Essential Travel Checklist for Your Next Adventure

One of best times for travel would arguably be the summer, sun is always out, beaches are usually packed full of people, plenty of things to do, and not to mention pretty much HEAT wherever you go. Yeah summer time is definitely the optimal time or best time when it comes to travel. Travel companies even put a premium on prices for summer travel, and rightfully so based on all of the above listed reasons. Summer time travel is KING!!!! For the savvy traveler(s) that love to be low key and take in more sights than sun, while also saving on the pocket, summer is not as friendly as expected. When trying to see certain sites, the crowds may seem too big; such as, waiting in a long line at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the heat may be a factor such as the extremely high Temps in Athens, Greece, this could make for a making it a pretty miserable time while trying to climb to the top of the ancient Acropolis. As some may know first hand, if you don’t trek up to the top before mid-day, the sun and heat bouncing off of the old marble stone can be quite unbearable for some. Yeah summer may be KING , but it’s KING at a cost. There is another time of year that I’ve found to be excellent when it comes to travel, not many people in certain places, or areas of a specific exhibition or attraction. The sun is not constantly beating down on you and you can pretty much relax wherever you may be in the world. What time of year is this you ask? ;-) I introduce you to: The Fall One a recent trip to Spain, I encountered some of the best weather imaginable. The were no lines at all any of the major attractions, I didn’t have to wear a big bulky coat, nor did I burn from sweating everywhere I went. not to mention In addition to this, I was able to squeeze in multiple locations on that one visit to Spain. This had me thinking about past trips to Europe, Asia, and South America that I’ve been on in during the fall or close to it. They were all by far the most enjoyable and pleasurable. Now surely it wasn’t just because it was cool outside, but it it was also because the fall made each location look extremely picturesque. I mean, the morning dew on the old cobblestone in cities in France, or the weeping willows found in many of the parks and green space in China, and not to mention the leaves on the trees and streets in different cities in Spain. Because of the fall weather, it made each of these locations look great absolutely fabulous while taking pics. On a recent fall trip, to a quaint city in Spain called Segovia, I was snapping pics , I just happened to and showed some of my shots to a friend traveling with me and when she said, “Wow, that looks like a postcard”. At that moment is when I realized, that instead of posting and sending pics that people would probably never look at again, I created my very own Postcards in the Fall. I immediately printed the photos, had them labeled and began sending them to friends and family around the world. So although summer can produce some of your and most fondest memories, don’t overlook the postcards you could create by traveling in the Fall. Now every trip I take, I’m always searching for that perfect shot that I can use as my new Postcards in the Fall. ;-)

1. Don’t Arrive Late A stressed traveler sprinting towards the airport. Rolling in late can mess up your whole trip. Give yourself enough time to check in, get through security, and catch your flight without losing your chill. 2. Don’t Wear Complicated Shoes A pair of stylish but cumbersome shoes. Skip the fancy kicks with all the straps and laces. Go for something easy to slip on and off to breeze through security like a pro. 3. Don’t Bring Prohibited Items A bag with a big red "X" over a knife and a full water bottle. Know the rules! Leaving sharp stuff and those oversized liquids at home saves you from a headache and a potential trip back to your car. 4. Don’t Forget to Remove Your Laptop A traveler pulling out a laptop from their bag. Don’t hold up the line! Laptops need their own bin, so make sure you’re pulling yours out before you get to the scanner. 5. Don’t Overpack Your Carry-On A stuffed carry-on bag bursting at the seams. No one wants to deal with a jam-packed bag at security. Keep it light and organized to make the process smoother for you and everyone behind you. 6. Don’t Ignore TSA Instructions A TSA agent giving clear directions to a traveler. Listen up! TSA agents are there to help you get through quickly. Ignoring them just slows everything down and can lead to confusion. 7. Don’t Keep Your Boarding Pass Hidden A traveler fumbling through their bag for their boarding pass. Have that boarding pass ready to flash when you get to security. Digging around for it can waste time and leave you looking frazzled. 8. Don’t Be Distracted A traveler on their phone while waiting in line. Stay focused! Scrolling through your phone or chatting with friends can make you miss important announcements and slow down the whole line.

Are you finding it overwhelming and stressful to select the ideal credit card that suits your specific needs and preferences? Let me alleviate that burden by guiding you through the process and helping you make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your financial goals and travel lifestyle. Welcome, travel enthusiasts, financial gurus, and points collectors! Today, we are diving into the exciting world of credit cards and exploring the pros and cons of four top contenders: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X, AMEX Business Gold, and AMEX Platinum. Buckle up as we navigate through the perks and pitfalls of each card, and discover how they can fuel your wanderlust dreams! Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Adventure Starter Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with rewards and flexibility? Look no further than the Chase Sapphire Preferred! With generous sign-up bonuses, valuable points on travel and dining, and no foreign transaction fees, this card sets the stage for your next escapade. However, keep an eye on the annual fee and limited travel benefits compared to its competitors. Earn 75,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card. https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19n/JK8Q2WORDJ Capital One Venture X: The Travel Maverick For those seeking simplicity and maximum earning potential, the Capital One Venture X shines bright. Boasting unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, this card is a powerhouse for frequent travelers. Yet, be mindful of the hefty annual fee and fewer transfer partners compared to other options. Hey! I love my Capital One travel card and I think you will too! You get unlimited miles on every purchase with a card that fits your lifestyle. I can get a bonus if you apply through my referral link: https://i.capitalone.com/JIgqC9QY9 AMEX Business Gold: The Entrepreneur's Companion Entrepreneurs and business owners, rejoice! The AMEX Business Gold card offers a plethora of benefits tailored to your professional needs. From bonus points on advertising to travel protections and business expense management tools, this card is a game-changer. Just be prepared for the annual fee and eligibility requirements. Apply for an American Express Card with this link. With your new Card, you could earn a welcome bonus and your friend could earn a referral bonus. Terms Apply. https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/platinum-card?ref=CRAIGHDFEq&XL=MNANS AMEX Platinum: The Luxury Explorer Step into the world of luxury travel with the AMEX Platinum card, where premium perks and exclusive experiences await. From airport lounge access to elite status with hotel chains, this card elevates your travel experience to new heights. However, the steep annual fee and limited bonus categories may give some travelers pause. Unlocking Your Next Adventure with THETRAVELJUNKEES Imagine using the points from these incredible cards to book a flight to one of the fantastic trips hosted by THETRAVELJUNKEES in 2025! Explore our calendar of trips on www.thetraveljunkees.com and start planning your next unforgettable adventure today. Let your credit card rewards take you places you've only dreamed of! So, which card will you choose to fuel your wanderlust and earn points for your next travel adventure? The choice is yours, and the world is waiting to be explored. Happy travels, adventurers!

New Travel Insurance Requirement for Zanzibar Visitors!! In an effort to bolster traveler safety and enhance the overall experience on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, the Tanzanian government is set to introduce a mandatory travel insurance policy for all visitors. Effective September 1, 2024, this new regulation requires every traveler to obtain insurance upon arrival, marking a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of tourists. What You Need to Know Upon landing in Zanzibar, each visitor will be required to purchase a travel insurance policy from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. The cost of this policy is $44 per person, a reasonable price considering the extensive coverage it offers. This initiative not only aims to protect travelers but also to streamline emergency assistance processes on the island. The insurance policy covers a variety of risks that travelers may face during their stay. This includes health-related issues, which can be particularly crucial in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, the policy provides coverage for the loss of luggage, accidents, and the unfortunate loss of a passport. Perhaps most importantly, it ensures the repatriation of remains in the event of death, giving peace of mind to both travelers and their families. Benefits of Mandatory Travel Insurance The implementation of mandatory travel insurance is a proactive measure that aims to protect both visitors and the local healthcare system. By having insurance, travelers can access medical services without the added stress of unexpected costs. This also assists local health facilities in managing services better, knowing that visitors are covered. Moreover, the policy is valid for stays of up to 92 days, making it suitable for a wide range of travel plans—from short getaways to extended vacations. This flexibility allows visitors to enjoy their time on the island without constantly worrying about unforeseen circumstances. Preparing for Your Trip As you plan your visit to Zanzibar, it’s essential to factor in the cost of this insurance into your travel budget. Consider how it fits within your overall expenses, and be sure to keep the receipt as proof of your coverage during your stay. In addition to the new insurance requirement, travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local laws and customs, as well as any health advisories that may impact their trip. Being informed will not only enhance your experience but also ensure that you are prepared for any eventualities. Conclusion Zanzibar is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant history, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the globe. With the introduction of mandatory travel insurance, the Tanzanian government is taking significant steps to ensure that visitors can explore the island with confidence and security. As you prepare for your adventure, remember that this insurance is not just a requirement—it's a safeguard that allows you to enjoy everything Zanzibar has to offer, knowing that you're protected against the unexpected. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to this enchanting island paradise! For more information visit this site www.visitzanzibar.go.tz

Dating can be a job in itself nowadays, timing when it comes to meeting for something simple as a dinner could be an arduous task. Depending on what side of town or part of the city people live can prove to be daunting as well. Not only do you have to take these things into consideration, there are many more factors on the top of that when it comes to potentially dating a traveler. Do you find it hard to date a person that travels a lot, when you don't? Would you stifle your partner from traveling even if it was a destination you were not interested in or didn't have the time? These are 2 common questions that come up when in the world of traveling and dating. Now by all accounts a lot is definitely subjective, so let's say the person goes abroad from their country at the least 5 times a year. To a lot of people that would constitute a lot. There would definitely have to be a great amount of patience, understanding, not to mention there would have to be a tremendous amount of trust in the relationship. Technology in this day and age has definitely made dating a traveler a little easier. You have a multitude of video chat platforms that can allow you to stay connected virtually anytime a day. Here are a few things to take into consideration when dating a or thinking about dating a traveler. 1. Ask yourself do I like to travel, this would most certainly help because you and your partner could potentially take trips together. 2. Be opened minded and trusting, there might be times when your partner is in location that you've always had thoughts about traveling too. Don't let your mind play tricks on you while they are gone. 3. Utilize the many video chat apps that exist today. This will at least allow you a temporary fix to see each while one person is traveling. 4. Remember why you started dating in the first place. I'm sure it was something about that person that caught your eye or attention, those are the things to lean on while you're potentially missing your partner due to travel. Overall dating a traveler is what you make it, if you want a good relationship you will do the things to make sure you have one, even if that means finally dusting off that passport and getting some stamps abroad with your partner.

Basic economy seats: Is the discomfort worth the savings? Is going basic worth the savings when you may actually end "discounting" your own comfort? Airlines are preparing to go head-to-head in the price wars and they will be duking it out for your dollars. US air carriers will institute what some may consider a downward trend when it comes to seats and comfort. A few years ago, airlines changed their seating policies in an attempt to boost revenue and came up with a new concept of seating called Economy Comfort seats. The seats were a couple of inches wider than regular seats, with an inch or two more legroom. This might not sound like a lot, but to a frequent traveler, an Economy Comfort Seat can be worth its weight in gold. In addition to increasing the legroom, this allowed airlines to also increase the price for those seats and the distance you travel determines the price. Flying from Atlanta to Orlando, an economy comfort seat could be priced at about $69, versus flying to the west coast or to another country where the price can range anywhere between $109 to $189. One thing to keep in mind while flying basic: you won't accrue as many sky miles as someone on the same flight who purchased Economy Comfort or First Class seats. If sky miles are important to you, you might want to scratch going basic off your list. Basically - basic fares are here to stay. Make a sound decision when choosing fares to ensure you're comfortable with your seat and the damage to your wallet ;-)