Travel Resources

Three Ways Travel Has Gotten Easier June 2022

Traveling is one of the most immersive experiences one can encounter. Since the beginning of time, individuals have been using travel as a means of education and amusement. From embarking on trips in a horse-drawn carriage to now flying 35,000 feet above ground in a first-class lounge chair, travel has surely evolved in immeasurable ways. One of the biggest influences on travel has been the invention of the internet. Continue reading to learn three of the biggest ways the internet has changed travel in the past decades.

• Booking Travel on Apps

Many young individuals today would be shocked to learn you once had to call an airline to book a ticket. With the simple booking process offered on flight apps and hotel apps, it has never been easier to plan a vacation. App users get constant access to flight deals and information, hotel prices and packages offered. Even those who hate planning find it easy to book these trips by using these tools.

Not only can you book travel on these apps, but you can also sign up for newsletters or enable notifications that let you know when a flight or hotel has dropped its price. By taking advantage of these tools, you can ensure you are getting the best deal for your travels.

• An Influx of Vacation Rentals

The internet has paved the way for vacation rentals to soar. Through listing properties on apps like Airbnb and VRBO, the market for vacation rentals has skyrocketed. Many individuals want a more authentic experience during their travels. Booking a property in a local village with authentic touches of design sounds much more appealing to many than booking a standard hotel room that looks identical to every other place you’ve stayed. In addition to these special touches, vacation rentals usually include a better living space, a kitchen and more. In many cases, especially in foreign countries, booking a property on Airbnb or VRBO tends to be less expensive than staying in a hotel.

• Online Reviews

Before the internet, it was challenging to decide whether a hotel or destination was really worth the hype. Without having prior knowledge of an area, it can be difficult to decide whether you should stay there or not. Enter the Internet, where most individuals now go to investigate a property or travel destination. Whether looking on Google reviews, the Airbnb app, or a social media page, vacation-goers can now read honest reviews about other individuals’ experiences. Of course, there may be the occasional online troll that has nothing but negative things to say. However, if you muddle through these and educate yourself on the pros and cons of a place, you’ll be much more likely to have an enjoyable vacation. Online reviews have saved many from potential negative travel experiences.

For more travel ideas for you and your family check out my travel journal at KathyHusser.com

Summer Vacation Travel Ideas May 2022

Have you asked yourself, what is my dream vacation?

As we recover from two years of travel limitations due to covid, new vacation trends have emerged. Here are some tips to use if you are booking a summer trip this year. Keep in mind travel has changed and some countries still have public health restrictions in place.

Bucket List Travel is Popular

People have not traveled for fun in over two years, and many can’t wait. Booking agencies are seeing an uptick in lifetime “dream vacations.” In other words, what’s on your travel bucket list and when can you go! Budgets are not limited this summer, so book that dream cruise or European destination early for the best seats and accommodations. Unique all-inclusive resorts are also more popular this year, so you can truly relax and unwind with less hassle.

Family Vacations Across Country

In the United States, National Parks are a huge draw this summer. Many parks are requiring reservations and are filling up fast. Renting RV’s or taking extended family along is a common theme of summer vacations this year. Glacier National Park in Montana is already limiting visitors by car and many activities are booked. Make plans now, for family travel if you’re including children and must book alternative transportation, such as an RV.

Volunteer Vacations

While we’ve always been able to enjoy ourselves in vacation, many organizations are seeing an increase in volunteerism especially during overseas travel. With limited resources, climate crisis issues, and the reality of the pandemic, urgency for social change is in the forefront. Why not teach your children about the world and improve it while you travel? Many organizations are available to help with your passion project and many more are now accepting temporary volunteers. Beach clean-up, animal rescue, and native plant rehabilitation are just a few experiences to share with your family this summer.

You are only limited by your imagination, so make those plans and enjoy this summer with a new travel experience!

Post Pandemic Travel Tips February 2022

The last two years has put some travel plans on hold and made others scrap vacation goals completely. Here are a few tips to make your next vacation or weekend getaway fun and safe in our new normal of traveling. It’s the year of the Tiger, so explore!

Mask Up

Before you leave, know what your destination’s policies and travel restrictions are beforehand. Are vaccines required to fly into and out of your vacation location? Do you need to wear a mask indoors or only public spaces? What are the capacity limits in my hotel, and what does that look like? Also know what masking requirements are for your new locale and respect it. Your trip will be much more enjoyable and hassle free. With restrictions being lifted or changing constantly, doing your homework will pay off.

Prepare to Pay More

Rising inflation along with pandemic restrictions have forced most prices to increase a great deal. Do yourself a favor and check fees and rates before you make your travel arrangements. You want to make sure there are no unexpected charges on your final bill. With wages increasing and food costs higher than last month, travelers will be paying more for goods and services in the future.

Call ahead, check websites, and research your tourist sites. Check activities for any recent changes in admissions and hours of operation. You don't want any unnecessary surprises after the fact. For example, parking was once FREE at Las Vegas resorts is now a paid amenity. Be prepared to pay higher prices for services when traveling.

Have a Plan

You need to be prepared to have alternative plans if safety restrictions or capacity limits are in place at your destination. It's important to have a plan if the rules change mid-trip. If your heart was set on visiting a local tourist attraction that recently has had to reduce hours or close entirely, you don’t want to be disappointed. Public health mandates vary widely from state to state and country to country. You need to be flexible in your agenda and have other activities if your first choice is not available. This will also make your trip much more enjoyable and memorable.

Currently, as of this writing, airlines are mandating all passengers to wear masks in airports and on all flights domestic and foreign. Mask restrictions vary within countries, so check travel websites frequently before leaving home and be prepared with at least two approved face coverings, hand sanitizer and disposable wipes for your trip. Enjoy and safe travels!

Packing Tips for Your Next Trip January 2022

Need packing tips for your next trip? Is your next trip a long weekend getaway or seven days to a dream destination? Then, you will need to bring enough clothes and necessities to help make your travel comfortable and affordable. Here are some tried and true suggestions on packing just enough for your next travel adventure.

Carryon Luggage

Having a carryon bag is essential for getting everything into one bag. A solid carryon bag also saves on luggage fees imposed by some of the airlines. A carryon with wheels helps navigating the airport quickly but check the size to be sure the bag fits in the overhead compartment. This is my first rule, if you can bring one carryon bag for free, then that is all you pack! Having your bag with you eliminates the worry of not having anything show up on the luggage carousel. It also makes for a quicker airport departure to your ground transportation and your travel fun. Buy a sturdy bag within your budget and double check it will comply with measurements for the FAA, you’ll thank yourself.

Wear Clothes More Often

Plan out your outfits, even for children, and coordinate tops and bottoms so you can wear clothing more than once. Denim shorts, jeans, warm sweaters can all be recycled into another outfit and save room in your bag. Take travel sized shampoo and lotion. You can also check with your hotel for complimentary bottles of smaller products which also save you money and space. Check the weather so you have the appropriate clothes to keep you warm. Check out your travel destination for drugstores that can handle last minute needs such as an umbrella or rain slicker. Legwork and planning will make your trip much more enjoyable, and you feel prepared.

Roll, Roll, Roll your Stuff

You’ve got the bag, the outfits, and toiletries you need and now you need to it fit into one bag. You accomplish this by rolling your clothes to minimize wrinkles and space. If you have formal items, using dry cleaner bags to roll your pants, dresses and jackets will further minimize creases while traveling. Shoes and heavier items on the bottom, stuffing rolled underwear, socks and gloves into shoe openings helps conserves space. Finally, pack your bag a few days ahead to help remind yourself of everything needed for the trip. Safe travels!

Best Travel Guides December 2021

If you’re curious what the best books and resources a traveling librarian recommends, read on. From choosing your destination to memoirs, pick the resources that will meet your travel needs and help you navigate your trip.

Travel Guides – Think Maps

As a visual learner, who loves photos, I enjoy DK Eyewitness Travel books. These travel titles always have helpful maps and tons of current pictures. The location is researched and updated almost yearly and many of the books can be checked out at your library! Library cards are free of charge, and many books can also be renewed. So, take your travel guide with you and have a free resource at your fingertips. Check out other locations before you travel by visiting your local library, and the travel guides available.

Memoirs on Travel

If you’re the type of traveler, who wants to experience a place you’ve read about, then check out these books. Loosely based on the writers’ personal experiences, you’ll also get a true feel of the destination before you travel. “Under the Tuscan Sun” is transformative book about Italy and finding yourself. Another book is Eat, Pray, Love also about Italy, but also about the regional cuisine. You get the idea though. Visit your library, and search “travel fiction” and you will be surprised how many novels based on real life travel exist. Authors to start with include.

Elephant Journal Website

This website is a writer’s haven, and I love posting my travel articles here. There is also a treasure trove of travel experiences and ideas available for trips. What makes Elephant Journal unique is it’s also a free resource with a very personal spin on the experiences. Just search for Travel or Family travel and articles will appear that meet your criteria. I’ve personally learned some great ideas for winter travel, taking pets along, and unique destinations. Hearing about mishaps to avoid or hidden gems during a trip is what you’ll find in Elephant Journal.

Word of Mouth

Finally, ask your friends, family, and coworkers where they’ve gone and enjoyed the most. Word of Mouth has been the best resource to learn about kid friendly spots and the times of year to travel. Be aware that someone’s best vacation, might not be yours. So, go into your travel discussions with an open mind and expectations that suit your family and travel budget. Your best vacation might be just around the corner after that business lunch. Enjoy and safe travels!

Preventing Travel Mishaps November 2021

As long as there have been travelers, there have been many ways travels could go wrong. Just because they could doesn’t mean they should. Here are tips to help you travel smarter and safer for any trip.

Pickpocket-Proof Yourself

Major metropolises such as London, Paris, Mexico City, and Los Angeles are all incredible places to visit. They’re also notorious for their pickpocket problem. We all want to be trusting but be smart about who you trust. Remember to always stay in a well-monitored area and keep a tight grip on any purses or bags. You may also want to leave valuables or personal papers back in your hotel or Airbnb, just in case. Consider letting someone else back home store copies of your passport and ID.

Be Ready Weather-Wise

Another thing about a place like London? The weather can change in 10 minutes. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s rainy, then back to sunshine once more. Changeable weather’s true of other big cities such as San Francisco as well, so always be sure to have an umbrella or change of clothes handy.

Public Transit Issues

If you want to annoy locals in London, stand on the left side of the Underground escalators, blocking passengers trying to push by. If you want to anger Parisians, Los Angelinos, and Muscovites, stand right in the middle of the already-crowded streets, and make traffic even worse. Of course, if you want to get along in these cities, you should avoid doing all of that and learn and obey the local public transit rules and culture. You should also do some research on the most cost-efficient ways to get around. For example, cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin have fantastically inexpensive tram systems, which may be way less expensive than renting a car. They can likewise provide a more engaging travel experience.

Canceled Flights

Nobody likes flight cancellations, but when they happen, you must act fast. The longer you take to book a new flight, the more chaotic your travel schedule can get. At the same time, you don’t want to rush. Review your options and ask the help desk for assistance. You can also do your best to try and avoid chaotic weather conditions and the flight cancellations they can cause by traveling to areas known for bad weather during calmer seasons. India and the Gulf Coast are lovely, but it may be best not to travel to either during monsoon or hurricane season if possible if you want to avoid travel chaos.

These simple but effective tips can make your travel plans a lot more disaster-proof.

Seven Books That Inspire Travel October 2021

Whenever and however you first meet Jack Kerouac’s classic, it’s bound to be a life-altering experience, especially if you’re already someone itching to take the All-American Road Trip for yourself. A journey in search of satisfaction, a delicate balance between self-discovery and self-indulgence, a look at America from top to bottom and inside out — Kerouac’s novel is all that and more. If you like road trips, the Beat Generation, 1940s to 1950s Americana, and a whole lot of jazz, Kerouac’s novel is a must.

A Moveable Feast

Translated into French as Paris est une Fête, Ernest Hemingway’s classic is part-memoir, part travelogue, and part ode to one of the most dazzling literary and artistic scenes in modern history — Paris during the Lost Generation. Within its pages, you’ll find F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, a trip to Spain (it is Hemingway, after all), Gertrude Stein, artists, models, a whole lot of drinking (again, Hemingway), and a glittering picture of a now-legendary literary era.

Down and Out in Paris and London

For a very different image of Paris, consider George Orwell’s classic treatise on poverty and rough-living in the French and British capitals. In Orwell’s book, you won’t find the big landmarks that permeate many modern showoff-y travelogues, but instead an account of how people on the fringes of society get by in these modern metropolises and how they’re treated. If you’re a conscientious consumer who cares deeply about socioeconomic issues, want a more authentic and less polished travelogue, or are simply short on cash yourself, Orwell as your travel companion is sure to be “more equal than others.”

The Jane Austen Society

For those of an Austenian Persuasion looking for a markedly different image of England, try Natalie Jenner’s lush look at the English countryside that inspired one of Britain’s best authors. From her home in Chawton (now a museum) to the rolling fields of English greenery, it’s an image of England overflowing with Sense and Sensibility.

In a Sunburned Country

Bill Bryson is one of the most celebrated travel writers today, and this book is no different. With his trademark humor, Bryson tackles Australia’s many sun-drenched hotspots.

A Year in Provence

If you feel the French countryside calling your name, you might want to consider Peter Mayle’s account of his year-long stay in Provence. Full of earnestness and French cuisine, it’s sure to leave you hungry to explore the area itself, wine, cheese, and all.

A Room with a View

E.M. Forster’s Edwardian literary classic is a short but essential read for any lover of Italy. An examination of art, gender, and Italian versus English culture, Forster’s life-affirming love story doubles as a great travel guide to Florence. The Duomo, the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Arno, the Tuscan countryside, the art — it’s all here. (Although the novel itself knocks traveling via Baedeker travel guides, if you want an older, more Romantic Italian travelogue, try Goethe’s Italienische Reise.)