So, February 14th is almost here and you haven’t even begun to wrap your head around what you’d like to do for the special someone in your life. All you know is that your bae likes to travel, and you want to do something around that for maximum impact. Feeling anxious? Don’t. Should you start panicking? No.
Here are two great Valentine’s Day gift ideas for travel lovers.
Book a day of luxury
Thanks to apps like ResortPass, Daycation, DayAxe and DayPass, you can now book luxury hotel experiences for the two of you, for a fraction of the cost of an overnight stay. These services grant you discounted access to high-end amenities like swanky infinity pools and the private cabana life at 5-star resorts. They also unlock entries to happening beach clubs, therapeutic spa treatments, and dining experiences you typically only dream about or see on tv.
Give the gift of a one-of-a-kind experience
Today, gifting traditions are changing, because people value quality experiences so much more than physical stuff. For example, travel experience website Tinggly has a Be My Valentine experience gift collection that helps you show how much you care in a bunch of meaningful and exciting ways. All you have to do is pay for a gift box and your partner gets to choose the experience they’d like to share with you. It could be anything from a surf lesson in Hawaii to a Little Italy foodie tour or a sunset sail in Maine, and so much more. The gift can be delivered instantly via email or be shipped in a beautiful box within 2-5 business days
Have you been getting trip invitations from friends and family, but are still on the fence about venturing far from home? Yes, I know it’s 2022. We have vaccines and boosters now, but we are still not completely out of the woods yet, so the should-I-pick-up-and-go dilemma is still alive and well for some us. I just try not to get stressed about it, and neither should you. Those conversations can be extremely awkward, but there are ways to say a polite and firm no without coming off as boring, flaky, or judgmental.
Avoid sending mixed signals
If you shy away from conflict, you might find yourself saying yes to things more than you mean to. Don’t do that. Never say yes or maybe if you know for sure you won’t go. It can mess up other people’s plans, affect their pockets, and create deep rifts in your relationships. Remember, a flaky reputation is hard to repair, and trust is hard to regain once you’ve lost it.
Keep things positive and upbeat
One of the best ways to handle a hard no is to begin and end the conversation on a positive note. Before issuing a decline, tell your family member/friend you’re happy to hear from them and you’re thrilled they thought of inviting you. For bonus points, end with an upbeat line like “I’m so going to miss hanging out with you” too. The most important thing to avoid is using words and phrases like “irresponsible” or “ how could you?”. Put that in the same category as any others that can be interpreted as conjuring up “gloom and doom.” After all, pounding someone over the head with all CDC guidelines they are already aware of after their minds are made up won’t change a thing.
Respond from your perspective and avoid making “you statements“
Another great way to diffuse potential conflict is to use “I” statements to explain your decision. Whereas “you” statements can sound argumentative or judgmental, centering your decision on how you feel will help you steer clear of critiquing theirs. Travel shaming was not a good look in 2020, and it still isn’t in 2022. You can’t know everything that’s going on with everyone in your circle, so please extend grace. Use lines like this instead.
I’m still a bit too nervous to travel right now, but I totally understand your desire to get away.
I 100% wish I was as comfortable as you are to travel right now, but I honestly just need some more time.
I’m so sorry, but I still have anxiety about being in an airport or on a crowed flight. I wouldn’t want my personal fears to put a constant damper on your fun and spoil the trip.
I love you and I wish I could, but I can’t. I’m just not there yet, Sorry!
Don’t lie
While it might seem easier to make up an excuse about why you can’t go, the truth is, hurriedly made-up plans or clever cop outs could backfire on you in the long run. First, you’ll have to remember what you said, and secondly, if they are super flexible and keep proposing new dates or times, what then? You’ll have to lie, and then lie again.
Help your friends/family to plan!
One of the simplest ways of to take the sting out of a no and still show you care, is to help. If you know your friends’ likes and dislikes, help them to search for accommodations or flights, cool Instagram locations or make itinerary suggestions.
Have you heard the news? If you are an American citizen or resident, you’re now able to order up to 4 FREE at-home COVID-19 rapid tests (per household) mailed directly to your door, courtesy of the federal government. All you have to do is go to thiswebsite, submit your name and mailing address and then wait about 7-12 days for delivery. You can even add your email address to get updates on the shipment. Sounds super convenient, customer-centric and cost-effective, right?
YES!
But wait one minute. Before you start throwing those free kits in your luggage to use to get back home from your next international trip, you should know that not all at-home test kits are created equal. Sure, the test kits from the Biden administration can be taken from anywhere – your swanky beach resort, cozy Airbnb, or spacious vacation rental – but they are not the best at-home test kits to use when returning to the U.S. because they don’t meet all the CDC requirements.
Here is why.
They are not proctored. That’s just a fancy way of saying that to meet two of CDC’s four main requirements for return to the U.S by air, the self-administered test has to be supervised in real time by a manufacturer-approved and authorized telehealth provider. That person will need to confirm your identity, watch you take the test, validate the result, and issue a report that names the type of test, the lab or healthcare entity issuing the result, and the date.
The other two CDC requirements are outlined below:
The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Airlines and U.S. officials at ports of entry must be able to review and confirm your identity and see it matched your paper or digital documents test results.
So, which are some of the best at-home test kits to use when returning to the U.S.? Try these companies:
It’s almost time for spring break. Are you frantically trying to find socially distanced spring break ideas for a much-needed getaway? Those routine visits to the supermarket, doctor’s office, gas station or drug store get old kinda fast, huh? While attitudes about travel still vary widely right now, there are ways to lower your risk if you decide to break free from the monotony to preserve your mental health this year.
Rent a remote cabin
Itching to swap your concrete jungle for more enticing scenery that’s free from smog, loud neighbors and honking horns? Drop off the Wi-Fi grid and rent a remote cabin in the mountain or woods to totally unplug for a few days. You can read and play games to your heart’s content or explore nature trails on foot or by bike.
Visit a national or state park
Being outdoors creates fantastic opportunities for families to relax, bond and have a great time, so please add an RV, van or tent camping family vacation consideration to the mix. Not only will it get you immersed and interacting with nature, but you’ll be able to benefit from the reported health benefits of increased Vitamin D intake, more peaceful sleep, and improved moods.
Go camping
Being outdoors creates fantastic opportunities for families to relax, bond and have a great time, so please add an RV, van or tent camping family vacation consideration to the mix. Not only will it get you immersed and interacting with nature, but you’ll be able to benefit from the reported health benefits of increased Vitamin D intake, more peaceful sleep, and improved moods.
Reserve a beach cottage
Sandy toes, freckled nose. Is there really anything about a sun-drenched beach vacation to oppose? Of course not! A beach cottage is the perfect temporary home base for going swimming or snorkeling, building sandcastles, planning picnics by the shore, or launching kayaks. And even if paddleboarding or island hopping is more your thing, you can do that too. When you’re by a beach, your relaxation choices are easy.
Take day trips from home
After the year we’ve all had, nearcations or day trips have quickly become a means to obliterating those pesky lockdown blues. There is no denying that the appeal of acquiring a new passport stamp is always tempting, but sometimes cool adventures can be found right outside your front door or city border. All you have to do is purposefully look for fun, local experiences.
Hop on the houseboat trend
Still undecided? Why not rent a houseboat and get the best of both worlds? With a houseboat you get your very own private suite (kitchen, bathrooms, living room, and sleeping quarters) plus a sweet ride! It allows you to live on the water, enjoy unlimited watersports and dock wherever and whenever you want.
Before I share some of my socially distanced spring break ideas, let me first encourage you to:
Follow established mask wearing and social distancing guidelines.
Get tested before and after your trip.
Stick to road trips as driving offers the most controlled means of transportation.
Need help finding Covid-19 testing locations or country requirements for travel? Airlines have started to roll out no touch, secure, and efficient travel health apps and tools to help with trip planning.
This app allows you to find travel requirements based on your international destination. You can also upload test results for confirmation. Once approved, VeriFLY generates a QR code that is scanned at the gate.
CommonPass is a global platform that travelers will be able to use to access their lab results and vaccination records, then share their health status safely. It will be available in both Apple and Google Play Store.
This IATA initiative is a “digital passport” that will act as a global registry to help travelers find correct information on testing and vaccine requirements for their trips. It’s slated to launch in March 2021.
This center enables customers to upload and validate test results, review local entry requirements, find testing providers, and store vaccination records.
Whether your tip is to Europe, the Caribbean or elsewhere, Delta’s new online tool helps passengers locate testing centers across their international network.
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Do you know of any others? Please share them below.
YIKES! Christmas is almost here and you still haven’t finished purchasing gifts for all the people on your shopping list. So you desperately need last-minute holiday gift ideas with no shipping required, right?
But wait, there’s more!
You have officially run out of great gift ideas. Your stress level is rising. And your wallet is close to being tapped out. In fact, right this very minute you’re racking your brain trying to figure out how to avoid that awkward moment when you realize you’ve got a nice present from [insert name of Mom, Dad, significant other, family member, co-worker, or friend] and you gave them zilch…nada. Well technically, you’re on the brink of giving them nothing more than an embarrassed, but authentic, thank you in return.
Oh, dear. It sounds like you need a quick solution! It’s time to embrace the convenience of very budget-friendly digital services and products my friends! Just because these items aren’t lying on retail shelves somewhere doesn’t mean their creators didn’t pour just as much hard work, quality information, and love into them as your favorite hard copy bestselling author did. Plus, with digital products there is no need to worry about shipping and handling. Or wayward Gringe-like bandits stealing your Christmas Amazon, UPS or USPS delivery from your doorstep.
So, if that’s why you’re here, I GOT U. Below are five of my top suggestions for last-minute holiday gift ideas – all under $60 – with no shipping required. And they are all available for delivery anytime on or before December 25th…and beyond.
This recently released e-book is packed full of basic, simple, and tasty meals created by home cook Ashley Renee. She’s targeting newbies to the world of plant-based eating and persons who want quick and healthy meal ideas where no fancy chef skills are required. It’ll be great for people wanting to lose weight after the holidays as well.
There are 56 yummy recipes categorized by meal type, like breakfast (think banana pancakes), lunch (Sunflower chic peas sandwiches), dinner (“lobster” rolls using Hearts of Palm as the key ingredient), soups and bowls, smoothies and snacks, and so much more! Ashley also includes information on nutrition basics and pantry essentials for every aspiring vegan household. She even started a Facebook group for lazy vegans & individuals transitioning to the no meat lifestyle.
We all know persons who have been adversely affected this year by personal tragedy or financial upheaval. If someone in your circle of influence has talked about looking for a remote position that will allow them to hit the reset button in 2021 by moving overseas, you’ll want to gift them the Remote Work Guide e-book that Gabby Beckford has created. She did a ton of research on countries with “remote work visa” or “digital nomad visa” programs and came up with a list of 15 with great potential. The list includes, among others, places Dubai, the Republic of Georgia, Mexico, Barbados and Spain. In addition to the visa requirements, Gabby went ahead and added things like average rent information, WiFi quality and remote job ideas if you have no clue where to start.
Okay, so the first two vaccines are now available, but with ‘Rona numbers still spiking chances are many winter and spring vacations are still likely to be road trip based. That’s where Kristin Braswell of Crush Global comes in. Her ready-to-use road trip itineraries include driving routes, immersive activity options tried and tested food spot suggestions, and valuable information Black travelers can use along the way.
Crush Global’s guides have been featured in many national publications like Forbes, Afar and Travel Weekly, so they’re legit. Whether your friends or family members are wine-lovers, food buffs, nature aficionados or history addicts there’ll be something there for them to enjoy. The road trip guides take you through cities like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, St Ynez, Paso Robles, New Orleans, Memphis/Nashville, Atlanta and Savannah.
Of course, I couldn’t curate a list like this without including Jurneazee, my printable activity pack for persons aged 5 to 65+ that was mentioned in a recent article on NationalGeographic.com about ways families can make the most of their vacation this year.
It’s a boredom-buster combination of coloring pages, crossword puzzles, word-finds, scrambled words and bingo cards that will take solo travelers, couples, multigenerational families, and groups of friends on a virtual trip around the world – keeping everyone engaged and entertained. The best part is, it can be used on a long road trip and just as easily during quiet or boisterous nights at home.
I don’t think anyone can round out this year without acknowledging the onslaught of tragic incidents in the US (and around the world) that brought the matter of deep-rooted systemic racism to the fore. The issues gripped the attention of the nation and rattled previously hardened hearts. We can only hope that 2021 ushers in a year of greater kindness towards each other, and decisions rooted in love, versus fear or hate. That leads me to my final last-minute holiday gift idea suggestion for you.
Enter Gloria Atanmo, a multihyphenate creator who designed an 85-page digital resource guide to help persons interested in starting a 30-day journey to becoming a more enlightened ally. It is filled with personal stories, conversation starters for the dinner table, eye-opening videos, journal prompts and other resources to help persons understand things from a Black perspective. Gloria is quick to tell you she speaks with Black people, not for all of us, so please include that message caveat in your gift card or note. We are not a monolithic group.
It’s perfect for that office friend, family member, or service provider who has shown a genuine interest in playing their part in the much needed movement towards positive change.
Cost: $17 on sale now (Regular price: $27)
In case, you’re wondering where you can you find these easy-to-access, last-minute holiday gift ideas, just click on the links in each caption!
With the help and support of my loving exasperated at my many rounds of edits family, I hunkered down for a few months earlier this year and created JURNEAZEE [pronounced Jurn – easy], my first-ever digital product.
It’s a boredom-buster combination of 33 great trip activities you can do with your family and friends. The full activity pack includes coloring pages, crossword puzzles, word-finds, scrambled words and bingo cards to keep everyone engaged and entertained at home or on long trips.
Why now?
With more people than ever traveling by car and many others choosing to stay home due to safety concerns during a global pandemic, it’s timely.
What does it do?
Jurneazee makes journeys easy by taking the stress out of long trips and transporting users on a virtual expedition around the world.
How does it do that?
The trip activities highlight interesting tidbits about multiple destinations and point out special nuggets on signature events, cool places of interest, local lingo and food. Jurneazee not only relieves boredom – it appeals to the culturally curious traveler inspires wanderlust as well.
For only $16 (less than 50 cents per page), the Jurneazee Trip Activity Packet includes: – 5 coloring pages – 5 crossword puzzles – 5 bingo cards – 8 scrambled word puzzle sets (7 words in each category) – 10 word-finds – Answer sheets
Plus, persons have the option to buy the complete packet or individual sections.
Are the past months of confinement starting to get to you? Yup, me too. Tons of other people seem to feel the same way, and that’s why RV road trips are a growing vacation trend, one which is expected to hold steady at least until until we get a vaccine)
But can cross-country road trips be done safely?
The plain truth is, ?? ? ???????? ??????? ?? ??????????! But if you follow CDC/WHO guidelines, make wise choices, and act responsibly, you may be able to get away for a bit.
So, we all know cars are an option. But have you ever thought about going the bigger, “all-inclusive” route and renting an RV? I have. I’ve been doing a lot of research about them, so I thought I’d share some of the things I learned with you.
Let’s start with the basics
What is an RV?
An RV is a recreational vehicle. They have always been popular with people looking for freedom and a simpler life, but recently there has been a spike in demand for them from travelers looking to have more control over their health and safety during the pandemic.
Are there different types of RVs?
Yes, RVs come in different sizes!
Class A Motorhomes are big bus-sized vehicles, suitable for large families or groups. A Class B Motorhome is smaller and usually shaped like a van. They are great for couples and people travelling solo. Class C Motorhomes offer mid-size family comfort and convenience, often similar in size to a U-Haul truck.
There are also tow behind trailers, pop up trailers and truck campers.
What type should I rent?
The type of vehicle you rent will depend on how many people are going on the trip, how much you want to spend, how much advance planning you want to do, and the type of adventure you want to have.
For example, bigger vehicles give you more space and better amenities, but they cost more in terms of gas and campground/RV park fees. On the flip side, camper vans are easier to drive and park, but you won’t be able to pack as many clothes into them or have as much room to cook elaborate family meals.
Now, let’s talk about more specifics.
Tips for planning
Map out your route (i.e. pay attention to things like height restrictions for bridges and tunnels, stops for gas, and terrain that may be tricky to navigate).
Research parking ahead of time. This is super important and can make or break your trip. I’ll list apps that can help with this later in this post.
Book your campsite way in advance. As I previously mentioned, the demand for camping has exploded due to COVID-19, so availability is limited.
Allow for differences in travel times because everything takes longer than when driving in a car.
RV Parking 101
Parking can add up, so planning for it depends on your budget and how long you intend to be on the road. If your vehicle has solar panels and its own generator, you can go off the grid and avoid pricey campgrounds or RV Parks.
But if you’re hoping to save money, you can try to secure an overnight spot in a state park, rest area, truck stop, casino or Walmart. Always check on rules and local ordinances first though as they vary by state, city and business.
Handy apps and websites
HipCamp:They allow you to tap into their database of nearly 400,000 camp-friendly sites that range from national parks to blueberry farms.
iOverlander: This is a crowd-sourced app that shows you locations you can park for free, as well as get tips on mechanics, clean water sources, where to get propane, and more.
US Public Lands: Available from the US Government, this app lists their public lands. One user said, “It’s a great way to research an area and find some hidden gems that aren’t in the directories.”
Websites
Campendium.com: This site gives you reviews and information on nearly 27,000 campsites in the United States, Canada, and Baja Mexico.
Freecampsites.net: They are a simple, map-based search engine that helps you find free and/or cost-effective campgrounds.
HarvestHosts.com: Harvest Host is a paid membership network that allows you to stay at breweries, vineyards, and even some farms for free.
Companies that rent RVs
There are many RV rental companies to choose from, but the following five kept coming up in my research:
Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of any company. These tips are meant to be starting points only. Please conduct your own research on anything you’ve read in these slides before making final decisions on your RV Road Trip.
There’s no denying that spending multiple hours in a cross-country car ride can be challenging – no matter how much you love your fellow passengers. That’s why it’s always good to have interactive road trip games planned to overcome restlessness and boredom during the journey.
Already tripping over that upcoming road trip? Don’t worry. I got u. I’ve already hooked you up with 4 road trip checklists to ensure you don’t forget anything. Now, I’m sharing 12 road trip games that will make your car ride easier.
Games for Small Kids
I Spy
One passenger spots an object that will remain within everyone’s line of vision for a while and gives clues to help the kids guess what it is.
The Alphabet Game
Let your kids look around them (inside and outside the car) for objects that begin with letters of the alphabet, going in order from A to Z
What Color Is It?
Name a list of things that have the same color and challenge your kids to kids guess what the common color is. For example, you can say “strawberries, tomatoes and cherries” if you want then to come up with RED.
Sing-A-Long
Take turns choosing a song. Everyone in the car then sings along as loudly and animatedly as possible.
GamesFor Older Kids
Story Time
One person comes up with the opening line of a story then family members take turns to add one line until it comes to a natural end.
The License Plate Game
Have your tweens work together to spot all the out-of-town license plates they can find and make a note of the different states represented.
Hum That Tune
Start this game by asking one person to hum the chorus or opening line of a popular song. The first person to guess the tune correctly gets to go next.
The Movie Game
In this game you connect actors/actresses by the movies they have starred in. So, begin with naming an actor in one move and then family members must name other actors from the same movie without any repeats.
Games for Adults
The Hot Seat
This is your chance to find out things you wanted to know all along. For this game, each passenger has to answer five questions they normally wouldn’t.
Never Have I Ever
One family member lists something they have never done, while saying: “Never have I ever… “
The other players each get a point if they have done it. The player with the most points wins.
Two Truths and a Lie
One player makes three statements and others try to decipher which two are true and which one is false.
The Rhyming Game
Have the first player choose a word and then the other passengers must take turns coming up with a word that rhymes with it.
What other road trip games have worked for you and your friends or family? Please hare them below.
Plus, I’ve got something new coming! Stay tuned.
And if you found this post useful, don’t forget to save and share. Sharing is caring, okay?
It was estimated that 37 million Americans took a road trip over the 4th of July weekend this year, and the global number for summer travel was predicted to hit an all time high. Were you counted in those stats?
If not, I wouldn’t be surprised if you are desperate to get away from the quarantine confines of your home or neighborhood for the fall. Plus, I am willing to bet you are planning to get to your next destination via RV or car. Airlines haven’t stopped flying, but with so much still up in the air, road trips seem to give a greater sense of control over your personal space, which reduces the perceived risks to our health and safety. Wouldn’t you agree?
Before I go any further though, let me just say that non-essential travel during a global health crisis is a sensitive subject and very much a personal choice. So, the decision to hit the road – whether in North America, Europe Africa or the Middle East, or another region of the globe – will be totally up to you. But if you do plan on revenge travel or that safecation, this post is designed to help you put together a thorough road trip checklist. One that’s especially right for you!
First. let’s break down everything you’ll need for your vehicle.
Next, with all that time on the road, let’s note all the gadgets that may come in handy.
Now, it’s safe to assume you’re going to need help with navigation, finding gas stations, parking, making last-minute bookings and other tricky stuff, right?
And last but not least, no road trip is really complete without a happy family. Yes, there may be tumultuous toddler meltdowns, testy temper tantrums among siblings, or missed exits because Dad didn’t check directions. But at the end of the day, those are the things that make vacations fun and memorable.
Plus, coming soon, my very own compilation of travel-themed activities for the entire family!It will be great for road trips as well as for dealing with boredom and wanderlust while stuck at home.
What else would you add to YOUR ultimate road trip checklist? Please share it in the comments section below.
