Living Like Dying- Travel and Lifestyle

08/05/2024

“American travelers heading to most of Europe will soon need to add another item to their travel checklist. Starting in May 2025, a special travel authorization—ETIAS, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System–will be required.

Once the program starts, some 1.4 billion people from the U.S. and dozens of other countries will need ETIAS to enter 30 European countries. The document will cost €7, or about $7.50; however, travelers under 18 years old or over 70 will not have to pay a fee. The ETIAS travel pass will be valid for three consecutive years.”

06/05/2024

Here’s a reminder to always keep your passport in your personal item.

05/05/2024

I was so nervous the first time I ever flew anywhere. I was an adult and had been chosen to go on a company training conference. My traveling companions were seasoned travelers and i didn’t want them to know that I had never flew before because of embarrassment and I sure didn’t want something embarrassing to happen to me going through security. This was post 911. So I asked my young adult children for tips and followed their advise. I followed all the rules- dressed simple but comfortable- was organized. I sailed through security and found myself waiting on my traveling companions because one had a carry one bag searched and the second had to be patted down.

From the rule breakers to the fliers with faulty luggage, these are the most annoying people at airport security, according to a TSA officer. Find out if you're one of them.

04/05/2024

Cunard’s newest ship in 14 years, Queen Anne has set sail from Southampton with a send-off of spectacular fireworks. The incredible departure sets the scene for what promises to be a memorable maiden voyage, with guests on board taking their moment in history.

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries and taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

04/05/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1boMcEcjW4mmg12W/?mibextid=WC7FNe

30/04/2024

Airline news!

28/04/2024

💰In 2008/ 2009 not sure of the date just the time range and circumstances. I was 48/49 years old, newly separated from my first husband and was slowly becoming a stressed hermit.
I worked as a Patient Care Manager for two hospice teams in two separate counties Baldwin and Mobile - lots of mental stress but also got to spend a lot of time driving back and forth across beautiful Mobile Bay.
One Friday, my son Jay and his beautiful girlfriend and now wife Shay asked if I would like to go to a movie with them after work. Though my body would have loved to just go home to my apartment per my usual routine- I agreed- I love spending time with them.
The movie theater selected was new and near to my office and since they would be arriving very close to movie start time- I told my kids that I would go ahead and purchase the tickets and be waiting in the lobby for their arrival.
At this time one purchased tickets outside the theater from a usually very young worker. Remember it’s Friday night and I’m exhausted. I request 3 adult tickets telling the young man behind the glass that my friends would be arriving post -haste. I paid the amount he stated, took the tickets offered, slid them into my purse and moved into the lobby.
As I waited for their arrival, I thought about the amount I had just paid- I thought about the time of day about 7:00 pm, prime rate time. It was a new theater with a popular new movie. 🤔That was such a good price for 3 adult tickets-we should use this theater more often!!
My kids arrived shortly after- we gathered snacks and soda and selected our seats in the theater- right as the preview trailers were beginning.
It wasn’t until I got home later that night and looked at the ticket stubs- that I discovered I had been sold three senior tickets. I was viscerally upset because a teenager thought I looked old and saved me a lot of money- I sobbed. 😭🤣
I am almost 64 and now would qualify for those ticket discounts, but many many places no longer offer discounts or one has to be 65 years old at least.
The popular website The Senior List , keeps a fairly accurate list of discounts for age 60 plus. One may sign up for the email newsletter there or just search the site. Discounts at restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, prescriptions, medical alert systems, cell phone plans and the best of all TRAVEL- airline, car rentals, hotels, trains, and other travel related items like the National Parks Senior Lifetime Pass for only $80.00.

As an INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT, I work carefully to make sure that you get all the discounts and perks you are offered as I search the various booking sites.

You and I personally need to swallow our pride and ASK daily for those other discounts. Remember every dollar saved now, means more money for TRAVEL!! 🥳💰🛩️🛳️

28/04/2024

Training with Disney and my new client management system today! ❤️
More to go- wanting that degree from Disney College of Knowledge!

28/04/2024

I’ve been keeping a secret. A very good secret!

For a couple of years now, my body has been telling me that my career in bedside nursing will be ending in the near future. I started nursing later in life and fully did not understand the physical toil life as a nurse would gift me.

I researched and debated alternative positions within the scope of nursing practice but looking through the lens of “what do you want to do with your one wild and precious life?”- nothing fit.

In October I met a nurse who is building her life after nursing as an independent work from home travel agent. Her story made me so excited. She introduced me to other professionals who have moved from their career professions to fulltime work -from -anywhere independent travel agents.

My mind was blown- I would love to do this- it would allow me to continue my love of helping people live their best life except I wouldn’t be helping people plan their final journey but exciting bucket list trips and vacations.

I had many concerns- why would people pay me to plan their vacations when they could do it for free themselves? I learned that all the various travel suppliers: cruises, hotels, all-inclusives pay commission on bookings and they give travel agents access to deals that the general public can’t get on their own. Best of all- I wouldn’t charge my clients to plan their best life- the places they want to go will pay me at no extra charge to my clients.

So since October I’ve been a secret agent spending time training with various travel suppliers and getting certified in a few of them-accessibility, Faith-based, educational-with many many more to go! I’m registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. I am a member of CLIA -Cruise Line International Association.

It’s my vision that by the time I turn 65 years old May 2025 that my business will be built to the level that I can supplement my Social Security

My page is Living Like Dying: Travel and Lifestyle. I want to help you book luxury adventures to build experiences that you will cherish the rest of your life. Memories not regrets. Spoil your inner child.

Also can I help you book a rental car, reserve a parking spot, have a wheelchair or oxygen set up for your trip, book a 3 to 7 day cruise so you can blow through a beverage package, get adventure park or concert tickets, reserve a cabin in the mountains and so much more ?- yes, yes, Yes!! Do I know everything yet? Nope but I know where to find the answers.

So I’m coming out- a “secret agent” no more. Watch for an invite to my page, look for special deal postings, and share my joy and adventures as my life transitions.
Grow older with me- the best is yet to be!!!

28/04/2024

https://www.visitoslo.com/en/locals/gunnhild/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ZbfDlmdTLFNMBbbQCQ17ZFx60kYUlJovLf4-FvNkyFuZgXzj-QjDfSKk_aem_AfjznvNUBFWb5WNz6aGsXqIIJMkWph91F4j61wG2e8Yortmt1ONj1dZv9nMxe7d_M9oWEhJjlXTdae_Tggk9BsMi

See which parts of Oslo Gunnhild prefers – a lifestyle journalist with years of experience in writing about high-end fashion, beauty, design and travel.