By Sandy Fenton.
I’ve recently retired from my weekly radio travel show, “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA”, after hosting since September 1993.
It has been an extraordinary broadcast career and I have loved (mostly) every minute - exploring and traveling the world for over three decades. Spending time and interviewing titans of the industry - top executives, airline and ship captains, tourism ministers, travel guide authors, well-traveled celebrities, award-winning hoteliers, culinary experts, travel doctors, specialized tour operators, - pretty much every position on land, sea, river and in the air - and I’ve learned something from all of them. The changes during my 32 years have shaped travel and tourism profoundly. The barbaric terrorist attacks of 9/11 was an international heartbreak and nothing was the same afterwards – how could it be. Technology has been the biggest game changer – for better & worse – (never believe everything you see or read online) – and of course, covid turned the industry upside down. It was so crazy (and stressful) taking all the covid tests when traveling, let alone all the out-of-pocket money spent on all those tests.
But here I am today – telling all of you to just…go…and see the world!
Below is a sampling of what I learned about travel after hosting my weekly travel show for more than 3-decades:
Stay healthy
Especially when traveling overseas or to a developing country. Be sure to pack all prescription and OTC medication you need in your carry-on bag, and take as prescribed. Don’t travel if you are sick – and let’s be honest, you know when you are not well enough to leave home. Take any required immunizations and wash your hands frequently. Follow any and all precautions drinking the water and eating raw/spoiled foods. If it looks bad, smells bad – it is bad. Accidents are a top travel health issue. Never drink and drive, and mind your way when walking or riding a bike. Have peace of mind and buy travel insurance – and if you get sick on a cruise ship, chances are you will receive very good care. I’ve toured more ship medical centers and interviewed more ship doctors than I can count, and I’ve always been impressed with the onboard patient care and state of the art equipment/technology.
Stay safe.
All cities are potential areas for crime and tourists do have a way of sticking out. Don’t flash expensive jewelry, handbags, phones or cameras about and don’t venture down backstreets , especially alone, at night. Be smart and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Don't Wait
Don’t wait to take your dream vacation. No one knows what tomorrow will bring (think COVID) – and if you wait for retirement, you may not have the physical agility to do all the things you want. On our first cruise (1985) we were the youngest and poorest passengers onboard QE2 and everyone we met said how they wished they had traveled when they were younger and not waited. I still hear that – all the time. And on that note – if you see a good deal with air, cruises, land tours, hotels – do not wait, it will sell out.
You Get What You Pay For
The rule of thumb is your hotel bedroom should be as nice or nicer than what you have at home. Many times, it may be a slight dollar increase that makes the difference between staying at an average property – or staying at a memorable one. We all want a great deal – and it’s important to know what you are paying for and what it includes.
*Luxury means different things to different people. For some, luxury is having a clean motel room, not cooking and sleeping in. For others, it’s being pampered in a beautifully appointed suite and having a butler looking after your every wish, while splurging on personalized cultural & immersive experiences.
Less is Best When it Comes To Packing
Prepare for weather, wear color-coordinated clothes, layer and only bring a few pair of comfortable shoes. (I once packed 8 pair of shoes, plus sneakers for a 5-day Caribbean trip, I know…I know.)
Check, Double-check – and Maybe Triple Check
That’s what I do. Things go wrong with travel all the time, and you don’t want to show up at a hotel and not have a room because your reservation got “lost”. And obviously, that goes for air travel, be proactive with all aspects of your trip. If you are lucky enough to have a tried & true, very experienced travel advisor watching your back, good for you. A travel advisor that has extensive “been there, done that” knowledge is worth their weight in gold.
Ocean & River Cruising
I love cruising – and for my money, it’s the most seamless and cost-effective way to see the world in total comfort. Having been on over 120 – cruises (and still booking more), I know how important it is to get on the right ship for our lifestyle and budget. There is a ship and itinerary perfectly suited for you and your family.
Loyalty Programs
If you’ve found an airline, hotel, tour company or cruise line that you like, join their loyalty program immediately and enjoy all the extra benefits.
Land Tours
Depending on your interests, time, and budget (and if you need to fly overseas) – traveling by train, motorcoach guided tours or car can easily take you throughout North America – or the world. Experiencing important and iconic cities like Venice, Rome, London, and Paris are wonderful to be sure, but depending on when you go can make or break your trip. July and August are super busy, incredibly crowded, more expensive and very hot. If you can, check out the shoulder or off seasons. And while you’re at it, try and include some off-the-beaten-path touring. Get out of the cities and stay in the countryside, small towns and villages. Slow down, unplug, be in the moment, enjoy your surroundings and stop taking tons of selfies. Stay overnight at a small Inn or B&B and raise a pint (or two) with the locals at the village pub. My favorite land travels nowadays are authentic and local stays outside of the cities. Talking, eating and drinking with the neighbors. That sense of connection is real – and you come home knowing and learning so more than when you left.
Be Patient
Everyone is in a hurry. Arrive early to the airport or train station, be organized, be polite and just breathe…and enjoy every moment of your wonderful vacation!
Sandy is a veteran travel expert and former host of Let’s Talk Travel with AAA with Sandy Fenton and Let’s Visit PA with Sandy Fenton. You can find her programs wherever you get your podcasts.
