About Nancy Luechtefeld

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Nancy Luechtefeld has contributed 51 entries to our website, so far.

Host a Virtual Travel Party

Mar 9, 2023

Here are two options how for hosting a virtual travel party.

Planning a River Cruise with friends? A great way to have a virtual travel party as you count down the days until your adventure begins.

Virtual on Zoom or in-person works if you live close enough.

As you and your friends are waiting to embark on your cruise, you can still have a fun travel-themed party to get excited about your upcoming trip virtually. You can do this monthly until the day arrives for your great adventure.

Here are some ideas:

Choose a cruise theme: Select a theme that reflects the cruise you will be taking, such as a tropical island or Caribbean cruise.
Set the scene: Decorate your space to fit the theme. You can use nautical decorations like anchors, fishnets, and shells, or create a tropical atmosphere with palm leaves, flowers, and bright colors.
Dress up: Encourage your traveling friends to dress up in cruise-inspired outfits, such as beachwear.
Serve cruise-inspired snacks: Serve snacks and drinks that fit the theme of your party. You can serve tropical cocktails, seafood appetizers, and desserts with a beachy twist.
Talk about activities: Each of you shares choices of what you have found you can do while on your cruise. (Ask others what they did for ideas or go to Google).
Play music: Create a playlist of music that fits the theme of your party. You can also include songs that you will hear on your cruise.
Make a countdown: Create a countdown to your cruise by making a calendar with the number of days left until your departure. Text your friends with a gif that lets them know you can’t wait for the trip and spending time with them.
Send each other items you can use on your cruises, such as suntan lotion, water bottle, power bank, or sunglasses.

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your friends as you get excited about your upcoming cruise.

2nd option for those who like to travel but have not determined their next destination is a virtual travel-themed party can be a fun way to bring people together and explore the world from the comfort of your home. Cultivating relationships is one of the most important things in life.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose a location you would all like to travel to in the future. It is always nice to talk with a travel agent.
Choose a theme: Select a specific location or type of travel, such as a beach vacation, a safari adventure, or a European tour.
Send invitations: Send virtual invitations to your guests, including the theme and any dress code suggestions.
Decorate: Set up a background that fits the theme of your party. You can also encourage your guests to decorate their backgrounds or wear costumes.
Plan activities: Come up with some activities that fit the theme of your party, such as trivia games, virtual tours, or photo sharing. You can also have a virtual scavenger hunt, where guests search for items related to the theme in their homes.
Serve themed snacks: Serve snacks and drinks that fit the theme of your party. For example, if your theme is a beach vacation, you could serve tropical cocktails and beachy snacks like fruit skewers or shrimp cocktail.
Play music: Create a playlist of music that fits the theme of your party. You can also ask your guests to suggest songs that remind them of the location or type of travel you are celebrating.
Share memories: Encourage your guests to share their own travel memories or stories during the party. You can also create a virtual photo album of your past trips and share it with your guests.

Remember, the most important part of hosting a virtual travel-themed party is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company, even if, more important if you can’t physically be in the same location.

You may be considering taking a cruise; here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

BEEN THERE – DONE THAT?

Feb 15, 2023

“Been There – Done That?” – How many times have you said that when family or friends have suggested a trip or destination. Sometimes it seems as if you are out of options. I’m here to show you a great river cruise that will absolutely not fit into the “Been There-Done that” category.

What do you see when you picture Egypt? The Pyramids which are the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Sphynx; men in colorful robes from a culture so different from our own? This culture and people go back centuries and it’s all on display when you take an AMA River Cruise.

EGYPT

Iconic Egypt with an AMA River Cruise

IMAGINE yourself standing at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. You are looking up at a man-made structure almost 500 feet tall which has dominated this spot since the 26th century BC.

Can you spot the imperfection? An error made during construction caused the west side of the pyramid to be slightly longer than the east side. This error was not discovered until 2016 when researchers were studying the original dimensions.

This is just the start of your amazing journey through time. As each day unfolds, you have the opportunity to explore even more of the ancient wonders that encompass Egypt and the Nile.

On arrival at Luxor, you arrive at the Valley of The Kings. Here, marvel at the tombs cut into solid rock, including King Tut. His mummified remains are still there.

All throughout your journey, you will marvel at one spectacular site after another. The Temple of Horus, Abu Simbel and the Great Temple of Kom Ombo are all there for you to explore with your experienced guides. You have the chance to sail on a traditional Feluca, just as Egyptians have been doing for centuries.

The felluca is the traditional boat on the Nile

Enjoying the Nile from a traditional feluca

ENJOY a visit to a traditional Nubian village. As with the other delightful excursions, this is typical of the exclusive and thoughtful ways AMA Waterways brings a destination to life.

SAVOR the prospect of seeing new things. You have time to delve into the destinations, familiarize yourself with the regions you will be cruising through and get to know your luxury ship. What fun to spend time thinking abut and planning your adventure.

ANTICIPATE being onboard a luxury cruise ship where all your needs are taken care of; even the ones you don’t know you have.

This itinerary has been so successful that AMA Waterways will launch another ship in 2024 to join the AMADahlia in transporting passengers through the fascinating history of the Nile River. Now is the time to secure your spot on one of these two exceptional ships for the trip of a lifetime.

As a river cruise specialist, I can create the perfect cruise experience for you, including the pre and/or post adventures you have always dreamed about. I can make them a reality for the best travel experience of your life. You can also read this informative article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes.

Visit my website to see this and all the other extraordinary cruises with the premier river cruise company AMA Waterways. https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys.

7 Things to Consider Before Traveling

Feb 8, 2023

Check out the 7 Things to Consider Before Traveling

Plan your budget

If there were no costs involved to travel, everyone would be traveling the world. The first place to begin in planning where you want to travel to. That will help you determine your budget. How long are you staying? How are you getting there, flying, train, or car?

Found this free download to help you create your travel budget.

Free Download from upgradedpoints.com for creating your Travel Budget. They suggest two different styles of budgeting.

Currency

Depending on your location, the currency could be a real issue. One this to keep your eye on is the exchange rates. Check conversion rates before you head out on your trip. A big mistake travelers make is exchanging their money for foreign currency before they reach their destination. The best place to typically exchange is at the ATM at your location. Hard to believe, but you could lose money if you exchange at your local bank before you travel.

Remember to let your bank know when you are traveling, so they don’t put a hold on your bank accounts and affect your availability. Also, let your credit card company know you are traveling to avoid holds and disruption of your available credit limit.

Accommodations

You have options, and many of them, when it comes to where you plan to stay. When working with a travel agent can save you a lot of heartaches choosing your accommodations if choosing a hotel. How important is a 5-star hotel to you? Maybe a 3-star may be just fine. There are Airbnb options, Swapping of homes, Couch Surfing (short-term lodging), Bread and Breakfast, and, of course, hotels and motels. Don’t make big mistakes; always do your research.

Know and be comfortable where you plan to stay.

Mode of Transportation

On a cruise ship or riverboat, you don’t need transportation unless you want to navigate and explore ports. However, if you are flying into an area and plan to sightsee, how will you get around once you’re there? Taxis in many countries are the best mode of transportation. For longer distances, consider renting a car. Check these out before you fly into your location. Be an educated consumer. Should you choose to go backpacking and you are traveling between different countries in Europe, you may want to go for a Railpass. If not on a cruise to Hawaii, you might be required to take short flights to go from island to island. Also, remember that some locations (like Hawaii) might require short flights or ferry rides.

Electronics

This is an area most travelers don’t consider their electronics and how they will use them. You will probably need an adapter to charge your electronics, depending on your location. Wise to check out your phone plans and what they cover, or you could be quite surprised at your phone bill when. You return. Wifi could become your friend when communicating with people back home instead of your phone.

Culture

You want to be aware of customs in certain areas so as not to get yourself in trouble. Before you head out, research the do’s and don’ts of your destination. For instance, are there certain gestures, words, or actions that might be considered offensive that is different from the US? Are there different laws? Are there common tourist scams? Will there be any cultural events while you’re there? Do you know what percentage they typically tip? Is it different from what you are used to? You might not even think of many things, but it’s simple enough to research the do’s and don’ts of any country. For example, in Dubai, here are some. Do Not Dress Inappropriately. Cuss In Public and do not Take Photographs Without Permission.

Travel Insurance

Working with a good travel agent would make sure you are aware of the need for travel insurance. Especially since the pandemic, it is highly recommended. It protects your travel plans because of injury, illness, cancellations, theft, loss of luggage, and much more. It is not required but highly recommended. Go prepared to know that there is a good chance something could go wrong but be prepared and protect yourself. Talk to your travel agent, as they can tell you stories that would make you cry. Just be educated and protected.

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Jan 14, 2023

Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

After years of staying home in isolation, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals ready to travel. If there is one thing that the last 2 years have taught us, that is the importance of staying healthy while traveling. Regardless of if you are planning a short road trip or flying internationally, there are several important elements to keep in mind before heading on your dream vacation to ensure a healthy and smooth travel experience. Keep reading to learn our 5 top tips on staying healthy while traveling!

Stay Hydrated

The amount of water that you drink is one of the main ways to stay healthy while traveling. It is suggested that when you are on the road, you should consume 8 ounces of water per hour! If you are flying or planning on enjoying some alcoholic beverages, the intake should increase by another 1 – 2 ounces. Make sure to bring your own water bottle everywhere you go – yes, even when going to the beach! If you have trouble keeping track, a good idea is to also add a reminder notification on your phone to drink water every hour! You would be surprised how well it works!

Get Enough Sleep

The second reason why our immune system tends to weaken when traveling is the lack of enough sleep. Many of us get anxious and nervous a few days before leaving for a trip worrying if we have planned it all. Once you have reached your dream destination, on the other hand, it is highly likely for individuals to get hyperactive and overly excited to do as much as possible. All of this results in skimping on sleep and slowly starting to feel rundown. Do not forget to take rest and breaks and plan to sleep at least 7 hours per night. If you are crossing multiple time zones, try to adjust your body a few days before leaving too!

Bring Your Own Medications

Many travelers tend to create packing lists with all the essential clothes and shoes they will need. Oftentimes, however, medications are forgotten and left behind! Do not make the same mistake, though! From a first-aid kit to some basic multivitamins, having your own medications is a crucial element for staying healthy while traveling. Make sure to add Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen as fever and pain relievers. Herbal supplements rich in minerals and vitamins will also help keep your immune system intact.

Wash Your Hands

We bet that you have heard this too many enough times already! The pandemic from the past 2 years, however, has proven the importance of practicing good hygiene. Traveling exposes our bodies to thousands of bacteria and germs per hour. The best way to fight these is to wash our hands regularly. Do not forget to pack hand sanitizer and some wet wipes as well. Make sure to use these before eating and avoid touching your face as much as possible. Wearing a mask might be a thing of the past now; however, if you want to ensure staying healthy while traveling, we strongly suggest having a mask on, especially at highly crowded places such as airports, buses, trains, etc.

Check Your Immunization Record

Last but definitely not least, we would like to stress the importance of your immunization record. Often, individuals do not consider either the vaccines required for their travels or how up-to-date their immunization passport is. Start by researching the requirements of your destination. Especially if you are traveling to a tropical region – check for any potential diseases. Countries are still dynamically changing their entry conditions – so make sure also to check if you need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or not. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor and check your immunization record with them. There is no better way to stay healthy while traveling than through prevention!

You should no longer be wondering how to stay healthy while traveling. As long as you follow this relatively simple but extremely vital sequence of steps to prepare for your trip, you should have a healthy and smooth holiday. If you still have concerns, though, you should definitely consult with your primary care provider.

Travel is Important for Your Mindset

Dec 14, 2022

Why Travel is Important for Your Mindset!

Traveling can be expensive, and it sometimes requires a significant amount of preparation and planning (you may want to use a Travel Agent versed in the areas you want to travel). Do you ever wonder if it is worth it? Keep reading, as today we are covering 4 reasons why travel is so important for your mindset!

It Reduces Stress

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, overcoming anxiety and stress and their negative impacts on our mindsets and quality of life has been increasingly more challenging and complicated. If you also feel stuck and are looking for good ways to reduce stress, travel, and take a vacation, getting away from your home might be just the answer you have been waiting for! Take time for yourself and rejuvenate your body and mind! You will definitely notice the difference as soon as you set foot out the door.

Boosts Productivity and Creativity

The stress of daily life often leads to getting stuck in a rut and needing change. If you lack motivation, which is also affecting your mindset, the fantastic idea is to find time to travel and experience something new and exciting. Taking a holiday would allow you to recharge your batteries and boost your productivity and creativity. Before you know it, you will return with a new desire for life and a better perspective on improving your work-life balance!

Travel Helps You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Are you still wondering why travel is so important for your mindset? If you do – here is another reason we have prepared for our list! Traveling helps you step out of your comfort zone, embrace the new, and self-improve through these new experiences! Of course, it takes time and is not always easy to adjust, but that makes traveling so rewarding. Go wild, experience new places and cultures, and you will quickly realize how much your mindset has broadened and widened!

Improves Your Relationships and Creates Real Friendships For Life

When people play together, they make memories for a lifetime. Plan a vacation holiday, book some activities for everyone, and experience new moments together. Not only are you creating memories to cherish long after you return home, but you are also improving your relationship with your loved ones. On the other hand, if you prefer to travel alone, everyone you will meet along the way will soon become your friends for life!

Now that you have gone through our list of the four reasons why travel is so important for your mindset, there is only one more question to answer – Are you ready to pack your bags and head on your next travel adventure, which will broaden your horizon and widen your mindset?

You may consider taking a cruise; here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.