Insider Knowledge and Travel Tips Blog Posts

Here is the collection of The Keys to Tavel travel tips blog posts in one location answering all your travel questions.

The 5 Most Important Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

February 4, 2021/in Travel Tips

After a year like 2020, I have come to realize now more than ever the value of a travel agent’s services. If things like time, experience, and support are important factors to you, you should definitely consider the use of a travel agent’s services for your next vacation.

Travel agents do everything they can to make sure you have the best vacation possible. Our value starts before we even talk to you! We continually do trainings and tours to stay up to date on everything in the travel world. From before we meet you to way after you return from your vacation, we are here to help travelers. So, what specific benefits are there to you for using a travel agent?

Here are the 5 most important reasons to use a travel agent:

1. Use a Travel Agent to Reduce Stress

Travel is complicated these days. Planning a vacation can be very stressful. From worrying about weather, to flight delays, to current travel requirements that change almost daily, to wondering if you’re picking the right hotel for your trip, and so much more, there are a lot of pieces to consider that go into planning a great vacation. Save your sanity and use a travel agent to reduce your stress. My motto is: I am here to help you travel more and stress less!

Glass of champagne on a boat. Reduce stress when using a travel agent.

2. Expert Experience

Did you know that during one of my work trips to Jamaica I toured 18 different resorts in 3 days? Yeah, it’s pretty crazy, but because of this I know the best options to recommend for your vacation because of experience. Travel agents tour resorts to truly get a feel for the experience. We build relationships with hoteliers and tour operators so we know who will go above and beyond for our clients. If you have a question about anything from day one of planning all the way to your return flight home, we probably have an answer because we have seen it all and experienced it first hand.

You use a hairdresser to cut your hair, a financial advisor to help with finances, and a mechanic to fix your car. Why wouldn’t you use an expert, a travel agent, with one of your biggest investments – travel?

Benefit of using a travel agent is personal experience.

3. Use a Travel Agent to Elevate Your Experience

Travel agents are experts in travel, which comes with benefits for our clients. Travel agents build relationships with hotels and travel partners all over the globe to be able to give you exclusive VIP service and insider access. Are you a honeymoon couple? I know the resorts that will elevate your vacation with a room upgrade, champagne, candle-lit dinner on the beach, and more. Are you celebrating a milestone birthday? I know the hotels that will spoil you with decorations and cake throughout the day. You’re on vacation, let’s make sure you have the best experience possible!

Happy Birthday Cake at Resort. Elevate your vacation experience when you use a travel agent.

4. Personal Support

Travel agents are real people, not websites. If anything goes wrong, I have your back. I care about each and every one of my clients. Especially today when everything seems to be changing in the travel industry daily, it’s important to have a human on your side to help you navigate. Travel agents are there to help answer any and all questions you have. And most importantly, we are there for you if anything goes wrong. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing you have a human on your side to help reduce stress, too!

5. Use a Travel Agent to Save You Time

Travel agents came to be before the wonderful thing called the internet. It was incredibly difficult to book your own travel before the internet. Then the internet came and the act of booking a hotel, air, and car rentals became pretty easy. But now this wonderful tool has become incredibly overwhelming. Did you know that Cancun alone has around 30,000 hotel rooms. And that isn’t counting Riviera Maya. How are you supposed to dig through the numerous resort options to pick the right one for your vacation? And if you do find one you like, how can you guarantee it will actually provide the quality they state on their website? And what about all the new travel regulations in place? How are you supposed to stay up to date with all the new rules for testing, quarantining, and more?!

Planning your vacation shouldn’t take you more time than the actual trip! Since we work every day in the travel world, we can easily cut through the maze of selections online. Based on our expert experience, we can create a customized itinerary ideal for your vacation. All while saving you precious time.

Your travels are one of your most important investments- of time, money, and life experience. Why NOT use a travel agent? Here are the types of vacations you should definitely use a travel agent.

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The 5 Most Important Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

What its like to travel right now feature photo

What It’s Like To Travel Right Now In 2020

August 7, 2020/in Travel Tips

What’s it like to travel during a pandemic? Well, I decided to find out! At the end of July 2020, my husband and I traveled from Colorado to Antigua to celebrate my birthday and see what it’s like to travel right now in 2020. This was our first time traveling since February before the pandemic hit. Although quite a few policies and protocols have changed, traveling right now wasn’t as drastically different as I thought it would be.

Here is an overview of what it’s like to travel right now (summer 2020).

**Note- Policies are continually changing, so if you have questions about travel when you’re reading this, please reach out and I’ll be happy to share what I know.**

Domestic Air Travel

What it's like to travel right now. Wearing a mask in the airport during COVID pandemic

What its like to travel right now. Looking out the plane window at the plane wing

At the start and end of our trip, we flew domestic flights, so we were able to see what it is like to travel right now domestically. From Colorado to Antigua, we flew on American Airlines with a 23-hour layover in Miami. From Antigua back to Colorado, we flew Delta Airlines with an overnight in Atlanta.

Parking

When flying, we normally park our car in long-term parking at the airport. A few days before our trip, I realized that most of Denver International Airport’s parking lots are shut down due to social distancing issues on shuttles from the parking lots to the airport. We ended up riding Lyft to the airport instead. All Lyft drivers and passengers are now required to wear masks and most Lyft drivers now have partitions between the front seat and the back seat to protect everyone.

Airports

The airports were not as busy as normal, but busier than I anticipated. We flew through Denver, Atlanta, and Miami, which are normally some of the busiest airports. There weren’t many lines at all. Most restaurants were not open. If they were, they spaced out the tables and chairs to make for social distancing. Throughout the airports, everyone was doing their best to social distance and wearing masks.

Airlines

American Airlines currently does not have any seat restrictions. When we boarded our flights, there were three people to a row. Luckily, our flights were not full, so once everyone barded, we were able to spread out and it was just my husband and myself in a row.

Delta Airlines is restricting all middle seats on all flights, which is only putting their flights at max 60% capacity.

Both American Airlines and Delta Airlines are not doing food/beverage services in the main cabin. When you board American Airlines, they hand you a baggie with water, snacks, and hand sanitizer wipes. When you board Delta Airlines, they hand you hand sanitizer wipes, and then when in the air, they walk around with baggies with water and snacks inside.

Biggest Changes to Domestic Air Travel Right Now

Restrictions on parking at airports.
Masks required in the airport and on planes.
Scan your own ticket at TSA.
Delta Airlines is restricting seating to no middle seats.
American Airlines flights were not full, so we were able to spread out.

Biggest Challenge

It’s always difficult to get from Colorado to the Caribbean. During normal times, most flights leave Denver at 1am. With the pandemic and way fewer flights happening, our biggest challenge was finding decent flight itineraries that got us to Antigua and home. This is why we ended up with an overnight in Miami on the way to Antigua and an overnight in Atlanta on the way home.

International Air Travel

Airplane wing up in the sky with clouds. What it's like to travel right now in 2020.

Antigua was one of the first Caribbean islands to reopen for tourism after the pandemic shutdown. At first, they weren’t requiring negative COVID tests upon arrival, but now they are.

Biggest Changes to International Air Travel Right Now

Before boarding the plane, travelers must show a negative COVID test, passport, and Antigua entry form.
No food/beverage service. You receive a baggie when boarding with water, snacks, and hand wipes.

International Travel

Sandals Grande Antigua grounds with views of the ocean

Obviously, each country has its own new policies on reopening for tourism. Antigua was one of the first Caribbean islands to reopen after the pandemic shutdown and although they have made slight changes to policies along the way, the process has been going smoothly. It is wonderful to see these islands (safely) accepting tourism again to help the local economy.

For Antigua, they are now requiring negative COVID tests taken within 7 days of arriving. Also, they are reopening resorts in phases and each resort must pass a certification process to reopen. Land and water-based excursions are reopening in a phased approach similar to the resorts. You can go on excursions with approved vendors that have passed appropriate inspection, training, and certification y the Ministry of Health and Tourism Officials.

Biggest Changes to International Travel Right Now

Must show a negative COVID test upon arrival.
Fill out an additional entry form.
Temperature checks upon arrival to airport and resorts.
Masks required in all public places.

Views of the beach at Hammock Cove in Antigua

Overall Biggest Changes to Travel Right Now

There really isn’t much of a difference from what you are doing at home to stay safe than what you would do while traveling.

Where a mask.
Social distance.
Sanitize.
Wash hands.

Overall, we felt very safe traveling. Airports, airlines, customs, and resorts are going above and beyond to keep people safe and everything clean. I was very happy we were able to travel to Antigua for my birthday. It was great to celebrate a new milestone while supporting the locals during what has been an incredibly difficult year for a country that relies on tourism for income.

What have been your experiences traveling right now in 2020?

A view from the white sandy beach with turquoise blue waters in the Caribbean at Sandals Grande Antigua to see what it's like to travel right now in 2020.

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Swim Up Suites at Azul Beach Negril resort

Everything You Need to Know for Your First Trip to an All-Inclusive Resort

June 14, 2020/in Hotels, Travel Tips

As a travel agent, I get a lot of answers about all-inclusive resorts. Each resort is unique, but there are quite a few questions that are general enough to apply to each one. I wanted to compile a resource for you to go to whenever you have a question about vacationing at an all-inclusive resort. For this blog, I am focusing on the traditional all-inclusive resorts located in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about all-inclusive resorts.

Where are all-inclusive resorts located?

Traditional all-inclusive resorts are located in Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and a few other Caribbean islands. There are some traditional all-inclusive resorts sprinkled throughout the world, like where I went for my honeymoon in the Maldives, but most are found in Mexico and the Caribbean.

How do you choose a resort? How does one compare the different resorts?

With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one would be a good fit for your vacation. This is where working with a travel advisor comes in handy. There are travel agents that specialize in all-inclusive resorts (like me!) I visit and tour all-inclusive resorts, build relationships with the staff, and take classes to learn about each resort. All of this helps me know which resorts to recommend to you, and which ones are best to avoid. You can try and compare resorts online, but photos can be deceiving. It’s best to consult with people that have actually visited these resorts and have first-hand experience.

Balcony with hot tub at UNICO 2087 in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it?

Like most things in life, this isn’t a simple yes or no answer. It all depends on the type of vacation you are looking for. I go into great detail on this question here. Check this blog out and if you still are wondering if an all-inclusive resort is the right choice for your next vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com, and I can help answer your questions.

What is included at an all-inclusive resort?

For the most part, all food, drinks, non-motorized water sports, onsite activities, and accommodations are included at an all-inclusive resort. The type of quality of these inclusions depends on the resort.

Room service is sometimes included. Some resorts, like Sandals Resorts, only allow room service for certain room categories. If this is important to you, make sure to check with the resort or your travel agent prior to booking.

Room service breakfast in the hotel room at UNICO 2087 All-Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya Mexico

What is not included at an all-inclusive resort?

Most of the time spa treatments, excursions off-site, motorized water sports, specialty services like a private dinner on the beach, and airport transfers are not included in the price of your stay at an all-inclusive resort.

Some resorts do include these things in their all-inclusive price. For example, UNICO 20*87 and Hard Rock Resorts include certain spa treatments and excursions in their all-inclusive price. You just have to pay a 25% service fee. Couples Resorts and Sandals Resorts include transfers to and from the airport.

If you want to spend a lot of time at the spa, for example, choosing a resort like UNICO 20*87, although maybe slightly more expensive upfront, could save you money in the long run. Check with your travel agent to find the best resort for your specific vacation wishes.

Is alcohol included at all-inclusive resorts? If so, is there a limit on how much you can drink?

Yes, alcohol is included at all-inclusive resorts. Some resorts include top-shelf liquor in their all-inclusive price, and some you have to be in a preferred status room to get top-shelf liquor or pay an additional cost. There aren’t limits on how much you can drink, but the staff definitely have the ability to cut off anyone who is over drinking.

Margarita at the beach at Paradisus Los Cabos

Shot of tequila at the pool at UNICO 2087

How do they deal with dietary restrictions?

Many resorts are very conscious of dietary restrictions. For the resorts I have visited, the staff will ask you about any dietary restrictions while seating you for your meal. When it is a buffet style situation, they often have signs sharing what is in each food item. If you have any concerns, just make sure to ask!

Do you have to tip?

That is completely up to you. I personally always bring about $50-$100 per trip for tipping for exemplary service. I recommend tipping $5 for transfer drivers, $1-$3 per bag for bellmen, $1 per drink for the bartender, and $1-$3 per person at a meal. If you do get a butler, it is recommended to tip. You can tip each day, or do one large tip at the end of your stay. If you tip at the end of your stay, I recommend tipping $20-$30 per person.

Some resorts have tipping included in the price. For example, Sandals Resorts do not allow you to tip, unless you have a butler. The staff that accept tips at these resorts can actually get fired. Another resort brand that does not allow tipping is Couples Resorts, located throughout Jamaica.

Are there adults-only all-inclusive resorts?

Yes, there are all-inclusive resorts that are adults-only. These are perfect for travelers that need a break from the kids at home, honeymooners, couples getaway, groups like Bachelorette parties, and adults celebrating big milestones, like birthdays. Here are some of the best resorts for an adults-only vacation.

What are good all-inclusive resorts for families?

Some of my favorite all-inclusive family resorts are Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resorts, Azul Beach Negril, Dreams Resorts, Hyatt Ziva Resorts, and Beaches Resorts. These resorts provide a great variety of entertainment for family members of all ages. I think it is important for resorts to have plenty of variety from food options to beach activities to pools and nightly entertainment in order to make a family vacation memorable for everyone.

Kid splash area at Hard Rock All-Inclusive Resort Riviera Maya in Mexico

Is there a list of onsite activities to choose from or do you plan those yourself?

Yes! Each resort shares their daily onsite activities. Some resorts have an app that they update daily. Others will print out a daily list of onsite activities. These activities can range from morning group fitness classes to afternoon tequila tasting, to evening live music.

If you don’t want to participate in planned, group activities, you can always use the non-motorized water sports at your leisure, hit the gym for a workout, or play games like ping pong that can normally be found around the resort.

How can I support the local economy besides the resort?

Go on an excursion or take a tour off the resort! There are plenty of quality local tour guides that you can book an excursion with. If you need help finding a reputable company to book an excursion with, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

Some resorts, like UNICO 20*87, provide easy ways for guests to help support the local economy. UNICO 20*87 has a program called Vacation for a Cause. It is a very simple volunteer program. They provide a list of needed items on their website and all you have to do is bring those items to UNICO when you visit. The staff then brings the donations to local non-profit organizations in their community. Before heading to your resort, check to see if they have any programs like this that you can participate in.

Volunteer for a Cause program at UNICO 2087 All-Inclusive Resort

What are some good tips to know when vacationing at an all-inclusive resort?

Bring cash for tips
Bring a reusable tumbler
One of the best tips I have for vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is to bring your own insulated tumbler for drinks. This helps keep your drink cold at the pool all day long and cuts down on the number of trips to the bar.
Clothes & reservations for restaurants
Some restaurants have a dress code and require reservations. Make sure to check on this before arriving at the resort.
Sunscreen
Some resorts provide sunscreen, but most do not. Don’t forget to pack your own because purchasing sunscreen the onsite gift shop can get very pricey.
Book excursions & activities on-site or with your travel agent before
You can book off-site excursions right at your resort. If you know exactly what you want to do on vacation, ask your travel agent to book the excursions for you beforehand.
No need to bring a beach towel
There is no need to waste space in your luggage with a beach towel. The resorts provide them for you.
Activities schedule
If you don’t get a schedule of onsite activities when you check-in, make sure to ask for one! You want to make sure to take advantage of everything the resort has to offer while on vacation.
Just ask
If you forgot something, need something, or have a question, just ask! The staff at all-inclusive resorts want to help provide the best experience possible and will often go out of their way to help.

Need help booking your next vacation? Fill out this questionnaire, and I will contact you shortly!

Woman drinking from a coconut at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica

Azul Beach Negril outdoor restaurant view of the beach and ocean

5 of the Best Travel Books To Read During COVID-19 Isolation

April 13, 2020/in Travel Tips

This blog post includes affiliate links for travel books – which means I earn a small commission if you use purchase through them. It doesn’t change the price on your end, but rewards me for sharing with you!

I love to read. I think it boils down to my love for travel. Both reading and travel bring me to a different place. I get to experience a different life, a different story when reading and traveling. So when I am not traveling and find a good book that combines a good story with travel, I am in my happy place. Since we can’t be traveling right now, it is the perfect time to dig into a lot of good travel books. I put together a list of seven travel books you should read, but I’d love to add more to my list. Let me know what travel books you love to read in the comments.

Here are the best travel books to read during the COVID-19 isolation!

Travel Book #1
The Yellow Envelope by Kim Dinan

This may be one of my favorite travel books. It’s definitely a feel-good book about the power of travel and giving. A couple decides to pack up and sell all their belongings and go travel the world. Before they leave, a neighbor gives them a yellow envelope with money inside. Their instructions are to give the money away to those they encounter on their journey. The story is about learning money isn’t always the most important thing you can give another person. The Yellow Envelope is a story about how travel stretches and pushes a person and the power of giving more than just money. It will definitely give you a different perspective on the world and those around you the next time you travel.

Travel Book #2
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Ok, this is my second favorite travel book. Instead of the normal self-help and research books out there, this one is written by a journalist. Eric Weiner takes on a different perspective when searching for what makes someone happy. He travels through many different countries, that are all on different parts of the happiness scale. It’s interesting to see what makes people happy in Iceland is completely different than what makes people happy in Switzerland. Is there really a “right” answer to finding happiness? This book makes me want to go on my own journey around the world of finding out what makes each country’s people happy!

Travel Book #3
A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett

This one is darker and a heavier read than the first two I recommended. It is based on a true story of a woman’s experience being captured and held hostage in Somalia for 460 days. It is amazing to read of this woman’s true experience and what helped her get through an incredibly horrific experience.

Travel Book #4
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

You have probably heard of this book and/or seen the movie created based on the novel, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I actually read the book and then watched the movie on the plane ride to Italy! This book is a memoir of the author’s trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia after her divorce. Travel is an incredible gift that can help anyone going through a difficult time or change in their life. Read this story to see the journey Elizabeth Gilbert goes on while searching for her own true happiness. It will also probably make you want to go visit at least one of the three countries she visits throughout the book!

Travel Book #5
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

This is another book that has been turned into a movie and another book about going on a personal journey after great loss. Wild is a memoir about Chery Strayed’s journey of losing her mother, then her marriage and family and going on a trek on the Pacific Crest Trail to heal. It’s a pretty good book filled with suspense, sorrow, and laughter and makes you feel like anything is possible. After reading this book, you will feel like you can overcome any obstacles thrown your way

Bonus! Travel Book #6
The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett, Amanda Pressner

I haven’t read this book yet, but I have heard so many good things about it that I had to add it to my list. This is a story about three girls coming up on their 30th birthday and decide to leave everything to travel the world for a year. They travel to four continents and push themselves out of their comfort zone in hopes of finding inspiration and direction. Traveling and exploring the world with some best friends sounds like an amazing book to me. I can’t wait to read it!

When we can’t physically be traveling, books are a great way to be taken to a new place and a new world. What books have you read that inspires you to travel or visit a new place? I’m always looking for new books to add to my list.

How To Enjoy Travel From Home While Waiting Out The Coronavirus

March 15, 2020/in Travel Tips

Well, this one has been a doozy I don’t think any of us saw coming in 2020! Coronavirus, you may win for now, but THIS TOO SHALL PASS! Some people have chosen or been forced to reschedule or cancel their travel plans for the next few weeks. Don’t worry! In the meantime, I have put together a list of travel ideas for you to enjoy while stuck at home until you can get out there and explore again!

Here are ways to enjoy travel from home while waiting out the coronavirus.

Make Photo Books of Your Past Travels

I can’t be the only one who has all my photos of past vacations just sitting on my computer?! Now would be a great time to actually do something with those vacation photos. Find a photo book company where you can upload your travel photos and either have them automatically made into a photo book or if you are feeling a bit more creative, you can organize them yourself into a photo book. Then have them printed and in a week or two, you will have all your vacation photos physically printed out. These also make for great coffee table books. Some of my favorite photo book companies are Mixbook*, Artifact Uprising*, Chatbooks, and Blurb.

travel photo books is a way to enjoy travel from home

Check Out Pinterest and Think About Where You Want to Travel Next

One of the best sources of travel planning and travel dreaming is Pinterest. You can find just about anything you need on there and it’s visually pleasing. Make your own boards and pin inspirations for the trip you want to take next. You could make a board for US destinations, a road trip around New Zeland, honeymoon dream destinations, or bucket list trips. The options are endless! I’ve gathered quite an array of travel inspiration on my Pinterest page. Click here to follow me and browse my Pinterest boards.

The Keys to Travel Pinterest Account to view to enjoy travel from home

Prepare for Future Vacations by Purchasing Travel Insurance

I always recommend purchasing travel insurance for your vacation, but especially now. You just never know what is going to happen where you will need help protecting your vacation investment. You could have a death in the family, you could go to the ER the night before your vacation, you could lose all your luggage, or coronavirus could spread throughout the world causing mass panic and trave cancellations.

The travel insurance I recommend to my travel clients is Allianz’s Cancel for Any Reason policy. If you have to cancel your trip for an uncovered reason (like the fear of traveling during the spread of coronavirus), you will at least get 80% of your trip investment back. From what I have been hearing, most other travel insurances aren’t covering anything for coronavirus.

Contact me at hello@thekeystotravel.com to get a travel quote for your next vacation and to ask your travel insurance questions. I will help as best as I can!

Learn a New Language

Now is a great time to brush up on that language you learned in high school or learn a completely new language! If you have plans to travel to Mexico or Germany at the end of this year, for example, it would be a great time to learn a few key phrases to use while traveling. One of my favorite language apps is Duolingo. It is free (there is also a paid version) and makes learning a new language fun, like playing a game!

Online Shop to Prepare for Your Upcoming Trip

If you have a trip coming up later this year, now would be a great time to (online) shop for new travel clothes and accessories!

One of my favorite travel accessories is the travel scarf from Waypoint Goods*. These travel scarfs have a secure pocket where you can keep your phone, passport, money, and credit cards while you travel. It is a perfect accessory for destinations like Europe, so you don’t have to hang on to a purse.

Girl checking out the tulips at Pikes Place Market in Seattle, Washington. Online shop to enjoy travel from home.

*affiliate links – which means I earn a small commission if you use it. It doesn’t change the price on your end, but rewards me for sharing with you!

What are some of your favorite travel-themed clothing items and accessories you are looking to purchase for upcoming vacations?

Virtually Visit a Museum

Do you love visiting new museums? Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 500 museums and galleries around the world to provide virtual tours and online exhibits that you can view right from your home. Some of these museums include the Guggenheim in New York City, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, and art in The White House.

Click here to browse through these virtual museums all over the world. Which one are you interested in seeing?

Road Trip to a National Park

Make sure to go outside and get fresh air and sunshine while waiting for all this madness to blow over! Fresh air and exercise helps you stay healthy, mentally and physically. Turn this time into an excuse to take a quick road trip to a US National Park near home. Currently, there are 62 national parks in the US. A lot of them are located in the West, so if you aren’t nearby a National Park, go find a local park to explore!

What is your favorite National Park? I think mine is Olympic National Park in Washington. You get the best of both worlds, beach + jungle and hiking.

Bamboo Forest Hike on the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii

What do you plan on doing while waiting out the coronavirus? Will you be looking to enjoy travel from home?

5 Easy Ways to Take Better Videos on your Travels

February 27, 2020/in Travel Tips

Travelers, if you’re like me, you’re wondering how to take better videos while you travel. Well, Annabelle Needles with Evergreen Lane Productions is here to help us! In her guest blog post below, she explains 5 easy ways to take better videos on your travels. Thank you, Annabelle!

If you’re like me, you love that your smartphone has made taking photos and videos of your travels super easy and accessible. However, on the flip side, this means that often we take hundreds of photos and video clips on our travels but they end up just disappearing into the digital void, never to be seen or enjoyed again. So how can we be sure that we’re taking great videos on our epic vacations (the family reunion where multiple generations are all together, the epic honeymoon you splurged on, the precious girls weekend after you’ve all become mothers)? I’m here to help, with 5 easy ways to take better videos on your travels. Yes, even with your iPhone!

Take Better Travel Videos with your Phone While Traveling

5 Easy Ways to Take Better Videos on Your Travels

1. Choose a camera orientation and stick to it

Smartphones can take video in two modes, landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical). Social media videos like Instagram stories are training us to hold our phones vertically to take and watch videos. That being said, I highly recommend that if you’re going to want to watch your videos on a computer or a TV later, shoot your videos in landscape orientation. This is especially the case if you’re wanting to edit them together afterward into a mini-movie of your trip. As a video editor, I often see clients send me videos in both landscape AND portrait, which makes it more difficult to actually integrate those videos together. The most important thing to consider here is consistency – choose one way to hold your camera while recording video and stick to it throughout your whole trip.

2. Capture a variety of types of video clips

We all have a favorite type of photo or video to take on trips. For me, that’s wide shots of scenery or close-ups of flowers. My husband likes to take selfies upon selfies. The important thing to remember while taking video on your travels is to capture a wide variety of types of videos and not get stuck in one “style.” A video full of pretty views is going to be beautiful but won’t tell much of a story. Same with a video with just flower close-ups or just selfies. Think of it like this: to make interesting writing, you need nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Mix it up and your final video will be able to tell a more complete story of your vacation.

Take Better Travel Videos with your Phone

3. Get as stable as possible

This strange thing happens when we’re watching back video clips later – we could have sworn our hands were so steady but in reality, we were moving all over the place and the video isn’t very fun to watch! Here are some quick tips to increase the stability of your video footage. Don’t hold your breath – sometimes we do this without thinking when we’re concentrating, but slow, even breaths will help your hands stay steady. Keep your hands close to you; the further you extend your arms away from your body, the shakier they get! If possible, use a prop like a wall or a chair as a makeshift tripod and rest your camera on top while you’re filming. I know not everyone has space or budget to invest in video-taking tools, but if you do, I highly recommend a smartphone gimbal. You can see all my gear recommendations here!

4. Count to ten when filming

It’s true that I often use only 2-3 seconds of a video clip in a final video, but few things are worse than when I want to show something for a little bit longer…and the clip just stops! You can always trim video clips in editing later, but you can’t go back in time and film something again, especially if it’s halfway around the world. I recommend simply counting to ten while you’re recording.

5. Focus on the five senses

When you’re taking video, you’ll be focused primarily on the things you can see. Smell-o-vision doesn’t exist yet, of course. However, the things that will trigger your memories best when watching a video later are elements that engage your other senses too – like the sound of the sea waves, the taste of that delicious street food, or the smell of the flowers outside your hotel window. When I was editing an heirloom travel film of a client’s family reunion in Provence, simply watching the videos she took in the lavender fields took me right back to my own trip there many years ago, and I could almost smell the abundant purple flowers through my computer.

For more video-taking tips, monthly prompts to help you capture your adventures on video, and a free guide to smartphone video, sign up here.

If you’d like to get a custom heirloom travel film edited by Evergreen Lane Productions, message Annabelle today to get started.

Annabelle Needles is a video editor and owner of Evergreen Lane Productions, on a mission to help memory makers get their videos off their phones and into their lives. With more than 10 years of experience in video production, she believes in demystifying the process and making documenting your life as accessible, easy, and meaningful as possible. She also loves to travel, having visited all 7 continents before 30 and spent 13 months living that RV life road-tripping around the US with her husband. They had a destination wedding in Belize. Now, the videos from all these experiences are some of her most valued possessions. Follow her wonder-seeking adventures on Instagram @evergreen_lane.

Annabelle Needles_Evergreen Lane Productions

5 Steps To Take More Trips This Year (Even if You Have a Desk Job)

February 20, 2020/in Travel Tips

Travelers, I am so excited to be sharing this guest blog post with you by Rachel-Jean Firchau with Rachel Off Duty! I met Rachel at the Women in Travel Summit in 2018 where we bonded over figuring out how to travel more while having full-time jobs. In this blog, she shares 5 steps to take more trips this year, even if you have a full-time blog. Enjoy!

There’s nothing like the first few months of a new year to dream up some incredible adventures. Your mind is fresh and ready to set resolutions and goals. Your calendar is a blank slate. And – best of all – you probably have a fresh pool of vacation time (or knowledge of the number of days you will have available as you accrue this year) to start using.

But life happens quickly, especially in steady rhythm of a 9-to-5 work cycle. And it’s easy to let months go by before realizing you haven’t taken a single day for yourself in ages. In fact, over 55% of Americans end up not using all of the paid time off they earn annually (a whopping 768MM days of unused PTO).

Of course, if you’re reading this article, it’s likely because you don’t want to be a part of that 55%. You want to find ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your benefits – and your life! – and there’s no better time to start than the present. Read on for some steps towards incorporating more travel into your life, even if you have a desk job.

5 Steps To Take More Trips This Year (Even If You Have a Desk Job)

1. Make a Wish List at the Beginning of the Year

First, decide whether you want to travel more frequently, or take longer trips. Do you want to see a bunch of new places? Or do you like slow travel and hope to maximize your time in that dream destination you’ve been dying to visit? It doesn’t matter what kind of traveler you are; the only thing that matters is making sure you plan ahead! Spend some time at the beginning of the year deciding what your travel goals will be for the next 12 months, where you might want (or need) to go, and how you plan to get there. This can include new cities you want to see that are only a couple hours’ drive away, weekend getaways you want to take with your significant other, weddings and birthdays you need to attend, and possibly even some solo time in a place you’ve never been. Wherever you want to find yourself this year, get out a piece of paper (or a note on your phone) and write it all down.

It may sound like a simple task, but just like making resolutions or vision boards, determining what your destination wish list is at the beginning of the year is a great way to layout your ideal travel schedule and start mapping out the steps you need to take to get there.

2. Decide How Much Time You Want to Spend Where

This step is crucial if you’re working with limited time (i.e. vacation days) or a tight budget. Though vacation time benefits are slowly increasing across the country, on average, US employees are still banking just 10-15 paid days off a year. If you want to do a couple of domestic trips this year, one two-week stint in Greece and still have enough time left over to go home for the holidays, how do you do it?

First, decide how much time you absolutely need to spend in the most important places on your list – the dream destinations and the big events (like weddings, birthdays, and being home for the holidays). Then, work backward from there with what’s left.

3. Divide Up Your Vacation Days & Paid Holidays

The scenario involving Greece, domestic trips, and being home for the holidays may sound a bit far-fetched for a 15-day annual vacation policy, but it is possible with a little strategic timing and flexibility. While you might have only 15 days of time off (for example), you are also working with 104 weekend days and probably somewhere between 7 and 11 paid holidays – that’s 126+ days this year entirely at your disposal!

Two years ago, I vacationed in Australia (pictured) for just over 3 weeks while working full-time. But once you factored out the weekends and paid holidays I planned my trip around, I ended up only being out 13 days of paid time off. Knowing that Australia was going to be my longest trip of the year, I planned the rest of my year accordingly with shorter trips and remote work wherever possible – 2 days off to take a 4-day trip to Alaska, 1 day off to spend 3 days in Mexico, a half-day off to extend a work trip in Utah, a half-day off to take a weekend trip to Seattle… you get the picture!

4. Use Free Weekends for Staycations & One-Day Road Trips

Taking more trips with a Camper van life view

Of course, travel does not always have to involve a flight (or even a long-haul distance, for that matter). I personally love using my free weekends for staycations in my home state, or even one-day road trips if I don’t want to pay for a hotel. You can see and experience a surprising amount in a 24-, 48, or 72-hour period. It does not matter if you’re only somewhere new for a short amount of time. All that matters is that you’re getting out and exploring, rather than sitting at home and saying “I wish.” Working Monday through Friday week in and week out is mentally taxing and can feel draining sometimes. We all need a reset and a change of scenery now and then, even if it’s only for a day or two.

5. Explore Conferences, Sabbatical, and Remote Work Opportunities

While taking your weekends and paid vacation travel is great (and you should 100% use up all the vacation time you earn each year), another fantastic way to squeeze more adventure out of your year is by exploring work-based travel. Are there conferences* you could attend on behalf of your company? Are there remote or sister offices you could visit to train new employees or shadow more senior executives? Do you work at a company that offers a work-from-home or remote work policy? Does your company offer sabbatical leave? While some of these opportunities could result in more work, the trade-off is the potential of exploring a new city or state you may have otherwise not visited, while simultaneously keeping your employer happy. Whenever I take work trips, I always try to take the first flight in and the last flight home (or even extend the entire trip a day or two out of my own pocket) so I can maximize my time there when my work duties are done.

*If your company doesn’t currently attend any conferences, seminars, or networking events, – that’s okay! Don’t be afraid to pitch one or two that you think will be relevant. If your company has the budget to support your knowledge growth while getting the word out about their product or service, odds are, they will (and who knows, you could pave the way for other employees in your office looking for enrichment opportunities and travel, too!).

No matter what your specific travel goals are if your prerogative is to take charge of your life and maximize your adventure potential, start small, start here, and most importantly, start now. With some proactive planning, strategic timing, and the willingness to be open to new opportunities (even ones you may have never previously considered), you’ll be jet-setting in no time, desk job and all.

Rachel-Jean Firchau is the founder behind Rachel Off Duty, a website for career-conscious women dedicated to exploring life’s possibilities outside of the 9-to-5. Employed full-time while hitting the road 2-5x a month, Rachel aims to showcase the possibilities (and challenges!) of a travel-focused lifestyle. Rachel works as a client success manager and travel consultant in the advertising space, and when she’s not behind a desk or catching a flight, she spends her time binge-watching old shows, practicing yoga, and finding new things to do in her current hometown of Long Beach, California.

Top 10 Travel Tips from a Travel Agent

January 7, 2020/in Travel Tips

Being a travel agent who travels quite a bit, I have learned a lot about travel. I’ve learned travel hacks, the best time to visit destinations, packing tips, money-saving tips, and so much more. I thought I would break down my top 10 travel tips that I think will get you far in the traveling world. I’d love to hear what your favorite travel tips are! Comment below.

Top 10 travel tips from a travel agent.

1. Plan your trip sooner than later

My number one travel tip is to plan your trip sooner than later. There are many benefits to planning your vacation in advance. Often times resorts will have early bird pricing in hopes to book up their rooms. There are a lot more options for airfare, hotels, and excursions early on because you are looking ahead of everyone else. Also, when working with a travel agent, if you book in advance, you are able to pay in installments, instead of paying the trip all at once. It can really help financially to plan and book your vacation sooner than later.

2. Travel during shoulder or low season

Traveling during the off-season is my favorite time to visit a destination, for example, Aruba during hurricane season!

One of the main reasons I love traveling during the low season is to save money. When you visit a destination when it isn’t peak season means hotels, flights, and activities can be less expensive.

Click here to find out more reasons why it is the best time to travel during off-season and also see great destinations to visit during the off-season.

3. Use a credit card with great travel rewards

If you’re not using a credit card with great travel rewards, you’re throwing money away. First, obviously don’t spend more than you have, but if you are able to use credit cards responsibly, then make sure you are taking advantage of all they have to offer.

Some benefits offered by credit cards that focus on travel are access to airport lounges, free TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, free and discounted travel, and so much more. Two of my favorite credit cards that give amazing travel rewards are Chase Sapphire Reserve and Venture.

4. Get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Before I got TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, I didn’t think I needed them. But now that I have both, I will never NOT have them! The convenience and time saved is worth every penny.

TSA PreCheck is used when traveling domestically in the USA and Global Entry is used when re-entering the USA from traveling internationally.

For TSA PreCheck, you get to go through an expedited TSA line where you don’t have to take off shoes or belts or take out anything from your carry on/personal luggage. If you live near a busy airport, this will save you so much time and energy!

Global Entry is basically a fast pass lane through Customs when coming back into the USA. You don’t have to talk to a customs agent or stand in those long lines. You just walk up to a kiosk, scan your passport, answer a few questions, take a picture and you are good to go. After a long international flight, it feels so nice to just breeze through this tedious process.

When you purchase Global Entry, you automatically get TSA PreCheck. That is the route I suggest going. Currently, it is $100 for a 5-year membership, and that included TSA PreCheck. If you purchase TSA PreCheck without Global Entry, it is $85 for a 5-year membership. If you are planning on traveling internationally once or twice in the next five years, get Global Entry.

Another benefit to some credit cards that have great travel rewards is your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck costs are paid for! Then it really is a no brainer to get both if they are free.

5. Know what flight category you’re purchasing

With budget-friendly airlines, like Frontier, now showing up more than ever, other airlines are looking for ways to compete. Most major US Airlines are now offering Basic Economy airline tickets. There is a big difference between Basic Economy airline tickets and Economy airline tickets. Make sure you know the difference before clicking “purchase” or you could be kicking yourself down the way.

Before purchasing your next airline tickets, click h ere for the details on the differences between basic economy and economy airline tickets.

6. Get travel insurance

Since being a travel agent and working with many families and couples on various different types of vacations, I have learned that travel insurance is crucial. You just never know what is going to happen before or during your vacation that you will need to be covered for.

Different travel insurances cover different things, so make sure you are purchasing exactly what you need. Travel insurance can cover anything from having to cancel a trip for unexpected health reasons, death in a family, jury duty, medical and dental issues while on the trip, lost luggage, and so so much more. When you are investing a good chunk of money on a vacation, it is a good idea to protect that investment as well as your health and belongings while traveling.

If you have questions about travel insurance or need to purchase some for your next vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com.

7. Notify credit card company of travels

If you plan on using a specific credit card while on vacation, make sure the company knows you will be traveling. When credit card companies see charges on your card in an area you normally a not located, they will put a lock on your account. If you are traveling internationally and don’t have an easy way of approving your charges or proving you are located where you are using your credit card, you could be without money while traveling.

The good thing is that a lot of credit cards know when and where you will be traveling depending on what you purchase with your card. For example, Venture One and Chase cards will make note that you are traveling if you purchase your airline tickets with their credit card. Then when they see you are making other purchases within that time frame in the location your airline tickets are for, they won’t put a hold on your card.

It is always a good idea to double-check with your credit card company that they know you will be traveling and to expect charges on your card from that location.

8. Share your travel itinerary with family or a friend

It is always a wise choice to share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member. You never know what could go wrong or when you will need help, and having someone know where you are in the world can come in handy.

9. Renew or get a passport early

If you are planning on traveling internationally this year, or hope you will be, renew or get your passport now. The processing time for getting passports has extended from 4 weeks to now an average of 6-8 weeks. Don’t wait longer than you have to and risk having to pay more money to expedite your passport to get it in time for your international vacation. If you are getting your passport for the first time, follow these easy steps to make the process easier.

If you already have your passport, check the expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid six months AFTER you return from your trip. That means, if you are going to Mexico in January, your passport must be valid through July. If it expires within the 6 months after your trip, you will not be let on the plane.

10. Contact a travel agent for help!

Travel agents are experts in travel and many specialize in specific types of travel, like honeymoons, family vacations, destination weddings, or locations, like Hawaii, Caribbean, or Europe. To save yourself time and money, talk to an expert! It is so helpful to be able to ask your travel questions to an actual human, and not just a Google search. Travel agents can answer all your travel questions, plan your vacation, book your vacation, coordinate all the travel, recommend the best excursions, and so much more.

Some types of vacations are more worthwhile working with a travel agent than others. Click here to see when you should work with a travel agent.

When you are ready to plan and book your next vacation, email me! I specialize in honeymoons, couples trips, and group trips, but I have also helped many families travel all over the world. Simply put, I am here to help you travel more and stress less. Email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com to get started on planning your next vacation.

Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It?

December 11, 2019/in Hotels, Travel Tips

One of the most common questions I get as a travel agent is: are all-inclusive resorts worth it? Like a lot of things in life, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer. Yes, sometimes all-inclusive resorts are worth it and no, sometimes all-inclusive resorts are not worth it. It really all depends on the type of vacation you are hoping to go on. I thought I would layout certain times when an all-inclusive resort may be a good fit for your vacation.

Here are six times when all-inclusive resorts are worth it for your next vacation:

1. You want good food and drink all day long and whenever you want.

At an all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy food and drinks 24-hours a day in a restaurant, at a swim-up bar, pool-side, and beach-side. Some resorts also include room service in their all-inclusive price. If you want to getaway and not have to worry about paying for every meal or drink, an all-inclusive resort would be a great fit.

Room Service at UNICO Riviera Maya - all-inclusive resorts are worth it

2. You want to know exactly what you are spending.

One benefit of an all-inclusive resort is you pay for your room, meals, and drinks all upfront, so you know exactly what you will be spending on your vacation. If it is important to stay on budget, an all-inclusive resort is a really great option. You will be able to sit back and enjoy your trip without having to worry about counting every penny because everything is paid before you get there. The only thing you would have to consider is any extra excursions, spa treatments or souvenirs you want to bring home.

3. You want to relax with a drink in your hand.

If you are needing a vacation to relax and unwind, go with an all-inclusive resort. You can spend every day sitting poolside or on the beach with a drink in your hand without a care in the world. All-inclusive resorts are perfect for a relaxing vacation.

Tequila at UNICO Riviera Maya Mexico Resort

4. You are honeymooners.

Planning your wedding is stressful enough, your honeymoon shouldn’t be stressful, too. If you are newlyweds, an all-inclusive resort can be a perfect option. It is a vacation where you can go and relax after all the wedding hype and finally be together just the two of you. It is a really great way to kick-off a new marriage.

5. You are going with a big group.

If you are going on a family vacation, a bachelorette party, or a big group of friends, it can be really hard to find a place that everyone will enjoy and will fit everyone’s budget. All-inclusive resorts are great options for traveling with a big group. There are all-inclusive resorts that have family-friendly sides along with adult-only sections. There is something for everyone at every age in the family. If you are going with a big group of friends, all-inclusives are great for every budget and have plenty of things to do so everyone can have fun. ANd it is easier for having everyone in one place.

Girls trip visiting Hard Rock Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort - all-inclusive resorts worth it

6. You want some activities and excursions but don’t want to have to plan.

Another great thing about all-inclusive resorts are their activities on-site and their concierge that coordinates excursions off-site. If you want to go on a vacation where you have unlimited options of things to do, an all-inclusive resort is a great option. The resort is always hosting activities throughout the day and night on-site, like fitness classes, art classes, and shows. You can also go on excursions off-site that the resort will coordinate for you. It makes vacationing very easy!

Here are some of my favorite all-inclusive resorts that are worth staying at:

UNICO Riviera Maya
Adults-Only Resort in Mexico. Spa treatments and excursions are included in the all-inclusive price. (25%service fee)

Paradisus Los Cabos
Family-friendly resort with an adults-only section in Los Cabos. Option to have a butler in the adults-only section.

View of the pool and beach at Paradisus Los Cabos

Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica
Family-friendly resort in Costa Rica. Has a Star Club Level for extra benefits and privacy.

Planet Hollywood Sign at sunset at Costa Rica Resort

Hotel RIU Guanacaste
Family-friendly and budget-friendly resort in Costa Rica.

Views of the ocean at RIU Guanacaste Costa Rica

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Adults-Only Resort in Costa Rica.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Family-friendly resort with an adults-only section in Mexico. Water Park included in the all-inclusive price.

Adults-Only pool at Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Secrets Maroma Beach
Adults-only resort in Mexico located on one of the top-rated beaches in the world.

El Dorado Maroma Beach
Adults-only resort in Mexico located on one of the top-rated beaches in the world. Known for their delicious food.

El Dorado Maroma Riviera Maya - Are all-inclusive resorts worth it

Have you had a great experience at an all-inclusive resort? Share them below! What are some of your favorite all-inclusive resorts that I need to check out next?

For help booking your next all-inclusive vacation, email hello@thekeystotravel.com to start planning today!

Top 3 Ways to Easily Pick Your Next Travel Destination

November 27, 2019/in Travel Tips

Are you like me and find it difficult to pick your next travel destination? There are so many wonderful places on this earth and they are all high on my travel bucket list. How do you pick just one?! So I had to come up with some ideas on how to make this decision process easier because I could spend forever trying to pick the next vacation spot. Here is the list for you!

When you can’t decide where to go, here are three ways to easily pick your next travel destination.

1. Follow the Flight Deals

Airlines are always having flight deals. Just this past week Q a ntas was celebrating their 100th birthday and was giving away $100 flights to Australia. Over Black Friday weekend every year, I have found some of the best flight deals. I got to Paris and back from London on a nonstop flight for under $500. I got two roundtrip tickets to Maui for under $500. Pretty much everyday Frontier is basically giving away free flights to random small towns in the US. If you are flexible on when you fly and where you fly, you can find flight deals year-round, but especially on Black Friday weekend. If you just follow the flight deals, the airlines will easily pick your next travel destination for you!

Picking next travel destination - follow the flight deals view out of an airplane window

2. Go Where Your Budget Allows

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can really help narrow down vacation options. If you are really needing a vacation ASAP, but have a lower budget, you will most likely find options that aren’t more than a half-day flight away. If you have been saving up and have a bigger budget, you can choose a destination farther away. Set a budget and stay intent on keeping to that budget. Then you can easily narrow down your options for your next travel destination.

Cannon Beach Oregon Coast Haystack Rock — Cannon Beach, Oregon

3. Strategically Pick A Location Based on Your PTO

If you work full time in a corporate setting, that most likely means you have limited paid time off. It’s important to use that time off wisely! When I worked in a corporate setting, I chose to take a lot of long weekend vacations over one big vacation a year. For you, one big vacation may be the perfect fit. For me, I needed to be traveling as much as possible, so multiple long weekend trips were perfect. Depending on your vacationing style, picking a location based on the PTO you have can be helpful. If you need to have a lot of vacations on your calendar each year, choose destinations throughout the US that you can easily visit on a long weekend, like Seattle, Savannah, and Denver. If you like to look forward to a long extended getaway once a year, save up your PTO and find that destination that will get you far, far away from home!

Girl and dog playing chess at Waldorf Astoria Park CIty — Park City, Utah

For more ways to help you decide how to pick your next travel destination, head to Waypoint Goods where I listed all ten ways to pick a vacation destination when you don’t know where to go.

Also when you are there, make sure to check out Waypoint Goods travel scarves and travel journals. They are both lifesavers when traveling!