A picture is worth a thousand words, and whether last year’s vacation photos were worthy of sharing on your social media feed or you opted to print and place in frames — vacation memories last a lifetime. Understanding options, restrictions and having a point of contact if something interrupts the best-made travel plans can help ensure your investment in the vacation of your dreams turns into memories worth keeping.
Whether dreaming of relaxing in the warm waters of Sanibel Island or an adventure on the moguls at Jackson Hole, travelers have many choices. According to Candy Nelson, owner of Forever Travel, many vacationers have opted for U.S. destinations this summer.
“A handful of people I’ve worked with are nervous about leaving the U.S. because, in order to re-enter the country, travelers must test negative for COVID. A lot of us thought those restrictions would have eased up by now, but the situation is fluid and difficult to predict as the number of COVID cases continues to fluctuate,” says Candy.
For some families, tradition beckons travelers to return to the same location annually, but this fall may be the ideal time to change the routine. Consider hiking in the state of Washington, boarding a train for a Canadian tour, snorkeling at Hawaii’s Big Island or experiencing breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. If considering a trip abroad, Paris awaits!
“I recently worked with a couple planning a visit to Rome for a week of yoga this upcoming fall,” says Candy. “So, if you want to spend a week practicing yoga, I can guide you on a yoga experience.”
What may come as a surprise, is those traveling as a family or group often find it’s cheaper to travel internationally. Punta Cana, for example, is often a less expensive vacation than many domestic destinations. This is often a result of package prices and all-inclusive resorts.
Regardless of where you'd like to go, it's important to start by establishing a budget. Also, consider package deals as they can often provide better pricing. For example, Candy explains that a nine-day package through the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park — including a vintage jammer, a glass-walled boat, lodging and airfare —has a base price of $3700.
For the most cost-conscious travelers, using online travel meta-search engines can sometimes come with a risk. Read the fine print. According to Candy, if using online travel sites to look for the best pricing, when comparing apples to apples, working with a travel professional can often yield better pricing and the assurance of receiving customer service.
“If a flight is canceled, my clients can always call me. I package everything together prior to their departure, and if they need me while they are away, I am available,” says Candy.
For more travel tips and to work with Candy to plan your next vacation, visit ForeverTravel.org.
