5 Apps Every Traveler Needs to have a Great Next Vacation

Mary Yohannan on

As a travel professional, I always want to book your dream vacations. While I manage all of your travel plans to a T, not all experiences are always plannable. Luckily, there are some great travel apps to help with just about any aspect of your trips. Here is the our list of apps we use at Life is Better Traveling.  

An App for: Speaking the Language

When traveling to foreign countries, be sure you are prepared with an app that helps you speak the common language. Google Translate is a lifesaver for any mono-linguist traveler. Translate from 103 different languages just by typing or drawing the word or phrase. Use your phone’s camera to hold up to street signs or even restaurant menus for instant translations. The best part is that the app works without using a wireless connection so you can explore data-free. Navigate with confidence and even learn a thing or two about the native tongue.

An App for: Maps & Directions

Don’t leave home without a solid navigation app for exploring. Apps like Maps.Me or City Mapper offer downloadable maps with turn-by-turn navigation, traffic updates and can even pinpoint local hotspots to check out. Explore points of interest from restaurants to tourist attractions, all with step-by-step directions. Even create driving, walking and cycle routes to save extra time, or just to take in the scenery.

An App for: Packing

Ensure you never forget a thing for their next trip. With apps like PackPoint, you can type in the destination and select the activities planned to create a customized packing list for the trip. It will even check the weather to make sure you are packing all the essentials. Share the list with your fellow travelers so nothing is ever left behind.

An App for: Chatting

Make sure always stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp provides free voice calls and messaging when they are connected to Wi-Fi. The group chat feature also allows you to share messages, photos and videos to share their experiences.

An App for: Time Zones

Never lose track of time again. With an app like Circa, travelling to multiple locations across different time zones has never been easier; find the best times for connecting flights and send invitations to other travelers in different time zones to meet up. Now you will never miss a beat no matter how far apart you are.

Recommending helpful apps shows that at Life is Better Traveling we go above and beyond, and care about every aspect of our client’s trip. Contact one of our agents to get started planning your next trip today. 

Thinking of planning a 2022 vacation but not sure where to start? Fill out the form below and one of our award-winning travel agents will get back with you shortly.

Prost! 5 European Cities for Festive Drinking

Mary Yohannan on

🍻 Prost! 5 European Cities for Festive Drinking

With international dance floors, sunny open-air plazas and cozy little pubs, Europe is the place to be for booze, wine and beer. While many countries and cities host a good party, few can compare to the unique imbibing experiences to be had in these five destinations.

Munich, Germany

We’ve all heard of Oktoberfest, the 16-day blowout celebrating the Royal Wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildurghausen. While the wedding may have taken place over 200 years ago, Germans still like to have a good time and continue to celebrate this tradition each year with beer, brats and fun near the end of September.

Not attending the festival? No worries, Munich is a great place to imbibe all year long with fabulous beer gardens like Augustiner-Keller, Hofbräuhaus München and Chineischer Turn, a park with a seemingly out of place Chinese Tower. One great way to see these stops is on a city bike tour, many of which visit the English Garden, home to Chineischer Turn, for a stein or two before calling it a day. 

Prague, Czech Republic

Famous for their beer, the people of the Czech Republic proudly tout the title of “number one beer-drinking country in the world”. According to U.S. News, Czechs drink an average of 241 beers per person each year so it’s no surprise that this destination is a great place to kick back and relax with your favorite drink. Beer is available at all hours of the day throughout the city, including breakfast cafes that serve Budweiser, Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen alongside your pastries and tea.

Mykonos, Greece

Sunny island by day, rockin’ nightlife by dark, Mykonos is world-famous for its round-the-clock fun. Home to 32 bars and 19 clubs, this small island is getting lots of attention thanks to Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club, a docuseries exploring Lohan’s life on her resort, Lohan BeachHouse Myknonos. Pierros, one of the world’s most famous gay bars, is another popular stop at this club-hopper’s haven.

Travelers visiting Myknonos will want to be sure to snap a pic next to one of the island’s 16 iconic windmills that were built by the Venetians in the 16th century.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Known for its romantic canals, relaxed atmosphere and infamous Red Light District, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is a top pick for nightlife. Amsterdam’s clubbing scene rivals that of Berlin’s with an endless array of inner-city clubs, some of which have 24-hour licenses, located within repurposed buildings. However, your trip to the Venice of the North doesn’t have to be filled with all-night ragers; Amsterdam also boasts a large selection of laid-back cocktail bars for relaxed and happy sipping.

Stockholm, Sweden

Birthplace and home to legendary DJs Avicii and Steve Angello, Stockholm is one of the greatest party places in Europe. Whether travelers are in search of atmospheric bars, bumpin’ nightclubs or impressive outdoor venues, they’re sure to find something to suit their imbibing needs in this fair city. Stockholm is home to many popular neighborhoods, each with their own niche: The Gamla Stan neighborhood is the perfect place to grab a drink in a cozy pub, Mariatorget is popular for LGBTQ entertainment, the Sodermalm district is known for its budget friendly deals and lastly, Medborgarplatsen is a neighborhood popular with students and heart of the city’s nightlife.

prost 5 european countries for festive drinking

Remember, Life is Better Traveling is always here to help you. We are a female owned, small business and every booking helps a local family. We thank you for your support and thinking of all of our agents during this time.

What is the third letter of the alphabet?

Passport Delays

Mary Yohannan on

The Countdown Begins: How to Keep Passport Delays from Affecting Your Travel Plans

Travel for 2022 is on everyone’s mind. At Life is Better Traveling we have seen an increase in inquiries for Spring Break 2022. If you are thinking of taking that Spring Break trip, we recommend checking your passport now. If it has expired, or will expire by September 2022, it must get renewed. But the delays!!

Here are some of the most recently asked questions we get so I thought I would share this valuable information with you.

How soon should I be planning ahead for travel?

If you need a passport, you should not be planning travel for closer in than 18 weeks. 24 weeks is the current waiting time for any passport activity, so we echo better err on the side of conservatism.

If you plan to travel before the summer of 2022, I strongly recommend that you get your passport applications submitted NOW. If you want the best deals and best flights available, you should be looking at six months to a year in advance. Last-minute travel has very limited availability, and you must be very flexible, especially if you are looking at traveling over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Why is passport processing delayed right now?

It all boils down to health being tantamount. The offices were closed during COVID and are still not operating at 100%. This led to a backlog in requests. Labor in every field has been impacted from the pandemic, and the Department of State is no exception. There’s only so much each person can do, which leads to a ripple effect of consequential delays.

Why is it important to have a valid passport?

Quite simply, because you can’t leave or enter the country without one. Especially as international travel tightens due to current circumstances, having buttoned-up credentials as to your identity and citizenship can only be an additional safety net. If you try to use an expired passport, you will be turned away at the airport. There are no exceptions.

Can you still book international travel without a passport?

While you can ‘book’ travel without a passport, it must be valid upon departure. The names and dates of birth must also match. So advisors can go ahead and close that sale, but should emphasize strongly that whether booked or not, you can’t travel without valid documentation.

Does travel insurance and Travel Protection Plus cover passport-related cancellations or if you are turned away due to an invalid passport?

The short answer is no.

How long should one’s passport be valid for?

Passports are automatically assigned or renewed for ten years at a time. However, bear in mind that for many destinations, your passport cannot expire outside of six months of your travel date. That means if you’re planning on traveling in December and your passport expires that same month, you may face issues returning home since it needs to be valid through June, which is six months after.

How do you submit a passport application?

The U.S. Department of State offers several options to apply for a passport, much of which can now be conveniently done from home. Your first step is to fill out the appropriate form, choosing from new applications, renewals, data corrections, or to replace a lost or stolen passport. Then you’ll need to gather your citizenship documents and get a passport photo taken and printed for submission. Be sure that it’s unfiltered, in color, not a selfie, against a white background, and that eyeglasses are removed, or it will not be accepted. You can view examples here.

What is the best path to getting a passport?

Life is Better Traveling recommends doing it all through your local post office and being prepared when you arrive. Go to www.travel.state.gov and print out the full application ahead of time so that it’s completed prior to your appointment. The post office can actually do the pictures and your application all at once and they will go through your paperwork to confirm that everything is filled out correctly. However, most post offices now require appointments, so be sure to plan ahead and make one!

What is the cost of a passport?

Passport fees vary, and expediting tacks on additional costs. A fee calculator and fee chart are available through the Department of State. First-timers who are 16 or older must pay an additional $35 on top of the $110 or $140 application fee that is standard. Passports for those under 16 cost less. And if you’re in a hurry, special services such as expediting may cost upwards of $60—another reason to get ahead of it.

Remember, Life is Better Traveling is always here to help you. We are a female owned, small business and every booking helps a local family. We thank you for your support and thinking of all of our agents during this time.

What is the third letter of the alphabet?

          

EU NEWS: NEW RESTRICTIONS FOR AMERICANS

Mary Yohannan on

Big news came out of the European Union earlier this week: the European Council, the body that defines the overall political directions and priorities of the European Union, made a recommendation to remove the United States from the list of countries where travel restrictions should be lifted for non-essential travel.

5 Tips for Staying Safe while at the Airport during COVID

Mary Yohannan on

2021 is going to be the year of getting way.  The Staycation is no longer something someone finds relaxing.  Afterall, 2020 was pretty much a nine-month Staycation.  Getting away for a long weekend is a great start, but people want to escape the colder weather to enjoy some vitamin D from the sun, which by the way sounds amazing right now as it is snowing outside my window.

If getting away to warmer weather means taking a flight to get there, then we have some tips for you on how to safe while getting around the airport.  Let’s dive right in!

  • Pack Accessible Sanitizer – I know this sounds like a no brainer, but many people overlook the simply things.  Pack your favorite sanitizing things in your carry-on.  You want to make sure they are in the carry-on that you put under the seat in front of you for easy access.  Some of my favorite simply sanitizing things are Wet-Ones, Sprays, and portable soaps. 
Washing hands at sink
  • Be mindful of social distancing in the airport – This all starts when you check your luggage.   Make sure that you are a good six feet from the person in front of you or behind you.  You can make a buffer with your suitcase in case someone starts to get too close.  The same holds true while in line for security screening.  Make sure to wipe down your carry-on’s after they have gone through the x-ray machine!

  • Avoid elevators, touching railings, and holding onto bars – Each airport is set-up differently so some of the things I am going to mention may not pertain to you.  However, every airport does have elevators.  Since an elevator is a confined space, I would try to avoid it.  If you need to use the elevator, then make sure that you and your family are the only ones on it.  Try to avoid touching railings including escalator railings, people mover railings, stairway railings, and of course, the railings between seats while sitting at the gate.  If your airport has a train that takes you to the terminals, then try to avoid touching the bars.  This is hard to do as the train moves fast and you might fall over, but another surface to try and avoid. 
gate seats at terminal
  • Avoid Clusters of People at the Gate – The age-old crowding at the gate.  Everyone wants to be one of the first people on the plane.  We have all seen it, and sometimes even been that person.  However, now is the time to avoid the crowd.  I have found that even sitting at an adjacent empty gate is good.  You can still hear the gate attendant call for boarding of your flight, while having a lot more space to yourself. 
  • Bring your own food and empty water bottle – It sounds simple, but by bringing your own food. You are avoiding another interaction area with large amounts of people.  Again, you want to put this food into your carry-on back that will go under the seat.  This gives you easy access to the food while at the gate and while on the flight.  An empty water bottle is great as it easily gets through security and many airports now have water bottle fill stations.  A cheap water drink for the flight. 

Flying in 2021 is going to increase immensely as the Staycation is no longer the way to relax.  The airports are doing their part to help keep their guests safe including increasing the number of workers sanitizing areas, and promoting social distancing.  However, it is still our responsibility to do our part and help out. 

Need help planning your next vacation? Nervous about traveling with the new regulations? At Life is Better Traveling we have a team of travel agents who are ready to help you plan. We have been staying on top of the new rules and regulations so you can have peace of mind when you travel. Contact us today by simply filling out the form below.

Travel Tips on Staying Safe while Traveling during COVID

Mary Yohannan on

How to pack a suit case

Travel is starting back up!  At Life is Better Traveling we have seen a huge increase in the amount of bookings for travel in 2021.  People really want to travel even if that means a long weekend at a hotel. However, our clients do have concerns about the safety protocols of their hotels. So we have put together some tips on how to stay safe when staying in a hotel?

1. Call the hotel – You should make sure to find out what the actual hotel you are staying at is doing to keep things clean.  The hotel chain may have their cleaning polices on their main website, but it doesn’t mean that all hotels are following those practices.  You should call the actual hotel and ask them what they are doing to ensure there is no contamination between guest. 

2. Wipe down your suitcase – if you just came off an airplane you might not even be thinking of all the surfaces your suitcase has touched.  It is a good idea to wipe down or spray down your suitcase before even bringing it into your hotel room.  Don’t forget to get sanitize those wheels and handles.

3. Take off your shoes – I know it is normal for some people to wear shoes around their house.  Your hotel room is your house when your away from your home so you may want to wear your shoes around your room.  Unfortunately, your shoes hold onto a lot of stuff including viruses.  That stuff then is all over your hotel room.  Anything that falls on the floor is subject to getting contaminated. 

4. Do your own sanitation – The hotel staff have many rooms that they need to clean so they may miss cleaning a remote control here and there.  I would recommend bringing your own sanitizing wipes to wipe down some of the commonly touched areas including:

  • Remote controls
  • Phone and end tables
  • Door Handles
  • Toilet seat and handle
  • shower and sink handles
  • desk top and any pens
  • books/brochures in the room
Wiping down remotes

5. Bring your own toiletries – I know that I use the toiletries at some of the hotels.  Many of them are great brands so why not!  Right now, might not be the best time to use all of the toiletries.  I would avoid using any toothbrushes, toothpaste, shared shampoos, conditioners, or soaps, and glassware or silverware that the hotel provides to you.  I would personally bring my own cups and throw away silverware, along with everything else I need. 

These are just a few things that can help you have peace of mind when traveling.  When in doubt wash your hands and sanitize. 

Need help planning your next vacation? Nervous about traveling with the new regulations? At Life is Better Traveling we have a team of travel agents who are ready to help you plan. We have been staying on top of the new rules and regulations so you can have peace of mind when you travel. Contact us today by simply filling out the form below.

This Week in Armchair Explorer: Caribbean cocktails, Mexican art and more

Mary Yohannan on

ARMCHAIR EXPLORER:  travel inspiration + your imagination

This week’s armchair-ready journeys and travel-inspired stories cover many topics, from tropical drinks you can make at home and Mexico’s exciting art scene to spending three perfect days in the Berkshires.

With any vacation, it’s important to embark on the journey with complete peace of mind. If anything should go wrong during your trip — such as a canceled flight, inclement weather or even a global pandemic — you can rely on us to address all your needs. Rescheduling flights, changing hotel reservations and assisting stranded loved ones in foreign destinations is just the tip of the iceberg.

Enjoy this week’s travel inspiration. And remember — Dream Now, Travel Later!

TROPICAL COCKTAILS TO MAKE AT HOME

Nothing says vacation quite like a colorful, fruit-filled umbrella drink that incorporates the island’s local spirits. While you’re awaiting your tropical getaway, here are a few tasty beverages you can easily prepare at home.

Click here for recipes.

TAKE IN MEXICO'S ART SCENE  

From the top-ranked museums of Mexico City to the graffiti art of Puerto Vallarta, here’s what

to look for on your next art-filled voyage south of the border.

Click here to dive in.

A WEEKEND IN THE BERKSHIRES         

Historic streets, farm-to-table cuisine and natural beauty can all be found in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. According to travel writer Stephanie Gravalese, here’s how to spend the perfect long weekend there.

Click here for the ideal itinerary.

INSPIRING TRAVEL BOOKS

Looking for something new to pick up at your local independent bookstore or download on your e-reader? Browse our favorite travel-themed titles for a healthy dose of wanderlust.

 
“The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton — This philosophical examination of why and how we travel goes around the world and throughout history to describe, in poetic detail, the pleasure of anticipating a journey, the magnetic allure of the exotic and the value of observation.

 
“Tracks” by Robyn Davidson — A frank and funny account of a courageous young woman’s journey through the Australian desert, where she learns a lot about herself and her companions: a dog and four camels.

 
“Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure” by Sarah Macdonald — A woman who vowed never to return to India returns to India. The resulting story is one of discovery and adventure in this land of beauty and chaos.

 
“Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness” by Edward Abbey — A real-life account of a famed writer spending a season working as a ranger at Arches National Park, where he attempts to experience nature in its purest form.

 
“Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time” by Mark Adams — Laugh-out-loud account of an adventure travel expert (who has never been on an actual adventure) attempting to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu.

RAVE REVIEWS

Real stories on how Life is Better Traveling travel advisors aided their clients during the outbreak and disruption of COVID-19.

 “Mary goes above and beyond to help during the process of planning (and cancelling) a vacation. Mary used her knowledge to get us the full refund from the hotel. But we will reschedule with Mary when this is over!”

Garraty Family

​New Jersey 

Look out for another installment of Armchair Explorer every two weeks! And feel free to contact Life is Better Traveling about any travel questions you have. Until next time …

 “The best dreams happen when you’re awake.”

-Cherie Gilderbloom

This Week in Armchair Explorer: Florida beaches, whale watching and more

Mary Yohannan on

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ARMCHAIR EXPLORER:  travel inspiration + your imagination

We’re back again with more ideas from the Armchair Explorer — along with a message of hope — to encourage effortless explorations from the comfort of your armchair.

As the current global situation continues to affect travel plans, it’s a good reminder how a travel advisor is there for you before, during and after your journey. Here we are before your journey, providing information and inspiration, to help you plan the perfect trip. During your travels, we are standing by your side ready to adjust travel plans or get you home in an emergency, just as we did for hundreds of our customers over the past few weeks. After the vacation, we discover what you liked so that our future suggestions are right on target, personalized just for you. Before, during and after — we are here for you, whenever you need us.

Enjoy this week’s slice of travel inspiration . . . and remember to Dream Now, Travel Later!

FIND YOUR IDEAL FLORIDA BEACH

We often daydream of lounging on a beach, the hypnotic surf singing a relaxing lullaby, your hand clutching a cold, colorful drink with a tiny umbrella perched at the rim, seagulls dancing in the wind above you and a smiling sun giving your skin a warm hug.

Florida is the ideal state to put you in this state of mind. Home to 663 miles of beaches in all shapes and sizes, it’s easy to lose yourself on the sandy shores. But with so many options, how do you know which is the right beach for you?

To find the answer, simply visit the Florida Beach Finder. Adjust the sliders on the page to choose from Adventurous or Laid Back, Family Friendly or Romantic, Action-Packed or Secluded, and Manicured or Agent Universe Naturel. The website then shows you the top beaches to fit your exact preferences, making it easy to zero in on your own slice of Florida paradise.

Will it be the glitter and glam of South Beach in Miami, the sparkling sands of Bonita Springs near Fort Myers, or one of the dozens of other beaches on the site? Click here to find out.

Link: https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/florida-beaches/beach-finder

FOUR PREMIER PLACES TO GO WHALE WATCHING

The behemoth surges upwards, higher than its bulk should allow, arcing into the air with its white throat pleats glistening in the sun. As it lands with a roaring splash, a massive, forked tail flips up, hovers momentarily as if waving, and then slides back into the deep waters with a whispered gurgle. Whether your name’s Ishmael or not, watching a whale surface is an unforgettable experience — especially at these four destinations.

Alaska — While more than 20,000 Gray whales will swing by on the way to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas of Northern Alaska, Humpbacks are the real draw here. You’ll see quite a show when groups team together and form large circles to trap vast shoals of herring, and then propel themselves upwards with mouths wide open.

Australia — Nearly 60 percent of the world’s whales can be found here, more than 45 species, including Southern Rights, Minke whales, Blues and Orcas. Unlike Alaska, they come down under to breed and raise their young in the shallow, sheltered waters of the Whitsundays and Hervey Bay, where you can spot the grand creatures from viewing platforms placed along the coastal roads.

Dominican Republic — Christopher Columbus noticed whales in the DR’s Samaná Bay and Silver Bank areas back in 1493, and visitors have been returning ever since. In the clear, Caribbean waters, you can watch the gentle giants swimming peacefully among the corals, or, if you’re feeling brave, you can snorkel beside the 40-ton Humpbacks and peer into their dark, dinner-plate-sized eyes.

South Africa — Watching Humpbacks and Southern Rights line up for an endless buffet of krill and sardines on the southern coast is, to some, even more rewarding than seeing African elephants and Cape buffalos on a game drive. You can often spot whales easily at outdoor cafes in the delightful company of a glass of Pinotage from Stellenbosch.

INSPIRING TRAVEL BOOKS

Looking for something new to pick up at your local independent bookstore or download on your e-reader? Browse our favorite travel-themed titles for a healthy dose of wanderlust.

 
“The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton — This philosophical examination of why and how we travel goes around the world and throughout history to describe, in poetic detail, the pleasure of anticipating a journey, the magnetic allure of the exotic and the value of observation.

 
“Tracks” by Robyn Davidson — A frank and funny account of a courageous young woman’s journey through the Australian desert, where she learns a lot about herself and her companions: a dog and four camels.

 
“Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure” by Sarah Macdonald — A woman who vowed never to return to India returns to India. The resulting story is one of discovery and adventure in this land of beauty and chaos.

 
“Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness” by Edward Abbey — A real-life account of a famed writer spending a season working as a ranger at Arches National Park, where he attempts to experience nature in its purest form.

 
“Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time” by Mark Adams — Laugh-out-loud account of an adventure travel expert (who has never been on an actual adventure) attempting to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu.

RAVE REVIEWS

Real stories on how Life is Better Traveling travel advisors aided their clients during the outbreak and disruption of COVID-19.

 “Mary goes above and beyond to help during the process of planning (and cancelling) a vacation. Mary used her knowledge to get us the full refund from the hotel. But we will reschedule with Mary when this is over!”

Garraty Family

​New Jersey 

Look out for another installment of Armchair Explorer every two weeks! And feel free to contact Life is Better Traveling about any travel questions you have. Until next time …

 “The best dreams happen when you’re awake.”

-Cherie Gilderbloom

Welcome to Armchair Explorer, your weekly burst of travel inspiration

Mary Yohannan on

ARMCHAIR EXPLORER:  travel inspiration + your imagination

A good dream should never be rushed. It takes time to explore the places our dreams take us, time to appreciate the escape and let that joyful serenity sink into our bones.

Due to our current global situation, time is something many of us have more of lately. It’s an unexpected benefit — a balm to help soothe the pain of disruption. Which makes now a great time to sit back, relax and let our minds wander free.

Each Thursday over the next few months, we’ll send you inspiring ideas to fill that extra time and those dreams with travel. We ask that you virtually and mentally explore from the comfort of your armchair, couch or bed, letting your mind wander the earth to sample a world of experiences.

When this crisis ends, and you are ready to turn those travel dreams into reality, you can rely on our agency. We are here for you, whenever you need us.

EYE-OPENING VIRTUAL TOURS

Pop in your Bluetooth earphones and visit breathtaking national parks, ancient and modern wonders, and some of the finest museums in the world. No lines, no bad weather — just you and your bucket list.

 U.S. Attractions

Tour the National Parks of the U.S.

The Georgia Aquarium

 
Wonders of the World

Hike the Great Wall of China

See the Northern Lights from Manitoba

Machu Picchu

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Taj Mahal, India

Tour of Japan

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Stonehenge, England

Petra, Jordan

The Colosseum, Rome

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

​​Museums

The Vatican Museum, Rome

The Guggenheim, New York

Getty Museum, Los Angeles

The Louvre, Paris

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

INSPIRING TRAVEL BOOKS

Looking for something new to pick up at your local independent bookstore or download on your e-reader? Browse our favorite travel-themed titles for a healthy dose of wanderlust.

 
“The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton — This philosophical examination of why and how we travel goes around the world and throughout history to describe, in poetic detail, the pleasure of anticipating a journey, the magnetic allure of the exotic and the value of observation.

 
“Tracks” by Robyn Davidson — A frank and funny account of a courageous young woman’s journey through the Australian desert, where she learns a lot about herself and her companions: a dog and four camels.

 
“Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure” by Sarah Macdonald — A woman who vowed never to return to India returns to India. The resulting story is one of discovery and adventure in this land of beauty and chaos.

 
“Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness” by Edward Abbey — A real-life account of a famed writer spending a season working as a ranger at Arches National Park, where he attempts to experience nature in its purest form.

 
“Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time” by Mark Adams — Laugh-out-loud account of an adventure travel expert (who has never been on an actual adventure) attempting to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu.

RAVE REVIEWS

Real stories on how Life is Better Traveling travel advisors aided their clients during the outbreak and disruption of COVID-19.

 “Mary goes above and beyond to help during the process of planning (and cancelling) a vacation. Mary used her knowledge to get us the full refund from the hotel. But we will reschedule with Mary when this is over!”

Garraty Family

​New Jersey 

Look out for another installment of Armchair Explorer every two weeks! And feel free to contact Life is Better Traveling about any travel questions you have. Until next time …

 “The best dreams happen when you’re awake.”

-Cherie Gilderbloom

Why you should visit the Vatican Museum

Mary Yohannan on

The Vatican Museum! 

Rome has so many amazing sites to visit but one of the most asked for tours when booking an Italian vacation with Life is Better Traveling is the Vatican Museum.  The Vatican museum has an incredible collection showcasing painting, sculpture, frescoes, tapestries and classical antiquities including Roman, Greek and Egyptian.  This huge complex consists of multiple galleries and museums.  The museums contain roughly 70,000 works, of which 20,000 are on display.

Vatican Museum

Picture: Pixabay

 

The popes were among the very first royalty to open their vast art collections to public viewing. Pope Julius II (1443 – 1513) began collecting sculpture during the Renaissance, early 16th century, and, ever since, most popes have taken an active interest in art and in commissioning the best artists of their time.  A vast collection of accumulated collections of religious art, papal portraits and, carriages and automobiles.

Two of the most popular exhibits that you will see when walking through the Vatican museum are The Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling decorated by Michelangelo and the Stanze di Raffaello decorated by Raphael.  Roughly six millions visitors a year walk through the museum and take in the beauty of what this amazing museum has to offer. 

Vatican Museum

Picture: Pixabay

 

 

If you are thinking of taking a European vacation, make sure to include Rome in your itinerary so you can experience the magnificent of this museum.  Simply fill out the form below to start planning.  

Remember, a Life is Better Traveling Travel Agent is here to help make your next European vacation amazing!

 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

 

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