vacations Archives - Unique Journeys LLC

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 at your nine-to-five every day not nearly interesting enough? Even now 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.

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

IT’S TIME FOR THE FAMILY VACATION

Feb 23, 2022

It’s time for the family vacation. I know we have all had a hard time these past few months, but I think it will be doubly important to resume the family vacation and spend time enjoying being together not in a restricted atmosphere. It’s a stressful time and it’s true for children as well as adults. Travel is not only enriching, it gets you away from your every-day routine so that you can concentrate on having fun as a family. As a travel counselor I can take the stress out of planning the details so you all you have to do is relax and enjoy your time away.

Disney has been at the top of many bucket lists for years for families with children. There are rides for all levels, a variety of shows, restaurants from casual to more formal. Add to that the character meals and you can please just about anyone.

However, all that variety comes with a price. Disney has raised prices most years, so that the average cost for lodging, food, and tickets for a three-night stay is around $300 a person.

If your family would like to spend time together, there are alternatives to Disney that will be just as memorable:

HAWAII:

You first thought of course is Waikiki, but even on Oahu, there is more to the island than the beach. In Honolulu you can visit The Arizona, where World War II started and next door, you can visit the MISSOURI, and see where the war officially ended.

A Family Vacation can be inspiration too

It’s important to bring history to life in addition to having fun on your family vacation

After you have done the educational visits, you can be off to the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

How about climbing Diamond Head, where the view from the top is fantastic, and the hike down is easier.

Outdoor activities are a great part of a family vacation

Take a hike and this is your reward.

Most visitors stop there, but If you have more time to spend on Oahu, you can check out the North Shore with its famous pipeline and watch surfers “catch the waves”. Also on this side of the island is Kualoa Ranch. Here you can a great time riding horseback, kayaking or taking a tour of various sites where movies have been filmed.

Of course, there are other islands to visit such as Mauai and Kawai, each with it’s own personality. Combine one or two islands gives you a greater understanding of what makes Hawaii a great place to visit with your family.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA:

This is a city made for families. Of course, there is the world-famous San Diego Zoo, but you shouldn’t miss the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can get up close and personal with the animals. Take the kids to La Jolla Cove where sea lions and other wildlife abound. You can rent snorkeling gear, bikes, paddle boards. With the the comfortable California weather, you won’t lack for things to do.

THE GRAND CANYON:

Here is a place that just can’t be described to do it justice. You have to experience it in person. It’s not just a place to stand on the rim and look into the canyon, but a place where kids can take part in the park’s ranger programs to learn about the canyon’s history, take part in exciting activities and earn badges. As a family you can ride bikes on the canyon rim, go for scenic hikes and even take the famous mule rides. This can really be an all-inclusive family vacation.

Take a ride on the wild side with these iconic Grand Canyon donkeys.

MYRTLE BEACH, S. CAROLINA:

Myrtle Beach has a 60-mile stretch of white sand beach. There you can swim, build sand castles and just soak up the sun.

Once you have had your fill of that, try the arcade on the boardwalk, the mini golf courses and the Sky Wheel, which offers great views of the beach.

If you want the amusement park experience, you can visit WorldWorks. It’s known as the amusement park for the mind. There are over 100 hands-on exhibits and an indoor rope course.

PARK CITY, UTAH:

Ready for a winter vacation? Skiing is paramount here, but even when you aren’t on the slopes, you can still have fun as a family. You can take art classes, learn pottery or drawing. There are also ranges of accommodations from hotels to condos with multiple bedrooms and kitchens.

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI:

St. Louis isn’t just flyover country. The Gateway to the West is home to a world-class FREE Zoo. The Art Museum, also in Forest Park up the hill from the zoo, is also free. How about a 630’ high stainless steel arch? There’s a great new museum and a ride to the top with great views over the city.

If you want to set your kids free in a one-of-a-kind museum, then you should head to The City Museum. The creation of Bob Cassilly; it’s a kids paradise with slides, rope climbing, and much more.

Your kids will have the time of their lives exploring the City Museum and what great photo opportunities for you.

In the summer, there is Grant’s Farm where you can see animal shows, feed animals in the petting zoo, meet the world-famous Clydesdales and have a meal in the stable courtyard. The adults can have up to two of Anheuser Busch’s finest.

What's a family vacation without getting up close and personal with animals

The world-famous Clydesdales are just waiting for your visit

You are spending more time with your family, so now is the time to start planning your next adventure. Time to dream and plan your family vacation; giving everyone something to look forward to. Getting everyone involved makes it even more special. Once you have done your research and want to begin the process of putting your plans in motion, contact me at:

Nancy Luechtefeld, CTC

Unique Journeys LLC

9787 Radio Drive

St. Louis, MO 63123

Ph: 314/644-8691

Email: nancy@unique-journeys.com

Website: www.unique-journeys.com

Top 5 Train Rides in Missouri

Oct 29, 2021

Top 5 Train Rides in Missouri

If you are a train-lover, Missouri is one of the best places to go. There are many different train rides around Missouri that offer short or long rides. Some have themed days, others have amazing four-course meals, and almost all have beautiful sightseeing. Here we will discuss five of the top train rides around Missouri.

Best Dinner Train: Silver Chef, Branson Scenic Railway

The Branson Scenic Railway is known for its Polar Express train ride during the Christmas holidays, but it can also be enjoyed any time of the year. This train starts and ends in Branson, Missouri, and travels through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. A normal round-trip excursion costs between $2-$29 depending on age.

If visiting between April and October, couples and families can also enjoy a four-course dinner train, which leaves every Saturday at 5 pm. The dinner train runs from $69-$79.

Best Train for Themed Events: St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway

The St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway offers 2-hour roundtrip rides every Saturday at 1 pm on their ninety-five-year-old railcars. The train starts and stops in Jackson, Missouri. The train rides start between $10-17 for a normal Saturday ride, to $28-45 for a dinner train ride.

They also offer many themed events monthly, which can include Murder Mystery rides, Santa Express, dinosaur train, Chocolate Express, and a Historical Ghost Train. Check out their website for more details and themed events happening this month!

Best Train for a Short Ride: The Belton, Grandview, and Kansas City Railroad

The Belton, Grandview, and Kansas City Railroad is in Belton, Missouri. It is a short train ride at only 45 minutes round trip. Train lovers will enjoy the 1920’s passenger cars and the 1950’s locomotive train rolling through Old Towne Belton. Train rides are $12 for all ages 3 and up.

Best Train for Sight Seeing: Missouri River Runner, Amtrak

The Missouri River Runner goes between two major cities, St. Louis and Kansas City. If you are a lover of wine, it also stops off in Hermann, Missouri’s wine country. And for all the history buffs, it has a stop in the city of Independence, which is President Harry S. Truman’s hometown. The entire ride from St. Louis to Kansas City can take a little less than 6 hours. Tickets can be purchased on the Amtrak website.

Best Train for Kids: Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad Association, Glencoe

Visit the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad for the most unforgettable miniature train ride. Hop aboard the 12-inch gauge steam railroad and travel the 2 miles through the woods and next to the Meramec River. The full round-trip ride takes about 30 minutes. Tickets are $20 for a full passenger car, and each passenger car can fit up to 5 people.

After enjoying your train ride 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.