Why You Should Consider A Women-Only Tour

There are an astonishing number of women of all ages who no longer seek or need permission — nor emotional support or encouragement from spouses, friends or colleagues — to travel. They are gutsy and bold, courageous and impressively strong.
— Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

Solo travel is the single best risk I ever took. It allowed me to develop as a person, to make friends in faraway places, and to observe other cultures quietly. However, solo travel isn’t for everyone, and it’s not for every destination, either. I remember traveling through certain countries wishing that my gender didn’t attract so much attention. This vulnerability, this pervasive sense of situational awareness (bordering on paranoia) is shared by many women, and with good reason.

Here are some reasons why you might consider taking a women-only tour instead.

Woman with cane being led of train platform — Unsplash / Mehdi Sepehri

The Liability of Traveling as a Female

Around the world, women are still largely at a disadvantage due to the ubiquitous patriarchy. On average, we make $.80 to a man’s dollar, invest dozens of hours weekly on invisible household work, and are still fighting for our reproductive rights. When it comes to travel, all these hindrances are combined with the fact that we are generally still seen as the weaker gender. It’s the reason that matriarchies are still considered newsworthy and far-flung in the 21st century.

Traveling alone as a female is liberating, but it can also be perilous. We are warned to wear fake wedding bands if we’re single, to cover our shoulders and knees from the male gaze, and certainly not to roam the streets alone after the sun has set. The risks range from unwanted catcalling to being followed to rape and murder. While this is not a given for every woman or every destination, these possibilities are real. I know several women — including myself — who have been victims of sexual assault while on the road.

For many women, just leaving home alone can be frightening — let alone venturing into unknown lands.

Why Women-Only Tours?

Tours dedicated just to women serve many purposes. Historically speaking, when you think of any great explorer, he most likely is a man. Just take a quick moment to Google “famous explorers” and you’ll be inundated with male faces from Christopher Columbus to John Muir. There’s nothing wrong with men getting out into the world; women are just largely underrepresented in the realm of travel. Tours for women are helping females take back the landscape of exploration.

As Intrepid Travel’s Jenny Gray stated, “These female-led, women-only expeditions offer a socially responsible and culturally sensitive way for travelers to access female-only establishments, experiences and customs in these traditionally conservative countries.”

Such excursions offer a safe space for women to establish real connections while delving into intercultural topics that affect females worldwide. From Mexico to Egypt to China, we walk through the world with expectations of what it means to be female placed upon us. We accept the burdens of “normality” in order to function within our societies, careers, families, and partnerships. These tours allow us to join together, openly discussing our cultures and how we can progress.

Women walking in the desert — Unsplash / roya ann miller

Breaking Down Barriers

Female-only tours allow us to put those encumbrances aside and to show up as we are, eager to learn and connect. They help us break down barriers and allow us an accessibility to see the world that we may not have otherwise had. All women deserve the opportunity to take that dream trip and return with a renewed outlook on life.

My friend Mary Cecchini left corporate America to start her female-only company, Living Big Travel, which focuses on international adventure travel. She was determined to help other women overcome their unique obstacles and get out into the world. Whether it’s not having time to plan a trip, fearing solo travel, or simply wanting to be surrounded by like-minded individuals, women-only tours provide the solution.

Expeditions geared toward females are on the rise as more women discover how empowering these experiences can be. Often, taking the first step is the hardest part. In a Trafalgar survey, 73% of women from the United States stated that travel was a source of strength and independence. The same study found that 76% of women prefer to travel with their partners or families.

Just by looking at the math, women-only tours make sense in so many ways. Females want to get out on the road, to contribute to global society, to discover what’s going on in other women’s backyards. Tour companies are listening to this ever-growing demand. In fact, the Chicago Tribune found in 2015 that female-centric tour companies grew by 230 percent in six years. As such, outfits like Intrepid Travel plan to double their female tours by 2020. They’re not alone.

What’s Available for Female-Based Tours?

Gone are the times of “ladies’ night out” and superficial shopping sprees. Women-only tours offer a variety of opportunities for women of all ages. Whether you’re looking to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or connect with locals from different cultures, here’s a sample of what companies have to offer:

AdventureWomen: Take a Kenai Wilderness Odyssey in Alaska, spending much of your time living alongside grizzly bears. This nine-day, wildlife-focused trip is priced at $4,990 USD and includes double-occupancy accommodations, activities, transportation, happy hour, and most meals.

Damesly: Wander through the "Souks + Sahara" of Morocco, taking in the colors, tastes, and sites of Northern Africa. For 11 days, including shared accommodation, air-conditioned transport, meals, activities, and local guides, the cost is $2,850 USD.

Getaway Goddess: Get in touch with your spiritual side with a Shreyas Yoga Retreat in Bengaluru, India. Four days and three nights, including hotel, activities, meals, and transportation, costs $930 USD.

Living Big Travel: Discover the best of Croatia — from its cobblestone streets to it lush national parks — for eight days and seven nights. The $3,695 USD price covers planning, hotels, transport, most meals, activities, and gratuities.

WanderTours: Experience the highlights of Ireland, including the Wild Atlantic Way, the Aran Islands, and a traditional Irish cooking class. Starting at $5,550 USD, this trip lasts 13 days and includes entrance fees, most meals, accommodation, activities, and an English-speaking guide.

Wild Women Expeditions: Delve into the wonders of the Galapagos, hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking along the way. The $5,795 fee covers too much to list, but you’ll enjoy nine days on this archipelago — including return flights from mainland Ecuador.

Venus Adventures: Take an African Safari through Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 21 days. Highlights include gorilla trekking, visiting the Masai tribe, and spotting pink flamingoes. Prices start from $5,430.

Women carrying baskets on their backs — Unsplash / Ives Ives

As a long-time traveler, I strongly believe that everyone should have access to travel. Not just the rich, not just men, not just English-speaking individuals. With women-only tours, companies are helping to bridge that gap. Armed with thoughtfully-researched itineraries, trustworthy guides, and unpretentious companionship, there’s no telling how we women may transform the world.

Hotel ‘Hacks’ To Improve Your Stay

Rainy day have you stuck inside your hotel room? Wondering why your hotel always provides a shower cap that no one ever uses? Want to save a little extra dough with some neat hotel hacks?

Whether you’re an avid or newbie traveler, there are some seriously sneaky hotel hacks that can make for a better stay. We’ve all heard of sneaking warm, buttery rolls into a shower cap or using an iron to make a grilled cheese, but you’ve probably never heard of the following hotel hacks that we guarantee you’ll want to use during your next hotel stay.

Besides, who doesn’t love to get the most bang for their buck when fishing out the cash for top-notch accommodations?

1. Create your own surround sound system

Most hotels come equipped with either a coffee mug, plastic and styrofoam cups, or an ice bucket.

If you want to set the mood in your hotel room and create your own surround sound system, simply set your cell phone in a cup or ice bucket to amplify the sound and feel like you’re at your own private concert.

2. Put that shower cap to use

As previously mentioned, there’s an old and popular hotel hack of turning useless shower caps into functional material, such as using them as plastic bags to store warm delicious rolls.

If you want to make even better use of the shower cap that you likely aren’t going to use in the shower, cover your dirty shoes with the cap before putting them into your suitcase, or cover your leftovers with the cap and put them in the hotel refrigerator. You can also use the shower cap to cover germ-filled remote controls.

3. Get your hand washing done, free of charge!

If your hotel has a towel drying rack in the room, you now have a clothes dryer as well!

If you’re on an extended trip, you likely have some dirty laundry. You can use your hotel sink to wash your delicates or smaller items, such as socks, underwear, and T-shirts. You can then hang these clothes on the towel drying rack and save yourself both the trip and some money by avoiding laundromats. Voila!

4. Create your own steamer and humidifier

Hotel bathrooms are usually quite small, making the perfect setting for your own personal steam room.

Turn the shower on hot and close the bathroom door, letting the room fill with steam. You can either use this as a sauna to relax your muscles after several hours of sightseeing or hang some wrinkled clothes from the shower curtain.

Another annoyance of many hotel rooms is the dry air that can cause minor respiratory issues, especially while sleeping. If you have an ironing board in your hotel room, hang a wet towel over the board and place it near the A/C unit. This will create a makeshift humidifier in your room for better breathing circumstances.

5. Slip ’em a $20

Though I’m not usually a fan of bribery, slipping the front desk or concierge a $20 can work wonders for your hotel stay.

If you slip the front desk a $20 under your credit card when checking in, they’ll likely provide you with a ‘complimentary’ upgrade. Though this isn’t a guaranteed hotel hack, it doesn’t hurt to try.

Man putting a wad of cash in his wallet — Slip the front desk some extra cash when checking in and see what happens. Shutterstock / Yulia Grigoryeva

6. Make use of the free conditioner

If you weren’t aware, hair conditioner can be used for far much more than just silky smooth hair.

I’ve personally been using conditioner as shaving cream for at least 10 years, and this wondrous bath product can also be used as a make-up remover, cuticle cream, to handwash delicate clothing items, or protect leather boots and shoes.

7. Ask for a spare key

Nowadays, many hotels require a key card to turn on the electricity in a hotel room.

When checking in to a hotel, ask for two key cards. That way, you can leave the electricity on while you’re out of the room, and won’t have to temporarily freeze or sweat to death while waiting for the heat or air to kick in!

8. Talk to the GM and ask to see other rooms

If you e-mail the general manager of a hotel before or after booking, creating this relationship can lead to some enjoyable perks.

According to financial advice website Wise Bread, traveler Elizabeth Houck is now consistently upgraded to the king suite at a particular hotel, all thanks to a simple e-mail to the GM regarding her first hotel stay that led to many future advantages and upgrades.

9. Black-out your room

There’s nothing more annoying than that tiny sliver of light that shines in from your hotel curtains while trying to have a nice daytime nap or nurse a hangover from the night before.

Luckily, there’s a simple fix: Take one of the trouser hangers from the hotel closet and use this to clip the curtains together. You now have blackout curtains. You’re welcome.

10. Netflix and chill

If your hotel room has a flat-screen TV, an HDMI port (highly likely), and WiFi, you can easily set up your Netflix account or other streaming devices to your hotel TV. Now you can stream shows from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Again, you’re welcome.

Stream movies and TV shows in your hotel room. Unsplash / freestocks.org

11. No gym? No problem

If you’re worried about not being able to exercise during your trip AND your hotel doesn’t offer its own gym, don’t worry!

Though you might have to move around some furniture, hotel rooms are usually large enough for some basic at-home exercises, such as squats, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and lunges. There’s now no excuse not to exercise!

12. Traveling with the whole family

There are two genius hotel hacks to use if you’re staying in a room with the whole family, especially if traveling with young ones.

If you have fussy children (or grandchildren) who are constantly fighting over who gets what, defuse the argument of who takes up more space in the bed by using the many extra pillows hotel rooms provide to create a divider to separate the kids before they hit the hay. No room for arguments now!

If your hotel room has an ironing board, this is now your kids’ dining table. Simply prop up the ironing board and have your kids sit at the end of the bed. Place their dinners on the ironing board, and you have a dinner table.

13. Block out noise and light

We won’t spend too much time explaining this one, but if you want to drown out the sound or light sneaking in from your hotel door, put a towel under the crease for ultimate privacy and comfort.

14. Trickery with “Do Not Disturb” signs

An unfortunate downside to staying in hotels (or any accommodation for that matter) is that they are sometimes broken into.

If you want to avoid getting robbed while out-and-about, hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign from your door at all times. This will warn any potential thieves that you are in the room (even if you aren’t, muahaha), and they will be deterred from breaking and entering.

We hope this helps you get the most out of your next hotel stay. No shame in the game, friends. Happy trails!

Favorite Learning Vacations: Beyond Beach Chairs and Margaritas

If you’re feeling like it’s the “same old same old” when it comes to your vacations, you’re not alone. Many of us who are fortunate to travel are seeking more out of our vacations. Lying on the beach or traipsing from city to city, while amazing, is losing its appeal, especially as we are getting to be more experienced travelers. Luckily, there’s an option where you can relax, have fun, and actually learn something while you’re at it! Learning vacations let you have it all.

Educational travel is actually a rapidly growing industry that serves travelers who are seeking first-hand experiences and knowledge. Educational tourism is all about interactions. Whether it’s counting penguins in Antarctica, encountering falcons in a Scottish castle, learning how to cook pasta from an actual Italian chef, or scuba diving in Belize, learning vacations provide a unique way to pursue your interests while also gaining a unique perspective of the world. It’s the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the destination.

So, if you are yearning for more from your next vacation, here are a few of our favorite learning vacations that offer more than just beach chairs and margaritas. You can even combine your learning experience with a more traditional vacation at these great locales.

learning vacations my include counting penguins in Antarctica — Counting penguins in Antarctica.

Cooking Classes

Whether you want to make an amazing Spaghetti Puttanesca, master the art of a souffle, or learn to cook vegan for your newly converted daughter, there are so many options for a cooking class vacation. We have taken classes on cruise ships, at a resort in Tuscany from an Italian chef, and at resorts in the Bay area and Rhode Island. This has become a very popular hands-on vacation by people searching to hone their culinary skills.

Many have chefs on the premises who head the cooking schools and/or will bring in guest chefs for special demonstrations. Most do charge a fee for the classes. And finally, many coordinate the classes with wine tastings. Here are three of our favorites.

Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point resort is located about an hour from San Francisco Airport with a fascinating history. It sits at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge across from San Francisco, so the views are simply stunning. It is located within the Golden Gate National Parks and the historic army post, Fort Baker. In fact, much of the hotel IS the refurbished army post. Of course, there is no shortage of activities in the area, which makes it an ideal destination for couples and families with kids. Plus, Napa and Sonoma Valleys are just a short hop north of the resort.

But one of the most amazing amenities at Cavallo Point is the cooking school. The kitchen itself has 1,200 square feet, four workstations for hands-on classes, and two flat-screen televisions for demonstrations. The classroom showcases cuisine from around the world and utilizes products from local farms, fisherman, artisan producers, and winemakers. It features an ever-changing roster of cooking classes, chefs, and programs and all classes have a focus on seasonality, sustainability, and stewardship.

learning vacations might be cooking classes like at Cavallo Point — Cavallo Point cooking school. Photo credit Cavallo Point.

Ocean House Resort

Ocean House Resort is located in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Living in the New York City area, this resort makes for the perfect weekend get away. What makes it even more special is that it has a sister property, Weekapaug Inn, located 15 minutes away. Both properties are reminiscent of days gone by and sit on water, but have very different atmospheres. The Ocean House gives you a more posh feeling like you’re aboard a luxury liner, whereas Weekapaug Inn is like being on a summer vacation on the lake, but only so much nicer!

The cooking classes are located at Ocean House where they have created the Center for Wine and Culinary Arts, a 3,000-square-foot education and entertaining space for wine and cooking classes. From signature culinary events to a classic french cooking class paired with wine to their Farm and Vine Dinner Series, the array of classes offered is astounding. And they work with local farms to ensure only the freshest ingredients are used.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Culinary Arts Kitchen is an exclusive to the Regent Seven Seas Explorer. Located on Deck 11 with amazing views as you cruise, it is the perfect place to spend some time learning new skills and recipes whether you are a beginner or expert. The room is divided into 18 individual cooking stations and each station is fully equipped. I have taken a total of three classes and hope over time to take many more.

On my most recent cruise, my best friend and I took the Mediterranean class. We had so much fun! It was extra special with Chef Kelly stopping in to mix up one of her favorite cocktails from the region. My friend also bought the Regent Culinary Cookbook for me as a gift and I have used it many times.

Cocktails and cooking class aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

Sporting Activities

Always wanted to learn to sail, but didn’t know where to start? Have a hankering to see a coral reef up close and personal? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to hang 10? Whatever your heart desires and however active you want to be, you can learn it on vacation. Here are three of our favorites.

Sailing Lessons

Sailing has quickly become a great pleasure for me. We have great friends who have been sailing all of their lives and were happy to share their expertise with us. While we learned to sail in the BVI, your choices are limited only by your choice of destinations. You can easily stay in the United States or venture abroad to places off Greece and Croatia or sailing around the United Kingdom and the Seychelles.

Scrub Island in the BVI

I love Scrub Island Resort and was so devastated to learn they suffered a lot of damage from Hurricane Irma. While not totally recovered, the resort is pretty close to being renovated. And they are excited to welcome tourists back. Your dollars will have a great impact on the lives of the residents who lost so much. I fell in love with the relaxed hospitality, astonishing natural wonders, spectacular views and that unbelievable, crystal clear water. I hope you find the British Virgin Islands as mesmerizing as I did.

In terms of learning to sail, you have quite a few options. From a 5-day learn to sail course with certification to an accelerated 2-day course which will provide you with the basics to get started to sailing a catamaran, you should be able to find the right course for you. The waters are crystal clear and amazing and make for perfect sailing whether you are a beginner or an experienced helmsman. You even have live aboard or stay ashore options.

sailing lessons make for great learning vacations — Learning to sail in the British Virgin Islands.

Skiing

Whether you want to learn downhill or cross country or whether you have never skied or are an expert, there will be a ski school just right for you. Plus, skiing vacations are fun for the whole family. There are even quite a few women-only ski camps these days that offer intensive 2-5 day packages for intermediate on up skiers to hone their skills. They are really not geared towards beginners. One of the top camps is the women’s program at Alta Lodge in Utah, where you’ll actually share meals and a roof with fellow skiers and instructors. And guess what…this camaraderie leads to making lifelong friends and a lot of repeat guests.

Deer Valley

The Deer Valley area has been a favorite destination of ours for many years. We love to ski here because it’s great for all levels, offers ski in ski out, and has an amazing ski school. You can take private lessons, specialty classes like off-trail skiing, and classes especially tailored for kids, women, and men. They even offer the Mahre Training Center Ski Camps with 3 to 5-day ski camps for the diehard skier in some of us.

Fly Fishing

This has become one of Dana’s favorite vacations ever and she’s not alone. Fly fishing is quickly becoming a popular choice for people who love to be active outdoors. And with the popularity has come many great vacation spots that will teach you to fly fish.

Copal Tree Lodge, Belize

Copal Tree Lodge IS where we have spent more days on and off the water than anywhere so has to top the list. Formally known as Belcompo, Copal Tree Lodge is located in Punta Gorda, Belize, the furthest spot south you can get. It is located at the top of the jungle rainforest, yet minutes from the water. The fishing grounds are some of the more sacred for those searching for the Grand Slam — permit, bonefish, and tarpon — but in a true serene setting.

The fishing takes place for the main part in the protected marine reserves and national parks. This is considered a world-renowned permit territory and the hunt is as much the game as landing and releasing that permit. A quick ride to the reef or one of the local islands will also put you in excellent bonefish grounds. And if you are looking for the grand slam, the patient, kind, professional, and just unbelievable guides will get you to tarpon as well.

Belize’s Copal Lodge suite is a great place to rest between fly fishing lessons.

Get Creative

I’m sure there are many budding artists out there who have not had the opportunity to test their creativity, but would love to. In addition to our favorites, just a few other avenues to explore off the top of my head are music, pottery, and writing.

Photography

Travel and photography go together perfectly. There are few things as inspiring as visiting remote and beautiful places and capturing those images to take home and bore our friends and family with! But taking great photos isn’t something that comes naturally for most of us. Sure, we all can take pictures, but getting that jaw dropping shot takes time, patience, and a good eye. Plus, someone to teach you all of it…

Lindblad Expeditions

You can learn so much on a Lindblad Expedition well beyond photography, but it doesn’t hurt if you pick up a few tips from some of the best photographers on the planet. You can travel with Lindblad Expeditions on their photography tours to places like Alaska, the Amazon, and the Galapagos. On those tours, you’ll get to take classes from National Geographic photographers, learning a lot more about your equipment and what it takes to capture the perfect shot.

On a trip to Antarctica, we were fortunate to have 2 photographers on board with us, one from NatGeo, Chris Ranier. Not only did we get classes before heading out to see mother nature, but you actually got instruction as you were preparing to take the picture on land. This was truly one of my most memorable travel experiences. One of the best tips I got was to mix up your angles and shoot from the ground or at least at a low angle. You will get such a different perspective.

photography lessons make for great learning vacations — Taking photos in Antarctica from a different angle — on my stomach — during a Lindblad expedition.

Glassworking

Okay, this may not be for everyone, but if I tell you it can be done on the island of Murano outside Venice, would you change your mind?

Abate Zanetti School of Glass

On the famed Venetian island of Murano, you will find this glassworking school. You can start with the basics at the weekend course where you’ll create vibrant sculptures, figurines and jewelry. Or sign up for the furnace-based glassworking, where you’ll make your own striking glass or bowl. Or better yet, opt for private lessons and make your own masterpiece.

Painting

There are now companies that offer vacations that combine sightseeing with painting, often in scenic locations. If you’ve fancied yourself a budding artist or are keen to develop your art skills, this may be for you.

Authentic Adventures

One of Authentic Adventures amazing offerings is an 8-day painting holiday on the Amalfi Coast. You will never get bored of which stunning scene to paint first. From Pompeii to seascapes to secluded beaches to colorful coastal villages, you will not be disappointed. They also offer bespoke experiences around the globe that allow you to indulge in your special interest activities.

Culture, Art, And History

Has there been something you’ve always wanted to learn, but just never had the time? Perhaps just not any class will do and you’d like to think way far out of the box for that one of a kind experience. Maybe your passion for certain interests, hobbies, or activities is what motivates your travel? Do you love art museums, film festivals, train treks, archeology, space exploration, or truffles? Well, you can learn anything you want once you identify your passion. Here are three companies to help you do just that.

Road Scholar

Road Scholar runs tours in 150 countries and all 50 states, offers 5,500 tours, and for most budgets. They offer trips with different levels of structure, from detailed itineraries packed with learning experiences to lightly structured schedules with generous free time. You’ll get access to some of the most extraordinary people and places in the world today. Impressionism Along the Seine lets you step into the vivid, colorful scenes of a Monet or Pissarro as you start in Paris and sail along the Seine to the sites that most inspired these legendary artists. And if you have the time AND money, consider Road Scholar’s World Academy tour where you’ll voyage around the world in 115 days, visiting 25 countries, all starting at $40,000.

art, history, and culture classes make for great learning vacations — Taking a pottery class during a trip to China.

National Geographic Expeditions

From the scientists, photographers, and explorers who lead the trips to the local guides, with Aational Geographic Expeditions, you’ll get to explore and learn at a whole new level. Whether you’re up close and personal with an elephant in Kenya, listening to a wildlife biologist discuss their populations, or gazing up at prehistoric cave paintings with a paleontologist in France, on a NatGeo expedition you’ll be surrounded by people who are steeped in knowledge and insights about the places you’ll visit.

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is a museum travel program run by the Smithsonian Institution that promises memorable, immersive, and transformative experiences. They offer more than 350 departures around the world. Special interest tours will even cater to any unique and unusual passions. Examples include an”Inside the Russian Space Program” tour or an “Italian Cars” tour behind the scenes at the Lamborghini and Maserati factories. Engaged learning is at the core of every tour and cruise and foremost is the insights you’ll get from their world-class and charismatic experts and local guides.

can you immerse yourself in the culture during learning vacations — Making dumplings in China.

These are just a few of the options you have for combining a vacation with a learning experience. You have endless possibilities. And it doesn’t have to be grandiose either. You can find a lot of these experiences close by to where you live if you take the time to look. Check out museums, language classes, alumni associations, and professional societies in your area for trips they may offer. All you have to do is think about what you’d love to learn and open yourself up to the possibilities.

Insurance And Living Wills: How To Protect Yourself When You Travel

It’s not the usual potluck banter, but somewhere between the appetizer and sitting down for dinner, a friend asked if I was scared about getting injured or worse while traveling. Usually, she asks where I’m off to next, so I was surprised. But relieved too.

Setting up a strategy beyond travel insurance allows you to relax before taking off across borders, and knowing that your travel buddies have also taken care of the necessities clears the way for easier conversation starters like, “Where are you headed next?”

You probably know retired couples who book flights on a whim, friends who travel with elderly relatives, or millennials off on their next adrenaline rush adventure. Expats may find affordable health plans in other countries. But how many of them are prepared for the worst? How many of us know what to do if we get seriously sick or die overseas?

As morbid as it may seem, it’s important for your peace of mind and for your family that you answer these questions before you travel.

Travel insurance isn’t enough

There are lots of details in planning for your dream vacation. Some people love that process, others avoid it and surrender to chance. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

Start simple. Having travel insurance is always a good idea, and having an extended policy, covering a year or more and perhaps including your family, makes good sense.

Find out what your policy covers regarding repatriation (bringing a body back home). Some plans won’t cover older travelers. Pre-existing conditions may lead to having a claim rejected. Will insurance cover you if you haven’t declared a health condition or die while doing something that’s considered high risk, like skydiving?

Ask the tough questions before you purchase that insurance. Once you do, be sure to keep your insurance card in your passport wallet and keep a copy at home in case you need it.

Don’t leave your friends and family on the hook

Moving a body across borders is expensive. It can cost $10,000 or more. It’s also complicated, as every country has a different protocol. That’s one reason why an end-of-life plan, like that offered by the Trident Society, is helpful and cost-effective. Their repatriation plan is included no matter where in the world you might pass away. There is a cremation agreement with countries around the world, and Trident will bring a body to the nearest facility then transport the remains to the registered survivor back home.

When a box is not just a box

Movies have made light about mishaps when someone is trying to transport ashes on airplanes. In real life, it’s more complicated than Hollywood portrays. Countries and airlines have rules and regulations about how to pack and seal an urn. It can’t be in your carry on or the seat next to you. Check with the airlines and make careful arrangements, especially if no one is accompanying the urn. This is no time for lost baggage!

Know where to get help

It’s the call that you never want to get. However, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs will attempt to locate and inform the next-of-kin. If you are from another country and have reason to believe that the worst may have happened, contact your embassy or consular office. These officials have resources and can answer questions about local burials, processes, and how to return remains. Funding is not part of their service, but will they can advise you on how to send money to cover costs. If the deceased has no representative or family, the consulate will take possession of personal effects and inventory them before arranging to return them.

Leave a letter with details in a secure place at home and let family or friends know where that is. Your travel buddy needs to have access to this information. Your travel file should contain:

Full Name
Date of birth
Passport Number: Where and what date it was issued
Close friend or immediate family member
Details about any communicable illness
Names and contact details of the travel insurance company
Affidavit for next of kin or spouse. The US form is available here.

Two people skydiving — Some insurance plans may punish you for doing things like skydiving. Unsplash / Muzammil Soorma

Other considerations whether you travel across the planet or across town

Do you have your papers in order in case you need to be hospitalized? You can set up a ‘Living Will‘ with free forms online to ensure your wishes are honored. This will set up your medical treatment and care according to your desires — including “do not resuscitate” orders.

Another important step for your next of kin or agent of choice is to make them a Medical Power of Attorney. It will go a long way toward settling difficult questions when you might not be in a position to answer for yourself.

The next time someone asks where you’re going and whether you’re scared, ask them how much time they have or refer them to this post. Once you both have everything in order, they just might join your next adventure!

8 Travel Scams You Should Know About, According To Experts

We don’t want to overstate the dangers you may face when traveling. In general, people have an over-inflated sense of risk, and we wouldn’t want to stoke fears that might keep folks from seeing more of the world. After all, if we only did things that were 100% safe, we would never go anywhere.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to take reasonable precautions, and a word to the wise can go a long way.

So here are 8 scams you may encounter while traveling, as explained by expert travelers and bloggers.

1. The Italian Luggage Scam

When someone at a train station offers to help with your luggage, it’s tempting to take them up on their offer. Are we really supposed to be so cynical that we rebuff offers of assistance from good Samaritans?

In Italy, the answer is, alas, yes. Men offering to carry bags at Italian train stations have been known to strong-arm money out of tourists who naively accept their ‘assistance.’

“When we were in the train station in Italy there are people who offer to help you find your train or carry your luggage,” says Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski of Baby Boomster. “They asked to be paid and tried to intimidate us when we didn’t want to pay the huge amount they demanded. It’s best to avoid them.”

You should be wary of anyone approaching you in an Italian train station, but especially in Florence it seems.

2. Cambodian Border Crossing Scam

In Southeast Asia, border crossings are prime real estate for swindlers and mountebanks of every persuasion. You should most definitely be on your guard. Rosalind and Alan Cuthbertson of Frequent Traveller filled us in on one bus company scam in particular.

“The bus companies run a scam to charge you more than double the set visa fee,” they say. “Just before the border, they will take you to a room with what looks to be an official border office and request that you hand over your passport and money for the visa. This is a scam. It is quite easy to just walk across the border and obtain a visa on your own at half the price.”

In general, you should never pay money for an on-arrival visa until you, well, arrive in the country you’re visiting. If you have any doubt about the process, do your research about how and where to apply for a visa in advance — and how much it’s supposed to cost.

3. ATM OMG

“In Johannesburg, South Africa, locals tried to scam me by pretending they didn’t know how to use the ATM machine and asking me to help them,” says Barbara Weibel of the travel blog Hole in the Donut. “By that time I was much more savvy and I knew they were either trying to swap my card or get my pin number. I tried reporting them to airport police, but they had no interest in following up, leading me to believe they were in on the scam and profiting from it.”

In general, you should be super suspicious of anyone who wants anything to do with you around an ATM machine. These days, pin stealing has become so sophisticated that it’s probably best not to use ATMs in many countries if you can help it.

4. The Taxi Driver

Many travelers report being exploited by taxi drivers, who seem to be able to spot a potentially vulnerable tourist from a mile down the road. If you’re not careful, you may find yourself paying more than you expected.

“Many meters are rigged so it’s best to negotiate a flat fee,” says Dan Fellner of Global-Travel-Info.com. “If they say the fare will be based on the meter, I don’t get in the cab. Whenever possible, I take mass transit or Uber.”

Mass transit in particular — where it’s available and efficient — is cheaper and more environmentally conscious in any event.

5. Cleaning Service

Many travel experts tell us that we should be wary any time someone tries to make physical in a public place. Even if it seems like the person just accidentally bumped into you, that can give some pickpockets enough of a window to put a hand in your bag. It truly is astonishing how skilled some crooks are.

Some are less finessed, as Barbara Weibel tells us. In this case, a woman tried to use ‘doing a favor’ as a means of perpetrating a theft.

“In Quito, Ecuador, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and told me a bird had ‘pooped on me,'” Barbara says. “She pulled baby wipes out of her purse and started to clean off my blouse. When she couldn’t get it all off, she suggested I take off my backpack and hand it to her so she could get at the rest of the stain.

“I knew what was going on from the beginning, but had been playing along just to see how the scam worked.”

Some scammers are also known to accidentally spill coffee on their targets, or spray them with liquid and then offer to clean it off. Don’t fall for this one.

Mountain view of Quito, Ecuador — Quito, Ecuador. Pixabay / DEZALB

6. The Palace Is Closed Today

A common scam in Bangkok, Thailand (though it has been duplicated elsewhere) involves a fake official giving tourists fake information about one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Jan Robinson of Budget Travel Talk explains.

“Gosh, we fell for the well known Bangkok scam outside the palace where a lovely nicely dressed man approaches to say it is not open because of some religious festival that morning, but offers to negotiate a sweet (cheap) deal with a tuk-tuk driver to take us to another temple and bring us back when the palace is open. Then they divert to their gold shop where pressure is applied to buy. We then had a similar thing happen to us in Marrakech but didn’t fall for it twice.”

Many people have reported falling for some version of this scam. Don’t let anyone negotiate your transport and outings for you unless it’s the concierge at your hotel or an accredited tour guide.

7. Unregistered Taxis

As we’ve noted, there are an excess of skeevy taxi drivers all over the world. But Mark Berman of South American Postcard shared a particularly chilling story with us about a taxi ride gone wrong.

“Once in Lima, Peru, I took an unregistered taxi late at night,” Mark says. “Another man got in the front with the driver, and my backpack was in the boot. For 90 minutes, I was driven around Lima and marched out to ATM machines and was robbed to the tune of $400USD. Not a good buzz!”

Once again, with respect to the many honest taxi drivers out there, it’s probably best to take Uber, Lyft, or public transit.

8. You Only Pay Twice

Denis and Lynn Gagnon, who run the blog BonVoyageurs.com, remind us that hotels are not above scamming guests either. Pay close attention to what you’re authorizing your hosts to charge you for.

“The travel scam I come across most often, and a scam which I was a victim of many years ago in Morocco, is the one perpetrated by some hotels who use the card authorization system to charge your credit card upon your arrival at the hotel and again upon check out. I advise travelers to refuse to sign any card authorization slip upon arrival at a hotel, or if they do, to make sure the amount is not above the minimum cost of the stay and also to make sure to refuse to sign a second charge slip upon check out.”

Hotel Polonia facade — Unsplash / Vijith Q

We hope you found it useful to learn a trick or two from these expert travelers. Beats the heck out of learning the hard way!

What To Do When An Airline Loses Your Luggage

One of the most stressful things about air travel is the (hopefully rare) occurrence of an airline losing your luggage. If you’re on vacation, or traveling for a wedding or social event, getting to your destination without your luggage can be a real doozy. You may not know what to do.

Here’s what to do when the airline loses your luggage so you can do your best with an unfortunate situation and enjoy your trip.

What To Do With Delayed Luggage

When you arrive at your destination and your luggage does not, you will likely have to file a report with the airline near baggage claim and they may have no idea where your luggage is. Or, if it is found, they sill may not know when it will arrive. This is why it’s critical to keep any tags or receipts from your checked luggage — that baggage claim number will help them track down your suitcase.

If there is a chance your luggage just didn’t make it to a connecting flight, the airline should be able to predict the earliest it can be recovered and sent to your airport. You will likely be given a claim number and you’ll need to let the airport know where you will be staying so they can forward your luggage when it’s found. Depending on your location, it may be faster for you to go back to the airport and retrieve it yourself, but many airlines offer a delivery service for recovered luggage.

Before you leave the support desk, be sure to ask for whatever supplies they can provide you with — an overnight shirt, toothbrush, or other toiletries. Grab a reference number for your claim and find out how to follow up on your bag’s status; some airlines have a link they’ll send you to check, others will want you to call in for status updates.

How To Replace Lost Luggage On Domestic Flights

While claim amounts can vary from airline to airline, you can most likely claim up to $200 in lost value, but thanks to changes with the Department of Transportation made in 2009, you can claim up to $3,400 if you have the proper documentation to prove your valuables were indeed worth that much. Simply knowing the new regulations can be a very useful tactic in negotiating the value of your lost items.

People board airplane on the tarmac, sunset in the background — Photo provided by Pexels

How To Replace Lost Luggage On International Flights

International travel is regulated differently than flights within the United States. Here, you can usually only claim up to about $1,600 in lost luggage, if it is indeed confirmed lost by the airline with no hope of retrieval. You’ll want to be sure to look up the rules for claims set forth by the Montreal Convention.

How To Make A Claim If your Luggage Is Lost

When your luggage is lost, you’ll need to fill out a claim form explaining in detail what was in your suitcase. Be aware that airlines will only pay a depreciated value for things you’re claiming, so unless you can prove that something you lost is brand new with a receipt, they won’t pay out the full price.

If you’ve had to go out and find replacement clothes or gear to get by with until your luggage was confirmed lost, the airline will also pay you a depreciated rate for your incurred expenses for replacement pieces.

Just know that no matter what you claim was lost, you’ll likely have to haggle a bit and you may be required to show some sort of documentation for higher priced checked items.

What Happens Next?

It can take airlines anywhere from a few short hours to a full month to locate your checked suitcase, and if you’ve filed a claim, it can take weeks to months to finally get word on reimbursement. In some cases, an airline may come back and simply offer you travel vouchers or travel points worth more than the items on your claim, so you’ll need to decide if the deal is a good one. This offer may have points that expire before you can use them, or be subject to blackout dates that make it less advisable to take this deal.

If you booked your travel using a travel rewards credit card, your card might have its own line of travel insurance for lost items. Be sure to check with the card you booked your travel on to see if they have any benefits that could help cover the cost of lost items.

Additionally, if the airline isn’t much help, your home or rental insurance may have some coverages for property loss that occurred outside of your home or apartment — so be sure to check around if you’re facing some unexpected expenses due to lost luggage.

Hopefully you’ll never have an airline lose your luggage. But if you do, these points can be helpful in recovering any incurred cost of replacing lost items and making the situation slightly less stressful.

Truly lost luggage is thankfully a rarity in modern travel, but delayed luggage can be a real stressor on a trip. We hope these tips are helpful just in case lost luggage ever impacts you!