A Traveler's Peace of Mind

Our passports may have been tucked away in a drawer,

collecting a bit of dust over the last few months. But, despite

the travel pause, our wanderlust is still alive and well.

Many of us have spent part of our isolated days thinking

about when travel will be safe again, where in the world we

want to explore and how best to go about having these new

and exciting experiences.

But the questions of how best to travel, what will have

changed and what we should do differently as we embark on

these new adventures is top of mind. Here are a few ideas…

call it a Travelers’ Peace of Mind.

1. POSTPONE, DON’T CANCEL

Most travel companies are offering incentives to push va cation

plans into the fall months or into 2021. These incen tives

can range from a $50 gift card to a big bonus worth an

additional 50% of the cost of a trip booking. It’s in your best

interest to consider these promotions as an opportunity to

get an upgrade or spend an extra night or two while away.

In many cases, these options are unprecedented and worth

taking advantage of as we probably wont see such rich offers

again any time soon.

2.USE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

According to Forbes magazine, travelers using advisers

instead of creating a DIY vacation are experiencing much

less stress during this turbulent period of cancellations and

re-bookings.

A good travel adviser can be an advocate, a time saver, an

experienced voice and a budget savior. Don’t make the mistake

of leaving home without one on your side.

3. PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE

There are a wide variety of travel insurance policies…and,

unfortunately, many people learned this the hard way during

the ban on travel this year. While protecting travelers if they

get sick before or during vacation, most insurance did not

protect people if they simply chose to cancel.

Make sure your travel adviser walks you through the com plicated

fine print of any policy you purchase. “Only Cancel

For Any Reason” insurance is just that, but the cost of that is

often an obstacle.

4.CREATE A WANDER LIST FOR YOUR

WANDERLUST

Use this time to create a travel wish list…your own personal

wander list of places you want to visit. What are your

priorities? Among your considerations, include your age and

physical abilities when placing the order. If you have always

wanted to see Macchu Picchu or hike in Patagonia – perhaps

you go there sooner and leave the luxury cruise in the Med

for a time when you might not want to have the physical exertion

be part of your vacation plans.

Stop postponing your dreams. If you have always fantasized

about seeing the glaciers on an Alaskan Cruise or visiting

the Taj Mahal or walking through the spiritual Angkor

Wat ... Plan now, travel later!

Roni Fishkin is the Director of Marketing at Mann Travels,

a locally-owned, full service travel agency serving the Caroli nas

for more than 40 years. She can be reached at Rfishkin@

MannTravels.com and wants to hear your wander list.

30 Volume