Family Travel Archives - Unique Journeys LLC

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.

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.

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.

Top 5 Tips for Traveling with Pets

Oct 31, 2022

Top 5 Tips for Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets can be fun and joyful but also difficult and challenging. We know the excitement of sharing your travel experiences with your furry friends, though, and that is why today we have prepared our list with the top 5 tips for traveling with pets!

Know Your Pets and Make Sure They are Ready for The Trip

By far, the most important thing to consider when planning a pet-friendly holiday is whether your animal is actually ready for the challenge. For example, if you have a new small puppy, it might be too early to take them on vacation. Moreover, you should always consider your itinerary and activities and ensure that you have enough time to spend with your pet. Sometimes it is best to know your pet’s personality and know if they would be better left home and safe.

Get your Paperwork Ready

Once you are past the first step and you are sure that the holiday you are planning is suitable for your pet, you should start working on getting their paperwork ready. If you do not have previous experience traveling with your furry friends, you might quickly discover that special travel documents take a while to collect. Ensure that your pet has a travel passport, as well as all necessary health certificates signed by their vet. Always check your destination’s vaccination requirements and the airline’s boarding procedure.

Choose the Best Travel Crate for Your Pet

One of the most important elements to remember is the comfort and safety of your pets during the actual travel phase. It might be heartbreaking, but this means having a confined space, such as a travel crate. Try to experiment with crates before your trip to ensure you have the correct size. There is no need to overdo it, but it is also a good idea to add a toy or two in the crate, which will provide your furry friend comfort and relief if needed.

Pack all the necessary supplies

Besides the travel crate and their favorite toys, your pet would benefit from having the most common and necessary supplies you use even at home. A leash with identification tags, some food, fresh water, and comfortable bedding are some of the items worth having on your packing list. It might seem excessive at first, but these supplies will help you massively to prepare for a stress-free pet-friendly vacation!

Find the Correct Accommodation

Last but not least, one of the top 5 tips for traveling with pets is ensuring they are as comfortable as possible and feel safe and at home even while away. Finding the correct accommodation, which is not only pet-friendly but will also provide additional perks for your furry friends, is a great way to do so. Make sure to go above and beyond for your pets, and do not just count on the pet policy listed on the website. Give your accommodation a call, and double confirm the expectations, and requirements, but also any benefits they might offer!

Now that you have our top 5 tips for traveling with pets, do you think you are ready to start planning your next pet-friendly vacation?

Best Ways to Take Photos When Traveling

Sep 30, 2022

Below you will find the best ways to take photos when traveling:

One of the best souvenirs you can bring home after a vacation is all the amazing memories you have made. But to capture these moments and be able to reminisce on them longer, you might also want to take some high-quality photos! Keep reading, as today we are sharing the best ways to take better photos when traveling if you want photos to last a lifetime!

Use the Golden Hour

We bet you have already heard the term “Golden Hour,” often used by professional photographers. If you are still unsure what it is, though, keep reading, as it is one of the best ways to take amazing photos when traveling. The few hours after sunrise and before sunset are known as “golden hour” or “magic hour” and provide the perfect lighting and softness for the dreamy photos you might have been dreaming of! Waking up early to catch the sunrise also means beating the tourist crowds and exploring your destination without additional disruptions and flocks of people!

Invest in a Good Camera /Phone

Nowadays, phones are pretty good at taking photos; however, if you want to step up your travel photography game, you might want to invest in a good, high-quality digital camera. While many popular brands might seem a bit too expensive if you are just getting started, SONY is an excellent choice if you have a tighter budget and are just an amateur. Many of their cameras are also smaller in size and lightweight, which will make them easier to carry around when traveling! Do not forget to spend some time studying your new camera, checking the instructions, and getting yourself familiarized with the settings!

As great of quality as cell phones are today, if yours has a high-resolution lens, this might be all you need. Just be sure you know how to use it and carry extra battery packs.

Bring a Tripod

If you have already invested in a high-quality digital camera and are still wondering what other ways to take better photos when traveling, we have the answer for you – bring a tripod. Many tourists try to stay away from buying and carrying a tripod as it can bulky and heavy; however, there are now multiple smaller and more portable options as well. If you are still unsure if a tripod is worth the investment, you can try borrowing one from a friend or renting it out. Once you start using it, you will immediately notice the massive difference it will make to the quality and sharpness of your travel photos!

Practice and Experiment

There is no doubt that one of the best ways to take better photos when traveling is to go out there, practice, and experiment. Photography is a form of art, so you cannot expect to nail it down immediately. Even still, though, this does not mean you should not be trying and giving it your best. If you want to dive into the world of photography, you might even want to take a class; however, we strongly suggest just trying different scenes, angles, lighting, etc. Do not be afraid to take random shots because you never know what magic moment you might have captured!

Do not Forget about Editing

Last but not least, you should remember that sometimes just taking a photo when traveling might not be enough. When you are back home, and you look at your shots on the computer, you will notice all the little imperfections or lighting issues. That is why it is worth learning a thing or two about editing. Being able to adjust the light and removing small objects are some of the most used editing techniques you should know. Check out Adobe Lightroom, one of the most popular and easy-to-use editing software to help your travel photos look even more dreamy!

Now that you have our list of the five best ways to take photos when traveling, are you ready to head out and capture some memories?

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.

Top 5 Reasons you Deserve a Luxury Vacation

May 21, 2022

Here are just 5 of the top reasons you deserve a luxury vacation.

Have you been dreaming of the ultimate vacation with all services included which normally you would be not willing to pay for? Yes, this is the luxury vacation of your dreams. And if you are still unsure if you should book it or not, keep reading as we are sharing our top 5 reasons you deserve a luxury vacation! Don’t miss the link at the bottom that will help you have the perfect river cruise.

No Planning Needed

One of the main reasons why it is worth booking a luxury vacation is that there is a lot less planning needed. You can go directly to your favorite travel agent, give your dates and start packing. If you are pressured by time or planning a family trip with multiple members and you do not want the stress of researching and booking it all yourselves, it might be time to look at a luxury vacation, which has it all planned out and scheduled for you. Everything you need to do is show up and have the time of your life!

Unwind and De-stress

Unfortunately, stress has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. And the reality is that every now and then we need to stop for a moment and take a break! There is no better reason why you should book that luxury vacation than trying to unwind, relax and escape the daily routine. Imagine going on a luxury river cruise and sunbathing on the deck with a cocktail in your hand at 2 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, instead of joining a conference call. We cannot think of any other better reason to treat yourselves to a luxury vacation! Can you?

Create Memories with your Family

Regardless of if you have children or not, there is nothing better than taking a family holiday to a faraway destination. It might have been a while since you spent some quality time together with your closest ones. Well, let me tell you – one of the best ways to reconnect with one another is by booking that special luxury vacation! Especially for those of you who have small children – now is the time to devote more time and try new activities with them. Go on that trip without any limitations and just create memories, which you will cherish long after you have gone back home!

You are Celebrating

One of the top 5 reasons why you deserve a luxury vacation is an upcoming celebration. Maybe it is a wedding anniversary or your significant other’s birthday. Either way, this is a good time to treat yourselves to a special opulent holiday including additional services and packages that you were never allowed to spend money on before!

You Deserve to Splurge

Last but definitely not least stop looking for reasons why you should go on that luxury vacation. Remember you deserve it! You work hard every day and sometimes it just comes a time when you should focus on yourselves and finally treat yourselves! You Deserve to Splurge on that Luxury Vacation!

Our top 5 reasons why you deserve a luxury vacation should have been enough to convince you that it is time to pack your bags and just go!