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Must have travel Apps.

Must have travel Apps.

by | Feb 20, 2022 | 2 comments

Almost every person has a smartphone and a mobile App they use every day.  Many travelers use their phones no matter the destination.  But now, more than ever, travelers take advantage of mobile Apps to help them through the travel process.  Whether planning a trip or getting help during a trip, some Apps can help you save time and money and make the travel journey much less stressful.  Here are three Apps I think every traveler should have.

Airline Apps.

Airline Apps have significantly improved over the past few years.  While they are not often used to purchase tickets, they are most assuredly used to enhance the travel experience.  Airline Apps allow you to see your travel itinerary and essential information such as booking codes and ticket numbers.  This information is often overlooked but can be crucial when discussing your travel with ticketing agents.  The airline app will also allow you to check in for your flight, change seats or select meal preferences.  In addition, the App will have up-to-date travel information, sometimes even before it displays on airport information screens.  Travelers can also opt-in for travel alerts to notify them of flight delays, gate changes, or flight cancellations.  Some airline Apps even allow you to watch airline entertainment from your mobile device.  These are just a few of the advantages of having the airline App when traveling.  So, if you plan to travel, check if the airline you plan to travel on has an App and download it before you go.

Flight booking Apps.

Plenty of flight booking Apps are available that all claim to help you find the best trip at the best price.  The best perk of a flight booking App is that it compares many flight options all in one place.  The best flight booking App depends on the travelers’ preferences and priorities.  Some Apps will help you with the best time to book and purchase a ticket.  Some are better if you want a guaranteed refund in the event of delay or cancellation.  Most importantly, travelers can set alerts for price drops and can take advantage of flight bargains when available.  Like airline Apps, flight booking Apps also keep all your flight information in one location, even previous booking information.  In addition, many flight booking Apps will also provide options for hotel or rental car information and suggest tourist trips or destination information.  Whether you have precise flight booking needs or flexibility with your travel dates or destination, a flight booking App is a great place to start.

Hotel Apps.

Hotel Apps allow travelers to create a more customized experience and a convenient way to discuss their hotel needs with the hotel.  Many hotel Apps now have a mobile check-in and check-out process and mobile key cards for hotel room access.  With some hotel Apps, hotel guests no longer have to interact with front desk personnel or stand in line for check-in or request a room upgrade.  The hotel App may also link other hotel services such as ordering room service, booking dining reservations, making spa appointments, or requesting your car from the valet.  Like the airline and flight booking Apps, hotel Apps allow guests to have all their booking information in one location.  If you plan a hotel stay, see if your hotel has an App, and take advantage of the many benefits it may provide.

These are just a few of the available travel Apps and I did not name any specifically because I think preference is personal.  If you want a more customized travel experience, travel Apps may help you realize a better service experience.  Do you use any travel apps?  Comment below and let me know.

How to make your holiday stay feel more at home?

How to make your holiday stay feel more at home?

by | Jan 26, 2022 | 2 comments

Most hotel rooms are standard, but you don’t have to see your holiday stay as a sterile place.  Incorporating personal touches into your hotel room can enhance the vacation experience.  Here are five ways I try to add my personal touch to a room when I travel.

Unpack.

I try to unpack whether it’s for the weekend or the week.   I hang up my clothing, spread out my toiletries in the bathroom, put my shoes out and my suitcase away.  I like my hotel room to feel like it’s my own.  I usually walk with my journal, so I leave it on the bedside table and put away all the hotel brochures.  I unpack my electronics and plug them in using one area of the room, so I won’t overlook any when I leave.

Candles.

Candles are a lovely way to fill a room with your favorite scent.  I walk with a candle warmer and place my candle on it when I unpack.  In a few hours, the smell will fill your room with a beautiful aroma instead of a sterile hotel smell.  Be cautious; however, never light candles and leave them, just as you would not do so at home.  I like to use small sample candles.  The trick is to remember to turn off your candle warmer the night before you leave, as your candle will have time to become firm for packing.  Once firm, it can stay in your suitcase for use repeatedly.

A small speaker.

If you require more volume than your device gives, then a tiny speaker does the trick.  There are so many options on the market that are tiny but pack an incredible punch for noise output.  You will listen to your music and get into the mood you desire with your music.  Please remember your neighbors and keep the volume down, especially late at night.

Your pillowcase.

For a luxurious feel, travel with your pillowcase.  For EbonyTravelers, this can be especially helpful for hair care and maintenance.  In my opinion, choosing a satin or silk pillowcase is a personal preference.  Silk is a more expensive option, but the less expensive satin is also a great choice.  Only you will know what is best for your hair type and sleeping style.  The benefit of having your pillowcase is you can use it to store your dirty clothes when you are ready to pack for leaving.

Handicap accessible room.

If possible, request a handicap-accessible room when checking in.  These rooms are typically larger in size because they are designed for wheelchair access, so doors are wider.  Outlets are more accessible, and best of all, it is illegal to charge more for an accessible room, so you’ll get more space at the same price.  Please always be considerate of those with genuine needs and know that your request may not always be honored.

Do you like to feel at home when on vacation, or do you prefer to know that you are away from home?  Please let me know in the comment section below.

No retirement regrets

No retirement regrets

by | Nov 3, 2021 | 0 comments

Since retiring from my flight attendant career, my most asked question is, do I miss it?  I do, but not in the way most people expect.  My flight attendant career gave me some of the most incredible memories of my life.  However, as I think about the job and the realities that flight attendants face now, I have no regrets about leaving the career.

Recently, a flight attendant was assaulted on an American Airlines flight and may have had her nose broken.  The assailant claimed that the flight attendant “hit her nose against the palm of his right hand” and claimed he had “psychological damage from the injury.” I have read and listened to stories about the incident, but few from the flight attendant’s perspective involved or any other flight attendant’s perspective.

According to reports, the issue began when the flight attendant informed the flight attendant of the Fasten seat belt sign.  She was doing her job!!! Contrary to what many people think, the primary duty of a flight attendant is to save lives.  They train continually and yearly for the career, guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules.  Not advising the passenger of this obvious fact was putting her job in jeopardy.

Flight attendants, like many others, are not self-employed, and they have families and loved- ones that depend on their ability to provide. Their job is governed by the rules and regulations not only of the airline but of the FAA.  Most importantly, interfering with the duties of a crewmember violates federal law.  Recently the job has brought more risk than reward.

An airline ticket is valid only to and from the cities on your ticket or trip record.  An airline will provide service as they see fit, and the flight crew does not determine that service.  The flight crew performs the service provided by the airline.  They cannot deliver items or services not provided in advance by the airline.

A flight attendant may have several flights in a day and be on several different airplanes within the same day.  Sometimes their duty days are more than 10 hours, and rarely is there time to get off the aircraft and purchase food.  More so, once duty starts for a flight attendant, there is usually no designated lunch break until the duty day ends.

The realities of Covid have not only increased stress for air travelers but flight crew as well.  Flight crews are not provided meals in many cases, and if they are, individual dietary needs are not acknowledged.  Before Covid, many airlines cut back on service, and passengers were advised to purchase food at the airport or bring their own.  

The career I left provided many opportunities to travel the world.  Currently, airplanes are more crowded, services are fewer,  and people are more frustrated by wearing masks or being told to comply.  In addition, the stress of airport security and baggage fees or allowances make the travel experience much more stressful than it ever has been.

The next time you travel, I hope you have no regrets but, more importantly, cause your flight crew to have no regrets as well.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/man-charged-after-alleged-assault-on-american-airlines-flightattendant/ar-AAQf6cP

Why choose a bespoke holiday?

Why choose a bespoke holiday?

by | Sep 1, 2021 | 0 comments

A bespoke holiday is one crafted to your needs. In most cases, it is synonymous with luxury travel and excellent service. Because I have traveled for many years, I believe some things or experiences can differentiate between a good trip and a fantastic trip. My recent African safari was one from the Elewana Collection, and here are a few reasons I chose this bespoke holiday.

The Elewana Collection is known for its unique and iconic locations. One of my recent blog posts discussed my stay at the Elewana Treetops, but each place I stayed was equally impressive. My bespoke trip to Tanzania included:

The itinerary of my safari was custom designed and well thought out. Its primary focus was to provide unique experiences in the places visited. Although the itinerary was tailored for me, I could change it at any time. All activities were well organized and timely, and options for bespoke experiences were limitless, including sunset dinners on safari, beach, and other ideal locations.

The trip included all accommodations. Because the trip covered all Elewana properties, the only check-in was on the first day. Every stay after that, we were escorted to the room by our butler. All requests went through the butler, who handled our requests efficiently and timely. It was like having a personal concierge service.

Drinks and meals were all-inclusive. Premium drinks were available for a charge, but the drink selection offered was more than adequate. In addition, the trip included all transportation to and from the lodges and camps, Kilimanjaro airport, and Zanzibar airport. All the scheduled game drives had a personal English-speaking guide for the duration of each destination.

There was no need to overpack as laundry services were available at every destination. The package also included emergency evacuation insurance. However, it did not have travel insurance. Other items not included were gratuities and tips, visas for Tanzania, and flights into Tanzania and from Zanzibar. The resort in Zanzibar provided a driver and guide, but trips to the city were at an additional cost.

If you’ve never had a bespoke travel experience, I would highly suggest one. Not having to worry about different accommodations, making travel arrangements within the country, and sorting out guides and transportation was priceless. It is so worth the expense and can be a most memorable time.

Are you interested in a bespoke travel experience? Check out my trip on Levantr and create your own bespoke travel experience. Let me know.

Travel snack ideas

Travel snack ideas

by | Apr 21, 2021 | 0 comments

In a few weeks, my colleagues from the airline industry indicate that some limited food and beverage services will soon return for airplane travelers.  It’s always a good idea to travel with your snacks as airport food is expensive, delays are unexpected but a regular occurrence, and you may have your own dietary needs.  Here are a few snack ideas to keep in mind when you plan your travel to save you money and are healthy for you.

Fruit

Fruit is one of my go-to travel snacks.  Whole fruits like apples, pears, and bananas are great to have and travel well if packed correctly.  Cut fruit is also a great choice, but it should be fully drained of liquid and chilled the night before departure.  Another great idea is to freeze grapes, and they can also serve to keep the other cut fruit chilled.  For security screening, clear Ziploc bags are best.  Please remember that most fruit and vegetables are not allowed into international destinations. You are subject to fines, so please dispose of all your fruit before leaving the airplane to be safe.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also a great idea. Carrot, celery, cucumber, and broccoli are great choices.  However, dips will have to be in containers less than 3 ounces to go through airport security, even if unopened.  Salads are also a great choice, but they do not travel well.  If your travel is over long distances and especially in the summer months, this is not a great travel snack idea. Like fruit, vegetables are also not allowed in many countries so remember to finish or dispose of them before you land in an international destination.

Smelly snacks

Avoid smelly snacks at all costs, and remember you are traveling in a confined space.  Hard-boiled eggs are an easy snack to travel with, but I would not recommend them.  Similarly, meals like smoked salmon and tuna can also be quite smelly and not great choices for travel in public transportation.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are another excellent choice as a travel snack.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are great, but if you want to make other sandwiches, it would be advisable to carry disposable condiment packages like mayo and mustard to use when ready for your snack.  Additionally, wrapping fillings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles separately makes for a fresher sandwich when you are ready to snack.

Air pressure and gas

More than anything, remember that air travel often creates gassy conditions for most travelers.  Most importantly, if you know how your body reacts to certain foods, please refrain from them on the airplane.  It creates a better environment, not only for you but for the travelers and flight attendants who have to contend with your problems. Also, many people have food allergies like peanuts, and they can be dangerous for them, so please be aware of how your snack choices may affect others.

I hope this blog post has given you pause for thought in your travel snack ideas.  Have you had any experiences carrying or having to deal with other travelers’ snack choices? I’d like to know.

Travel credit cards.

Travel credit cards.

by | Mar 25, 2021 | 0 comments

There are many different travel cards available, so it is essential to know how they differ and whether they work for you and your travel style.  Here are my five takes on travel credit cards and why you may consider using them.

1.Travel cards usually earn points or miles every time you use them.  Therefore, it means that even though you are not traveling, your simple everyday purchases could be working on getting you to your next travel destination. Some cards even offer double points for using the card at certain establishments or even during specific periods. These points can then convert to discounted hotel stays, airfare, and seat upgrades, to name a few.

2. If travel perks are one of the main reasons you choose a travel card, then it’s essential to read the fine print and understand how you can earn rewards with the card and redeem the rewards. If the card you chose only accrues perks on travel-related spending and you are not a frequent traveler, then consider another card. A card that allows you to earn points on everyday expenditures might work better for saving towards a trip.

3.If you travel consistently on a specific airline, then a specific airline-branded travel card might be worthwhile. Usual perks might include a free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, a seat upgrade, and the ability to earn elite status with the airline. You are also allowed some perks when using airlines associated with the airline-specific card, such as lounge access.

4.It’s imperative that you join the airline loyalty program and have your travel card linked to that account. As a rule, you should join the frequent flyer program of every airline you fly on as it’s free, and sometimes extra points are given just for signing up.  Also, note that you usually have to join within 24 hours of travel to get credit for the flight taken.

5. Many non-airline branded credit cards have travel perks attached. However, travelers should research what card best suits them and their needs.  Some cards advertise lounge access, but only if you are traveling first-class or internationally. Others allow access but only to the cardholder and one guest. While some only allow lounge access during a specific time before or after a flight. If you happen to be traveling with a family or stuck at the airport for an extended time, having a travel card with perks you can’t use can be frustrating.

Overall, I strongly believe in frequent flyer programs, branded and non-branded travel cards.  As a person who travels often, I choose my travel itinerary based on what best works for me and what card I hold. How about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.