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ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose for visitors to the US.
Originally it was going to go into effect next year, but now is slated to begin in 2025. It will be an online application and is proposed to cost €50.
Wondering what you might need for your travels? Sherpa has a very user-friendly tool to help search destinations worldwide.
As a frequent flyer through Delta's hub, you may have a Skymiles account. Not only can you use these miles for buying airfare, but you can also leverage them for booking Delta Vacations.
Delta Vacations provides bundled rates including flights, accommodations, transportation, activities and more. These miles can be redeemed for yourself or extended to friends and family. Furthermore, with Delta Vacations, you continue to accrue miles even as you use them.
When you use your miles toward a Delta Vacations package, their value is enhanced by at least 15%* to any destination, at any time. Whether you opt to allocate your miles for a portion or all of your vacation, you can do so either through me (or other travel advisors) or directly when booking your trip.
*More details are on the Delta website.
Though air travel poses significant environmental challenges, it's hard to envision completely abstaining from flying. Therefore, it is important to contemplate our influence on the destinations we visit.
Here are some strategies to mitigate your impact:
We can further reduce our impact by adopting mindful travel practices:
By opting for sustainable choices and embracing responsible travel habits, you can embark on worldly adventures, create enduring memories, and play a part in fostering a healthier planet for generations to come.
So, where will your sustainable journeys lead you next?
I recently had the pleasure of being part of a webinar, offering insights on reducing stress from the initial stages of trip planning to the return home.
Apart from adopting an open and flexible mindset while traveling, you can watch the presentation (linked below) for more details, but here are some key takeaways:
May your travels be marked by more smiles than stress. Now, it's time to start envisioning your next adventure!
Link to the presentation on Vimeo
In the age of Chat GPT and AI, the question arises: Will AI replace travel agents like me? Having experimented with AI-generated itineraries, here are some of my observations.
Despite inputting detailed traveler information, the results often resemble generic Google search outcomes, lacking a personalized touch.
AI struggles to grasp the individual traveler, evident in generic plans for family trips that overlook nuances like catering to a 6-year-old's interests. Additionally, it lacks the insider's perspective, missing out on local favorites born from personal experiences—hidden gems, exceptional dining, and captivating neighborhoods.
While AI serves as a valuable knowledge base, offering generic trip plans, it falls short of the imaginative and personalized touch I provide to travelers.
Despite this, tools like Google Explore prove beneficial for flight cost comparisons, allowing you to refine a search based on factors like your travel window and layover tolerance.
I will continue to use AI as a research tool, complementing it with my insights and expertise to offer travelers a truly enriching experience.
Embarking on a carry-on-only lifestyle may appear challenging, but fear not—it's a conquerable feat with rewarding outcomes, at least in my opinion!
Meet the Travelpro Maxlite, one of my travel essentials. Its feather-light design and adherence to international carry-on dimensions make it an ideal choice.
During my 3.5-week European trip last fall, this trusty bag joined me every step of the way. While I did perform a bit of laundry wizardry—once—the sheer convenience of navigating trains, cobblestone streets, and snug accommodations without cumbersome luggage made it worthwhile.
The key to success lies in pre-trip wardrobe strategizing, focusing on versatile pieces for a capsule wardrobe.
Packing cubes, a personal favorite, not only maintain order but add a touch of magic with their compression capabilities, especially handy for new discoveries on your travels. 😁
Say goodbye to lost luggage, check-in fees, and tedious waits at baggage claim. A carry-on-only lifestyle offers the freedom to anticipate your destination with peace of mind.
For those seeking expert advice on downsizing toiletries, breezing through airport security, and more, I share a wealth of tips and curated lists with my clients.
I plan to organize at least one "travel with me" trip per year. Starting in 2023 with a group of women in Greece, 2024 I am heading to Morocco. If you'd be interesting in learning about future trips like this, be sure to let me know!