquette tips can avoid meltdowns and make everyone’s experience just a little bit better.
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,...