Here it is - already into fall and I, like most of you, probably didn't imagine that we would still be in the throes of this virus! 

Alas, we do seem to be - as does much of the world and travel seems to be a distant memory.

Well, rest assured - it is more than a memory for me!  Thinking about, dreaming about, and planning travel is good for your mental health. . .at least that is what all the experts say. I hope everyone has been staying well and as contented as you can be -- without travel!

Everyday, as I read about the changing face of travel during this global pandemic, one issue comes across very clearly. . . and that is that for the moment, consistency is NOT the norm.  That means that travelers have the task of educating themselves about the many ways travel has changed during the pandemic. And that is why, although clients aren't breaking down my door to travel right now (LOL) -- I am keeping busy!

Every travel supplier; airline, hotel, resort, entertainment facility, and cruise line, are all busy trying to figure out the best way to ensure the well-being of their guests. And they are keeping travel agents informed of those measures and protocols, even as those protocols  change weekly.

So, should everyone rush to travel right now?  Where is it safe, or even possible to travel right now?  And should we travel right now?  Those are all questions every traveler should consider when they are planning their next trip. Another new consideration has travelers asking "what destination needs me the most right now?"

To travel now requires more planning, more due diligence about what must be done, before, during, and after travel.  As your travel advisor, please know that I am here to help however I can.

I plan to travel -- or should I say, I hope to travel, internationally, in October this year.  I'll share with you via my business facebook page and my website, the good, the bad, and (hopefully not)) the ugly facets of my trip.  

Beautiful St. Lucia - with it's many COVID protocols in place -- I'm hoping it will still be a safe destination this October.

Consider All-Inclusives

This may be the perfect time to consider an all-inclusive for your next trip. 

There are many reasons to look to all-inclusives, especially now.

1. Consistent Quality Control Standards Minimizes Risk - All-inclusive resorts have strict guidelines and protocols in place that extend throughout their entire properties.

2. No Crowds, Social Distancing Enforced - All-inclusives resorts are limiting their occupancy to ensure social distancing is available.

3. No Need to Venture Outside the Resort - Many people who book all-inclusives don't care about venturing beyond the resort - during this time staying within the resort protects you and others.

4. Value Is Even Better Than Before - Yes, there are incentives to get you to these resorts!

There are so many different tiers of all-inclusives and they allow you to worry less, follow the protocols and treat yourself. 

Windstar Cruises

The video above gives a nice introduction to Windstar Cruises. This is the cruise line on which I will be cruising through the Panama Canal in February, 2021.  See. . . I'm thinking very positive about travel!  

Windstar Cruises is another option for "small ship" cruising.  Their ships range from 148 to 342 passengers. You can discover the Mediterranean coastline under sail aboard the iconic Wind Surf, island hop through the Caribbean on the newly re-imagined Star Pride, sail the stunning Greek Isles on Wind Star, explore Mexico’s southern coast on Star Breeze, or take to the Alaskan wilderness and enjoy Signature Expeditions kayak and Zodiac tours launched right from the ship. 

And do what I did - get a great deal with Windstar's 7 for 7 sale -- it's every Thursday with seven new voyages on sale for seven days. Just contact me and I'll get you a quote and more information on any itinerary.  Another extra is a $50 onboard credit for any cruises booked this October for later travel. If the Panama Canal is on your bucket list - click the button below. 

TidBits

By mid-October I will have a new page on my website with lots of itinerary ideas - both domestic and international.  Be sure to check them out.

The new normal requires travelers to be more informed, so here you are: CDC  and the World Health Organization, websites you may find useful with travel and life in general.

Please check out my website, www.wildbluetravel.net. which is always a work in progress. If you have pictures and recipes you've collected in your travels and destinations, I've love to add them to my website. Please send an email to mary@wildbluetravel.net or you can take a copy of a pix and text it to me as well --

434-917-0871.

And please, if you do travel during COVID-19 - travel responsibly. Do if safely, respectfully and thoughtfully - for yourself and for others.