The stress of life can weigh heavily on a person’s emotional and psychological health. If you live and work in a large city like New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., or San Francisco, the anxiety of dealing with traffic on top of your daily work/life routines can add an extra layer of anxiety. Therefore, traveling can be a way to depart from your busy and stressful environment and see something new and exhilarating. Scientists now believe traveling is an excellent remedy for anxiety, stress, and depression. Furthermore, traveling allows travelers to see new places, experience new cultures, taste new cuisines, and witness how other cultures live and work. Plus, traveling is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and understanding of nature’s beauty and your knowledge of geography.
Why I Love to Travel
As a child growing up, my family did not own an automobile, and so I had to rely on public transportation, my beloved ten-speed bike, and neighborly ride sharing to get around town. So, my travel experiences were limited to places in my local city and surrounding geographical area. I would not trade those experiences for all the money in the world, yet I still developed a thirst for exploring the country and the world.
Years later, the desire to travel became one of the reasons why I joined the military. Throughout my 20-year plus career in the military, I have experienced the cultures, sights, and sounds of many nations worldwide and developed a newfound appreciation for their natural beauty, architectural splendor, and unique culture. Plus, my world knowledge and cultural awareness have increased immensely. In fact, I fell in love with travel, and I decided to become a travel professional to help others enjoy the wonders of the world. Since becoming a travel professionalism, I have helped over 60 people learn to travel and enjoy travel-related experiences throughout the world. It has been a pleasure so far helping others.
What is considered Travel?
Dictionary.com defines travel as the ability to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship. So, let’s take this definition one step further; I define travel as the art, skill, and ability to navigate from a person’s current location to their desired location. In the end, the ability to have a great travel experience is accomplished by using the least amount of worry and stress to achieve the highest level of fulfillment.
What is our Travel Niche?
Cruises, resort vacations, and Orlando vacations are our specialty travel areas at the moment. We have a wealth of knowledge in those three particular areas, and our client roster loves our wisdom, advice, and experience in booking these sorts of vacations. We specialize in booking travel with such cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, Celebrity, Viking, Seaborn, AmaWaterways, Avalon and others. Global Escape Travel has also booked all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean to celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. Similarly, we have truly enjoyed booking vacations to Disney and Universal Studios as well. Our travel foundation is currently in the areas just mentioned, but our other specialty areas are quickly expanding to include Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. So, let me explain how to become a master traveler.
How to Become a Master Traveler
Examine Your Travel Budget
The first step to become a master traveler is to first examine your budget and create a bucket list of ideas. There are so many places, attractions, and cities to visit in the world that the list can be almost endless. A great list will have national, international, and resort locations to balance learning with relaxation. Do you know where to start looking for a list of places to visit? Well, I like to always begin by searching Pinterest because it has a great mixture of locations, pictures, and opinions that will help you decide where to start. Pinterest is also loaded with all types of bucket list to help you figure out what will be in your top ten.
Find a Great Travel Agent
Second, I recommend that you find yourself a great travel agent to help you start planning your adventures. Online travel agencies or websites can be a great place to start, but most of them will only point you in the direction in which they have existing contracts. Plus, their price lure is generally a supercheap airline fare that is usually too good to be true and only available when you are not available to travel. I’m not going to address the nightmares of trying to solve a problem or make a change using an online travel agent. Trust me; it is generally not as easy as sending an email.
How to succeed as a Master Traveler
One recommendation for all would-be master travelers is to define their life long bucket list early and create a plan to accomplish their goals. For example, you can plan a trip to Europe to see the Eiffel Tower and Buckingham Place, and several other places in one single trip and not take several trips to accomplish the same goal. The key is to travel smart and learn the tips and tricks the masters use. Traveling does not have to be super expensive, but it does need to be satisfying, safe, pleasurable and affordable.
Common Questions/FAQs Master Travelers Ask
How do I set up a travel notice through my online credit card account?
Call your credit card company or log into your online account. Follow the steps to “Set a Travel Notice” in the drop-down menu, then enter your destination(s), travel dates, contact number, and card(s) you’re taking with you. Don’t forget to share any other travel details you think are relevant with your card company.
How do I Find Cheaper Flights?
Flight prices change frequently, and some travel sites can track what you are doing online and raise prices accordingly. If you visit a travel site more than once, you might find a higher price. Turning on the “Private Browsing Mode’ to look for flights may prevent this problem.
How do I extend my Cell Phone’s battery Life?.
In today’s high-tech society, your phone has become your number one asset and the hud for all of your information. Your phone also serves as your navigator and your guide, so always carry a phone charger with you to avoid any unnecessary delays and inconveniences. If you have a long plane flight planned, always make sure to take a portable charger and a power bank with you. For a complete list of items I always carry, please read my travel packing list post.
When does my Passport Expire / Do I need a Passport
If you are thinking about traveling internationally, it is a good idea to apply for a passport. The processing time for passport applications has grown longer over the years. So, having a passport is essential for international travel, and to be ahead of the game, it is best to have your passport beforehand. I have seen travelers miss out on great travel deals because they did not have a valid passport. When you are traveling internationally, your passport is your most prized possession.
Do I need an Universal Adaptor to travel aboard?
As a frequent traveler, a universal adaptor is essential. Like most travelers, you will need a way once aboard to charge your phone, camera, tablet, or laptop. Universal adaptors will help you to plug in your device in any power outlet across the world to charge its battery for use. A universal adaptor is an excellent travel investment. Just remember to check your device to determine if it is compatible with the country’s power supply; if not, you will need a converter as well.
How do I get the Most out of my Travel Destination?
To get the most out of every travel destination, it is vital to do your research and your homework. Become familiar with sites like Viator and others that list local tours. Please read my blog article concerning Viator. Also, if you use a travel agent, the supporting travel supplier will often have a list of local tour operators. Many people like to adventure out on their own at a new location. I always book a tour in advance and let a professional take me around the destination, and since you are on established tours, the tour guides often have the ability to help you legally skip the line. Also, tour guides always know the best places to take pictures.
Learning to Master Travel has become a game-changing skill
In short, I hope these tips and information assist you in your journey to becoming a master traveler. Remember, you must first start by defining your bucket list of destinations you would like to visit. Then, find a travel agent that will become your professional in assisting you with planning and organizing your trips. It is so much easier to have someone else do the heavy lifting. Remember, becoming a master traveler is an art and a skill. I wish you much luck and success on your journey to becoming a master traveler.
If you have any tips or suggestions for travelers, I would like to hear your suggestions. Please add your comments to this blog. In closing, please join our email list to hear about monthly travel tips, deals, and news.