Global Entry- the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States- is a great option for frequent international travelers. And while my own application (and that of my youngest daughter) once took nearly a year (!!!) to be approved, my other two kids just had their application conditionally approved in just three days! Not only this, when a guardian already has Global Entry or is also applying, the application fee for their children is waived.
Now might just be the right time to submit your application…
(Remember, once you’re conditionally approved, you’ll still need to schedule the interview or plan to do so upon arrival from a flight at many US airports.)
What questions do you have about Global Entry? Do you have it? Tell us in the comments!
#familytravel #globalentry #globalentryforkids #exploremore #shorterlines #tsa
Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region (the area of Switzerland where you’ll find our final Top 12 of 2024 destination, Lauterbrunnen) offers two alpine options that are often confused but offer distinctly different experiences: Gimmelwald and Grindelwald.
🔔 Gimmelwald is a hidden gem, tucked away in the mountains, where peace and tranquility reign. It’s a charming, car-free village with traditional wooden chalets, surrounded by crazy beautiful mountain views. Ideal for hiking, mountaineering, or just unwinding, Gimmelwald feels like stepping back in time with its rustic, serene vibe. No fancy tourist attractions, just nature, fresh air, and the sound of cowbells echoing in the valleys. (More cowbell!)
🫕 Grindelwald, on the other hand, is a bustling resort town known for its iconic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. It has a vibrant atmosphere with a wide range of hotels, shops, restaurants, and adventure activities like skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Whether you’re exploring the First mountain (that’s its name) or enjoying the high-altitude activities, Grindelwald offers a bit more action for those who love a lively, well-connected town.
Gimmelwald is for those seeking serenity and authentic Swiss mountain life, while Grindelwald is perfect for those craving adventure and modern amenities with dramatic alpine scenery. Which would you prefer? Tell us in the comments!
#gimmelwald #grindelwald #jungfrauregion #flyaway #opposites #getoutside
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If you’re a US passport holder* and are planning to travel to the UK on or after January 8, 2025, you need to head to the UK government’s website to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a new requirement for travel in- and through- the UK. Here’s what you need to know:
-Every US passport holder* who is entering the UK, including in transit, must have an ETA (children and infants, too!) beginning January 8, 2025.
-The application is now open, but make sure you only apply on the official UK government website (https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply) or app; there are already tons of other websites that have popped up and will charge you extra to do the exact same thing (or are scam sites)
-The application costs 10 GBP (waived for children and infants) and can take up to three days to process
-Once you’ve secured an ETA, it’s good for up to two years for multiple entries of <6 months duration.
What questions do you have about the UK ETA? Ask in the comments! And don’t forget to share this reel with your UK travel-loving friends and family!
*US passport holders who have a UK visa are exempt from the ETA
#uketa #electronictravelauthorization #flyaway #londontravel #uktravel #beprepared
Less than an hour and a half train ride outside of London, Cambridge is the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are a few of our favorite things about this charming town:
🚣♀️ Do: punting of course! Try it out yourself (only for the truly brave) or hire a boat to take you on the “Backs” tour- a Cam River boat tour of the back of many of the University’s famous colleges. Tour guides offer glimpses into college life and keep the boat entertained throughout the approximately hour and a half ride. Bonus: BYOB from a local pub nearby.
🍎 See: you mean besides the charming streets, colleges and beautiful green spaces? Make sure you stop by Trinity College to see the apple tree grafted from the actual tree that led Isaac Newton to ponder the theory of gravity. Cheesy photo shoot with an apple not required (please).
🍺 Drink and Eat: pop into any number of pubs for an ale (or cider) and can even often take your drink to go. There are also plenty of places to grab a cuppa and markets with any number of food vendors. For dinner, make a reservation at the Cambridge outpost of London’s @dishoom , Permit Room (@permitroomcambridge ) for all-day excellent eats and inventive cocktails. End with a nightcap at The Graduate Hotel, where you can enjoy fireside seating both indoors and outdoors (right on the River Cam)
🛌 Stay: speaking of The Graduate (@graduatehotels ), it’s a perfect location to spend a night or two in Cambridge. The University Arms, Autograph Collection, is another excellent choice, and WanderWell can add free breakfast and complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)
📜 Have you been to Cambridge? Tell us in the comments!
#exploremore #flyaway #weekendtrip #escapethecity #familytravel #cambridge #puntingcambridge #dishoom
Oregon may have excellent cheese and wine and seafood, but don’t sleep on the hikes with VIEWS 🙌🏼
Cape Lookout State Park offers easy hikes, gorgeous woodland and breathtaking views out over the Pacific. And since it’s just a few minutes from the town of Tillamook, it’s a great place to walk off some of that cheese and ice cream. Bonus? Whales have been known to frolic off the coast! 🔎
Have you been to Cape Lookout, Oregon? Tell us in the comments or drop your favorite outdoors emoji 🥾
#familytravel #exploremore #getoutside #wanderwell #timeoff #oregoncoast #capelookout
Whether you’re escaping to the coast for a long weekend or are visiting as part of a multi-stop tour of the West Coast, Cannon Beach is a great place to stop and stay a while:
🗺️At just about an hour and a half from Portland International Airport, Cannon Beach is easily accessible and a great first (or second) stop on a drive down the 101
🌊Dramatic tides make for incredible exploring. Head out to Haystock Rock at low tide to explore the tide pools filled with seastars, sea urchins, wave-smoothed rocks and- if you’re lucky- nesting puffins (get up early to see them in action!)
🏴☠️Goonies never say die! While the 1985 classic had multiple locations in the area Ecola Point features prominently in the film. It’s great for hiking, picnicking and did we mention the views?
🦀Seafood lovers rejoice! Some of the freshest, yummiest crabs, clams and oysters came from seafood shacks all up and down the 101. Prepare to be stuffed!
Have you spent time on the Oregon coast in Cannon Beach? Tell us about it in the comments!
#exploremore #wanderwell #cannonbeach #puffins #seastarsnotstarfish #getoutside #gooniesneversaydie #travelwithme
So...what do you do?
So many of us are swamped by the demands of daily life that while we want to plan a vacation, we just can’t find the space and time to do it. Others feel overwhelmed by the idea of traveling to an unknown country or managing kids. Whatever your needs, we can truly help you wander well, by listening to you and helping you craft a trip we know you’ll love.
Email us at [email protected] or message us here for more information!
#smallbusiness #dcsmallbusiness #travel #travelplanning #travelservices #familytravel #travelwithkids #traveltips #travelhacks #traveltipsandtricks #exploremore #getoutside #travelconsultant #explore #wanderlust #makingmemories #hellofora
Today, on World Refugee Day, we’re reminded again what a privilege it is to *choose* to travel. Caring for refugees is an important value of our founders Liz and Juliet, so it only seems natural it should be part of our business, too! That’s why @wanderwelltravelers donates a minimum of 3% of our profits to organizations working with refugee populations around the globe. 🌍 So you know that when you work with us, you’re doing good, too. ❤️
#dogood #worldrefugeeday #travelforgood #familytravel
Today, on World Refugee Day, we’re reminded again what a privilege it is to *choose* to travel. That’s why WanderWell Travelers donates a minimum of 3% of our profits to organizations working with refugee populations around the globe and in our hometown of Washington, DC. So when you work with WanderWell, you’re doing good, too. ❤️
#worldrefugeeday #dogood #travelforgood #familytravel
Rome: The Eternal City. And also, unfortunately, home to tons of tourist trap restaurants, too 😜
But down a side street beyond the Pantheon is a tiny hole in the wall (there’s about five stools total) that serves the BEST pizza by the “hand length” (in other words, spread your hands apart for how big of a piece you want!) Write this down: Pizza e Mozzarella is a must-try on your next trip! (Bonus: there’s an adorable chocolate shop across the street…)
What’s your favorite pizza topping? Tell us in the comments!
#rome #offthebeatenpath #romanpizza #localgem #pantheon #exploremore
Happy unofficial start to summer! Where are you going this weekend? Tell us in the comments.
#mdw #memorialday #memorialdayweekend #familytravel #getoutside #sunsout
It’s been said that Naples, Italy doesn’t give an F if you like it or not. A maze of narrow streets, shops, small restaurants and hanging laundry, the city holds a gritty charm unlike so much of the rest of the country. But there are some picturesque hidden gems, too, including the Cloister Gardens at the Santa Chiara Monastery.
Work on the monastery first started in the 1300s, then undergoing renovations in the 1700s and further rehabilitation following World War 2.
The gardens are a quiet spot in an otherwise bustling city, and the gorgeous tile work of the columns, benches and pathways, as well as the mosaic art and presepios (Italian nativity scenes) are worth studying in detail.
Have you spent time in Naples? Tell us about it in the comments!
#hiddengem #naplesitaly #santachiaranapoli #gardens #familytravel
