The World Is Uncertain. Here's What to Do With Your Travel Plans

I'll be honest. I'm tired.

Tired of logging on and seeing more chaos in the headlines. Tired of feeling like the world keeps finding new ways to make things harder.

And if you're a travel content creator out there, especially a solo woman creator, I see you. Please keep being safe.

With everything happening right now, including the conflict in Iran, I know a lot of you are rethinking your trips. That's fair. That's smart.

So today I want to give you something simple. Whether you want to cancel your plans or still push forward this year, here's what to do.

If You Don't Feel Like Traveling Right Now

I don't blame you. And you have more options than you might think.

Already have travel insurance? Good call. Reach out to your provider and ask about canceling your trip. Policies vary, but many cover cancellations tied to safety concerns or emergencies. Read your policy details and then give them a call. You may have more coverage than you think.

Call your airline next. A lot of people skip this step. You can call and ask about canceling, especially during a crisis. You might be surprised by what they're willing to do.

Check your credit card too. Some cards come with trip cancellation insurance built in. If yours does, you may be able to get your money back without a fight. Pull up your card's benefits and look.

If You Still Want to Travel

Okay. I respect that. Just be extra cautious. Here's how.

Book refundable travel. The simplest move. If something changes, you get your money back. No stress, no back-and-forth with customer service.

Get travel insurance. During an emergency, the last thing you want to think about is money. Travel insurance can cover things like flight cancellations and medical emergencies. I'm partnered with SafetyWing, but I encourage you to shop around and read the fine print before you buy. Find the policy that actually fits your situation.

Check the safety level of your destination. I use the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisories page regularly. It shows every country and its current safety status. Before you book anything, check it. Link

Sign up for the STEP Program. This is a free service from the U.S. government. Once you register, it sends real-time alerts about things like natural disasters and civil unrest in the country you're visiting. It's one of the easiest things you can do to stay ahead of a situation. Link

Stay connected. Reliable internet and phone access matter more than most people realize. I personally use Google Fi when I travel because it works in most countries without extra fees or setup. Video Explaining Google Fi

I don't know what's coming next. Nobody does.

But you can make smart choices right now that protect your money, your safety, and your peace of mind. That's the part you can control.

Stay cautious. Stay informed. And take care of each other out there.

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

Are you rethinking any of your travel plans this year? What's making you hesitant?

Cocktail of the Week

The Appletini was invented in 1996 at Lola’s, a popular West Hollywood bar in Los Angeles, California, USA. Initially created as a fun, fruity twist on the classic martini, the Appletini quickly gained popularity for its bright, refreshing flavor and has since become a modern classic in bars worldwide.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 oz green apple schnapps
• ½ oz Cointreau or triple sec
• Apple slice (for garnish)

Preparation:

• Pour the vodka, apple schnapps, and Cointreau into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with an apple slice and serve immediately.

Random Travel Thought

Even if my next big adventure is the local park, current events won't ever stop me from traveling. 

Follow me on Instagram.

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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