No one knows exactly when we’ll be traveling again, but we all agree that our current situation is not permanent. So, when we are able to travel again, what sort of Post-COVID Traveler will you be? In the same way that there is no one perfect vacation for everyone, there won’t be one perfect approach to travel once it’s okay to move around the world again.

I need to go somewhere – anywhere!

If this sounds fairly close to how you’re feeling these days, you’re smart to keep your ears, eyes, and options open. Perhaps you already have a short list in mind, but, you’re open to whichever destination’s open for safe travel soonest. For you, the itch to exit quarantine is strong, just like your adventurous traveling spirit!

I smell a deal!

And you are not wrong. Yes, there are some really great prices on airfares and accommodations being offered right now (have you seen the fares to Hawai’i for the summer?). Even better, most offers come with very generous, low-risk cancellation and change policies. But, this may not be true for all destinations and all future dates. And, there are concerns and fine print. These options are definitely worth exploring for travelers who can be flexible and won’t be crushed if plans need to change.

I see opportunity…

You are wise. Fantastic places to visit around the world will not re-open to visitors all at once. Different countries will relax the travel restrictions as they recover. Incredible destinations throughout the world that have been plagued by “over-tourism” will be less crowded as travel slowly resumes. If you have certain iconic destinations in mind, now is a good time to talk with a trusted travel advisor. Travel industry experts spend every day reading updated travel information and talking with suppliers. If your travel advisor knows what’s on your radar, she’ll constantly scan for you so you can stay ahead of the crowds when the right time comes along.

I’m a little nervous…

Well, that’s certainly understandable! When it’s time to think about traveling again, you’ll probably have concerns like: “What are hotels and resorts doing to keep everything disinfected and my family safe? I’m not sure about flying. Are planes being disinfected? Am I at risk of being stuck somewhere? Which destinations are the safest?” and most likely more. These are valid post-COVID travel concerns that need to be addressed. Hotel companies and airlines are already changing procedures to optimize safety and there will be much more to come. In order to truly have a wonderful trip, you must be honest about your concerns and be sure they are addressed before you depart. Once again, an experienced travel advisor can be a tremendous asset. Private transportation, tours, and even private dining are great solutions. There are plenty of fun vacation activities for families that avoid crowds.

I ‘m really nervous…

For some this is due to health risk factors while others need this for peace of mind.  You will probably also want to see the world getting “back to normal” for a while before you are ready to make plans to travel again. You’ll want to stay informed and develop your list of destinations according to your interests and their safety levels. New information will continue to develop so that you’ll be able to make the right decision for you when the time is right.

What to do now?

It might sound a little strange but doing a good job of planning travel now really isn’t a lot different than planning travel pre-COVID. Yes, there is more uncertainty and there are significant challenges – that’s very different. But good travel planning has always required travelers to know themselves, know what they are looking for in a trip, understand risks that they are and aren’t comfortable with, and to be informed. If you have an established relationship with a good travel advisor, he or she already knows these things about you and can use this information to guide you during these uniquely challenging times. If you don’t have someone like this in your corner, now is a good time to find that person.

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GOT QUESTIONS?
If you have upcoming travel plans, whether they be for next week or summer or fall, you probably have questions. First, we are here for you and we welcome your questions even if your travel dates are months away so please reach out. We’ll help to figure out the best plan for your situation.

SHOULD YOU CANCEL NOW?
It depends on your situation. For most people, it will be best to wait until closer to your travel dates. All airlines and travel suppliers have different policies that are changing daily.

The post Questions About Upcoming Travel? appeared first on WhirlAway Travel & Cruise Consultants.

Do you want to be happier? Simple. Plan a vacation well ahead of time and savor the anticipation. I really thought it was just me. I mean, I love travel planning so much that I do it for a living but I noticed that I’ve been especially happy in anticipation of my upcoming trip with friends to South Africa. No kidding, right? Who wouldn’t be happy about going on a bucket-list-worthy safari trip? Well, it turns out that there’s much more to it than that. I did some reading and found that research confirms that just the anticipation of an upcoming vacation significantly increases happiness. There are many articles on the subject but I think that this New York Time article, What a great trip! And I’m not even there yet!, sums it up quite well.

A dear friend of mine (who happens to be joining me on this South Africa trip) and I have had an ongoing good-hearted argument about anticipation of something positive. She argues that if you talk about how you’re looking forward to the good thing that’s coming in the future, you are wishing away time and all moments should be savored. I say that I can savor the anticipation.

Savoring the anticipation of this trip is exactly what I’ve been doing for about a year now and here’s how:

• I follow the places we’ll be going (Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Belmond Mount Nelson, Ngoma Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls River Lodge, The Test Kitchen, etc.) on Facebook and Instagram so I get daily and weekly updates with incredible images that remind me frequently of this amazing upcoming adventure.
• I share these amazing photos via social media with my fellow travelers. Now we’re not just getting excited about the destination, we’re sharing the excitement of traveling together. We humans really like to share experiences. It makes us happy.
• We’re a food-loving group so I researched the best restaurants in each of destinations we’ll be visiting and made some reservations. We’re checking out the menus and anticipating.
• I’m reading books that are related to the different destinations in some way. (Amsterdam is first on the itinerary so I’m re-reading Diary of Anne Frank. Nelson Mandela’s classic autobiography Long Walk to Freedom and Trevor Noah’s contemporary autobiographical comedy Born a Crime are a couple of my South Africa selections. Before visiting Florence I read Brunelleschi’s Dome and I know that my experience there was richer because of it.
• I watch shows about the places we’re going. I just re-watched (for about the third time) the Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix) Cape Town episode in which Phil goes to The Test Kitchen for dinner (We have reservations!) and to Babylonstoren for a tour and wine tasting (It’s on our itinerary!).
• And last Friday night we all got together for dinner to go over the trip and to finalize our plans. We always have a good time when we’re together but this was different – special. We’ve been talking about and sharing the anticipation of this trip for about a year and now, it’s within reach. We had a lot of laughs and we know there are many more good times to come in Amsterdam, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana but I’m really not in any hurry to get there. I am too busy savoring the anticipation of what I know will soon be something to reminisce about.

Tips for Maximizing the Happiness and Value from a Vacation

• Book your trip well ahead of time
• Engage with the destination in preparation for the trip
• Talk about your upcoming trip with everyone
• Plan a few specific things to experience on your trip that you can really look forward to
• Savor the anticipation

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Take your teenagers and young adult children to Cuba for a trip of a lifetime

by Sara Samuel

First of all, there is Wi-Fi in Cuba  but it isn’t free and the download speeds aren’t great. This is a good thing. Your trip will be chock-full of amazingly Instagram-able moments but the sharing and monitoring of “likes” will have to wait. Those work emails are going to have to wait as well. A little digital detox can be a wonderful thing for a family vacation. Families find that they truly engage with each other and the experience.

The “cool factor” is high for Cuba. There’s no denying the allure of the vintage cars.

No museum boredom. To see and learn about art you visit artists in their studios and have opportunities to participate in the creative process. You visit markets where the artists and craftspeople are selling their art to make a living.

History comes alive – The crumbling yet colorful buildings of Havana (Old Havana is a Unesco World Heritage Site.) and Trinidad (also a Unesco World Heritage Site) are undeniably enchanting. The architecture tells the history. You can visit Hemingway’s home, Finca la Vigía, and perhaps have the grandson of Hemingway’s first mate as your guide.

Music and dance transcend generation and nationality. You’ll hear music in the streets and flowing out of restaurants and bars. You can visit the famous spots but you don’t have to – music and dance are everywhere in Cuba. You can all learn salsa from an acclaimed dance troupe. Moms report that even their awkward and reluctant sons couldn’t resist the beat!

Enjoy active experiences with stunning scenery – Hike to El Nicho waterfalls and then cool off with a swim in the refreshing waters of the natural pools. Explore caves, tour coffee and tobacco plantations, go hiking, biking or horseback riding and marvel at the limestone formations in the Viñales Region (a Unesco World Heritage site). Learn how to roll a cigar on the tobacco farm. Swim in the crystal blue waters off the beaches and do some snorkeling.

Be welcomed by the Cuban people and gain a new perspective – See what life is really like in this socialist country. Have dinner with a Cuban family in their home and experience their warmth and pride. Americans who travel to Cuba are impressed by how wonderful the people are and how different their lives are from ours.

Cuba is a very safe travel destination. Yes, you need to use common sense and take the same precautions that you normally would when traveling but the crime rate is low and violent crime is rare.

Like your children, Cuba isn’t going to stay this way forever. Most agree that Cuba is not going to remain unchanged. If you want to see the real Old Havana with the vintage cars rolling down the Malecon, do it soon. A trip to Cuba with your teenage and young adult children will undoubtedly be a special and memorable trip for your family.

Important note about the experiences described in this article:
The experiences described here are typical of custom private guided itineraries in Cuba that we have created for our clients. Some of these experiences are possible with escorted group tours. Most of these experiences, with some exceptions, are not typical examples of shore excursions on cruises that visit Cuba. When planning travel to Cuba it is important to work with a travel professional who is experienced with Cuba and understands your travel needs.

Important note about Americans traveling to Cuba
Yes, US citizens may travel to Cuba but there are very specific regulations to be followed.
Use the services of a travel consultant who has experience sending clients to Cuba.

If you are interested in planning an amazing trip to Cuba, please contact Sara Samuel at WhirlAway Travel.
610-431-3642 or sara@whirlawaytravel.com.

The post Cuba: A Fabulous Family Destination appeared first on WhirlAway Travel & Cruise Consultants.

by Sara Samuel

Your child graduated from high school, moved out and went to college. (How did that happen so quickly?) You survived that major life event and have gotten used to the house being a little quieter. Now he’s going to study abroad and there might literally be an ocean between you. Congratulations! This is an exciting time and one that your student will probably want to share with you. If you are like me and many of the other parents I know, you will want to go visit and I highly recommend that you do. After making trips to see my son and daughter, talking with friends who have visited their abroad students and assisting travel clients to visit their sons and daughters I have learned a few things. Here are 12 Travel Tips for Visiting Your Study Abroad Student.

1) Wait a bit

Give your student at least a month to get acclimated to his new home. The middle of the program is an ideal time to visit. Know the program calendar and class schedule before you make firm plans. Many programs include weekend trips and there will be rules about missing class time. Try to avoid the last two weeks of the program. There will likely be exams and papers to complete and your student will want to spend time with the new friends that she will soon be leaving. Consider visiting during a holiday time at home. Yes, your student will have a lot of fun during his time away but he’ll also probably get a little lonely and miss home. Holidays can be tough when it seems that everyone else is together at home and you’re away from your traditions and family. Thanksgiving can be a great time to visit if your student is away for the fall semester.

2) Let your student take the lead BUT don’t leave all of the planning up to her.

This is likely the first time that your child will be leading the way in a place that may be new to you. Let him show you the sights and take you to his favorite places to eat. Find out ahead of time the places that he wants to show you. Then do some of your own research. See what interests you that maybe isn’t on his list. Enlist the assistance of a travel advisor who can help you combine both of your lists. You want your student to be able to show you “his town” but you don’t want him to feel pressured to plan the perfect trip for you. Strike a balance but let your student take the lead.

3) Choose accommodations with enough space for your student to stay with you.

She might not stay with you every night (Newsflash – she might go out with her friends after her evening with you is over.) but it is very nice to have enough space for her to comfortably stay with you. A lovely hotel might be a welcome treat for your student but more importantly, I assure you, you will want to be with her as much as possible during your visit.

4) Spend most of your time in the location in which your student is studying.

Visiting a new place with your student can be fun but keep in mind that your student wants to share his study abroad experience with you. Learning about his study abroad life and his new temporary home should be the most important part of your visit.

5) Remember that your student has class to attend and school work to do.

Your student probably does not have time to be a full time tour guide and host. Keep this in mind when planning your trip itinerary.

6) Talk through the schedule for your visit before you get there.

Do this more than a few days before your arrival. This is one aspect in which it can be helpful for the parent to take the lead. Students are excited about family coming to visit and are sometimes unrealistic about time that will be needed for school commitments, how much sleep one needs, how many sights can actually be seen in an afternoon, etc…

7) Make your own arrangements for activities during times that your student will be occupied.

Hire a guide, sign up for a tour, get a self-guided walking tour map, etc… do this on your own once you’ve determined the general schedule for your visit. Don’t add this to your student’s list of things to do. Playing the role of host and tour guide can be exhausting and stressful for your student. Be mindful of this. Have a good travel advisor help you.

8) Roll with it when things don’t go as planned.

Things happen. Your student is not a professional tour guide. He might get the directions or hours wrong for sightseeing. Weather doesn’t always cooperate. Your student wants everything to go really well during your visit and he’s going to feel bad when it doesn’t. Don’t add to his stress. Be flexible.

9) Plan some special activities that will be a “treat” for your student

Many students have a limited budget while studying abroad. If that’s the case, find out what special experiences might be a real treat for your student – a spa visit, a special restaurant meal, a private guided tour of a museum, a food and wine tour of the city, a cooking class for your family, a day trip to a nearby destination, a day out on a boat, hot air ballooning… a good travel advisor can really help you with this.

10) Respect your student’s independence.

You had enough faith in your student to let her go abroad for the semester. Sure you’ve worried but she’s doing it. Study abroad time is for experiencing a new place and different culture and for taking classes. It is also time for maturing and becoming more independent. Show your student that you have confidence in her and that your respect her increasing independence.

11) Spread out visits from family.

It’s wonderful when a variety of extended family are able to visit the student abroad but it’s best if these visits are spread out. Family members should talk among themselves to work out the timing. Your student won’t want to tell family that back-to-back visits from family is too much. It is. Spread the visits out and confirm with your student that the dates are good for him before airfare is purchased.

12) Savor this special time!

This is a time to make special memories that will last a lifetime. Savor every moment.

The post 12 Tips for Visiting Your Study Abroad Student appeared first on WhirlAway Travel & Cruise Consultants.

Traveling the world as a vegan is not always easy as Jamie has experienced.  From language barriers to local customs and traditions, it is easy to go hungry if you are not prepared.  Knowing what cities, hotels, cruise lines and tours are the most accommodating is crucial to an enjoyable trip.  Here is what she had to say about vegan and vegetarian friendly hotels, cruise lines, tours and tips and tricks to stay well fed during your next journey!

5 Simple Tips to Help Vegetarians and Vegans Eat Well, Anywhere

The post WhirlAway In The News – New York Times appeared first on WhirlAway Travel & Cruise Consultants.

 The city will feel like a world away when you drive into the mountainous region of Khao Yai National Park. Thailand’s first designated national park sits on the western edge of a larger forest deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evergreens and grasslands are the protected habitats of hundreds of bird species and mammals — and if you’re fortunate, your guide may quietly point out families of elephants in the woods. Celebrate local agriculture while strolling through fields of yellow at a sunflower farm and visiting the vineyards and orchards of PB Valley, the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region.

 Named Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, or “the mountain with 300 peaks” for the limestone cliffs jutting from the Gulf of Thailand, the country’s first marine national park is just a few hours south of Bangkok. Mangrove forests and a freshwater marsh are natural sanctuaries for wildlife and water birds. Hike or boat to a quiet stretch of sand at Laem Sala Beach, where you can ascend a trail to Phraya Nakhon Cave. The challenging climb is rewarded tenfold when you view this natural landmark where sunlight spills through a hole in the ceiling, illuminating a royal pavilion tucked inside the cave.  

 Travel deeper inland from Bangkok, toward the Myanmar border, and you’ll be greeted by the jungled landscape of Erawan National Park. The crowning jewel of this lush reserve is a seven-tiered waterfall tumbling over cliffs through leafy foliage, each tier culminating in a pool of cerulean waters. (The top tier is believed to resemble Erawan, the Hindu three-headed white elephant.) As you climb and jump into these cool waters, keep an eye on your belongings, as a curious lar gibbon might be so inclined to snatch them! Spend more time exploring caves and hiking trails where you may be lucky enough to spot roaming elephants, deer and wild boars.

 From the jungles to the mountains and the sea, Thailand’s natural worlds are within easy reach from its capital city. Let us get you there, arrange your guided treks and book your stays in Bangkok and beyond.

The post Thailand’s Natural Wonders appeared first on WhirlAway Travel & Cruise Consultants.

Find your personal paradise at The Brando luxury resort. “Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe,” Marlon Brando said about his beloved island. Once a retreat for Tahitian royalty and later the private enclave of the famed actor, this stunning atoll can now be your personal sanctuary at The Brando.

Located 30 miles north of Tahiti and reachable only by private plane, The Brando brings an extraordinary level of relaxed luxury to French Polynesia. Surrounded by a lagoon, 35 villas are perfectly intertwined with nature. Spot sea turtles on white-sand beaches and rays floating gracefully in transparent waters. The resort also weaves in sustainable elements such as air conditioning from natural seawater and energy sourced from the sun.

Let nature lead the way as each day unfolds in paradise. Perhaps that means a coconut-infused massage or a quiet moment of contemplation in the steam bath at Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa. Choose from an array of outdoor adventures such as bicycling, snorkeling, swimming and paddleboarding to a nearby island.

This all-inclusive resort features several dining venues serving Polynesian cuisine and French classics — including the newly enhanced Beachcomber Café that will reopen this summer. Indulge in the finest evenings at Les Mutinés by Guy Martin, led by the chef propriétaire of the two-Michelin-starred Le Grand Véfour restaurant.

GREET THE LOCALS

Every day around 2 p.m., stingrays swim to the shores of InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and you can watch these wild creatures being fed by fearless staff. Nature meets luxury at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Celebrate romance or bring the whole family to enjoy time together in French Polynesia when we reserve your stay at the eco-friendly InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Perfectly positioned on a motu, 84 overwater villas stand on stilts over the clear lagoon. Let us book the new two-bedroom Brando Suite — an overwater suite named for the famous actor — where stunning views of Mt. Otemanu will inspire you each morning. Days may be spent bathing in sunlight on your private deck or plunging into the Lagoonarium — a protected ocean habitat where 200 species of sea creatures reside.

During your massage at Deep Ocean Spa, peer down to the glass-covered floor for remarkable views of colorful fish swimming in the lagoon below. Connect with the culture as you weave coconut fronds and learn the art of making poisson cru, French Polynesia’s signature seafood dish. Every meal is an event, from fresh tropical fruits to Asian-inspired fare on an open-air pavilion overlooking a private beach. Enjoy evening sundowners before indulging in fine French cuisine at Le Corail Restaurant. We can also arrange an unforgettably romantic evening with a four-course meal at Reef Restaurant or dinner for two under the stars on the beach.

FRENCH POLYNESIA IS WAITING

We’ll provide special privileges such as resort credit and complimentary breakfast, as well as early check-in and late check-out whenever possible.

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Silo Hotel Art Cape Town

South African artist Nicholas Hlobo’s massive dragon of ribbons and rubber tubing hovers above the atrium at the newly opened Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). Located within a reimagined grain silo complex (there are 42 concrete tubes in all) on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, this museum dedicated to 21st-century African art has firmly established South Africa as a major player in the international art scene. Quite literally a beacon for the continent’s artists (its “pillowed” windows glow at night), Zeitz MOCAA comprises 100 galleries spread across nine floors; be sure to peer at the rooftop steelworks by Kyle Morland and multidisciplinary displays in the Curatorial Lab.

HYPERLOCAL DISPLAYS

Outside of Johannesburg, home is where the art is. A novel project called the Maboneng Township Arts Experience brings the city’s edgy art inside the residents’ homes. Get a glimpse on guided walking tours as artists welcome you in to view works on display. The unique collaboration successfully creates inviting living spaces as well as sustainable employment.

TRADITIONS REIMAGINED

The vivid shapes and colors of Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu’s works will catch your attention, particularly when they adorn the interior of a BMW. This is just one of the vehicles to display vibrant and powerful geometric works by the octogenarian artist whose pieces are also showcased across Europe and the United States. Mahlangu, who lives in the Mpumalanga Province and is recognizable in the colorful traditional dress of her Ndebele heritage, creates giant murals and other pieces that are rooted in centuries-old traditions yet are strikingly contemporary

Silo Hotel Cape Town

Let us arrange your art-filled exploration from Cape Town to Johannesburg, along with elegant hotel stays enhanced by complimentary privileges. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Find more of South Africa’s must-experience museums and galleries in our digital publication by CLICKING HERE.

 An Artful Retreat: Perched at the top of Zeitz MOCAA is The Silo hotel, where we can reserve your room along with complimentary breakfast and a 30-minute massage.

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Discover the true spirit of Mexico at Montage Los Cabos.

Resting between two rugged bluffs is Santa Maria Bay, where brilliantly hued fish swim within the calm waters of Los Cabos. Adjacent to the beach stands the sparkling new Montage Los Cabos, opening its doors in 2018 to welcome you to your blissful Mexico vacation.

With 122 rooms and suites and 52 Montage Residences, Montage Los Cabos is located perfectly between high-energy Cabo San Lucas and historic San José del Cabo while creating a sanctuary all on its own. This 39-acre resort lies within the Twin Dolphin master-planned community, offering access to golfing and miles of picturesque open space. At Santa Maria Bay — a rare swimmable beach in Los Cabos — you can plunge into the serene waters, go snorkeling or set out for some of the world’s best whale watching.

In between outdoor adventures, indulge in the upscale amenities of Montage Los Cabos. The resort’s modern Mexican architecture is seamlessly blended with native décor and art to create a true sense of place. Step inside the soothing surroundings of Spa Montage, where botanicals are indigenously sourced and treatments are locally inspired. Here, local flavor is always on the menu as you dine on modern Mexican cuisine created from farm-fresh ingredients while enjoying quiet, romantic nooks and oceanfront views.

Our tip: Cool off with an icy paleta, a traditional popsicle infused with local fruits.

Only a short flight from Southern California, Montage Los Cabos perfectly positions you where the desert meets the sea, offering sophisticated pleasures with relaxed Mexican culture.

Let us reserve your vacation and we’ll provide special extras such as an additional $100 spa credit, room upgrade and much more!

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