travel agent Archives - Unique Journeys LLC

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.

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.

10 Simple Travel Tips

Apr 21, 2022

Here are 10 simple travel tips to make your trip amazing. Be sure and check them out before you begin packing for your next adventure.

Be Cautious Don’t OverPack

Bring essentials don’t overpack. It just makes your travel more difficult especially if you have transfers or if you are not taveling to one location for the entire trip. Pack interchangeable outfits so you have variety. Example: 3 pairs of jeans for the week, not 7.

Bring Earplugs

Another great travel tip is to bring earplugs. Not many think about earplugs but they can be extremely useful for a multitude of reasons. For a long-haul plane ride, you may want to get some rest, and earplugs come in handy. (Some airlines provide them) Depending on where your room is located, such as close to the elevator or the pool, earplugs are the perfect solution for noise. Another option would be sound-canceling headphones, which help if you have loud people on your flight.

Don’t Overdue Your Hair and Body Products

Again, take just the necessities. Many people think they have to bring all their shampoo, conditioners, lotions, and body wash. These items really take up a lot of valuable packing space in your checked bag. They also should be packed in sealable plastic bags to protect the rest of your items in case they spill. It’s not a date it is vacation. Remember, if they are in your carry on you are only allowed containers of 3.4 oz. or less. They must all fit in a quart-sized bag and you are only allowed one bag per person. For more great tips about flying restrictions Click here. There is no real need to bring your own with you (unless you have a specific skin condition).

Carry a Small Towel

The hotel will supply large towels for all your needs but when sightseeing you can get wet or need to dry yourself off. A small towel is easy to carry and perfect for your needs. You might want to carry one of the fast-drying towels.

More Travel Tips

Bring a First Aid Kit

Don’t forget a travel first aid kit. Make sure it includes the essentials such as anti-acids, band-aids, antiseptic cream, Benadryl, and aspirin.

Bring Your Backpack

Staying with the theme of not over-packing, make sure your backpack is lightweight. When choosing what to take with you in the backpack don’t fill it to overflowing as your back will not be your friend after a couple of hours. You might want to consider testing the weight of your backpack and making sure it is not overpackedMore Tips

Bring a Small Journal

This is a huge travel tip. This journal is a great place to document your day; what you saw and what it meant to you. When you get back home from this amazing trip and you saw so much you will forget what day you did what and exactly where each photo was taken.

Bring an Extra Memory Card

Don’t forget an extra memory card for your camera and extra batteries. The worst place to be is viewing something spectacular and having to take time to delete photos to make room for more. Worse is if your batteries are not fresh and you miss that perfect photo. Plus make sure you bring a Universal Converter to be able to charge your electronics no matter where you travel. A power bank can be a great investment if you have multiple items to charge and you aren’t in a place where you can plug your devices in.

Pack A Light Jacket or Wrap

Don’t forget a jacket or wrap. Even on the plane, it can be cool or temps can change quickly. Nothing is worse than freezing and trying to enjoy a beautiful sunset or on a cruise.

Create a Packing List

Packing lists are really the only way to make sure you don’t forget anything before you leave. You can create your own customized list or there are many on Google.

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.

WHY YOU NEED A TRAVEL AGENT

Mar 21, 2022

Why do you need a travel agent? Let’s talk about that. That’s a question many people ask and there isn’t just one answer to that question. However, there are some answers that everyone has in common. I think a discussion of this is in order, so here goes.

Love of Travel:

As a consumer, you want someone who enjoys their job and wants you to enjoy your trip. They say if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I believe that’s especially true with travel agents. I love to travel. But, more importantly, I love to experience travel through my clients’ adventures. Travel with family and friends creates memories that are more important than the trip itself. A love of travel leads me to my next reason to hire a travel agent:

Knowledge and Experience:

The fact is that with every trip I book for clients and every trip I take myself I gain a little more knowledge. It might be experiencing a new restaurant, learning a new phrase in a foreign language or seeing a site for the first time. While no one has been everywhere, my experiences and those of my clients enrich my ability to help my clients.

Stewards of your money:

You can be assured that I will do everything to get you the best “Bang for their Buck”, while also giving you the best experience possible. Whether it’s finding just the right cruise, giving you suggestions on the best tour and tour guides to enhance your experience or any of the other small details involved in taking a trip. My job is to see that you do get the experience you want.

In short, as a travel agent, I will treat your money as if it’s my own.

Contacts:

How many times have you heard the saying IT’S WHO YOU KNOW. In the case of your travel agent, it’s especially important. Want tickets to a concert? I can help with that. Need to set up a special surprise for someone? Consider it done. Over time I have built up a working relationship with all manner of professionals such as hotel managers, cruise representatives and tour managers. Not to mention the concierge at a great many hotels, who are a great asset. These contacts help me provide that extra service that sets your trip apart. It gives you the inside track.

Money-Saving: (Time is Money)

You don’t want to spend your spare time researching your trips when you can have me as your travel agent do the research for you. For a small fee, I will provide you with the best options and information which saves you money in the long run by avoiding costly errors.

Security:

Social media is alive with horror stories about travel scams. You have seen or heard them about people who have booked accommodations and when they get there to find out they are non-existent or the rooms they end up with don’t look anything like the pictures on the websites. With me as your advisor, you can be assured you get exactly what you have booked. I deal with reputable suppliers, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Taking care of the details:

When you plan a trip, whether a cruise, tour, or just flights and hotels, there are deadlines to be met. Missing them can mean you lose not only your space but the funds you have put down for your deposit. When you have a travel agent looking out for your booking(s) you can relax knowing everything will be taken care of at the appropriate time.

Keeping up With Current Conditions:

Not only do travel agents keep up with current weather and other trends, but in these days of Covid-19, they keep up to date on the requirements put out by the CDC.. They have a great website and we can help you navigate the regulations for each destination. These vary from country to country and even on a daily basis. I can make sure you have the information needed to make your travel run smoothly. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Advocacy:

Lastly, no one wants to think that anything will go wrong on their trip, but at some point, there are going to be circumstances that will create a problem. No one can control or fix everything, but once a problem arises, your travel agent is your best friend. I will intercede on your behalf and get the best resolution possible for you.

While there are some things a travel agent can’t fix: weather, strikes, health issues, we are there to help you in the event you need assistance with a problem.

Your trip represents your dreams for a great time with your friends and family. It may be something you are planning for the future. Everyone has a bucket list. Once we have established a relationship and know what your future plans are, I can help you with your long-range planning.

WHEN YOU HAVE A TRAVEL AGENT YOU HAVE A TRUSTED COMPANION.

We are in a different world today than we have ever been and for this reason, it is more important than ever to depend on the knowledge and expertise of a travel agent. I am committed to making sure you have the most up-to-date information available to make your vacation what you have dreamed it would be.

We have all waited to be able to travel and now is the time to savor the joy of travel with friends and family. To that end, I have created several articles with tips to help you with the decision-making process. Being prepared for long flights will save you time and energy when you arrive at your destination https://unique-journeys.com/biggest-mistakes-to-avoid-when-flying-long-haul/.

“I just wanted to thank you for your hard work and dedication for booking my family’s trips year after year. You make sure that we get the air flights that we want and the times that work best for us, thank you. You search for our lodging until we are satisfied, and they have been beautiful, thank you. Thanks again for all your hard work. We look forward to booking more trip with you.”

Anthony, Gena and Chance

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Flying Long Haul

Jan 11, 2022

The 4 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Flying Long Haul:

Long Haul flights 7-15 hours long

Do you have an upcoming international flight and are already feeling overwhelmed? From 7 to 15 hours, long-haul flights are no joke! Stressing out with planning, the fear of flying, and not being able to sleep on planes are some of the most common issues, travelers experience when flying internationally. Keep reading as today we are sharing the biggest mistakes to avoid when flying long-haul!

Pack Extra Layers

Wearing fancy, formal clothes to get an upgrade is a common misconception with people traveling long-haul. As soon as you board the plane, you will realize that it is freezing cold, and you will regret not packing extra layers. Having nothing but a dress on with some cute sandals might seem right if your end destination is a tropical island, however, if you need to spend 10 hours in the air in the extremely cold passenger cabin, you will regret this decision. Just be comfortable and do not count on the thin blankets provided by airlines – make sure to bring your own extra layers with a long haul flight.

Not Hydrating

One of the biggest mistakes passengers admit to doing is taking advantage of the free alcohol during long-haul flights. There are multiple reasons why people choose to have a few glasses of wine or whiskey – from calming down their anxiety of flying to allowing them to fall asleep. While you can definitely have a glass of an alcoholic beverage, it is important not to forget to hydrate properly first. Not only does alcohol dehydrate you, but various research has proven that alcoholic drinks have a bigger effect on you in the air. Make sure to drink at least 0.25 liters for every hour you are on the plane and double that amount if you are having alcohol as well!

Preparing to Do Lots of Work

A lot of people plan to catch up on their work while traveling long-haul. In most cases, however, this does not happen! While many airlines now offer complimentary Wi-Fi for their frequent passengers, you need to keep in mind that nothing is always certain when you are in the air. Another common issue is not having enough space to set up your laptop, your planner, your documents, and all the additional papers you might need to finalize your work. Last but definitely not least, oftentimes travelers get distracted by the entertainment system and forget about all the work they were preparing to do. You can definitely still get some work done but be realistic with your expectations!

Forgetting Items on the Plane

You might be surprised to hear that, but one of the biggest mistakes that travelers make, especially on long-haul flights is forgetting their items on the plane. From essentials, such as passports, phones, and wallets to smaller things like books, snacks, and headphones, the list of items forgotten on planes every day is endless. Regardless of if you are in a hurry or not for your next flight, make sure to always double-check your seat, the floor under your seat, and most importantly the seat pocket in front of you! The largest number of things forgotten during long-haul flights are either in the seat pocket or under the seat, so make sure to check it twice before you leave the plane. While sometimes you might be lucky other times, items left on planes are lost forever!

We hope that our list of the four biggest mistakes to avoid when flying long-haul will help you have a hassle-free international journey next time!

How to Plan a Multi-Generational Family Vacation

Jun 13, 2021

Tips on How to Plan a Multi-Generational Family Vacation.

Do you struggle to get the entire family together? Would you love to finally organize a trip for all members of your family? Think of all fun you can have fun while spending time with each other?

A family vacation can be a fantastic experience; however, it needs to be very carefully planned before it ends up being a stressful nightmare. Keep reading to read our top 6 tips on how to plan a multi-generational family holiday!

Start Planning Way in Advance

The first step in planning a multi-generational family vacation is making sure that you are all on the same page. That is the reason why you need to start planning way in advance. First, the more people will be traveling together the more difficult it would be to coordinate the best time to go. Secondly, though, planning ahead of time also means that you would have enough time to discuss what each person’s expectations are. If you live in the same city, plan dinners where the main topic to discuss will be the upcoming trip, if you live far away from each other, plan family calls and have an agenda and topics to cover, such as the destination, how long are you going for, when are you taking the holiday, etc.

Build the Excitement

We would really stress the benefits of getting the children involved in the planning. Anyone who is invested in the trip will be more willing to go along with others and what they want to do. Purchase magazine articles, other sources periodically to get everyone excited and engaged with the planning process. You could even rent movies or DVDs about where they are thinking of going. Zoom meetings are also a good way to get everyone involved. If you are going on a cruise, you could have a zoom meeting with a representative of the cruise line, if going to a resort, there are quite a few YouTube videos you can access. Give the children that are old enough an “assignment” to find out interesting facts about where they are going. Then they can look for them when they get there and also so that they can report their findings in one of the planning meetings. Also, if you are going somewhere where there is a foreign language, everyone can try to learn some basic phrases and words. Also, learning about the different cultures and customs they children might encounter and why they are different from theirs so that they will have respect for the differences and understand that everyone has different beliefs, customs, etc. Maybe they can also find some recipes for local cuisine and try them out.

Have a Budget

When there are multiple people involved in a holiday, one of the most important topics is the budget. It is best to set a budget at the first stages of planning the holiday. If you are going on a multi-generational holiday, this means you will be traveling as a group. Group travels, though, can be expensive. Do not stress out too much, though, just have an honest discussion and determine what each person’s budget for this trip is. It is also a good idea to divide the expenses into different categories and maybe each person can pay for a different category.

Inclusives the cost is pretty well-known upfront and there will be very little outlay once you have paid for the trip. You might have to pay for drinks or excursions, but these would be at your own discretion and not something everyone would have to do. On AMA Waterways, for example, all shore excursions are included in the price. On most cruises, you can pay for your gratuities with the cost of your cruise too. Drinks are extra outside of meals, but then those who don’t drink won’t have that bar tab to worry about.

Find Balance Between Activities and Rest Time

One of the most difficult aspects of planning a multi-generational family holiday is deciding on the itinerary and the activities and places you would like to do and see. While there can be members of the younger generation, who would love to spend the entire day scuba diving or hiking, there might be elderly, who would prefer more time to relax and rest. It is important to remember that you need to make compromises and you are taking this trip so you can spend more time together. It is a good idea for each person to come up with a shortlist of what they would like to do during the trip once the families have decided on your destination. You can then have a common discussion and choose 1 or 2 items from each person’s list.

Do not be Afraid to Ask for Help

Planning a multi-generational family holiday can be extremely time-consuming, tiring, and stressful. It is important to remember that one person cannot make the arrangements for a few families. So do not be afraid to ask for help. You can either go to some of the other family members who can assist or if you are all too busy and occupied and find it too difficult to coordinate, you can even discuss the option of getting a travel agent, who would organize everything for you. A travel agent could actually save you money on this trip of memories.

Protection

We recommend purchasing insurance, as this pandemic has shown us that insurance is very important. We encourage everyone to take out insurance. We feel this is still very important going forward.

Just Enjoy, Have Fun and Create Memories Together

It is highly possible for some pressure to arise during the trip if some people are feeling left out. If this happens remind everyone why you have planned this multi-generational family holiday. It is to relax, enjoy, have fun, and most importantly to create memories together. Especially, if you only rarely see some of these people, it is vital to make the most of your time together and remember that you will only have this time now. Take photos, laugh, entertain each other, and create memories, which you will cherish long after you have gone back home.

If you choose to cruise this article may be of interest.

If you are perusing river cruises 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.