Are you planning a summer trip? The summer of 2023 is heating up to be the busiest travel season in years. Experts predict travel will be up 20% from last year. This summer also marks the first summer in the world since the pandemic that most travel restrictions have been completely lifted in most countries.

TRAVEL TIP #1:
BE PATIENT and BE FLEXIBLE

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Do you struggle with decision overwhelm when it comes to WHERE you should travel to? Is your list of places you want to visit long? How do you decide where to go?

Five Factors to Consider to help you decide where to travel to:

1) Time- how much time do you have available for  your travels?

2) Costs- are you on a budget? If so, this may limit where you travel. Listen to episode 18 for tips on how to save money by planning your trip backwards.

3) Visas- Is obtaining a Visa a roadblock? You may want to consider other options if this will limit your travels or if you don't have the time or money for this extra step or hassle.

4) Word of Mouth or you personally know someone in the area where you will travel.

5) Where is your heart telling you to go? Do you feel a desire or pull to a certain country or region? Then go there as long as the above 4 other factors will not limit you.

Or be spontaneous and play a game to decide. Roll a dice or throw a dart at a map to determine where you will go. Have fun with it if you are flexible with your travel plans.

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Save your money for more meaningful travel expenses by avoiding buying these 4 items at the airport.

1) Bottled water. Invest in a good water bottle with a filter to take with you and fill up at water fountains or sinks. Plus, save the environment by reducing the single use plastic containers, such as water bottles. I use LifeStraw water bottle.

2) Snacks and Food. These items can be purchased much cheaper at a grocery store, Walmart, Target before you get to the airport.

3) Foreign currency. Airports always have the worst exchange rate for money and you will simply lose money by exchanging at the airport.

4) WiFi. Avoid public wifi connections for security reasons. But if you do not have available data on your phone, only use the free allotted time without sharing any confidential or financial information.

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Is travel insurance worth it? Even though we are in post-covid, it may be something to still consider. I used to never purchase travel insurance but have changed my mind on the importance of this peace of mind.

Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected events that can occur before or during your trip. While it's not a legal requirement to purchase travel insurance, it can be highly recommended to protect yourself financially and medically while traveling.
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider purchasing travel insurance:

1.    Medical Emergencies: If you become ill or injured while traveling, medical expenses can be costly, especially if you require hospitalization or emergency medical evacuation. Travel insurance can cover these expenses.

2.    Trip Cancellation or Interruption: If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to an unexpected event such as a family emergency, travel insurance can cover the non-refundable expenses you've already paid, such as flights, accommodations, and tours.

3.    Lost or Stolen Luggage: If your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip, travel insurance can cover the cost of replacing your belongings.

4.    Travel Delays: If your flight is delayed, travel insurance can cover additional expenses such as hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation.

5.    Emergency Assistance: Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance, which can be helpful if you're in a foreign country and need help with medical emergencies, legal assistance, or other unexpected situations.

It's important to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before purchasing it to ensure that it meets your specific needs.

Travel Insurance Companies:

1. Allianz Global Assistance
2. Travel Guard
3. World Nomads
4. AIG Travel
5. Safety Wing
6. InsureMyTrip

To compare pricing, you can use the website Squaremouth.

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Do you dream of hiking the Torres del Paine trail in Chile, Patagonia region?

Listen in on an interview and follow up with Bonnie from pre-trip interview of Episode 17 and see how her trip turned out.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing/id1650161410?i=1000600784609


Helpful Tips about the trail:
* The popular O Circuit trail and W trail are very well marked and can easily be done as a solo traveler.
* The trail is completely safe.
* Along the trail there are designated campsites where you stay. You can bring your own tent, rent a tent or even rent a room at some campsites.
* Pack extra socks and a warm, clean shirt/jacket to wear each night after your hike.
* Take the shuttle to get you to the start of the trail.
* Physically prepare for this hike with longer hikes including a weighted pack and do hill training.

In travel we must be flexible with our plans, especially if there is a physical injury.
Remember to always give yourself grace when traveling and listen to your body.
Video of Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KcrMtzxdoA

Experience Bonnie's adventures on her Youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0eUHvO57MB5tzzS56WrcOsP7n3BLJqy6

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We spend so much time planning a trip that we often forget that there are important things we must do after our travels.

1) Check your credit card statement to make sure the charges look correct. Make sure you have a credit card that does not charge any foreign exchange fees.

2) Upload your photos. Save those precious photos either to the cloud, laptop or into a photo album while the places you went are fresh in your mind. Label your photos with the name of the place or location.

3) Claim your miles. Hopefully this was taken care of when you booked your travel but in case something was added on, don't lose those points or miles. They can help fund your next trip.

4) Journal and reflect on your trip. Document not just where you went and what you saw, include how you felt, people you met and any revelations you may have had while traveling.

5) Start planning and thinking about where you are going to next. And start saving money again.

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Paris, the City of Lights and the City of Love. With so much to see in this historical and amazing city, avoid these pitfalls.
#1: Do NOT use unvetted "taxi" services at the airport. They are a scam and will charge you double.
        DO pre-schedule your transport-hotel shuttle, real taxi or the train
#2: Do NOT exchange your currency at the airport-horrible exchange rates.
         DO exchange some currency beforehand (in your home country) or use a local         exchange place near your hotel/accommodations.
#3: Do NOT feel forced to use cash at a restaurant.
        DO ask in advance if they take credit cards and look for the stickers on the door or
        front window of store.
#4: Do NOT assume everyone knows English or your home language.
        DO learn keywords and phrases in French.
#5: Do NOT be afraid to use the public transportation system-bus, Metro, RER(train). It is safe.
       DO download Paris transportation apps, such as; Bonjour RATP, Metro Paris and trainline.

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Some of these items you may have thought of and already have on your list but maybe not. Here are my 12 unconventional items (excluding electronics and clothing packing items).

1) Pillowcase
2) Wash Cloths
3) Charcoal tablets
4) Vitamins and Essential Oils
5) Tennis ball
6) Compression socks
7) Ziploc bags
8) Water bottle with filter
9) Duct Tape
10) Toilet paper or small packet of tissues
11) Eyemask
12) Earplugs

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Life is busy and we often say we will travel "someday" or when we retire. But we are not guaranteed those days so why not take the leap TODAY and book that trip.
This year, 2023, is the year to travel. Many tour groups, airlines and hotels are seeing a huge uptick in bookings.

Where is your #1 bucket list place? Go right now and book that flight.

Stop thinking (or using the excuse) that there isn't a good time to travel due to your schedule or funds.

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People that don't solo travel or worry about you pursuing solo travels may try to discourage you with these 4 myths.

MYTH #1: Solo Travel is Unsafe
There are plenty of safe places for a woman solo traveler to go. Do your research on safe places to travel or the area where you might be staying. Listen to episode #12 on the 10 safest countries to travel to for women travelers https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048349/12058242-what-are-the-safest-countries-to-travel-solo-as-a-woman-top-10-safest-countries.mp3?download=true

MYTH #2: You will be Lonely traveling solo
Solo travel actually gets us out of our comfort zone to potentially speak to locals or other travelers and more likely to meet other people and create friendships too. We first need to love being with ourselves which can be experienced while solo traveling.

MYTH #3: Our Solo Travels Need to Be Grandiose
Solo travel does not have be expensive or grand. You don't even need to go across the pond. You can do solo travel locally or take a road trip within your own country. Or even explore your own town/city with fresh new explorer eyes.

MYTH #4: You Are Too Old to Solo Travel
We may envision solo travel as reserved for the young, 20-something crowd. We may think of a young person doing a Gap Year or backpacking throughout a series of countries. But as midlife women, we have such deep life experiences and financial resources to travel. How you travel and where you go depends on your travel style (see episode # 20). I believe we are never too old!

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