by Jan Mauer | Nov 22, 2017 | International Flights, Luxury Travel, Travel Tips
We all know how it is. Any mention of the state of airport travel today — especially the lines and the TSA — will inevitably elicit groans of frustration, eye rolls, and a profusion of stories about airport security nightmares. It’s true in many ways that traveling by plane in the 21st century lacks much of the glamour and carefree, effortless elegance of, say, 50 years ago. We live in a different world with much more complex problems that need to be addressed. But since you have to go through the lines and security no matter what — how about making it as painless as possible? Here are some easy tips to help you breeze through your next security screening, even during the frenetic holiday season ahead. 1. Get organized. Sounds like stock advice, right? Here are some specifics that can shave precious minutes and hassle off your wait time. Check your flight status before you get ready to leave your house, or download a smartphone app like TripIt that will automatically notify you of any changes to your itinerary. Check in to your flight online. This is especially helpful if you are not checking any bags. Ed Hewitt, features editor for The Independent Traveler, offers this sound advice: Before you leave for the airport, put everything essential you need to check in and get through security (identification, credit card, boarding pass, etc.) in an easily-accessible part of your wallet or bag. “This way, you don’t waste your (and other people’s) time fumbling around for them at the moment you need them.” Then, he says, “Pack out... by Jan Mauer | Nov 16, 2017 | African Safari, European Travel, Luxury Travel, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Small Group Tours, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures
It’s hard to beat the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding across a Greek island on a motorbike. We know that travel comes with a host of unparalleled benefits: You get to spend time with people you love, seeing new things and trying new things; you get to relax away from the pressures of work and everyday life, realizing dreams you may have had for years. As it turns out, studies show that travel is the best way to spend your money. Of all the things you can buy, the experience of traveling gives you, by far, the most bang for your buck. All these great elements of travel have been proven to make people happier. And even more than that, every part of the travel experience — before, during, and after — is more satisfying, more enjoyable, and has longer-lasting positive effects than buying material things. In 2003, Thomas Gilovich published his landmark study called, “To Do or to Have? That Is the Question” – a study that, more than a decade on, continues to influence social psychology and the debate about of what brings us true contentment. Gilovich looked at how economic choices affect well-being, and analyzed the differences between experiential and material purchases on human happiness. His unexpected discovery has changed the way we look at our buying habits: Across the board, doing things makes people substantially happier than having things. Travel gives you the opportunity to spend time with people you love, forging memories that will last a lifetime. The reason for this is that we get to live and then re-live the joys of our experiences.... by Jan Mauer | Nov 7, 2017 | African Safari, European Travel, Luxury Travel, Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Small Group Tours, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips
These days, anyone can book their own trip using various resources that are great for people with a lot of time and a sense of adventure – as well as a willingness to accept some risks. But how many travelers personally know the staff at resorts in desirable locations, such as Tahiti? How many people feel comfortable calling around to different destinations in hopes of finding useful, honest travel suggestions to help them plan their international trips? In their often exceedingly busy lives, travelers rarely have the time, energy or know-how to do this. Booking a quality vacation with custom-tailored services is not straight-forward for individuals. In fact, Google research has identified that it can take 32 visits to 10 different sites to buy a single airline ticket. And this doesn’t include searching for transport and accommodations. And even if you do the legwork, checking reviews, and confirming travel plans before your arrival, it is nearly impossible to ensure that everything will be as stress-free as it should be during your highly-anticipated vacation. This is one of the reasons my clients – and many other travelers – continue to ask for the assistance of travel consultants when planning their trips. Below are the top five reasons why I believe you should use a travel advisor to plan your vacation or honeymoon: 1. A professional travel planner is your personal advocate. All of the moving parts that comprise an international trip virtually guarantee that something will go wrong. When you’re in a foreign country, often with limited cell service, it is critical that you have a dedicated supporter in America... 
