Flying to Europe just got easier in 2027, especially if you’re looking to visit under-the-radar destinations. Alaska, American, Delta, and United are all dramatically increasing their flight offerings, with new nonstop flights to cities that allow travelers to bypass...
Insider Advice
Tipping in the U.S. and Abroad: The Latest Etiquette
Tipping while on vacation is a necessary but commonly overlooked expense. Whether we like it or not, tipping is just part of the culture here in the U.S. and is becoming more common abroad. We all know to tip at a restaurant in the U.S., but there are other situations...
Do you have SSSS on your boarding pass? Here’s what that means and how to prepare
It’s possible when flying you might see SSSS printed on your boarding pass. This stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, and while it can add some time to the security process, it’s not something to be too concerned about. There are a lot of codes and other...
Protect your money and identity: New travel scams to be aware of
Scammers are becoming very sophisticated when tricking people into giving them money or personal information. Even for the tech-savviest travelers, these scams can be very difficult to spot. According to a study by MasterCard, travel scams related to the travel...
New Mistakes Travelers Are Making in 2026
With ever-evolving technology and regulations, we’re seeing an uptick in travel mistakes that were associated with days past. Artificial Intelligence can be a helpful tool, but solely relying on it for travel planning can lead to false answers and major headaches....
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...
Covering pre-existing health conditions with travel insurance: Q&A with Denise
Travel is an investment in yourself, including your finances, so it’s important to protect it with a travel insurance policy. It may be tempting to forego this “optional” purchase, but we believe it should just be factored into any vacation budget to provide...
Is Flying Still a Safe Choice? The Experts Weigh In
There have been several news stories recently about air travel incidents, from a radar disruption in Newark, the overturned landing at Toronto, and the midair collision near Washington, DC. These events are disturbing and scary, and they might have you wondering if...
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...
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...
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.
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
Lost and Mishandled Bags: How do the Airlines Stack Up?
Have you ever been in this situation? You’ve just arrived at your destination and are eagerly waiting for your bag to appear at the carousel. After everyone has happily retrieved their bags, you’re still stuck with no luggage in sight. Lost and mishandled bags are...
Airlines announce major expansion in direct flights to Europe – but would you fly on a smaller plane?
Flying to Europe just got easier in 2027, especially if you’re looking to visit under-the-radar destinations. Alaska, American, Delta, and United are all dramatically increasing their flight offerings, with new nonstop flights to cities that allow travelers to bypass...
Tipping in the U.S. and Abroad: The Latest Etiquette
Tipping while on vacation is a necessary but commonly overlooked expense. Whether we like it or not, tipping is just part of the culture here in the U.S. and is becoming more common abroad. We all know to tip at a restaurant in the U.S., but there are other situations...
Do you have SSSS on your boarding pass? Here’s what that means and how to prepare
It’s possible when flying you might see SSSS printed on your boarding pass. This stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection, and while it can add some time to the security process, it’s not something to be too concerned about. There are a lot of codes and other...
Alaska for all travel styles: Our top list of exhilarating activities
Is Alaska on your bucket list? Now is a great time to head to the Last Frontier, America’s vast 49th state. Alaska is like nowhere else, with stunning glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and even charming cities and towns. There is something for everyone at all times of...