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:

• Opt for flights with lower carbon emissions or airlines engaged in carbon-neutral initiatives. Consider alternative modes of transportation when feasible.
• Participate in carbon offset programs (Impactful Ninja offers some great recommendations).
• Work with B Corporations or other environmentally conscious service providers whenever possible (which I try to do as much as possible).

We can further reduce our impact by adopting mindful travel practices:

• Respect local cultures.
• Patronize local businesses.
• Select wildlife experiences prioritizing animal welfare and conservation.
• Dedicate your time or expertise to support local communities and conservation endeavors.
• Inspire others to embrace sustainable travel.

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:

• Take the time to understand the purpose behind your travels so you can plan with intention.
• Crafting an itinerary can help identify areas of over-scheduling and allow you to build in time to relax.
• Embracing packing light can significantly alleviate stress, even if it means doing some laundry en route.
• Leverage technology for help during your journey, including walking directions, subway tickets, real-time translation (consider Google Translate's camera feature!), and more!
• Have a clear plan for leaving the airport and reaching your initial destination, whether by taxi, private driver, or train.
• Travel insurance provides vital protection against unforeseen health expenses and other challenges abroad.
• Consider how you wish to capture your travel memories, such as through collecting keepsakes or creating a photo album.

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. 

• Get your bearings in a new city with a simple tour. Could be a hop on/off bus, audio tour, guided tour, whatever. 
• Avoid tourist traps like waiters inviting you into a restaurant and stores filled with identical merchandise.
• Educate yourself on how to get a taxi or ride share, as it varies by country and city.
• Always have some tissues and small bills or coins on your for restrooms. 
• A good itinerary gives you time to breath and enjoy where you are (by looking at the big picture you can avoid overscheduling yourself)
• Pack light! (See my article about Mastering Carry-On Travel)
• Avoid Sunday travel if you can because it tends to be crazy by land, sea and air.
• Go out early in the day to avoid crowds (and the afternoon heat).
• Learn a few polite phrases for the country you are visiting, such as: hello, goodbye, please, thank you
• Carpe diem! Take a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, and find a way to enjoy the gift of travel.

When traveling, even small details like your luggage tag can make a big difference in keeping your belongings safe. But including too much personal information can put you at risk. Here’s a quick guide on what to include—and avoid—on your luggage tag, along with an important tip for what to do inside your bag.

What to include:

• Your name (first name and last initial are usually enough)
• Phone number (a cell number works best)
• Email address (a secure, non-work account)

What to skip:

• Your full home address (instead, you can use a business address if needed)
• Sensitive information like passport numbers or social media profiles

Pro tip: Place a card inside your luggage with your contact details and the local address of your first hotel. If your tag falls off, this gives the airline or finder a second chance to return your bag.

Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, but you must follow the immigration rules of your layover destination. For domestic layovers, American travelers can leave the airport freely. Internationally, you'll need visa-free entry or a valid visa. The same applies to American travelers with international layovers.

Types of Layovers

• Standard Layover: Less than a day between flights.
• Stopover Program: More than a day, with airlines often offering discounts on hotels and tours.

Factors to Consider

• Layover Duration: Ensure you have enough time to go through security, customs, and immigration (typically 2-3 hours). Allow extra time for transportation and avoid tight schedules.
• Customs and Immigration: Check visa requirements (transit versus tourist) and ensure your passport has blank pages for stamps.
• Carry-on Luggage: Consider storage options for your luggage if you plan to explore, or if you rent a car, you can keep your luggage in the trunk.
• Time of Day: If your layover is during business hours, you can more easily explore. For overnight layovers, you’d likely want to book a hotel where you can take advantage of a shower and a good night’s sleep.

Planning Tips

• Check a map to see the distance from the airport to your destination. Most airports are pretty far from the center of the city where most sightseeing would take you.
• Plan transportation ahead of time.
• Confirm opening hours of attractions (many museums, for example, are closed on Mondays).

Stopover Programs

Many airlines offer stopover programs with extended stays at no extra flight cost. Examples include:

• Iceland: Icelandair and PLAY offer up to 10 days in Iceland.
• Qatar: Qatar Airways allows up to 4 days in Doha with hotel discounts.
• Panama: Copa Airlines offers up to 6 nights in Panama with tour options.

These programs can turn a layover into an opportunity to explore a new destination.