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Family Vacations

How to Expedite your Re-Entry to US after traveling overseas

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Traveling internationally can be an amazing experience. You get to experience new cultures and create great memories during your family vacations. But, at the end of the trip, the long lines when re-entering the United States is no fun after a long flight. Luckily, there are two programs that can help you cut the lines and breeze through customs and immigration: Mobile Passport Control and Global Entry.

Mobile Passport Control ( MPC)

Mobile Passport Control is a free mobile application that allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to complete their customs declaration using their smartphone or tablet instead of a paper declaration form. Mobile Passport Control App image

The app is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to follow a few steps to set up your account. You’ll need to provide your passport information, answer a few questions about your trip, and take a selfie. Once you’ve done all of that, you’ll be given a digital receipt that you can use to access the expedited entry lane.
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to follow signs for “Mobile Passport Control” and show your digital receipt and passport to a Customs and Border Protection officer. It’s that easy! The downside is that it’s only available at participating airports. Check the list here: MPC airport.

One of the best things about Mobile Passport Control is that it’s completely free. It’s available NOW and the app is incredibly easy to use.

If you’re a frequent traveler or if you want to enjoy even more benefits when re-entering the United States, you might want to consider applying for Global Entry.

 

Global Entry is a U.S. government program that offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. Global Entry and TSA Pre -check Logo Image

To apply, go to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry) and fill out an online application complete with a $100 application fee. After completion, you will wait for Conditional Approval, and then attend an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. The interview is your chance to provide fingerprints and additional information to confirm your identity. Once approved, you’ll get a Global Entry card that is good for 5 years.

Global Entry provides you with the expedited entry lane and also includes TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck allows you to skip the normal security lines at many U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can leave on your shoes, belts, and light jackets, and you don’t have to remove your laptops or liquids from your bags.

The process to obtain Global Entry can take a few months, depending on whether you can find an appointment at the local center. You can also apply first and then once conditionally approved, you can get an interview on arrival at a participating airport. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival.

If you live in the Southern California area, you can go to my partner agency’s Los Angeles office. We hold appointments frequently. Ask me about it.

Consider these two options to make your entry into the US more manageable after international travel.

All About Europe River Cruising for Families

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a river cruise ship sailing in a river in Europe

When it comes to planning Europe vacations, many families choose to join a guided tour, an ocean cruise, or a custom-tailored independent trip. River cruises are usually popular but reserved for couples or adults only. But it’s a fantastic travel product that every family should be able to enjoy. Some river cruise lines have offered a few summer sailings to allow families with little kids to travel on a smaller vessel, gliding down the Danube or the Rhine, and visiting iconic cities and smaller villages, without packing and unpacking.

 

A river cruise ship sailing on the river in Europe                                                          ( photo courtesy: AmaWaterways )

First, let me show you why River Cruising is a great idea. Here are just 10 benefits to start.

  1. Unpack only once. It’s like a floating hotel.
  2. Visit new places every day. You don’t get at sea days. You’re sailing down different cities along the river which are of close distances. More to see!
  3. A slow, relaxing pace. You enjoy a panoramic view on the deck while you sail along the river.
  4. Small, intimate ships. No need to navigate 15 decks and wait for elevators and long lines.
  5. Easy and more time to explore. You’re usually docked right in the city and can just walk off and get to a café, or the cathedral a block or two away.
  6. Enjoy more local flavor. Chef onboard can go shopping for fresh, local produce and serve them onboard. Same for entertainment from local performers too.
  7. Casual dress code. There are usually no formal nights, allowing you to travel light.
  8. All-inclusive makes it easy. Your cabin, meals, some drinks, and shore tours are included in the price. Often, there are great promotions for airfares too.
  9. Fine dining and service. Because of the smaller ships, there is no mass production of food. There is more crew to serve fewer guests and chefs can be more creative with the menu.
  10. Many itineraries to choose from. There are multiple rivers and themed cruises allowing more choices.

If you like ocean cruising and guided tours, I highly recommend giving river cruises a try. Cruisers are often very satisfied with the experience and often repeat on different rivers.

This is a particularly great option for multi-generational travel. I can’t wait for you to share and experience this together as a family.

What are family experiences like onboard a river cruise?  a mother and 2 sons taking a photo while traveling in Europe

While each cruise lines operate differently, most will have children’s programming for sailings that cater to families.
Children’s club, cooking and baking in the ships’ kitchen, craft workshops, pajama parties, kids movies, and just hanging out at the pool are some of the many options. There are no big slides and splash pads, but kids and teens will enjoy spending time with peers and polish their social skills 😊

What are experiences like on shore?

Often time, cruises dock at the city center. You can walk off or use the bikes offered by the cruise line or join family-friendly included guided tours. They can be city orientation tours by bikes or attend a chocolate workshop in Vienna.

What are cabins like and how do they accommodate families?

Some cruise cabins can sleep up to 5 guests. Some cruise lines offer connecting cabins. They are not large cabins, so you do want to pack light.

What is the minimum age for kids to sail?

Some cruises allow children from 2 years old. Some are 5 years old. I do think parents will enjoy the cruise more when traveling with school-aged children and above. It’s a great educational and fun experience for all.

Best time to travel?

A few cruise lines allow families year-round, but many offer special family-friendly sailing in the summer only. Because there are not too many cabins per ship, an early reservation is always highly recommended.

Here are a few offers for summer 2023:

Check out Castles along the Rhine on this page: https://www.uniworld.com/us/themed-cruises/family-friendly-cruises

Tauck is a well-loved guided tour company, but they also have multiple adventures on the river, even in December for the Holiday Christmas Markets. See them all here:

https://www.tauck.com/tours-and-cruises/family-travel/family-river-cruises

We know you’ll get a fun and magical time when Disney is involved. Adventures by Disney partners with AmaWaterways to provide many family-friendly river cruises all summer.

https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/river-cruising-with-disney/

Just like there are many ocean cruise lines, there are also many river cruise lines to choose from. Each with different personality and inclusions. Click Plan a Trip and book a complimentary Vacation Planning Consultation with me and I can match you up with the right line and the right experience. Of course, offer our signature service to take care of you from planning to the time you have to pack and come home. Ready? Let’s Go!

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New Travel Ideas for 2023 Awaits You

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someone holding a phone and planning a trip

I’m so excited about what’s to come in 2023! So many new and exciting products and services to suit everyone’s travel desires. Here’s just my shortlist. I can’t possibly list all the ships and hotels and flight routings, but I think you’ll agree these are some great choices picked for you.

Air:

United Airlines is now offering 3 new routings from New York for the summer of 2023 – Malaga Spain, Stockholm, Sweden, and Dubai, UAE. United flies to more destinations across the Atlantic than all other U.S. carriers combined. Maybe the WorldCup has you wanting to visit Qatar. You can also combine with UAE or Saudi Arabia!

And for Bay Area residents, we will have SFO-Rome nonstop starting in May! Italy is the most popular request for Europe. This will make traveling to Italy so easy now!

Delta will have nonstop from Atlanta to Cape Town! Usually, we connect in Europe. But this opens up easy US connections to amazing South Africa. Those safaris are calling!

Hotels and Resorts: Interior of a hale or room at the Kona Village Hotel in Big Island, Hawaii, USA

Have you heard of or stayed at Kona Village in Big Island, Hawaii? It was a well-loved Hawaii resort when I first joined the industry 25 years ago. It distinguished itself with individual hales and it was an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii! However, it was closed after a hurricane and was never reopened. The grounds have now been completely renovated and rebuilt and will become a Rosewood property, still named Kona Village.  On sale from July 2023 onwards.  It will still be stand-alone individual 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites.  But it will not be an all-inclusive resort.  Check it out here! https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/kona-village/overview

Four Seasons resort is opening two new spaces on the West Coast of Mexico. They now have luxurious camping tents experience in Punta Mita.  And a brand new Four Seasons Tamarindo resort in a secluded nature reserve! You can read about them here:  https://www.fourseasons.com/openings-and-enhancements-news/

 

Tours

Whether it’s guided tours or custom-tailored trips, I have the right partnerships to help you explore the world. I’m particularly excited about these itineraries:

South Korea is a trending country for all K-pop culture. This Classic Korean itinerary will take you to all the interesting places in the island nation.
https://www.insideasiatours.com/us/south-korea/tailormade-trips/skh001/south-korea-highlights

Iceland Diamond Circle: most first-time visitors are familiar with the Golden Circle of Iceland.  This one explores the Diamond Circle, which is the northeast area of Iceland and combines some of Iceland’s most stunning natural attractions with coastal views looking towards the Arctic Circle…all without the crowds elsewhere in Iceland.

https://www.cietours.com/tours/iceland/icelandic-explorer?package=46651

 

Yachts! 

Image of Ritz Carlton Yacht in the Caribbean Island

This has been a trending small cruise option in the last 8yrs.

Now, more and more brands are adopting this idea to take you to more places in a more intimate setting.  Ponant and Sea Dream have been around for some time. Ritz Carlton’s first yacht, the Evrima, has begun its inaugural sailing in Oct and has received rave reviews. https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/  Four Seasons has plans to follow with new yachts too.

Cruises

Explora Journeys is a brand-new cruise line with new ships, new itineraries, and experiences.

A must for those looking for a pampering sail.  They start sailing in July 2023 in Northern Europe and Iceland.  https://explorajourneys.com/us/en/ships/ships-highlights

Image of Explora cruiseship in Alaska

While not new, Crystal Cruises, after stalling for 2yrs due to financial troubles,  have new ownership! And it’s with A&K, the luxury travel provider worldwide.  A&K has taken over the Crystal ships and I can’t wait for you to experience them.  It’s open for reservations now with special incentives.  https://www.crystalcruises.com/

 

Of course, we also have brand new Disney Wish and currently the largest ship at sea: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas which just started sailing this year. Many other familiar names like Celebrity, Princess, and Norwegian will unveil new ships in 2023 and 2024 as well.

It’s an exciting time.  So many new experiences to try. Which one will you pick?  Put your thinking cap on this holiday with your friends and family and let’s plan an epic vacation for you in 2023!
More to brainstorm with me?  Go to Plan a Trip page, fill out the form, and schedule a 30 min Vacation Planning Consultation with me! 

 

Different options to protect your travel purchase

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image of a desk with passports and travel insurance form

Other than a non-prepaid rental car, pretty much every travel purchase has a cancellation penalty tied to it.  Even the most flexible hotel reservation typically asks for 24hours notice or risk losing one night or full stay. Most are much more restrictive. Some travel products like a custom-designed tour package or a cruise require an immediate non-refundable deposit.  There are different ways travel suppliers help us minimize losses, especially at these uncertain times in travel.  I want to briefly introduce you to them.

a desk with a few passports and a travel insurance application form

 

Cancellation Fee Waiver or Travel Protection Plan

These are usually plans that are provided by the tour company or the cruise line and they are the ones who offer you the protection and the administrator of them.  If you’ve reserved a Hawaii/Mexico package or a guided tour such as Tauck or most major cruises, they offer a policy where you can change your mind and get either a refund or a future travel credit.  Some allow you to do that up until a day before departure, some require you do that before you pay the final payment, which is usually 60 to 90 days out.

These plans are most flexible as they come with cancel for any reason benefit. Some offer money back refund, not just travel credits. And the cost of them is not based on age or other personal information.

Thus, they are usually quite reasonable in cost.  They do require you to buy at the time of your deposit payment. I love these plans the most. But the downside is that not all travel companies offer them.  In fact, very few do.  Since Covid, I’ve tried to use only tour companies that offer these plans, but most important is that they will offer a product that fits your travel wishes and need first.

 

Full travel insurance policy

These policies are underwritten by a real travel insurance company.  They not only provide you reimbursement for prepaid non-refundable expenses, but they also offer medical coverage during travel and assist with lost or delayed luggage, lost passport, or other personal belongings. The costs of these policies are based on the non-refundable trip cost and traveler’s age. Some policies offer children coverage for free. They only offer benefits or cover a claim if you have to cancel due to an emergency such as illness, injury, accidents, or extreme unforeseen events. Some do not even provide Covid-19 coverage.

While some offer policies where they call “Cancel for any Reason” or “Cancel Anytime” flexibility, they still have restrictions such as not covering international travel restrictions and fear of travel.

There are also many other nuances with these policies.  For example, there are pre-existing medical conditions exclusions or single supplement coverage exclusions.  Some policies offer you primary or secondary coverage, which then determines which insurance provider you file the claim with first if you have multiple insurances providing coverage such as your health insurance or homeowners policy.

Credit card insurance policies

You may also wonder whether the insurance policy that comes with your credit card offers sufficient coverage. It depends.  Some cards offer good policies. Some do not.  It does take efforts to evaluate all the options and weigh them as the best fit.  That’s what travel professionals can do for you! That’s what I do for you each trip. Everyone’s risk tolerance is different.  I will always try to answer your questions to the best of my ability.  It’s always a pleasure to serve you!  Click the Plan a Trip button to schedule a call today to talk about your travel needs!

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Why you should put Fiji on your radar

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People kayaking in the waters of Fiji islands

I want to share why you should put Fiji on your radar for your next family vacation or romantic getaway! I am so excited that Fiji is reopening. I know many of my West Coast clients are not too excited about Hawaii anymore as it’s so close and been there often.  Lately, you also hear about the overtourism there. Mexico doesn’t appeal. The Caribbean is too far.  Tahiti is not family-friendly ( although I disagree! ).   Fiji in the South Pacific plans to open the borders again on December 1, 2021.  Just in time for the holidays. The Fijians have been getting ready for the last year and a half. They have prepped well and have health and safety protocols in place and now an 80% vaccination rate as well. 

Some quick facts about Fiji:

No visa is required for US or Canadian citizens.
English is the official language.
Tipping is not customary.
Their currency is Fijian Dollar FJD

Fiji is a year-round tropical destination.  It is a 10hrs flight from Los Angeles. 2 meals, 2 movies, and a quick nap and you’ll arrive in paradise.  Once you arrive, you will really feel a sense of relaxation like no other.  It is a place for visitors to reconnect—with nature, with their loved ones, with themselves.  There are no nightlives or high rise or lots of shopping. It’s a place to disconnect from every day and reconnect with your family and loved ones.

Royal Davui Sunset-Plunge-Pool-Villa-Livingroom
pc: Royal Davui resort

There are 2 large islands with multiple little ones.  Most vacations I plan either have clients go straight to their island resort and spend a week enjoying water sports and some hikes offered on that island, or they stay in Viti Levu, the large island you arrive on, which offers much more tours and cultural activities when staying along the Coral Coast.  Another fun way to see the country is to combine a resort stay with a 3-day island cruise.

Fijians are very friendly and many families take advantage of their resort staff as full-time nannies while parents enjoy R&R.  Or enjoy tours like river tubing, ATV, zip-lining, golf, sailing, diving, kayaking, and more. It’s a place for adventures.

Some resorts are brands you’re familiar with—Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, but most are luxurious independent resorts offering a very delicious travel experience. Instead of bungalows or hotel rooms, you stay in bures. There are garden bures and more popular beachfront bures. Steps from the warm water.  Some properties also have overwater bures where you can just jump into the water and snorkel and swim just like Tahiti.

Fiji is a great place for divers and nature lovers.  While she has some very luxurious 4, 5, and 6-star resorts, they are not overdeveloped. They are conscious of sustainable tourism. Some islands are small enough that you can take over the entire island with your own party.

I like Fiji as a destination because it exudes the no worry vibes.  You arrive.  You relax at the resort. If you choose to do some tours, drivers pick you up. No need to worry about driving or GPS.  It’s a place with great hospitality and for some much-needed sun & fun, but learn about a different culture that is unique.

beachfront resort in Fiji
pc:JeanMichelCousteau Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been immersed in more training the last few weeks and onwards because a lot of resorts have done renovations and upgraded their experience and I always try to stay up to date!  If I can help share more about Fiji or help you plan a nice family or romantic vacation, pls go to the Plan a Trip page to get started!

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Why I recommend Guided Vacations for your next Family Vacation

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The biggest benefit, I say, is to have someone on the ground with you, taking care of everything for you. If you’re are reading this blog, chances are your desire to travel the world is high. Some of us have put our passports away for almost 1.5yrs.  We long to travel but feel unsure still if it’s safe or how things will be the same or not.  Our desire to travel remains high. Though I’ve planned a lot of custom-tailored independent travel, I do feel that guided, escorted vacations are going to be your best friend and can elevate your travel experience especially in the next year or 2 as we get the pandemic under control.

Many people have misconceptions about guided tours.  Thinking you will be stuck on the bus all day? Or that your schedule is so rigid and you have to go to tourist sites one after another all day long? Or that you’re staying at boring hotels and eating standard American dishes? Perhaps thinking you’ll be fighting for space with 50 other travelers?  Please think again. Or be informed.

Guided vacations are so much more in tune with the demands of travelers. Since Covid, a lot of tour operators are running small group tours of 12-16 guests. Even better, gather 6-8 friends and form your own private group with discounts built-in.  Everyone is either tested or has been vaccinated before they can sign up so you can feel comfortable with your travel mates.

There is a lot of leisure time built into the itineraries.  There are also choices.  Some tour companies now offer a few options for each city—maybe you want to go to a museum with a guide, or you want to go do a round of golf instead, or you want to have free time and do some shopping, these are all possible.

Transportation is almost always door-to-door service and you don’t have to stand in lines to get admission tickets. And now with the pandemic, they have special team handling and being on top of the travel entry requirements.  If anything changes, they’re on it.  They figure out the logistics of getting your Covid test done before returning to the USA.  And if anything becomes an issue, they’re responsible to help you with the next steps.  Can you feel the peace and security that can come with this? I say it’s priceless!

See this other long list of benefits:

All-inclusive pricing:  you have your lodging, your meals, your tours all budgeted in advance.

Exclusive experiences: because of their connections and network, you have privileged experiences… such as an after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel or King Tut’s tomb with your own group vs in a room packed with hundreds of others.  Or having creative dining experiences that you cannot buy on your own.

Flexibility: it’s not as rigid a schedule as before.  Lots of free time and also choices of activities.  Some tours travel between cities using trains or flights or even yachts!

Guides and Tour Directors: Your best friend!  They really are so passionate about their work and care about you.  I often have clients who sign up with whatever tours their guide does next.

Destinations:  there is a tour for almost every destination.  It’s especially great for places where you feel you can have more hand-holding due to the language barrier or difficulty of transport. Egypt, China, Africa, S. America area is great for guided tours.

Pricing:  there are a variety of tour companies and each has different programs.  Whether you need something affordable or very luxurious with extraordinary experiences, I can find something that matches.

Great Company: Guided tours are great for solo travelers to meet others, families wanting to meet other families so kids have same-age companions, and also great for multi-generation travel!  Imagine taking your family of 12 everywhere!

There are so many tour companies and within each, so many tour options. Take advantage of my service and knowledge to help select the right tour for you.  Plus, I can arrange airline tickets and offer insurance recommendations.  Get in touch and get started planning your next trip!

More USA Travel Ideas

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American flagged suitcase to represent some US Travel Ideas

I know many more countries are opening their borders this summer and we are hitting record numbers in air travel.  Yet, many people still have hesitation to travel cross countries and want to wait a little longer.  Maybe you don’t want to be on a long flight with mask on, or you don’t want to worry about getting Covid-tested to return home and to deal with the “What if” situation. What else can we do here in the US?   Here are a few quick family vacation ideas.  I hope it serves.

Rail Travel:

Rocky Mountaineer Trains are operating a brand new routing in the US starting in August.   This is a luxury train experience and I don’t know if it’ll still be available next year! So take advantage of it if you’ve always wanted a nice train service with beautiful sights along the way.  It’s a quick trip. Find more info on this link: https://www.bit.ly/RockyMountaineerPromo

Amtrak is celebrating 50 years and is also another great way to travel the country.  Whether you’re interested in Glacier National Park or catching the foliage in New England, this can be a great experience. Ditch the rental car and hop on board.  You can have private rooms, some even with private bathrooms.  There are some good dining offered too.
Check out some offers here: https://www.amtrakvacations.com/vacation-types/famous-routes

Biking and Hiking Trips:

Backroads has lots of great ideas if you want to stay in the US and stay active during your vacation. Not all of their trips are challenging. In fact, many go at an enjoyable pace. You get to visit cities and towns and enjoy nice meals and companies and have a friendly trained guide to escort you for a few days of hiking or walking. Bye maps, phones & GPS. There are different adventures for families, for couples, even trips tailored for olden teens or young adults.   Check out this trip for Washington San Juan Islands for inspiration: https://www.backroads.com/trips/WPSI/washington-hiking-tour#Overview
What I highly recommend to make it more fun is to find a few friends or family to form your own private trip! You get to pick your dates and travel with those you love to spend time with.

Cruising Lakes & Rivers of America:
I’ll be watching closely for the resumption of Great Lakes Cruises.  I think with the CDC now allowing operations of cruises from US ports, this cruise might still return this summer? Or Fall? And hopefully, vaccine administration will pick up faster with our northern neighbor, and that we can travel to Canada again. That will help open up this lovely cruise itinerary and allow us to explore the Great Lakes cities and towns in a different way.  Check out the options here: https://www.victorycruiselines.com/cruises/great-lakes-cruises/

If lakes are not your cup of tea, check out the river options. Mississippi, Ohio, and Columbia Rivers. I especially like the Columbia River cruises due to the scenery.  You don’t have to wait for Canada. You can go this summer!  http://bit.ly/ColumbiaRiverCruise

Well, I covered bikes, trains, and cruise-mobiles. Feel free to call or schedule a chat to brainstorm ideas for your next trip!  Enjoy the freedom of being able to travel freely again now that the pandemic is under control here in the US.  And if you would like more tips and updates like this, please subscribe to the newsletter!

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Top 10 Travel Ideas You Can Use Now

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excited little traveler sitting on suitcase with arms extended

A lot of my clients are feeling that we’re finally seeing the end of the tunnel. After all, it’s been a full year of extremes. The pandemic hit so sudden and changed our lives in so many ways. Many are truly feeling a big relief and freedom from getting the protection of the vaccine and are ready to travel again.

Here are some of the many ideas that you can consider. I might come back with part 2 next time!

1. Iceland   Iceland's waterfalls Iceland has announced it will open to all tourists who have been fully vaccinated or have been previously infected with Covid. They will not need to quarantine or test. Iceland has had very good control of the disease cases. If you travel a little beyond Reykjavik and the usual waterfalls that attract tourists, you’ll see there are so many vast landscapes and adventures to experience and be very socially distanced and feel safe. I plan many custom-tailored itineraries so do connect if you are interested. OR I can find you the right tour. The short distance from the US makes it very attractive, no?

 

2. Greece Though still fighting a surge in cases, Greece believes they will have it under control by mid-May as more citizens get vaccinated. picture of Santorini GreeceStarting May 15th, they will allow travelers who have been vaccinated, had Covid-19 antibodies or a negative covid test to enter. You can experience all the historical culture, the food, the beach. Cruises here, unlike Iceland, will resume. Celestyal Cruise line, a preferred partner of our agency, is worth checking out. I also have other travel partners who can whisk you off to a remote island if you prefer to stay away from the usual Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete.

 

 

3. Alaska   Alaska without the large cruise ships guests will be the perfect place to visit! And there are no testing requirements to return home as you’re still in US soil. You will need a negative Covid test result to visit but I think it’s worth it. I can design a land-based touring itinerary for you and you will be able to see the glaciers, the polar bears, and bald eagles in natural habitat, and how about dog sledding on ice or glacier trekking for those who want real adventures? If you still want to cruise, my clients always rave about Uncruise Adventures. It may be the only cruise player this season. It’s a small ship and will clear CDC requirements to operate.

4. Caribbean Cruises   Crystal Cruises led the pack and announced it will resume sailing in June with a 7 days Bahamas itinerary to ONLY fully vaccinated guests. They prioritize safety for crew and guests and this is what their loyal guests want to start cruising again. You ask, they give. Then, other cruises like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity will follow as well. For Royal Caribbean, adults must be fully vaccinated and children will need a negative Covid test to board.  This will be the first time medium and large size ships will be sailing since last March.

5. Galapagos   Combine a Galapagos cruise with a visit to Ecuador and you’ll have a full itinerary of culture, nature, and wildlife for sure.a pair of blue footed booby from Galapagos There are small yachts and small ships perfect for navigating the islands and you’ll have an experience just like pre-pandemic. If you’re interested, hurry because of the small size of ships and large demand. Don’t miss the boat!

 

 

 

6. Africa.   If you can handle the long flights, you’ll enjoy an even more untouched Africa. Many of my colleagues have traveled and returned and had a fantastic experience on their safaris. My recommendation will be to Tanzania and finish with a beach escape in Zanzibar. Other countries are requiring negative tests and can be tricky over there when you travel from one country to another.
Here’s a wonderful itinerary to consider: https://africantravelinc.com/safari/discover-the-wonders-of-tanzania

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

7. Costa Rica

a great destination with a diverse array of activities. Whether you want to visit the coffee farms or hike to the volcanos, zipline across the rainforest, or bird watch in the cloud forest, then finish with a beach escape in the Pacific coast in a luxury resort or private villa, Costa Rica will not disappoint. You have so much space and the Ticos are so friendly. This is a top choice for families with teens.

 

 

 

a Jungle Lodge in Belize, the Blancaneaux
PC: Blancaneaux Lodge, a Cappola Family Hideaway

8. Belize  another fabulous sort of off-the-radar Central American country. This small country is full of natural attractions such as pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests, Mayan ruins, challenging cave systems that you can explore, and the second-longest barrier reef in the world! I love combining a jungle & reef itinerary and introducing my clients to the numerous eco-lodges in the jungles on treetops! An amazing experience for couples or families with teens.

 

 

9. Disneyland   After a year-long closure, Disneyland is reopening its doors in June. Combine with a stay at the Disneyland Resort or the Grand California resort and you will have kids showering you with hugs and kisses all the way. Invite the Grandparents and let’s visit The Happiest Place On Earth.

 

10. Kauai     Kauai is finally relaxing quarantine requirements. Starting April 1, you can visit just like other Hawaii islands with a negative Covid test from a trusted testing partner. The islands are still trying to figure out if they will lift that requirement for fully vaccinated travelers. The lush jungles, the Waimea Canyon, and of course, the lovely beaches that Are Hawaii. How can you resist? All the resorts will be welcoming with open arms. And don’t forget to check out the Ultimate Hawaii Guide to your right.

Na Pali cliffs coastline, Kauai, Hawaii
Na Pali cliffs, Kauai, Hawaii

There are at least another 10 ideas I can offer. So, feel free to call, email or schedule a time to chat to get started with planning. Make up the year lost and save it with a family vacation that you know you want.

Hit the Plan a Trip button above and let a travel expert help take care of you. From brainstorming travel ideas, to planning the perfect itinerary and making all the reservations, we are with you all the way. We’ll even deliver your travel itinerary and documents in a digital app.

We will be just a text away when you travel.  The peace of mind… priceless!

 

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How will Covid Vaccine Passport Get Us Back to Travel Again

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Sample covid passport

I know many of us are just sick of the cold, tired of being indoors and of not having traveled for so long. Things are looking up.   People are feeling more confident and a lot more comfortable now with traveling now that they are getting vaccinated.  Although it is not 100% safe from getting infected, if we continue to practice safety protocols, I think it is really the key to getting back to normal.

On Feb 22, UK has announced their plans to reopen travel.  It may come as early as May for international travel.  Europe though is still struggling with a slow roll-out of the vaccine so it remains to be seen whether they will open by this summer. But countries are still figuring things out and planning for it. A lot of talks are happening around a Vaccine Passport.

sample covid passport which is showing a digital image of a covid 19 vaccine with QR code and a check box for vaccine taken

What is a Vaccine Passport?

It’s a proof that the holder of it has been vaccinated against COVID, and will allow them to travel freely between countries again. It will not be a passport book.  It will be in the form of a digital certificate.  An app that people will download to their mobile device and can be checked quickly by each countries’ customs and border control officers.  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has plans to have it ready in a few weeks, named the Travel Pass. Countries will need to enroll and participate. But it will streamline the verification process if they have this as a standardized certificate.

 

Concerns about Vaccine Passport:

While it seems like a good idea, there are obstacles.  Funding, security of such passport, as well as other ethical concerns. Will this be discrimination because not everyone is able to get vaccine due to medical reasons, not by choice?  So, maybe it will be a proof that someone has a negative COVID-test, instead of a vaccine.  Plus, not all countries are having a successful rollout of the vaccines due to supply. This creates a sense of inequality.

Suppliers requiring Vaccine for traveling?

Some cruise lines have already said they will only accept customers who have been fully vaccinated starting July 2021.  Most are requiring crew members to be vaccinated.  The US cruise lines include American Queen Steamboat and Victory Cruise lines that does a lot of US river cruises as well as Crystal Cruises, which is a luxury cruise line. They said it’s the peace of mind their guests are asking for.  But other cruise line are taking a wait and see.  There are cruises in Germany and Italy that has been operating safely without much incidents even without vaccinated guests.

Some countries allow visitors who are fully vaccinated, but not yet for US visitors!   

There are countries jumping ahead of the vaccine passport, and allowing travelers to enter when they are fully vaccinated, waiving requirements for quarantines and negative COVID-test.
These include Iceland, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Seychelles, and Thailand, to name a few. But there are still restrictions for US travelers.  Yet it offers a glimmer of hope!

How do you feel about this concept of Covid Vaccine Passport? Share a comment with us!

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Why you should consider Tauck tour and cruises for your next family vacation

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a brochure cover from Tauck tours with some lake and mountain scenery

Tauck has been around for over 95 years. They are a family owned tour company. Started with a local tour in New England.  Their commitment to service has won them a loyal following and they have greatly expanded their tour offerings across the globe and now also offers their own river cruise ships and have chartered small ships to different parts of the world with a showcase of interesting itineraries.  Whether it’s their land tours in Europe and Africa or the very popular family river cruises for multi-generational groups, Tauck products have consistently win the highest mark from my clients. They truly excel in all aspects of a tour.

Many of their guests are repeat guests.  Most enjoy traveling as a group with other like minded travelers and who enjoy cultural explorations and traveling with ease.  When tours started canceling last April due to the pandemic shutdown, over 80% of their guests have chosen to rebook the exact same tour with them for a year later.  And for those who did not rebook, got all their money back.  That isn’t the case with all travel / tour companies. Many chose to hang on to the guests’ funds.  It is a testament to Tauck’s strong financials and integrity.

a large family all wearing berets posing in front of Eiffel Tower in Paris during their Tauck tour
pc:Tauck; Tauck Family Adventures in Paris

Tauck has won Travel & Leisure’s “World’s Best” list for 23 consecutive years.  What made Tauck so popular?

  1. A wide presence, offering tours everywhere. You can choose to travel all 7 continents with Tauck if you love their consistent service.
  2. Exclusive access. Tauck’s long standing relationships have gained them partnerships with suppliers and museums to create unique experiences built in to their itineraries.  For example, they have exclusive after-hours access to the Sistine Chapel so you’re visiting with your own group of 40 or 20 fellow tour mates and not packed with the general public of thousands.
    They have special lunch in castles or exclusive performances arranged for their guests that turns every trip into a trip of a lifetime.
  3. Tour directors and local guides are their true assets. Their tour directors not only ensure a seamless travel experience, but their knowledge and caring attitude fosters a deep connection with guests.  Sometimes, I get requests to do the next tour with the same tour director wherever he/she is assigned due to their thoughtful, personal service.
  4. Great value. Tauck is not about spending as little as possible. But about giving you the best they can give for your money.  Quality hotels & ships, exclusive access and experiences, and itinerary planning that showcases the best a destination has to offer so that everything you should see is already included in the tour price and nothing extra to offer on tour.  In addition, gratuities are included in tour price so you don’t have to stress about getting local currency during tour.

You’ve heard from me and my clients’ feedbacks. Would you like to hear from Tauck directly?
This Thursday, 2/4/21, at 3pm PT, or 6pm ET, will you please join me on this virtual live presentation with Tauck? Hosted by Steve Spivak, Vice President of Global Sales and Partner Relations, the event will cover the current status of travel and what you can expect this year, along with great destinations to consider.  Here is the link to register.
https://tauck.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VWcu3823SE2-e_G0YvphGw
If you have another commitment, you can register and they will send you a recording afterwards. But if you can attend live, there will be opportunity for Q&A.

Space is Limited! Register now by clicking the link below:

Thursday, February 4, 2021 3:00 PM PST

https://tauck.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VWcu3823SE2-e_G0YvphGw

Maybe I’ll see you on Thursday! And of course, if after the presentation and you are interested in finding out more about joining their tours or need help selecting an itinerary, I’ll be honored to help.  email me, call me, or click the plan a trip button up on top!

Here are a few of Tauck’s popular tours:
America’s Canyonland
Danube Family River Cruise and Tour
Galapagos Island Family Tour and Cruise

All other guests favorites

If you’ve missed this event and would like to be notified of future opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter!

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