Traveling Off the Beaten Path: How to Stay Prepared and Protected

By: Deanna Caffrey

Traveling to remote or less-traveled destinations can be an exhilarating adventure. These locations often offer untouched natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and a sense of discovery that popular tourist spots can’t match. However, venturing off the beaten path comes with its own set of challenges and requires careful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some practical tips to help you stay prepared and protected while exploring these hidden gems.

Research Local Customs and Laws

Understanding local customs and laws is crucial when traveling to remote areas. In many cases, these regions have unique cultural practices and legal systems that differ significantly from what you may be accustomed to. Before you go, take the time to learn about the local etiquette, traditions, and legal requirements. This will not only help you avoid unintentional offenses but also enhance your overall travel experience.

For example, in some rural communities, certain dress codes or behaviors might be expected. Respecting these customs shows your appreciation for the local culture and can foster positive interactions with the residents. Additionally, knowing the local laws, such as regulations on photography or wildlife interaction, can prevent legal troubles during your trip.

Pack Essential Supplies

When traveling to remote destinations, access to basic amenities and supplies may be limited. Therefore, packing the right essentials is paramount. Here’s a list of items you should consider bringing:

First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need. In areas with limited medical facilities, having a well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver.

Water Purification: Whether it’s purification tablets, a portable filter, or a UV purifier, having a reliable way to ensure safe drinking water is crucial.

Multi-Tool: A good multi-tool can be incredibly useful for a variety of tasks, from fixing gear to preparing food.

Navigation Tools: Maps, a compass, and a GPS device can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain. Don’t rely solely on your smartphone, as remote areas may lack cellular service.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Pack clothing that suits the climate of your destination. Layering is key for variable conditions, and don’t forget rain gear and sturdy footwear.

Stay Connected and Informed

Staying connected while traveling in remote areas can be challenging, but it’s essential for your safety. Consider carrying a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB). These devices can send emergency signals and provide GPS coordinates to rescue services if you find yourself in trouble.

Additionally, inform someone you trust about your travel plans, including your itinerary and expected return date. Regular check-ins can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Enroll in Travel Assistance Programs

Travel assistance programs can offer invaluable support when traveling to remote destinations. Redpoint Travel Protection is a highly recommended option that provides services such as emergency medical evacuation, travel insurance, and access to travel advisories. Enrolling in a program like Redpoint can give you added peace of mind, knowing that you have a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Redpoint Travel Protection offers comprehensive coverage for remote areas, including medical and evacuation services. They also provide 24/7 assistance hotlines, which can be incredibly helpful for getting immediate advice and support. Before purchasing a plan, ensure it meets your specific travel needs and covers the regions you plan to visit.

Embrace Flexibility and Patience

Traveling off the beaten path often requires a flexible and patient mindset. Infrastructure in remote areas can be unpredictable, and plans may need to change on short notice due to weather conditions, transportation issues, or other unexpected events. Embrace the journey as part of the adventure and be prepared to adapt to new situations as they arise.

Conclusion

Exploring remote and less-traveled destinations can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences. By taking the time to research, pack wisely, stay connected, and enroll in travel assistance programs like Redpoint Travel Protection, you can ensure that you are well-prepared and protected. Embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with traveling off the beaten path, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

Safe travels!

About Redpoint

Redpoint Travel Protection is a one-of-a-kind protection provider. It provides an extensive suite of travel insurance products and emergency services for individuals and groups of all sizes. Backed by a seasoned team of experts, Redpoint offers unparalleled peace of mind to adventurers across the globe. With services such as trip cancellation, interruption, inconvenience, delay, and baggage loss insurance, to emergency medical and evacuation services, Redpoint ensures your safety and satisfaction are top priorities. Our services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers, whether it’s an international family vacation, a solo adventure, or a corporate trip. Leveraging innovative technology and a responsive, 24/7 customer support, Redpoint effectively addresses contingencies, enabling clients to explore with confidence. Choose Redpoint Travel Protection, your reliable partner in ensuring safe, secure, and worry-free journeys.

The Stories Behind our National Monuments

By Tauck

What’s the difference between America’s national parks and national monuments? Storied sites all, both share tales of treasured sights in public lands protected for the enjoyment of generations of visitors.

Designated by a legislative act of Congress, our national parks are areas of natural beauty, federally conserved due to their scenic, inspirational, educational, and recreational value. National monuments are established by presidential proclamation to preserve a place of historical, cultural or scientific interest.

There are currently 133 national monuments throughout the United States, a number which can change with each new president under the 1906 Antiquities Act which gives the president the sole authority to designate and protect federal lands and resources quickly. We shine a spotlight on three of them here, giving you a glimpse of the stories behind these popular monuments.

Sequoia Big Tree
*Photo courtesy of Tauck*

Protecting the noblest tree species in the world

In 1908, President Roosevelt declared Sequoia National Forest a protected landscape, where giant sequoias some 3,000 years old and 300 feet high, lay claim to being the oldest living and largest trees on Earth. The trees live in only about 70 native groves in the middle elevations of the Sierra Nevada and have a history that dates back 10,000 years.

Naturalist John Muir was enamored of the big trees from the moment he first saw them in 1868, calling them Nature’s forest masterpiece and the greatest of living things, and vowing to protect them after seeing loggers fell them indiscriminately. He wrote, “No description can give any adequate idea of their singular majesty, much less their beauty. The great age of these noble trees is even more wonderful than their huge size, standing bravely up, millennium in, millennium out, to all that fortune may bring them. God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.”

While the ancient Sequoias have been federally protected since the establishment of Sequoia National Forest in 1908, thanks to John Muir and President Roosevelt, it wasn’t until April 2000, under the direction of President Bill Clinton, that all the giant sequoia groves within the forest boundary were declared a national monument.

Rainbow Bridge from 1,500 feet
*Photo courtesy of Tauck*

Immortalizing a sacred rainbow of stone

President William Howard Taft declared Utah’s Rainbow Bridge a national monument in 1910 as a site of geological and cultural importance. A naturally sculpted sandstone arch standing 290 feet tall and 270 feet wide on the edge of Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge is revered as a sacred place by the tribal people who live in the region, inspiring origin stories, ceremonial rites and pilgrimages dating back thousands of years and still relevant today. Its name is said to have originated from the Puebloan people’s name for it, Nonnezoshe, which translates to “rainbow turned to stone.”

Up until the early 1950s, the site was only accessible after an arduous multi-day hiking and rafting adventure into the wilderness, keeping all but the daring at bay. Much to the chagrin of the Navajo who still pray for rain and conduct ceremonies here, the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam made it easier for travelers to get to it by boat and a one-mile walk. While visitors today can view Rainbow Bridge on a flightseeing excursion, those who visit on foot are asked to treat it respectfully and honor its role in the on-going religious ceremonies of the Navajo. As the locals will tell you, the true significance of Rainbow Bridge extends beyond the obvious, standing as a bridge between cultures.

Statue of Liberty
*Photo courtesy of Tauck*

Where freedom rings: The Statue of Liberty

A gift from France, she stood as a symbol of hope and refuge for generations of immigrants on Liberty Island in New York City harbor since 1886. During the dedication ceremonies of the Statue of Liberty, President Cleveland vowed “We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected.” He made those works into an official promise as he declared the Statue of Liberty a national monument in 1924 protecting the shared ideals of our nation and the one that gifted her to us. Learn more about the stories behind Lady Liberty from documentary filmmaker Ken Burns by watching The Statue of Liberty, available on PBS.

To visit these monuments in person is to stand with the visionaries who protected them just for this moment, gifting you a chance to become part of the stories that memorialize them.

About Tauck

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and family travel adventures to 70+ countries and all seven continents. In each of the last 26 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury tours, cruises, hotels and more.

Adventure Travel Awaits: 5 Steps to Prepare Like a Pro

By Kathleen A. De Riso, VP, Travel Services, Crum & Forster

Sand surfing in the Sahara. Sleeping under the northern lights. Rock climbing in Yosemite. Today’s travelers seek one-of-a-kind experiences as they explore the world. Thanks to millennials and Gen Z, adventure tourism is surging in popularity, with the global market growing 20 percent year over year.¹

While thrill-seeking cliff dives or bungee jumps may be the first things that come to mind, today’s adventure travel is much more diverse. If you’re looking for highly personalized, memory-making travel experiences that include physical activities, immersion in another culture, or spending time in nature, you’re an adventure traveler!

Before you strap on your backpack and head out on a trip of a lifetime, follow this preparation checklist to help ensure a smooth and fun-filled journey.

1) Chart your course.

Planning is key. Start by thinking about your goals for the trip, the types of activities you want to engage in, and your all-in budget. Then, do a little legwork to identify destinations, adventure tour options, and costs. Don’t forget to factor in seasonal conditions, cultural norms, and any training or special gear you may need.

Pro tip: Partnering with a tour operator specializing in adventure travel makes planning easier. Tour operators have the expertise and insider knowledge to help you map out an itinerary that achieves your adventure goals and identifies activities you haven’t imagined.

2) Prep your paperwork.

With your destination determined, it’s time to get your documentation in order.

Is your passport valid for the date and duration of your trip?
Do you need a visa?
Are there any health-related requirements?
Will you need any permits for activities like hiking in national parks or diving in marine reserves?

Pro tip: Schedule any required vaccinations with enough time to be effective and allow recuperation time for mild side effects. For example, if your travel plans include a safari, several African countries require a yellow fever vaccine. If you’ve had one, you’re set for life. If you haven’t, schedule your shot at least ten days before traveling.

3) Put protection in place for peace of mind.

No matter how thorough your planning is, unexpected events are part of traveling. Travel insurance provides a valuable safeguard and is especially important for adventure travelers. Look for a Travel Protection Plan that protects you in case of trip delays, interruptions, and even cancellations for any reason.

Along with coverage that may protect your financial investment, look for travel insurance that helps cover medical expenses if you become injured or ill, including emergency medical evacuation. Your U.S.-based health coverage may not be accepted internationally, and in some cases, proof of insurance may be required before engaging in certain activities or traveling to certain countries. Your travel insurance carrier or their assistance company may be able to provide this information, travel advisories, and more.

Pro tip: Review the details to make sure your travel insurance aligns with the specific adventure activities on your itinerary. You may need to make coverage adjustments if you will be trekking above certain elevations or scuba diving deeper than the average traveler.

4) Pack with care.

The general rule for adventure travel is to pack light and small.

Make a list of essential items, including activity-appropriate clothing, footwear, personal care items, and electronics.
Consider the specialized gear you may need, such as camping equipment, navigation tools, safety helmets, and first-aid supplies.
Explore whether you’re able to rent equipment like hiking poles, tents, or scuba gear onsite.
Don’t forget practical items, such as sunscreen, a flashlight, charged power banks, and a water bottle.

Pro tip: Break in your gear – especially those new hiking boots – before you travel. Not only will you avoid blisters, but you’ll also be more comfortable using your equipment.

5) Embrace the unfamiliar.

With preparations made, dive into your adventure with confidence and make the most of opportunities to try new things, test your limits, and create lasting memories.

Your adventure awaits. Where will you journey next?

¹ Adventure Tourism Market: Opportunities and Forecast 2023-2032, Allied Market Research, October 2023.

About the Author

Kathleen A. De Riso is the Vice President of Travel Services at C&F where she enjoys creating custom travel insurance offerings to meet the unique needs of their clients. With a career spanning several decades in Travel, Kathleen has held prominent leadership roles in Underwriting, Operations, Account Management and Claims. Her experience has provided her with a holistic understanding of trip insurance —and what makes it function seamlessly for tour operators, TPAs, and travelers alike.

About Crum & Forster
Crum & Forster, rated “A” Excellent by A M Best (2023), is a national commercial property and casualty group of insurance companies. Since 2000, Crum & Forster’s Accident & Health Division has offered a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance and reinsurance products nationwide. We place a strong focus on product development and creative distribution methods, along with excellent client service and support. In addition, our ability to provide international Accident & Health solutions through our innovative captive structure as well as through various partnerships with affiliated entities demonstrates our dedication to providing alternative strategies in an ever-changing insurance market. Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.

The C&F logo, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company.

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Old Dogs, New Tricks: Bringing Regenerative Practices to Legacy Tour Operators

By Melissa DaSilva, President of TTC Tour Brands, North America – Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold

For more than 100 years, The Travel Corporation has been taking travelers off the beaten path and into the destinations we serve. In those years, that ever-beaten path has become winding and deep. We’ve watched and adapted as buzzed about travel destinations became mere stops on a multi-country adventure, untouched destinations became harbingers of overtourism, and wonders of the world (of which there are now eight) became Instagram feed fodder. A demand for the “next experience” steadily rose with every new “where to go” headline; in turn, we saw an increase in international bookings and industry real estate as travel operators sought new and better.

As President of TTC Tour Brands North America, I will never turn my nose up to new and better. Innovation is at the core of The Travel Corporation’s mission and that value informs everything we do. But with new and better, comes tried and true, revisited and improved.

With a focus on reducing carbon and regenerating the planet, we’ve assessed our mission from every front. As we continue to traverse new destinations on new itineraries, we’ve refocused our sights on our existing itineraries and frequented regions. We’ve modified existing itineraries to include responsible travel experiences we call MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which address issues related to climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, diversity and inclusion, cultural preservation and wildlife protection.

In terms of sustainability in travel, the words “net zero” are on everyone’s lips. So, what does it mean? Moreover, what can tour operators, hoteliers, and major servicers do to achieve “net zero” status?

In 2020, we began a five-year mission we call How We Tread Right, which measures sustainability efforts across four core pillars – measure, reduce, restore, and evolve. In 2022, we became the first tour operator with validated near-term, long-term and net zero targets, which were supported by an industry-first Carbon Fund, created to finance the decarbonization of our business.

The fund’s first investments were made in renewable energy for our properties and biofuel for the coaches our guests board. These investments aligned with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) green investment priority for tourism’s recovery and future growth, and coupled with further nature-based solutions, contributed to our primary goal of reaching net zero emissions.

So, what have we done? We’ve partnered with the Scotland-based Trees for Life to support its Wild Pine project, a rewilding project aimed at restoring Scotland’s globally important Caledonian Forest and its unique wildlife. We’ve supported the Australian-based Rainforest Rescue to enhance their efforts in the Daintree Rainforest, where the nonprofit is working to further its protection and restoration of the fragmented lowland rainforest, increasing the carbon storage potential of the rainforest. We’ve done all of this and more, but for us, regenerative tourism goes beyond the environment. As such, we’ve taken strides to make our business one that stimulates economies as much as ecology, and culture as much as tree coverage.

Over the years, we’ve seen a rising interest in ethno-tourism – travel focusing on the exploration of Indigenous populations and their respective culture and traditions. In 2019, we polled our community of travelers and found that half cited interest in booking an indigenous travel experience, but a quarter of those travelers didn’t know where to start.

In partnership with such organizations as AIANTA (American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association), ITAC (Indigenous Tourism Association Canada) and The Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas, we have placed Indigenous tourism among our top priorities as travel leaders. By amplifying Indigenous-owned businesses along our itineraries, we increase access to ancestral wisdom, preserve and reclaim culture and ultimately drive economic benefit to support the livelihoods of Native peoples across the world.

We are proud to share that as of 2024, 66% of Trafalgar itineraries include at least one indigenous experience. Further, 100% of the proceeds of Indigenous experiences on Trafalgar tours go directly to the participating communities.

We understand that a legacy is fruitless without a forward commitment to innovation and adaptability. We’ve been here for more than 100 years, and as long as people continue to traverse, explore, and amplify the world they inhabit, we will be here. In prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and economic empowerment, we are not just leading the way in tourism, but also shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for the planet and its people.

About the author

Melissa DaSilva is President of the TTC Tour Brands for North America with an industry career spanning 30 years and has worked in both the US and the UK. She has been recognized for her ability to rapidly adjust in a changing business environment, resulting in enhanced business practices, increased productivity, and profits. She has a proven success record of recruiting and developing strong, collaborative teams and delivering consistency in multi-channel organizations

The Travel Corporation family of brands is deeply committed to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER. We recognize our responsibility to ensure our impact on the planet, the people we visit, and the wildlife we find there. Choosing to travel with us means choosing a travel company that puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

Travel is both a personal passion and a professional pursuit. She is motivated by the impact travel has and believes that travel has a tremendously positive effect on people. It helps broaden perspectives through the connectivity of shared experiences of adventure, exploration, learning and laughter showing how we are all more alike than different.

An avid traveler herself to more than 50 countries, Melissa currently resides in Southern California with her Brazilian husband and two daughters, with whom she has shared the travel bug.

About TTC Tour Brands 

The ease of touring has never been more important nor relevant, and no one does tours better than TTC Tour Brands. The portfolio includes the award-winning brands of Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver and Contiki. TTC Tour Brands are the global leaders in tours for any and everyone.  From budget to luxury and everything in between, the portfolio brings agents access to over 1000 tours, across 80+ countries via one single sales, reservations and marketing team, with the added ease of a single sign on booking platform.  

  TTC Tour Brands is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years. 

Floating Down the Path to Zero Waste

By: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Some travelers start to worry when they see their favorite brands start developing “greener practices.” Maybe they suspect greenwashing, maybe an excuse to cut costs… or maybe they care deeply about sustainability, but don’t want to make sacrifices with their hard-earned vacations.

Not with Uniworld. The philosophy here is that we love being able to explore our gorgeous planet in style. Indulgence and luxury are what we do best, and we want to be able to treat our guests to just that, for generations to come. We don’t waste our time—or our travelers’ patience—on superficial changes that diminish travel experiences while doing nothing real for the environment. We work smarter, seeking out science-backed solutions.

That’s how Uniworld became the world’s first river cruise line to introduce validated targets for achieving Net Zero. We’ve looked at every avenue through which we can make real change, reducing waste related to food, energy, water, plastics and more to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

What we’re finding is that a lot of these changes can actually elevate the luxury travel experience. Putting refillable toiletries in our bathrooms means giving our guests a better experience than having to work with tiny plastic shampoo bottles in the shower, while also greatly reducing plastic waste. Sourcing fresh local produce for our meals means better tasting, more authentic cuisine.

One of our proudest achievements in this direction has been the implementation of our partnership with LeanPath. Uniworld began partnering with LeanPath in 2021 to install a comprehensive measuring system in our kitchens that calculates how much food is left over after each meal—and became the only river cruise company to do so. Not only can these numbers give our chefs a clear picture of how to make sure everyone has as much to eat as they desire without the kitchens throwing out excessive leftovers, but they can even give our chefs intuitive feedback on the meals they prepare.

We started our Leanpath trial with six ships in Europe, and already the results are incredible! Though 2022 was just meant to be a measuring stage, with the reductions coming after we got a clear idea of how much food waste we were creating, we found that just implementing a measuring system encourages more mindful and less wasteful kitchens. So far, we’ve eliminated over 29,000 pounds of food waste, saving approximately 100 tons of carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere. And that’s across only the six ships piloting the early stages of the Leanpath program. In 2023, Leanpath will be implemented across every ship we own. Personally, I can’t wait to see those results improve exponentially in the next few years, as I know it’ll equate to even better dining experiences for our guests and for the environment.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises—the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise line— features distinctive destination-inspired ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, expertly curated excursions, gourmet cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and impeccable service with the highest staff-to-guest-ratio in the river cruise industry. Based in Los Angeles, California, Uniworld offers truly all-inclusive itineraries in Europe, as well as voyages in Vietnam and Cambodia, India, Peru and Egypt—a total of 17 rivers in 26 countries worldwide. Uniworld is a member of CLIA and is highly regarded by discerning travelers, media, and cruise industry experts. Uniworld’s overarching sustainability strategy, ‘How We Tread Right,’ encompasses goals like reducing 50% of food waste by 2025, eliminating single-use plastics, achieving net zero by 2050 and offering guests meaningful experiences in the destinations they sail through supporting local communities. Uniworld is a member of The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of companies, which has been providing expert-led immersive travel experiences across the globe for over 100 years. (www.uniworld.com)

How to Tap Into the Culture Wherever You Go

By Kelly Gould for ALG Vacations®

If your home is a long-term relationship, then travel is the spark that keeps it going. It’s the return of the date night, the new look that reminds us we do love where we are and who’s beside us … but also that we need to do this more often.

Like any good shake-up, travel isn’t an action; it’s an experience. So, to get the most out of it, arrive at your destination—whether an hour away or an ocean away—with a curious mind. Being open to the local lifestyle will help you reflect on and appreciate your own, and, odds are, even change it for the better.

Follow these travel tips, and you’ll be tapping into the culture in no time.

*Get a taste for the culture by sampling local flavors.*

Eat like a local. If the place you’re visiting is famous for a certain dish or product, try it during your stay. Don’t limit yourself to the one restaurant that supposedly has “the best” version (the more touristy the location, the more often it’s overrated). In fact, if you really want to commit, make a tasting out of it. Sample every pastel de nata in Lisbon or gelato in Florence you come across. Do a study on how many ways you can cook an apple in New York in the fall or let a rum flight in Jamaica give you a new favorite brand. Follow where the locals lead and if a particular food pairing seems weird, just remember: Someone once thought chicken and waffles was strange, too.

*Museums let you discover not just one story but many for a deeper understanding of your destination’s history and heritage.*

Go to a museum. You can’t really know a culture until you understand its history, and a museum is the perfect place to start learning. Brush up on artists who made their name in the region (think Van Gogh in Amsterdam and Ernest Hemingway in Key West), trace impactful changes back to their roots, or discover a subculture you know nothing about.

*Be a fan of the home team for the day, whether at game or a show.*

Get on the scene. Which scene? That depends on where you’re visiting. In New Orleans, it’s jazz, but if you’re traveling to Liverpool, it’s football (or the Beatles!) for sure. Find out what draws a crowd in your destination, then join a concert, stop for a street performance, or catch a game. You don’t have to know the rules to have a good time; just enjoy it!

Be more than a tourist. Sticking to the “main” attractions is what a tourist does. Culture hounds, on the other hand, mix in lesser-known sights. Exploring beyond the tourist zone is the only way to get a genuine feel for the place and people around you.

*Learning about what’s made locally gives you a better feel for the destination—and supports the people who live there.*

Buy local. Better yet, buy directly from an artisan or small business. It could be espadrilles in Spain, handmade alebrijes in Mexico, or Kona coffee in Hawaii. Whatever your purchase, you’re supporting the local economy and bringing a little bit of the culture home.

*Nothing says conscientious traveler more than taking the time to remember a few words of local lingo.*

Learn a few phrases. If the people where you’re going speak a different language, memorize some basic words like “hello,” “thank you,” and “bathroom.” Not only is it the polite thing to do, but you’ll feel more at ease, too. When traveling to a place that favors a language you already know, see if you can pick up on regional slang or colloquialisms. (British English is full of them!)

*No matter the culture, just remember to respect it—and the place it came from!*

Be respectful. You’re a guest in someone else’s home … so act like one! Bring your patience and an open mind. If you’re nervous about making a mistake or unsure if an experience could be offensive, get the local perspective, do your homework, and talk to your travel advisor as you plan your trip. Advisors are the experts for a reason. They’ve been to the destinations you’re traveling to and can give you a heads-up on any cultural dos or don’ts, even as simple as tipping.

Find a culture that speaks to you and get out and experience it! Start planning with an ALG Vacations® travel advisor at traveladvisorsgetyouthere.com.

About the Author

An avid traveler with over 10 years of experience in the industry, sharing her love for cultures foreign and familiar alike is what fuels Kelly Gould’s passion for writing. As the Associate Manager of B2B Marketing for ALG Vacations®, she does just that for travel advisors, storytelling across mediums from blog posts to campaigns. When not traveling, she pretends she is anyway with frequent museum visits and an ever-expanding reading list.

About ALG Vacations

ALG Vacations® (ALGV) is part of Hyatt (www.hyatt.com) and managed under Apple Leisure Group® (ALG), a leading North American resort brand-management, leisure travel, and hospitality group with a unique business model serving travelers and destinations worldwide. ALGV is a collection of powerful and growing vacation brands widely recognized for providing the industry’s leading leisure travel experience across the world. ALGV was voted the ASTA Tour Operator Partner of the Year in 2020 and 2021 and was the winner of numerous 2022 awards from the leading travel trade publications. With more than three million passengers annually, ALGV features well-established vacation brands including Apple Vacations®, Funjet Vacations®, Travel Impressions®, Southwest Vacations®, Blue Sky Tours®, and United Vacations®.

Unpacking travel privilege: Why Black representation matters in travel

The travel industry needs to be more inclusive in its offerings and leadership.

By Stephanie Jones and Matt Berna

After three years of pandemic limitations, global tourism is expected to exceed 2019 levels. Along with it, there’s a rise in Black consciousness, which has created an intensified interest in supporting Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) travel experiences and businesses, impacting how consumers research, plan, choose, and finalize details for their next destination.

Many travelers are paying close attention to whether companies are following through with promises from 2020, such as creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce at their own organizations as well partnering with more BIPOC-owned-and-operated business. Fifty four percent of Black Americans say they are more likely to visit a destination if they saw Black representation in travel advertising. But where can travelers find Black-owned travel companies? And for leading tour operators, how do we ensure greater representation of these businesses?

Unfortunately, due to underrepresentation within the industry and lack of resources, Black travel businesses need to rely on partnerships with larger brands to elevate their offerings. This is why Blacks in Travel & Tourism and the Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, Inc., partnered with Intrepid Travel with a mission to level the playing field and create equitable opportunities for small Black suppliers in underrepresented U.S. communities to thrive in this industry.

THE NEED FOR DIVERSITY IN TRAVEL OFFERINGS

Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4 billion in 2019. This was generated by 458.2 million traveler stays representing 13.1% of the U.S. leisure travel market. These numbers alone should signal a call to action to the travel industry for stronger BIPOC representation. It is vital for the travel industry to better diversify and expand its sphere of leadership and practice, yet only 7.1% of travel managers in the U.S. are Black.

The Harris Poll conducted a survey of 2,027 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, on behalf of Intrepid Travel. It found that 78% of women, compared with 69% of men, agree that women and other historically marginalized groups should have a voice and role in the travel companies that cater to them.

By its very nature, you would think that the travel industry would naturally be more diverse—appealing to people who seek out diversity and want to experience novel activities, discover different cultures, expand their minds to fresh ideas, and meet new people. Leadership within the travel industry needs to reflect the same diversity that travelers expect to find at their next destination.

Not only are travelers doubling down on supporting BIPOC businesses, they are taking note of those who continue to protect outdated and inaccurate information. This censorship and misinformation only stops if we collectively agree to close the inclusivity gap within the travel industry. It starts by empowering the Black community by offering partnerships and opportunities.

For travel companies, that means using an organization’s platform to give voice and business to other Black travel and tourism leaders. Building these types of partnerships allows for better travel experiences for underrepresented groups and helps to continue the necessary re-education of cultural heritage. That means researching the historical accuracy of experiences to ensure that the cultural heritage and representation shared is authentic and factual.

THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL: BIPOC WOMEN AND COMMUNITY

The current state of diversity efforts is in a game of tug of war, one where we are seeing organizations cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) budgets due to concerns about the current economic state, and politicians using DEI as a political tool. The need remains for more education and action if we are to make good on the company promises from three years ago.

It is essential for travel-brand CEOs and travel tour operators to lean into and firm up their commitments for diversity, equity, and inclusion to be sustained in our industry. This equates to providing more travel options for women and building intentional alliances and strategic partnerships to invest in Black travel and tourism organizations. This would bring expertise to the table to help brands become better stewards of diverse cultures and underserved communities.

The job of travel tour operators is to make sure their businesses represent the communities they serve. This means more education and training for travel companies, but it also means better representation—and that starts with travel leaders recognizing diversity weaknesses within the industry and taking action to close the gap. It also means telling/teaching the true history of America’s rich cultural heritage.

About Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for more than 30 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 1,150 tours, all designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of destination management companies in 26 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally recognized for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B-Corp certification in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised more than $13 million for more than 135 partners. For more information download the company’s 2022 Annual Report and follow Intrepid on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or LinkedIn.

Tips for Planning Honeymoons and Destination Weddings at Sea

By Windstar Cruises

Whether it’s a honeymoon in Tahiti or exchanging vows in the Mediterranean, a cruise delivers the perfect combination of romance and adventure. Small ship cruising caters to guests seeking intimate experiences, and from candlelit dinners to lounging on private beaches, there are endless ways to make a cruise a dream trip for two – or an entire wedding party.

A cruise offers ample opportunities to relax, and there are plenty of activities for more adventurous travelers, like hiking in picturesque nature reserves, snorkeling in pristine coral reefs and scenic helicopter flights. A wide range of shore excursions allow guests to craft a dream trip around their interests, and many cruises offer enticing add-ons. For example, a number of Tahiti itineraries offer multi-night stays in overwater bungalows, which is the epitome of a romantic retreat — and very popular among newlyweds.

Beyond appealing to couples seeking a romantic retreat, a cruise is an ideal way to celebrate a destination wedding. All-inclusive pricing makes it easy to control food and beverage costs for guests, and many cruises offer packages with hotels and flights, which makes travel logistics a breeze. From floral arrangements to wedding cakes, special romance packages help guests personalize all the details, and some cruise lines even have wedding planners to help with your special day. Simpler romance packages offer welcome gifts with flowers, chocolate, champagne and spa treatments, while more comprehensive packages include ceremonies, both for vow renewals and weddings. (It should be noted that wedding vows aboard cruise ships are generally non-binding, i.e., couples should make plans to legally tie the knot before or after their cruise wedding.)

While it’s important to include key trip information on your wedding website and invitations (e.g., passport requirements, airport codes, info on ground transportation, etc.), a cruise takes most of the legwork out of the planning process. Consider reaching out to your preferred cruise lines ahead of time to get information on packages and pricing, so you can plan your dream trip — and make the most of your time with family and friends.

When it comes to dining, guests can indulge themselves with everything from breakfast in bed to champagne toasts, plus five-star dining indoors or under the stars. Menu options offer both gourmet classics and a selection of locally inspired options, like fresh seafood, regional wines and of course, decadent desserts. With an expansive deck, a pool, a hot tub and indoor lounge areas, guests will find plenty of spots on the ship to enjoy, too. Full-service spas are yet another way to pamper yourself, and you can even get your hair and nails done at an onboard salon before exchanging vows.

About Windstar Cruises

In 2023, USA Today included Windstar Cruises on their 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises list, and the previous year Porthole Magazine honored Windstar as the Most Romantic Cruise Line in their Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2022, Travel + Leisure included Windstar on their list of the 10 Best Intimate Cruise Lines, and Windstar is recognized for offering guests access to small ports and private tours across the world.

Passport Delays Causing Travel Chaos

By: Steve Diehl, Chief Corporate Development Officer – CIBT

It is the traveler’s worst nightmare; you’ve meticulously planned a trip abroad, you’re packed and ready to head to the airport, and then you realize your passport is expired. Or it is lost, or damaged, or does not have the minimum validity required to travel overseas. And suddenly, your dream vacation is gone.

A valid passport is the key to international travel. But most of us don’t think about our passports until we’re planning a trip or getting ready to leave. Unfortunately, the US Department of State, the body which oversees issuing passports in the United States, is currently dealing with unprecedented delays in processing passport applications and renewals.

The State Department website lists the current passport processing times as 10 to 13 weeks. And this figure does not take into account the time it can take for a passport or passport application to be received by the processing center, and the time it takes for the completed passport to be delivered to you. This can add one to two weeks to the total, meaning your passport application or renewal could wind up taking 12-15 weeks, or more than three months! Even processing times for the extra-cost “expedited” service can currently take seven to nine weeks, plus added time for delivery.

The root of the current backlog can be traced to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a record number of Americans hit the skies post-pandemic, demand for passport services has soared, resulting in the busiest year on record. The US State Department has acknowledged the delays and is increasing staffing levels to meet the higher demand. Unfortunately, the State Department does not expect the processing delays to ease before early 2024. Even if you have a currently valid passport, you could still find your travel plans grounded. One reason this could happen is that many countries require visitors to have at least six months of validity on their passport after their expected departure date from the country you’re visiting. That means if your passport is near its expiration date, you may have trouble visiting some destinations.

Additionally, the physical condition of your passport can also pose a problem. Passports that are excessively worn or damaged could be rejected by immigration authorities. If you have legally changed your name since your passport was issued, this can also cause problems. If your name has changed, it is best to have your passport reissued in your current legal name. For frequent international travelers, not having blank pages in your passport for the addition of a visa or border control entry stamp can also cause you to be turned away at the border.

If you’re planning to travel internationally, check your passport and look for factors like its expiration date, physical condition, and number of blank pages. If you need a new passport, or if you need to apply for one for the first time, be mindful of the current delays at the passport processing centers, and remember these delays are not expected to ease before 2024.

So, what if you need a passport sooner? One option is using a passport expediter. These are private companies, like CIBT, who work directly with the passport agencies to issue a passport much more quickly than the standard processing service, sometimes in as little as a day, and typically within three to five days. To qualify for urgent passport processing, travelers must demonstrate travel within two weeks from time of application or 30 days if traveling to a destination that requires a visa, too. Visit our website at: https://cibtvisas.com/passport-information to learn how we can get you a passport, fast!

About Steve Diehl

Steve Diehl is the Chief Corporate Development and Emerging Markets Officer for CIBT, the leading global provider of immigration, visa and document services for businesses and consumers. CIBT taps the passion and expertise of nearly 2,000 immigration and visa professionals, attorneys, and qualified migration consultants located in over 60 offices in 27 countries to empower people and organizations to live, work, travel and trade seamlessly through its global reach, local expertise, and customer-focused technology solutions.

From “What to do?” to Fully Planned Family Adventure

A Mom is one phone call away from the family trip of a lifetime

By: Jennifer Tombaugh, Tauck President

Last month, my summer vacation plans fell apart. One son’s internship started earlier than expected, my eldest daughter’s art project needed advanced prep, and our carefully planned, two-week vacation with my husband and our four kids went “poof!”

What remained was a three-week hole in my 14-year-old twins’ schedule. Free time, cell phones and teenagers are a recipe for disaster. I didn’t have time to spend hours researching new camp options. My husband was out-of-town. I wanted them to have some sort of meaningful experience. What to do?

Many families I know can relate. With our over-scheduled lives, ever-present electronics, distant family members and unshared dinners, we crave time just to be together, unplug and laugh. Knowing our time with our children is limited, we are eager to give them opportunities to learn and grow.

A lot of work goes into planning family vacations (a task predominantly falling to moms), and that insight inspired Tauck to create the first global guided family travel brand. On my first day at Tauck 22 years ago, our now-CEO Dan Mahar handed me a business plan on “family travel”. We already had parents and grandparents wanting to give meaningful travel experiences and create great memories with their kids and grandkids. They just didn’t want the hassle of planning it all.

Back then, I only knew family travel through my own experiences. My parents brought my brother and me along when my dad won sales incentive trips, and they always prioritized visiting my mom’s family in Germany. Armed with my love of travel and the help of Dan and dozens at Tauck, we piloted Tauck Family Travel in 2002 (despite the setbacks of 9/11) and launched Tauck Bridges in 2003.

Tombaugh family with local guides on Tauck’s *Tanzania: A Grand Family Adventure*

Today, I have four children (one in college….in Switzerland!). My affection and pride in Tauck Bridges only grows, and I appreciate what we call the “shared enrichment” we offer even more. The recent, difficult Covid years emphasized how fleeting and precious family time is. Nothing—nothing—enriches lives more than traveling together. I’ve seen first-hand my son’s awe in spotting his first cheetah or my family’s unbridled joy biking in the shadows of Austrian castles. Years later, when I thought my young son wouldn’t remember any of this, I found him writing the Ambassador to Tanzania for a school project and correctly retelling a story behind a painting we saw at the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague.

Tombaugh family on Tauck’s *Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure*

I also appreciate the ease of having someone else do the planning. Adults, you get this. You’re on the firing line of “What are we doing today? I don’t want to do that! How come he gets to decide? Why is it taking so long?” I’ve never been happier traveling with my family than when, after 10 beautiful (exhausting, for me) days in Switzerland, which my husband and I spent weeks organizing, we arrived aboard Tauck’s Blue Danube family river cruise. When the same questions started, I simply said, “Go ask the Tauck Director.” We could all laugh, enjoy and relax (even me!). It was a gift for all of us. It allowed us to be truly present with each other.

Tombaughs on Tauck’s *Tanzania: A Grand Family Adventure*

We often receive letters from our guests, and the ones that move us to tears are from our Tauck Bridges families. A grandfather’s final wish to take his extended family on safari. A seven-year-old’s crayoned picture of her family at the Grand Canyon. The grandparents’ photos of each year of travels with a different grandchild in London and Paris. Stories of teenagers who met on a Bridges trip and stayed in touch for years (like my own!). We even have employees now who first learned about Tauck through a Bridges trip they took with their families!

So, last month, when my family vacation fell apart, what did I do? I called our Tauck Reservations Center and booked us on Cowboy Country, a western adventure through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the great ranches and plains of Wyoming.

I know I’ll be at peace, and the kids will be laughing and having a great time, as we ride off into the sunset.

About Jennifer Tombaugh

Jennifer Tombaugh is President of Tauck, the US-based leader in guided tours and cruises serving all seven continents. Jennifer joined Tauck in 2001 to help guide the creation and launch of Tauck Bridges, the company’s collection of 20 family travel adventures in North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America. As President (and as a member of Tauck’s Executive Team), Jennifer guides the company’s day-to-day operations while also helping drive its long-term direction and strategy. Jennifer is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and is a Board Director at Sacred Heart University’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, The Lobkowicz Collections (Czech Republic) and the Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut. She is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and the International Women’s Forum of Connecticut.

About Tauck

Founded in 1925, family-owned and operated Tauck is the world leader in premium-quality guided travel. The company offers more than 150 distinctive, enriching and all-inclusive land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises and Tauck Bridges family travel adventures.

Tauck travels to more than 70 countries and all seven continents, delighting its guests with exclusive, off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences as well as unique insider visits to popular “must-see” sites and attractions – all at incredible value, and all backed by the services of a professional Tauck Director. Several Tauck journeys in the U.S. are the product of a partnership with the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, with elements exploring themes from his films including The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, The Civil War and Jazz.

Over the years, Tauck has been honored with more than 200 awards for excellence and service. In fact, Tauck is the only company to be named the “World’s Best Tour Operator” and the “World’s Best River Cruise Line” three times each by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Tombaugh

Header image courtesy of iStock