As I'm writing this post, I'm daydreaming about my next vacation, and I know first hand how hard it can be to get back in the swing of things after coming home from vacation. For some, it starts as soon as they get the check-in notification for their return flight. For others, it might be as soon as they return home. Just know, you're not the only one who may have experienced these feelings. Below, I'm sharing tips to help you get back on track after a vacation. 

 

No Break
For some people, depending on where you're visiting. Not having a break between vacation and reality is just better for you. You have to decide if you need to transition and take a planned day off from work or if you literally need to hit the ground running to be more productive. Everyone is different, and if you’ve said to yourself in the past that you should have to take a planned day off from work. Then honestly, maybe you should take the day off to be more productive.

Vacation
Okay, I know this might sound a little crazy. However, planning another vacation can honestly get the spark back with getting back on track. Think about it, if you have another vacation to look forward to. You have no choice but to take care of business to make this dream a reality. Now, you may be thinking “I just spent all of this money…I can’t think of another vacation.” The best part about this is that you don’t have to have money. I love creating a bucket list and brainstorming dates that I can take my next vacation. Creating a list of various resorts that I would like to visit and how many days that I would like to go for and what time of the year I would like to go. It doesn’t take money to dream, plan, and make it to reality. You can do this on your phone or if you have wifi complete all of the searches during your travels. It makes it a lot easier to transition to reality when you have another trip to look forward to no matter how far away it is.

To-Do List
Create a “to-do” list prior to leaving and add it to the list while you’re on vacation. This list is not meant to make you wish that you can stay on vacation longer. Because let's be honest, you have the stuff to take care of whether you like to or not. You can create several lists if you see that your original list is starting to get too long. I like to create a list on the notes section on my iPhone of stuff I have to immediately take care of upon my arrival and other items that can wait. Make sure to double-check your list to ensure that you have your “to-do’s” are on the right list. The worst feeling in the world is spending days trying to figure out what you have to do.

Spa Day
I know, you just came back from vacation. But sometimes you just need a spa day to transition back to reality. I would suggest having a reservation the next full day your back if possible. You can also create your own spa day at home. You can set up your spa day prior to leaving for your trip with your nonperishable items set up so you’re not rushing when you arrive back home to pick up the items needed to make your spa day perfect. Have your bubble bath and candles etc. waiting for you in a basket upon your arrival. I also love the idea of putting together a gift basket for yourself. Everyone loves gifts right? If you have a new book or even leave your favorite chocolate in the fridge so you can have it ready for your spa day. Make the day special!


Do you have any tips for getting back on track after taking a vacation?

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I booked my first two trips of the year, and this is my first time flying since January 2020 pre-pandemic. On the day of my flight, I had a random thought. OMG, do I need a COVID test to board my flight? Yup, a few hours before my flight I had this thought. I checked and checked, and as of this very second. Flying domestically out of Connecticut Bradley International airport does not require a test. Please make sure to check with your departing and arriving airport as requirements change frequenly. Since taking my first trip, I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips for flying this year. 

Bring extra masks
Anything can happen, your mask can fall on the floor. It could also possibly get wet or simply sweaty. Bring extra masks just in case.

Domestic Testing Requirements
Prior to your flight domestic flight check to make sure testing is not required at your departure and arrival state.

Sanitize your hands

Of course, washing your hands is ideal, and depending on the airport you’re traveling to their maybe a long line to the bathroom. Most if not all airports have hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the airport. Of course, you can always bring your own. Make sure you bring a travel-size container.

Getting To The Airport
Make sure you’re at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. Be mindful that your departure time is the time in which your flight acutally leaves, and you should be on the flight and seated at that time. That is not the boarding time, you pretty much such try to get to the airport two hours from your boarding time for domestic flights. 

Airlines App
Download your airline's app prior to heading to the airport. The airline app is typically a great resource for any flight updates. You can also access your boarding pass with most airlines on their app. 

Eating
You can eat on flights. HOWEVER, once you're done eating you have to pull your mask over your face.

Masks
Your mask is required to stay on during your entire flight unless you're consuming food or a beverage.

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I booked my first hotel stay the same day, as the start of my trip. What I will say is the prices fluctuate, and you’ll typically get a better deal during the week. (Friday’s are considered the weekend.) I’ve learned that prices also decrease as well, one of the hotels I wanted to stay at the price actually decreased the day of my stay which surprised me. Another actually went up. I will place a disclaimer to make sure all of the totals are the same when comparning prices. Some of the taxes and fees can be a lot. For instance, I was looking into booking a stay and the daily rate was cheaper. However, once I factored in the taxes and fees, the price went up significantly. Go based off the total amount, and not just off of the daily rate. Below, I'm sharing some must-know tips for booking cheap hotel stays.

Credit Cards
Most credit card companies that offer cash back typically have hotels as an option as well to save.

Groupon
Groupon is a wonderful resource for hotel and resort stays. I’ve used them in the past, and had no issues.

AAA Membership
If you have this membership, you never know when it might come in handy. During my last hotel stay my rate was cheaper than Expedia's total due to the hotel offering a AAA membership discount.

Hotel
Visit the actual hotel site, and make sure to signup for their email list and membership if you’re looking to have them as your goto hotel.

Rakuten 
Prior to booking my stay, I make sure to go through the Rakuten site/app to see what cash back offers they’re offering.

Hotwire & Priceline
Hotwire has a deal of the day for hotels. You won’t know which deal you received until you actually booked your hotel.

Expedia
Expedia is old fateful, I’ve been using them for years. I love that I can earn points with my travel bookings.

HotelTonight (App)
I’m not sure how or when I learned about this app. However, I always check this site out, especially for last minute adventures.

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I thoroughly enjoy traveling, and throughout the years I’ve come across some really amazing apps that have made my travel experience better. Below, I’m sharing some must-have apps to aid with your next trip.

Yelp
I love using Yelp for restaurant reviews. It’s so handy to have during your travels. It’s nice to get a feel of the place you’ll be potentially dining at, and get people's honest reviews. Prior to my last visit, I had no idea Yelp had an "Instagram Worthy" search option. I used this feature on my last trip, and it didn't disappoint. I love that it also shows the proximity of where each place is located.

Trip Advisor
Trip advisor is perfect for reviews as well, especially for hotels. I typically utilize them prior to booking my hotel stays. I also prefer to check out their photos as well to get an idea of the hotel/resort.

Lyft/Uber
If you don’t plan on renting a car, ordering a car service, or taking public transportation. These two are a must-have to have downloaded on your phone. Depending on the time of the day, the rates change. Also, remember it may be cheaper to schedule your ride. Depending on the state/country you're visiting the rates may be different.

Google Maps
I use Google Maps, especially when traveling to locations like New York and I plan on doing a lot of walking. Google Maps user friendly, and handy to have during your travels.

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It officially a year since the pandemic has started, and I just wanted to share a few tips to keep you safe while traveling whether it's for leisure or to spend time with friends, and family. It's so important more now than ever to just take little extra precautions. Below, I'm sharing a few tips to stay healthy while traveling.

Learn Your Body

It's so important to learn and know your body. Pay attention, at the first sign of not feeling well start to track your systems, and at that point, it may be a good idea for you to take natural remedies.

Water

Water plays such an important role in flushing out toxins. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water during your travels.

Wash Your Hands

I’m not sure why we sometimes forget how important and effective just washing your hands with soap and water is. I know it sounds simple, however, it works. I was always taught to sing the happy birthday song while washing my hands to ensure that I’m actually walking them long enough. It’s a great indicator for children and adults. Of course, use hand sanitizer when you do not have access to clean running water and soap.

Surface Wipes

Wipe down your surface. I like to travel with surface wipes. When they’re provided at the grocery store during your travels use them on your shopping carts. Don’t forget to wipe down your phone and other items that you use on a regular basis during your travels. Surface wipes are not the same as hand wipes and they should only be used on the surfaces recommended. Purchase surface wipes to sanitize the hard surfaces around you.

Take Supplements

I’m big on taking supplements and using immune boosters. I’ve been using a few this year and I must say that I’ve seen a huge difference. Travel with an immune booster, make sure to take your supplements regularly. This plays a major role in you continuing to stay healthy during and after your travels.

Hand Wipes

I know when always do not have access to soap and water. I try my best to always carry wipes along with me. It’s so easy to touch a doorknob or an elevator button and then use that same finger to grab and eat fries with. I see it all the time, and I think it's just a habit for most. Try to keep hand wipes on you. I love the individually wrapped ones to have on hand.

What are your favorite ways to stay healthy while traveling?

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I remember it like it was yesterday the day that I applied for my passport. I placed my application for my passport and waited for my passport to return in the mail. I remember how amazing it felt to have this key to explore the world in my hand. Though you don’t need a passport to travel it was my key to be able to travel to places that I’ve always dreamed of. You see growing up my parents only traveled in driving distance locations and I believe the farthest they went was to DC. As a child, we didn’t go on family vacations and pretty much did road trips.

It wasn’t until I became a mom and went on the first trip that I realized how important it was to travel and to educate myself on various cultures, cities, and demographics. It’s been a year since the last time I went on vacation and boy do I miss traveling so much. I haven’t even driven to New York and it’s actually one of my favorite cities to visit. Like most people, I’ve just been social distancing.

I remember my first time on a plane I believe it was to Florida and it was one of the most amazing vacations ever. You see it was my first time in Florida and it was the winter months and all I can remember is being in all how warm it was especially coming from a colder State. I remember driving in my rental car and just smelling the aroma of the orange trees. I could literally smell the scent through the car window. At that very moment, my life changed. I knew I would not be the same. I knew life for me wouldn’t be the same. I’ve been to so many different places and have been able to immerse myself in so many different cultures. From traveling with my son to Columbia to going or my first solo trip to Puerto Rico. Traveling is a part of me traveling is me and it’s something that is truly dearly missed. But I wanted to take a moment to share what I miss about traveling.

Food
I have tried so many amazing foods while traveling and honestly, I wish I could say I had a favorite but I try so much that I can’t even just think of one. I truly miss trying different foods while traveling and I missed just meeting people at the restaurants, the servers, the owners of the restaurant's other customers. It has truly been a memorable experience. Thinking of my last trip on a cruise to try the different foods on the cruise is just such an amazing experience so yes I miss the food. I miss the freshness of the food, I miss how authentic the meals are. I miss the dining experience. I miss trying new foods for the first time, and being in all.

Immersing Myself in the Culture
Immersing myself in the culture has to be one of the favorite things. While I’m writing this I’m thinking about my first trip out of the country to Jamaica. And just walking with family through the market and purchasing fresh seasonings and just looking around and just seeing how everything was just so different everything was just so new it’s like you see the stuff on TV but to be there and to be a part of the culture was just such an amazing experience I remember having porridge in Jamaica in the morning time from like a food truck and he was the best porridge I ever had it was so good.

During my trip to Columbia, we went to the downtown area and it was just so amazing. I remember seeing the kids come from school and just going to the grocery store to purchase coffee and just walk around the grocery store and just to engage with people. It was such a memorable experience.

Hotels
I dearly miss the hotels. I miss the soaking tubs. I miss having a view of the ocean from my bedroom. Thinking about my trip to Fort Lauderdale for my birthday a few years back and how the view from my room was just breathtaking. Thinking about my first trip to the Bahamas with my son and how the ocean view from our room is just amazing I’ve never seen water that color before and it was just such a memorable experience. Thinking about my first trip to Mexico, how much the Jacuzzi tub had a view of the beach from my room. I dearly miss the hotels. I miss the sweet staff there. I miss the hospitality and I simply just miss the experience.

Sightseeing
I am truly that adventurer when I’m traveling reminiscing about my trip to London how everyone had jet lag and how I was trying to really take a vantage of every second every hour that I was there. I remember just waking up and getting the only thing on my schedule was to explore as much as I can in a day. I remember during my trip to London I got on the wrong double Decker bus and honestly, I should’ve been freaked out but the scenery was just simply amazing. I literally stayed on the bus until we got to the bus transfer station and it was just such an amazing experience I was able to sightsee. I mean honestly, it was probably one of my most memorable experiences traveling. Thinking about my trip to California and visiting the zoo and walking from my Airbnb to the zoo how crazy and funny was all at the same time.

Though I haven’t traveled in over a year I truly have so many memories that I’m super thankful for perhaps I’ll do a part two but until then I would love to hear what you miss most about traveling?

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I went on my very first cruise in January. It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I was really apprehensive about going on a cruise due to not being sure about motion sickness. I did have motion sickness the first day at sea however, I did not allow that to stop me. Below, I’m sharing my pros and cons of Carnival Liberty.






The Pros and Cons of Carnival Liberty





Pros


Adults only area that doesn’t cost additional money to access. It was nice to just a getaway, and enjoy the view.







The food was amazing. I didn’t have any issues with any of the food that was ordered. Very plentiful. We dined for breakfast and dinner in the dining area. We typically checked out the grab and go restaurants for lunch.





We didn’t have long waits for breakfast and dinner.






This cruise ship is really pretty and super easy to navigate.






There were tons of entertainment throughout the day, and they also offered adult-only options as well.





































I did not take part in any of the adult drinks. However, you can bring a bottle of wine, and a case of soda.

Cons

1. The basketball court is closed before 6pm.
2. Water is not allowed on board
3. The pools were crowded (which to be expected)
4. Certain times of the day the buffet was closed for inspection (which is a good thing, and a bad thing if you weren’t expecting the food to be closed) Plan for this to happen in advance.
5. The comedy show that I attended was crowded. Lesson learned I showed up super late. However, I was still able to get in and stand, and watch the show.

I overall have no complaints about my experience. Everyone was super nice, the food was amazing. I pretty much enjoyed everything about this cruise experience. I was able to navigate the ship super easily.

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 One of my biggest concerns, when I booked my cruise, was the food. Though I knew people who were avid cruisers. I know how picky I can be when it comes to food. I can say that I was pleasantly surprised by all of my food choices and meals. I ate every evening and morning in the dining hall. Throughout the day I would snack at the deli or indulge in veggie tortillas. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to try the pizza, and my son never got around to trying out the BBQ restaurant.

Upon arriving on board the food was being served. That was another question I had. I wasn’t sure if the food was provided upon boarding the ship. It was!! The buffet wasn’t open. However, all of the grab and go restaurants were available. There are also plenty of blog posts and YouTube videos dedicated to food on cruise ships. Below, I’m sharing some of what my son and I ate during our cruise. 

What We Ate on Our Cruise - Carnival Liberty 

Breakfast 

                                                       Dinner

Dessert 

Lunch/Snacks

Going on my first cruise was such an adventure. Though, it was a complete learning experience. I honestly had one of the best times of my life. Though I really enjoyed my experience, a few things came up that I thought would be helpful if you’re a cruise newbie.

6 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About a Cruise

Movement
You can actually feel the boat move… I know what you guys may be saying. Come on! It’s a boat. You know how you barely feel a plane move, of course, unless there is turbulence. The boat I was on made a weird movement. Especially, if you’re at the lower deck. It was like a pulling feeling.. super weird to explain. but you do feel the boat move. Especially, if you're at the front of the boat.

ID
You need your ID and Sign and Sail card to return back on the boat at each port. Depending on the state/country in which you’re visiting. The requirements may be different. Consider your Sign and Sail card like your first form of ID on a cruise when you need two forms of ID.

Transportation
I know this may sound like common sense. However, book your transportation to and from the port and/or airport in advance. You would be surprised how many people don't do this. It just makes for an easier transition to the airport.

Denmark
Carnival Cruise has a Denmark presentation that is not required. But it was really informative if this is your first cruise or if you plan on checking your luggage.

Identification
You don’t actually need a passport for a cruise, a state ID and a birth certificate should suffice.

Captions Dinner
I’ve always heard and seen people mention about a caption dinner when taking a cruise. with Carnival, it’s the formal dining night. Our formal dining night was actually the same night that we were at the port.

Have you taken a cruise before? Anything you wish someone would have told you?

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As I type this post, I’m currently at the airport returning from my cruise. As my mind is fresh on travel. I thought it would be good to share with you guys 5 Things You Need for a Cruise from a newbies perspective.

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• Fruit
• Juice
• Water
• granola bars
• Trail mix
• Veggie chips
• Sandwiches
• fruit snacks
• fruit cups, jello, pudding, apple sauce

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