The Wilsons hired a Travel Advisor, Lisa, to help them plan their annual family vacation.
Lisa was thrilled to find and book the lowest possible fares for her clients. The Wilson family of four told her that they were on a tight budget and Lisa thought airfare was a great place to cut corners. But booking Basic Economy tickets would ultimately cost them more than dollars and cents… as the Wilsons would soon find out.
Excited to begin their long-awaited vacation, the Wilsons got to their gate early but were surprised and irritated to learn that they would be in the last boarding group.
When they finally attempted to board, the gate attendant informed them that Basic Economy did not allow carry-on luggage. The Wilsons were stunned because they’d only brought carry-on luggage in an effort to save money. What were they supposed to do? The flight was leaving in 25 minutes, so their only option was to pay a checked bag fee PLUS a $25 gate handling fee, not to mention the awkwardness of feeling the condescending stares of everyone in line behind them.
Their Nightmare Was Just Beginning
With a knot forming in their stomachs and their faces red from the embarrassment, the Wilsons finally boarded the plane. Because Basic Economy on this airline does not allow for any pre-assigned seating, their seats were arbitrarily assigned just before boarding from the leftover vacancies. Mr. Wilson squeezed into 29B, a middle seat near the toilets. Mrs. Wilson discovered that she was also in a middle seat in row 32.
To their horror, their children were also in middle seats, one in row 34 and the other in row 35. Try as she might, no one was interested in swapping seats with her so that she could sit by her kids. And with the flight ready for takeoff she had no choice but to settle into her seat and hope for the best. Needless to say, the rest of their vacation was tainted by this experience early on and with the dread of knowing they would have to repeat this scenario all over again on their return flight home.
Know Before You Go
With Basic Economy, there are some very important restrictions to be aware of. Restrictions can vary by airline and some of those rules are changing as airlines receive feedback from travelers. But here are some issues to look out for:
Fees for Carry-On Bags
No Prior Seat Selection
No Upgrades Allowed
No Changes Allowed
Last to Board the Plane
Basic Economy Is Good For…
Short Flights (3 hours or less)
Traveling With Friends
Solo Travelers
People Who Don’t Mind Sitting Alone
Individuals with Only One Personal Item
Basic Economy Is Not Good For…
Families Who Want to Sit Together
Couples Who Want to Sit Together
Long Flights (4 hours or more)
People Who Prefer To Select Their Own Seats
How Do you Know if Your Ticket is a Basic Economy Class?
Airlines, online travel agents, and booking sites are required by law to disclose when they offer you a basic economy ticket. Often the words Basic Economy will be highlighted to draw your attention to the fact that it is a different class of ticket.
If you are still unsure about what to do, I suggest that you work with a knowledgeable Travel Expert who can help alleviate the confusion surrounding airline ticket classes. Not only will a Travel Expert explain the parameters of your ticket class, but they usually have access to all available flight schedules and they can find the perfect route for your upcoming trip.
If you’re planning a trip in the near future and would like some assistance with booking your flights, drop me a line. I can help!
The simple answer is no, Americans will NOT be required to obtain a visa before entering the European Union; however, we will need to apply for a VISA WAIVER called a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) beginning January 1, 2021.
What Happened?
The EU finalized this new rule last summer, but Travel + Leisure published an article last week which implied that Americans (and non-EU citizens) would need to obtain a visa before traveling to Europe. Other news agencies picked up the story and ran with it, causing lots of traveler confusion. Those news reports were misleading because American leisure and business travelers have never needed a visa for travel to Europe, nor would they need one going forward. Moreover, the process for obtaining a visa is very different from the process for obtaining a visa waiver. Nevertheless, mass hysteria ensued on social media after the T+L article published.
Watch this short video explanation on ETIAS:
Why Is An ETIAS Required?
Like most nations around the world, the EU and Schengen countries want to improve the security of their borders. They want to know who is visiting their countries before they arrive. The United States has required European and Australian visitors to apply and pay for visa waivers for years. Our system is called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The EU is simply catching up to our travel security measures.
What Do I Have to Do?
If you’re planning to travel to Europe and/or Schengen countries after 2021, you will need to complete an online form and pay €7 well before your travel dates. Your application will be processed within minutes after a quick background check. Once approved, an ETIAS is good for 3 years, though you’re still limited to a 90-day stay in the EU.
So what happens if your online application is not immediately approved online? Your application data will undergo manual processing by a member of the ETIAS staff, which may delay online . If it’s still not approved online, then travelers can appeal the decision via snail mail.
Because of the potential delays involved with implementing a new travel security system, it’s a good idea to apply for an ETIAS waiver before booking your flights.
When Do the ETIAS Changes Go Into Effect?
The ETIAS changes take effect January 1, 2021.
Here’s a nifty infographic that illustrates the process for obtaining an ETIAS visa waiver.
By now you’ve probably heard about the recent crashes of Lion Air 610 in October 2018 and of Ethiopian flight 302 last Sunday involving the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. There’s a lot of misinformation out there and fear-mongering among news organizations, so I’m here to answer some of your questions and clear up some of the misunderstandings.
Lion Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines
Should I Fly on Boeing 737 Max Planes?
I’m not a qualified pilot and therefore not in a position to assess the safety of the aircraft in passenger service here or abroad. I, like everyone else, must rely on the government (FAA) for assessments regarding the safety question.
The question has been rendered somewhat moot because on Wednesday President Trump followed the lead of the world’s aviation authorities by issuing an executive order grounding the entire Boeing 737 Max fleet in the United States. This move will impact domestic carriers Southwest (34 planes), United (14 planes) and American Airlines (24 planes) the most since they operate quite a few planes in the new fleet.
I can provide you with some backstory and some additional information about the Boeing 737 Max planes.
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United Airlines
What Happened?
Back in October 2018 Lion Air flight 610 went down in the Java Sea just after takeoff from Beirut, Lebanon, and all 189 passengers were lost. This past Sunday, on March 10th, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed just after taking off from the capital Addis Ababa, killing all 157 passengers aboard.
Both flights were operating the new Boeing 737 Max 8 planes. Two crashes within five months have passengers, pilots, airlines, and government agencies wondering about the causes.
What Exactly is a Boeing 737 Max Plane?
Boeing 737 Max planes are slightly improved versions of the Boeing 737-7, 737-8, and 737-9 aircraft. You may have flown on the latter if you regularly fly Southwest Airlines. The new Max planes feature quieter cabins, more legroom, fuel efficiencies, and can carry up to 230 passengers. For low cost carriers such as Southwest, this is good news.
The cause of Sunday’s tragedy remains undetermined, and the investigation into the Lion Air accident is ongoing. In the end, the decision to fly on the 737 MAX is one you must make for yourself after being informed of all the relevant facts.
The Holiday Season is typically one of the most stressful times of the year. I find myself getting anxious at the prospect of buying Christmas presents for friends and family near and far. One thing that causes me to lose sleep at night is trying to figure out what to buy my friends who like to travel.
Since embarking upon my digital nomad lifestyle, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what makes for a good Christmas present for people like me. I’ve slowly collected a variety of travel-related items that make life on the road a whole lot easier and pleasant.
So without further ado, here’s my list of the top 12 Christmas gifts for the frequent traveler in your life.
I bought this neck pillow at the San Francisco International Airport last year because I accidentally left my long-time favorite Bucky pillow at home right before a long-haul flight. I didn’t think much of this one at first, but it ingeniously deflates to fit in the palm of your hand. It’s easy to use and stores quite neatly in your carry-on bag, and that’s a huge benefit since I spend so many days on the road. There’s a different texture on each side, one is quite slippery and the other side has a fabric texture. The little clasp on either side anchors the pillow around your neck. Choose from blue or grey. Perfect space saver!
This eye mask is easily my second favorite thing to take on long-haul flights. I usually follow my body clock to tell me when to sleep regardless of the what the sun is doing outside the airplane window. Some times you want to sleep when there’s full sun outside or when your seat mate is watching TV in a dark cabin. This eye mask is hollow in the eye socket which blocks out the light quite effectively. They come in 2 cool colors: blue and pink. Guess which one I have?
I’ve had to travel for business when I had a cold more than once. The pain upon takeoff and landing was excruciating. It felt as thought I was being stabbed in both ears with an icepick. The pressure in my ears and sinuses were unbearable. These days, these ear plugs are essential for my long-haul flights. The tiny ceramic insert works as a release valve. During takeoff they gradually increase the pressure so that you ear canal and sinuses aren’t overwhelmed. And during landing, the process works in reverse. I prefer these over the disposable ones because they also work well for blocking out noise. Win-win!
This travel blanket is yet another travel essential in the era of ice cold airplane cabins. I cannot tell you how many times this blanket has come in handy on a flight. I’m very leery of the airline blankets given out during boarding. Do you really think the airline is laundering those blankets in between uses? This one serves several purposes. I’ll sometimes use it on short-haul flights when I’m wearing a dress or skirt to prevent indecent exposure. I’ve also used it as an extra pillow when I need a little more cushion than my neck pillow can provide (such as leaning my head against a cold airplane wall). Choose from Flight 001’s iconic pink or blue colors.
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a very real danger when you fly a lot and for long periods of times. These socks are tightly compressed to your leg and they force the blood to constantly flow even when you’re seated for long periods of time. I slip these on after boarding my flight and don’t take them off until I get to my hotel. If my lower legs and feet are swollen, I’ll often follow up with an Epsom salt bath. They’re available in a variety of colors. I personally have the purple and pink pair.
What did we ever do before the invention of packing cubes? These thin cubes save so much space in your suitcase. I designate the different sizes for different types of clothes, but you can use them in whatever way works best for you. When used in conjunction with the Flight 001 Go Clean Set, my luggage organization on trips is most definitely on point! You can buy them in blue, lime green and white.
I love the way the bags in this setkeep me ultra-organized and tidy on the road. The set includes 1 Laundry Bag, 2 Shoe Bags and 1 Stuff Bag. They’re made from heavyweight nylon material that holds dirt and grime inside, keeping your suitcase clean and organized. My favorite are the shoe bags which prevent dirt from entering my favorite Vera Bradley luggage in Purple Punch. The laundry bag is super handy to have when I want to keep my dirty clothes separate from my clean ones. Choose from blue, charcoal or red colors.
I easily travel at least 100,000 miles a year. That creates a lot of wear and tear on my body, not to mention the stress that comes from spending a lot of time in airports. I’ve recently integrated several self care strategies during my travels to ensure that I remain centered while in transit. The most effective methods are drinking plenty of water, getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and using aromatherapy. This eye mask is a wonderful way to stay relaxed before, during, and after a flight. When you’re on the ground, you can microwave it to release the lavender scent and place it on sore muscles for extra relief. It’s soft and fuzzy and smells divine!
I first encountered these filtered water bottles during my long walk on the Camino de Santiago de Compostelo in 2015. The bottle is ergonomic so that it fits in the palm of your hand comfortably. The top part is fitted with a long carbon filter so that you can safely drink potable water from fountains around the world. It does a great job filtering out fine metals. They’ve expanded their selection to now include different sizes and grips. My favorite is the sport because the plastic is a little thicker than the standard bottle, and stands up to my heavy use.
These portable power banks are workhorses when you’re on the road. They’ve saved me many times when I’ve had a full day of travel. This dual pack comes with a charging stand, but I rarely use it b/c it takes up too much space in my backpack. Instead, I automatically charge the power banks nightly using a standard USB cord.
I’ve traveled to many cities over the last couple of years and this travel adapter has saved my bacon more than a few times. It’s color coded to different parts of the world so you never have to wonder if it’ll work in your current location. Plus, Flight 001 has conveniently listed the countries by color on the outside of the box. I love this product so much that I included it in the goody bags for my William Marshal Tours guests during our trip to Ireland last year.
This is a purely indulgent gift. I usually don’t drink alcohol on flights these days because I get dehydrated quite easily. If you have a short-haul flight under 5 hours, then you might enjoy mixing your own cocktail on a flight. They have a variety of cocktails mixes to choose from: Bloody Mary, Champagne, Gin & Tonic, Hot Toddy, Margarita, Moscow Mule, and Old Fashioned.
I’m super nosy so leave a comment below to let me know which gifts you plan to buy for the frequent traveler in your life.
xoxo
Tee
Disclosure
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What is the best way to pay for things and handle local currency when traveling outside of the United States? That depends on what BEST means for you. Least expensive? Most convenient? Would you like to be able to track your expenses in one place? What’s the safest method that would protect you from theft — cyber or otherwise? What if you don’t trust ATMs? (You know who you are.) What if your credit terms are not as favorable as Aunt Lydia’s who steadfastly advises you to use a credit card? Because there are so many variables, it’s important to do your homework.
1. Using Credit Cards
Don’t leave home without them, right? Before you leave on your trip, compare the terms of different credit card and bank accounts to decide if one is better than another. Ask the following questions:
What fees do they charge to use your credit cards abroad for purchases and to withdraw cash?
Do they charge ATM withdrawal fees?
Do they charge foreign transaction fees? Remember that withdrawing cash from a credit card — a cash advance — is different than withdrawing from your bank account and will often incur higher interest rates.
What conversion rate do they use? Specifically, what are they charging TODAY? Then compare that rate to the actual conversion rate to see if there are hidden fees. Usually there is. The question is how much? To compare rates with the daily rate, use www.xe.com or their handy smart phone app.
Also be sure to contact your credit card companies and inform them about your travel plans (country you are visiting and dates) and jot down the toll free international phone number. All of this can usually be done online through the bank’s website, or you can call. Once overseas and you use your card, the bank (hopefully) will not freeze your account because they know it is you buying chocolate in Switzerland. But if an overzealous fraud prevention department freezes your account anyway, contact the bank online/by phone to verify all is well and get it working again. This takes 5 minutes.
PROS |For some, charging purchases to a credit card feels easy and keeps a record of expenses in one place. Purchases may accrue points/miles and there is a sense of security if cards are lost, stolen, or used fraudulently, because most banks will help you out and reverse inappropriate charges. If your credit account does not charge any foreign transaction fees (MOST DO) and gives you a competitive conversion rate, then this could be a smart option.
CONS |Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted around the world, but Discover and American Express may not be, depending on the location. Many small businesses, including B&Bs, don’t accept credit cards. And no matter what, you will need some cash for minor purchases. Most credit cards charge 1-3% on international transactions. Be warned, many companies that claim they do not charge international transaction fees are hiding a fee in a padded conversion rate. It may go without saying but, beware that using credit cards can be the quickest way to blow a spending budget. We’re not naming names, but remember, you have to pay the bill when you get home!
TIP | Often when making purchases abroad, a merchant will ask if you’d like to charge your card in US dollars or the local currency. Always choose the local currency. While it sounds like a nice option, this is a legal way for merchants to make a little extra from a padded conversion rate.
No, you can’t pay for things in Italy with US dollars (USD). That may seem obvious, but new travelers are often unsure. Think about it. Would your local supermarket take Pesos?
The currency throughout most of Europe is the Euro (€). The exceptions are Bulgaria (Lev), Croatia (Kuna), Czech Republic (Koruna), Denmark (Krone), Hungary (Forint), Poland (Zloty), Romania (Leu), Sweden (Krona), and the United Kingdom (Pound Sterling). So, why do most travel experts advise us to use ATMs?
PROS | This is almost always the least expensive and most convenient way to convert US dollars to the local currency. (Ask your bank all the same questions in the bullet points above, so that you can compare costs.) ATMs are everywhere, even in most small towns. And, there is still a sense of security because banks will replace your card quickly if it is lost or stolen, and most will restore any losses to fraud.
CONS | US banks often charge an ATM fee per international withdrawal — about $5 — on top of the standard conversion rate and foreign transaction fees, if any. On the other hand, many foreign banks don’t charge a fee to use their ATMs, so you aren’t being dinged twice and the $5 withdrawal fee is pretty good compared to the 1%-3% on each purchase charged by most credit cards.
TIP | Minimize ATM fees by asking your bank to increase your daily withdrawal limit (fewer withdrawals = fewer charges). One exception: If you need to withdraw cash upon arrival at the destination airport, only withdraw a small sum, as typically the exchange rates at airport ATMs are quite high.
Despite the ease and lower cost of credit cards and ATMs, many (and I mean many) travelers still use banks and exchange bureaus to convert dollars to a foreign currency. We’ve asked why, and the answers boil down to comfort zone and perceived ease.
PROS | Some people like the simplicity of physically exchanging currency for their entire trip all at once. They feel more comfortable using their banks at home or think it will be too bothersome to find ATMs while trying to enjoy their vacations. Also, if you are watching the exchange rate fluctuations leading up to your trip you could take advantage of a favorable rate.
CONS | This is the most expensive route and so we strongly advise against it. Fees are often hidden in a higher conversion rate. Plus, you will be carrying a lot of cash on you that can easily be lost or stolen. Using an ATM in another country is no harder than using one at home.
TIP | Many people change a small amount of money to foreign currency before they leave, just so that they don’t feel stranded at the airport upon arrival. At the end of your trip, instead of buying another T-shirt to use up leftover Euro or Pounds, consider hanging on to that money to have ready for your next vacation. You are now a world traveler. There will be a next adventure!
Who remembers all those American Express commercials? The world has changed a lot since then, hasn’t it? Traveler’s checks are a thing of the past — before there was a global economy and the internet.
PROS | Traveler’s checks offer safety from theft and a quaint sense of nostalgia.
CONS | Thanks to the global economy and new technology, traveler’s checks are, for all intents and purposes, obsolete. You will have a hard time purchasing them and it will be close to impossible to spend them abroad. You’ll be stuck going to currency exchange bureaus — and paying high fees — to convert them to cash.
We’ve put together a checklist of money-related items to consider before leaving on your next trip. We’d like to hear from you. Tell us some of your tips on how to handle money abroad. Are there differences when traveling in Asia, South America, Africa and other exotic locales? Let us know in the comments section.
I’m super psyched to announce that I’ve recently launched a new travel and leisure company called Time Travel Adventures. Why start something new when I’ve already got a good thing going with my other division, William Marshal Tours?
The simple answer is that I want to offer you, like-minded independent women, the opportunity to travel like you’ve never traveled before. To see the world through a different lens, to immerse you in a specific time and place, and to enable you to travel like a local as much as possible.
Sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? But you see, I’ve got the knowledge, talent, and contacts to actually pull this off. I’ve done it before with my William Marshal in Ireland Tour, and I’m confident that I can do it again, this time with a different theme and location in mind.
The market is quite crowded with other tour operators offering trips that sound very similar. Everyone seems to be heading off to exotic locations like Bali with a small horde of Millennials in tow. These outfits often hire photographers so that they can capture every twist and turn on film for Instagram. It’s a booming market and I wish them well in their endeavors. But that’s not us. That’s not what we do.
So why am I hanging my own travel shingle out? Because I want to offer unique travel experiences rather than just the same old escorted group tours. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Rushed from place to place, no time to stop and indulge in the moment, and really only scratching the cultural and historical surfaces. How many times have you come home from vacation and said, “Let’s go back next year, but this time we’ll spend more time…”
Sound familiar? I’m creating travel experiences that make you think, “That was the trip of a lifetime!” I’m offering something remarkably different in the small-group travel sphere. My soul cries out to go on the type of tours we’ve designed.
Tee on an Irish Adventure at Dunbrody Abbey & Maze
Our Tours are Different
I chose the name Time Travel Adventures because I grew up reading historical fiction and I loved the idea of going back in time to explore the people and places of days gone by. When I think of far off lands, I think the way one does with an over active imagination, of a sense of adventure. Have you ever wanted to take a road trip through Romania that follows Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula? I recently read a travel article on such a trip and it fired my imagination!
This is the type of travel that will appeal to readers of literary fiction — my kind of people! 🙂 Luckily, we’re offering a similar trip that takes you on a literary tour of Dublin writers. Or how about a trip to Northern Ireland and Donegal to explore the history of the Troubles? History geeks would unite over such a trip. My dream-come-true tour is a week-long European chocolate tour — the ultimate in decadence! Have I sparked your imagination? Can you imagine traveling with us?
We invite you to see the world through a different lens. We’ll inspire you to bring your most authentic self to experience the joys of slow, immersive travel. Leave all your cares & worries behind and follow us on an epic journey of (self) discovery and adventure.
Who am I?
I’m just like you. I’m a history geek, bibliophile, foodie, and world traveler. I have a degree in history which I enjoy using on my scouting trips when it really comes in handy. I’ve had a long and varied career in academia and in textbook sales. In my spare time I enjoyed reading historical fiction and traveling. I decided to combine those 2 loves into a new career & digital nomad lifestyle. How fun do you think it would be to travel the world in search of awesome history? I can tell you for a fact that it’s incredible rewarding and a whole lot of fun! If you’d like to know more about me, check out my profile on the Time Travel Adventures website.
Tee at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC
Where Will Time Travel Adventures Take You?
One of the things I enjoy most about my new career as a tour operator and experience designer is the opportunity to thoroughly research and explore a location. I love intentionally getting lost so that I can make new discoveries. Like that time I took a wrong turn in Alicante Spain and encountered a Medieval Moorish castle; or that time I veered off the Camino de Santiago trail and stumbled upon a yoga village. In both cases, the detour was well worth the lost time. I ended up having magical experiences!
Deep diving into the research yields amazing rewards. I get to meet locals who are eager to share with me the very best their town has to offer, from food & drink to heritage sites & excursions. I really appreciate these interactions because they give me insight into what it’s like to live like a local. And I want to pass that knowledge on to you when you travel with us.
Another important component to Time Travel Adventures is the prospect of partnering with quality travel associates. That means that I eagerly look forward to working with travel suppliers who share my travel vision, and who can provide my guests with authentic and meaningful experiences. So yeah, we’ll visit castle ruins and cathedrals, but we’ll linger; or perhaps we’ll take an extended guided tour that allows us to explore every nook and cranny of the place. Or maybe we’ll take a hot air balloon ride over the ruins of a famous abbey, or enjoy a spot of falconry on the estate of a gorgeous manor house. The sky’s the limit really.
I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of working with a travel partner who is as passionate as I am about history and travel. Shella Brenner, one of our Experience Designers, has meticulously planned a holiday trip to New York during the Christmas Season. She’s packed quite a few memorable activities into the short, 5 day / 4 night adventure appropriately titled, Silver Bells. Check it out and tell us what you think in the comments section on the website.
Tee on an British Adventure at Stonehenge
2018 Scheduled Tours
We’ve got some amazing trips planned for 2018: chocolate adventures in some of your favorite cities, a literary tour of Dublin, Ireland, a hiking & history tour of Northern Ireland, and a lot more to come. If you’re intrigued & excited and want to support a new woman-owned business, here are some things you can do to support Time Travel Adventures:
