Guest Post:  Chelsea Lamb at BusinessPop
 
If you’ve ever taken the whole family on a long trip, you’re well aware of the logistical demands, especially if you have young children. It’s far more complicated than traveling as a couple. For families that like to go abroad, there are passports to obtain and keep up to date, and everyone needs vaccinations.
 
If the kids are in school, it may be difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedules. Families that travel by car often have to find ways to entertain their children and keep them from fighting (talk about fearless voyagers!).
 
People who travel with the whole “troop” often return home wishing they’d had this or that item to help make things go just a bit easier. This is a great option for friends and family looking for holiday gift ideas. Travelers always need something to carry things in, something to while away the time in the air or on the road, information about their destination, and lots more.

The sky’s the limit!  Allen Batista Travel, Inc. presents a guide to help make your travels happy!

Think Destination
Traveling to a new destination, foreign or domestic, is always exciting, but it generally takes a day or two to get your bearings and a good feel for where things are. Why not give the gift of a head start by doing some research and purchasing tickets to a popular tourist destination ahead of time.

That will help your friends or family members kick-start their itinerary while they get a sense of how to make the most of their time. Combine it with a nice lunch or dinner, and you’ve got a fun and convenient start to a great vacation.

Games and Activities
One ironclad rule of vacation travel is that kids need something to occupy their time, especially the young ones. It’s not their fault; they just aren’t used to being penned up in a car or airplane for hours on end. Games and activities that occupy their minds and allow them to use their hands creatively can make a big difference.

The Lonely Planet kid’s journal is a fun way for kids to write down their thoughts and feelings about their trip. Who knows? It may lead to a career in travel writing. If games are what they like, you can’t go wrong with old reliables like Uno or more modern favorites, such as a handheld gaming device. The Nintendo Switch is a popular choice, as it has access to apps like Hulu as well as video games.

Toddlers present a different challenge when it comes to traveling. They need something that keeps their hands busy. How about a gift that allows them to take part in the journey while allowing them to travel in style?

The Trunki Ride-On toy and suitcase is big enough to accommodate clothing, books, and games but small enough to fit in an overhead compartment. It’s on wheels and includes a towing strap, which lets little ones pull their own weight (until they ask mom to carry it for them, of course).

Convenient and Attractive
Parents have a lot on their plate when it comes to vacationing. They’re responsible for everything of importance, such as passports, medicines, USB sticks, keys, and anything that cannot be lost. That’s what makes a good travel organizer such a useful gift. The BUBM Universal Double Layer case can handle your essentials, as well as an iPad, your toiletries, and more. 

If parents are traveling with small children or toddlers, another great gift is the Piggyback Rider backpack carrier. This product is a standing backpack that you can place your child in. It’s a great way to transport your child, especially in rougher terrain where strollers won’t work. Your child will love the view.

Don’t Forget About Home Security
There’s so much to plan and coordinate, it can be easy to forget about home security. Set up security cameras and doorbell cameras that you can access through your smartphone or tablet. You may also want to have your locks examined by a professional for added peace of mind. Find a locksmith locally who can take a look at your locks before you head out.

One measure of a successful vacation is how smoothly it goes and to what extent problems can be avoided. The best gifts you can give a traveling family are ones that allow everyone to focus on fun, not logistics.

Allen Batista Travel is here to help families create memories of a lifetime.

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.
 

 
Guest Blog:  Marjorie McMillian at Come on Get Well

Most of us are itching to put our traveling boots back on. And, as the world slowly begins to reopen, many of us are. But, the pandemic not only closed our favorite destinations, but it also caused a significant shakeup in our economy.
 
Here are some tips from Allen Batista Travel on how to travel in 2022 without blowing your budget or putting yourself at risk unnecessarily.
 
General Travel Tips
 
Travel has changed dramatically since the declaration of the 2020 pandemic. Here are a few bullet points to remember as you plan your pandemic/post-pandemic trip.
 

• Eat healthfully. Eating healthy on vacation is, fortunately, one of the best things you can do to keep costs down. Tips here include limiting alcoholic beverages and sticking as close as possible to fruits and vegetables, ideally from local vendors.

 

• Be prepared. Although a few areas have started to reduce mask restrictions, you’ll still want to be prepared. Make sure to pack, at minimum, a few face coverings, hand sanitizer, and antiseptic wipes. Target is a great place to get these and other travel accessories you’ll need to keep yourself safe. And, to save even more, you can easily find coupons and promotional codes online.

 

• Stay informed. We generally plan trips months ahead of time. In today’s climate, these plans may need to change in nearly an instant. Make a point to confirm hotel and transportation availability and policies a couple of days before you go. Many hotels now offer free cancellation within 24 hours, but cancel as soon as possible to avoid fees.

 

• Prep your home. The last thing you want to do is return from a vacation to a messy home, so before you take off, give it whatever attention it needs. Addressing issues like broken windows, faulty locks, etc. costs a little money up front, but it's worth the cost because you'll avoid damage to your home by weather (or burglars).

 
Even a small crack in a window could turn into a big problem when you're gone if there's a storm and debris hits it and breaks it, allowing rain or snow to get in. Luckily, finding a professional to assist in window repair is easy with Angi’s ratings and reviews system.
 

• Invest in a few pieces of tech. While you don’t have to blow your vacation budget on a bunch of pieces of new gear, there are a few essentials worth buying before you jetset. If you’re taking a road trip, pick up a car charger that will keep your phone and tablet powered up.

Another piece worth buying is a power bank your phone can plug into from anywhere. Lastly, consider picking up a Chromecast, which will allow you to stream videos on your hotel or vacation rental’s TV right from your phone — it’s a great way to keep kids occupied during your downtime.
 
Save Travel Options
 
If you know you’re ready to begin traveling again, you probably already have an idea of your destination. For most of us, it’s the beach, mountains, or to visit friends and family that we haven’t seen in the last year. But, what’s the best way to get there?
 

• Flying. Plane tickets are starting to pick up in price, but flying still remains an affordable option, particularly if you’re going to travel cross country. As an added perk, airplanes have advanced air filtration systems. And, as of the first quarter of 2021, all passengers continue to be required to wear a mask.

 

• Train. Train travel is fun, affordable, and gives you a unique view of the landscape that you can’t get from the air. Like an airplane, train cars are outfitted with air filtration systems. And if you don’t want to ride coach, you can book a private room. Amtrak even offers complimentary meal service for private room passengers.

 

• Driving. Driving is the preferred means of travel for families that want to stick together and reduce their exposure to the coronavirus. Driving with members of your own household is no less safe than living with them in the first place.

 

• And, aside from gas and perhaps an oil change, you don’t have to worry about fees associated with taking your own vehicle. The caveat here is that if anyone you’re traveling with becomes ill, it is much more difficult to avoid droplets from their coughs and sneezes since your vehicle does not have a hospital-grade filtration system.

 
As we continue to learn more about the virus and vaccines become available to a global audience, the world is opening back up. Signs of progress are already in place, and that is measured by the number of people traveling away from home.
 
When you’re ready, remember to have the basics on hand and know which mode of transportation you’re most comfortable with. Remember, the goal is to arrive at your destination happy and healthy.
 
Allen Batista Travel can help savvy travelers -- individual, groups, family reunions -- with roundtrip airfare, hotel, cruise vacations, packaged tours and car rentals. Call (917) 371-3753 or email us at [email protected].
 

image: Pexels


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Guest Blog:  Marjorie McMillion at Come On Get Well
 
Vacations mean something different to everyone, but most of us just want to travel, relax, and take some time away from the grind of daily life. Some want to experience new things alone, while others want to be in a group. Whether you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones or go to an event with friends and family, there are some considerations you’ll need to make to ensure your trip stress-free.
 
Vacations require planning, but maybe not in the way that you think. The best way to plan is to give allowance for delays and things that can go wrong. It’s good to be organized, but you have to remember to have fun and just laugh when things get a bit chaotic.
 
Here are some tips to have a relaxing vacation, presented by Allen Batista Travel, Inc.
 
Plan early
 
You usually have more choices of accommodation and rates are usually lower if you book well in advance. Make preparations early to ensure that you can secure a place that everybody likes, especially if you’re traveling in a group. Everyone has different preferences, and taking these into consideration early will avoid possible hiccups.
 
Pack everything you’ll need for the trip a week earlier. If there are things that you can’t pack yet, such as your laptops, tablets, and phones, just make a checklist and prepare them the night before so you don’t forget. Speaking of gadgets, it’s a good idea to pack an extra charger or two. Things can happen during the trip, and it would be a shame if someone misses out on a memorable moment because their phone gets drained. Plus, having charged gadgets means less time being bored during downtime (which is more true for kids).
 
Of course, your packing will ultimately be determined by what you’re doing on vacation. For instance, if you decide to take a camping trip, you’ll need a completely different set of supplies and clothing compared to a weekend trip to a theme park. Remember to read plenty of reviews before you purchase any gear, regardless of where you’re headed on your getaway.
 
Know the Latest Travel Rules
 
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new world order, especially as it pertains to health and safety measures.  It is always good to stay abreast CDC guidelines as it pertains to Covid-19 vaccines, testings and digital passes for entry to a specific country, as well as the testing requirements to re-enter the United States.
 
With some many variables as it pertains to the Delta and Omicron variants, it is always wise to get travel insurance to protect yourself while traveling abroad.  Consumer Advocate has in-depth guide providing travelers invaluable tips for selecting traveling insurance.
 
Remove the worry
 
Traveling brings enough worries--packing, keeping little ones entertained, getting everyone on the same schedule--so it’s important to eliminate them when you get the chance. One good way to do this is to make sure everything is taken care of at home for the duration of your trip.
 
Talk to your neighbors about where you’re going and when you’ll be back; secure all doors and windows and consider installing a home security system that you can check on a tablet or smartphone while you’re away. Knowing your home is safe and sound will give you more peace of mind and allow you to relax better.
 
Keeping your finances secure while traveling is very important, especially if your journey takes you far from home or even out of the country. Christine Sarkis offers several useful tips, such as carrying a dummy wallet and dividing your money between several safe spots.  If you travel abroad and hit a snag, keep in mind there are low-cost ways to receive funds from the US, etc. When you're vacationing in places such as the Dominican Republic, Cancun, or Rio, there are money transfer services that cost little or nothing to get funds to you fast.
 
 
Keep the kiddos happy
 
If you’re traveling with kids, there are several ways to make things easier on everyone, notes Upgraded Points. You can start by having plenty of snacks and drinks on hand, but it’s also a good idea to plan a few activities to prevent boredom. Once the kids are old enough, let them use a camera. It will make them more aware of their surroundings and remember more about the trip. Also, make sure that there’s a phone, tablet, or gaming console that they can play with.
 
It’s also important to schedule time for exercise or physical activity; that way, the pent-up energy your children have stored during the trip can find a healthy outlet.
 
Try to explain to the kids what the itinerary is and what they should expect from the trip. The more they understand what’s going on and what they can look forward to, the more comfortable they will be with accepting new experiences.
 
Unplug
 
It can be hard to completely disconnect from social media and emails for a few days, but when you’re on vacation, it can be helpful to unplug when you don’t need to be reached. Refrain from looking at your phone unless you need to use it, and let everyone know that you’ll be unreachable while you’re away, as per Mindsoother. Remind yourself that it’s OK to let some emails go until you get home. This will help you fully recharge and stay focused on your trip rather than getting distracted.
 
Remember that if you’re traveling with friends or family, there may be people who have different ideas on how to have fun, and that’s OK. Don’t try to schedule every minute of your trip. Instead, go with the flow and allow yourself to have a good time.


Photo credit:  Unsplash