tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90694267077859216172024-03-13T04:47:58.220-07:00Pams Path to TravelPams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-88408741055042756612021-05-26T16:05:00.004-07:002021-05-26T16:07:48.815-07:00Let Alaska Cruising Happen! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfhw_TOk3znoXm6h_AETGktmlfqKFnjBGkBlIdTsnAEWuPVoU4ohj1VnfgVU9l-18xYY2ifb00DACp-M0vITJY1D9FpyEIdvssjdRqHERR_oC3a81cPjbmTzceRkpDNkjG4Vjgq7jQZn4/s448/Alaska+Cruise+2009+283.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfhw_TOk3znoXm6h_AETGktmlfqKFnjBGkBlIdTsnAEWuPVoU4ohj1VnfgVU9l-18xYY2ifb00DACp-M0vITJY1D9FpyEIdvssjdRqHERR_oC3a81cPjbmTzceRkpDNkjG4Vjgq7jQZn4/s320/Alaska+Cruise+2009+283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">As many of you already know, the Cruising Industry has been at a stand still for over a year due to the Pandemic. The CDC had issued a no sail order which was then revised to a conditional sail order. While working through all of the "conditions" the CDC put forth, Canada said that they would not allow ships over 100 passengers to visit their ports until Summer of 2022, essentially cutting off the majority of the 2021 Alaska Season.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) which has been around forever states that foreign registered passenger vessels must have a foreign port stop between departing the USA and returning to the USA. For decades, Alaska Cruises took care of this requirement by stopping in Victoria, British Columbia. Cruise & Travel Industry Officials have recently fought to have legislation passed for this year to allow large ships to bypass this PVSA requirement and it has passed!! YIPPEE!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnSJLXCpIIpPClMlmP_mLsEmkoA6LNOa_anahTIIGWcjCmx2KkVX4Vt3YgmiDDQmvA1U0RUs9nyvu5RgLqI3OMAx3kjV_lMa3I7BqUxRqx8Lnp6LfqYxDS3RM1enQuhKz2h9IypmsBAfz/s323/Alaska_Cruise_June_2007_257-323x250.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnSJLXCpIIpPClMlmP_mLsEmkoA6LNOa_anahTIIGWcjCmx2KkVX4Vt3YgmiDDQmvA1U0RUs9nyvu5RgLqI3OMAx3kjV_lMa3I7BqUxRqx8Lnp6LfqYxDS3RM1enQuhKz2h9IypmsBAfz/s320/Alaska_Cruise_June_2007_257-323x250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Though there are still a few more hoops to jump through, most notably is running a few "test sailings" or receiving a pass of that requirement. The first test sailings are set to begin in June. If all goes well with those, it is looking very favorable for a shortened Alaska Cruise season with many sailings set to operate out of Seattle. All of the major players will have at least one ship sailing as soon as July 16, 2021! This is so exciting!! After the year of the dumpster fire, it's so good to have some positive news!! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMtpsdX2NV-fzED0zdVLu0ysjxJP9gdllSjYGc7LvG8XfUQzlwIov-r-LdGdAUUwZIC8c0UWpJdNy2LxHKRxH3I2nnfefyF6TyblJjnb3DE_jC0pEmvQRQJMgmQpgut1PSszUskZuwXIl/s448/Alaska+Cruise+2009+181.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMtpsdX2NV-fzED0zdVLu0ysjxJP9gdllSjYGc7LvG8XfUQzlwIov-r-LdGdAUUwZIC8c0UWpJdNy2LxHKRxH3I2nnfefyF6TyblJjnb3DE_jC0pEmvQRQJMgmQpgut1PSszUskZuwXIl/s320/Alaska+Cruise+2009+181.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The cruise lines are taking reservations now and because of reduced capacities allowed and the pent up demand for cruising, these sailings are going to sell out quickly! Alaska usually runs from mid-May through September, so as you can see this is a much shortened season from mid-July through September. With fewer ships in Alaska this year, that means fewer crowds making for a wonderful Alaska experience. We have cruised to Alaska three times</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> over the last 14 years and it is simply amazing! We have seen whales, eagles, bears, beautiful glaciers, we've been flown via helicopter to the top of a mountain to then go dog-sledding & meet the puppies! Wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The cruise lines are anxious to get back to welcoming guests on board and they are doing everything possible within their capabilities to make cruising a very safe option for all. The cruise lines will only be welcoming fully vaccinated (Covid-19) passengers for these Alaska Sailings and it will likely be a requirement for most cruise lines going forward for the short term. All crew will also be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you are interested in one of these wonderful Alaska Cruises, please feel free to reach out to me. I can be reached via email: pam@pamstravel.net or via phone: 650-363-6156.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Temporary Office Hours are M-Thursday 12pm-430pm and by appointment on Fridays.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I expect these hours to be revised soon now that more people are becoming interested in securing their next vacation! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R-5H5EInZyj3I3ubV1Jh-v1p4bTB5NtLkEi5K3ulFO-CcAJKMJ6lGpGcZA3EcgtpYiSFgR0aNVcwORZl54GaQj3q5WzhynhvIyXy_etVfRlzqgsEnUVExiGqOvwvWgc22TBSbsf-cC7D/s2048/2017+grand+princess+bear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R-5H5EInZyj3I3ubV1Jh-v1p4bTB5NtLkEi5K3ulFO-CcAJKMJ6lGpGcZA3EcgtpYiSFgR0aNVcwORZl54GaQj3q5WzhynhvIyXy_etVfRlzqgsEnUVExiGqOvwvWgc22TBSbsf-cC7D/s320/2017+grand+princess+bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaloB8tfar9WKACvfMnr2GGi9M913HXYZEQY2O8dEveAmySEjWPbKaXX4CQXW0vMJ0Xvjb0ECjS9njbrDMuUdHCeQ5rAPs-_6EQHzTZCs04RONODzhpkdCSwT2QHe-tIoDiusXXCqoxaJ/s2048/2017+grand+princess+eagle.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaloB8tfar9WKACvfMnr2GGi9M913HXYZEQY2O8dEveAmySEjWPbKaXX4CQXW0vMJ0Xvjb0ECjS9njbrDMuUdHCeQ5rAPs-_6EQHzTZCs04RONODzhpkdCSwT2QHe-tIoDiusXXCqoxaJ/w113-h200/2017+grand+princess+eagle.jpg" width="113" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-87135265580986688382021-05-20T01:03:00.003-07:002021-05-20T11:58:56.763-07:00Where Shall We Go?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4kKoRVUGKoblBuHNkRLUxP7BpgSSLN-9_8Fri4gbr_8C0bQrJw8zF1X5xlN8AAcmSByKy-lQLDOSCEbuCy3wjaD-uJVvKrS3W13wPrwwBNuWjSB3UjkYcgqCEDaQiLWeTQl8iMxBTY60/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="660" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4kKoRVUGKoblBuHNkRLUxP7BpgSSLN-9_8Fri4gbr_8C0bQrJw8zF1X5xlN8AAcmSByKy-lQLDOSCEbuCy3wjaD-uJVvKrS3W13wPrwwBNuWjSB3UjkYcgqCEDaQiLWeTQl8iMxBTY60/w400-h400/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where shall we go? Where CAN we go? </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is becoming a very popular question now that more people are becoming vaccinated, we are getting closer to herd immunity and Covid restrictions are starting to lift in many parts of the world and in our own backyards! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some places like Mexico and The Caribbean have been open for business since last summer. They have had to modify their requirements as their Covid numbers increased or decreased, but they have remained open and for the most part safe for visitors. Mexico is one of the few places that does not require any testing to enter; however ALL International destinations (including Mexico and the Caribbean) require that you test within 3 days of your return date to re-enter the United States. We went to Mexico last October and had an amazing and much needed vacation. I detailed my experience in an earlier blog post: <a href="https://pamspathtotravel.blogspot.com/2020/11/" target="_blank">Vacationing During a Pandemic.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hawaii has been open since late last year and they are welcoming visitors with negative test results. They are starting to relax some of the requirements for inter-island travelers that are fully vaccinated but we don't expect to see the same consideration for mainland visitors until much later this year at the earliest. I can't say that I blame them, these Islands are limited with their medical resources and cannot afford to allow their health care systems to become overwhelmed with an uptick in Covid cases. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Do you love to cruise?</b> Well, cruise lines will be starting back again in North America this summer though not from US ports- YET. We are getting closer and closer to that possibility, one CDC rule at a time. In the meantime, we have Celebrity sailing for 7 nights from the beautiful island of St. Marten starting in June. Royal Caribbean will be sailing the Adventure of the Seas from Bahamas and the Vision of the Seas from Bermuda also starting in June. Norwegian Cruise Line will have two ships sailing from Jamaica and Dominican Republic starting in August. There are also a few Europe sailings starting up this summer. The KEY to these sailings right now is that they are only available to fully vaccinated guests. So if you are fully vaccinated (by definition: two weeks after your last shot) you are welcome to take these cruises. <b>I would love to help you book this! </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Maybe you love to cruise, but you are not quite ready to take a flight all the way to the Caribbean to cruise? </b>We have a few US Flagged cruise lines that are sailing with fully vaccinated crew and passengers. <a href="https://www.americancruiselines.com/" target="_blank">American Cruise Line</a> offers small ship journeys along the Mississippi, Snake and Columbia Rivers and New England. <a href="https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/" target="_blank">American Queen Steamboat Company</a> offers a variety of sailings up and down the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Columbia and Snake Rivers and their sister company, <a href="https://www.victorycruiselines.com/" target="_blank">Victory Cruise Line</a> offers several Great Lake sailings, New England sailings in the fall for the fall colors, <a href="https://uncruise.com/" target="_blank">Uncruise</a> is a small ship company that has been sailing in Alaska for years, they are not impacted by the Canadian Cruise Ship Ban that is currently in place, so they are sailing to Alaska this summer. Alaska is a seasonal destination Though offerings are scaled down for 2021, most of these lines are booking well into 2022 and in some cased into 2023. I can help match you to the perfect cruise! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Domestically, the United States is open! People have been taking lots of road trips for months and I know a few people who have rented RV's and worked remotely while touring the USA! </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">What a way to make lemonade out of the lemons of 2020!</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Did you know that I can help you book an RV? Yes, I can! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am seeing an increase of interest in seeing America, seeing the National Parks, visiting iconic sights like the Grand Canyon and Old Faithful, taking a photo on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, strolling down the Riverwalk in San Antonio or enjoying some beignets and jazz tunes in New Orleans. America is OPEN! Mask mandates are starting to be lifted, the CDC has stated that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks pretty much anywhere anymore (few exceptions); however, some states still have their own mask mandates. Here in California, we expect the mask mandate to be lifted June 15th; however, it is unclear if that will be for everyone or just fully vaccinated individuals but more importantly if/how it can be enforced. I can't see enforcement happening but I can see individual businesses wanting to keep the mask mandate in place and they have every right to do so. I think we are headed to a period where there will be focus on "personal responsibility", follow the guidelines for cleanliness, wear a mask if you feel you are in a situation that feels unsafe and keep your distance if it seems like the right thing to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some popular trips and destinations in the USA that I am seeing lately: New York City, New Orleans, Nashville, Las Vegas, Disney World, Disneyland (now that they are FINALLY open again). Train travel is becoming popular once again and <a href="https://www.amtrakvacations.com/" target="_blank">Amtrak Vacations</a> has a variety of trips to see regions of the USA. Tour companies like <a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/Vacation-Packages/Tour-United-States/" target="_blank">Globus Journeys</a> has some wonderful itineraries and even better, do you have a small group of people you want to travel with? I can customize any of these tours for a private small group! They offer the entire country, National Parks, Hawaii, Alaska, Southeast - they can do it and I can help to make it happen!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">International destinations outside of North America are starting to announce their re-opening plan and guidelines for welcoming US Citizens once again. Some countries have opened and some will be opening up in the next month or so. Requirements vary, some require a negative Covid test within 72 hours of arrival, some are only opening up to fully vaccinated guests. Some are requiring testing AND full vaccination proof. Some will only allow you into the country if you arrive on an approved flight. The rules are getting crazy, let the games begin! The goal posts continue to move and the restrictions and requirements continue to change. This is why it is in your best interest to work with a trusted Travel Advisor (hopefully me if you don't already have one that you work with). I will work with you to find the best destination to meet your travel desires, I investigate all requirements and monitor them for any changes from the time I book your trip to the time you travel. Where do you want to go? Italy? France? Greece? Let me know and I will customize the perfect trip for you. Have a small group of people you want to travel with? Perhaps your social bubble? I can arrange a private small group tour to a variety of destinations in Europe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">River Cruises have been popular for years and they continue to be a popular option for later this year and into 2022 and 2023. The beauty of river cruises is that they are small boats, fewer passengers, you spend most of your time in the little off the beaten path towns, when you're on board you are often looking at the passing scenery from your balcony or one of the public outdoor spaces - all conducive to Covid safety protocols and recommendations. Some River Cruise lines, as of now are not requiring passengers to show proof of vaccination, rather allowing one of three options: proof of vaccination, negative Covid test 72 hours prior to embarkation or proof of recent Covid recovery. Of course, if the boat is leaving out of a country that has different requirements to fly to that country, you must abide by those rules. Hopefully, all of these stars will align as we see more destinations open to US citizens. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Best tip: I encourage you to pack your patience whenever you travel during this global pandemic. It's a new world out there, it's still a beautiful world and it still has so much to share with everyone who ventures out to see it. You must keep in mind that the Travel Industry and this includes every aspect of tourism: airlines, cruise lines, hotels, limo companies, taxi drivers, tour guides, restaurant workers, shop owners and store workers have all been greatly impacted by this pandemic. Most are thrilled to be back to work and can't wait to welcome you, but remember they may be a little rusty after not doing their job for over a year. They may even be a little bit scared to be doing their job and being up close and personal with people again. Gosh, the first time that I booked an airline ticket in my computer system I felt like a duck out of water, eventually my fingers remembered the formats but it was rough going at first. A little grace goes a long way! Grace for others and grace for yourself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Better tip: Don't wait thinking you will get a better deal. Prices are sky-rocketing and there is a lot of demand for travel, people have been itching to get out of their homes and get back to seeing this wonderful world again. Some destinations still have capacity limits, so with less capacity, higher demand, prices are going to increase. Cruise lovers have had to go a year and a half without cruising, some have rescheduled their 2020 cruises to 2021 and had to rebook them for 2022, the ships are filling up, prices are higher because they will have to operate with fewer passengers when they are approved to sail again from US ports. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wherever you want to go next, I would love to help you get there. As your trusted Travel Advisor with over 30 years of experience, it's what I do. I help to make your travel dreams become a reality. </span></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-57898470533967211552021-03-26T17:07:00.000-07:002021-03-26T17:07:16.283-07:00The Jack Pack-Last Hurrah! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONdGq9tLuyR4ewtzwlDfrtc8IiZz7CcG3dm2AFEL5lMG_5EI4UO8UgDCpWsfwFpx3uyhr9ombuds00t7GH4iy5YflOCQeUcuFqgGFFj4bOclKfMonGbV6X7kmSy0UuQZgGyv2UirT88Hz/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONdGq9tLuyR4ewtzwlDfrtc8IiZz7CcG3dm2AFEL5lMG_5EI4UO8UgDCpWsfwFpx3uyhr9ombuds00t7GH4iy5YflOCQeUcuFqgGFFj4bOclKfMonGbV6X7kmSy0UuQZgGyv2UirT88Hz/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was recently a part of something very cool. One of my travel agent friends, Julie received a call from a new client on a Saturday afternoon. They spoke for hours about his desired "last hurrah" trip with his two buddies, it's a long story, but one worth sharing. I'm not about to try to re-write the story, so I'm going to insert Julie's story as told on the website: Love what Matters. This is just one of many places where Julie's story has been told. It's a beautiful story and I am so honored to know this group of Travel Professionals and to be a small part in helping this "last hurrah" come to fruition for these 90-something year old youngsters! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“It was a Saturday afternoon. I was busy painting a wall in my bedroom I hadn’t had the time to finish in 6 years due to work and parenting. The last year of the pandemic has been nothing short of exhausting and frustrating for my business as a Travel Agent. We have cancelled endless amounts of honeymoons, family getaways, bucket list trips, and last hurrahs. Not only have we struggled with the loss of income, but also the slapping down of our passion of helping others’ dreams come true. Things are beginning to look up, but the heavy restrictions we deal with keep many travelers cautiously at bay. That day I decided, it will be what it will be and picked up a paint brush to finally cross the wall off my list.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My phone began to ring once the drips of paint had covered my fingers to where a cleanup was necessary before answering it, so I missed the call. When I checked the message I began to smile. I heard, ‘Julie, Julie, Julie..’ from an unfamiliar elderly voice. There was just an aura of friendliness from the first sentence. He explained he was a 90-year-old veteran pilot living in an assisted living facility in Florence, Oregon. I am in Northeastern Wyoming, so I wondered how he found me. He went on to explain he was discussing wanting to go to the Reno Air Races this fall and said a lady who works at his facility told him he had to use me for his travel plans. He wanted to take his friends (94 and 96 years old) with him.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I called him back and we immediately hit it off. I found out about his plans and also some about his life, which I really enjoyed. Although there are several states between us, we had a lot in common. We both have three kids. He spent some time in my home state of Wyoming working as a fireman for the railroad and I spent just over three years working for a railroad contractor operating trains being loaded with coal in my area mines. He did some mining himself somewhere in California. I spent a handful of years operating heavy equipment in an open pit coal mine. At every twist and turn in the conversation, we had common ground, as well as a sense of humor. Towards the end of our chat, he volunteered that he and his two buddies have all lost their wives and this trip was supposed to be their ‘last hurrah.’ He explained how after his wife passed away he was just overcome with sadness, until one day he decided it was time to pack his suitcase and favorite pillowcase to move to assisted living. He wanted to spend his last days around other people. That touched my heart.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I quit mining in early 2014 when I was expecting my second child. I had worked for 11 years prior, trying to balance parenting my oldest child and making a living. When my husband and I conceived number 2, we were met with the news at our 10-week checkup our baby <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/tie-my-tubes-rainbow-baby-still-birth-miscarriage-grief-motherhood/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">no longer had a heartbeat</a>. We were devastated. God knows why it didn’t work out, but when we tried again and conceived, my doctor thought it best to get me out of the rough riding equipment and on light duty. There is no such thing as light duty in coal mining, so I hung up my hard hat and put away my steel-toed boots and decided my primary job would now be mom. We have <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/i-dont-wait-for-my-sister-to-ask-before-i-take-her-baby-kindness-village-parenting-love-family-sisterhood/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">three children</a> total now and I don’t regret my choice. The sun rises and sets on my family in my mind. Becoming a one-income family meant budgeting and no longer being able to do one of the things I enjoy the most – traveling. I developed a love for travel at a young age when we would make a yearly trip from Wyoming back to Michigan to see our family, and it stuck. Since then, I’ll take an adventure any time you want to throw it my way.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I started working in the mines immediately after turning 18. I worked in various departments before making my final home in the pit. The great majority of my coworkers were male and much older than myself. I had no problem making friends and my favorite friends were always the good old boys. I adored their rough-around-the-edges honesty. It doesn’t get much more genuine than that. As reality would have it, I have attended many funerals of my good old boy crowd. I can think back to many lunch shack conversations about what their plans were ‘someday.’ ‘Gonna get to Alaska at some point.’ ‘Someday I’ll take the wife to Italy.’ ‘Might try cruising when I hang it up out here.’ I had the same thoughts in my mind as well, but I have always had the, ‘Why wait until you hang it up out here?’ mentality. Why not go now? But I know how it goes. Life’s responsibilities get first dibs, and oftentimes we never get around to some things. Being a demanding shift working schedule, it’s no wonder why they didn’t pursue it. Once you come off 5 in a row 12-hour night shifts and you have to get back to daytime hours to be at your kid’s games and help with homework and then mow the lawn… who has time to go sit at a travel agent’s office? There’s just not enough hours in the day.</p><section class="ad__inline ad in-content ad__inline__shown" id="ad__inline__freestar_0" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-image: initial; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 0px; float: none; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 15px 0px; max-width: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 5px 20px !important; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; width: 820px;"><div class="widget-wrap" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><figure class="freestar-ad-550" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="widget widget_freestar widget_ads" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div></figure></div></section></div><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">At each funeral I attended, there were notable differences. Some of them did follow their arrows and left behind pictures and memories of the things they did. But some didn’t. Some funerals became echo chambers of all the things they didn’t get to do. I couldn’t help but think back to conversations had and recall what their plans were and it just broke my heart. Life is d–n short. We never know when our time is going to run out. Whether that equates to taking the vacation or just loving everyone around you as if tomorrow isn’t coming, it has shaped the way I think. After losing one of my mining buddies who had a heart attack at work, the same week he had taken overtime and pushed his retirement out one more year, I decided to put my reservations aside about starting a new career aside and try.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Four years into the travel world and one year into a global pandemic that’s brought it all down around me, I got the phone call from Jack in Oregon. I let him know I would get back to him on Monday with more information. Monday came around and I was excited to visit with him again and let him know tickets would be available for purchase later in the spring. But Monday his tone was saddened. One of his friends had fallen ill and was taken to the hospital. Jack didn’t know if he would see his friend again and his response to my saying when the tickets would be available was, ‘I might not be around by then, either.’ I said, ‘Oh, don’t say that Jack!’ But I couldn’t argue. None of us know when our time is up. After visiting a bit more, I promised I would reach back out when things were available.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When I hung the phone up, I just couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness I had. I was sad for Jack. It’s not fair. I tried to go on with my day, but I kept coming back to thinking about him. I am a part of a small Facebook <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/all-i-could-think-was-how-can-i-have-ptsd-isnt-that-just-for-veterans-service-dog-act-of-kindness-sexual-assault-survivor-suicide-mental-health-animals/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">community</a> for travel agents, and in this group we have an unending train of support. Professional issues, personal life, you name it. We laugh, we cry, we vent, but most importantly… we support each other. I took to the group that day to express my sadness and one of my friends said, ‘Oh no! They have to go!’ That made my stubborn side go into overdrive and I had to just look… just to see if there was anything in their area we could do for them. Something fun for these good old boys. I hit my fill with watching one dream after another dissolve over this pandemic. Too many delayed plans witnessed in my life. Too many d–n funerals where you hear, ‘It’s so sad he never got to…’ Nope. That stops right here.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then I found it. There was a biplane operation right in their little town of 8,500 people and guess what? The pilot is also a veteran pilot who also flew in the Reno Air Races. It was fate. To hell with them watching the show from the ground. Lets get him in the air one more time. I went back to the group and presented my idea. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t out of line by just booking Jack a flight in a biplane and surprising him with it. Before I knew it, my friend Mark Elie said, ‘I’m in! Let me know how much you need!’ Before I could even respond I was met with a wave of other travel agents, one after another saying, ‘Put me down for $25.’ Within a few hours so many people, who have all had a terrible and fruitless year, had dug deep and offered to help, we had enough money to fly all three of them and there was even money leftover.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I contacted the lady at the assisted living facility who had given him my name in the first place and ran the idea past her. She loved it and offered to assist in the <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/i-heard-voices-shhh-shes-coming-i-cautiously-walked-in-act-of-kindness-mom-birthday-widow-love/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">surprise</a>. I spoke to the biplane company, who also loved it. They even offered to deliver the gift certificates and do a presentation on it when Covid restrictions allowed. I collected the money from my friends and we wrote a letter to Jack.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The big day came and I received these pictures at the facility. Great big smiles and what looked like wiped away tears. It made my heart happy. Jack said they were all gathered together and he wasn’t sure what was happening. Took him back to the days of being called to the principal’s office. Then she told him. He said they all about fell out of their chairs. They just couldn’t believe it. They were very excited. Jack told me there’s only about 10% of the people in this world who would do special things like this for others. He said we couldn’t have picked a better surprise.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This wasn’t the end of the happy tears, though. When I spoke about the events that day, I was informed one of Jack’s friends had previously spoken to this biplane company about taking a ride. But it was for a different purpose. His plan was to spread his late wife’s ashes from the sky. He was simply waiting for the right time. Then this group of complete strangers put this gift certificate in his lap. When I read that text, I sat right down and cried. I’m not known for being an overly sensitive person. But that hit me. This was no longer a fun surprise, this was a milestone in someone’s life. I can’t even explain the emotion of learning that. It took this experience far beyond what I ever imagined this could turn into.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There was a series of coincidences that made this all come together. Learning this news made me think it was a higher power. Maybe Jacks’ friend’s wife was up in heaven trying to get the show on the road. Whatever it was, I couldn’t have pulled this off without the help of my travel agent friends. We all have a deep-rooted passion for helping others. We care a lot more than any website ever could. The proof was in the Venmo that day.”</p><div><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I want to make sure all of these <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/my-husband-owed-the-store-53-cents-the-cashier-reached-into-her-pocket-act-of-kindness-love-compassion/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">kind</a> souls get the credit they deserve:</p><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 30px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Barbie Thompson of Florence, Oregon</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Misty King, Go Travel Getaways in St Louis, Missouri</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lori Gold, TWIL Travel in Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kim Grammar, I-travelagent from Melbourne, Florida</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark Elie, owner of K&E Travel in Wellington, Florida</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Angela Grigar, Northcutt Travel Agency in Houston Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kelsey Ebner, Foreign to Domestic in Grants Pass, Oregon</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cindy Bryant, Bryant Getaway Vacations in Decatur, Alabama</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dena McDonald, Tiki Trips in Dallas, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pam Harper Horst, Pams Path to Travel in Redwood City, California</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Christy Snyder Bartlett, Daydream Cruise and Travel in Round Rock, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Meredith Merritt, Luxe + Wander Travel in Greenville, South Carolina</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Janelle Allen, Destination WE Travel in South Padre Island, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Karin O’Keefe, FNS Travel Group in Longmeadow, MA</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nicole Riley, Visit the Magic Travel in Manchester, Iowa</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kimberly Brooks, Discovery Travel in Portage, Indiana</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Stephanie Daniels, Leaps and Bounds Travel in Windham, New Hampshire</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Scott Walters, Go Away Often Travel in Nanuet, New York</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amanda Bartow Storm, Amandas Travels in Lawrence, Kansas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Shelley Morse, Horizon Vacations in Burleson, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tiffani Inserra, Destination Paradise in Huntington Station, New York</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jamie Root, Beach Bum on a Budget Travel in Lincoln, Nebraska</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Valerie Wynn, Windblown Travels of South Bend, Indiana</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Trish York, Trish York Travel of Powell, Ohio</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rene Prasad, Grand Explorations Travel in Norwalk, Connecticut</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gayle Hirsch, Travel World in Grapevine, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jennifer Elliott, TravelAgentJen in New Orleans, Louisiana</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mary Delello, All About Travel in Winter Park, Florida</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rachel Lykins, Integrity Travel Planners in Aledo, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jacalyn Haddock Counts, The Travel Agency in Pierce City, Missouri</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jessica Riediger, Vincent Vacations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jan Mauer, Exciting Vacations in East Brunswick, New Jersey</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Heather Troutman, GoSeeDo Travel in Woodland Park Colorado</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Shaunna Kennedy Brown, Coast and Crown Travel in Mobile, Alabama</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kristina Raykinstein, KVR Travel Group in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sherry Hunter, Leisure and Lime Travel in Kansas City, Missouri</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Carri Kersten, Fox World Travel in Manitowoc, Wisconsin</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jerre Martin, Prosper Travel in Prosper, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sheila Michels, Hometown Travel in Minneapolis, Minnesota</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ray Goldenberg, Lighthouse Travel Specialists in Cruises & Tours in Boerne, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Denise Belcher, Big Sky/Travel Source in Moore Oklahoma</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tammy and Richard Renie, Red Parrot Travel in Longwood, Florida</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Brian Matthews, Raise The Bar Travel Group in Fenton, Missouri</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kristin Garrett, Tropical Travel in Midlothian, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Susanne and Cal Yonts, Any Seasons Travel in Midland, Texas</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jeni Chaffer, Journeys Travel in Bourbonnais, Illinois</em></li><li style="border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">AeroLegends in Florence, Oregon</em></li></ul></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5a5959; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This story was submitted to <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Love What Matters</a></span> by Julie Pflaumer (Destinations by Julie) of Rozet, Wyoming. You can follow AeroLegends Biplane Rides on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomenyaero/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Submit your own story <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/submissions/" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">here.</span></a> Be sure to <a href="https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/newsletter/" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">subscribe</span></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/lovewhatmatters" style="border: 0px; color: black; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">YouTube</span></a> for our best videos.</em></div><br /><p></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-7434693263203980492021-03-02T22:10:00.001-08:002021-03-02T22:10:59.264-08:00Tipping in Mexico<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxbZHmiMMABVx-0tf4NMfMT_Na8ZrZQ3aCmRdkLqBeDkvVDNODuFP751NCbUw6xYM4Xjf8BdzkrADfE1p9BHopD8m-gWlWgAHzOLJJ_QZpRK5y6dA5aP2FWRJgjC2UiPjm8mdFpPhX7mp/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1985" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxbZHmiMMABVx-0tf4NMfMT_Na8ZrZQ3aCmRdkLqBeDkvVDNODuFP751NCbUw6xYM4Xjf8BdzkrADfE1p9BHopD8m-gWlWgAHzOLJJ_QZpRK5y6dA5aP2FWRJgjC2UiPjm8mdFpPhX7mp/w400-h259/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tipping in pesos or USD?</span></b></span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">(Written by an American friend who’s lived in the Riviera Maya for 17 years)</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">This question must be asked a dozen times every day on the various “Traveling to Mexico” forums and Facebook groups and it’s a valid question. I’m going to address this here and then you can feel free to share the info (or ignore it) as you will. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why should you pay/tip in pesos rather than USD?</b></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Not everyone in Mexico (actually very, very few people) have a USD account to deposit money into. In fact, many people have no bank account at all. Banks do not exchange currency for anyone who does not have an account there. My bank will not exchange USD for me and I have an (peso) account.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Many people here do not hold a passport or the identification required to exchange currency in a “casa de cambio”. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">3. The best place to use USD and get a favorable rate is in a large chain store like Chedraui, Walmart or Home Depot. Many people will have to travel some distance to reach one of these stores costing them time and money.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Many if not most of the local mom & pop local shops, tienditas, taco stands etc. would rather not accept USD (see reasons above) putting them at an even further disadvantage to the large grocery chains that they already must compete against. If you want to support local small business owners, spreading pesos into the community is a big help.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">5.If you absolutely MUST pay or tip with USD please make sure you do not use coins and that the bills you distribute are absolutely pristine. In the US, we can draw all over our bills (think turning Abraham Lincoln into Mr Spock) and still use them as legal currency. For any currency to be legal in Mexico the bill must not be torn, marked or marred in any manner. I have a pile of USD that I cannot pass along here that I will use on a future trip to the US.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">As you well know, the Mexican people are kind and courteous and polite to a fault. Any tip, no matter what currency it is in, will be gladly received and it would be culturally unacceptable to even indicate a preference. I hope this information is useful and makes sense. Please feel free to pass it along.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-42379770288420542432021-01-13T13:29:00.002-08:002021-01-13T13:29:11.927-08:00CDC Testing Requirement-January 12, 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5DgfTbcJpbdRR7sVXAY1jE2B2Dzyj6GmQOsP7sS6YVL2TB21llRvb5USs19EtBi1ZrhS39YayQB4Vo5JfWpBePvRXJXU59z-hTseseEpNZ4ilJDp6R3zB1-4J63OVyoL8uq8c5rK5EgE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5DgfTbcJpbdRR7sVXAY1jE2B2Dzyj6GmQOsP7sS6YVL2TB21llRvb5USs19EtBi1ZrhS39YayQB4Vo5JfWpBePvRXJXU59z-hTseseEpNZ4ilJDp6R3zB1-4J63OVyoL8uq8c5rK5EgE/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Effective January 26, 2021, ALL passengers (including US Citizens) flying to the United States MUST be tested for COVID-19 within 3 days of their scheduled flight to the US. See details below.</p><h2 class="cdc-h2">INFORMATION ABOUT THE CDC TESTING REQUIREMENTS</h2><p>According to the CDC, air passengers entering the U.S. will be
required to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 viral test
(called a Qualifying Test) conducted within the 3 days before their
flight to the U.S. departs.</p><ul>
<li>Documentation should be for a viral test as approved or authorized by the relevant national authority.</li>
<li>Test results must state: Negative, SARS-CoV2 RNA Not Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Not Detected, or COVID-19 Not Detected.</li>
<li>Documentation may be paper or electronic copy and must include the
name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel
who performed the test.</li>
<li>Test results may be required to be shown again upon landing.</li>
</ul><p>Alternatively, passengers may provide documentation of having
recovered from COVID-19 with documentation of test results conducted
during the three months preceding the flight’s departure from a foreign
country.</p><ul>
<li>Test results must state: Positive, SARS-CoV2 RNA Detected,
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detected, or COVID-19 Detected. Invalid will not be
accepted.</li>
<li>Additionally, a letter from a licensed health professional stating
that the passenger has been cleared for travel (called Documentation of
Recovery).</li>
</ul><p>
</p><p>Finally, all airline passengers will be required to present a simple
CDC attestation form to the airline for collection prior to boarding.
That form can be found here for reference. For more information, you may
reference the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html?fbclid=IwAR10VcQfxonbkKrpsjRxkrHvE38fodKPzDZAC0wZuv86uvn_iStd0XWb7yg" target="_blank">FAQs on the CDC website here.</a></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-71136166802238740392020-12-17T15:42:00.002-08:002020-12-17T15:42:47.915-08:00SELECT Hotels = VIP Treatment<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://joom.ag/qvUC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLsL-CdjvH8kUnbpy0dbOTEUJmHyxwav-bahpXujvLdjT-DSrvF2mYr_Mq9aD0EYe-9W19dG5DwWsPoKknHYvxchjjVBzvJWi0P1NriltaryxLbNh31Pevr725n4upxed1MmCERUjLm-J/s320/SELECT+MAGAZINE.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-color: rgba(222, 222, 222, 0.7); box-sizing: border-box; color: #1f2426; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box;">As a Member of Travel Leaders Network, I have access to the SELECT hotel program. This program is made up of more than 1,700 of the world’s most distinguished and desirable premium properties, this ultra-luxury program offers VIP-worthy amenities to craft an authentic, memorable experience.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: rgba(222, 222, 222, 0.7); box-sizing: border-box; color: #1f2426; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Feel free to take a look through this e-magazine featuring many of the offers available when you contact me to plan your next hotel stay at one of our SELECT properties! CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE E-MAGAZINE! </span></span></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-10634956948262162792020-12-14T14:45:00.000-08:002020-12-14T14:45:26.007-08:00Destination Weddings<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-JzpQAdofbW0l7bdsqi4hxFU4aiboPbGju072sSPBCfRloUAHmzo6dXXWb_6geIee-ErAL82fEpfZF-hwYSNmS-2Jju_2fqdvR4Yp5ZcpTCUdFxrjzlOTUimGdwzBRQ7Nf0VUxS2ZJKk/s821/DESTINATION+BLISS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-JzpQAdofbW0l7bdsqi4hxFU4aiboPbGju072sSPBCfRloUAHmzo6dXXWb_6geIee-ErAL82fEpfZF-hwYSNmS-2Jju_2fqdvR4Yp5ZcpTCUdFxrjzlOTUimGdwzBRQ7Nf0VUxS2ZJKk/s320/DESTINATION+BLISS.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Are you engaged and starting to think about your dream wedding? Has the idea of having a Destination Wedding been something you have been considering? Weddings can be overwhelming to plan and when you add the extra of a Destination Wedding, you may think that it's even more overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be!! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I can help you with your Destination Wedding & I work with expert Wedding Planners at a wide range of resorts, mostly in Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico & the Caribbean, though other parts of the world are options. I would love to help you plan your Destination Wedding, so please contact me to help! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the meantime, while you decide if a Destination Wedding is the right option for you, please feel free to enjoy my Destination Bliss e-magazine. You can view the magazine by clicking <a href="https://joom.ag/CtfC" target="_blank">DESTINATION BLISS MAGAZINE</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">When you're ready, you can reach me at: pam@pamstravel.net or 650-363-6156</span></b></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-66929386509788681842020-11-03T16:54:00.000-08:002020-11-03T16:54:21.106-08:00Vacationing During a Pandemic<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWRdPt3gKhMkL4t5Cd1-9loPzws3e78W2IxZ9KmOmI0raon81dLlANqhuGwcGZyHxBU8x_LLNptO-UnwR4KYfjJxJwNcUtbnIpfdgEMz_uomR0DuCBlBcZDKYaZLfIet3Cun8HAtD4zF4/s2048/2020+CABO+LBC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWRdPt3gKhMkL4t5Cd1-9loPzws3e78W2IxZ9KmOmI0raon81dLlANqhuGwcGZyHxBU8x_LLNptO-UnwR4KYfjJxJwNcUtbnIpfdgEMz_uomR0DuCBlBcZDKYaZLfIet3Cun8HAtD4zF4/w400-h225/2020+CABO+LBC+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />So I did a thing last month!! I took my first real vacation of 2020 & I traveled successfully during a Global Pandemic. It was AMAZING! After months and months of seeing many of my colleagues travel to Mexico, Jamaica & the Dominican Republic with great success, I decided that it was time for a change of scenery. 2020 has been rough on all of us but when you're used to being on the go constantly with travel, dancing, sporting events, concerts and weekend getaways, the lockdown has been tough on the mental health. My husband never stopped working, so he's been putting in his 40+ hours per week and not using his 5 weeks of vacation, which for anyone who knows me, knows that I don't waste his vacation days! <p></p><p>We decided to head to a familiar and favorite place, Los Cabos. Not knowing if this might be our only vacation this year, we decided to make it a nice long vacation and went away for 10 days! We split our stay and spent 4 nights at the beautiful, luxury, adult-only, all-inclusive Le Blanc Resort & Spa and then finished our stay with 5 nights at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, where I've previously stayed twice without Bill. I have written up complete reviews on both resorts paying particular attention to Covid-related protocols that are now in place & I have also reviewed the airport experience both ways. You can take a look at my reviews here: <a href="http://pamstravel.net/Page/Cabo-LeBlancSpaResort-October2020" target="_blank">Le Blanc Review</a> <a href="http://pamstravel.net/Page/Cabo-HyattZivaLosCabos-October2020" target="_blank">Hyatt Ziva Review</a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXtrmWk1M5FYEzoxFiXA_z4sO4DptpNmNxZP8zhI1j3ka29Va-wat8qI4gn8GOiFuHoi2HcRQe5KeEspqv5_vTwSr0Xlke2UjZUCfnzrsEmpPvmBlGAZfPTnuqRbTaGLSw2vzxQ5KMA-c/s2048/20201009_143829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXtrmWk1M5FYEzoxFiXA_z4sO4DptpNmNxZP8zhI1j3ka29Va-wat8qI4gn8GOiFuHoi2HcRQe5KeEspqv5_vTwSr0Xlke2UjZUCfnzrsEmpPvmBlGAZfPTnuqRbTaGLSw2vzxQ5KMA-c/w400-h225/20201009_143829.jpg" width="400" /></a>We had the most wonderful time & most importantly we felt completely safe and well taken care of at both resorts, through both airports, in the transfer vehicles and on the airplanes. </p><p>We slept in most days, grabbed breakfast and lounged by the pool. We enjoyed room service a couple of days & felt totally pampered. I enjoyed a hot bubble bath one night that our Butler Karla drew for me before she left for the evening. We took in lots of Vitamin D & Vitamin SEA. We rented a Cabana one day and watched football by the pool. We enjoyed wonderful dinners that my husband did not have to cook. Full Disclosure: I HATE to cook, I do not find anything about it enjoyable & I'm lucky to be married to a man who is constantly searching and looking for new recipes & has the desire and willingness to make them happen! We're both members of a recipe share group on Facebook and he posts in it almost daily, I have yet to share anything! One of my travel colleagues/friends was also there with us at both resorts for a shorter stay along with her boyfriend & we were able to help her celebrate her birthday. It was so nice to be with other people, it was nice to strike up conversations with strangers in the pool, at the coffee shop, with the wonderful servers at the resort, with social distancing of course. It was nice to enjoy LIVE music each evening & watch Mexican performance shows. We really didn't watch any TV for 10 days, we were pretty well disconnected from news which was a blessing a month before the Elections. We turned on the TV a few times when going to bed, but there was nothing worth watching. The nights were a little quiet at the Hyatt Ziva, but we were happy to play some cards after dinner, listening to our music and enjoying some wine. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_uBNHZZ1cLMse8lf9mKJg8CN1gKQoJiriFRc6KFCFWHCrQ1R-NLqybC5r1Q2i1Sc5_LAUWjCzWuSkb0NttcY3YYVAl61uabgKnLAIQakgodgc1lc6-V4NivTVw7qdsFUVnoD9fF4KfV7/s2048/20201011_184244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_uBNHZZ1cLMse8lf9mKJg8CN1gKQoJiriFRc6KFCFWHCrQ1R-NLqybC5r1Q2i1Sc5_LAUWjCzWuSkb0NttcY3YYVAl61uabgKnLAIQakgodgc1lc6-V4NivTVw7qdsFUVnoD9fF4KfV7/w400-h225/20201011_184244.jpg" width="400" /></a>I can't stress enough how happy the Mexican people are to have tourists again. Without a doubt these were the BEST 10 days of 2020 & we both needed the recharge badly. Naturally, I posted several times on Facebook or Instagram while we were away with photos and details of our experiences. 99.9% of all comments were positive, people were happy to see us traveling again. Of course, there will always be that one or two who will try to travel shame you (yes, it is a thing now in 2020 to be shamed for traveling during a pandemic), but traveling can be done safely & there are destinations that are open for business. Traveling right now is not for everyone, some people absolutely will not travel until there is a vaccine or a trusted treatment plan and some may never travel again and that's OK, but it's also OK to travel if you feel comfortable doing so. I was anxious, nervous and questioned myself if I was doing the right thing by traveling during a pandemic for weeks up until we left. I was assured by other colleagues who had traveled that my feelings were "normal" in today's climate. That helped me to feel better. But once I was at the resort, sipping a glass of wine, eating lunch and looking out at the ocean, feeling the warm Mexico sun on my skin, I knew that we had made the absolute 100% right decision for us to take this vacation. </p><p>If you're ready to recharge and want to getaway, I'd love to help you! Please contact me to book your next vacation: pam@pamstravel.net / 650-363-6156</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-43644748793461574032020-09-28T16:31:00.003-07:002020-09-28T16:31:54.846-07:00Let Hawaii Happen!! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRobjodEBkuWC1inquAyQzkavBvu6lZ-6ezpEEY3To6wCTne6_jKMM07tQaIWw23voevyjQuwlJCDcTZU8bsTX1iuzMClKfhpgjHr6iJvBCE_SXVpdwA1koc3vnF4Iao1tJ5hTLiJabdJ/s960/HONUA+KAI+2016+-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRobjodEBkuWC1inquAyQzkavBvu6lZ-6ezpEEY3To6wCTne6_jKMM07tQaIWw23voevyjQuwlJCDcTZU8bsTX1iuzMClKfhpgjHr6iJvBCE_SXVpdwA1koc3vnF4Iao1tJ5hTLiJabdJ/s320/HONUA+KAI+2016+-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Travel to Hawaii will be possible without a 14-day quarantine starting Oct. 15 - enabled through a quick test (at the airport); but be prepared to pay for the "convenience"!!</span></span><p></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- Hawaiian has matched United in planning to offer pre-departure COVID-19 testing for their passengers. Hawaiian Airline’s partnership with Worksite Labs gives exclusive access to drive-through PCR testing ($90/results within 36 hours, or $150 day-of-travel express service) from dedicated, conveniently located labs near LAX and SFO. It's expected that the Droplet Digital PCR shallow nasal swab tests – a “gold standard” COVID-19 screening that meets state of Hawai‘i guidelines – will be available around Oct. 15.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">- United has partnered with GoHealth Urgent Care at SFO, and testing will be available from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily to offer rapid tests to their Hawaii-bound passengers for $250 per person (or to save money, opt to use a self-administered sampling kit from a firm called Color, which requires longer lead time and costs $80 plus shipping).</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hawaii guidelines are not completely clear yet though and will need to be updated and clarified before booking any flights to avoid any possible unpleasant surprises.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hawaii has lined up partnerships with Kaiser Permanente, CVS and Walgreens to provide necessary pre-departure testing on the mainland. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green, the state’s point man for the testing plans, apparently - in addition to the standard deep nasal swab tests - Hawaii will also accept results from Abbott Labs’ Abbott ID Now test, which uses a swab from the front of the nose and produces results in less than 15 minutes.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hawaii is currently also negotiating with the company Vault which provides saliva tests (especially for children under 12).</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stay tuned for more changes to undoubtedly come...</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As always, you should work with your trusted Travel Professional to book your trip so that we can keep you apprised of all new developments!! </span></span></span></div></div>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-7165340052937373502020-09-09T17:08:00.001-07:002020-09-09T17:08:24.478-07:00Luggage Tips! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo8IBONeYegGu_IysKI-UHaanMLfmHS5PAuX9ofcDVUIdrAQzfUyZXapJ39-pdFBICIG6pMc5Xdrs8WQ67WCtbJ2hpm4tXxTbRUuWVtlAjvUJ7GZCHfyGl5-ocvG9NbeMUqZI8MDeOD_1/s1091/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1091" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo8IBONeYegGu_IysKI-UHaanMLfmHS5PAuX9ofcDVUIdrAQzfUyZXapJ39-pdFBICIG6pMc5Xdrs8WQ67WCtbJ2hpm4tXxTbRUuWVtlAjvUJ7GZCHfyGl5-ocvG9NbeMUqZI8MDeOD_1/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you ever wondered what you should or shouldn't do when it comes to your luggage? Well, I am here to share with you a few very good tips!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Make sure you have a Luggage Tag. On that Tag, be sure to include your name, email address and phone number. Do NOT include your home address as you could be setting yourself up to be a target of a home robbery while you are away. I know some people will use their business cards as their luggage tag & this works well as long as you know the business address is secure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. It is also a good idea to put a piece of paper INSIDE your luggage with the address of your destination along with your contact information just in case your luggage becomes damaged and/or the tag is lost. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. In the digital age, this is super easy - take a photo of your luggage and even of the contents. If your luggage does become lost, the photo will help the airline or cruise line when trying to locate the lost item. It will also help should you get to the point of needing to file an insurance claim should your luggage be lost forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Always lock your luggage. You can purchase TSA approved luggage locks. With these locks, the security folks can open your bag if needed, but they can lock it back up again. If you have a non-TSA approved lock & security finds reason to open your suitcase, they will break your lock & then your suitcase and contents are vulnerable the rest of the trip. If you don't lock your suitcase at all, that is an open invitation to any person who may come into contact with your suitcase along the journey. Don't make it easy for thieves! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. This should go without saying, but do not put anything valuable in your checked luggage. Medications, electronics, camera equipment, jewelry & anything else of value should always be with you in your carry-on luggage. Consider leaving anything of great value at home & really determine if it's really necessary for your trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. In the Covid-19 traveling era, try to keep your carry on bag "simple". You want to minimize any contact that others could have with your luggage. Try not to over-pack, you want the TSA agents to have a clear visual through the x-ray machines, if they don't they will want to unpack your bag to see what the item of question might be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope these tips help you when packing for your next trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you are ready to plan that next trip, I would love if you would reach out to me! I'd love to make your trip as memorable as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-71606456317831527642020-08-27T17:00:00.001-07:002020-08-27T17:00:42.999-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX-1nHOfOgRQuzlG8oe0qGDGpccsuYrRBt3PPNNPAX5rSAjaQ7cgGrRxGJz9EJZ_52xoWXC0gZWttz4YNCMgBZiY2ThwPvhIzltJPlpVdb_9tnoSf3rncc3CKElYbwtAaC7tbjM1yuWhg/s909/118361181_10220761599323385_1590882007992322106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="909" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX-1nHOfOgRQuzlG8oe0qGDGpccsuYrRBt3PPNNPAX5rSAjaQ7cgGrRxGJz9EJZ_52xoWXC0gZWttz4YNCMgBZiY2ThwPvhIzltJPlpVdb_9tnoSf3rncc3CKElYbwtAaC7tbjM1yuWhg/w512-h355/118361181_10220761599323385_1590882007992322106_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">30 years ago, I walked into my 1st Travel Agency job & the ride has been amazing. Never imagined that my 30th year would be marked by a global pandemic that brought the traveling world to a screeching halt, but alas here we are. Travel is slowly starting to pick up & I plan to celebrate this milestone with my 1st vacation of 2020 very soon. I have had many colleagues and a few friends travel recently to Mexico and have heard nothing but wonderful things! The planning has begun and we will return to a favorite destination, Los Cabos. I need to work out all of the details as I would like to experience a few properties that I have not experienced before so that I can report back to everyone about protocols from place to place! </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am hopeful that this business & industry that I love so dearly will be showing great recovery by this time next year!! When you're ready to travel, I will be here to help you plan! With 30 years under my belt, you can trust that I will see to it that you have a wonderful vacation & makes plenty of wonderful memories.</span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today I was reminded that life is short, a classmate from High School passed away this week after suffering from a stroke on Monday. We're not OLD!! I have no idea of her health, but it's a great reminder that we all need to do what we can to stay healthy, build our immune systems, do what makes you happy because stress & unhappiness is not good for your health & don't forget about your mental wellness. I know personally that these last few months have played a huge toll on my own mental welfare & this vacation will be the absolute best medicine! <br /></span></span> </p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-58002169215524618202020-08-07T14:17:00.005-07:002020-08-07T14:18:07.658-07:00Travel-State Dept Global Health Advisory Update<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCHd_jqMyyPq-Hb3rIOlpQl3j2j-Hakzt_MNxw-tQOYMg3JHJzXu46L_DWQhWUUTApZwvDoVrGG9XNMtbwhB1E65sWJ4eH7g24R5BBf9xDuKVRXUhEKL4CrqLWUtJKbGk4xfMOBzkGAXi/s803/Travel.State.Gov+Tweet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCHd_jqMyyPq-Hb3rIOlpQl3j2j-Hakzt_MNxw-tQOYMg3JHJzXu46L_DWQhWUUTApZwvDoVrGG9XNMtbwhB1E65sWJ4eH7g24R5BBf9xDuKVRXUhEKL4CrqLWUtJKbGk4xfMOBzkGAXi/s640/Travel.State.Gov+Tweet.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div> <p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVFwtLq3v3SBOfTG_j01EaGfwIzBUXskX58gGB6VJV6bIO_E2Vd3hY54We1Dy7GdKtSJIOcRxEJvJzNVbIJzbmyFcwsPhOYZ3k5uRgwa_pqs0kdsMJco_jOlJDE7MQZUKDCwGnn7hUQW1/s803/Travel.State.Gov+Tweet.JPG">Yesterday the U.S. Department of
State issued this update to the Travel Advisory page. Previous to this,
the U.S. was under a Level 4 Travel Advisory, which meant that international
travel was not advised. It was never a travel ban, but simply meant that
the U.S. Government may not be able to help you in a foreign country as their
Embassies could be closed, there may not be any repatriation assistance should
borders close, etc.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 115%; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVFwtLq3v3SBOfTG_j01EaGfwIzBUXskX58gGB6VJV6bIO_E2Vd3hY54We1Dy7GdKtSJIOcRxEJvJzNVbIJzbmyFcwsPhOYZ3k5uRgwa_pqs0kdsMJco_jOlJDE7MQZUKDCwGnn7hUQW1/s803/Travel.State.Gov+Tweet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Because so many parts of the world
are beginning to open up to foreign travelers, the U.S. has now removed the
Global Travel Advisory & has reverted back to a country by country
assessment of the current travel situation. It is important to know
that a country may be classified as a Level 4, but that doesn't mean that the
entire country fits the unsafe criteria be it due to crime, health reasons,
etc. It's important to read the advisory completely to
determine if a particular destination that you may be considering is
considered safe for a visit.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 115%; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVFwtLq3v3SBOfTG_j01EaGfwIzBUXskX58gGB6VJV6bIO_E2Vd3hY54We1Dy7GdKtSJIOcRxEJvJzNVbIJzbmyFcwsPhOYZ3k5uRgwa_pqs0kdsMJco_jOlJDE7MQZUKDCwGnn7hUQW1/s803/Travel.State.Gov+Tweet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Though we have a long way to go
before the world is open to U.S. Citizens, still many are banning Americans due
to our current number of Covid cases & hot spots, but this is a hopeful
start of the Global Travel Economy's recovery.</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVFwtLq3v3SBOfTG_j01EaGfwIzBUXskX58gGB6VJV6bIO_E2Vd3hY54We1Dy7GdKtSJIOcRxEJvJzNVbIJzbmyFcwsPhOYZ3k5uRgwa_pqs0kdsMJco_jOlJDE7MQZUKDCwGnn7hUQW1/s803/Travel.State.Gov+Tweet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When you are ready to travel the
world, I am here to help you. Together we can work on a trip plan that
excites you while also keeps you comfortable with safety in mind.</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-31122152991743845102020-08-07T00:29:00.000-07:002020-08-07T00:29:21.998-07:00Where Can I Go?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t3cjHqD1ukLepJovYdWDdHEiUmBLohz8_jLLRKhJEkHiXX7Uf3_elZ39YX1RK3NHjp8wNTcdefCVJyBxuZJY5DmlSF_PtvuutVcLoXjY8O8gYDW_vlECuwi5nO-ZBbXajO63VbtBhXFU/s960/Hyatt+Ziva+PVR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t3cjHqD1ukLepJovYdWDdHEiUmBLohz8_jLLRKhJEkHiXX7Uf3_elZ39YX1RK3NHjp8wNTcdefCVJyBxuZJY5DmlSF_PtvuutVcLoXjY8O8gYDW_vlECuwi5nO-ZBbXajO63VbtBhXFU/w512-h288/Hyatt+Ziva+PVR.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">It's becoming clearer that Covid-19 is going to be with us for some time. I know that some people will not travel until there is a vaccine or a cure & that's OK. But for those who want to travel & are ready to travel now with proper precautions, here is a list of places that are currently welcoming U.S. Citizens. I would be very grateful if you contact me, your trusted Travel Advisor to help you plan your next vacation! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><b><u><br /></u></b></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><b><u>CARIBBEAN / MEXICO Entry Requirements for US citizens:</u></b></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">(from today - subject to change at any time). </font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Health forms on the websites provided. </font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Travelers also need to provide original versions of a negative test result upon arrival. Those experiencing symptoms must quarantine at their hotels/villas until they receive a negative result. They may also be taken to a government facility and treated for at least 14 days at their cost (housing/medical).</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">1) ANTIGUA:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 7 ds of arrival flight (includes passengers in-transit): <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitantigabarbuda.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3HGCceAVcibhdeo37y8EVenz-n0i5ZF0Ih2ZGy0L11qlIQ8akLeFSUQFM&h=AT2iLyiAi-Sf2HAwpHdhZKRzTtkyyw17HdlH74Y3IcjOUbB0HNhk5WaKvjMbf0BzFA3a4JDl7bkTfMnXRbreqlVaIbUk-lVA1VT0lnJJuTlICHxoKOJ27c6QzxyNRq2RfQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.visitantigabarbuda.com</a></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">2) BAHAMAS:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Travelers must quarantine for 14 ds upon arrival, at own expense in a government facility + take a real time polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 lab test at the end of isolation: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftravel.gov.bs%2Finternational%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2gLKGGWHAVfpWyosYJIG2p91p7cfuZ79uKFefeg4cWO4XiKfVz5YjR3FY&h=AT3dRDy4ecw9rWqUOgUavi7JZ_JZdwd2F1lKCLHBiTG3ibNGybH5rUSEllNbPjdiDMCenpgEnvHsy5Q6HgV1ET30DUefl-56cXjq2KLbyI0UQbohOo99so891deI1a5Hmg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://travel.gov.bs/international</a></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">3) BARBADOS:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Negative COVID-19 PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight. Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form will be available for completion 72 hrs prior to travel and submitted no less than 24 hrs before departure: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelform.gov.bb%2Fhome%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TnFbtoMrPzUrl_bFjK7KwBEHz2XtogCbhZtDL9kuepRAFpm9xtzCp3pY&h=AT184jRe3XdBPKf_FtLtF8iodsnPuYTa2su52xTbbSYyOqTcV_JBUiGwZEfT_QefL9wjTcPSd8utRXEUZkTm8EvuXwcX2Bszzhp1KvEc1b2K1vojC_ENpZcVAquyvuq_AQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://travelform.gov.bb/home</a></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">4) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Traveling to/through PUJ Airport you must show negative test results - not older than 5 ds before arrival (not just if you are staying in the DR, but also if you just transit through). Additionally, everyone will have their health condition evaluated and - if test or symptoms associated with COVID-19 are positive, there will be isolation in an authorized location mandated by the government.</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">5) JAMAICA:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Aug 1 - Sep 30:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Travelers from AZ, FL, NY, TX (12 years+) are required to upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited medical laboratory not older than 10 days of the arrival date to get a Travel Authorization: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitjamaica.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3c3IddKf5NlPBRQsbTfVKbZW2vcyuS_xG4D2mwh2gp2XOU0OuoQDkPs-8&h=AT1wlZBdIEn5xQCxZW_uTq_phBiy-j_tL4N5X4V7T84y12445bklIKXPf5vYpsjUU-90S9o6YYv1yQCl4Meux96EJXNf1Ho4ni5v0Hr2oTiIg65xjTOxW_N_GtBBNlr4pg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.visitjamaica.com</a></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">6) PUERTO RICO:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight. A test will be performed upon arrival to symptomatic travelers. 14-day-quarantine is mandated until the traveler provides proof of a negative test result. Curfew from 10pm-5am through Aug. 15: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.travelsafe.pr.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0tTK6-NfbjlxzB7_JciF5IgO9B5VSHRa61C0zoo6Ot2_aLHgwah6pL4HY&h=AT2oWqLcow14l_S11MirZCGLpSY1pT1bm94d7vZ8Sq8stlsyaFhzu8D-WvRYYTGIFIeIB3CIgSbaSO4c_wCRzFXbmxLNHLDe0fd1fFasyxdlJ4YQprAsVVQVv_bfmN9LXw&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.travelsafe.pr.gov</a></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">7) ST. BARTH:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight. Travelers must take - and pay for - another test if staying longer than 7 ds, (cost 150 EUR)</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">8) ST. LUCIA:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Negative result from a PCR test needed - done less than 7 ds. prior to arrival. All symptomatic passengers will be immediately isolated/tested. Following positive results for COVID-19, travelers get treated at the Respiratory Hospital at their cost. </font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">9) ST. MAARTEN:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Need negative COVID-19 RT PCR test taken w/in 3 ds of arrival flight +travel insurance: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sxmairport.com%2Ftravel-advisory.php%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR33_T6KqXSXreuKoAi9UgZQpaws5i7ZeePZBXOPDWS8YdrwT_UOQEWRBbU&h=AT1YPmd3hw2fiP_dAnRe2ZElYuQctjMTS5y2eqY2lLf7pql3vAgTec-vuIgEb_JIaB58nuyoSoFhWqrFp7q2V3IuZ-EKKrxSgMgDjEQyvPn6A92B-V2xAX0uCESvZJmqeg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.sxmairport.com/travel-advisory.php</a> </font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">10) TURKS & CAICOS:</font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">Negative COVID-19 RT PCR test w/in 5 ds of arrival for all travelers (10+). Mandatory travel insurance that covers COVID-19 in-country medical treatment, cost of quarantine, and repatriation/medivac. Travelers start application process 72 hrs prior to arrival in the islands: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turksandcaicostourism.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2LHWcoSi6SGhN75vHEr4jlqeYX2D6aaKkqGg0kAAQN2GKb291bCSestYs&h=AT08Vq6S-gmuiwKDICCrXJSo78a8Y2ytNXdIYVKphfOVryeDNHbViHEM2PujYcMLoCqk3mfdksBM-TUQ3a4a2WTIzJ8Ye1a5aLqu9vGx5VwEWnepL2WYjSnN8eOUStzMFQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3LOvHF4yF9eollztAdBqBANENmlLnKnfM4JdWsUZ4TDetm6VEnI2JNyS5-4m6Ug20zI0RvYSPGRvlX9o96wL84O-hJAdPMmElPL7mOvOd5gXqJfpcu0QYfQJ4w27j1kl-q_m2Q7nC9N4kJsQqXiQ" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">www.turksandcaicostourism.com</a></font></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div dir="auto"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">11) MEXICO:</b></font></div><div dir="auto"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana"><b style="background-color: #fcff01;">No restrictions</b></font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><font color="#2b00fe" face="verdana">We have partnered with hotels to bring you the most attractive complimentary vacation add-ons in above destinations.</font></div></div></div>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-17267630754065583332020-08-01T14:00:00.000-07:002020-08-01T14:03:55.692-07:00Puerto Vallarta- Covid-19 Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-WpBTMm49hatA1UuCV5SEjEirYS6ejxPzQ6aEkOq9wLN-QOuVeb926MhSCK-r2f8DIdUAJtQZYm5XbdLqN1yOiebroJFBMfrCjGRZReGrrtvHBsv964lDerVWCMs9VAILL5czEnMoX-5/s1600/108995072_10158690495414228_5648905575361206717_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-WpBTMm49hatA1UuCV5SEjEirYS6ejxPzQ6aEkOq9wLN-QOuVeb926MhSCK-r2f8DIdUAJtQZYm5XbdLqN1yOiebroJFBMfrCjGRZReGrrtvHBsv964lDerVWCMs9VAILL5czEnMoX-5/s320/108995072_10158690495414228_5648905575361206717_o.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
Photo Courtesy of Visit Puerto Vallarta<br />
<br />
One of my trusted travel colleagues just returned from her first "covid" trip, you know that 1st trip that you take in the middle of a pandemic because you know that this virus is not going away anytime soon. When you're in the travel business, it's hard to stay home for any great length of time. Though I have yet to take a trip myself, I definitely have the itch & when I do eventually take that first trip of 2020, I will do so with an abundance of caution and plan to be a responsible tourist. I don't want to see my beloved industry become any more decimated than it already is & destinations are beginning to re-open.<br />
<br />
However, there are not many destinations who are welcoming Americans at this point because our Covid-19 outbreak control is out of control in many parts of our country at this time. I can't blame them at all. Many destinations are imposing test requirements either in advance or upon arrival. Testing upon arrival usually comes with a mandatory quarantine until test results are processed. There are a lot of things to consider when planning a trip in 2020.<br />
<br />
Currently, Mexico is welcoming all visitors from all countries without any testing or quarantine requirements. Of course, this can change at any moment and as your trusted Travel Advisor when booking your trip, I would give you current information and update you as necessary through to your departure date. I have had several colleagues and a few friends with timeshares visit Mexico in the past couple of weeks & everyone has said it was so necessary to recharge, to have that change of scenery, that they felt very safe & well taken care of while in Mexico. I've heard many people say that they have felt safer at their resorts vs. the USA.<br />
<br />
This is one summary from my trusted colleague, Patti, who gave me permission to share her trip review:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We
left Saturday on a packed flight out of PHX. Every seat was booked.
Masks are mandatory all throughout the airport and for the duration of the
flight. There are no services on AA flights, they hand you a paper bag
with a tiny bottle of water and a bag of pretzels as you board.
They do say up front that anyone not wearing masks will be escorted off of the
aircraft and not allowed to fly AA in the future so there is no messing around,
you wear your mask!</i><i> </i><i>Upon
landing and while inside of PVR airport masks are required. Nothing is
needed as far as testing etc to enter Mexico. They take your temperature
when you are in line at Customs and that is it. The scent in the airport
was of cleaner. You can tell it is constantly mopped, and disinfected. Very
clean. Our transfer was there waiting ( LOVE Mayaland!) and our driver
was wearing a mask as well and for the duration of the transfer. As
we drove through downtown on the way to Garza Blanca, I noticed most all stores
and restaurants are open. Tourists and locals alike were lining the
streets. Most locals were wearing masks, even outside as they walked.
They are NOT mandatory there.<br /> </i><i> </i><i>Arriving
at the hotel, ALL hotel employees wore masks and that never
changed. Guests are not required to wear them anywhere, but I think they
wanted the guests to feel comfortable. The Greeter, the front desk,
concierge, all waitstaff at every outlet, pool servers, groundskeepers,
housekeeping etc.. all had masks. The changes to the resort were evident
but in no way took away from the experience, it actually made it better.
Lounge chairs at the pool and beach were grouped in two’s with space between
others ( love that). The hotel is at maybe 50% occupancy so restaurants
weren’t crowded, plenty of space. If you wanted to use the gym you made
an appt to be sure there wouldn’t be too many in it at one time. Each
time you jumped on the shuttle to go to the upper towers the driver had hand
sanitizer he plopped in your hand as you boarded.<br /> </i><i> </i><i>The
best part was everyone seemed happy. The staff was happy to have guests
again. The guest all seemed so happy and relaxed. I talked to many
over drinks in the pool that said they were always hesitant to go to Mexico but
decided to go now as they wanted to go SOMEWHERE and they could not believe how
beautiful it is and how safe they felt.<br /> </i><i> </i><i>Please,
sell Mexico with confidence. They love having tourists back and no country
takes better care of you than Mexico. The people, the beaches, the
service, just that feeling of AHHHHHH. Relaxation. </i></blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
She will be returning to Puerto Vallarta in a few weeks with her daughter and youngest grandson (about 6 months old) and staying at another resort, which I know will be equally as wonderful.<br />
<br />
I realize that traveling right now is a very personal decision and rightly so. I also know that some feel it's completely irresponsible to travel non-essentially right now & that's OK. There are those who might argue that mental health and well-being is worth taking that trip & that's OK. The world-wide economy has taken a huge hit with Covid-19 & can't sustain much more. The world wants to get back to some version of "normal", I know we all do. If you feel that you do want to take that vacation to recharge, to change your scenery, I would greatly appreciate if you contact me for my assistance to book your trip. This is how I make my living.<br />
<br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-83156733330036386802020-07-15T18:02:00.002-07:002020-07-15T18:02:48.009-07:00Never hit a "BOOK NOW" Button EVER Again...PLEASE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQT0WgPfFsb1UMreIV_f1rH9oXSmJznHB1NPldCOx5eQwhtN5teG8VrxsdnmnugFBy59tVuO6mKxvrYaG5B5W-ys9L3kPPzYdU0s4PbxQpws7pXqOgyE9NfLyd_BWdHLmadDbUqIg5jm7/s1600/57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQT0WgPfFsb1UMreIV_f1rH9oXSmJznHB1NPldCOx5eQwhtN5teG8VrxsdnmnugFBy59tVuO6mKxvrYaG5B5W-ys9L3kPPzYdU0s4PbxQpws7pXqOgyE9NfLyd_BWdHLmadDbUqIg5jm7/s320/57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Travel & tourism account for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t19/1.5/16/1f30e.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🌎</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am that 1 out of 10. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tff/1.5/16/1f64b_1f3fc_200d_2640.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🙋🏼♀️</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Many people surely think that my job working in the travel business is to travel for free (I wish!). <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t3d/1.5/16/2708.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">✈️</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t34/1.5/16/1f6f3.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🛳</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb6/1.5/16/1f3d6.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🏖</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t96/1.5/16/1f54d.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🕍</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t68/1.5/16/26e9.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">⛩</span></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
In reality, 90% of my job is spent sitting at my desk designing itineraries for couples, families and clients from around the world. I spend hours, weeks, sometimes even months working on single trips, making sure every detail is thought out and planned. And truly I LOVE doing so!! <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf3/1.5/16/2764.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">❤️</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The travel industry has been dealing with the Coronavirus since January — an additional two full months before it really began impacting daily life here in the US. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t67/1.5/16/1f622.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">😢</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Fun fact: travel agents only get paid after their clients actually travel. Many agents have been refunding their hard-earned money back to their clients by the thousands. They’ve spent these last four months working tirelessly to negotiate refunds, postponements, and cancellations. And most haven’t had new trips booked now for months.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But we do it without question because we have wonderful, personal relationships with our clients - something that credit card companies & Expedia do not. We also know travel will come back stronger than ever once this is all over.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>**So when you do decide to travel again - PLEASE use a travel advisor. It doesn't matter who, or what company - we're all on the same team. But please use a live person. Do not click a “book” button on a website ever again.**</b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Of course, I'd prefer that person to be ME! </b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
To my industry colleagues - you are warriors. Until we all travel again. <span style="font-family: inherit;">**Written by a friend in the industry**</span></div>
</span></div>
Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-14113487098246708402020-06-11T14:41:00.000-07:002020-06-12T14:20:56.433-07:00Our First Hotel Stay & Restaurant Outing during Covid-19!<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYyNrbwSrELmzNSz_9cvVEA_TioxIheyfJefyfqjFva4dp_UZL3ddjNoOVqMUVGkdB_lBDeuYODfV62QECQciVg5jLUvBj8TrSjnWZuyHHKEUQmbRW5Be2vcWMwqHLua7H74pUKyhQFfT/s1600/200611021501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYyNrbwSrELmzNSz_9cvVEA_TioxIheyfJefyfqjFva4dp_UZL3ddjNoOVqMUVGkdB_lBDeuYODfV62QECQciVg5jLUvBj8TrSjnWZuyHHKEUQmbRW5Be2vcWMwqHLua7H74pUKyhQFfT/s320/200611021501.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1485185496"></span><span id="goog_1485185497"></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
No doubt 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. Between stay at home orders, places being closed up for months and months, mixed messages from the media &; Scientists, I think that we all feel as though we've been put through the spin cycle in the washing machine at least 100 times.<br />
<br />
I am grateful that Bill's job is considered essential & that I have been able to collect unemployment. A bit humbling as I've never applied for any Government program for assistance my entire life & have always been gainfully employed since the age of 15. Even though I am still working in the Travel Business, most of the work that I'm doing is not bringing in any income. I think a lot of people don't understand how Travel Agents get paid. If we don't charge fees of our own (which many agents do, I never have but am considering putting some changes in place going forward), we don't get paid until clients travel and take the trip. So though I've been spending plenty of time the last three months canceling trips & rescheduling trips, I am essentially doing all of this work for free. It can be downright depressing to be honest & I am not a person prone to depression.<br />
<br />
Add to this, we are travelers! We love to travel. We have been home since January 4th. This is just not normal for us. We've had 2 cruises cancel on us & I had my conference get canceled. We are hopeful that our cruise in September will happen as planned, but we wait and see for now. I have made frequent trips to "El Patio" & am getting a noticeable tan that looks like I've been on vacation. I call it my "Quaran-TAN".<br />
<br />
Bill & I always do something special for our Anniversary. We both agree that it is the most important day on the calendar for both of us. We have been successful in always doing something & most cases it involved at least an overnight stay somewhere. Initially, I would have been flying home from my conference in Orlando the morning of June 10th, we figured we would go to dinner that night and then the next day head away someplace for a long weekend. I never got around to planning this because of Covid-19 & the uncertainty that brought to our lives.<br />
<br />
Imagine my excitement when San Mateo County announced last Friday that restaurants could begin to open up for outdoor dining. A quick check on my weather app determined that the weather would be favorable, I checked my Open Table app to see which restaurants were ready to be open & secured a dinner reservation for our Anniversary. Then over the weekend, I caught a Facebook post for the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay announcing that their Ocean Terrace Patio was open for sit-down service. The traveling wheels in my head began to spin around a bit. I asked Bill, "Do you think you can take off Wednesday?" I then explained that if he could, we would drive over to Half Moon Bay Tuesday evening, check-in to the hotel for 1 night and then we'd have the entire Anniversary day to spend together before dinner that night. He texted his boss, day off was approved, so I began to put the plans in motion.<br />
<br />
I was actually surprised to see that the rates at the Ritz Carlton did not reflect any sign of our current economic times, it was either going to be $500+ for the night or 60K Marriott Reward points. I have a hard time parting with that much cash or points for one night under normal circumstances. No TA rates to be found, so I decided to pull the trigger and use my 60K Reward points to book a room, just a standard room. I REALLY wanted a fire pit room though, but that was going to either be another 60K points or $325 additional to the points. I am really good at asking for favors and perks on behalf of my clients, but I usually SUCK at asking for favors for myself. Another colleague of mine encouraged me to reach out to the sales department at the hotel. Through another colleague, I was able to get email addresses for the sales people, I emailed & asked if they might be able to upgrade us to the fire pit room. Sure enough, it was not a problem. Not only did the hotel upgrade us, they gave us a free glass of wine at the Ocean Terrace.<br />
<br />
We really enjoyed getting OUT. We really enjoyed having conversations with the staff and even some of the other guests who were also dining at the patio. We had a nice long conversation with Erin who works in the Accounting department. She was walking around to see if anyone needed help & ended up clearing our dirty dishes from our table, which started the conversation. The Ritz never closed, but of course scaled back on staff, so most on board had to wear multiple hats during the last three months. She said it's really hard for them because "rules" make it very difficult for them to deliver the Ritz Carlton expected experience, but they are doing the best that they can to make guests feel welcome & taken care of.<br />
<br />
We had dinner Tuesday night at the Ocean Terrace and food & service was great. We enjoyed sitting there watching the sunset and we could not have had a better evening with regard to weather. We spent the rest of our evening outside by our fire pit enjoying the bottle of wine that we brought from home & we had thought ahead to order a cheese platter "to go" from the Ocean Terrace for the late night munchies- it was perfect. With the current restrictions, there is no room service and the restaurant closes at sundown.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqFodNzX-TELUxBvLXB28Y-Jf5fhrdJIZE_ptytvHFcRpQfNBlGqJw_wqRMSjIWF4JwK_9uQ6NFgUWAEB4o_mHhISLcSP73yuQm-SnQCIgGcx5GUi1iUnTW32a8me1Ir6Ig7p6UQI6MQI/s1600/200611021225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqFodNzX-TELUxBvLXB28Y-Jf5fhrdJIZE_ptytvHFcRpQfNBlGqJw_wqRMSjIWF4JwK_9uQ6NFgUWAEB4o_mHhISLcSP73yuQm-SnQCIgGcx5GUi1iUnTW32a8me1Ir6Ig7p6UQI6MQI/s320/200611021225.jpg" width="320" /></a>We woke up on our Anniversary late, sleeping in was needed & the bed was so comfortable. We got ready leisurely & then visited the Ocean Terrace for lunch before leaving the resort. Again, excellent service & when the waiter learned that it was our Anniversary he comped our drinks. Those are the things that they can do to bring that Ritz experience right now. They made us feel special.<br />
<br />
On our way home, we stopped at the Filoli Gardens to visit. Neither of us had ever been & we thought it was a nice outdoor activity for our Anniversary. The place is beautiful. I was not thrilled that a mask is required during your entire visit. We were definitely more than 6 feet away from anyone else during our visit, so I think that policy should be relaxed. The county policy says "face coverings are required if you can't maintain the 6 ft. social distance", so I think Filoli takes it a bit to the extreme. We did take our masks off when we were far away from others. In 80 degree heat, they are not comfortable at all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmxkN7wxZaSpolv1nda4qUCRWueVQ3zbw6cTAm0Hf8V-IVHdIDntu8RXn1cFaRw3DNJNAZm7GnQRXhloCmUFUtWhh-Auxc0lhXZYMcH0sO83Utpdd0JBC4OyKf5bfZVp86oZsY_kZChGY/s1600/200611021043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmxkN7wxZaSpolv1nda4qUCRWueVQ3zbw6cTAm0Hf8V-IVHdIDntu8RXn1cFaRw3DNJNAZm7GnQRXhloCmUFUtWhh-Auxc0lhXZYMcH0sO83Utpdd0JBC4OyKf5bfZVp86oZsY_kZChGY/s320/200611021043.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We then had dinner in downtown Redwood City at Arya Steakhouse. Again, they bent over backwards to serve us & make sure everything was perfect. We asked my brother to be our "Uber" driver to/from dinner so we could enjoy our cocktails and not worry about driving home, he was more than happy to do that for us. I'm not comfortable yet getting into a stranger's vehicle during the Covid-19 health crisis.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It felt amazing to "travel" even if only for 1 night. It was nice to be at a restaurant, 3 times in 2 days! As for Covid-19 protocols that I witnessed: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>At the hotel:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>you can only valet park your car but the valets are using hand sanitizer in between handling cars. When we left, we still used a wipe to clean all surfaces in the car.</li>
<li>I had checked-in via the mobile app, so the front desk clerk only had to verify information. I did not need to present an ID or credit card. There was plexi-glass to divide us & she was wearing a mask. There was also a barrier to prevent you from leaning against the front desk, keeping social distance.</li>
<li>Signs all around the hotel advise to wear a mask in all public spaces.</li>
<li>Signs at the elevators ask you to wait for the next empty elevator car so that you do not ride with people outside of your group.</li>
<li>Masks are not required once you're sitting at the outdoor dining/patio area & they are not required as you walk around outside as long as you can maintain social distancing.</li>
<li>Hand sanitizer stations are located around the resort. </li>
<li>Most doors have handicap buttons at hand & foot level, so you can easily tap with your elbow or foot to open the door without touching.</li>
<li>In the room, there were no glasses. </li>
<li>Currently, there are no bellboy services but they will provide you with a cart so that you can bring everything to your room.</li>
<li>Currently, there is no room service or indoor dining. We were told that the Conservatory was open for breakfast. You have to call in the order & then pick it up to either eat outside or in your room. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>At the Ocean Terrace Patio at the Ritz:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>All staff were wearing masks and gloves.</li>
<li>They sanitize each table once guests leave & then change gloves afterwards</li>
<li>All tables were easily 6 feet apart, so social distancing was easy.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>At Filoli Gardens:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>masks were required for the entire visit both indoors and outdoors. </li>
<li>the paths were all marked with one way arrows dictating which direction you visit the gardens</li>
<li>limited bathroom facilities available & signs that require only one party in the bathroom at a time, there were about 8 stalls in the woman's bathroom, it was not a busy day so this was easy to follow</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm looking forward to more adventures, but will be proceeding with caution of course. We can't afford to let our guard down when it comes to Covid-19, so wash your hands, don't touch your face (I touch mine so often it's hard not to!!), make good use of your knuckles/elbows when touching public surfaces & wear a mask when you are unable to maintain social distancing! Be Safe!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-75561252538581053412020-05-06T12:12:00.002-07:002020-05-06T12:17:57.202-07:00National Travel Agent Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3Hyg4A0z8dB0zVa21h-NuCyQ59OfkjOJ1uPa8exb9g9AlqpY06LxqXVRhj2cJOba4pgJVwR_nbRDsTuigGQtEgB43JfpxsaoFINhzWFQvLskc8afF2_PrMeL5zrqxnGRmv7O7H73AXxZ/s1600/95261884_10159321069607069_1263822675495616512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3Hyg4A0z8dB0zVa21h-NuCyQ59OfkjOJ1uPa8exb9g9AlqpY06LxqXVRhj2cJOba4pgJVwR_nbRDsTuigGQtEgB43JfpxsaoFINhzWFQvLskc8afF2_PrMeL5zrqxnGRmv7O7H73AXxZ/s320/95261884_10159321069607069_1263822675495616512_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's my day!! National Travel Agent Day is celebrated the first Wednesday of May each year, typically smack dab in the middle of National Travel & Tourism Week. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">It's been a difficult year for travel. 2020 started out promising to be a banner year for myself & so many of my colleagues. Then COVID-19 happened. Never has my industry experienced a catastrophic event of this magnitude. Ever. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I put my heart & soul into planning each & every trip for my clients, so to spend the last few months dismantling trips that took hours, days, weeks or sometimes months to plan is heartbreaking. Thankfully, most of my clients have simply moved their trips to later this year or to 2021. I know that travel will return. In fact, to my surprise today I received a trip request for 3 corporate travelers planning a trip for June 1st. I know that my Corporate "road warriors" are eager to get back out to doing what they do best, meeting their clients, training their clients, making sales calls etc. Though platforms like Zoom & GoToMeeting have been life-saving tools for all us during this isolation period, I truly believe it does not replace that face to face contact that we crave, even if it must be from 6 feet apart for now. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My vacation clients are eager to plan their next trip, they are just waiting it out right now to see when destinations will be welcoming tourists once again. I anticipate the USA, Canada, Mexico & the Caribbean to be the "hot" destinations for awhile. Personally, I plan to travel as soon as we can & hopefully before our planned Disney Cruise in September! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, I'm so honored to fill the role of helping my customers dream for now; I'm so looking forward to turning those dreams into reality soon. Thank you for being my customers and friends!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of my colleagues posted this meme, which made me smile. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip34QoA-m6QJ69XrbgPOP4sFs38MTit9SrmdTN17Zj5wRUv7FNIXm5XR8qd-sSRwiZ7AqjIezf-LnQdmbMfQsQcXCqbbMQivw1zWi85bHIsi3UY893FRvgbtfBCUhL9drFz1xMVfYt9HsW/s1600/95791234_10216535151826971_211969306211123200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip34QoA-m6QJ69XrbgPOP4sFs38MTit9SrmdTN17Zj5wRUv7FNIXm5XR8qd-sSRwiZ7AqjIezf-LnQdmbMfQsQcXCqbbMQivw1zWi85bHIsi3UY893FRvgbtfBCUhL9drFz1xMVfYt9HsW/s320/95791234_10216535151826971_211969306211123200_n.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-58168189025949661892020-02-22T14:44:00.001-08:002020-02-22T14:44:10.049-08:00Plan for the Unexpected!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though we'd all love to believe that our vacation will go exactly as how we dreamed it would. Sometimes "stuff" happens. Here are some tips of things that you should do so that you are prepared "just in case"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• <strong>Pack 14
days of extra medication</strong> — In the event of unexpected travel
delays and emergencies, bring additional
prescription medication for at least two weeks beyond the length of the cruise.
Also bring a list of the names, strengths and dosages of all
medications in case refills are required. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• <strong>Provide
Emergency Contact </strong>— It is critical that you provide an emergency contact & phone number with your Cruise Line/Tour Company and/or Travel Advisor. The emergency contact should not be traveling with you. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• <strong>Mobile
phone instructions</strong> — You should enable an
international travel plan inclusive of voice and data. Cell phones will not
work the same in all countries without an international plan and Wi-Fi is not
as available in many countries. An international plan will enable you stay connected at a reasonable rate and ensure you can be contacted. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• <strong>Purchase
travel protection </strong>— It's always a good idea to purchase Vacation Protection, or some
other form of travel protection, not only to protect them from any losses
stemming from unforeseeable circumstances during their vacation, but to give
them confidence to make new plans with the "cancel for any reason"
coverage. (CFAR insurance is usually an upgraded policy) </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• <strong>Practice
healthy travel habits </strong>— According to the World Health
Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the simplest and most
effective way to prevent illness, is to take extra care to practice basic
health habits, including: </span></span></div>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li style="color: #54575a; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds </span></li>
<li style="color: #54575a; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking advantage of hand sanitizer wherever it's
available </span></li>
<li style="color: #54575a; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
using a tissue or your bent elbow. And always dispose of the used tissue
and wash your hands afterwards </span></li>
<li style="color: #54575a; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your
hands </span></li>
<li style="color: #54575a; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Avoiding close contact with sick people</span><span style="color: #54575a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #54575a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• <strong>Be aware of latest health advisories and
new travel restrictions</strong></span> </span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-6700351186461134452020-02-17T13:15:00.001-08:002020-02-17T13:15:24.803-08:00Travel Insurance - Not All Plans are Created Equally<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSuOmkAtp1DJcncNo0UG7UAbl_b9yuNcpt2KCxWCDKPg1NgY3ZienxS8e6V-6NqWVIfFk9lmkrU115h-Q13lGKMEaRJlwGB8pM_mAS-biWE-Tuo7IClD413mJGYApr1cLjmMJ01oq-E8Q/s1600/Why+Buy+Travel+Protection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="925" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSuOmkAtp1DJcncNo0UG7UAbl_b9yuNcpt2KCxWCDKPg1NgY3ZienxS8e6V-6NqWVIfFk9lmkrU115h-Q13lGKMEaRJlwGB8pM_mAS-biWE-Tuo7IClD413mJGYApr1cLjmMJ01oq-E8Q/s320/Why+Buy+Travel+Protection.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Travel Insurance is a topic that I am very passionate about & do encourage my clients to always insure their trip because you never know what might happen that would force you to cancel your trip. Or worse, you get sick while traveling and end up needing medical care which can be expensive. Travel Insurance is there to help you navigate foreign medical care systems & assist with payment of any claims while traveling should the need arise. People assume that they will have coverage from their credit card or from their own personal medical insurance carrier, but you have to do your due diligence by looking into the details of those coverages. <br />
<br />
As detailed by one of our trusted Travel Insurance providers:<br />
<br />
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">Did you know…</span></div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
•</div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Medical evacuation costs can be on average <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">$25,000 within North America</span>, as much as <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">$100,000 from Europe</span>, and <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">$250,000 globally</span>, depending on location.* <a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__cl.s6.exct.net_-3Fqs-3Df2d1124b596fec5397609a69d12128414caf173dd5304176e59c5adabbcc141d98d4d2bcd497dea0485a18edf8eb74d11a30f76a5a47a803df149f8a1980c9e0%26d%3DDwMFaQ%26c%3DC9z-L_AmsEfUHB7ah7CYvOx4iMZXvf6GMo8-re_DI8c%26r%3Dvz6oi1olKxrU0dgKhe_amS1y5Z6b3HL2INKbOhMHaYo%26m%3DBYXYhxGaPPEpKVT7YmFKabk0Et0sOmLMTqxmwsKXxDU%26s%3DRNPZVj4AjynpHZ76-1Le6an0eXDpr06Ix6f-WqDJWqY%26e%26fbclid%3DIwAR0wK8LF5ys37a7-1vn1copXFlkceJZWbPYKSW1Eqjucv0f-eFskEVrypTo&h=AT3JFbq09HomiW3p3GdPKPD-OoDok0aPDGH-pP_vhs3PA2-P2BdQsSdPf6Zb9vgmzVb9V2RpA4Y51dw08mJgI6HOj7jKO5kX4GrBOTSDw6C2MY0qAdXzX33S1jDz4oR0fL9vHT3gE03UXd6I44Q" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="_4yxo" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">Schengen Area Visa requirements</span></a><span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;"> include a minimum $50,000 USD </span>emergency medical coverage, including urgent health, emergency hospital treatment and repatriation.</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
•</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
A nurse escort costs on average about <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">$11,000 within North America </span>and about <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">$25,000 from Europe</span>.*</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
•</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Medicare/Medicaid and health insurance <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">carriers may stop or decrease coverage once a person leaves the U.S. </span>or their coverage area.</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
•</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Hospitals outside the U.S. may ask for <span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600;">payment prior to treatment </span>and may not let you leave the country unless treatment is paid in full. (Having a the correct travel insurance plan means our travel assistance provider can guarantee payment up to the coverage amount shown in the Policy.)</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
•</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
If you clients have a medical emergency while traveling, the insurance company's travel assistance provider will assist with foreign and domestic medical arrangements, so<b> you<span class="_4yxo" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> can focus on recovery</span></b>.</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
•</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
There are so many options with Trip Insurance & my job is to help guide you to the plan that is going to fit your needs the best. Emergencies are expensive, don't you want the peace of mind when you're traveling to know that you have insurance, to know that you have a 24/7 assistance line that you can contact for help & guidance? What's the plan if you don't have travel insurance?</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-41428678667912701092020-02-12T13:34:00.000-08:002020-03-23T12:37:23.243-07:00CRUISES THAT I'VE TAKEN<b></b><i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 37.44px;">Cruises that I've Taken</span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaetCnzByqZeNRQ3S0AbzgQdI0YkgRA0y0-z0qbvDOQZTlU0PTKTrPDW79glramoRiMHBtFK-aOI4ohxE0nEs9vH5yXcp2-NlCPM9hnVtPPufHNE-e3t9MRp_miVyvF4LWVbzfmefWCCoC/s1600/Scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1600" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaetCnzByqZeNRQ3S0AbzgQdI0YkgRA0y0-z0qbvDOQZTlU0PTKTrPDW79glramoRiMHBtFK-aOI4ohxE0nEs9vH5yXcp2-NlCPM9hnVtPPufHNE-e3t9MRp_miVyvF4LWVbzfmefWCCoC/s320/Scan0002.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At one point, I decided that I better document all of the cruises that I've taken so that I know how many I've taken. It's a fun list to refer back to and to reflect on the memories!! <b>#livelovecruise #livelovetravel</b></span></div>
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 1990 - 1st cruise: <b>Holland America Line "old" Rotterdam</b>, 3 day coastal SF-YVR</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 1993: <b>Holland America Line "old" Westerdam</b>, 7 day Eastern Caribbean</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 1995: <b>Norwegian Cruise Line - Southward</b> (I think) - 7 day Southern Caribbean</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">January 1997: <b>Celebrity Cruise Line - Century </b>- 7 day Western Caribbean</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">June 1997: <b>Carnival - Holiday</b> - 4 day Catalina/Ensenada</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">May 1998: <b>Carnival Elation</b> - cruise to nowhere out of SF</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">September 1998: <b>Norwegian Cruise Line- Star </b>- 7day "texaribbean"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 2000: <b>RCCL - Voyager of the Seas</b> - 7 day Western Caribbean</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2000/2001: <b>Carnival Fascination</b> - 7 day Caribbean (western I think)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 2001: <b>RCCL- Radiance of the Seas</b> - 4 Day Pacific Northwest</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">January 2002: <b>RCCL - Viking Serenade</b> - 3 day Ensenada</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 2005: <b>Carnival Victory</b> - 7 day Eastern Caribbean (Bill's first cruise ever)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 2006: <b>RCCL- Vision of the Seas</b>- 7 day Mexican Riviera</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">September 2006: Princess-<b> Dawn Princess</b> - 2 day Coastal YVR-SF</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">June 2007: <b>Princess- Dawn Princess</b>- 10 day Alaska</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 2008: <b>Celebrity Mercury</b> - 7 day Pacific Northwest</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">July 2008: <b>Disney Magic</b> - 7 day Mexican Riviera</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">August 2008: <b>Carnival Elation</b> - 4 day Cabo</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">March 2009: <b>Carnival Splendor</b> - 2 day Cruise to Nowhere out of SF</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">July 2009: <b>Celebrity Infinity </b>- 7 day Alaska round-trip from Seattle </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">February 2010- <b>MSC Poesia</b> - 7 day Eastern Caribbean Country Dance Cruise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">September 2010- <b>Mariner of the Seas</b> - 7 day Mexican Riviera</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">September 2010- <b>Zuiderdam (Holland America)</b> - 3 day Pacific Coastal.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">November 2010 - <b>Allure of the Seas</b> - 2 day cruise to nowhere out of Ft. Lauderdale.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">February 2011 - <b>Norwegian EPIC </b>- 7 day cruise to Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Costa Maya &amp; Roatan</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">June 2011 - <b>Carnival Paradise</b>- 3 day Baja Cruise to Ensenada "5th year anniversary Cruise"- BILL'S 15TH CRUISE IN 6 YEARS!!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 2012 - <b>RCCL Oasis of the Seas</b> - 7 days Eastern Caribbean (V.com conference)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 2013 - <b>Celebrity Solstice</b> - 2 day cruise to nowhere</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">October 27 2013 - <b>Royal Princess</b>- 2 day TA cruise to nowhere </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">October 29, 2013 - <b>Royal Princess</b> - 5 day Caribbean Inaugural Cruise</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 28, 2013 - <b>Adventure of the Seas</b>- 7 day Southern Caribbean New Years Eve Cruise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">February 23, 2014- <b>Norwegian Jewel</b>- 7 day Western Caribbean from New Orleans (Mandi's Line Dance Cruise)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">July 3, 2014 - <b>Carnival Imagination</b> - 3 day Baja Cruise to Ensenada "Bill's 50th birthday cruise" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">March 26, 2015 - <b>Carnival Imagination</b> - 3 day Baja Cruise to Ensenada "Janet's 50th birthday cruise"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial";">April 24, 2015 - <b>RCCL Quant</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>um of the Seas</b>- 8 day Bahamas- Vacation.com Conference at Sea</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">September 24, 2015 - <b>RCCL Liberty of the Seas </b>- 9 day Canada/New England- Line Dancers at Sea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 4, 2016 - <b>Norwegian Pearl </b>- 10 day Partial Panama Canal Cruise from Florida (2016 Line Dancers at Sea)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">November 8, 2016 - <b>RCCL Harmony of the Seas</b>- 2 day Inaugural</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 31, 2016 - <b>Celebrity Reflection</b> - 7 day Western Caribbean from Miami</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 22, 2017 - <b>Disney Fantasy</b>- 7 Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y7G08QRTCDTCdYmFySi6i1CoJFWdzXzvHU-y2omjVt8r7rPyJNkSoRJA691SMYRHe_e_n8tfe5PtDzi1Sm5YJklRj-fcr9Gw0ynmsz5Hl_RStFTyjNBYXcMwndZhfXROPIejU_FLt9mN/s1600/IMG_20170425_150422167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">June 27, 2017 - <b>Grand Princess</b>- 10 day Alaska from SF (2017 Line Dancers at Sea) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">September 23, 2017- <b>Coral Princess</b>- 4 day Coastal Vancouver to LA "Suzy &amp; Charles Vow Renewal"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 30, 2017-<b>Harmony of the Seas</b>- New Years Eastern Caribbean</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">January 12, 2018- <b>Carnival Inspiration</b>-Country Booze Cruise Line Dance-Ensenada</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 4, 2018- <b>Celebrity Equinox</b>- 10 day Southern Caribbean (5th Annual Line Dancers at Sea Cruise)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May 25, 2018- <b>Norwegian BLISS</b>- 2 day Agent Inaugural Cruise to Nowhere</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">August 12, 2018- <b>RCCL Oasis of the Seas</b>- 7 night Eastern Caribbean "Suzy's 50th Birthday Cruise"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 1, 2018- <b>Celebrity EDGE</b> - 3 day Preview Cruise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 4, 2018- <b>Celebrity EDGE</b> - 2 day Agent pre-inaugural Cruise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 29, 2018-<b>Norwegian BLISS</b>- 7 night Caribbean- New Years Eve (Bill's 37th cruise)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 3, 2019 - <b>Disney Wonder</b> - 5 night Mexico- "Mandi's 60th Birthday Cruise"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">April 27, 2019- <b>Royal Princess </b> - 7 night Mexico- "TNC Dance Cruise"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oct 27, 2019- <b>Celebrity Solstice - </b>12 night NZ trip- 6th annual Line Dancers at Sea Cruise (at the age of 53!! &amp; Bill's 40th lifetime cruise!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">December 28, 2019 -<b>CARNIVAL PANORAMA - </b>7 night Mexico- New Years Eve Cruise! </span></li>
<li></li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSmUJ5dR3xe4Q5EqJPupS1dRjUYAjkTH7O4LjFMzj5c48vpfG8OwVqLWSwh8dOBhHh747QqhiOsxuTQpa1REEA8jSC-YS8QYTFp3PygReM57Z73wMazHKR8X5hYa8mcCWBm9Q6DV7TFVl/s1600-h/DawnPrincess.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345360219156277458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSmUJ5dR3xe4Q5EqJPupS1dRjUYAjkTH7O4LjFMzj5c48vpfG8OwVqLWSwh8dOBhHh747QqhiOsxuTQpa1REEA8jSC-YS8QYTFp3PygReM57Z73wMazHKR8X5hYa8mcCWBm9Q6DV7TFVl/s200/DawnPrincess.jpg" style="cursor: move; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Dawn Princess in Alaska</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
</div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaXrCT8ZNkfqPnG0mKc6OsG-iARCU6ybKeKhTz5WT8aN3Gd5WJBYB5FvYyIL2T4tZDWGln5xRRQaiCQmnMrxoRtU0kC8UaHcVSXS1Vh0hgeA7Bra6rgtsMyMm-lwwX-v_gnoCv-_r21UQ/s1600/11229824_10206651591262002_1383351195338433545_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaXrCT8ZNkfqPnG0mKc6OsG-iARCU6ybKeKhTz5WT8aN3Gd5WJBYB5FvYyIL2T4tZDWGln5xRRQaiCQmnMrxoRtU0kC8UaHcVSXS1Vh0hgeA7Bra6rgtsMyMm-lwwX-v_gnoCv-_r21UQ/s200/11229824_10206651591262002_1383351195338433545_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; padding-top: 4px;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Liberty of the Seas</div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y7G08QRTCDTCdYmFySi6i1CoJFWdzXzvHU-y2omjVt8r7rPyJNkSoRJA691SMYRHe_e_n8tfe5PtDzi1Sm5YJklRj-fcr9Gw0ynmsz5Hl_RStFTyjNBYXcMwndZhfXROPIejU_FLt9mN/s1600/IMG_20170425_150422167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: arial; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y7G08QRTCDTCdYmFySi6i1CoJFWdzXzvHU-y2omjVt8r7rPyJNkSoRJA691SMYRHe_e_n8tfe5PtDzi1Sm5YJklRj-fcr9Gw0ynmsz5Hl_RStFTyjNBYXcMwndZhfXROPIejU_FLt9mN/s200/IMG_20170425_150422167.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>Disney Fantasy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9rFYnLWl94-fhWNoxrcYe2VHJ4s0gSdjadHSyXoaVIU2Xeuo4nRdxnacJGirQ3uyk0qQUcZdnap0zVxEszQPe7UfNPk8npTvvFnHZjKcsSfpG8loPWeKLFKMPLzhnbFlRwmSG23Y9Vvz/s1600-h/CarnivalElation.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345359431429024898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9rFYnLWl94-fhWNoxrcYe2VHJ4s0gSdjadHSyXoaVIU2Xeuo4nRdxnacJGirQ3uyk0qQUcZdnap0zVxEszQPe7UfNPk8npTvvFnHZjKcsSfpG8loPWeKLFKMPLzhnbFlRwmSG23Y9Vvz/s200/CarnivalElation.jpg" style="cursor: move; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Carnival Elation</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTHATk3tSRR4-RBnfAY3UAUgrPfIJTT2i9dmp0VO75DkXv3LCEYY6yr7IhBZx01eWOk53MQcx4Sn70YcSDMAoEneOwDxCTjlIVl1xdOrKid2yApK9kYNL_WKYTARK-Ynd7MDKViCZidKA/s1600/39591019_512214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTHATk3tSRR4-RBnfAY3UAUgrPfIJTT2i9dmp0VO75DkXv3LCEYY6yr7IhBZx01eWOk53MQcx4Sn70YcSDMAoEneOwDxCTjlIVl1xdOrKid2yApK9kYNL_WKYTARK-Ynd7MDKViCZidKA/s200/39591019_512214.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>Harmony of the Seas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4YF4w6FdGocWgD7j-aUczaTg3EVLt6IwXFfKZGM9JB63xNcbqzWHBhbpl2nrdHYlGR-6sfFqv4YeF5RmnUR6pVlcCbAqgRXMl-kl8j5kaWGnSn9IGvrzU-ZBUK0hq3yuKwzrM8PWHSVV/s1600/IMG_20170102_152906482_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4YF4w6FdGocWgD7j-aUczaTg3EVLt6IwXFfKZGM9JB63xNcbqzWHBhbpl2nrdHYlGR-6sfFqv4YeF5RmnUR6pVlcCbAqgRXMl-kl8j5kaWGnSn9IGvrzU-ZBUK0hq3yuKwzrM8PWHSVV/s320/IMG_20170102_152906482_HDR.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
CELEBRITY REFLECTION </div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial"; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 6px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJUgBUnvkXcYTJemT-fFE2ZyRMv0qj9KAjBS353xSJn8yWMR0EIVM8mBtAzucNth1M9dAMxgYNM07wZr3UuspsrmeAUAyrSSPkSNEk3jp-X0MVQsLS0RmJwIgLa18JEGvMvU_MijLRC3I/s1600-h/DisneyWonder.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345359265850100434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJUgBUnvkXcYTJemT-fFE2ZyRMv0qj9KAjBS353xSJn8yWMR0EIVM8mBtAzucNth1M9dAMxgYNM07wZr3UuspsrmeAUAyrSSPkSNEk3jp-X0MVQsLS0RmJwIgLa18JEGvMvU_MijLRC3I/s200/DisneyWonder.jpg" style="cursor: move; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Disney Magic</div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Norwegian Bliss</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxMOc_sw8gja_QyK4urXnt9SdLBNjXyhtPw9pV1fyqixu-WKH4w9DtooCJqia32Lj9eCFdSBNpRZ3HsVOav9TKBiRgFNQDnRfntO37R4u162v7kFnjEXM-KBALPVBEGoSxGHQCiaFYykM/s1600/Scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1600" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxMOc_sw8gja_QyK4urXnt9SdLBNjXyhtPw9pV1fyqixu-WKH4w9DtooCJqia32Lj9eCFdSBNpRZ3HsVOav9TKBiRgFNQDnRfntO37R4u162v7kFnjEXM-KBALPVBEGoSxGHQCiaFYykM/s320/Scan0002.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOjo9by_nM_v-f7Y5zA1_bhP1kRzAEEq6eizdDh534d2YTmQKGMBViofDkCwD3uBxqxU4zRFMuUbBhZ8bBsdD3qKpMCaz1Z7XBJFF_kBa_fsYznKdY5dJnVYlPmHzDWnGkmSHTIaBrUxT/s1600/1451451_10201759951214058_1562510715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOjo9by_nM_v-f7Y5zA1_bhP1kRzAEEq6eizdDh534d2YTmQKGMBViofDkCwD3uBxqxU4zRFMuUbBhZ8bBsdD3qKpMCaz1Z7XBJFF_kBa_fsYznKdY5dJnVYlPmHzDWnGkmSHTIaBrUxT/s200/1451451_10201759951214058_1562510715_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
(Royal Princess in background)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 6px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddoIZcCFLyxbFEy3py_eIR9yH_0iygufeHi8g5Mk2YTutilNTJKfjob99OMM90wMIj2UrraD8XQZ_tNKT_jswcKdlIBIOHggKf3hZnQWk6kc9xmajTnrVwt0sU4b7Cru_wq9l0z2pBezN/s1600/Quantum+from+North+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddoIZcCFLyxbFEy3py_eIR9yH_0iygufeHi8g5Mk2YTutilNTJKfjob99OMM90wMIj2UrraD8XQZ_tNKT_jswcKdlIBIOHggKf3hZnQWk6kc9xmajTnrVwt0sU4b7Cru_wq9l0z2pBezN/s200/Quantum+from+North+star.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 14.4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Quantum of the Seas</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-22493888372213277222019-11-19T17:32:00.000-08:002019-11-27T13:08:20.231-08:00Should You Book a place through VRBO or AirBnB?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvfwQpEL8XqUEm7t6Vgqgmz8WsNqIUm_HXKHWjCyWot1OREe0Bqfj8NFWSBU9IXVkBN4jwQ88n6M1zwHSax2MTZRAb1kL5YrRvPZ2OSO3zaxSk2yADt-vcRF_BBQH2Hj8FXFFsNq9VWJO/s1600/vacation+rentals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="404" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvfwQpEL8XqUEm7t6Vgqgmz8WsNqIUm_HXKHWjCyWot1OREe0Bqfj8NFWSBU9IXVkBN4jwQ88n6M1zwHSax2MTZRAb1kL5YrRvPZ2OSO3zaxSk2yADt-vcRF_BBQH2Hj8FXFFsNq9VWJO/s320/vacation+rentals.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>As a Travel Advisor, I am often hearing from clients, "Oh I'll just book an AirBnB" or "Can you help me find a place on VRBO?" or "Do you book VRBO or AirBnB?" My reply to them is usually along the lines of "Sorry, I cannot help you with that. The reason being, if I recommend one of them, I take on the liability and there is absolutely no vetting process, no back up plan should something go wrong & I'm not willing to take on that responsibility on behalf of my clients." <br />
<br />
I know that there are plenty of successful private home rentals that have been secured by these two Vacation Rental Booking sources, but there have been bad ones as well. I can speak from personal experience on both. I take an annual girls trip with my lifelong friends. We've stayed at hotels in New York, rented an AirBnB in Palm Springs, rented again in Scottsdale & have returned to resort hotels in Cabo for the last two years.<br />
<br />
My first experience with an AirBnB rental was for Palm Springs. We got lucky. We had a wonderful "compound" of 3 apartments that were enclosed behind a shared front yard with pool, BBQ kitchen, Firepit, lawn area, hot tub. It was our own "Melrose Place" atmosphere and we rented all 3 apartments, which afforded us to each have our own bedroom and bathroom. It really was perfect and checked all of the boxes of things that were important to all of us. We weren't too sure of the neighborhood, the person who met us with the codes said it was a safe neighborhood but it looked a little run down. We're smart women, we weren't going to walk outside after dark and we were two blocks away from a busy street, close to shopping and not far from the downtown area or the airport. We really had nothing to complain about, we had a wonderful long weekend together. I was pleasantly surprised at the experience, so the next year when we decided upon Scottsdale and the majority wanted to rent a house again, I was a bit easier to convince. (Though full disclosure, I still prefer a hotel and going out to eat, etc. because I don't cook or clean at home, why do I want to pay to stay someplace where I have to cook and clean? Seriously!)<br />
<br />
So we headed to Scottsdale for a long weekend in our House Rental. We found the house on both VRBO and AirBnB, the prices were quite different so as we begun asking both "property managers" questions, somewhere along the line they started to reply to us directly via email. They appeared to still be affiliated with VRBO, but we asked about the name difference and they said that they were the local property management company who lists on both VRBO and AirBnB, they offered us a slightly lower rate than what we had already seen. After group consultation, we decided to book with them. Red Flag #1: DO NOT communicate outside the channels provided through VRBO or AirBnB, you lose all consumer protections that they provide if you do not actually book through them. Red Flag #2: our contract was 20+ pages long, this is not rocket science. Any company who needs a contract that long is trying to get away with something. We were green at this and did not know and of course, we didn't read the entire 20 page contract word for word. We looked at the important parts: payment, refunds, keys, cancellation penalties, etc.<br />
<br />
Once we arrived in Scottsdale, we were instructed to call a number after 3pm to get our key code and the address to the house. We did this, everything was cool. We went grocery shopping on our way to the house and as we were leaving the store with two filled to the rim cars (people, luggage, groceries) the property manager, Bruce calls to tell us that he has a great house that just became available and he'd love to offer it to us, no additional charge, it's a mansion, it's gorgeous, etc. We were a little stumped, we asked questions: how many bedrooms, how many beds, how many bathrooms, etc.- these were all important things for us. He couldn't answer us right away, but sent us a link. We reviewed and all agreed to just stick to what we know, to what we had already researched, etc. We arrived to the house, unloaded all of our stuff, put the groceries away & began our vacation.<br />
<br />
First, we notice that the sink in one of the bathrooms is clogged. We called & they said they would have a plumber come by the next day. That never happened. We noticed M&M's on the floor in one of the bedrooms, which had the place been properly cleaned that would have been picked up. They didn't leave enough towels (per contract) for the number of people we said we'd be, they had 2 dish towels for the entire kitchen, they were missing several kitchen utensils that were on the "house list" of items to be provided. We could not figure out how to get lights on in the backyard, we're still not sure if there were lights in the area, we ended up bringing a house lamp outside to help see over the BBQ area. Regarding the BBQ, they had instructions on how to turn the propane tank on, we didn't have a tank. We called & they said it's hooked up directly to the gas. I said to them, "don't you think your instructions should be updated to say that?" It was just one thing after another and we composed our list and emailed them everything that was wrong by the Friday evening. (We had checked in Thursday evening).<br />
<br />
Saturday morning, we come to find out we don't have any power or any water. We call them about it and they tell us that we're being evicted. They couldn't give us a reason, except to say, "you're not happy with the house, so you can find another. We tried to give you a mansion, etc." It was absolutely UNREAL!! We called the police, they couldn't do anything unless we were being physically threatened. We really had no choice but to pack up and leave. In all honesty, we were all creeped out at that point and even though we wanted to fight this, we were not comfortable, we did not feel safe to stay. We were lucky to have some inside connections and spent our last two nights at the Fairmont Scottsdale and a very low reduced rate. We really thought it was strange though that when we were packing up to leave, the cleaning crew was pulling up to clean the house. We asked them when they were asked to come clean the house & they were told it was on their schedule to clean the house that morning. I asked a local friend later that day to drive by and see if she saw any cars in the driveway and sure enough, they had new people staying in the house.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning, a few of our early risers drove over to the house again and rang the doorbell. A very nice woman answered the door & they all began to talk. We told her that we were supposed to be staying at that house through Monday & she said that she and her friends were supposed to be in a different house for a week, but they were given this one instead. Just more evidence that this company runs a very shady business. They found many things wrong with the house as did we, we kept in touch for months following because they weren't sure if they would get their security deposit back & of course, we were wanting much more than that. They did eventually get their security deposit back, but it took about 5 months before it was received.<br />
<br />
When we returned home, I started to make phone calls. I spoke to the Better Business Bureau, I called an Attorney who gave a 30 minute free consult, I spoke to the Arizona District Attorney's office, you name it & we tried it. Two days after we returned, I receive an email from VRBO, "Tell us about your stay", at that point I figured they were related and I wrote quite the review! You can only imagine. Well two days later, I get an email from someone who said they are the attorney representing the rental company & I was in breach of contract by posting a review. Per contract, they have charged my credit card $500. Yep, they sure had and that breach of contract was on page 19! They prohibit you from posting any sort of review. I took down the review, I disputed the charge and reported my card lost to get a new number.<br />
<br />
After months and months of working with the D.A. & he was working with their attorney, we had almost come to a settlement of what was due back to us for the two unused nights & then their attorney said his client was not returning calls and was not paying his bill. We were able to be made whole again by the credit card company because we disputed the charges through them with all of the documentation of the other avenues we had pursued to obtain our justly due refund. It was all a huge waste of time and energy to have to chase down our money. So I can honestly say at this point, I have ZERO desire to stay in a Vacation Rental booked through VRBO or Airbnb again unless I know the homeowner or know someone who knows the homeowner.<br />
<br />
As I write this blog, I am working with a client who booked a house on VRBO for a 4 night stay in Hawaii over Christmas. He just received word that his reservation has been canceled by the homeowner. He was totally shocked by this and enlisted my help to find him something else. The same house that he had confirmed is up for rent on VRBO right now, but for almost twice the price. Turns out there is a new bill that was just passed on the Island of Oahu that homeowners can only have one booking per month until October 2020. They are trying to regulate the rentals and have homeowners apply for permits, something that has not happened in decades. So homeowners are canceling reservations that they have already confirmed in the hopes of being able to rent out for higher prices or longer stays for that "one booking" per month. I'm not even sure how they can get away with it when it's been confirmed & I don't understand why VRBO isn't helping the customer, but they basically told him to find another place & they will see if they can help match the price he was paying. That's crappy customer service if you ask me!<br />
<br />
You can google "VRBO problems" "AirBnB problems" or complaints or news and you'll find an infinite number of stories where consumers have had issues with both companies. You'll even find that homeowners have had issues receiving their payment for completed rentals from VRBO.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, it's your decision to make. How valuable are your vacation dollars? What sort of vacation guarantee do you want? What sort of peace of mind do you want knowing there is a "Plan B" should something go wrong? I'm not saying the world of hotels is perfect, hotels oversell, hotels can get plumbing leaks that displace guests- but at the end of the day a hotel will help you with alternate arrangements, they will put you up in another hotel, they will upgrade you if possible, etc. Not to mention, when you're booking hotels through your trusted Travel Advisor, we always have your back. Should something not be quite right at the hotel, we can get involved, we can help find solutions so that you're not spending your valuable vacation time working to solve the problem.Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-22263177466907354522019-11-11T23:48:00.000-08:002019-11-11T23:48:01.938-08:00HOW TO TAKE BETTER SMART PHONE PICTURES.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyE348s6Y0MnFGtrFTD4mGBFLFZNg93yV-Wx_09qxQIxDuYinV3IRjtqnaAj-7VOu3bt3gHbZRtq-oQlCjoowv2bkEBCruEFQkaVbScsBvHapdkNUTS88bW5YqQgTYrMltOuJkL0t0Jtv/s1600/smartphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="600" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyE348s6Y0MnFGtrFTD4mGBFLFZNg93yV-Wx_09qxQIxDuYinV3IRjtqnaAj-7VOu3bt3gHbZRtq-oQlCjoowv2bkEBCruEFQkaVbScsBvHapdkNUTS88bW5YqQgTYrMltOuJkL0t0Jtv/s400/smartphone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Want to increase those likes, shares and comments on your vacation
photos this year? Instead of spending a ton on an expensive camera, grab
your smartphone and follow these easy tips and tricks from the pros.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Brighter is better</strong> – Natural
light is your friend. To get a great photo, put yourself in a position
to get the best shot. If you’re indoors, set up your shot next to a
large window. However, if you’re outside in the midafternoon, direct
sunlight can be too harsh on your subject. Look for creative ways to
shade your subject to keep your photo balanced. You can also aim to
shoot outside during the fabled “golden hour”- during sunrise and
sunset.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Avoid too much zoom </strong>–
Drastic zooming on any subject can create an unwanted grain to any
photo. If you need to zoom, wait until you already have the image you
want and then zoom and crop in the editing phase.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Focus is key </strong>– Your camera’s
autofocus could be doing your photos more harm than good. Luckily, most
smartphones allow you to pinpoint your photo’s focus directly from your
palm. Set up your shot, and then touch and hold the main focal point on
your screen until you see the yellow Auto Exposure/Auto Focus Lock
appear. Take your photo as normal, and the final image should clearly be
clearer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Polish polish polish </strong>– Once
you’ve selected your favorites, it’s time to make them shine. There are
dozens of options and free apps for your phone that will give your
photos a professional edge, with VSCO and Snapseed being our personal
favorites. Download a few, play around with their options and see which
ones you like best. Most times, all your photos need is a little
cropping and lightening to make them pop.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-80789608149268301522019-10-21T18:51:00.003-07:002019-10-21T18:51:50.171-07:00INCREDIBLE WATERFALLS NOT NAMED NIAGARA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaEOa_ahkYDreIN97BmOrXXf16J6_ZlT0ZIma9R493y2Jl5jjKyBDhED2DV72lW6deioIh-WUznUeHbVeYUQLok4MMYw_9lywZmwarNSf92t_hTfb9tXrJY1jr3Fw0X3pRZFoHhmFpugR/s1600/falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaEOa_ahkYDreIN97BmOrXXf16J6_ZlT0ZIma9R493y2Jl5jjKyBDhED2DV72lW6deioIh-WUznUeHbVeYUQLok4MMYw_9lywZmwarNSf92t_hTfb9tXrJY1jr3Fw0X3pRZFoHhmFpugR/s400/falls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Nature provides dramatic scenes everywhere, but few more breathtaking
than an epic waterfall. In North America, our default idea of an epic
waterfall is Niagara. For decades, these three falls – Horseshoe,
American and Bridal Veil Falls – have attracted millions of sightseers
to the US-Canadian border, and for good reason. Horseshoe Falls alone
drops water from a height of 173 feet, spilling 600,000 gallons of its
famed green waters per second. But Niagara is not the only waterfalling
game in town. Here are four other cascades that put the “awe” in
awesome.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Iguazu Falls </strong>– The falls at Iguazu
National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are larger than anything
in Niagara, with a height of some 240 feet. Iguazu is interesting as
it’s made up of a number of cascades thanks to the rock formations
shaping the falls direction, and vast sprays are thrown up as the water
collides with them. It’s surrounded by lush, subtropical rainforest
populated by tapirs, ocelots and jaguars, along with 2,000 plant species
and around 400 types of bird. There are a couple of differences in the
experiences you can have in each country it borders. The Argentine side
of the falls offers a better chance to get close up to the action, while
the Brazilian side is better for looking out over the panorama from a
distance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Victoria Falls </strong>– There are two
names in common usage, the Victoria Falls given by UK explorer David
Livingstone to honor his queen, and the indigenous name Mosi-oa-Tunya,
meaning ‘the smoke that thunders.’ The falls, another UNESCO site, are
classified as the world’s largest at 354 feet high; its spray rising to a
height of 2,000 feet and can be seen from up to 30 miles away. There
have been railways and hotels in the area since the early 20th century,
allowing tourism to flourish. The two small national parks on either
side welcome thousands of travelers a year in search of the local
wildlife such as hippos and rhinos. One of the famous features on the
Zambian side is The Armchair, a pool very close to the edge of the falls
formed by a rock barrier where brave souls can swim in relative safety.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Havasu Falls, Arizona </strong>– The
striking aspect of the falls, which plunge from around 100 feet, are the
vivid colors that can be seen, the bright blue of the water contrasting
with the deep red of the surrounding rock face. The color of the water
is due to unusually high levels of calcium carbonate and magnesium, and
since they originate from an underground spring, their temperature
rarely dips below 70F. There are plenty of spots from which to enjoy the
views here, including a wide sandy beach, or picnic tables under the
shade of the local cottonwood trees. Guided tours are especially
popular, leading groups on adventures that usually include camping out
near the base of the falls.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Plitvice Lakes, Croatia </strong>– The
falls here are relatively small compared to Niagara and Iguazu, with its
two main ones just 225 and 75 feet tall respectively. However, what
they lack in height they make up for in beauty, and together with the
layered lakes that stack up along the topography, they form one of
Europe’s most striking landscapes. Some 16 lakes of varying sizes have
formed, and guided tours in English take place every day to help you
make the most of your time here. The surrounding national park contains
some of Europe’s rarest wildlife, with wolves, brown bears, lynx and
wildcats. Again, local guides can help improve your chances of spotting
them. You may even be lucky enough to spot a majestic Golden Eagle.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-6838875866985665362019-10-18T00:21:00.000-07:002019-10-18T00:21:52.664-07:00World's Best Wildlife Destinations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyN4U3XpVA_CSCjMqkruXu2xM_t22onuoZtduXMy1AyEGgyfHBq8hpOC8ztxuW6N2jf8Dr9CKGpnhJHuduxZiy5XrK5sk3I7-B264EN3z9j8qZFGU0kUDRQraG-QBlkJIwjZ4mKhHfOe2/s1600/wildlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyN4U3XpVA_CSCjMqkruXu2xM_t22onuoZtduXMy1AyEGgyfHBq8hpOC8ztxuW6N2jf8Dr9CKGpnhJHuduxZiy5XrK5sk3I7-B264EN3z9j8qZFGU0kUDRQraG-QBlkJIwjZ4mKhHfOe2/s400/wildlife.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
Nothing compares to the once-in-a-lifetime moments you get to
experience on a safari, wildlife cruise or national park hike. These
moments, like watching a gaggle of penguins swimming in Antarctica, used
to be nearly impossible (and expensive), since the areas were widely
unchartered and remote. However, now, with more cruises and tours
exploring these hidden wonders worldwide, there are more chances than
ever to watch wildlife dwell in their natural habitats. For the best
viewing, visit one of these breathtaking destinations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Churchill, Manitoba, Canada </strong>–
Located on the rugged shores of Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba,
Churchill is one of the few human settlements in the world that is also
home to polar bears. Since they spend most of their summer hunting for
food, the best time to view them is during the fall. The optimal way to
experience the beauty of these bears is with a custom tundra buggy,
which offers once in a lifetime chances to get up close.<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Chobe National Park, Botswana, Africa </strong>–
Chobe National Park in Botswana offers truly unspoiled views of
Africa’s famed wildlife. On a game drive here, you won’t be met with
other jeeps, but instead with views of warthogs, bushbucks, monkeys,
lions, leopards and hyenas. A cruise along the breathtaking Chobe river
offers a chance to see marine mammals like hippos and crocodiles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Antarctica Peninsula </strong>– Although
it may be void of any human life, Antarctica is home to one of the
largest populations of penguins, with over 40 million spread across the
continent. Once unchartered, Antarctica is growing in popularity, and
more cruise lines are adding the snow-capped glacial peaks and emperor
penguin colonies to their itineraries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Galapagos Islands, Ecuador </strong>–
This tiny archipelago off the coast of Ecuador has been an iconic
destination for wildlife viewing for over 200 years. Thanks to more
cruise lines charting the South American Coast, it’s much easier for
anyone to view its many inhabitants, like the island iguanas,
blue-footed boobies, giant green sea turtles and sea lions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States </strong>
– Aside from spewing geysers, gradient canyons and rushing waterfalls,
Wyoming’s crowned jewel is also home to some of the country’s most
spectacular wildlife. From black bears to bald eagles to bison and
coyotes, this area is rich with a vast array of animals.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069426707785921617.post-86832827677004052952019-10-15T19:04:00.001-07:002019-10-15T19:04:53.212-07:00PERFECT PLACES TO RELAX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm2ZQ4EoMcn7tVqisWTZRC7q98JVp3ubs8qzNxUnE2AkDgLEhR5fNv5QTZ_lz6LrYZ27lylaP-Qm1YYi0scUtBWSBhTwxeyLlyDjzNG1Go9eoWaPOLvIAOwnnjvZJ7PP0pcTNWysEbwfH/s1600/IMG_20181025_145906646_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm2ZQ4EoMcn7tVqisWTZRC7q98JVp3ubs8qzNxUnE2AkDgLEhR5fNv5QTZ_lz6LrYZ27lylaP-Qm1YYi0scUtBWSBhTwxeyLlyDjzNG1Go9eoWaPOLvIAOwnnjvZJ7PP0pcTNWysEbwfH/s320/IMG_20181025_145906646_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Science has shown that one’s environment has a direct impact on
well-being, a fact that anyone who’s spent significant time in the
mountains or by the sea can attest to. There’s just something about
being by the ocean, hearing the crashing waves and feeling the sea
breeze against your face; or being in the desert, hearing nothing but
the chirp of an odd bird and seeing nothing but an endless landscape of
majestic rock that makes you leave all your worries at home and let
yourself breathe. The following locations will make even the most
stressed-out individuals find their bliss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Caribbean Island </strong><br />
A big part of resetting your mind is learning
how to slow down, and the laid-back vibe of the Caribbean may be just
the place for those needing a break from the fast-paced frenzy of their
lives. Once you step off the plane and breathe in the ocean air, look
out at the turquoise sea and walk barefoot through the smooth white sand
with a cool daiquiri in hand, the bothers of daily life are all but
forgotten. Choose from a multitude of swimming pools to wade in or sit
under palm trees with a book in hand and ocean in view. Play a few
rounds at a pro-level golf course, and wander to a conch shack for fresh
delicacies prepared on the spot. And if shopping relieves stress for
you, pop into the high-end boutiques for a little retail therapy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Coastal Town</strong><br />
It’s no surprise that some of the wealthiest
people in the world, who could live anywhere they want, choose to settle
down in towns like Santa Monica, California, or Palm Beach, Florida.
These locales provide easy access to major cities in the U.S., so
traveling to and from is not an issue. And once you’re there, the towns
are bursting with modern luxuries and convenience, while remaining
pristine in appearance. Manicured lawns rest in front of mammoth
mansions, and five-star resorts with seaside spas and fine cuisine are
plentiful. Walk straight from your oceanfront hotel to a secluded beach
below for sunrise yoga, experience in-suite spa treatments, indulge in
healthy Michelin-star meals and cycle to town on complimentary bicycles
at the impressive resorts that make up America’s chic coastal getaways.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Desert Oasis </strong><br />
The beauty of the desert is endless, creating
the perfect setting for days of quiet contemplation. What better way to
treat yourself in this day and age of constant noise and endless
obligation? In the desert, nobody cares if your inbox is packed with
unopened emails. And in the desert, the mountains call for you to climb
them, bringing an organic opportunity to focus on physical as well as
mental health. Take a hike and feel the full-body relaxation and restful
sleep that follows a day of exercise. Soothe your muscles in a private
outdoor soaking tub at a desert resort, align your body at a top-ranked
spa and dine on fresh seasonal cuisine while sitting on an outdoor
dining deck facing the expansive mountains.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Tropical Getaway </strong><br />
Spirituality seekers have been known to visit
Hawaii for the healing properties that only a tropical paradise can
bring. Whether or not you believe that the islands’ volcanic energies
are operating at higher chakra frequencies, it can’t be denied that the
unique beauty of its verdant jungles and rolling hills existing in the
same space as the bluest ocean waters and clear skies possess a special
soul-soothing quality. Make time to try a Lomi Lomi massage, take sail
on the waters of the Pacific, enter an infinity pool that looks out on
the ocean and commune with nature in a protected wildlife reserve, and
you’ll return home invigorated.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Pams Path To Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11549798056483535363noreply@blogger.com0