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Blog Post
Create Your Bucket List
June 11, 2020
Steps To Creating Your Bucket List
1) Choose Your Method.
There are several methods you can use to create a bucket list…a notebook, a digital document or even a jar full of notes. The important thing is that whatever you choose, you use. You will want to look at your list on a regular basis so be sure it is something that will be easy for you to access. Digital documents, like Google docs, are great because you can easily add things like images or links. They are easy to share with your travel partner and your travel advisor.
2) Make a List of Where You Have Been.
Thinking about past vacations and what you liked (and didn’t like) is a great place to start. If you're traveling as a couple, this is even more important. You might want to re-explore previous adventures or agree that exploring new things is the way to go. Either way, creating this list will further the discussion. If you are a solo traveler, this will help you determine what is really meaningful when it comes to your travel desires.
3) Next, List Your Destinations.
This is the fun step. Use your imagination. At this point, don’t hold back due to time or financial concerns. Just list all the places you have ever dreamed of. For example, where did you want to go when you were 6 years old? Or 10 or 16 years old? Or maybe just last week? Don’t forget to include the places that have always been on your wish list. If you need advice, this is a great time to contact me, your travel advisor so I can inform you of newly discovered destinations.
4) What Do You Want to Experience?
Places are one thing...Activities are another. Have you always wanted to go Northern Lights hunting? Or maybe on an African Safari? Is it swimming with dolphins in Mexico or diving with sharks in South Africa that interest you? Does visiting the Smithsonian in DC or hot air ballooning over the dessert Southwest call to you? This is the step where you get to list all the things you’ve ever wanted to do. As a couple, this can be a fun step of discovery. Just like with destinations, I can let you in on some of the secrets that only travel insiders know about.
5) Put Things in Order.
Your list is probably getting a little long at this point. Now is the time to apply some practical thinking. Look through your destinations list and highlight the 4 or 5 places that mean the most to you. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever see the other destinations, but you do need to start somewhere. Then look through your activities list. Are there any that fit one destination more than another? Add them to your list. Lastly, go through your list one more time to make sure you didn’t leave anything out. Once this is done, you have finished your basic list. Now to apply some action to it.
6) Establish a Timeline.
Now it’s time to plan and assign those destinations and activities to dates. Consider the time and money you wish to invest in traveling. Yes, it is an investment. Remember, travel is the activity where you spend money, but you return richer, because you are relaxed and rejuvenated. Align your goals with the practical aspects of your budget and available time and, in short order, you will have a plan of where to go and what to do over the next few years. I will be happy to review your list and keep a lookout for opportunities that can get you checking those items off your list.
7) Check Them Off Your List.
Of course, none of this really means much if you never visit the destinations on your bucket list. Once you get started, you’ll find that wanderlust keeps building up. So the choice is yours, do you want to be one of the people who tells the stories of what they have discovered or the one who listens? It’s important to remember that this is YOUR travel bucket list, so if life gets in the way sometimes, no worries. You are the master of the list and can always adjust it as needed. Happy Traveling!!!
Should I or should I not purchase travel insurance? That is the popular question these days. Whenever you purchase plane tickets, cruise tickets, or book a hotel, you are usually asked if you want to purchase travel insurance. Due to the purchase of travel insurance being an additional cost, many travelers usually opt out of it. It is often thought of as an unnecessary add-on like extended warranties and generally considered not worth it.
When planning a client's trip, we always consider all the information given to us for a full personalized experience. This includes a client's budget. Every attempt is made to operate within the limits of the budget and still provide an amazing and unforgettable experience. But, it's a proven fact that a super tight budget forces you to miss some great vacation experiences. The next time you are creating your vacation budget, consider some of these small and affordable upgrades that are sure to improve your all-around vacation experience.
Preparing for the unexpected is an important part of taking trips, and as a Travel Advisor, working hard to stay on top of situations that might affect your health and safety is an essential aspect of my job. Here are 3 travel preparation recommendations.
According to the State Department, the passport application process is taking more than four months (18 weeks), and “expedited” service may only shorten the wait to three months. This means that passport processing times are three times as long as the average wait time prior to the pandemic. The State Department website indicates the dramatic delays are the result of COVID-related issues…not to mention the drastic uptick in travel which is causing a high demand for passports. If you need to renew your passports immediately, unfortunately you are no longer able to book last-minute appointments online. The State Department announced this change on July 22nd, 2021. For emergency appointments, you can refer to the table on the “ Get It Fast ” passport section of the State Department’s website.
Demand for future travel is increasing and will likely outpace supply, even as more options reopen. One of the most important preparations for future travel is ensuring you have the appropriate travel ID. You don’t want to arrive at the airport for your long-awaited vacation, only to be denied boarding because of an identification issue! Now is the time to make sure your identification documents are ready. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in passport processing. Standard processing for new and renewal applications is currently 10-12 weeks, or 4-6 weeks if paying an additional $60 expedite fee.* Even flying to U.S. destinations, you need to be ready for the new REAL ID requirements going into effect on October 1, 2021. What should you know about getting your IDs ready to travel? I’ve highlighted a few key points.
Road trips are back at the top of travel lists, as more people opt to explore the United States. For couples, taking a road trip together offers a chance to reconnect and make new memories together. If you’re a honeymooner, celebrating your anniversary, or first-time travel partners who are considering a road trip, here are some ideas to help you find romance on the road. As a romance specialist and one who loves and values romance in my personal life, I have tested all of these. Navigating Together On a road trip, navigating is part of the fun. Tracing the route, taking an impromptu detour to see a roadside attraction, and refueling at a locally-owned diner, are reminders that the journey is as important as the destination. My husband and I took a road trip to visit family and on the return trip, we mapped out a route to make a stop in Mississippi to celebrate our anniversary. We ate at local restaurants and checked out a few attractions. Oh, you didn’t think I was going to skip out on the beach did you? Yes, we spent a little time on the beach, enjoying the amazing views and sunsets.
It’s no secret that we are dreaming about our next vacation. For many of us, 2020 meant delays and/or cancellations of our long-awaited vacations. After the stressful and challenging year, we’ve all been through…we need a change of scenery. With a percentage of next year’s vacations already in the books, the year’s travel trends and must-visit destinations are starting to emerge. Whether they are barbecue enthusiasts or book lovers, the below lists of locations, near and far from home, are a perfect starting place for 2021 vacation inspiration!
Turmoil, challenges and stress…nothing could more accurately sum up 2020 than this. Canceled events, working from home while homeschooling, higher health risks for going out in public, job loss, etc. are all reasons why 2020 has been extremely stressful. All the stress has taken a toll on our mental health. With all the turbulence this year has brought, travelers are focusing on ways to enhance their wellbeing. This includes physical, mental and spiritual wellness.
Though travel to Europe is on hold for the moment, we know that many travelers are eager to visit its cities again. Thinking about the experiences of European travel will help you look ahead and inspire your future vacation. Those of us with a passion for travel often daydream about the cities and places we want to visit someday. And in these daydreams, we think about the person we love most and traveling the world with them. For couples who dream of checking off destinations around the world together, there’s a way to see and do more with your vacation time: take a river cruise! River cruising is one of the best ways to visit multiple cities without the stress of travel days, unpacking and repacking, or getting lost trying to find your hotel. From panoramic suites, themed excursions, and incredible itineraries, river cruising is the ideal vacation for couples looking for a romantic trip through Europe and beyond.
Travel is one of the fastest growing industries. Stay organized and prepared with the following travel apps. Mobile Passport - Allows you to upload your passport and fill out customs forms on your phone to speed you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 30+ airports and cruise ports. PackPoint – alleviates the stress associated with packing. Advises you of what to wear based on where you’re going, length of your stay, projected weather and activities you’re planning. Waze - Live maps include voice-guided navigation to easily guide you. You get community-based data on traffic jams and other information so that you can find points of interest like the cheapest gas stations and the fastest routes to your destination. Trail Wallet – A tool that allows you to organize and track your travel expenses.
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