This week my Facebook memories reminded me that five years ago we enjoyed a weekend in Maine with friends.  The journey started off a bit chaotic when I realized I didn't have my photo ID with me and I was an hour and a half away from home.  That led to me calling my dad at 4:30am and having him go to my house to turn my computer on so that I could remotely access a copy of my passport.  I printed the copy at the hotel and prayed the TSA would be kind to me and allow me to board with the paper copy.  I was lucky and had a very nice TSA agent allow me to board the plane and off we went to Boston.  The next day, my ID arrived via FedEx from dad, so I could have a stress free journey home.  Since then I have made sure to triple check where my ID is prior to leaving home and also have electronic copies stored on my phone just in case.  

While having the correct form of identification while traveling is so very important, it made me think about what might be changing with TSA rules due to the current Corona Virus pandemic.  Not long after thinking about that topic, an article popped up in my email detailing some of these changes.  I thought it may be helpful to share what's new in case you may be traveling in the new future.  

1. Travelers will now be able to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer through TSA checkpoints, which does away with the previous 3.4-ounce limit.  This is for hand sanitizer only and doesn't apply to other toiletry items.  
2. TSA officers will no longer handle a passenger’s boarding pass, instead the passenger will scan their pass themselves and hold it up so the officer can inspect it without touching.
   
3. The TSA will ask that travelers keep an appropriate amount of distance between others passing through the checkpoints.
   
4. All TSA officers will be wearing masks and, while not an absolute requirement for passengers, it will encourage members of the public to do so, as well. Officers may ask some to take a mask off for security confirmation. Keep in mind that many airlines are requiring a mask while onboard.  
   
5. Any carry-on food will now need to be placed into a clear plastic bag and then placed into a bin separately (TSA Precheck members will be able to keep food inside their bag).
   
6. The TSA is also recommending that when travelers empty their pockets prior to going through security, they put their wallets, phones, and other personal items into their carry-ons instead of in a security bin, another move to eliminate touch points at security.
   

I hope these tips will help you be better prepared the next time you travel.  

Have a great week ahead! 

Until next time, 
Courtney 

The last few weeks have really slowed down and while I continue to work through cancelling and re-booking guests, that chapter is quickly coming to a close as well.  I am not here to push a vacation on anyone rather than to tell you how I have been approaching my personal return to travel.  

If you know me, you know I love a cruise ship! With three Norwegian Cruise Line ships in our backyard, Mike and I took a field trip weekend before last to get an up close view and dream a little about the future of cruising.  The Norwegian Encore, Bliss and Spirit are temporarily ported in Portsmouth.  It was nice to see a little bit of what I love right in our backyard.  If you want to know more about these ships unique amenities, let me know and I will be happy to put together a post about that.  

I have been asked numerous times when it will be safe to travel again and truthfully that isn't a question I can answer.  Traveling in the future will be at your comfort level and what works best for you.  While the US and destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico will begin opening in just a few weeks, it will be much longer before cruise ships and vacations to Europe return to their normal schedules.  

For Mike and I, we have flights booked to travel to see our dear friends at their home in Maine in September.  What will flying look like?  We will most likely have to wear our masks, use our hand sanitizer more than normal and still be mindful of social distancing.  This morning Delta Airlines announced that flights would fly at 60% capacity, which made me quite happy.  Visions of a full airplane aren't appealing at all at the present moment.  

After our trip to Maine our next adventure will take us to Miami in November to board the Scarlet Lady, a brand new cruise ship from Virgin Voyages.  We were originally scheduled to sail on this ship in March, however the Corona Virus had different plans for us.  I personally feel that by November we should be fine to board a ship and enjoy a cruise as we have in the past.  I am excited for the opportunity to see this new ship, visit some fun ports and spend time with some friends. 

While traveling might not be on your radar, I encourage you to take this time to dream a little and think about what may be at the top of your bucket list.  You will know when the time is right to turn that dream into a reality and I will be here ready to assist.  

Dream big and stay well!  
​
Until next time! 
Courtney 

It's a funny thing how people come into your life. In 2010, I escorted a group to New York City to enjoy all the wonderful sights and sounds of the Christmas season.  In the group were a mother and daughter pair that were friends of other mutual friends.  During our journey by train to and from New York, I was able to chat with them both and by the time we got home, felt like we were old friends.  For the past ten years, my dear friend Christina and her husband Roger have been a constant presence in the Solutions Travel family.  While they have participated in many group trips, we have also ventured off on our own on a river cruise in Europe, to  Key West and numerous other locations along the way.  

Over the last few months, Christina has started a blog titled "Let's Just Go" to highlight their travel and the recent purchase of their new RV.  Since Corona Virus has put a halt to traveling with their RV, Christina has taken the time to share some great content on her blog.  This past week, we sat down together, via Face-time and talked about why you should use a travel professional.  

This past Wednesday, May 6, 2020 was National Travel Advisor Day and Christina picked that day to publish the blog, highlighting what I love most....all things travel.  While I will openly talk about all the topics she touched on, I thought it would fun to share her post and you may learn something new about Solutions Travel as well. To read the blog, please follow this link: https://letsjustgo247.com/category/traveling/

​You can also follow her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/letsjustgo247/

If you have never used a travel agent and are curious about how I can help you plan your next adventure, please reach out by email or phone.  I am always happy to chat about all things travel!

​Until next time! 
Courtney 

Photo of me and my friend Christina taken at Royal Caribbean's private island Labadee!  Photo credit: Mike Roggmann

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I've been thinking about air travel these last few weeks and looking forward to the day where we can fly the "friendly" skies again.  While air travel can certainly bring out the best in people, what I have found it that it often brings out the worst.  Flying the "friendly" skies has often turned into a stressful situation where many of your fellow passengers leave their manners at home.  

Just this week, Mike and I confirmed our first post Corona Virus flight for September, for our annual trip to Maine.  More about our love of Maine, especially the lobster, in another post.  When booking the flights, I was so excited to be planning an adventure but it also got me thinking about what will be different about air travel when we head to the airport.  

I gathered up some of my must have travel items and also some items that will now be mandatory when we begin to travel again.

Face masks....they are now part of our "new normal" and while many people don't see the need to wear them in public, many airlines have now said you will have to have one to board their flights.  Jet Blue, United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines will begin this new practice next week.  It will be interesting to see if any fights break out at the gate due to the new policy.  

Back up battery....I have often traveled with this little lifesaver and will certainly have it in my backpack for future trips.  While there are plugs available for charging in the airport, having your own device that only you have come in contact with is a plus.  

Tissues, hand sanitizing wipes and Clorox wipes......all three have been part of my travel staples for years.  And while I will admit that I haven't always wiped down my tray table, that will go into practice for all flights moving forwards.  

​So when it is time to take to the "friendly" skies prepare for your trip by putting together you must have kit.  It helps to be prepared! 

Stay safe and continue to wear your masks!  

Until next time! 
​Courtney