 According to the new American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report, everyone is still keeping hope alive, and things to look forward to are using travel as that gateway. Are you excited to travel soon?
People not only want to travel again, but are already hard at work planning their dream post-pandemic getaways. And whether that’s somewhere cold, or a beach getaway to destress from the past year, it’s something that mant, including myself, have on our minds. What will be our next trip? How will we deal with COVID regulations? Will our next traveling experience be “normal”? And although these are all thoughtful questions, and needed for the next experience, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet, and are unaware of what the future of traveling upholds. Results from a survey taken across seven international markets and American Express Travel booking data expressed that 87% of people said that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to. Some are even missing traveling so much that they would book a trip right now, even if they have to cancel it in the future! With people's newfound freedom to work from anywhere, the freedom and flexibility of being able to live while traveling the globe, a very promising future awaits the traveling experience. The Pandemic has left us all feeling and wanting to get back to our old selves, try out new things, explore new spaces, and live our lives to the fullest. Traveling is something I’m sure we can all agree is in our bucket lists. If you’re interested in learning more about how you could be preparing for your next vacation, feel free to give us a call or email us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan.
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 Confidence is growing among travellers to take to the sky again, but they are frustrated with the loss of freedom to travel due to current restrictions.
Studies show that travel restrictions also led to health, social and economic issues, with 68% of respondents to a International Air Transport Association study indicating their quality of life is suffering as a result. About 40% reported mental stress and missing an important human moment as a result of restrictions. Over a third said restrictions prevented them from doing business normally. But worry not, here at Get Busy Livin’ we strive to help you be comfortable and secure when making any traveling decisions. “The top priority of everybody at the moment is staying safe amid the Covid-19 crisis. But it is important that we map a way to be able to re-open borders, manage risks and enable people to get on with their lives. That includes the freedom to travel,” commented IATA’s director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac on the findings. Providing hope, that the future of traveling looks promising, and following the regulations now, will have a great impact on how quickly we’re all back exploring some of our favorite destinations. Given the health, social and economic costs of travel restrictions, airlines should be ready to reconnect the world as soon as governments are able to reopen borders. As testing capacity and technology improves and the vaccinated population grows, the conditions for removing quarantine measures are being created. As per recent updates from the CDC, Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or territorial and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. As always, make sure you’re allowing yourself to do the necessary research when planning your trips, and know we’re here to help, and Get Busy Livin’. Safe Travels, Dan,  When you stay at a bed and breakfast, you get a comfortable room in addition to many free extras. During these uncertain times, we’re glad to provide you with a list of some of our favorite BRB’s.
Despite bed and breakfasts being smaller than the usual hotels, they are often unique and make you feel more like you’re at home. Most bed and breakfast accommodations are operated by ordinary local people whose objective is to preserve an old residence. They are very amiable and will be there to greet you at the door upon your arrival. What gives it the personal touch over a hotel is that the owners will often cook and serve you breakfast in the morning before recommending you to the most beautiful attractions in their area. Below are five of our favorite BRB's in the Capital Region 1.The Washington Park Inn This boutique property is located in Washington Park. The property offers accommodation in Albany, 0.9 miles from Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Free private parking is available on site- What more can one ask for? Every suite at this inn is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom. Extras include free toiletries and a hair dryer. You will find a shared kitchen at the property as well as an office for all your queries during your stay. The inn also offers free use of bicycles. The Egg Center for the Performing Arts is 0.9 miles from Washington Park Inn, while Corning Tower is 0.9 miles away. The Albany Law School and Albany Medical Centre is within a 1,000 feet radius. Albany International Airport is 6.2 miles from the property. You will for sure feel right in your own neighborhood, while indeed taking a break from home. 2. Morgan State House Inn The Morgan State House is an elegantly restored 19th century building with no elevator. It is located in the Washington Park Historic District and is close to many of Albany’s downtown attractions. Suites at the Historic Inn and apartments at the Washington Park State House have seating areas, work desks, and cable TV. You will feel as if you’re in a castle during your vacation! All suites and some of the apartments are equipped with free wireless. The apartments have kitchenettes or full kitchens, as well as elevators. Breakfast is included at The Morgan State House every morning. While they are a non-smoking inn and are unable to accommodate children under 16, this will be the perfect relaxation to disconnect for a day or two. Laundry service and dry cleaning are some of the many amenities the hotel provides. The New York State Capital, a National Historic Landmark, is one mile from the Morgan State House. Albany International Airport is a 20 minute drive away. 3.Guesthouse Sunna This modern, family owned guest house in a "country hotel style" will brighten your vacation mood and inspire your future travel admirations. It is well located in the old city center, across the street from Hallgrims church and the beautiful sculpture garden of The National Einar Jensen Gallery. The Flybus from Keflavik airport stops right at their doorstep. Only a few minutes walk away from the busy streets with popular cafes and restaurants, a good variety of shops, museums and art galleries. 4.Thyme in the Country Bed and Breakfast Six miles east of Hudson, NY, Thyme in the Country Bed and Breakfast is a peaceful retreat to a warm, wholesome and utterly heartfelt style of hospitality. The charming mix of handmade cabinetry, antique furnishings, jugs of flowers, eggs from the hens, farm fresh milk make for a quiet, relaxing, home-away-from home experience. The owners of this 1880‘s Farmhouse are committed to sustainable living and green principles are incorporated into everything they do-from the food they serve to the electricity used- what better way to stay connected to your values on vacation? The Koches will help you enjoy the historic and scenic Hudson River Valley and reduce your carbon footprint too. 5.The Rockwood Inn Housed in a grand, turreted Victorian mansion, this elegant B&B is 10 minutes' walk from Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. The Victorian look and feel in every room is what makes this place amazing! Being 6 miles from Berkshire Botanical Garden and 7 miles from the Norman Rockwell Museum, its secluded location offers the best of both worlds. Cozy, TV-free, Victorian-style rooms with en suite bathrooms offer free Wi-Fi; many add iPod docks. Some rooms include claw-foot baths, fireplaces or canopy beds. A hot breakfast buffet is served in a quaint dining room, or on a porch overlooking the secluded gardens. Common areas include an antiques-filled lounge with a fireplace, and a sitting room with a stereo system. This amazing BRB also features free parking. 6.Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast Once the centerpiece of the almost eighty-acre Hutton Farm, this elegant, lovingly maintained 1840s era Italianate style home is perfectly situated on nearly five acres of expansive lawns and rambling woods. Enjoy chirping birds and summer winds through the leaves of their mature walnut and maple trees while you abandon your stress and relax on one of our two spacious verandas. As a feeling of seclusion surrounds you at Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast, you’ll easily forget that it’s only a short walk to the bustle of Main Street or the welcoming shores of Keuka Lake. Located in a tranquil residential district south of the village center, this home offers the best of Penn Yan and the surrounding Finger Lakes: easy access to the Keuka and Seneca Lake wine trails; village shops & restaurants; the local beer, spirits, cheese, and ice cream trails; the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail; The Windmill Farm & Craft Market; and only a short drive to Watkins Glen, Corning, and Ithaca. The luxury of Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast is found in the details to the discovering eye and its authenticity. BRB’s are a great way to enjoy a nice vacation relaxing, and experiencing new adventures you may not have learned about before from your own local surroundings. Worry not-- these are not your only options. If you need any more insight on planning your local getaway, feel free to call us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan.  There’s a popular myth floating around that travel is an expensive hobby. Certainly people who travel a lot must have rich parents, lucrative lottery winnings, or work high paying jobs… This is all untrue, and I’m here to share some useful tips about amazing ways you can use as a guide to save money for traveling.
Financial Responsibility Money management is a learned skill – but most of us don’t master the basics until we’re adults — if ever. You are making a significant long-term commitment that’s sometimes going to be really hard to stick to. Saving up enough money for travel, or anything for that matter is tough on the soul and demands sacrifice, which is why so few people succeed. The right mindset is everything! Hold yourself accountable and create priorities throughout your days. Track your Spending Put a day aside from your other daily tasks and go through all your accounts to find out EXACTLY what your finances look like, down to the dollar. Tracking expenses is an important part of learning where you can cut back, or even eliminate your spending. Budget your trip There are two types of budgeting you need to do here. The first is budgeting your trip. The second is budgeting your life. First, you need to work out how much your trip is going to cost you. If you know what you’re doing, your travel budget can be as low as $50 a day. The amount is going to vary wildly depending on where you want to travel, and how thrifty you are. In short, if you want to start traveling more or save up for a specific trip, you need to create a budget. This will let you see where you can make cuts and where every penny you earn is being spent. Cutting your daily expenses, being more frugal, and downgrading to a simpler way of living will allow you to save money for your trip around the world without having to find extra sources of income. As always, we’re here to help. We have many different deals available, and will be able to help you prepare a trip that fits your needs. Give us a call today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan.  The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has so far declined to issue new guidance on travel for vaccinated Americans due to concerns about travel-related surges but is "looking forward" to updating guidance once more people get protected. Updated guidance according to the Biden administration is expected to be made around May 1.
As of now, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. A survey by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) revealed that as many as two-thirds of global destinations are open for tourism of some sort– meaning you might not have to cancel your dreams of a holiday just yet. The article stated that:
Although most countries are still choosing to keep their borders closed, it is a great and hopeful finding that some are starting to implement new guidelines. A few countries are soon expected to fully reopen to tourists who can prove they have been vaccinated, these countries include Ecuador, Iceland, Greece, Slovenia, Poland and eventually even more. Right now, the guidelines you’ve become familiar with still apply; masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. New guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can safely visit with other vaccinated people and small groups of unvaccinated people in some circumstances, but there are still important safety precautions needed. What this means for your upcoming vacation? That there is hope. We can stay optimistic about future travel, and begin looking at what that great #firstripback will be. That all of the current regulations will still apply, in conjunction with any guidance and regulations being mandated at your destination. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect countries differently. Challenges to any international travel at this time may include mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments may implement restrictions with little notice, even in destinations that were previously low risk. If you choose to travel internationally, make sure you are planning ahead, and receiving the most help possible; we are here to help! Call us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’. Safe Travels, Dan.  As CDC regulations are still in place, some may be having second thoughts of traveling at the moment. So here is a Spring edition of local activities you can travel (some virtually) to.
The Albany Tulip Festival: The Tulip Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Albany NY and draws tens of thousands of people to Washington Park each year. 2020 is different than your average year, though, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to stay home to stop the spread of the virus. Although all of the Tulip Festival's in-person traditions and happenings have been canceled for this year, we can still enjoy the 2020 Tulip Festival virtually, thanks to Discover Albany, the City of Albany's Office of Cultural Affairs, and Citizens Bank. Virtual Tulip Fest Highlights:
St. Patricks Plans: St. Patrick's Day is a festive time of year as people dress up in green, enjoy some corned beef and a pint of Guinness, and celebrate all things Irish. In Albany and the Capital Region, you can always look forward to holiday dining specials at local restaurants and bars, live music, and other festivities. St. Patrick's Day is always filled with amazing activities, so always remember to plan ahead! The food. The drinks. The music. The atmosphere. There's something special about St. Patrick's Day in the Albany area. If you're ready to unleash your inner Irish, check out these St. Patrick's Day events. Here is a list of all of the different St.Patrick’s Day events available this 2021. Golfing in Albany: The Capital Region area has numerous and varied golf courses, from championship level to family-friendly mini golf. In addition to public and private courses and country clubs, you can also find driving ranges, golf instructors and a couple indoor golf facilities for year-round practice. Golf is fun because of the number of possibilities it offers to stop players from getting bored. Anyone can enjoy playing all kinds of different golf game types either alone, with friends or total strangers. And all while enjoying the great outdoors and getting a bit of exercise at the same time. Browse the golfing options here to find just what you are searching for. As always, we’re here to help when traveling inspiration is needed. We are abroad, and local experts ready to help you create the best experience possible. Call us today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan.  According to Statistic, a high percentage of people use social media for travel inspiration and ideas, and the majority share photos on social media while traveling. But have you wondered about the contrasted characteristics of social media and travel?
Social media is changing the way we travel. Around the world, influencers and regular-old travelers alike are destroying local environments, posing provocatively at sites of tragedy and even putting their own lives at risk, all in a vain attempt to drum up interest on social media. Research conducted by Facebook in 2019 showed that 67% of travelers use Instagram to find travel inspiration before booking a trip and once the trip is booked, they continue to use the platform to get themselves pumped for the upcoming adventure. Social media is encouraging people to explore new places they never even knew existed until they saw a photo pop up on their timeline! Now, we’re only a few clicks away from seeing an image on Instagram to purchasing a ticket to go vacation there. However, as with many aspects of social media, there are obvious downsides to this travel revolution. It could be argued that the obsession with documenting and sharing your travel adventures online distracts from being present and truly enjoying the experience. Our motives to travel seem to have shifted away from wanderlust and have become more egocentric, travelling now for the sake of aesthetical pictures, likes, and follows. This draws away from some of the most important elements of travel. In general, social media has revolutionised the way we travel. While giving us new opportunities to enjoy a new place through the eyes of others, or learning how to take the bus somewhere we’ve never been by someone else sharing their story𑁋 And while it is amazing the amount of things we learn by our friend’s explorations, I believe it is critical for travelers enjoy the little things present in all new endeavours. To want to get to know a place, a culture, a tradition, or simply enjoy a peaceful, restful vacation with their loved ones without worrying about their self-image, or comparing to other travelers' experiences. The rising importance of social media in the travel planning and booking process can get complex. As always, we are always available to make sure you have an unique, unforgettable experience! Give us a call or email today to learn about our amazing offers...We promise, you’ll want to share them only with your closest friends! Safe Travels! Dan. Cruises and Vaccines: How Cruises are Making a Comeback-- CDC Makes Masks Mandatory for Cruises2/24/2021  As countries globally begin their vaccine drives, travel restrictions are slowly being lifted for travel by air-- but that is not the case for cruise ships.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced it will make face masks mandatory on all forms of transportation within the United States, including aboard cruise ships and inside cruise terminals across the country. While our primary concern is ensuring the safety and well-being of all our travelers, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t itching to get back out on the high seas. When will the Great Cruise Shutdown end? That’s the question cruise fans in North America have been asking for months as they await the day when they can get back to vacation on the high seas. American Cruises are proposing an early 2021 re-opening. And we should be expecting most brands to be sailing again by this or next year as we can see in this article. New guidance from the CDC on rules and regulations for US cruising are right around the corner and may be announced any day now. Nonetheless, we can for sure expect new restrictions to be implemented. As of Tuesday, February 2 2021, the Indiana-based river line American Queen Steamboat Company and sister brand Victory Cruise Lines became the first North American cruise brands to announce that passengers will need to show proof of being vaccinated for COVID‑19 before stepping on a vessel once cruising resumes. Until the vaccine becomes available, the lines will implement a wide range of previously announced anti-COVID-19 health measures that include pre-cruise testing of all passengers and crew for the illness and a mask mandate onboard-- and we can currently expect that these restrictions will not be lifted and replaced by the vaccine. But no worries! The health and safety of the cruisers is always in all cruise lines main priority. The lines have expressed that passengers who are unable to receive a full two-shot dose of currently available COVID-19 vaccines in time for an upcoming cruise will be able to rebook at no cost! Whether you have to decide on what cruise line will be the most beneficial for you and your family, or you need more insight and planning tips for the new cruise regulations, we’re here to help! Give us a call today and Let’s Get Busy Livin’! Safe Travels, Dan. We may have tendencies of forgetting things as time passes, but we can assure you one thing you will never forget is your first backpacking experience. Packing your life and soul into a backpack and delving into the unknown for days, weeks or months is an indescribable experience.
We’re more than happy to share with you a list of five great destinations perfect for backpacking the globe for the first time! 1.Thailand Thailand is one of the best spots to go for first-timers as it is budget friendly, and full of adventure! Thailand is one of the most popular backpacker routes so you will be in the perfect location to meet backpackers alike. Thailand is full of path adventure as well as some of the most famous beach destinations. Whether you are there for the world-class beaches in the south or for the mountain villages in the north, Thailand will not disappoint! 2.Vietnam Vietnam is an amazing place for first-time backpackers who really want to dive deep into culture and nature while staying on a tight budget. Though Vietnam may feel outside of your comfort zone, the truth is that there’s already an established tourist trail that hits all the main sites in Vietnam. The main sites on Vietnam’s tourist trail include places like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta-- and because Vietnam is still an emerging destination for travelers, the types of people you meet there will always be intrepid and interesting. 3.Peru Peru is most famous for being home to the historic hilltop city of Machu Picchu, an impressive complex of temples and supporting infrastructure located on a remote and beautiful hill in the Andes. In Peru you’ll be able to get by with just a few Spanish words, as the local population in popular tourist areas will usually be familiar with communicating with visitors! 4.India Among the historic sites in India are the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the historic forts, including the spectacular Amber Fort which is in Jaipur. With such a massive population, it can for sure get overwhelming to adventure through India, therefore we absolutely recommend being prepared. Nonetheless India’s variety of cultures and foods will for sure be a beautiful experience to enjoy on your own. 5.Puerto Rico In Puerto Rico you will find unforgettable things to do during your solo trip! There is plenty on the island to enjoy solo, from visiting El Morro at the Viejo San Juan to hiking through El Yunque National Forest. Puerto Rico is a beautiful caribbean island with crystal clear waters, and amazing food. A walk by “La Placita” will leave you amazed-- and hopefully with new local friends. Wherever your heart guides you, we are sure it will be the right journey for you to embark on your first solo trip. Send us a message today to learn more about all of these amazing places and Let’s Get Busy Livin! Safe Travels, Dan. Traveling is fun, whether you’re sure of your destination, or it’s a surprise trip, we are confident you will find harmony, and great cultural experiences that you won’t regret wherever you’re headed… But what if we told you we hold the secret of places you can share this adventure with a loved one?
Here’s a list of some of our favorite places that are just better to visit with a person who you really care about because of their sheer beauty and the typically romantic activities that are on offer: Château du Rivau: 9 Rue du Château, 37120 Lémeré, France A genuine medieval castle at the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site, with botanical arts in a 6ha Garden, contemporary sculptures and a peaceful restaurant. This medieval private castle is animated by more than 380 art-objects.The remarkable gardens offer amazing flower collections all around the year, of bulbs, iris, peonies, roses, lavender, dahlias, ornamental grasses and vegetables. Rivau gardens are Conservatory of Fragrant Roses and Conservatory of Vegetables that are used in our restaurant. The castle and gardens are suitable for the whole family, adults will be interested in botanic, history and contemporary art and kids will be transported in a fairytale like environment. It is the perfect place to declare your love with an “I love you”. Ladera Resort: Rabot Estate Soufriere Post Office Jalousie, St. Lucia At Ladera Resort you will be able to create unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime. The adults-only resort is Uniquely located on a lush volcano ridge 1,000 feet above the Caribbean Sea, each luxurious suite boasts its own private heated plunge pool and an “Open Wall” design, without a fourth wall, allowing for breathtaking panoramas of the Majestic Pitons and deep blue Caribbean Sea. Many go to this magical destination to enjoy an escape and enjoy their privacy. Angama Mara: Suswa Mara Triangle, Kenya This luxury all-inclusive lodge accessible only by plane is 280 km from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This amazing resort you won’t get enough of features sundecks with reserve views, the stylish furnished tents feature free Wi-Fi, butler service, minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities. All have safes, fans and binoculars. Massages are available in-room for that perfect evening with your sweetheart! In addition to meals and drinks, game drives and airfield transfers are included in this memorable trip. There's an infinity pool, a bar, and an outdoor lounge around a fire pit, as well as Hot air balloon rides. There is no further explanation needed now as to why this would be a charming and romantic place to go with a loved one. Katikies Santorini: Main Street, Oía 847 02, Greece Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands, a dream honeymoon (or proposal!) destination. It is a great place for those who want beauty, romance, and beaches. It’s filled with deep blue water, and admired for its sheer beauty. It is a great place to watch the sunset from a waterfront while enjoying the charms of your companion. Le Sirenuse: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017 Positano SA, Italy There are many destinations that are celebrated for the romance factor and are continually finding their way onto lists for those looking to set the right mood. Italy will for sure, always be one of the cities that allow couples to get closer, without the distraction of everyday life. Le Siren house has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and the village of Positano makes this an unforgettable place to spend a holiday filled with charm. There are places that are considered to be “romantic”, and there are other places that are best to visit with your significant other as they surpass romantic expectations; they’ll become experiences you’ll want to tell only to your best friends! As always, if you’re ready to hear about more of our favorite places you can have an amazing experience with your loved one, I’m sure we have a few more secrets to share… Give us a call today and Let’s Get Busy’ Livin! Safe Travels, Dan. |
AuthorDan Laiosa, Archives
October 2020
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