You’d think after millennia of people traveling, not to mention how quickly the world has shrunk with access to the Internet, that we would have seen it all.
 
But here are four beautiful and intriguing highlights from places that might not be as familiar. If you’d like a full list from National Geographic of the best trips for 2018 – some familiar, some not – check it out here
 
If you’re craving a break from busy-ness and noise, Haida Gwaii will give you the silence you’re longing for. A 180-mile-long archipelago off the coast of British Columbia is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers. May-September is the summer season, with more tourist services available, and a greater chance of seeing spectacular wildlife like the Orca migration. But if you’re into surfing, try October-May for the best waves.
 
To get a feel for what life was like for the Vikings, hop a ferry from Denmark or Iceland and check out the Faroe Islands. Located about 400 miles off the coast of Northern Europe and accessible by flights and ferries year-round, the Faroe Islands are ringed with dramatic green cliffs that plunge into the ocean, sparkling bays, and breathtaking Nordic scenery. In the city of Gjógv, stay in an authentic sod-roofed hotel and take hikes up into the mountains with a spectacular view of the gorge below. Go in July or August for mild temps and long days.
 
A hidden travel gem lies in the Western Baltics, which is already a somewhat-unknown region that is brimming with breathtaking scenery and a proud cultural heritage. The Via Dinarica  is a year-round adventurer’s wonderland. Love gorgeous summer hikes and biking tours? May-September, this trail stretches through 1,200 miles of varied terrain and eight different countries. If you’re into skiing and snowshoeing, hit the Via Dinarica from January to mid-March for a pristine wonderland. Stay in remote mountain shelters, or immerse yourself in centuries-old tradition by staying with local host families.  
 
We see a lot of Japan’s bustling cities, its towering skyscrapers, its industry, its bright lights. But if you’re interested in reclining into the contemplative heart of Japan, seek out Koyasan, a pristine monastic complex two hours south of Osaka by train and the seat of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. Many temples here offer guest rooms, and you can get a feel for what monastic life is like in the lush, misty mountain interior. Savor the simple flavors of clean Buddhist eating, take in morning rituals, or hike by lantern and moonlight along winding green mountain paths. After the intense and amazing sensory experiences that the large urban areas of Japan provide, Koyasan really is the perfect retreat into silence, simplicity, and mystery.
 
One of the many reasons I love what I do as a travel agent is that there is just so much to see, to take in, and to learn. We all have the amazing opportunity to launch out into new places, to find some new adventure that will change us forever — and I love getting to be a part of that process.
 
If you’re feeling that pull to places that are new to you, contact me today and let’s start planning your next adventure!

Vacations, even simple weekend getaways, can be full of adventure — that’s part of the great appeal, after all — but if you value a delicious, high-quality meal along with your adventure, then check out these four apps for different travel needs that can direct you to the best places to savor a great meal.
 

• When you’re stuck at the airport. Usually, airports are not known for their culinary quality, although that’s changing in some places. GateGuru is an app developed by TripAdvisor that is a full-on airport genie for your phone. With this app, you can check in, check your flight status, get a rental car, see maps of individual airports — and you can get lists of restaurants in the airport and see reviews from fellow travelers. (Free, iOS and Android).


• When you want to know what you’d love. App developers have a knack for creating complex algorithms that essentially “get to know you” by analyzing your previous food choices. Foodspotting (free, iOS and Android) delivers up choices based on specific dishes you’ve indicated you loved (or hated) before.


• When you’re looking for advice from the experts. If you’re suspicious of crowdsourcing opinions on the best food, why not consult those who know best? ChefsFeed allows you to pick a major city (featuring major US cities, plus several Canadian cities, and London, with more coming soon), and up pops dishes that top chefs in that city would recommend from their favorite restaurants. (Free, iOS)
• When you want to know what the heck you’re eating. You might like a little mystery when you’re ordering in a foreign country — but maybe not too much, right? WordLens started as a standalone app and is now a part of Google Translate. It uses your phone’s video camera and optical character recognition to make translations in real time when you hold your phone up to the text. Even better? It doesn’t require a network connection to work, so when you’re visiting that quaint little hill town in Umbria, you can still know what’s on the menu. It’s currently available for Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Portuguese. (Free, iOS and Android, each language pack is $5.95)

 
Make the most of your trip and the food you enjoy while on your next adventure! Give one (or more!) of these apps a try and let me know what you think. And don't forget, you can always contact your travel agent for any questions about food before and during your trip!

Every time we decide to walk out our front door, we’re taking a risk. Seasoned travelers know this. They also know that in most cases, the risks pale in comparison to all there is to gain from getting out and seeing the wide world.
 
Many travelers have been concerned about recent reports of the Zika virus. While we don’t know everything there is to know about Zika, your best defense is the best information. Here’s a brief rundown of what we know, where you can go to get the latest info, and how you can keep yourself healthy while traveling.
 
What we know
Zika is a virus that is contracted through Aedes mosquito bites, and it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. It has also been shown to be spread through unprotected sexual contact, through blood transfusions with infected blood, and (very rarely – only once reported in 2016) through a laboratory/healthcare environment. Epidemiologists are working to explain other possible modes of transmission.
 
During the first week of being infected, the virus can be found in that person’s blood; if a mosquito bites the infected person, the mosquito can then spread it to another person via another bite. (For details on transmission and prevention, read the CDC’s latest info here or the World Health Organization’s here).
 
There currently is concern about the affect of Zika on the fetuses of pregnant women. While much is still unknown about all the possible effects of Zika on unborn babies, here is what the CDC is currently recommending for pregnant women in any trimester who in or are considering traveling to areas affected by Zika. If you are pregnant and have travel plans, be sure to talk to your physician.
 
There currently is no vaccine for the Zika virus. Symptoms are usually flu-like — fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes) — and may last a week or more. Most people who are infected never even have symptoms. The virus stays active in the bloodstream for about a week, sometimes longer, before a person is no longer contagious (via mosquito bite transmission). Hospitalizations and death are extremely rare.
 
Where to get the best information about Zika and travel
It’s common for certain media platforms to create elevated levels of panic around outbreaks like these. Your best bet is to have reliable, medically-based sources to go to in order to get the most clear, scientifically-backed, and up-to-date information possible.
 
For specific travel notices regarding areas of the world where Zika has been found, here are the latest CDC travel updates. In addition, you can check the U.S. State Department or the Public Health Agency of Canada  for current information.
 
As your travel consultant, I am always here to advise you if you have any concerns about upcoming trips we are planning for you.  I stay up to date on the most current information and can also reach out to your destination resort and ask what the plan is to avoid any incidents while on property.
 
 
How to stay healthy while traveling abroad
Before any trip you want to make sure you are up to date on any required vaccines. If you take medications, make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip. And if you need any special accommodations — wheelchair access, for example — be sure to tell your travel agent so he or she can alert the staff at your destination(s) to ensure you get the best care possible.
 
In addition, if you want to have a resource in place to cover any emergencies or unexpected medical expenses, it’s a great idea to purchase travel insurance. Depending on the plan, insurance can pay for doctor’s visits and any necessary medications while traveling.
 
As always, look to level-headed sources for your information. Check the numbers. Often, the total infections pale in comparison to the millions of people that travel every day. Assess the real risk, and make an informed decision from there.
 
As your travel agent, I make it a priority to stay current on all health and safety issues, and I invite you to ask as many questions as you need to!
 
 
 

If you want to go somewhere and nobody wants to go with you, go alone. You’ll meet new people with similar interests. Traveling alone is one of the most enlightening experiences a person can have. You push yourself out of your comfort zone and into a new place filled with new experiences that can expand your worldview. You have plenty of time by yourself to reflect and get to know yourself in a new and different way. It’s great.
 
If you want to plan a solo trip, you’ll need to pick a place and a way to finance it. But that’s not all-- traveling solo requires smart packing and extra safety measures to protect yourself. Here are the things to never forget when planning your solo trip.
 
Consider a Capsule Wardrobe
 
What is a capsule wardrobe, you say? A capsule wardrobe is a collection of classic, basic clothing all in a similar color scheme. All the pieces go together and you can create various looks with layering, mixing and matching. Generally, people use a lot of neutral tones and maybe one or two pops of their favorite color. Each item should be of the highest quality you can afford-- you don’t want seams splitting or threads unraveling on your trip.
 
When packing for your trip, limit your shoe choices to three maximum. Which shoes you take depends on where you’re going, with the exception of comfortable walking shoes. When you travel, you’ll always want to bring along a pair of shoes that won’t kill your feet if you get lost and have to wander around a bit.
 
Also pay attention to the materials that make your clothing. Things that wrinkle easily like silk and linen aren’t the best. You’ll want something that keeps its shape and looks good right out of the suitcase. After all, you don’t want to waste your time traveling with unnecessary ironing.
 
The benefits of a capsule wardrobe are many. You have outfit diversification so you feel and look good. When everything matches, you don’t spend time picking out what to wear. Finally, a capsule wardrobe can easily fit into your carry-on luggage. No need to worry about scrambling for resources in case the airlines lose your bags.
 
Secure Yourself
 
Traveling alone can be intimidating-- some might even call it scary. But as long as you prepare properly and stay smart, there’s nothing to fear. One of the best things you can do to prepare yourself is research. Look up the place you’re going and learn as much as you can about the area. Ask your hosts or hotels which neighborhoods to avoid when you get there. Additionally, researching customs from the area will help you not look like the tourist you are. Pickpockets and thieves target those who don’t blend in-- so blend.
 
Just as pickpockets target tourists, burglars target vacant homes. Be sure your house or apartment is safe while you’re gone with a trusted house sitter. If you don’t want a house sitter or would rather not spend the money, there are a few things you can do to deter thieves. Ask one of your neighbors to park their car in your driveway. This will make it look like there’s some kind of traffic coming in and out of your home. Additionally, a capable alarm system will save you loads of worry. If a burglar tries to break in, both the authorities and yourself will be notified.
Redfin.com has more tips on how to protect your home while on vacation.
 
Since you’ll be alone, it’s important that those you love know where you are. Share your itinerary with close friends and family. It’s not enough to rely on social media check-ins for them to be informed. In fact, it can make things more dangerous as criminals are better able to track you. If you are traveling outside of the country, contact their US Embassy and let them know you’re coming. They should also be the first people you contact in case of emergency It’s also a good idea to leave a note of where you’re going, who you’re going with, and what time you plan to be back in your room while you travel. If something happens, it will be an important asset for finding you.
 
***
 
Traveling alone is incredibly rewarding. While it has its specific challenges, with the right packing and planning you can have an amazing and safe trip. The secret to doing this is planning. If you prepare for any situation, you’ll be able to handle it. Now, get out there and bon voyage!

Set Your Travel Goals and Work on Achieving Them 
With another year in the bag and already a quarter of 2018 already gone, you tell yourself that this is the year you’re finally going to realize your travel plans. Whether they are part of your bucket list or a dream destination, you need to stop putting it off and get planning. As we’ve mentioned previously on Absolutely Amazing Travel, the best way to start is to set a goal, start saving, and provide shape to your plan. Once you start visualizing what you’d like to do and where you’d like to go, the pieces will fall into place.

Set a Destination Goal
It’s always difficult to pick just one place to see every year, especially when most people have limited vacation time, alongside work and family commitments.  Daring to Live Fully recommend choosing one place and making a solid commitment to visit that specific place. Think about which trip might be the least expensive right now if money is tight, or which destination is geographically closer. Perhaps you have a relative in a country you’ve been meaning to visit or a friend who can guide you around. When you start thinking about some of the things that may seem like obstacles, you’ll find that they really aren’t.

Book Time Off
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, sometimes we forget to do the most obvious things. One of the priority tasks when planning your getaway is booking your vacation time at work.  Travel Savvy Gal explains that you should start blocking off travel time as early as possible in the new year. Many people keep putting it off, weeks end up turning into months, and they find that they’ve accomplished none of their goals. It’s never too early to start getting organized and marking your travel plans on your calendar.

Start Saving
While money is essential for your travel plans, as it can be exchanged for goods and services, some destinations may not be as expensive as you think they are. Early on get a general idea of what your trip might cost you; include flights, accommodations, transportation and food. One way to ensure you have enough is to start a dedicated savings account, according to this how-to by the Work Away Blog. This way you can make sure you’ve put away dedicated funds for your trip, without the temptation to spend it on something else.

More Bang for Your Buck
Now that you’ve set a goal, booked your time off and have money, what's next? How can you maximize that money and stretch it as far as possible? Always look for deals on flights and accommodations. When booking your flights online make sure you compare prices from different websites; sometimes identical flights will be cheaper on some sites compared to others. Accommodations are notorious for fetching wildly different nightly rates depending on the provider, so make sure you shop around.

Whether you’re fulfilling your bucket list or scheduling an annual trip, planning all the details can be a little daunting. So, whether you plan to do a cross-country trip, relax on a tropical beach or visit a new country, the time to plan is now. An article by Lottoland entitled ‘The Cost of Completing a Bucket List’ details how much you should be planning to save in order to visit ionic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in India. Don’t let the cost put your off either; as we’ve already mentioned some destinations may be cheaper than you think. A flight to India might set you back $1,500 depending on the carrier, but once you get there, food, accommodation and transportation will cost you very little. So, stop making excuses and go plan your getaway. Why are you still here? Go now.

New York Times writer Susan Heller famously said, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”
 
Even when we have great intentions, it’s easy to overload our suitcases. We wind up dragging a lot of stuff around. There’s more to keep track of; it winds up being a lot of physical and mental clutter. And, of course, we wind up paying a ton of extra fees for the additional weight and luggage.
 
So, rather than viewing efficient packing as a practice in minimalism, I like to think of it as a challenge that helps you make the most of every vacation: you have what you need, you’re freed up to not have to lug around a bunch of extra weight, and you can put that saved money towards a special souvenir, a nice dinner out, or another cool experience.
 
So what are the secrets that seasoned travelers use to guarantee expert packing? Here are the top 6:
 

1. Remember the 80/20 Principle — that is, 20% of what you pack will be 80% of what you actually wear. If you’re like most people, you’ve already noticed this. You pack four pairs of shoes, but you really only wear one pair every day. You pack three sweaters and a shawl that you never use, because you wind up just wearing your favorite light jacket that goes with everything you own. 

2. Don’t pack for every possible situation. Pack for an average day. There’s no way you can cover every contingency. Look at the forecast, the average temps and weather for that time of year, and go with that. If there’s a freak week of rain in what’s normally a sunny season — unless you’re headed to an extremely remote area that sees few travelers, it’s very unlikely that you won’t be able to purchase a rain coat or an umbrella where you are. If there’s a cold snap, there’s probably also a store nearby with just the thing you need. 

3. It’s okay to wash. If you’re going to be gone for three weeks, pack enough clothes for one. If you’re a hardcore DIYer, almost every resort or town in the world has a Laundromat or laundry service. If you’re feeling like you want  break from daily tasks and routines and you’re really looking forward to the luxury of having other people pamper you, have your clothes laundered and folded for you. It’s still often cheaper than luggage fees!

4. For warmth, go with layers over bulk. Pick several thin layers with insulating, wicking fabrics — merino wool is a great one — over a big jacket. Heavier items like jackets and sweaters don’t offer the flexibility. They’re just hot, and when the sun comes out, then you have to cart around a huge coat. But a compact zip-up fleece can roll up easily into a bag or backpack in the afternoon and then come back out again for that sunset walk on the beach. 

5. Think: mix and match, simplified palette, and multi-function items. If three tops match three bottoms, you’ve got nine possible outfits. Add in a Swiss-Army-Knife travel item like the popular Chrysalis Cardi (link name to this ==> https://www.encircled.ca/collections/the-chrysalis-cardi), and you’ve got one item that converts into eight different things. As travel blogger Fred Perotta says: bring pieces, not outfits. 

6. If you’ve got to have something bulky and heavy -- wear it, don’t pack it. Hiking boots, down jacket, that awesome cable knit wool cardigan — these might very well have a great place on your trip, but they shouldn’t be in your suitcase. Wear them on the plane. You can easily pack several versatile layers for the space that one sweater would take up.

 

 

Photo via Pixabay by Free-Photos
 
Gift-giving is almost never an easy process; it’s sometimes hard to know what to buy for someone even if you know them well. Gift-giving on a budget is even harder, as it can be difficult to fit that perfect item into your post-holiday spending or to find the right present for under $50. The key is to think of things that will help the recipient be the best version of themselves they can be. What are their interests?
 
For the person who loves to spend time outdoors, it’s a good idea to think first about their needs and then about what might add to their fun. For instance, do they enjoy camping? Do they often take long weekend trips with a camper, or are they more of a day-trip kind of person? Do they include their dog in the festivities? With just a few simple questions, you’ll be able to figure out gift ideas they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
 
Here are some tips on getting started.
 
Do they have a dog?
 
If your recipient has a dog they often spend time with outdoors, you can use that to your advantage. Camping and hiking with a pet can be a great time, but it can also be dangerous without the right equipment. Would a safety light for a dog collar, a warm pet hoodie, or a fire-proof pet bed be advantageous for your loved one? Safety and comfort are two of the biggest things on a pet owner’s mind when spending time outdoors, and combining them could be your best bet. Read on here for a few ideas on what to buy.
 
Find the right tools
 
Anyone who loves spending time outdoors probably enjoys having the right tools to make that time worthwhile; for hikers, it might be an eco-friendly refillable water bottle with a filter, while campers might enjoy a small camp stove like the one seen here. Think of the best ways to help your loved one make the most of their leisure time.
 
Get techy
 
Even people who love spending time in the great outdoors appreciate helpful technology, from a solar recharging kit to a bluetooth speaker that fits on the handlebars of a bike. It can be hard to fully disconnect these days, even on a camping trip, so think of some ways you can make a weekend in the woods a little easier and check out this article for ideas.
 
Think outside the box
 
Even if your recipient loves to be outside, you can find gifts that will help them at home if you think outside the box a little. For instance, if they go out of town a lot for camping, think about what they might need to keep their house safe, such as small surveillance cameras that send a live feed to a phone or tablet, or motion-sensor lights for the front yard.
 
After the fun
 
Most people who spend a lot of time outdoors are in great shape, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t love a little pampering when they return from a big trip. Hikers and bike riders can especially benefit from a massage or spa day, where they can treat their sore feet and aching muscles. A gift certificate to a massage therapist or local spa is always appreciated.
 
It is possible to find the perfect gift on just about any budget; it’s just a matter of thinking creatively in many cases. Whether it’s a gift certificate for a service or a gift that will help them make the most of their camping trip, your loved one will appreciate that you took the time to think of them.

For some people, a dream destination pops easily into mind: they know exactly where
they would go in a heartbeat if there were no obstacles.
 
For others, it’s a bit more ambiguous. You might have an idea about what you’d like, but you might not be entirely certain where you’d have your passport stamped if the opportunity came up tomorrow.
 
We all know that the best way to make something happen is to start intentionally giving it shape — something to look at, imagine, talk about, and (most importantly!) plan for. With that in mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can get started working out the details of that trip you fantasize about during those hectic workweeks.
 

1. What’s your “happy place” when you have bad days? Again, for some this might be a specific place — Bora Bora or the Alps or Johannesburg. But more than that — what’s the feeling you go to when you’re stressed out or stuck in traffic? Do you imagine the lazy perfection of pristine beaches? The thrill of craggy mountains? The rush and sensory feast of busy marketplaces? The smells of spicy foods? Make a quick list: 10 things that come to mind on the most fun, free, relaxed, no-obligations, open day you can imagine.


2. What do you crave? Think of what you say you wish you had more of — free time, adventure, romance, time to learn a new skill, sunshine, purpose. What are you truly, deep down, just plain hungry for? What do you long for? When you imagine being your best self — what are you doing? And who is with you? Jot down 10 things you are longing for in your life right now.


3. What season suits you best? Do you love to soak in the sweltering heat in your swimsuit? Or the crisp crunch of autumn leaves underfoot? Or the intense blue quiet of a mountain snowfall? When do you feel most at home in your body and most in love with your environment? Your perfect vacation doesn’t have to be the most popular! It’s your perfect vacation, remember?


4. What’s one crazy luxurious thing you secretly wish for? For some people, it’s as simple as a pile of books and no emails to answer for three weeks. For others, it’s endless room service or all-day spa treatments or king-size feather beds and huge whirlpool tubs. No matter how big or small — go ahead. Write down five luxuries that would make you feel like you’d won the lottery if someone handed them to you right now.


5. When you scroll through magazines, which images grab you the most? What colors draw your eye? Spicy and exotic? Cool and laid back? Misty and mysterious? Go to a bookstore, and pick up four or five travel magazines — and just notice which images you keep going back to, the ones that make your heart skip a little. You might be surprised. Some people assume that their “dream” trip is in an all-inclusive resort somewhere. But if you keep coming back to the pictures of a bike tour through Tuscany — well, that’s worth paying attention to. That experience might feed something in you that an all-you-can-eat buffet might not even begin to touch. Cut out the images that speak to you the most and look for common themes, even (and especially) in images that seem to be opposites.

 
 
When you’ve had time to assemble your thoughts — and if you’re working on this with your partner or friends or family members — look for overlaps, recurring themes, those quiet nudges you can’t seem to shake. Listen to your gut. And start to dream big.
 
You can set a goal, start saving if you need to, and start giving shape to your plan. Put your images and any accompanying words or phrases up on a cork board, or glue them to a big piece of tag board, or make a digital collage that can be your screensaver on your computer at work — anyplace where you’ll see it multiple times a day — and let those images inspire you as you get closer and closer to making your bucket list trip a reality.
 
The best part? I can help you design this trip down to the last customized detail.  Give me a call and let’s get started! To contact me click here now

We ended our night walking through the streets, with fresh snow falling, and a small musical ensemble playing in the background. Our daughter had magically fallen asleep early, so we decided to get dinner at a local favorite in the town center and enjoyed our last evening in Innsbruck as a couple. We had a wonderful time exploring the markets, admiring the medieval architecture, and enjoying the intimate and magical winter atmosphere of Christmas in Austria! I would recommend this trip to singles, couples, or families!! The city is magical and the markets are unforgettable!!

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