AlwaysHarriet

04/25/2024

You may have learned in a financial section of your news feed that a leading group of investors acquired Direct Travel Inc., corporate travel management company, founded in 2011, with more than $300 million in annual revenue and 1,800 employees. (I am not an employee, as I am an Independent Contractor) The group of investors is being led by Steve Singh....

You may have learned in a financial section of your news feed that a leading group of investors acquired Direct Travel Inc., corporate travel management company, founded in 2011, with more than $30…

04/13/2024

The tongue has about 10,000 taste buds. The taste buds are linked to the brain by nerve fibers. Food particles are detected by the taste buds, which send nerve signals to the brain. Now you know. Would you like an authentic experience in Europe? Or anywhere through taste and tradition, small groups can offer just that! There are several small group tour operators will savor every morsel: …...

The tongue has about 10,000 taste buds. The taste buds are linked to the brain by nerve fibers. Food particles are detected by the taste buds, which send nerve signals to the brain.  Now you k…

03/28/2024

Many of you may know I have often traveled by myself over the past 40 years. As a result, the stories and encounter I have had, enriched my life to no end. Yes, on occasion I may feel “nobody loves me and I need to travel by myself”. That is most common on the first night, then I get into the groove of myself and I love the following days....

Many of you may know I have often traveled by myself over the past 40 years. As a result, the stories and encounter I have had, enriched my life to no end. Yes, on occasion I may feel “no…

03/15/2024

In small ways the travel industry is beginning to soften from the post pandemic surge. A few companies have gone out of business. One in particular that is a bit concerning is GOGO Vacations closed. A domestic cruise company has closed also. Back in the early 90’s there were deep cuts in the industry. I do not expect this to happen again, but we all need to be prepared....

In small ways the travel industry is beginning to soften from the post pandemic surge. A few companies have gone out of business. One in particular that is a bit concerning is GOGO Vacati…

02/29/2024

If you are thinking of new places to go. To tickle your brain, here are a few thoughts for you. Of course, Italy and France are top on my lists. These are wonderful places beyond the usual. I have helped clients travel to all of these destinations. So you know, I do do more than Europe! How may I help you?...

If you are thinking of new places to go. To tickle your brain, here are a few thoughts for you. Of course, Italy and France are top on my lists. These are wonderful places beyond the usua…

02/15/2024

TRAVEL MAKES YOU REALIZE THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU KNOW THERE IS ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN Last minute plans What you may call last minute and what I call last minute may be very different. Wednesday morning I had an email from a woman wanting to go away this coming weekend. Middle of February around the school vacations needs to be planned 6 months at least in advance....

TRAVEL MAKES YOU REALIZE THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU KNOW THERE IS ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN  Last minute plans What you may call last minute and what I call last minute may be very different. …

02/02/2024

Do you need some inspiration to plan you next adventure? There are many ways to explore this wonderful earth we call home. If you do not like to travel without a guide, there are small groups with a maximum of 18 people. Very popular these days is the Iberian Peninsula. East meets West and past meets present: Spain and Portugal offer a heady mix of treasures, from Arabic palaces and Roman temples to Catholic cathedrals and Jewish synagogues....

Do you need some inspiration to plan you next adventure?  There are many ways to explore this wonderful earth we call home.  If you do not like to travel without a guide, there …

01/18/2024

I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I am seeing a great deal of travel activity. Back in the 90’s I would go visit my mother in a nursing home. She would ask me ‘Where did I go today?’ .. As where did my clients want to go. Because she knew I go with you in my mind....

I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I am seeing a great deal of travel activity.  Back in the 90’s I would go visit my mother in a nursing home. She would ask me ‘Where did…

01/04/2024

New Moments, New Adventures, New Memories, New Challenges and a New Me. Do you have your next vacation planned? I am working on mine. What is in store for you? Looking for inspiration for your 2024 travels? Check out my webpage www.alwaysharriet.com then click on ‘follow my blog’ and explore the Virtuoso magazine. There is so much out there for you....

https://alwaysharriet.wordpress.com/2024/01/04/happy-new-year-2/

New Moments, New Adventures, New Memories, New Challenges and a New Me. Do you have your next vacation planned? I am working on mine. What is in store for you? Looking for inspiration for…

12/15/2023

Happy Festive Holidays to you and yours.

The world in many places may be on fire or tension is very high. For me, the best way to soothe the troubles are to meet people. Learn how they live, eat, worship and smile. To do so you need to go…

11/30/2023

“It’ll be fine!” I hear this a lot! ‘I don’t think any sentiment in history has cause more damage than “It’ll be fine”.’ (a quote from FMinus cartoon in the Sunday paper!) I’ll be fine and do it myself. Then I get the call, can you help me? It is so frustrating ‘cause I could have helped if I had made the reservations....

“It’ll be fine!”  I hear this a lot!  ‘I don’t think any sentiment in history has cause more damage than “It’ll be fine”.’ (a quote from FMinus cartoon in the Sunday paper!…

11/17/2023

To plan your winter holiday. Air space might be tight, but I can make it happen, with flexibility. February is one of the busiest times to travel. Whether to the Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, or Europe and beyond, many want to escape their local winter weather. To where would you like to escape? I am not a big fan of the term “Black Friday”....

To plan your winter holiday.  Air space might be tight, but I can make it happen, with flexibility. February is one of the busiest times to travel. Whether to the Caribbean, Flo…

11/03/2023

Lots going on…. In no particular order: REAL ID Update. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID, to fly within the U.S. It may be over a year away, nonetheless get the new ID when it is time to renew your license.  Travel Insurance A new friend recently told me how their small group of travelers all got Covid while in the UK....

Lots going on…. In no particular order: REAL ID Update. Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of I…

10/19/2023

When it comes to experiencing the best of the best in travel, it’s all about who you know. Virtuoso is the leading global network of luxury travel advisors, who work with top destinations and a vetted portfolio of the best travel brands globally. Travelers who have a Virtuoso Advisor tap into a world of in-the-know expertise, unbelievable travel perks, support throughout their travels, and – most importantly – warmer welcomes, deeper connections, and superior experiences in the places they visit....

When it comes to experiencing the best of the best in travel, it’s all about who you know. Virtuoso is the leading global network of luxury travel advisors, who work with top destinations and a vet…

10/05/2023

While the large cruise line advertises a great deal on television, most ships are less than 400 passengers. The other night i was with a travel advisor talking about cruising. Though neither of us had cruised a great deal (me only 4 experiences) we chatted about people’s perception of cruise ships. A client recently said to me, ‘We do not want to cruise’....

While the large cruise line advertises a great deal on television, most ships are less than 400 passengers. The other night i was with a travel advisor talking about cruising. Though neit…

09/21/2023

Not Flying? These U.S. Airports Let You Pass Through Security as a Visitor. Remember meeting and mingling at the terminal gates, seeing your friends and family take off, or welcome loved ones with a warm embrace right at the gate. (The above 1980 picture is of me, my family and friends meeting Donald Mulvey returning from a Masters Swim Meet!) …...

Not Flying? These U.S. Airports Let You Pass Through Security as a Visitor. Remember meeting and mingling at the terminal gates, seeing your friends and family take off, or welcome loved ones with …

09/13/2023

09/11/2023

The changes coming are more than the season. It is called life. Living implies changes, whether we like them or not. I will continue to remind everyone Visa’s will be required to enter Europe in 2024. So many of you do your own travel plans that you may miss this. The visa is not something I can do on your behalf....

The changes coming are more than the season. It is called life. Living implies changes, whether we like them or not. I will continue to remind everyone Visa’s will be required to ent…

08/24/2023

By your shoes, they shall know you. I’m not entirely kidding. Shoes may not be the windows to the soul, but for a long time they were the source of national stereotype. Germans, it was said, were the travelers in sandals and white athletic socks. You could tell an Italian banker because he was the one in brown shoes, no matter what color his suit....

By your shoes, they shall know you. I’m not entirely kidding. Shoes may not be the windows to the soul, but for a long time they were the source of national stereotype. Germans, it was said, were t…

08/03/2023

Checked luggage seems to be a problem again, with lost or delayed. So carry on… My philosophy is simple: They sell underpants everywhere in the world, so why are you packing extras? Having more clothing options, can actually feel limiting. Over packing means overburdening yourself. The proclivity for over packing, comes from a place of pessimism and a “scarcity mentality,” whereby ones constantly imagining everything that could go wrong on a trip and trying to pack accordingly....

Checked luggage seems to be a problem again, with lost or delayed. So carry on… My philosophy is simple: They sell underpants everywhere in the world, so why are you packing extras? Having more clo…

07/20/2023

UK and EU visas. The biggest new development in the travel industry is US citizens will need a visa to travel to Europe beginning 2024. Each individual will need to complete the forms. I will not be able to do so on your behalf. The website is not currently up and running. This is just an FYI for the future. I will continue to remind....

UK and EU visas. The biggest new development in the travel industry is US citizens will need a visa to travel to Europe beginning 2024. Each individual will need to complete the forms. I will not b…

06/22/2023

The best Education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches us more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences. When you look back on your life, what do you remember most? The dinner you had last week or the dinner you had… in Paris, Hong Kong, or any other wonderful place. Do you remember the flavors? How different from our daily meals....

The best Education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches us more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences.  When you look back on your life, what do you remember most? T…

05/14/2023

How can I encourage you all to plan ahead? Now is the time to plan for your festive holiday plans. It is amazing how busy the end of December and early January are in the traveling world. It is even not too early for next spring break plans either. As they say ‘the early bird, gets the worm!’ This week I had two request for June summer plans....

How can I encourage you all to plan ahead? Now is the time to plan for your festive holiday plans. It is amazing how busy the end of December and early January are in the traveling world. It is eve…

04/27/2023

Recently several people have talked with me about traveling with mobility limitations. In this world today, one has lots of options. Of course not all destinations have made accommodations accessible, but so many have. Let me know what are your needs and assistance and I can help arrange for you. A cruise line this week indicated they would add a raised toilet seat, a shower chair and a small refrigerator for medication....

Recently several people have talked with me about traveling with mobility limitations. In this world today, one has lots of options. Of course not all destinations have made accommodations accessib…

04/14/2023

Many years ago I saw an escorted tour for Northern Italy. I had been wanting to do the Po River Valley and this tour covered most to the town, Parma, Modena and Bologna. But much to my surprise the tour began in the Piedmont region, south west of Milan. And there was a resort. Immediately I needed to go to this wonderful place; taste the wine, pick the truffles and enjoy the meals....

03/30/2023

Packing tips where ever you are going. Many of us pack a few essentials in a carry on as a convenience in case our luggage gets delayed–but what if your luggage never arrives? Well, this happens. First, you don’t know that your baggage won't arrive when it is first delayed. Airlines will always try to get your luggage to your destination within a day or two....

Packing tips where ever you are going. Many of us pack a few essentials in a carry on as a convenience in case our luggage gets delayed–but what if your luggage never arrives? Well, this happens. F…

03/16/2023

Slow Travel… edit from Caroline Bologna  In the rush of day-to-day life, we don’t always have the opportunity to slow down and move at our own pace. Even on vacation, there’s an urge to visit, do and taste as many things as possible in a new destination or multiple destinations. I’ve heard countless times how exhausted people are when they come back from their vacation and feel like they ‘need a vacation from their vacation,’ and that’s because many times we pack so much into a very short amount of time....

Slow Travel… edit from Caroline Bologna  In the rush of day-to-day life, we don’t always have the opportunity to slow down and move at our own pace. Even on vacation, there’s an urge to visit, do …

03/02/2023

Changes are coming — and I will not be able to help. A bit of history. For many years, a flight reservation was a difficult task. (We used a book the size of a very large telephone book! Had to find what flights connect with another!! Many pages to turn!!) As air travel became a viable transportation option in the early 40s, thousands of people became ticket buyers....

Changes are coming — and I will not be able to help. A bit of history. For many years, a flight reservation was a difficult task. (We used a book the size of a very large telephone book! Had to fin…

02/16/2023

Airline schedules change regularly, and not only because of the weather. The airlines use a complex matrix called 'Airline Scheduled Planning' to fix flight timings. They use a software and feed in the historical data for a flight's departure, arrival and block time for each specific route on a specific day. The software analyses this data and suggests a schedule for that flight....

Airline schedules change regularly, and not only because of the weather. The airlines use a complex matrix called ‘Airline Scheduled Planning’ to fix flight timings. They use a sof…

02/02/2023

Be a Savvy Traveler. This list is in no particular order. Actually the last three may be the most important. Flying is no fun these days, so do whatever you can to make it most comfortable for yourself. Of course the first step is to call/email me! Bring your own headphones. Do not hesitate for a free upgrade. When entering the security check, head to the left checkpoint....

Be a Savvy Traveler. This list is in no particular order. Actually the last three may be the most important. Flying is no fun these days, so do whatever you can to make it most comfortable for your…