Jet Lag: Tips for Recovering During Your Next Family Vacation

One of the best ways to prevent jet lag from happening is to take care of yourself before you head out on your family adventure. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and even exercising.

If you are traveling east or have a flight to fly west, I recommend that you move your bedtime by an hour or two a few days before your trip.  This will help you adjust to the new time zone.

I understand this isn’t always possible due to work and other obligations. But I thought I would still share it!

Recovering from Jet Lag When You Reach Your Destination

When you arrive at your destination, you are going to probably be ready for bed. However, the worst thing you can do is take a nap or sleep for a longer period of time.

Instead, I recommend getting right into your new time zone and staying awake until the time you normally go to bed at home. If you go to bed at ten back home, then go to bed at ten where you are. This will allow you to adjust to the new time zone quickly and get the sleep you need every night.

If possible, you should be outside on that first day. The sun will trigger your internal clock and tell you it is time to wake up and move! The light exposure will ensure your body knows it should stay awake. And your sleep-deprived body will understand this is a short-term situation.

Recovering from Jet Lag When You Get Home

Hopefully, your jet lag will not be as problematic when you return home if you took care of yourself when you were on vacation. However, you should do the same things you did when you were on vacation.

Basically, get outside in the bright light. And go to bed and wake up at your normal local times. Exercise, staying hydrated, and getting into your old sleep schedule and routine will also help.

You should never take sleeping pills to help you get to sleep or when you are recovering from jet lag. They can make you groggier and cause even more sleep issues. If you simply cannot recover from jet lag on your own, talk to your doctor to find the best plan of action for you.

Your jet lag will not last forever and before you know it, you will be more than ready to take off to new unknown destinations with your family!

So, are you ready to have me personalize a family vacation itinerary for your next trip?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Best Things to Do in England 

Go On a Walking Tour of London 

One of the best things to do in England is taking a walking tour of London. This walking tour will allow you to get the lay of the land so to speak. During your walk, you will see sights like Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.  

After your walking tour, you can choose to revisit the attractions you want to spend more time at. 

If you don’t want to do the walking tour, there is also a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour available. Simply let me know which one you prefer for your family vacation in England, and I will make all the arrangements.  

You may even be interested in learning how to travel like a local in England! 

Check Out Stonehenge 

One of the most mysterious historical sites in England is Stonehenge. This is a World Heritage Site. It is an impressive area that includes the infamous stone circle, ancient houses, and a museum. This is an easy day trip from London.  

Take a Walk Along the Jurassic Coast 

The vistas along the Jurassic Coast are spectacular. This is another World Heritage Site in England. You will see quite a few of them during your family vacation.  

This coastline stretches for ninety-five miles. You will love searching for fossils during your visit to this coastline. I recommend taking a guided walk, because it will allow you to learn a lot about the area.  

Relax in a Mineral Bath 

The Roman Baths in Bath are now in ruins. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have your thermal spa day while on a family vacation in England. After a tour of the Roman baths, soak in one of the two mineral pools at the spa nearby. Your session will last for two hours, which is plenty of time to feel nice and relaxed.  

Go Punting in Cambridge 

Have you ever heard of punting? No worries! Most people haven’t! Punting is where you guide a boat while using a pole. You can tackle this adventure on your own. Or you can take one of the punting boat tours. I recommend the latter, as it allows you to enjoy the views of Cambridge without the hassle of guiding the boat.  

Take a Tour of Windsor Castle 

Self-guided tours of Windsor Castle are available throughout the year. It is best to purchase your tickets in advance, because they can sell out quickly. During your tour, you can see many of the rooms within the castle. Your ticket also includes a peek into St. George’s Chapel and time on the grounds.  

Go On a Drive Through Cotswold  

The villages that make up Cotswold in England are all small and charming. You may not have time to visit them all during your family vacation. But just seeing a few of them are considered one of the best things to do in England.  

While in the villages, stop into the small shops and local tea rooms. It is an excellent way to mingle with the locals.  

Go for a Hike in the Lake District 

The Lake District is located in Cumbria. This picturesque destination is full of mountains and lakes. Hiking the trails in this area will have you experiencing the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. I recommend hiking the Roman High Street Circuit or going to the summit of Scafell Pike.  

Although, if your family loves to hike and has the experience, consider tackling the Three Peaks Challenge. During this challenge, your family will hike to the summits of Scafell Pike, Wales’ Snowdon, and Scotland’s Ben Nevis. Yes, that means you are in three different countries during your family vacation. Talk about memorable moments! 

Enjoy Afternoon Tea 

You can enjoy afternoon tea in England almost anywhere. If you are looking for a high-end afternoon tea though, I recommend the one at Cliveden House Hotel. They offer afternoon tea seven days a week. Champagne is included for those who are old enough to drink. And if you order too many of the delicious goodies, they can be boxed up to take back to your hotel.  

Take a Tour of the Canterbury Castle 

There are plenty of historic cathedrals in England. You could honestly spend your entire vacation in England touring them all. This cathedral was originally constructed in 597. It was completely rebuilt during the 11th century.  

If you only have time to explore one of the cathedrals in England, make Canterbury your top choice.  

Check Out Hadrian’s Wall 

This ancient fortification was constructed in the year 122. The wall goes from Ravenglass to Wallsend. During your visit, you can see the parts of the wall that are still standing. Those portions are the ones that were reconstructed back in the 19th century.  

Visit the Home of Shakespeare 

William Shakespeare lived at Stratford-upon-Avon. This home can be found in Warwickshire. His living quarters have been carefully preserved. Your family can see many of his personal belongings during your visit.  

Go On a Harry Potter Studio Tour 

Harry Potter fans will love taking the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden Studios. During this tour, your family can wander around the Great Hall, see a few of the original costumes, and peek into the shop fronts on Diagon Alley.  

Make sure you have time in your schedule to learn how to fly on your own broomstick and drink a pint or two of butterbeer. Those are the things you will remember the most from your family vacation in England.  

Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace 

One of the best things to do in England is watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The days and times for this change throughout the year. You can find the times during your family vacation in England on The Household Division website.  

When you are in front of Buckingham Palace, check to see if the Royal Standard is flying above. If it is, then the King is in residence that day.  

Visit a Museum or Two 

Many of the best museums in London are actually free to visit. This is good news if you want to check them out but know your family won’t last more than an hour or two in each one. Start at the British Museum. This is where you can see the Rosetta Stone.  

After that, consider going to the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Imperial War Museum, and the Science Museum.  

Listen to Big Ben 

You can hear the bells from Big Ben in many places around London. However, you still must see this clock up close during your family vacation. This must-see attraction is within the Elizabeth Tower.  

The great bell chimes every hour. Quarter bells chime every fifteen minutes. The best time to see this clock is at night when each of the faces are lit up.  

Visit the Winston Churchill’s War Rooms 

These war rooms were where Churchill hid, worked, and eventually lived during World War II. During your visit, you can wander through the open corridors and rooms. Most of the rooms still have personal and business items on display. It is the best way to learn how Churchill and his staff spent their days and nights during this time in history.  

These are some of the best things to do in England during your family vacation. There are so many other things to do in England that you can add to your itinerary though. We can discuss all the possibilities while I create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to England or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the fascinating travel information I share.  

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Flying for Your Next Family Vacation? What to Expect from the Airlines

It is no secret that demand for flights is high. Everyone wants to reach their destination in record time. But is that really happening?

Well, the answer to that question is yes and no. Some flights are going off without a hitch. Others are getting delayed, or cancelled, left and right. Whether it is due to technology glitches, the weather, or staffing issues is dependent on the flight.

Despite those issues, both American and United Airlines saw record profits in the second quarter. Those numbers are expected to rise even more in the third quarter. This is due to higher ticket prices, which is caused by demand.

The only thing that will affect those rising profits is cutting back on the number of flights available each day. American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, stated, “We’re sizing the airline for the resources we have available and the operating conditions we face, and we will make other changes as needed.”. This statement is a result of reducing their flying capacity for the remainder of the year.

The reduced flight schedule is the result of a pilot shortage. All the airlines are facing a reduction of pilots, due to long schedules and low pay. The goal is to offer higher wages. However, new pilots are also needed. And those newer pilots need to attend pilot school for the necessary training. That takes time, so it could be a couple years before more pilots are hired and flight numbers are increased.

So, what does this mean for your next flight?

Well, you should already be arriving at the airport early. At least the recommended two hours is best, but I recommend allowing for even more time at busier airports. This will ensure you have time to clear security and have enough time to reach your gate.

Remember, security lines are longer due to reduced staff and new airline protocols. Reduced staff can also mean some of the airport food options will not be available when you are flying. And the lines at the open ones will be super long. You should pack snacks to take with you, so you don’t find yourself starving until you reach your destination.

Of course, arriving early doesn’t mean your flight won’t be delayed, cancelled, or even changed. There is not much you can do when that happens. However, if you book with a travel advisor like myself, I can take care of these dilemmas if they occur. So, instead of spending hours on the phone or talking to airline staff, you can call me, and I will figure it out for you. You can simply relax and think about your vacation. Just don’t think it is ruined, because most of the time these issues can be resolved quickly.

It is always best to read any updated flight information emails you receive regarding your flight. Most airlines have an app you can use as well. This will ensure you know the exact time your flight is leaving. Or if it has been cancelled or changed prior to your departure day.

Flying may not be as simple as it was in the past. But it is still possible to enjoy a flight to amazing vacation destinations around the world. You simply need to be prepared for any variable nowadays.

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation and fly to your destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to fly for your family vacation just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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What Happens If You Forget to Use Airplane Mode When Flying?

First, let’s chat about the actual airplane mode rule. Up until 2013, there was no airplane mode when flying. Everyone had to actually turn off their cell phones and other devices due to safety concerns. There is still some mixed information out there as to how much a cell phone signal can interact with navigational systems on an airplane. It is due to all the different information that everyone must turn airplane mode on while flying.

Airline staff cannot tell which travelers on an aircraft have not turned their devices to airplane mode. So, if you forget to turn the mode on, the flight crew will not see an indicator light up and flash telling them to come find you.

However, if multiple passengers on the flight have not turned airplane mode on, the flight crew will experience quite a bit of interference. When that happens, one of the members of the flight crew will make another announcement reminding people to turn it on for all their devices.

Most travelers fall into the category of either wanting to send one last text or email before the plane leaves the gate. Or they simply forget to switch to airplane mode amongst all the busyness of boarding and getting things where they need to be.

So, not much will happen if you simply forget to use this mode when flying. Of course, it is considered a federal offense, since you are technically disobeying instructions from the flight crew. Most airlines will only file charges though if a passenger is refusing to get off their phone.

Right now, everyone should follow the rule of using airplane mode when flying. Doing this will ensure the safety of the flight, because there won’t be any interference. But don’t beat yourself up if you happen to arrive at your destination and realize you never did switch to airplane mode.

Are you ready to switch your phone into airplane mode and jet off to a new destination??

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. You will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan your next family vacation just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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5 US Airports with the Best Food

1. LAX

The Los Angeles Airport in LA sees tens of thousands of travelers each day. The crowds in the terminals all seem to eat at the same time, which was not helpful when the food options were slim. Newer restaurants have been opened recently and now you have a few better options when it comes to healthy, and delicious, foods.

You won’t go wrong with choosing the infamous Shake Shack with their yummy burgers. But if you are craving something else, Italian is available at Fabio Viviani’s Osteria and sandwiches are all the rave at ink.sack.

2. JFK

Not too many people have good things to say about the JFK Airport in New York City. But lately, there have been fewer complaints about the food. If you have the time, you can grab a beer at the BKLYN Beer Garden before devouring the best sushi you will ever eat at Deep Blue Sushi. There are also two different Shake Shack restaurants in this airport, so you’ll be covered if you are craving burgers and fries.

3. SkyHarbor

Many of the major local restaurants in Phoenix have moved into the SkyHarbor Airport. This is good news for you if you are flying into or departing from this airport during any family vacation. During the morning you can enjoy favorites from either Matt’s Big Breakfast or La Grande Orange. And when you want a full meal at the end of the day, make sure you have the time to sit down at Chelsea’s Kitchen. It will be even better if you can grab a slice of pie from Humble Pie for your plane ride.

4. PDX

PDX is the airport in Portland, Oregon. This city has long been known as a foodie destination, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the food options in the airport have improved over the years. A walk around the terminals will have you smelling everything from street foods to delicacies served at Michelin star restaurants.

In the mornings, I recommend grabbing your coffee from Stumptown Coffee. Then pick up a couple donuts from Blue Star Donuts. If you are traveling later in the day, and can’t decide what you want to eat, then it is best to head over to the food cart section. You will feel like you have entered a food truck zone with any type of food imaginable.

5. Austin-Bergstrom

The Austin-Bergstrom Airport in Austin, Texas is the last of the US airports serving some of the best foods. This may be a small airport, but the options are practically endless. The best part is many of the restaurants in this US airport have live music performances scheduled. That means you can relax, listen to a little live music, and eat some delicious food before boarding your next plane.

These are the five US airports with the best foods. If you are currently planning a family vacation, you may want to make sure you will be in one of these airports. This way you will know you will eat well either before or after your vacation.

So, are you ready to book your next family vacation and fly to or from one of these US airports?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar. Here you will be able to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation and visit one of these US airports just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter by clicking here. This will ensure you continue to receive the travel information I share throughout the year.

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Are you taking a road trip or have a long flight for this year’s vacation? Use the hours on the road or in the air listening to audiobooks on your favorite subjects, or to catch up on books you haven’t had time to read. There are numerous audiobook apps available for your smartphone or tablet that catching up won’t be hard to do. The big question is, which one do you choose? Read on to learn about a few of my favorite audio book apps for your next family vacation.

Audible

This is my go-to audio book app and the one I have recommended to my friends. This is an app from Amazon and if you want to give it a try, they do have a 30-day free trial where you can listen to a book of your choice. After the free trial, there is a monthly charge of $14.95. Once paid you will receive 1 credit to use for getting new books. I try to maximize my credits by using them for books that cost more than my monthly subscription fee. I have purchased my favorite spy thrillers, self-help books, and the latest book releases. The selection of books is huge which makes it easy to find something regardless of what interests you.

And if that wasn’t enough, each month, members get two free Audible Originals to download. These aren’t popular audiobooks, but I have found I enjoy them just as much as the books I have purchased.

Tip: Maybe you download something that interests you and your spouse, so when the kids have their headphones in you can listen to an audio book together.

Kindle

If you are like I was, you thought Kindle was only good for downloading books to read, right? Well, I learned something the other day. After purchasing a book, I was given the option of also purchasing the audio version at a very low cost without having to have a subscription. And the best part, I can switch between reading the book and the app and not lose my place, which I find very convenient. If I’m engrossed in a book and have to get in the car to run an errand, I can continue my book from where I left off.  How convenient is that?

Libby

If you have a library card, you can start using Libby immediately. Libby is a free app that you can use to browse through its library, just like you would when you visit your local one. To do so, all you need to do is enter your library card number. If you don’t have a library card from your local library yet, don’t worry, they are easy and quick to get. Once you have it, you can start borrowing books from Libby right away.

Because Libby is linked to your local library network, they may not have as many audiobooks as other apps, but the major benefit of Libby is that you will not pay a monthly fee. With a Libby account, you can have 10 audiobooks out at one time and you can borrow that audiobook for a 14 day period, just like if you were borrowing from your local library. If you find that 14 days isn’t enough time, you can extend your time as long as there isn’t anyone else waiting for that audiobook.

I think this is a perfect app for families with children who each have their own library cards. They can borrow the books they want without tying up the 10 books on your account. So on road trips, they too can listen to books or stories that interest them.

Google Play Books

If you want to buy audiobooks but you don’t want to pay for a subscription, Google Play Books is your answer. With this app, you purchase each audiobook and have it immediately available on your device. Don’t worry if you have Apple devices, Google Play Books for IOS is available.

Just like with kindle, audiobooks in your Google Play Books library sync between your devices. If you start an audiobook at home and you’re really enjoying it, you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off when you’re in your car heading to your next destination.

Kobo

This app follows the subscription format like Audible but costs less at $9.99 per month. You do get a free trial and you can pick one audiobook for free during your trial.

Kobo, along with the other apps, allows you to slow down or speed up the narration depending on your preference with a few simple clicks on your device. You can also check to see how much time is left in the chapter you’re listening to or how much time is left in the audiobook in general. If you time it just right, you may finish your book at the same time you reach your destination.

Your subscription gets you one book of your choice per month, although the selection may not be as extensive as Audible. Prices for a la carte audiobooks on Kobo range from a few dollars to around $21 for best selling titles and new releases. There is something for everyone regardless of your budget. Just like with Audible, Kobo provides customized recommendations for new titles once it learns your preferences. This helps you discover different audiobooks all within the same trip.

You can use all these options to listen to books on your next family vacation when you have a little downtime.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Of course, then you add in the new Coronavirus, or what is now being called COVID-19, and you have even more to worry about when you want to see different parts of the world. Thankfully, there will be a light at the end of this horrendous tunnel we are all going through at the moment, and there will be a time when we can all travel anywhere we want once again.

When that time comes, you will need to know exactly what you need to pack in what is being considered the new travel bag.

What to Pack in the New Travel Bag

· A Ziploc bag filled with small bottles (3.4 ounces or less) of lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body wash, and mouthwash. It is important to note that this bag will need to be removed from your carry-on, so the TSA can scan it and look for any irregularities.

· Disinfecting wipes – These can be used to wipe down anything you are planning to touch in hotel rooms and airports.

· Hand sanitizer – You can pack a larger container in your checked bag, but a smaller container that is 3.4 ounces or less can be placed inside the Ziploc bag mentioned above. You can use this hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean when you do not have access to soap and water.

· All your medications – It is nothing new that you should pack all your medications in your carry-on bag, but this is especially true in this day and age of travel. This will ensure that none of your medication comes up missing and that you have it when you need it the most if your flight is canceled or delayed. It is best to keep these medications in their regular prescription containers, so the TSA knows what the medication is and who it was prescribed for. It is also important to note that if your medication includes a needle, you must place it in a Ziploc bag and have it scanned right next to the bag filled with your liquids.

· A change of clothes – An extra set of clothes can always come in handy when you are traveling nowadays. While you never would have thought about packing clothes in your carry-on before, today’s travel delays make it your best bet for survival.

· Healthy snacks – While you can’t take any drinks through the security line at airports anymore, you can still pack a few healthy snacks in your carry-on bag. Fresh fruit is normally not allowed to cross over into other countries, but you can pack granola bars, dried fruit, and other healthy options to keep you well-fed throughout your travels.

The items mentioned above are in addition to all the other things you used to pack in your travel bag for the airplane. Those items include a good book, sleep mask, magazines, travel pillow, a small blanket, charging cords, and any important paperwork you need for your travels. You can also still pack everything you used to into your regular luggage, but only if you still check a bag when you fly for your vacation.

As you can see, there is no need to panic when you are taking a vacation, because a little pre-planning can keep you healthy and safe during the time you are away from home.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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