Thursday, March 14, 2024

Can supporting travel to "democracy" nations be expensive?

     As I like "theme" blogspot monthly posts, the idea of whether supporting "democracy" nations can be expensive was the first question I asked my search engine.
     To my amazement, the list of the most democrat nations, included a few that weren't necessarily expensive, for example, Finland and Sweden, also Iceland, where it is possible to find some interesting and unique locations that offer some $$$saving travel that may also include what I consider "comfort" oriented, too.  I suggest consulting the visualcapitalist website, for destinations that can be $$$ saving and also comfort oriented, too, for example, South Korea and Spain.
     However, supporting travel to nations that are "republic" was even less expensive, and could be quite $$$ saving + comfort oriented, too, for instance, Croatia, Albania, Czech Republic.
     And as well, traveling to support a cause can be $$$ saving, even "for free" travel, but not necessarily comfort oriented, the website "quora.com" has some suggestions, yet perhaps, having the money to travel can bring about a need to feel less indulgent about yourself, and "cause based travel" has a good sound and a better purpose.  Whatever you need to get out there and travel, I suggest do it while you can, leaving that "bucket list" to fester may mean you will never get to do it, as in life, things happen.
     Until next month, happy traveling!
 
 

 

 

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

A travel "agenda" versus a "travel" itinerary

 

The LinkedIn "incentive travel" folks use the same meme as Google's helpful to some, and annoying interference to others, to tell us  "What is the difference between an agenda and an itinerary?:

Have you ever wondered when to use the term Agenda vs ...

     An agenda sets the big picture, an itinerary gives you a step-by-step plan, and a schedule pinpoints the exact timing. Understanding these distinctions can help you plan effectively, whether you're organizing a business meeting, a family vacation, or a special event." 
 
     However, keep in mind that the explanation of "itinerary" and "agenda" is pertinent to the use of certain travel industry personnel when defining where or how to best obtain either of these, or perhaps both.  Where your travel  "itinerary" is important, is as a reference to where you are going, for instance is to tell you what plane with time and other crucial schedule information.  If you do your own travel booking, then you have the responsibility to be there.  And if you use a travel agent to book your entire trip, especially if you don't have a direct flight, you need to know that your travel agent is capable of investigating whether the connection time is enough for you to arrive at the departure gate in plenty of time to make that flight.
     How do you know your travel agent is trustworthy, rather than friends recommendations?
     A travel agent who is CTC certified by the prestigious Travel Institute located in Boston, MA is an excellent choice, you can ask the CTC certified travel agent whether they are certified in all areas of travel that will pertain to your travel "itinerary" - normally, the major travel agencies with that kind of personnel are located in a mall near you.
     As for the travel related "agenda," the definition will be about what motivates you to travel to the destination you have chosen, moreover, there are marketing firms who are the experts.  This is where independent marketing firms will have done their job to make you anxious to travel to the location they have advertised, because the marketing "agenda" specifically for vacations to that particular location/destination is not only just what will complete your life, going there will relieve you of your anxieties - but then you will know that that certain destinations have extensive advertising campaigns, and that you are an example of a successful marketing firm's "agenda."
    
     Nonetheless, even if the original aim of my blog was to advise readers how to save $$$ and travel comfortably enough to claim a minimum of 4* unique hotel stays, now I am acting as your travel expert, and I am bringing to your attention what the 21st century travel industry is engaging in to further conceptualize what is possible.  Although I have explained two more travel terms with important definitions, yet at this point in 2024, what with inflation in progress, or whether according to the Federal Reserve it may or may not have been a soft landing, I cannot say that it is realistic to save $$$ and still claim that your goal of traveling comfortably is possible.
     Regardless, no matter what, travel will always be in fashion, the need to do so is part of our humanity, and I'll be investigating plus defining what you need to know to get to where you want to go.  
 
 

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Does 2024 travel mirror 2023 optimism?

     I haven't found any of my travel research sources that disagree about their optimistic forecast for 2024 travel, however, some are engaging in other notices.   For example, a visa requirement for Western European destinations trips of 90 days or less has finally arrived, and the advice is to apply early just in case there is a backlog as the summer months approach.
     One of my research sources cites a 2024 travel trend that expands on 2023 travel destinations, and another research source cites suggestions about how to save money by specifying substitute destinations called "dupes."
     It might be rather comforting to know there is full unanimity that 2024 will be a banner travel year.
     Despite that the economics of living on a income determined by what you earn is less predictable for the lower middle class, it seems that the upper classes prioritized traveling patterns haven't changed from 2023.
     Nevertheless, with two wars raging, and the possibility of others developing, the outcome of the unpredictable could effect travel internationally.  And I believe 2024 travel will be affected by too much chaos in the world.  Although there is no doubt the pace of domestic USA travel will continue.  If you plan any international travel, I would advise making travel plans that are easy to cancel, especially when booking airfare, it might be a plus to pay a little extra for flexibility, too.
     Whether or not the flexibility of working remotely will continue into 2024 is uncertain, but for the years to follow, the elections in the US and elsewhere in the western world may bring about changes to the current lifestyle of using travel to assuage what we seek to find.