Even the most seasoned traveler will scratch their head when it comes to bringing food products back into the U.S., and it seems the rules are always changing. It’s confusing and frustrating to have food or a souvenir taken away by a customs agent! The reason for...
Tips During Travel
10 Major Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them
We travel for many reasons - reconnecting with loved ones, experiencing new cultures, meeting new people – but in every country, scam artists lurk around looking to spoil your trip. Common sense goes a long way, but many scammers are pros that can steal from even the...
Fly confidently with our 5 favorite travel-savvy apps
Long lines of cranky people, shrinking legroom on planes, folks sprinting to their connecting gate only to see the flight pulling away…what if air travel could be easier? With more and more people taking to the skies, having an...
Tipping when you travel – here are the latest guidelines
Generations Riviera Maya 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. Don’t let tipping leave you...
How to travel without looking like a tourist
Tourist taking selfie at a tropical beach at Maldives Islands Few things are more exciting than being in a completely new place. Think of your first trip abroad – how great it was to experience the new sights, smells, customs, and language. It’s practically addictive!...
Do you know your rights as an airline passenger? Denise answers your top questions.
United Airlines landed in some hot water recently because of the way they handled an overbooking situation on a flight from Chicago to Louisville. In short, four people were required to involuntarily give up their seats after they had boarded. The...
Five Tips for Taking Vacation Pictures Like a Pro
Photography is a great way to weave together the story and spirit of your vacation. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a famous artist to create a wonderful photo album! With these five tips to keep in mind during your next trip, you’ll be transporting your audience...
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
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...