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...
Insider Advice
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.
Is it worth the splurge? What we recommend you spend some extra dollars on for a truly spectacular vacation
If you’re the type of person who wants to travel well, some upgrades can make a big difference in shifting from a good trip to one you’ll cherish forever. Booking early is key! These are our top upgrades worth splurging on.
Why take a tour for your next getaway? Here are our top reasons
As tempting as setting out on your own adventure may be, we’re big fans of going with a tour group. Even for seasoned travelers, taking a tour relieves the stress of going-it-alone planning and provides peace of mind knowing all the details are being taken care of....
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; that’s better than any item you could buy? People are eager to get back out there and demand is surging. This week we describe the benefits and many ways...
Protect your cybersecurity when traveling: Our top tips
Did you know that approximately 1 in 4 international travelers have been victims of hacked devices when using public Wi-Fi? This is a surprising statistic for many, but unfortunately it’s a fact of life in our increasingly connected world. Whether abroad or in the...
Considering booking a short-term vacation rental from an app? Read this first
In recent years, companies such as Airbnb and Vrbo have grown exponentially across the world. Travelers looking for something other than a hotel room are understandably attracted to these options, which appear to offer a larger space and more authentic experience. But...
New DOT Dashboard Explains Air Passengers’ Rights
On 9/1/2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a new dashboard that explains the services each airline provides to passengers in the event of a controllable cancellation or delay. This provides one location where travelers can quickly and easily...
Did the airline lose your luggage? What to do when it happens and how to reduce your risk
It’s a tough reality of travel that your luggage doesn’t always get to the same destination that you do. With the surge of folks getting back out there paired with employee shortages, lost luggage is becoming unfortunately more frequent. While still pretty unlikely,...
Traveling to Europe soon? Avoid these common scams
It’s an unfortunate fact especially in tourist-heavy areas of Europe, that scammers take advantage of even the savviest travelers. Some are virtual pros at extracting money and passports, which can spoil a trip in an instant. Most scams have a common purpose – to...
Skip the security and immigration lines with these 5 strategies
Effective immediately, the CDC no longer requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test for inbound travelers entering the United States. This removes another hurdle that prevented some folks from making the plunge into travel again. With this change, expect to see an...
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
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...
Questions about airport security rules? Now you can text the TSA
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....
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....