Self love Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

Travel as an empty nester.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jan 19, 2022 | 0 comments

When children are grown and live independently, essentially leaving the nest, the parents become empty nesters. As children grow and become young adults, parents’ focus can now be more self-centered. Parents tend to do things for themselves, and travel becomes more of a priority. Traveling as an empty nester is quite different from traveling with kids and family.

Empty nester.

The empty nest syndrome occurs when parents experience loss and sadness as the last child leaves home. When my youngest left for college, I went through a period of depression and felt a loss of purpose. I had been fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom, and with nothing else to focus on, my life felt empty. It’s part of why I started EbonyTravelers, to find and explore my purpose.

The realization.

When the children leave the nest, the ultimate understanding is that adult life is beginning, and life as a parent must also continue. There is a realization that parents can start a new chapter after spending two or more decades focused on their children. So, the idea of travel without constraints becomes a strong desire, and travel plans start to emerge.

The experience.

For many empty-nesters, the focus is on the experiences that travel gives. For many empty-nesters, travel is no longer about just visiting places but enjoying the journey and the different experiences. Now that the children are gone, there tends to be a bit more disposable income. Travel tends to include premium travel and lodgings and involves more adult interests, like dining at more sophisticated restaurants and taking bucket list trips.

The destinations.

Once parents get used to the empty house, they look forward to seeing more of the world and visiting new places. They no longer must coordinate with school holidays or family schedules; they are free to travel whenever it suits them. Travel varies from beach getaways, romantic escapes, and African safaris to bucket-list destinations. Travel destinations are limitless with more money to spend and more time on their hands.

My travels now take on all the hallmarks of empty nester travel. I have more time to travel, so my trips are longer, my hotel choices are more first-rate, my dining experiences are more bespoke, and my travel is more premium. I highly encourage travel as an empty nester. Planning travel gives you something to look forward to and a great way to mark the beginning of the next phase of your life. Take advantage of your time and resources to travel the world. Have you traveled since becoming an empty nester? Are you encouraged to enjoy that phase of life? I’d like to know, comment below.

Covid Restrictions and Holiday Travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 10, 2021 | 0 comments

Recently a friend traveled from Washington DC to Egypt. She discussed with me the harrowing experience of trying to get a required Covid test for travel. With recent federal guidelines, the need for Covid testing has increased, and availability has decreased. As the holidays are a busy travel season, it stands to reason travelers needing testing during the holidays will also surge. Here are a few things to think about regarding Covid testing and the holidays.

A surge in Covid testing

Many of the issues involved with the current availability of Covid testing affect the recent executive order requiring Covid vaccination for federal employees. Companies with over 100 employees will be required to comply with the order or face significant fines. As expected, there are many questions regarding the order and implementation that need an answer. However, the demand for Covid testing has risen, and so travelers need to prepare.

Thanksgiving travel

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s usually one of the busiest times for people to travel. In 2020, many suggested curtailing travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, and many ignored that suggestion. In preparation for the upcoming busy Thanksgiving travel season, the U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act may require all passengers on domestic airlines to either be fully vaccinated, tested negative, or fully recovered from Covid.

Preparing for holiday travel

In essence, travelers should be aware of travel restrictions and Covid guidelines. They should know where their Covid testing sites are. Find out if they need to have Covid symptoms or can test as a precaution. Research the timing of their test before seeing friends and family as exposure varies. It’s also good to know the different Covid test options, PCR or antigen.

As with any travel experience, preparation is critical. Stay safe this holiday season and if you choose to travel, do it safely.

Fall travel

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Oct 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Fall is a great time to travel. Leaves are changing colors, and it can be an excellent time for a road trip. However, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. Here are a few ideas to consider as we head into the fall if travel is in your future.

Packing light.

Packing for a fall trip can be a bit tricky. Sweaters, hoodies, and jackets can be bulky to pack. One way to pack light is to think of dressing in layers. Layering long sleeves, vests, button-down shirts, and jackets make it easier to take on or off and adjust to weather changes. In addition, varying different items can refresh outfit choices leading to packing less.

Be prepared for weather changes.

Fall weather can be unpredictable so prepare for rain or sunshine. An umbrella or poncho will often come in handy. However, sunscreen and sunglasses might also be necessary. Mornings are usually cool and crisp while the afternoon warms up. In addition, rain is often in the forecast.

Off-peak deals.

Fall travel is much less hectic than summer travel as many destinations are much less crowded. In addition, fall can be one of the cheapest times to travel, and prices on airfare, hotels, and activities tend to be lower. Food also tends to be more affordable as fall festivals and seasonal changes in food make fall dining an incredible experience.

More hotel perks.

The hotel industry tends to slow down in the fall season. There are far fewer crowds, so hotels and other places offer more perks to attract business. It is easier to receive hotel upgrades, and hotel points go further than in peak season. Hotel staff is usually more attentive as they have fewer guests to serve, so the service tends to be better.

Fall sickness.

Temperature drops, more rain, and humidity tend to increase people’s risk of getting sick. Due to the change in weather, fall is often a time many people experience colds and cases of flu. This trend, along with the realities of Covid, means fall travelers should be more careful of fall sickness and try to stay as healthy as possible. Getting more exercise and sleep is a great way to enjoy a fall vacation while maintaining your health.

Do you have any plans for fall travel? I’d like to know.

My inner journey.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 15, 2021 | 0 comments

Being a mother is a never-ending travel experience. Just like taking an actual trip, preparation is vital! My recent journeys have been a bit different as I felt like my travel and motherhood journey was at an end. Yet the reality is that it is still at an inflight stage. Covid19 became part of my reality in 2020, and I could no longer consider myself an empty nester. Even though my children are in their 20’s, I immediately felt the mothering phase kick in; are you well, taking care of yourself, wearing masks, social distancing, and the like. I will always be a mother, but after becoming an empty nester, I lived my life as such, and so was an absent but present mother.

My oldest has graduated college, started a career in the USAF, and became a homeowner at 23 (shameful humble brag). My youngest is in her senior year of college and is doing well in her social and school life. She attends the number 1 HBCU Spelman College (prideful plug), responsible enough to have been a resident advisor, scholarly enough to be on the honor roll, and social enough to be on several school boards and activities.

2020 came, and the Covid pandemic was apparent. My youngest had to leave school in Atlanta, a ten-hour ride from our home in Texas. I am an empty nester, was +24 hours away on another continent. All I could do was advise. “Pack up the car and drive safely,” I said. For the next six months, I remained in Asia while my baby girl lived at home alone. The choices we made were heart-wrenching and although I constantly checked in, not being there was very difficult, so my “inner” motherhood travel journey began. Was I a bad mother? Should I be with my grown daughter instead of my husband? What were people thinking of me? Should I travel back home?

I have been home in Texas for a year now, and another inner journey has begun; am I a bad wife? Should I be with my husband? What is the right choice? How do I feel? What I do know from my lived experiences is that self-care and self-love are essential! We must acknowledge the inner journey. I live my life between two continents, North America and Asia, so my journey has to continue.

What will my next journey be like? I’m not sure, but what I do know is that I will share it with you, so keep following for more. Let’s take this journey together.

What’s your travel personality?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 8, 2021 | 0 comments

Knowing your travel personality is essential in finding joy from your travel experiences. Your travel personality is determined by how you identify yourself as a traveler. Knowing whether your travel is motivated by a thirst for adventure, to experience different cultures, or soul searching is essential. The fundamental descriptions of travel personalities are adventurous, curious, and laid-back types. If you have a luxury travel personality and end up at budget accommodations, you will, of course, not find enjoyment in your trip. Therefore, matching your travel personality with your travel plans makes a tremendous difference in the joy of your travel.

Travel personalities can range from adventurous to laid back. Adventurous travelers are usually up for anything. They are bold and independent, but they are thrill-seekers at the end of the day, and their travel choices will reflect this. Adventurous travelers are full of ideas and like to try new things. They also tend to be spontaneous, so planned trips with scheduled itineraries are not ideal for this personality.

In the middle of the travel personality range is the curious traveler. These travelers will want to try every bucket list or unique travel experience. However, unlike the adventurous travel personality, they will be attracted to in-depth tours with experienced, historical guides. Their thirst for knowledge will also often find them spending lots of time at noteworthy sites and long days of travel.

At the far range of travel, personalities are the laid-back travelers. These travelers are usually happiest at a beach destination. They are also very close in personality to spa travelers. They are generally not fussy about the destination and prefer calm and relaxing activities like the beach or pool and spa packages. In addition, they are not too fond of organized travel.

There are plenty of travel personality types to choose from. The adventurous, curious, and laid-back travel personality types are but a few. Some travelers may also be a blend of personalities. Travelers may be experiencing something in their life that makes them prefer a particular type of travel that may not fit their true travel personality.

Knowing how you identify your travel personality will go a long way in helping you to choose not only where you’d like to go but what you’d like to get from your travel experience. A bit of soul searching will help you try to find what vacation best suits you. However, if you’re planning a trip with others, knowing about their travel personality may help you design a better trip to suit everyone.

Do you know your travel personality? Do you think it’s important to know? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Reflections from Tanzania.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Aug 15, 2021 | 8 comments

Tanzania safari

What I love about travel is that you are constantly learning. In a previous blog post, I discussed how travel is more than a physical journey. My recent trip to Africa was indeed a learning experience. Here are a few reflections from my trip to Africa.

I truly felt like I returned home. My interactions during my stay were far from customer service, and it was as though I was a treasured guest. Tanzanians were warm, friendly, and genuine. There was a sincere desire to ensure that everything met my needs, not only at my accommodations but everywhere I went. It was a truly unique experience to interact without feeling targeted or a minority. I left Africa with a stronger sense of self-pride and confidence.

“Pole, Pole” Pronounced as Polay, Polay is the Swahili word for slowly, slowly. My new friend Saleh reminded me of this constantly. It was as though I forgot I was on vacation, and he had to remind me that I was. “Pole,” he said. After a while, I started to remember that the journey was just as fulfilling as the destination. I now plan for this phrase to be a part of the new me. I will take life slowly and enjoy the ride.

An African massage on a safari is not the desired perk! However, it is one you will absolutely want to experience. There are no paved roads on the safari, and you are in a four-wheeler. “Hold on,” my guide Elle said, and indeed I did. As the engine started, so did the massage. You are slung from side to side as the guide takes you on your game drive. The African massage is complimentary, painful, but extremely rewarding.

I will never visit a zoo! There is no comparison to seeing wildlife up close and personal and in their natural habitat. Patience is indeed a virtue. We waited almost two hours to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. The wait was truly worth it, and it’s an experience I will never forget. My guide Stephen jokingly asked me what “Jaz” meant? After a while, I truly understood, “just another zebra.” Sightings were plentiful and awe-inspiring. However, if I never see another Zebra or Wildebeest in my life, I’m good!

“Maisha marefu,” in Swahili, means long life. My new friend Peter set up a beautiful picnic lunch for us as we left Ngorongoro. He said that he could not think of a better send-off than to wish us a long life. I reflect on seeing the vultures in the Tarangire national park, watching the voracious eating of a zebra and the many carcasses left throughout the safari. The phrase “Maisha marefu” was a poignant reminder that life is to be treasured. It summed up my trip in the best way. Pole, Pole is the way to Maisha marefu, unless you are the prey. Lol.

As a lifelong learner, this trip was indeed a learning experience. I hope you will consider a visit to Africa, whether on a safari or a heritage trip. Africa is a destination all EbonyTravelers should take.