pack light, travel deeper

 
1. We all like to recharge and relax, but if you are staying at an All Inclusive, try to get off the resort for a few at least hours to experience the culture and exciting activities. For your safety, I recommend doing this with the trusted assistance and expert advice of your professional Travel Advisor and keep these activities to daytime hours. Don't worry about missing out,  most resorts will be happy to pack you lunch and beverages for your excursion. This is why I always pack a travel cup and small cooler bag. (ziplock bags are always handy too, to pack the food from the breakfast buffet.)

2. My signature line says "Pack light and travel deeper" This means that whenever possible, only take a  carry-on suitcase and leave the big one at home. Only take what you need. Checking a large bag can ensue extra fees and then you cut into your vacation time waiting around the luggage carousel. When you vacation in a tropical climate, lightweight clothing and 100 ml bottles from the dollar store for personal care items is all you need with a pair of comfortable sandals and some dress shoes. 

3. Embrace the culture of the country you are visiting. This is such a huge enhancement to your hard-earned vacation. Learn a few new words in the local language, expand your horizons with exciting new cuisine and explore the customs and traditions. These are where some of the best travel memories are made.

4.  Tipping is at your discretion but please if you do, tip in local currency. Can you imagine working 6 days a week and then having to stand in line at the bank for hours on your only day off as you try to exchange your tips into your own currency? This is often the case for resort employees. Many shopping malls in Canada and the US have international currency exchange kiosks. You can always order foreign currency through your bank. Allow for several weeks ahead of your departure to ensure that you have it.

5. Airports: Get there early, 3 hours can be cutting it close. Being first to be processed is a much less stressful way to start your vacation. Sit down, people watch with a beverage, enjoy Duty Free browsing and shopping.

6. Dress in layers. When I travel from a cold climate to a hot one, I usually dress in layers and go to the bathroom about an hour before landing to trade shoes/boots for sandals and slacks for a skirt. 

7. What not to pack: Liquids or Gels Larger Than 3.4 Ounces (100 Milliliters) and obvious items like weapons etc. There are some items you might be surprised to know you can bring in your carry on, such as the following:

• Scissors (blades must be shorter than four inches) 
• One disposable razor
• Electric razor
• Vapes or e-cigarettes (but you can’t use them on the plane)
• One standard lighter or book of matches
• Knitting needles and crochet hooks
   

8. Make printed copies of your travel documents, don't just have them on your cell phone. This would include your passport.

9. Have a checklist and follow it when packing. You don't want to leave behind medication, charge cords or prescription eyeglasses. Oddly, these are the most forgotten items.

10. Relax and enjoy, soak it all in. Take photos and videos and remember that sometimes things don't always go perfectly. This is why you have me, The Trip Goddess, as your professional Travel Advisor.  I can do everything possible for you to have a seamless experience with memories to last a lifetime.

If there is something you want to know about your chosen destination, reach out to me. I specialize in and have visited numerous destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, throughout the Mediterranean and European countries. I also hold Specialist Certifications in  Australia, Bali, New Zealand and French Polynesia. 

Remember, Pack Light, Travel Deeper!
 

 Jet-setting pet parents know just how heartbreaking it feels to leave a beloved furry friend at home while traveling. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly airlines that allow dogs, cats, birds, and a handful of other household animals to fly with you to your destination.

Flying with pets requires a little extra leg work, however. Each pet-friendly airline has different—and, at times, confusing—policies about the types of animals allowed on planes, where they can spend the flight, which destinations they’re allowed to travel to, and what time of year they can fly. Airlines also charge varying pet fees for passengers traveling with a pet. 

When determining which flight to book, carefully read each airline’s pet rules for ​​non-emotional support pets, non-service dogs and cats to ensure you and your furry friend have the smoothest experience possible. Also review the pet regulations at your destination, as many international locales, and even some domestic spots like Hawaii, have strict rules and procedures for bringing pets with you. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to flying with pets. The most pet-friendly airline for your journey depends on the type of animal you have, your pet’s size, where you’re traveling, and whether you’d like your pet to fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold as checked baggage.  Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. 

When making travel decisions, choose what is safest and most comfortable for your pet. For instance, unless you'll be able to spend a lot of time with your dog, they'll probably be happier at home than tagging along on your trip. As a rule, cats are almost always better off in their own home. But if you have decided it's best to bring your pet along, follow our tips for a safe and low-stress trip. Ask these questions if your pet is flying in the cabin.... 

-Will the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you? 

-Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements? 

-Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided carriers (which may be more comfortable for your pet), but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to certain airlines. 

-If you can't take your pet in the cabin, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet in the cargo hold?

Most airlines have different policies and procedures, so check with your carrier for your options.

Please share your experiences with me!  I love a good pet-story!