Are there countries you can travel to without Covid-19 border requirements? Travel is confusing right now with vaccination requirements, Covid-19 testing protocols, and quarantines. The good news is there are 3 tropical countries you can travel to right now that are fully open to tourists without any testing, quarantine, or Covid-19 vaccine needed.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is fully open to tourists without any tests, quarantine, or Covid-19 vaccine. Travelers are not required to provide pre-departure testing to enter the Dominican Republic. Still, airlines may require proof of a negative Covid-19 test for boarding. Currently, face masks are required in public spaces and on public transportation. Restaurants are open, with seating limited, and bars and nightclubs remain closed. There is a curfew in place for movement throughout the country.

Mexico

Mexico is currently open to tourists without any tests, vaccines or quarantine required. There are a higher number of Covid-19 cases in Mexico, and it is on the red list for some countries like the U.K., so returning home may require a quarantine after visiting. There is a curfew in certain areas, and masks are required indoors.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is currently open to tourists without any tests, quarantine or vaccine required to enter. The only requirement is for all visitors to have travel insurance to cover the costs of COVID-19 related medical care and quarantine if they contract the disease while visiting Costa Rica.
Entry requirements for countries around the world are changing rapidly and every day. It is best to consult with your travel advisor, airline, and government website for the country you are thinking of traveling to.

A great resource is LockdownRank.com, where information can be found on the status of borders and traveling in most countries around the world.

Note: Information is current at time of publishing (August 2021) and is subject to change.

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2021 is defining new words in our vocabulary, and ‘vaccication’ is a word you’ll be hearing more and more. So what the heck does it mean? It’s one of those fun word blends – a clever noun referring to the first trip you take after you’re fully vaccinated and travel opens up.

So, have you started to think about your vaccication?

Where is the first place you’re going to vacation after your Covid-19 vaccination? It’s spring here in Canada, and the vaccination roll out is starting to pick up the pace. With hope on the horizon, now really is the time to start dreaming and planning for that fantastic moment when Canadians can safely travel again.

In fact, hotels, resorts and tour companies worldwide have been putting together vaccication packages for eager travellers ready to get going again.

While we all wait to bid farewell to pandemic restrictions, and say hello to traveling the world again, here are a five things to inspire your wanderlust soul and get ready for your first vaccication.

1. Work on your travel bucket list.

You may have been thinking about all the places you’ll go ‘when covid is over,’ but why not write them down and get organized?

Where is the first place you’ll go?

What are the top destinations you want to see in next few years?

Do you have a big trip in-mind, like a worldwide cruise, trek to Antartica, or African Safari that will need more in-depth planning?

Get these destinations out of your head and start a travel planning journal or vision board. Try a digital tool to organize like Pinterest.

The act of planning and dreaming about your future travel destination is good for mental health too! The excitement and anticipation of the future experience means planning a trip gives you a mood boost.

2. Learn a new language.

Have you been meaning to brush up on your Spanish, learn some more phrases in Japanese, or master the Greek language? Now is the best time to learn a second language, so you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to start ticking off those trips on your bucket list. There are many awesome books for learning a second language, like ‘Spanish For Dummies’ or ‘Complete French with Two Audio CDs: A Teach Yourself Program.’ For those who prefer digital courses online or through an app, there are some great ones like Rosetta Stone or Duolingo.

3. Start a travel fund challenge. Watch it grow!

Challenge yourself to see how much money you can save for your future travel. You may be surprised at just how much even a little bit of cash every week adds up.

Have fun with it! Try skipping that Starbucks latte, and put the $5 you save into a jar. For every time you cut the drive-thru coffee, watch how it impacts the growth of your travel fund!

Or set up an automatic transfer from your chequing account every month that puts away a portion of your income into your travel savings account. The automation makes it so easy to set it and forget it – and be pleasantly surprised when you check your account and see how close it is to cover the cost of your hotel, car rental, plane ticket – or even an entire trip!  

4. Practice your photography skills and get ready to take some beautiful shots on your next adventure.

There are so many YouTube videos that you can watch, or virtual courses that you can sign up to learn photography basics and tricks to take better photos. Check out Eventbrite for cool photography talks and classes that may help get you inspired. Even the most amateur iphoneographer will be able to take stellar Instagram-worthy vacation pictures on their next trip! 

5. Sign up for virtual travel talks.

The travel supplier community, and your local travel agencies, have been working tirelessly at providing inspiring travel vlogs, virtual travel talks, and meet-ups for pretty much every destination under the sun.

Virtual travel talks are especially interesting because you get to connect directly with the pros who know destinations inside and out.

Whether you love to cruise, crave active adventures, adore all-inclusive beach destinations, live for everything Disney, or want to trek off the beaten path, there are travel talks, virtual tours, vlogs and pretty much something for everyone, everywhere!

You can hear directly from travel guides and suppliers what they have to offer worldwide right now or in specific destinations in the upcoming years. 

The most important thing to do is be grateful for being able to make it through the first year of the pandemic! Keep optimism and positivity in our hearts and minds, and one day in the future we’ll all be able to enjoy our first vaccication!

Now, more than ever, it’s so important to use a travel agency. Here’s why.

What to do while you can’t travel during the pandemic.

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The digital revolution has seen travellers become pros at booking vacations online. There is no denying there are scores of travel deals and discounts to be found on the internet. Who doesn’t love the adrenaline rush when you click ‘book’ and save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a flight or vacation? 

The thing is, researching a vacation and finding sweet savings can take hours, days, or even weeks to nail down. The options are endless and can even become complicated for even the savviest traveler. 

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted travel in ways that have never been seen before. As the year goes on, the entire travel industry has been working around the clock to develop new ways to get people traveling again. Travel agents have been kept informed every step of the way. Behind the scenes, there are numerous updates, video calls, training sessions and hundreds of emails every day. Travel agents have access to first-hand information about how destinations and travel suppliers are changing and adapting to keep people healthy and safe. Even though traveling has come to an almost standstill, the industry has definitely not shut down, in fact, everyone has been working even harder!

Before the pandemic, the pendulum definitely started swinging back with more and more people choosing travel agents to book their trips. Now it is even more important and helpful to use a travel agent. Why? Read on!

Using a travel agent supports local business and helps your economy

This is more crucial than ever! With economies trying to recover from the pandemic induced recession, keeping your dollars local is necessary.

When you book online, the commission or fees incorporated into your flight, hotel, package, or tour goes directly to the corporate head office. That office can be in a different city, province or even country, meaning you support an economy distant from your own community. 

If you want to help your economy, support local business and use a travel agent in your own town or city. The commission or fee is on par with what you would pay if you booked online. Sometimes the total cost will even come out to less, and you’ll be a supporter of a person or business right in your community. 

A travel agent has experience and resources that can’t be found online.

Travel agents have a ton of experience with booking trips, and they are backed with a huge network of people who have worldwide inside information that you may not find online. Travel agents have access to an array of tools that are not visible to the average consumer.

Especially with navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, finding the safest destinations, and knowing the protocols for all aspects of your trip, a travel agent is your right-hand person.

Of course, a travel agent can bring you bonus incentives as well. If you are looking for a better seat on the plane, room upgrades and other hidden incentives, a travel agent can often bring you added value for your trip. 

A travel agent saves you time.

Searching and booking a vacation online takes a lot of time. Your time is valuable – a travel agent can match you to the right vacation from start to finish. An agent can put together a complete package from transportation, hotels, flights, and excursions, giving you peace of mind that everything is done and in order. Also, as more people travel with friends, families, and large groups, a travel agent can help define what everyone needs from their trip and customize it, saving hours.

A travel agent is your supporter and advocate.

A travel agent is there for you when you need help. Not just for booking, but for those rare occasions when things go wrong, an agent is there to advocate for you and get your vacation back on track. Usually a phone call, email or even text message away, an agent is there to give you peace of mind.

The travel industry is thriving and millennials are using travel agencies.

A travel agent can save you money.

Travel agents can often save you money based on supplier relationships or having access to hidden savings that are not displayed online such as transportation or transfers. They also know when there are sales or promotions that are coming up because of their relationships with hundreds of travel suppliers.

Travel suppliers communicate with travel agents often before going to market, giving them the advantage on pricing and promotions. Suppliers will often match online prices as well – so if you find a better deal your agent can find ways to either price match or provide incentives for booking locally.

Access to the best destinations and exclusive products.

Travel agents have a wealth of knowledge on worldwide destinations. They know the best times to go and perfect spots that will be the right fit for you. Again, because of their huge network of supplier and travel relationships, travel agents often have inside information on the hidden gems or up and coming hot spots. Many travel suppliers offer tours, treks and exclusive experiences only through travel agencies. As mentioned before, travel agents are also the first to know about low risk Covid-19 destinations and safety protocols of resorts, cruise ships and more.

Sure, there are still tons of folks who love the process of researching and booking a trip online. However, recent data from the American Society of Travel Agents shows 55 percent of Millennials are more likely to hire travel experts followed by 42 percent of Gen Xers. As the decade unfolds, trends are definitely pointing to these statistics increasing.

Happy travels – when it’s safe to do so again!

• 3 Tropical Countries you can travel to right now without Covid-19 border requirements.
• Are you ready for your Vaccication?
• Why Use a Travel Agent?
• What to do While You Can’t Travel Due to Covid-19
• Travel Anxiety: 5 Ways to Beat Airport Stress

The post Why Use a Travel Agent? appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

Millions of people around the world have canceled their travel plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In hopes of slowing the virus transmittal across borders, not traveling is a necessary precaution. For many of us, travel means freedom, exploration, education, social connection, and healthful living. Putting these personal pursuits on hold is jarring, but a mild sacrifice compared to what some countries in the world are dealing with. It is very human to feel natural disappointment from having to cancel a trip, and we do need some strategies to cope.

Here are 5 things that may help cope with canceled travel plans due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Travel Blogs

Find some interesting travel blogs or travel guides to get inspired. Reading is a great way to relax, pass time and be transported to another world! Here are some of my favorites:

Family Fun Canada
Nomadic Matt
Frommers
Tripasista
Oyster

Instagram

Follow interesting travel accounts on Instagram to check out their cool pictures and read about their adventures. Instagram is really fun for engaging with fellow travel addicts and uplifting spirits with jaw dropping photography from around the world.

Facebook Travel Groups

Join travel-related Facebook Groups to stay connected with a like-minded community. Search local area or look for groups that are focused on a particular destination of interest.

Photo Albums

Take some time to finally go through those thousands of vacation photos! Print off the best ones and put them in albums or scrapbooks. Relive previous trips by going through the photo memories.

Plan a Staycation or Road Trip

Only if it’s safe to do so, plan a staycation at a local hotel. If it’s not advised to go to a hotel, plan a road trip or even a few. Take the day to explore the local countryside or even find a great hiking spot or scenic view to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you have any ideas of how to survive not traveling during Covid-19, please comment below and let’s build this list! We are all in this together. 🙂

How to avoid germs on the plane.

The post What to do While You Can’t Travel Due to Covid-19 appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

For many travelers, the airport can be the most stressful and frustrating part of the journey. Starting with the worry of getting there on-time and then standing in huge lineups. Or feeling anxious if you’ve forgotten something, frustrated with going through security checkpoints, and then navigating large terminals to find the gate. The list of airport stressors can go on!

Fortunately, many modern airports are creating ways to reduce stress for travelers and make time spent a more pleasant experience. For example, better signage, bright and airy atmospheres, automated technology, musical entertainment, and even having really cool programs like animal therapy for travelers!  Not every airport is like this, and even if they are, pre-travel anxiety can still be a big part of the journey.

Here are a few things you can do on your own to keep your stress in check while you’re going through all of the airport checkpoints. 

How to combat travel anxiety at the airport.

1. Listen to your favourite songs

Before you go to the airport, take some time and download your favorite music or even create an airport playlist. Whether you like music that gets you pumped, or prefer something more mellow, popping in your earbuds in can have a real calming effect. In fact, a recent study shows music helps reduce anxiety by up to 65%. 

2. Lavender oil

Lavender oil is renowned for calming anxiety by impacting the limbic system, the part of the brain that is in control of emotions. You can use it any time by simply inhaling the aromatherapy or placing the oil inside your wrists or on the back of your neck.

Many people note the immediate calming effect when they smell lavender oil. Lavender oil is easy to find at any big box store, pharmacy, online or specialty aromatherapy shops. Look for travel-friendly lavender oil options like inhalers or roll-on.

3. Use a meditation app

There are literally thousands of meditation apps to calm anxiety. If you find yourself with time on your hands at the airport, pop on your headphones and relax with a guided meditation. If you have noise-canceling headphones, they will help you be able to really block out the noise of the airport and focus on the meditation. One of my favourite apps is Calm, which has meditations and stories that are designed specifically for travel. Here is a great list of meditation apps to check out.

4. Reduce caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and can make you jittery and trigger anxiety. Especially in stressful situations where you are already on high alert, caffeine in your system will make it much harder to stay calm. I recommend avoiding coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages a few hours before going to the airport. Opt for caffeine-free options at least until you get through situations that cause you stress and anxiety. 

5. Take a brisk walk

Being at the airport means there can be a lot of waiting around. Especially if you have a long layover or flight delays, sitting around with not a lot to do can trigger boredom, which leads a lot of space for anxious thoughts. Get up and take a brisk walk. Go find some stairs and do a few sets. Channeling your anxiety into exercise will help your brain release endorphins that will trigger that positive and upbeat feeling in your body. 

Other ways to reduce stress at the airport:

• Many airports offer chair massage or even full spa treatments. A great way to de-stress while waiting for your flight.
  
• Make a point of taking in the beautiful and interesting art installations that are popping up at airports around the world. Some airports also have art galleries!
  
• Enjoy some retail therapy by checking out the airport shops. Some of the bigger airports actually feel like shopping centers.
  
• Take advantage of exclusive airport lounges that are designed with the comfort of travelers in mind. Some credit cards or loyalty programs include airport lounge access as part of their package, or you can purchase a membership or one-time access. Check out Lounge Buddy which is a great app that can help you navigate the world of airport lounges.

How to get over fear of flying

Always pack these medications when traveling

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Are you heading to Kauai soon? You likely have a few things in mind when it comes to packing for your trip. From swimsuits and snorkel gear to flip flops and floral shirts, packing for your trip to Kauai definitely calls for a suitcase filled with tropical vacation essentials. 

Kauai Culture

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and is definitely the lushest and most laid-back. Covered in beautiful rainforests, rugged mountains, and stunning beaches, Kauai is a dream destination for travelers who love exploring the outdoors or relaxing on the beach. 

The overall vibe of Kauai is very carefree, and the island definitely encapsulates the Aloha spirit. Some people refer to it as having a laid-back ‘surf-town’ vibe. People are friendly, chilled out and not pretentious. It is one of the more remote islands of the Hawaiian chain and not as busy. In fact, you’ll find that the nightlife scene is pretty quiet.  

Packing for Kauai – What to Leave at Home

I have visited Kauai on numerous occasions only to find that I’ve overpacked for my trip and could have left a few things at home. There are many lists out there telling you what to pack for Kauai, but I thought it would be super helpful to let the ladies know what to leave at home! 

Here are five things NOT to pack for your trip to Kauai. 

1. High heels

You really won’t need high heels to go anywhere in Kauai. I’ve traveled with high heels on numerous trips to Kauai and have never once worn them. If you really do want a little bit of height, I would recommend going with some cute wedge sandals. 

2. Fancy jewelry

Kauai is super laid back. Therefore, you’ll feel pretty overdressed if you’re wearing large, glittery, standout pieces of jewelry. Save some weight in your luggage and leave the fancy jewelry at home. Opt for a few of your favorite jewelry items that you wear daily and you’ll be good to go. 

3. Formal dresses

By now, you likely see a trend forming in this list! Kauai is very casual – don’t bother packing any fancy dresses. You’ll do much better with a couple of cute sundresses or comfy skirts. 

4. Jeans

Kauai is a tropical island and the weather is very hot and humid. Even during the rainy season or cooler nights, you likely won’t want to be confined in a pair of jeans! If you’re going to bring long pants, pick something lightweight and comfortable. You’ll likely end up only wearing them on the plane.

5. A heavy bag of makeup, hair accessories, and toiletries.

All of us ladies know that the majority of baggage weight comes from toiletries and shoes! When traveling to Kauai, be assured that you won’t need a lot of makeup or hair products. Stick to the very basics and know you’ll fit in and feel comfortable with a very casual look!

____

In the past couple of years, I’ve discovered using packing cubes in my suitcase to stay organized and save space. They help you pack lighter when going to Kauai, especially because you’ll be saving a lot of weight and space by leaving unnecessary items at home.

Have you been to Kauai? Let me know if there is anything you’ve taken with you that you could have left at home!

Things to do in Kauai with Kids.

How to Not Get Sick from germs on the Plane.

The post What NOT to pack for Kauai. appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

Traveling with friends can strengthen the bond or break the friendship. Whether you plan a trip with a friend, couple, or group, being together for so much of the time is a real test of friendship strength. 

Best case scenario? You all return home from your adventure and reminisce for years about the good memories. Worst case? You come back home feeling bitter or never speaking again. 

How to Travel With Friends and Stay Friends!

Friendship breakups often happen after traveling, so if you’re planning on taking a vacation with friends, here are a few things to avoid.

Avoid letting your friend(s) make all the travel plans.

Avoid taking the easy route and let your friends make all the travel plans. Sure, it’s pretty awesome if you trust them so much to take care of everything from choosing the destination, booking flights and hotels, and planning the itinerary. It’s definitely like having your own personal travel agent. 

Still, you should really take an interest in what you are doing right from the get-go. After all, this is your time, money, and adventure too! Being involved in the planning process will avoid conflict later. Especially if your planning friend makes some questionable choices that aren’t a good fit for your budget, interests, and travel style. 

Avoid not discussing what you want to do ahead of time.

Everybody has a different travel style. If you meet a friend with the exact same style as you, it’s a bonus! But even if you think you are on the same page, some things can come up that be surprising if you haven’t talked about it before-hand. Things like your friend wanting to opt-out of an excursion you’ve been so excited about. Or you looking forward to sleeping in til’ noon every day, but your friends are up at the crack of dawn ready to go.

Be upfront about what you want to do on your vacation. For example, some people like to be ‘go-go-go’ when on vacation, packing in as many things as they can from dawn-til-dusk. Others want to go at a slower pace and savor the time away. Most friends can find a balance of adventure and relaxation – but it’s good to be really open about what everyone wants. Have a conversation before you go and state the things that are really important to all who are going. Also, be transparent if you are planning on taking time on your own. The key is to avoid surprises and let-downs.

Avoid letting your friends handle all the maps and directions.

Sometimes getting lost is part of the adventure, but why waste time not knowing where you’re going? There are so many resources at our fingertips, so it’s a good idea to have a little awareness about how you’re getting from point A to point B and beyond.

Avoid putting all the trust with others for knowing the directions. In any foreign country, routes can be really challenging for even the savviest navigator, and getting lost can definitely raise tensions between friends.

Do some detective work on the internet before you leave and figure out where you’re going when you get there. Google Earth and Google Maps are always super helpful as it can give you a snapshot of your planned location. You can even take a peek at the street-views if you really get curious about where you’re going.

If you’re going to be driving or taking local transportation, be sure to plan your route for arrival and be sure the Google Maps App on your device. Get an international roaming plan on your phone, as this will save you until you can get a local SIM card if you choose to do so.

Don’t be ignorant about your destination and its culture.

If you and your friends are traveling to a country you’ve never been to, you will be at a huge disadvantage if you don’t take time and learn more about it before you go. There are so many websites that can help give you an idea about language, culture, rituals, food, tipping, and so on. Also, check out the surroundings of where you’ll be staying – where is a pharmacy, doctor, grocery store, restaurants, and so forth. 

Having some ideas about your destination will save you from having culture shock and feeling entirely out of your element. This will help alleviate any stressful feelings that could spill over into the communication between you and your friend(s).

Avoid not putting serious thought into the kind of friend (s) you’re going with and if they will be the right fit for you.

Planning a trip can be so exciting, especially if there is the potential to go somewhere amazing with friends! Don’t get caught up in the excitement of traveling with friends without giving it some really good thought first.

Think about things like – do you genuinely get along with this person (or people)? Are you willing to overlook questionable or annoying behavior? Are you okay with seeing these people at their worst (tired, stressed, culture-shocked)? Can you talk openly and respectfully? Are you able to take breaks from each other without anyone getting hurt? Can you discuss what you will do if there is a disagreement? Here are a few more things to think about when wondering if traveling with friends is a good idea.

So, should you travel with friends?

Absolutely! Traveling with friends – the right friends – is truly a gift filled with memories you’ll hold on to for life. If you take these tips into consideration, the likelihood of your friendship growing stronger through the experience of traveling together will be even higher! 

The post Traveling with Friends? Avoid These Mistakes. appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

Canadians love taking a tropical beach vacation to get a break from the cold weather. We live for finding great deals like discounted airfare, seat sales, or a cheap all-inclusive resort deals.

It seems, though, that we are faced with the same usual tropical vacation spots that are reasonably priced like Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and sometimes even Hawaii. Especially from Western Canada, these hot spots are beautiful and accessible with airlines offering frequent service, direct flights and great package deals. Hard to resist, but maybe you’re ready to expand your horizons?

So, what are alternatives to Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic or Hawaii?

If you have already been to these places and looking for something different, there are definitely some really great options. Here are my top five picks of really cool tropical destinations that you should consider. They may be slightly more money, but I’ve seen and also taken advantage of some great deals to these spots too!

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a beautiful, tropical island located in the Eastern Caribbean. The second you set sight on the island from the window of the plane, you’ll see beautiful, jagged mountains, lush tropical rainforests and stunning white sand beaches paired with turquoise waters. When you hit the ground running, you’re in for a true tropical paradise vacation. The island offers many all-inclusive resorts for a range of budgets. The people of St. Lucia are friendly and polite, and the travelers that go to the island are generally more laid back, looking for adventure and eco-tourism, beach vibes, quality time with family or a romantic getaway.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is not as off-the-beaten-path that some may think. It’s now more accessible than ever with many airlines and tour companies from Canada offering packages to explore the lush tropical jungles, volcanoes, and biodiversity of this country. Located in Central America, a quarter of Costa Rica is made up of protected jungle. Travelers will be exposed to the raw, untouched beauty of nature and unique wildlife like monkeys and parrots. Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, although generally, travelers go to this area of the world more to explore the culture and eco-tourism rather than spending the entire time on the beach.

Roatan

So many people have never heard of Roatan. It’s a tiny island in the Caribbean located off the coast of Honduras and is part of a chain of islands called the Bay Islands. Roatan is a popular stop for cruise ships – in fact, a cruise-ship stop is how I discovered the island and realized it is one of Caribbean’s best-kept secrets! Roatan is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and the biggest barrier reef in the western hemisphere making it a snorkeler and diver’s paradise.  From some of the pristine white sand beaches, you can swim into the water just a few feet of the beach and start exploring the gorgeous coral reefs.

This is a great website that can give you a ton of information on the island of Roatan and what to expect. https://tourismroatan.com

Turks and Caicos

The beaches and waters of Turks and Caicos are some of the best in the world thanks to the islands being home to one of the best barrier reef systems in the world. Like Roatan, Turks and Caicos is a snorkeling and diver’s dream. The water is crystal clear, turquoise blue and extremely warm, and the barrier reef is healthy and thriving with stunning coral and colourful tropical fish. There are many mega-resorts on the island but there are great options for private beach house rentals too.

Here is a great website to learn everything you need to know about Turks and Caicos. https://www.visittci.com

Jamaica

Jamaica is one of those islands that you hear about all the time but maybe have never been to. I had the chance to check it out last year and fell in love immediately. The people of Jamaica are some of the warm and friendliest I’ve ever met. From the music, culture, food and stunning tropical landscapes to the gorgeous beaches, water and overall laid-back vibe, a trip to Jamaica is definitely one to put on the bucket list. Jamaica goes above and beyond when catering to tourism and has so many resorts to choose from for every type of budget.

How to find a great winter vacation deal?

Work with a great travel agent or set some alerts on travel websites for these winter vacation spots and get ready to try something new! Many travel agents are now actively using Facebook and Instagram to post flash deals and insider rates that you may miss otherwise. I recommend following local Facebook travel groups in your community.

Many carriers such as Sunwing, Transat, Westjet Vacations and Air Canada Vacations offer great all-inclusive packages or airfare and hotel package deals to some of these destinations. Be sure to check them out.

5 helpful travel websites that make trip planning easier!

5 Medications You Should Always Pack When You Travel

The post 5 beach vacation destinations that are not in Mexico. appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

Where to go in the Caribbean?

Speaking of vacation deals, do you notice that we always seem to have the same vacation package options like Mexico, Cuba, or the Dominican Republic? Yes, these places are totally gorgeous and very easy to get to with direct flights and cheap vacation packages. But, maybe you’ve already been to these vacation spots and are really wanting to find somewhere a bit different? Well, here are five really cool spots in the Caribbean that you should consider. Yes, they may be slightly more money, but don’t give up on finding great deals to these Caribbean destinations! They are out there.

5 places in the Caribbean to check out for your next trip.

1. St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a beautiful, tropical island located in the Eastern Caribbean. The second you set sight on the island from the window of the plane, you’ll see beautiful, jagged mountains, lush tropical rainforests and stunning white sand beaches paired with turquoise waters. When you hit the ground running, you’re in for a true tropical paradise vacation. The island offers many all-inclusive resorts for a range of budgets. The people of St. Lucia are friendly and polite, and the travelers that go to the island are generally more laid back – looking for adventure and eco-tourism, beach vibes, quality time with family or a romantic getaway.

Learn more about St. Lucia.

2. Costa Rica

Okay, I know Costa Rica isn’t a Caribbean island but it does border the Caribbean Sea on the east side and is definitely worth checking out! Costa Rica is more accessible than ever with many airlines and tour companies from Canada offering packages to explore the lush tropical jungles, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Located in Central America, a quarter of Costa Rica is made up of protected jungle. Travelers will be exposed to the raw, untouched beauty of nature and unique wildlife like monkeys and parrots. Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, although generally, travelers go to this area of the world more to explore the culture and eco-tourism rather than spending days on the beach.

Learn more about Costa Rica.

3. Roatan

Many people have never heard of Roatan. It’s a tiny island in the Caribbean located off the coast of Honduras and is part of a chain of islands called the Bay Islands. Roatan is a popular stop for cruise ships – in fact, a cruise-ship stop is how I discovered the island and realized it is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets! Roatan is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and the biggest barrier reef in the western hemisphere making it a snorkeler and diver’s paradise.  From some of the pristine white sand beaches, you can swim into the water just a few feet of the beach and start exploring the gorgeous coral reefs.

Learn more about Roatan.

4. Turks and Caicos

The beaches and waters of Turks and Caicos are some of the best in the world thanks to the islands being home to one of the best barrier reef systems in the world. Like Roatan, Turks and Caicos is a snorkeling and diver’s dream. The water is crystal clear, turquoise blue and extremely warm, and the barrier reef is healthy and thriving with stunning coral and colourful tropical fish. There are many mega-resorts on the island but there are great options for private beach house rentals too.

Learn more about Turks and Caicos.

5. Jamaica

Jamaica is one of those islands that you hear about all the time but maybe have never been to. I had the chance to check it out last year and fell in love immediately. The people of Jamaica are some of the warmest and friendliest I’ve ever met. From the music, culture, food and stunning tropical landscapes to the gorgeous beaches, water and overall laid-back vibe, a trip to Jamaica is definitely one to put on the bucket list. Jamaica goes above and beyond when catering to tourism and has so many resorts to choose from for every type of budget.

Learn more about Jamaica.

To find the best deals for these Caribbean destinations, I recommend working with a great travel agent or setting some alerts on travel websites. Many carriers such as Sunwing, Transat, Westjet Vacations and Air Canada Vacations offer great deals on all-inclusive packages or airfare/hotel packages to some of these Caribbean islands.

5 Easy Ways to Save Money for Vacation.

The post 5 Caribbean Island Vacations to Put on Your Bucket List. appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

How to pack light when flying with kids.

Flying with kids, especially younger children, makes parents cringe a bit – or a lot! Kids come with a LOT of stuff, and keeping them happy and busy while waiting in the airport or traveling on the plane can cause a bit of worry. What ends up happening is the kids’ carry on bag gets filled with so much stuff that it becomes heavy or even hard to keep track of the items inside. Worst yet, the parents are the ones who end up carrying their kids’ carry on luggage. 

It doesn’t have to be that way! We’ve spent many years traveling with our kids, and I can finally say I have packing the kids’ carry on bags down to a science. It’s taken a lot of practice, so I thought I’d share some tips on how to keep those carry on bags manageable.

Traveling with Children: Must-Have Items in Kids Carry On Luggage

What I’ve learned from years of traveling with kids is not to overpack their carry on luggage. Firstly, we always allow our kids to bring one of their favourite small stuffed animals and their blanky. Having these comfort items helps them relax or even sleep on the plane. 

After that, there isn’t a whole lot of space for toys, so instead, we opt for one or two small travel-sized activities. Our experience is travel-sized Play-doh is always a hit and allows for some creativity and fun. Or small ‘surprise’ packs containing crayons and activity books allow for the excitement of opening them and doing some engaging activities. Any other small toys seem only to take up a minute or two before they get dropped on the floor or lost under the seats. So, I would say to leave those at home.  

Finally, it is so important to have a change of clothes, including underwear packed in your kid’s carry on. Drinks get spilled, and other accidents can happen. Worst case scenario, luggage gets lost, meaning the extra outfit you packed is the one your kid can change into for the next day or two while you wait to be reunited with your checked bags. 

Relax the screen time rules.

If you worry about too much screen time, remember, it’s okay to take a short hiatus from that rule when traveling. Your kids will be completely fine if you allow them more screen time than usual just for travel. You will be calmer and less anxious when flying with your kids if you embrace technology as your friend! Using technology also means you don’t have to pack as many other items to keep them busy for those long flights. Just remember to take breaks and they’ll be just fine!

So, be sure to pack a tablet and some kids headphones and load up with movies and games that will keep your kids entertained on the plane. Many airlines now have an app you have to download to the devices that allow you to connect to a large inventory of movies and tv shows.

What kind of carry on luggage is best for kids?

In the past, our kids loved the idea of having their own rolling suitcases. What we found is that they would get tired of handling them, and us parents would end up having to take over. Recently, we switched to mini travel backpacks for each of our kids, and they are much happier. The bags fit easily under the seat, and we also made sure to choose packs that had different compartments to keep items organized. 

Here is a packing checklist for your kids carry on luggage.

1. Favourite stuffed animal and blanky
2. Change of clothes, including underwear and socks. Put these items in a large Ziploc bag; that way if there are any spills or accidents, you’ll have somewhere to put the old clothes. 
3. Snacks. Again, put these items in a large Ziploc bag to keep them together. I recommend things like granola bars, mini cookies, mini crackers, fruit snacks, and other kid-friendly favourites.  
4. Tablet and headphones. 
5. Small activity such as travel-sized Playdoh or surprise activity package that includes pencils or crayons
6. Gum, chewy candy or lollipops for take-off and landing
7. Small refillable water bottle you can fill in the airport after you’re through security.

Other things that you should bring on the plane are wipes or hand sanitizer and medications such as children’s motion sickness or pain relief. Those items should go in your own carry on bag. Remember, take a minimalist approach to your kids’ carry on bag and just bring the essentials! You’ll save the trouble of extra weight, lost items (that cause a lot of tears), and the stress of having to keep track of all of it. 

Is there anything you bring on the airplane for kids that I’ve missed? I’d love to hear from you, leave me a comment below! 

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Tips for Flying with Baby

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The post Kids Packing List – How to Pack Less in Carry On Luggage appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.