5 Easy Ways To Be A More Responsible Traveler

5 Easy Ways To Be A More Responsible Traveler

Do Your Pre-trip Research

One of the first steps to traveling more responsibly is to conduct pre-trip research. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the country – including its religion, the local rules and values, and the cultural and social norms – to learn what is appropriate behavior while you’re visiting.

During your research, you should consider tour operators and travel companies that support the local economy by using local guides and supporting local businesses, hotels, restaurants and other services. Book with companies that have strict sustainability and animal welfare guidelines and who also give back to local communities, to ensure you are traveling in the most responsible manner and also using your holiday as a force for good.

Offset Your Trip

While tourism is responsible for about eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is also responsible for a lot of good in the world. Travel allows us to learn about other cultures and their everyday lives and challenges, brings income to communities that rely on tourists and makes us all more open-minded.

Instead of choosing to not travel, consider reducing your footprint and offsetting the impact of your travels. Some airlines offer you the opportunity to offset your flights, and you can also choose to travel with carbon neutral companies who will offset your trip on your behalf.

For instance, for less than the cost of a Netflix subscription, you can commit to a subscription service that helps the planet, through the company Offset Earth. Starting at $6.50 per month, you can part of the climate crisis solution. Offset Earth partners with climate projects all over the world to offset carbon emissions on behalf of subscribers and, as a bonus, plants trees. By committing to a subscription plan via the Offset Earth x Intrepid page, Intrepid Travel will match subscribers’ tree for tree, meaning for every tree planted through Offset Earth, Intrepid will plant one too, effectively doubling your offset contribution.

Behave Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist

While it might be okay for you to act or wear what you please at home, in many countries it is disrespectful to show too much skin or do certain things in public. Using a tour operator that employs local guides to assist you along the way is a great way to learn more, but it’s good to follow a few basic rules too. As a rule of thumb, travelers should abide by the following:

Be prepared to cover shoulders and knees and remove hats when in traditional areas and places of worship.
Always ask permission before taking photos of local people.
Don’t participate in direct interaction with a wild animal, such as riding elephants, or support any attractions in which animals are used for performances.

Support Local Businesses

By choosing to invest your money in local services you are putting money directly into the local economy and supporting local families. Eat local food, use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient – you’ll meet local people and get to know the place. Shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products, helping keep traditional crafts alive and favor local products over imported items. By default, you’re also lowering your carbon footprint since the businesses are likely to source their supplies locally. Not only is this style of travel responsible, it will also make your travel experience that much more authentic.

Leave Nothing Behind

Minimizing your waste and impact is one of the easiest ways to be a responsible traveler. Travel with some basics: a reusable cup, a water bottle, a metal or bamboo straw, reusable cutlery, and a fabric shopping bag. You can even buy water purifiers that filter out harmful bacteria, making bottled water less necessary. Plastics and other products aren’t biodegradable, so it’s important to be mindful of how much waste you’re producing and ensuring it’s being disposed of properly. Take care of the environment as you would your own home.

Intrepid Travel is the worlds largest B Corp certified adventure travel company. The company offers more than 1000+ trips in more than 120 countries and on every continent. A world leader is sustainable small group adventures, all of Intrepid’s trips are carbon-offset and designed to truly experience local culture – to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. For more information: www.intrepidtravel.com

Everything You Need To Know About REAL ID

Updated on April 28, 2021: The United States Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of REAL ID full enforcement until May 3, 2023, because of the impact of COVID-19.

Updated on March 27, 2020: The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021.

Updated on February 20, 2020: The Department of Homeland Security has made the decision to allow electronic submissions of the documents that are required to obtain a REAL ID, a positive step ahead of the deadline.

In order to board a commercially regulated aircraft on October 1, 2020, travelers must possess a REAL ID compliant travel document. In order to obtain a compliant REAL ID or to ensure that your current travel documentation is REAL ID compliant, please visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles or utilize your state’s or territory’s online resources before the October 1, 2020 deadline.

Airline travel can be stressful for new and experienced travelers alike. Perhaps the most important part of any trip is ensuring that appropriate documentation and identification is in hand. For domestic travel, this generally means a valid U.S. driver’s license, or state identification card, while passports are required for international travel.

Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency housed within the Department of Homeland Security, has been speaking to an issue relating to “REAL ID”. REAL ID represents the federal government’s attempt to create uniform minimum security standards for all U.S. driver’s licenses and identification cards in order to access Federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board federally regulated commercial aircraft.

Creating these uniform standards is laudable and will ultimately make travelling throughout the U.S. safer. However, it is important that Americans are aware that their current form of identification, whether it is a driver’s license or state identification card, may not suffice to move through airport or other security settings, particularly with regard to traveling within the U.S. or elsewhere. The traveling public needs to be aware that updating travel documentation in the coming year will be necessary for those who are not already compliant. Otherwise, it is possible that come October 1, 2020 travelers could risk being turned away at the airport. To reaffirm, every American is currently required to possess a REAL ID compliant license or identification card by October 1, 2020 in order to, among other things, board a commercially regulated aircraft. Travelers without compliant identification could be turned away at the airport.

In the past, deadlines have been set on REAL ID compliance, and those deadlines have been kicked down the line. For the current deadline, recent reports indicate that this deadline of October 1, 2020 may hold. It is recommended that American travelers proactively check to see whether their identification is compliant to eliminate the possibility of added travel-related stress.

The good news is that anyone who holds a valid U.S. passport already has a REAL ID compliant form of identification. As of September 2019, 47 states, the District of Columbia, and three United States territories are compliant. Oregon, Oklahoma, and the Northern Mariana Islands are currently under an extension to update their licenses while New Jersey and American Samoa are under review. All states and territories are on track to be compliant before the October 1, 2020 deadline.

The bad news is that many of the states have only just begun issuing compliant licenses and state identification cards, meaning that many travelers may still hold a non-REAL ID compliant license. Therefore, it is imperative that all travelers visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles or utilize their state’s or territory’s online resources before the October 1, 2020 deadline to ensure that their travel driver’s license or identification card is compliant for domestic travel. Again, it is important to note that a valid passport is REAL ID compliant.

Unfortunately, not every state and territory have the same requirements for a REAL ID, meaning that the licenses or state identification cards will still not look completely uniform and the documents necessary to attain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card may vary. As mentioned previously, each traveler should visit their state’s or territory’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, travelers must provide documentation showing:

1) Full Legal Name;

2) Date of Birth;

3) Social Security Number;

4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and

5) Lawful Status.

REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards are identified by the presence of a star in the top right-hand corner of the card similar to the below:

USTOA urges individuals across America to ensure their identification is compliant and to take the appropriate steps to achieve compliance, if necessary. We strongly caution against reliance on the possibility of an extended deadline.

More general information on REAL ID can be found here.

More information on each state can be found here.

10 Passport And Visa Tips For Hassle-Free Travel

10 Passport and Visa Tips For Hassle-Free International Travel

By Fatemeh LeTellier, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Document Systems and co-founder of Pinnacle Travel Documents

Make sure you have at least six months validity on your US passport! Most countries require six months validity because they don’t want any traveler to get stranded in their country and be burdened with their expenses. Further, most airlines require the six-month passport validity.
If you travel a great deal, consider obtaining a second US passport valid for four years. This will allow you to obtain visas on one passport while you travel on another. A second passport gives provides flexibility for the frequent traveler.
Make sure you understand which countries require a visa for US citizens to enter. This way you are not barred from boarding your flight and missing your vacation or business trip.
Make sure your name on your passport matches your name on your airline ticket/itinerary. With heightened security measures at US airports and abroad you could be denied boarding. If the name on your passport must be corrected, then you must renew your US passport as the US passport agency no longer amends names on US passports because of the new electronic chip passports.
There seems to be confusion regarding the Passport Card. The Passport Card can only be used at border crossings when driving between the US to/from Mexico and Canada. You cannot use the passport card for flying! The Passport Card can be issued when the Passport is renewed for an additional government fee of $50.00. It is best to do both at the same time needed to save money and time.
Many countries have gone to electronic visas which means the visas are e-mailed to the traveler. These visas are different than the traditional visas that are stamped in the actual passports. E-visas can have a shorter validity and at times only valid for tourist travel and not for business travel. It is imperative that the traveler check to see that they apply for the correct type of visa based on their trip. What we do at Pinnacle is assist the traveler in selecting the correct visa type for their specific travel needs. Some countries that issue electronic visas are India, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Oman.
Children under 16 years of age are issued passports that are only valid for five years. The reason being that children’s features change so the picture needs to be changed every five years. Once they become 16 the passport is issued for 10 years. Both parents must be present to get the child’s documents sealed and if one parent is not available then the absentee parent must provide the accompanying parent with a notarized consent letter to apply for their child’s passport. The Passport Agency is very strict because of child abductions cases so they want to make sure both parents have given permission for a child to be issued a passport.
It is imperative that the signature on passport and visa applications match the exact signature on the US passport! If the signature doesn’t match the application could be rejected which could delay the issuance of the US Passport or visa for international travel.
The Passport Office and countries that issue visas require the photographs submitted for processing to follow specific guidelines. The Chinese do not want the applicant to wear any glasses, jewelry or smile in the photo. The US passport office doesn’t want glasses or smiling in photos. Further, The Indians don’t want any glasses on the photo. There are specific photo requirements that must be fold for smooth passport and Visa processing!
Make sure you don’t apply too early for a Visa! If you apply too early, then your Visa will not be valid for entry which could cause you to be denied entry to that country. For example, The Kenya E-visa is valid for 90 days from date of issue. The Visa for Laos is valid 60 days from date of issue and the visa for Rwanda is valid 30 days from date of issue. We advise all our clients about visa validity requirements for business and tourist travel.

Pinnacle Travel Document Systems, one of the largest passport and visa service companies in the world, prides itself on providing exceptional customer service by taking the guess work out of travel documentation. Their experienced staff will streamline and simplify the process for any travel document, passport and Visas. Services include speedy, even 24 hour, passport renewal and second passport issuance, applications for minors, and passport cards, as well as precise visa application assistance to ensure the correct documentation is delivered accurately and in a timely fashion.

What Seniors Need To Know at Airport Security

What Seniors Need To Know To Get Through Airport Security Easily

By Diana Cowgill of YMT Vacations

Getting through airport security can be a nuisance for anyone, but the experience can be especially stressful for seniors. The good news is that the Federal Aviation Administration has put rules in place to streamline the process for you. However, it helps to do research ahead of time and prepare yourself (and your belongings) accordingly. Here is what you need to know to make your airport security screening as simple as possible:

Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions may consider getting a TSA Notification Card, which specifies health conditions, disabilities, or medical devices that may affect your screening. Provide this card to the TSA officer when you get to the checkpoint so they can make special considerations for your screening. The card also provides instructions for calling the TSA 72 hours prior to your travels to request any assistance you may need.

Seniors who do not have this card can still request assistance once you arrive at the airport. Simply ask a TSA officer to request a passenger support specialist. These specialists will answer questions, address concerns, and assist with security.

The TSA 3-1-1 rule means that carry-on liquids must be 3.4 oz. bottles or less; in one quart-sized clear, zip-top bag; and limited to one bag per passenger. However, there is an exception to this rule for larger amount of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols – but you must declare them at the checkpoint for inspection.

Medications in solid or liquid forms should be clearly labeled, with the prescriptions handy if possible. Let the TSA officer know that you have medically necessary medications and keep them separate from your other belongings before the screening starts. Items you should declare to a TSA officer include freezers packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes.

Expect TSA officers to test liquids, gels, or aerosols for explosives or concealed prohibited items. They may also open containers and transfer pills to another container for testing. If you do not want your medication to be screened by X-ray or opened, let the officer know and they will take alternative steps to clear these items.

Passengers with medical conditions that prevent you from standing or walking at the checkpoint will not be required to remove shoes, though they will be manually inspected. Walkers, canes, crutches, and other mobility aids will be X-rayed or hand-inspected.

Travelers 75 years or older will receive expedited screening, meaning the ability to keep shoes and light jackets on. If you are unable to stand for the screening, you will be cleared by manual inspection.

Airport security can be an intimidating process, but being prepared will speed up the process. Have any medications separated, labeled clearly, and with the appropriate documents/prescriptions. Keep your doctor’s name and number within reach in case a conversation is needed to verify your pills, gels, and liquids. Knowing what to expect and how to get assistance will give you the confidence to get through TSA screening as effortlessly as possible.

Diana Cowgill is a copywriter at YMT Vacations. She and her husband love to flit around the world together, gorging on regional baked goods and petting as many street cats as possible.

YMT Vacations has provided affordable guided tours for mature travelers since 1967. Our guided cruise and land tours, to destinations around the globe, are designed with value in mind. By thoughtfully bringing together each separate element of your vacation, we can guarantee you the best price and an easy, worry-free trip. Visit ymtvacations.com to learn more!

Venture to Lesser-Known Corners of the World

September is Travel Together Month

USTOA tour operators are taking the road less traveled and visiting emerging destinations in 2020. Check out our full round-up of new, off-the-beaten path itineraries below.

Photo Courtesy of Alexander + Roberts

Asia

Abercrombie & Kent: South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies of the East

Alexander + Roberts: Ancient Lands of the Himalayas: A Journey to Nepal + Bhutan

Audley Travel: Community and Conservation in Myanmar

CroisiEurope Cruises: Around India and Sri Lanka from Madras to Bombay

Holiday Vacations: Vietnam & Cambodia

SITA World Tours: Setouchi, Japan’s Inland Sea

Zegrahm Expeditions: Along the Mekong: China, Thailand & Laos

Caradonna Adventures: Sepilok Nature Resort 7-Night Package

Photo Courtesy of Trafalgar

South and Central America

Avanti Destinations: Peruvian Bliss

Contiki: Patagonia Trail

International Expeditions: Bolivia & Chile’s Atacama Desert

Pleasant Holidays: Costa Rica Guided Vacations

Trafalgar: Colombia Rediscovered

Photo Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

Europe

CIE Tours International: Best of Iceland & Ireland South

Collette: The Baltics Revealed, Featuring St. Petersburg

Europe Express: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Winter Escape

Go-today: Manchester & Liverpool

Holland America Line: 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings Trip

Intrepid Travel: Highlights of Ukraine

Lindblad Expeditions: Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland

VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations: Lithuania & Latvia – the Baltics

Photo Courtesy of Lion World Travel

Africa

Country Walkers: Morocco – Marrakech, Foothills of the High Atlas & Essaouira

Lion World Travel: Southern African Wild Wonderlands

Luxury Gold: Elegance of the Pharaohs

Perillo’s Learning Journeys: Discover Ethiopia

African Travel: Ultimate Tanzania and Rwanda

Photo Courtesy of smarTours

Middle East

smarTours: Oman, Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Photo Courtesy of Seabourn Cruises

North America

Seabourn Cruises: UNESCO Banff National Park & The Rocky Mountaineer

Travel Impressions: Princeville Helicopter Adventure

Classic Vacations: The Northwest Passage

Photo Courtesy of YMT Vacations

Australia & Oceania

Goway: Wukalina Walk

YMT Vacations: Islands of the Pacific – Seattle to Sydney

Find all the itineraries offered by USTOA tour operators at https://ustoa.com/dream-vacation

How to Pack for a Jet Trip Around the World

By Becky Youman, TCS World Travel

“I wish I would have packed less.” At TCS World Travel, we often hear this comment from our guests after their around-the-world expeditions. Even on the most seamless journey, overpacking can add unnecessary time and stress to your arrivals and departures, and could even prevent you from taking home a truly special item you find along the way.

We have been taking guests on around-the-world expeditions for over 25 years. During that time, we have learned a thing or two about packing. Here are our essential tips on packing for success:

Less Is More

Your itinerary will involve traveling to many destinations. The less you bring with you, the less time you’ll spend packing and unpacking… and the more time enjoying the incredible experiences that await you.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

The Trick of Thirds

Guests are allowed two bags per person on our trips: a larger bag and a smaller carry-on-size bag. We recommend you start with your large bag and fit everything you’ll need into just that bag. Then, empty a third of it out and put those items into your smaller bag. This way you’ll have plenty of room in your big bag for the gifts and souvenirs you’re going to want to bring home.

Layers Look Lovely

We recommend you choose a single color scheme you can mix and match. It’s a simple, “less is more” approach that makes it easy for you to decide what to bring. During the day, you will want to dress casually and prepared for adventure. Lightweight, quick-dry activewear that you can easily layer or remove will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

Respect Local Norms

If your itinerary includes religious sites such as temples or mosques, it may be customary or even required to cover your legs and shoulders to enter. Short skirts, shorts and tank tops are not culturally appropriate to wear within these sites. This goes for both men and women, and is a great opportunity to invest in a pair of convertible zip-off pants. Women also have the option of wearing a comfortable sundress that covers the knees and covering their shoulders with a pretty scarf.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

Spiff It Up for Your Festive Dinners

Men will bring a pair of slacks and a couple of nicer shirts, and maybe even a lightweight blazer. Women often bring a neutral dress or slacks and nicer tops that can be changed up with different scarves or other accessories. A small purse with a strap comes in handy at any pre-dinner cocktail parties.

Photo Courtesy of TCS World Travel

Happy Feet

Once you step off the private jet, it’s essential you have the right footwear to keep you comfortable. Make sure your walking shoes have good tread, and most importantly, break them in at home for at least a couple of weeks, using the same socks you’re planning to use when traveling. Never bring a pair of shoes you haven’t worn. You should also pack a pair of slightly dressier shoes. We recommend staying away from high heels because you might have to walk over uneven terrain.

Packing Hacks

Here are a few hacks we share with guests:

Place hotel shower caps on your shoes to protect your clothes from dirty footwear.
Store your charging cables and compact headphones in a sunglasses case. It also makes a great, easy-to-locate container for an on-the-go sun protection kit, with a sunscreen stick and lip balm.
Packing cubes are great for organizing, helping you know exactly where everything is. They make it easy to pack and unpack by simply moving them directly from your luggage into a hotel dresser, and back when it’s time to go.

And lastly, don’t worry about re-wearing an outfit or two; when you’re jet-setting between spectacular destinations around the world, no one will notice.

Interested in learning more about TCS World Travel? Visit www.tcsworldtravel.com.

TCS World Travel has hosted guests on adventures of a lifetime for over 25 years. Their all-inclusive journeys deliver unparalleled and meaningful experiences, with exceptional service, in unique destinations around the globe. As pioneers in the private jet industry, TCS World Travel has developed and operated just shy of 300 luxury jet expeditions to more than 200 destinations. They are the most experienced jet expedition company in the world. It is that expertise that led them to be named #1 Tour Operator by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2017.

17 Safety Tips When Traveling With A Large Group

By: Paddy Hockett

Traveling to a new and exciting place with a group of your best friends or family can be such a rewarding experience. You’ve decided on the perfect destination, made sure everyone has their funds and updated paperwork in order, the flights are booked and your bags are packed. But how do you make sure everyone actually makes it through the trip with their wallets and sanity in check? Whether you’re planning an annual family reunion, a bachelorette getaway with friends, or a culinary tour through Europe, here are 17 safety tips to keep in mind when traveling with a large group.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Travel with companies you know and trust, or can verify. Look for companies that specialize in group travel and are part of an organization or 3rd party that ensures quality or money back guarantees.
Download the app! Most airlines have apps that let you see updated flight information in real time. You’ll know whether that connecting flight is delayed or early and can adjust accordingly. As an added bonus, you can check into your flight before you get there and everyone can pull up their boarding passes instead of keeping track of yet another stack of paper.
Have everyone learn basic phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting. Even if you never end up needing them, you will be able to recognize them when someone says “Xièxiè” on your way out the door.

GET PREPARED

Send out your itinerary to the group before the trip so everyone is on the same page before you even take off. This is especially important if you are leaving from different airports or at different times.

Have medication and vaccines ready to go prior to the trip, and have extra in case of emergencies.

Decide on a rendezvous point for unstructured activity. At each destination, chose a place to start and end your day. Pick an easy to recognize location to avoid confusion.

You insure everything else, why wouldn’t you insure your travel? Get travel insurance, which is a small investment that saves you big time if the worst should happen.

Talk to your bank, let them know you’ll be traveling so they don’t flag your purchases as fraud.

Stock up on RFID blocking sleeves and wallets. They’ll make it more difficult to be taken advantage of and keep your personal information…well, personal.

Do not take anything you’re not willing to lose. Anything can happen when traveling and it’s not the best place for family heirlooms or irreplaceable items.

OUT & ABOUT

Don’t be flashy- You can usually spot a tourist from a mile away, so can scammers. Keep your money and itinerary to yourself.

Don’t carry too much cash, when possible, use prepaid and/or credit cards. Carry your valuables in front pockets and take them with you wherever you go.

Wash your hands frequently. This is a new place and you might be more susceptible to things going around, better safe than sorry.

Get a buddy system in place so that no one gets lost in the excitement.

Have everyone in your group double check each other’s contact info and take a photo of the individuals in a group. If anything goes wrong, you have an updated picture to show if you need help.

Matching outfits seem silly, but it makes your group easier to identify in big crowds. Get special hats or sweaters made to spot each other easily.

Carry an extra battery pack. All those photos and videos you’re taking are going to drain your phone much faster than usual. Charge it every night.

You want to be vigilant in a new and unfamiliar place, so that everyone makes it home in one piece, but never forget the most important rule for any vacation: Take time to relax! As a group, it can get a little overwhelming and loud, coming together for a nightly meal or quick check-in will get everyone back on the same page and ready to go for the next adventure!

Interested in learning more about Ritz Tours? Visit www.ritztours.com.

With over three decades of experience and a mission to provide “Best Quality & Value in Travel” Ritz Tours delivers an exceptional, unparalleled vacation experience, so you can feel confident you’re traveling with a highly-reputable, client-acclaimed tour company. Ritz Tours crafts each travel program so that it incorporates five-star accommodations, exceptional sightseeing, superior tour guides, exciting entertainment, flavorful cuisine, and the popular attractions and spectacular scenery that define China, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

How to Make the Most of Your Safari Experience

By Megan Murphy, AFAR Ambassador

Africa changes you forever, like nowhere else on Earth. I heard that time and time again from friends, colleagues, and fellow journalists who were touched by the magic of safari. But only now that I’ve been on a Kenya Private Safari with Monograms do I whole-heartedly understand how true that sentiment is.

The extraordinary continent can invigorate your soul, pull at your heartstrings, and change you in many ways—but time spent there can have the most positive impact if you fully embrace the experience. Here are a few ways you can make the most of your African adventure to help ensure that you are forever changed, in the best way imaginable.

Be Present. Be Grateful.

Going on safari may be a once in-a-lifetime experience, so make it a point to soak up every wondrous moment. We live in a technology-driven world, and I encourage any traveler to go on a “digital detox” while on their trip. Sure, you’ll want to snap photos of the fascinating animals and magnificent landscapes, but powering down the phone and turning off the Blackberry (you won’t get WiFi during most game drives anyway, which is a good thing!) is invigorating. You’ll want your eyes wide open to all the amazingness.

Greet your days with gratitude and wonder. Appreciate the beauty of untouched nature. Breathe in the clean, crisp air deeply and consciously. Be fearless and awe-inspired. Cherish every sunrise and sunset and Kenya’s dramatic, ever-changing skies. Slow down and get on “Africa time.” Soak. It. All. In.

Embrace the Local Cuisine

There’s no better way to experience the true culture of a place than through its food. I was pleasantly surprised by the culinary offerings, which were always fresh and flavorful and abundant. Meals included a bounty of tropical fruits, well-prepared vegetables, freshly-baked breads, fragrant Indian-influenced dishes, and decadent desserts, along with local dishes like chapati (doughy flatbread), ugali (cornmeal cake), sukuma wiki (flavored collard greens-kale mixture), nyama choma (assorted roasted meats), and Kenyan goat stew. Being on safari is the perfect time to try something new. Be open minded. And, who knows, you may just come home and miss having curry-spiced chickpeas and roasted tomatoes for breakfast. I certainly do.

On the drinks front, vibrant, freshly-squeezed paw paw (papaya) juice brightened up my mornings. And savoring a daily cup or two of Kenyan coffee (often ranked amongst the world’s best for a reason), which was served with cinnamon-spiced cakes and butter cookies, was such a delight. I fell in love with the coffee’s rich, intense aroma and distinct fruity flavor; of course, I picked up a few souvenir bags to brew at home.

At dinner, why not choose a South African wine? Or try a Tusker beer—I became a big fan of this refreshing pale lager made in Kenya. And my favorite way to cap off the night? Slowly sipping Amarula. Enjoy this sweet cream liqueur made from the African Marula fruit straight over ice, poured in your coffee, or within a dessert-like cocktail. Maisha marefu! (“Cheers!” in Swahili)

Take a Stab at Swahili

Speaking of Swahili… get down with some basics. Kenya is an English-speaking country, since it was colonized by the British, but Swahili is the national language of Kenya, and is spoken by many African populations. Learning new languages—even a few simple words and greetings—is part of the fun of traveling and a great sign of respect to the locals. A warm jambo (hello) goes a long way. As does tafadhali (please) and asante sana (thank you very much).

My favorite commonly-used phrase is hakuna matata (no worries)—any fans of “The Lion King” will get a good chuckle out of that one. I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear every time I heard, or uttered, that problem-free philosophy.

Fun fact: Don Hahn, the producer of “The Lion King,” arrived in Kenya the same day as I did. He originally came to Africa in the early 90s with a team of sketch artists to observe the animals in their natural habitat and get inspiration for his Disney blockbuster. Many of the characters’ names in the film are real Swahili words including simba (lion), rafiki (friend), and pumbaa (foolish).

Get to Know the Locals

Meeting people with a different cultural perspective is always an enlightening experience. Engaging with local residents, and getting to know their customs, traditions, and values, is a fascinating way to expand your level of understanding of the world. I went into my solo safari thinking I’d want to hang with fellow travelers, but found myself drawn to the Kenyan people—they were absolutely lovely, warm, and genuine. Ask questions. Extend compliments. Be open.

Chatting up the bartender at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Lake Nakuru led to an introduction to Kenyan Cane rum and the best mojito I’ve ever had in my life. And I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my wonderful, knowledgable, and funny Monogram’s driver-guide, Julius—I learned so much during our time together, which I will always cherish. Connecting with locals was one of the best parts of my journey, and I even made some Kenyan rafiki along the way.

Utilize a Reputable Tour Operator

Without help from the experts (like Monograms), planning a great safari itinerary is nearly impossible—especially if it’s your first time in Africa or you’re going solo. There’s an overwhelming amount of destinations to choose from, and many different types of accommodations and modes of transportation to fit your needs and budget. A trusted tour operator who specializes in African safaris will be able to handle all the details so you can have the best adventure.

I never thought I’d travel to Kenya alone. But I am so glad I did. Monograms took care of everything—from the entire trip itinerary and location transfers to meals and accommodations—to really make it a hakuna matata experience. All I had to do was enjoy every single second and let the African magic happen.

Interested in learning more about Megan’s journey? Read more about it on AFAR.com and check out Monogram’s Kenya Private Safari.

An adventure lover at heart, Megan is a food/bev and travel writer based in New York City. She has contributed to AFAR, Bon Appétit, Clean Plates, Eater, Eat This, Not That!, Fodor’s, Food & Wine, PopSugar, Thrillist and more, and runs her own website. Megan is happiest when embarking on new travel and dining experiences with her beloved family and friends, but also really enjoyed her solo safari.

Four Reasons to Travel to China Now

Whether it’s sharing lunch with a local family in a private home in Beijing, marveling at one of China’s 52 famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or riding the Mag Lev bullet train into the modern metropolis of Shanghai, there are so many ways to experience the vast and varied country of China.

Credit: go-today

Discover just a few reasons why China – 5,000 years “new” – could become your next dream vacation with a selection of itineraries from as many as 70 USTOA tour operator members. Find your own dream vacation to China here.

Marvel at the extraordinary sites showcasing China’s traditions and natural wonders during Adventures by Disney’s 12-day “China Destination” tour. Families can experience the excitement of Disney magic at China’s Disney theme parks, or be awed by some of the panoramic views of China’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the iconic Great Wall, Terracotta Army Museum, Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the incredible Imperial Palace. Departures are available from September 3, 2017 to October 21, 2018 starting at $7,699 per adult/ $7,289 per child. www.adventuresbydisney.com

Explore the serene beauty of China’s Yunnan Province and delve into the fascinating history of Shangri-La on Cox & Kings’ “Yunnan: A Journey to Shangri-La” private excursion. Explorers will discover the Old Town of Dali, cruise on the striking Erhai Lake, follow along the path of the Yangtze River, marvel at the views from Black Dragon Pool, ascend the Tibetan Plateau, and more. This eight-day journey is available throughout 2017 to March 2018 from $4450 per person based on two travelers. www.coxandkingsusa.com

Guests on Globus’ “Treasures of China” tour will begin their journey through the city of Beijing to discover stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven. During the 11-day tour, guests also will delight in a colorful assemblage of classical performances in Xi’an, visit Guilin’s local tea farms for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process, and explore the sprawling city of Shanghai. Available on select departures in August, September, and October 2017 starting at $2,389 per person. www.globusjourneys.com

Credit: go-today

Experience the historical and cultural highlights of both modern day China and its grandeur-filled past on go-today’s six-day “Treasures of China Escorted Tour.” Travelers will visit legendary sites, such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army Museum and be enthralled by China’s unsurpassed art and culture. Available throughout 2017 to January 2018 from $2,099 per person. www.go-today.com

Credit: Intrepid Travel

Journey from Beijing to Shanghai during Intrepid Travel’s 12-day “North China Getaway” tour. Guests will travel to Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain, and stay in a local guesthouse for two days to explore the mountain. Travelers also will venture into the idyllic Huizhou countryside and explore rural villages on foot or bike. The trip also includes visits to China’s historical landmarks like the Great Wall where guests will stay at a family-run guesthouse. Available throughout 2017 and 2018 from $1,296 per person. www.intrepidtravel.com

Credit: Mayflower Tours

Travelers can save $300 per couple on Mayflower Tours’ “Best of China and Yangtze River Cruise” itinerary to marvel at some of China’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cruise along the Yangtze River. During the 12-day Chinese journey, guests can learn a Chinese folk dance and participate in a Chinese culinary lesson. The trip features visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and Xian, and the Forbidden City. Savings available on the September 15, 2018 and October 13, 2018 departures from $2,469 per person. www.mayflowertours.com

Float down the famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, climb the Great Wall and gaze at the giant Buddha of Leshan on Student Universe’s three-week tour, “Beijing to Hong Kong: Essential China.” Guests will experience cultural and natural highlights including the Terracotta Warriors, a visit to a tea plantation, and enjoy a bike ride through the stunning Yangshuo countryside. Additional bucket-list activities await travelers on this itinerary from $3,399 available through December 2018. www.studentuniverse.com

Credit: Trafalgar

Travelers can visit China’s must-see cities like eclectic Beijing, buzzing Shanghai and historic Xi’an and must-do experiences, like cruising down the iconic Huangpu River during Trafalgar’s 17-day “Classic China with Yangtze Cruise and Chengdu” tour. Guests will enjoy insider moments like dashing through the ancient Hutongs by rickshaw and savoring a home-cooked meal at a local family’s home in Beijing. Additionally, guests can join others on a visit to a primary school in Xi’an to get to know students and teachers, and see how their visit supports local education. Available on select departures in September, October 2017 and March-June 2018 starting at $5,475 per person. www.trafalgar.com

Credit: Wendy Wu Tours

Join Wendy Wu Tours on a 26-day in-depth adventure during “The Silk Road Explorer” air-inclusive itinerary. Guests will immerse themselves in Chinese history and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Mogao Caves, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and of course the famous Great Wall. Travelers also will have the chance to participate in a traditional dance class at the Temple of Heaven and marvel at Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years at the Mogao Caves. Available from $6,390 per person on select departures between September 4, 2017 and October 8, 2017. www.wendywutours.com

Guests will hike through rice fields and across China’s countryside during Audley Travel’s “Hiking in China” itinerary. Hikers also will take part in a guided trek through the impressive Tiger Leaping Gorge before heading to Zhongdian (Shangri La). Travelers will witness the sunrise over Huanshan, visit the high Tibetan Plateau in Zhongdian (Shangri La), and visit the magnificent Great Wall. This 18-day active journey is available from $7,630 per person in September, October and November 2017. www.audleytravel.com

Credit: Avanti

Avanti’s new “The Great Panda Adventure” takes guests on a 12-day adventure through China with a private tour of Panda Center and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Great Wall. Guests can add on the Panda Private Volunteer Experience at the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda. During this added experience, participants will spend five hours feeding, cleaning cages and learning about the 20-40 giant and red pandas living there. The panda add-on is available for $375 per person and open to those 12-65 years of age. The 12-day itinerary is available year-round and starts at $2,589 per person/double occupancy (land-only). www.avantidestinations.com

Credit: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Join Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s “China, Tibet, and the Yangtze” itinerary to experience the timeless allure of China. Guests will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Goddess Stream and see Shanghai’s modern landscape of towering skyscrapers. Travelers on this 14-day trip also will explore Beijing via rickshaw and enjoy lunch with a local family and a traditional tea ceremony. Available September and October 2017 from $7,299 and throughout 2018 from $7,099. www.uniworld.com

Credit: Collette

Guests on Collette’s “Wonders of China and the Yangtze River” program will discover China’s food, natural beauty and historic landmarks in addition to a ride on the Mag Lev bullet train reaching speeds of more than 260 miles per hour. Other trip highlights include a traditional tea ceremony, lunch with a local family in their Hutong home, and a lesson from a Chinese calligraphy master. The 16 to 19-day tour is available on select departure dates throughout 2017 and 2018 from $2,649 per person. www.gocollette.com

Editor’s Note: Information was correct at time of writing. All tours/packages subject to availability. Prices may vary from time of writing, based on currency fluctuations.

70 Advocacy Experts Share Their Best Tips

By Ann Dermody

CQ Roll Call asked 70 advocacy experts for their best advocacy planning, strategy, skills, and training tips for advocacy professionals. See what they had to say about advocacy skills they wish they had known day one, the first thing they do when planning a campaign, and much more: 70 Experts Share Their Best Advocacy Planning, Strategy, Skills and Training Tips