Tips for 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.

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.

Travel Tips for Fun In The Sun

Aug 31, 2022

Travel Tips for Fun In The Sun

Are you headed for fun in the sun for your vacation? The worst thing you can do to ruin a long-awaited and planned vacation is not to be prepared with the essentials to have fun in the sun. Whether you are headed for the beach or on a cruise with excursions on islands, go prepared. You may be embracing a vintage town meandering down the main street with ice cream or beverage of choice, but have you prepared protection from the baring sun? Not to mention willing, the day away on the beach reading a book will provide a healthy dose of Vitamin D and an unhealthy dose of sun exposure. Here are four summer travel tips to help you stay safe from the rays while having fun in the sun.

Wear Sunglasses – Protective Eyewear

Sunglasses are a nonnegotiable fun-in-the-sun staple because the sun’s intensity over time can permanently damage the eyes. Ultraviolet rays harm the cornea and lens, leading to cataracts and eye cancer. Besides looking for an attractive pair, you feel good in and will wear daily, choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Don’t be fooled by polarized lenses — this indicates they cut glare but say nothing about UV protection. You may even want to purchase an extra pair if you lose one on the excursions. Don’t fall for the myth that dark lenses are better. They are only better if they offer 100% UV protection. Experts point out that this is the time bigger is better, with beautiful designs that wrap-around are the best to offer full protection from every angle.

Apply SunScreen

It may be obvious but often forgotten. Be sure to bring water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen offering a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for daily wear is truly your best friend. Don’t leave home without it! Make sure the sunscreen you are using has active ingredients such as oxybenzone and zinc oxide, respectively, to safely and effectively protect the skin. Consider which form of sunscreen you prefer as you’ll be more inclined to use it, be it lotion, spray, pump, or stick. Again don’t forget to make sure it is water-resistant if you plan to be in the water at all. If you’ll be outdoors all day, use SPF 30 or higher, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours. Stock up on fun SPF 30 lip balms, too, because lips are also vulnerable to cancer-causing rays.

Wear Protective Gear

Don’t make your water-resistant sunscreen do all the work. Look for clothing made with sun-protective treated fabric labeled UPF 30 (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) or higher, advises The Skin Cancer Foundation. Dark colors, dense weaves, and synthetic fabric offer superior protection. Shade yourself with a wide-brimmed hat so sun rays won’t find any part of your face, shoulders, chest, and back of the neck. Pack a cute sun umbrella for that glorious day exploring the town on foot.

Use a Cover Up

You have many choices, and a long-sleeve rash guard swimming ensemble will go a long way to ensure you don’t end the day with a painful sunburn. Look for saltwater and chlorine-resistant fabrics with a protection level of UPF 50+. No need to compromise on style either, as plenty of attractive options are available. These make smart choices, especially when engaging in snorkeling, scuba diving, or kayaking, where reapplying sunscreen can be difficult. And don’t forget when lounging by the pool with your margarita at your side to throw on a sensible UPF 50+ coverup to keep harmful rays at bay.

Travel is Fun Why Wait

Jul 31, 2022

Travel is fun why wait?

Traveling is one of the best ways to learn more about yourself.

Traveling brings a new set of issues and opportunities. The way you handle those also gives insight into who you are. You’ll return home knowing yourself better and with a fresh perspective on what you want out of life. Where will you travel next?

Travel means adventure

Imagine multi-level Zip-lining over water or successfully navigating the maze-like streets of Venice, bartering for the best price in the traditional markets, taking a speedboat ride in Paris, or hopping in a Land Rover and heading out to watch animals grazing in Africa: these are adventures worth having. People are created for the excitement and adventure of travel. What’s next?

Travel is education

Seeing the world provides an education that’s absolutely impossible behind a desk or learning in school. Travel teaches you economy, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an intense, hands-on way no class will. Just think this education has no tests or final exams.

Traveling proves dreams do come true.

As Walt Disney said, if you can dream it, you can do it. You imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what? It can be done. Considering traveling around the world? You can; you just decide if you are willing to take the first step and start planning your itinerary. What are you waiting for?

Traveling because you can

Why travel? Because you can. Because you want to. Because it beats the alternative (staying home). Why not pick up a place, plan your itinerary, purchase your tickets and start the anticipation?

Travel gives you conversation starters.

Just think how easy it is to start a conversation with where your favorite destination was, and then you can share your latest adventure. Let’s face it. Even folks who can’t tell a story love to share their favorite moments from their traveling and are always willing to suggest places for you to try. Just be careful to not monopolize the conversation with tales of all your travel. Let others revel in their memories as well.

Travel removes the rut.

We have all been there at least once. Stuck in a rut and down in life. Everyone knows what that’s like. A big trip can be your perfect solution. Fly around the world, stopping at places you have only dreamed about. Time to plan your trip of a lifetime. What are you waiting for?

Traveling is easier than you think.

Our agency believes traveling shouldn’t be hard: it’s something everyone should be able to do. Maybe you are considering a River Cruise, or Alaskan Cruise, a trip to Maui doesn’t matter; a good travel agent can make that happen so smoothly. Check with your travel agent for priceless information at no cost to you.

Travel creates lifetime friendships.

It can be friends you choose to travel with, you get to know so much better or people you meet while on your river cruise become some of the most valued names on your contact list. Travel gives you new and refreshing perspectives, especially if you meet people from other states, cities, and countries.

Travel can challenge you….

Getting your daily favorite latte at Starbucks or McDonald’ and staring at your screen is not nearly challenging enough. If you can work from anywhere and your day is routine, it is time to shake it up and do some traveling. Travel is full of joys, challenges, and memories.