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Exploring The Great Outdoors

Jul 26, 2020

National Parks...Exploring The Great Outdoors!

Summer is here and in full swing. Because of the devastating effects of the pandemic, many travelers are opting to stay closer to home. Paired with an understandable hesitation to be in large crowds, spending the summer in the great outdoors is sounding better and better. If you are looking for a destination for a summer road trip or hoping to check some natural wonders off your bucket list, there is a U.S. National Park for you to explore. 

National Parks aren’t just for adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, they’re also incredible for anyone craving a little bit of relaxation. They are the perfect place to unwind in solitude and meditate. Here’s a look at four national parks that are waiting to welcome you this summer.













Redwood National Park


Home to the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National Park in northern California is a bucket list destination for nature lovers! Along with giant sequoias, the park is also home to a variety of landscapes, like prairies, riverways and over 40 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days hiking and exploring the many trails that weave through the trees.


Bryce Canyon National Park


‘Breathtaking’ is one common way to describe the scenery and spectacle of Bryce Canyon National Park. Located in Southern Utah, this sprawling national park is home to many Instagram-worthy sights. The canyon and its rock formations have been carved by erosion. This leaves behind stone spires and arches that seem to defy gravity. Along with hiking trails, guests can go horseback riding, mountain biking, and even skiing in the winter months!











Yellowstone National Park


Always a family favorite, Yellowstone National Park is one of the United States’ largest national parks with over 3,500 square miles. The majority of the park is in Wyoming, but it also stretches into Idaho and Montana.

Nature’s wonder and beauty are on display in Yellowstone National Park. It is home to many famous examples of geological wonders like the Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. Along with visiting these sites, hiking, animal watching, and rafting are a few of the activities that families enjoy on their trip to Yellowstone National Park.




Mammoth Cave National Park


For over 200 years, people have been exploring the Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky. Mammoth Cave is the largest known cave in the world stretching over 400 miles underground. In recent decades, the importance of early 1800s cave guides, including slaves and emancipated men like Stephen Bishop, has become more widely known. Today, they are recognized for their contributions to understanding the cave system as we know it today. What if exploring underground isn’t for you? This national park also has nearly 70 miles of trails on the surface to hike, bike, and explore!




This list is not all-inclusive, however, it is a good starting point. If you are in the market for a good ole’ road trip enjoying the great outdoors, this is for you. Each park carries its own unique sights and adventures and is sure to quench your outdoor thirst. Happy traveling!



Travel Insurance

By Angela Lindsey • 20 Feb, 2022
Should I or should I not purchase travel insurance? That is the popular question these days. Whenever you purchase plane tickets, cruise tickets, or book a hotel, you are usually asked if you want to purchase travel insurance. Due to the purchase of travel insurance being an additional cost, many travelers usually opt out of it. It is often thought of as an unnecessary add-on like extended warranties and generally considered not worth it.

Let Me Upgrade You

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When planning a client's trip, we always consider all the information given to us for a full personalized experience. This includes a client's budget. Every attempt is made to operate within the limits of the budget and still provide an amazing and unforgettable experience. But, it's a proven fact that a super tight budget forces you to miss some great vacation experiences. The next time you are creating your vacation budget, consider some of these small and affordable upgrades that are sure to improve your all-around vacation experience.

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By Angela Lindsey • 13 Aug, 2021
According to the State Department, the passport application process is taking more than four months (18 weeks), and “expedited” service may only shorten the wait to three months. This means that passport processing times are three times as long as the average wait time prior to the pandemic. The State Department website indicates the dramatic delays are the result of COVID-related issues…not to mention the drastic uptick in travel which is causing a high demand for passports. If you need to renew your passports immediately, unfortunately you are no longer able to book last-minute appointments online. The State Department announced this change on July 22nd, 2021. For emergency appointments, you can refer to the table on the “ Get It Fast ” passport section of the State Department’s website.

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Demand for future travel is increasing and will likely outpace supply, even as more options reopen. One of the most important preparations for future travel is ensuring you have the appropriate travel ID. You don’t want to arrive at the airport for your long-awaited vacation, only to be denied boarding because of an identification issue! Now is the time to make sure your identification documents are ready. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in passport processing. Standard processing for new and renewal applications is currently 10-12 weeks, or 4-6 weeks if paying an additional $60 expedite fee.* Even flying to U.S. destinations, you need to be ready for the new REAL ID requirements going into effect on October 1, 2021. What should you know about getting your IDs ready to travel? I’ve highlighted a few key points.

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By Angela Lindsey • 05 Mar, 2021
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Wellness Travel

By Angela Lindsey • 17 Nov, 2020
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Helpful Travel Apps

By Angela Lindsey • 30 Jul, 2020
 Travel is one of the fastest growing industries. Stay organized and prepared with the following travel apps. Mobile Passport - Allows you to upload your passport and fill out customs forms on your phone to speed you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 30+ airports and cruise ports. PackPoint – alleviates the stress associated with packing. Advises you of what to wear based on where you’re going, length of your stay, projected weather and activities you’re planning. Waze - Live maps include voice-guided navigation to easily guide you. You get community-based data on traffic jams and other information so that you can find points of interest like the cheapest gas stations and the fastest routes to your destination. Trail Wallet – A tool that allows you to organize and track your travel expenses.
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