September has arrived, and for a few days the new month brought some fall like temperatures and lower humidity to Coastal Virginia. I don’t know about you, but for me, it just stoked my wanderlust a little bit more. Had things gone according to plan, I would be spending this week sharing my adventures from Greece and Italy. Instead we’re all left dreaming about that next adventure, whenever it’s deemed safe for American’s to again journey abroad.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a few words that may help describe what you’re feeling while you’ve been grounded.

Wanderlust (n) – German – a strong desire to travel

Fernweh (n) – German – this goes a bit beyond wanderlust and is most often described as the opposite of being homesick – it’s the longing for far off places that you have never seen.

Trouvaille (n) – French – Something lovely found by chance – Perhaps it’s that cafe you stumbled across when you took a wrong turn in Lyon? It could be deserted beach you found while driving along the Amalfi Coast.

Vagary (v) – Latin – A wandering or roaming journey – hiking through the Swiss countryside or sailing down the Danube – which would you choose?

Coddiwomple (v) – Old English – to travel purposefully towards a vague destination – this sounds like the perfect way to spend a day in Ireland searching for castle ruins.

Derive (n) – French – much like Vagary or Coddiwomple – this is to drift unplanned, led only by the landscape and architecture around you

Resfeber (n) – Swedish – the mix of anxiety and excitement before a journey begins – this is the one I miss the most right now.

Sehnsucht (n) – German – A wistful longing for travels that have been and travels to come – I hope you would agree that it’s this feeling of sehnsucht that helps us get through until the borders reopen and we can once again grab our passports and resume our travel journeys.

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The Every Kid Outdoors (formerly Every Kid in a Park) program has been near and dear to my heart since the inception in 2015. Through this program 4th graders throughout the US can obtain a National Parks pass for free that will cover entry fees for themselves and up to three accompanying adults for National Parks and Monuments that charge per person, or for their entire car when fees are charged per car. The program runs each year from September 1  – August 31 to fall in line with a typical school year. Passes can be printed online by students, parents and educators. Students can even exchange the paper pass at certain parks for a plastic card that may be easier to keep track of when kept in Mom or Dad’s wallet.

With the challenges faced by all school children this academic year there’s no better time to enhance their education beyond the classroom. 4th grader or not, take advantage of the educational programs offered by the National Parks and turn them into what the park service has referred to for years as “America’s Greatest Classroom.”   With the large percentage of students learning virtually as well as parents working virtually, your comfort zone is your limit. Did you know that most of the National Parks and Monuments offer lesson plans and curriculum based on grade level (not just for 4th grade) that you can download from their website?

There are also field trip itineraries available, while some ranger led programs may be limited for the near future there are also self guided field trips and virtual field trip itineraries.

Imagine bringing their classroom (or zoom) lessons to life by taking a day trip from Coastal Virginia down to the Wright Brothers Memorial for a lesson plan on the Pythagorean Theorem?

A road trip out to Skyline drive offers curriculum for Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade and covers Science, Literacy, Language Arts, Math and Social Studies.

Will this be the school year you decide, as a family, to explore beyond their classroom? I’d love to help you plan!

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Thank you for the feedback and questions from last week’s article on travel photography. Based on the conversations I’ve had this past week, many of you are looking for more tips to improve your vacation photos when you are able to travel again.

Jennifer’s Travel Photography Tips, Part II

#6 – Many of us take hundreds of photos during the course of a day while we travel. By the end of the day, looking back on them it can be hard to determine exactly which overlook a particular photo was captured. As you change locations throughout the day take photos of signs or landmarks that can help you identify the photos that follow.

#7 – Don’t geo-tag the locations when you post photos to social media. While the information can be recorded for personal reference, many times sites are becoming overwhelmed by travelers looking to create the same shot. Here is a link to the article I wrote last year about the impacts of “social media fueled tourism.”

#8 – Including people in your photos can help to provide scale, especially vast landscapes or intricate architecture. A photo of a beautiful European door can be a work of art, however, without a person standing in the doorway, you may not be able to fully appreciate the workmanship that went into carving a 20′ masterpiece.

#9 – Get the entire family in the photo! Sure, selfies are great and sometimes you can easily find a fellow tourist to snap a shot of the whole family together, but why leave things to chance? Hiring a professional to join your family in destination for a quick photo shoot will leave you with stunning photos that you’ll be proud to show off.

#10 – Don’t leave those photos trapped in a device once the vacation is over. Display them! I’ve written many articles on keeping your vacation memories alive, let me know if you are still struggling and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Share your favorite photo by posting it to our Facebook page. You can also tag us on Instagram by using #VacationForGood or tagging us @SlaydonsTravel

Every day is a celebration or commemoration of some sort, yesterday was no exception, it was World Photography Day. According to the website “Every year on August 19th, World Photography Day (also known as World Photo Day) celebrates the art, craft, science and history of photography. The day also encourages photographers from around the globe to share a single photo that encapsulates their world.”

I’ve shared mine above. It’s a photo I took of my daughter in the Vatican Museums as she used “Mom’s big camera” and I was using my phone as a camera. I’ve found through our travels that letting our children use a camera to capture images along the way is not only a great way for them to stay engaged, but it also gives us a different perspective as well. They notice things from their vantage points that adults tend to overlook.

I also wanted to share with you this week some of my photography tips to help you take better vacation photos, even staycation photos as the case may be.

Jennifer’s Top 5 Travel Photography Tips

#1 – Rule of Thirds – the easiest way to make sure you’re following the rule of thirds when using the camera on your smartphone is to turn on the grid lines on the display. This will show you two vertical and two horizontal lines on your display. When framing the photo keep the subject centered on one of the intersections.

#2 – Keep the horizon straight – see the tip above on using grid lines, use them to line up the horizon to make sure it’s straight on your landscape shots.

#3 – Carry a lightweight tripod or stand for your camera. Even a pop socket on a smart phone can do the trick to help you keep the camera steady in low light or fast action situations.

#4 – Stay out late, or get out early – Even if you are not capturing the sunrise or sunset getting out early or staying out late will generally lead to more favorable lighting and fewer people.

#5 – Back up! Each night when you return to your hotel or resort make sure you back up your photos. If you are using a memory card take several on your trip and switch them out daily. Should your camera be lost or stolen you have only lost that day’s worth of photos that have not yet been backed up.

Share your favorite photo posting it to our Facebook page. You can also tag us on Instagram by using #VacationForGood or tagging us @SlaydonsTravel

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There is nothing that compares to a good book to transport you to a far off land when actually going to that far off land is still out of the question. I’m spending most evenings with my nose in a book. Usually I am able to get through 2-3 books a week on a good week, with a decent variety of subjects, but I love a good challenge.

Since we’re still grounded for the foreseeable future I wanted to share with you a travel related reading challenge that should help you through the doldrums of Summer. I’ve also shared my picks below each category.

A book set in, or about the destination of your last vacation.

The year of living Danishly – by Helen Russel

Anything by Peter Mayle

A book set in, or about the destination you were supposed to visit in 2020.

Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo & Michelangelo – by Stephanie Story

Honey, Olives and Octopus: Adventures at the Greek Table – by Christopher Bakken

A book set in, or about a destination still on your list of places to visit.

A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco – by Suzanna Clark

Whatever you do, don’t run: True tales of a Botswana Safari Guide – by Peter Allison

A book that has the word “travel” in the title.

Travel as a Political Act – by Rick Steves

The Art of Travel – by Alain De Botton

A book that takes place on an island.

In Search of the Craic: One Man’s Pub Crawl Through Irish Music – by Colin Irwin

The Jane Austen Society: A Novel – by Natalie Jenner

The Harry Potter Series – by J.K. Rowling (for the kids)

A book that takes place on a beach.

The Vacationers – by Emma Straub

Hoot – by Carl Hiaasen (this is a bonus book for the kids)

Want to join in for the month of August? I’d love to see your list!

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I love to cook with fresh fruits and veggies. A few weeks ago we were able to go blueberry picking at our favorite local farm. We had a great time at the farm and even came home with some yummy blueberry ice cream. I’ll tackle a lemon blueberry cake tomorrow, but so far we’ve simply enjoyed the fruit fresh, in salads and had several galettes.

Yesterday I stumbled across a farmers market in Norfolk as I picked my daughter up from art camp. They had a wonderful selection of local produce as well as several other unique vendors selling everything from local kombucha to “truly the best doughnuts” my daughter has ever tasted.

One of the things I love about traveling is being able to visit the local markets. I enjoy seeing the different fresh fruits and vegetables as well as the artisans and local crafts.

From the Christmas Markets throughout Europe to the markets of Southeast Asia there is a treasure trove just waiting to be explored. Do you have a favorite? Here are mine, in no particular order:

Seattle – Pike Place Market – known mainly for it’s “flying fish” at the fish counter – Pike is a veritable maze of stalls and storefronts that you could get lost in for hours. My favorite are the flower stalls with beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers just waiting to come home.

London – Borough Market – This is one of the largest food markets in London. While the current structure dates back to the 1850’s there has reportedly been a market in this spot since the 1200’s! It’s a great stop for a treat or local fare.

Paris – ah, Paris – from farmers markets to flea markets you could spend weeks exploring and never see it all. For an extra treat we can arrange for you to visit the market with a local chef before returning with your finds to create a fabulous meal

Christmas Markets – throughout Europe these are a staple for the Holiday season. Can you imagine a more beautiful evening than wandering from stall to stall, each stocked with unique and handmade gifts, with a mug of warm gluhwine in hand? Even better is returning to your nearby river cruise vessel docked nearby before sailing on to the next storybook village with it’s own unique market.

I’d love to hear about your favorite market experience!

We thank you for your continued patience and support throughout the past several months. We look forward to helping you plan your next vacation when you feel comfortable doing so.

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We’ve all been spending more time at home and less time on vacation than we would have liked this summer, right? What have you been doing to relive the memories from past vacations? Have you scrolled through the photos on your phone or computer? When is the last time you actually printed a photo?

I remember the excitement of the dark room when developing photographs and watching them materialize before my eyes. I can still close my eyes and breathe in the scene. As digital photography became the norm, more and more photos became trapped in our devices.

Here are some of my favorite ways to set those photos free for others to share as well.

#1 – Photo books – these make great table top conversation pieces. Yes, they are very time consuming to create if you want any control of the layout. There are companies that will take the photos you upload and lay them out for you. I prefer to do that myself to make sure they are in the correct order and more visually appealing. Services like Shutterfly, Snapfish and Chatbooks are all great places to start if you’re interested in making one of your own.

#2 – Canvas Prints – I like to have my favorite vacation photos printed on canvas to hang around the house. Admittedly, I’m running out of wall space. Gallery walls are another great option to get more photos on display in a small area. There are some great templates that you can view online to help you plan out sizes and layouts.

#3 – Displaying photos on the TV – when I’m working from home, or just around the house I like to sync my phone and TV so my photos scroll across like a screen saver. Sure, this doesn’t actually free them from the phone, but they get more air time than if I were to sit down and scroll through them

I hope this gave you some inspiration to go back and at least look through the photos from your last vacation, or perhaps even get some of them off the phone and seen a bit more often. What is your favorite way to display your vacation photos? Share your ideas by replying to this email or posting on our facebook page, bonus points if you include a photo!

This past weekend we packed up the family truckster and headed out of state for the first time since March. My brother lives in DC, but has a weekend getaway just over the West Virginia border where he’s been hunkered down for months. We decided that with the precautions we have each been taking that we could expand our social bubble for the weekend.

West Virginia was a welcomed escape, if even for the weekend. There were hikes, we visited an orchard which makes it’s own cider onsite, and we picked up his weekly order from the farmers market and meat from a nearby farm. The highlight of the weekend was sitting around the campfire roasting hot dogs and jumbo marshmallows before heading up to the deck to watch the flying squirrels.

When you are ready to get out of town, even for a long weekend just a few hours away here are some tips and ideas that I hope you find helpful

#1 – be prepared – while I am a huge advocate for traveling light when I fly, car trips are another story, I’m all for using the space you have available. The fewer stops you have to make along the way, or once you arrive the better. We packed a cooler and snacks help reduce our interactions.

#2 – be flexible – originally we had thought about a different destination for the weekend, still a road trip, but with infections on the rise this was the destination we felt most comfortable with at the time.

#3 – get outside – time spent outdoors in the fresh air was just what we needed after months at home. Even if it’s time spent in your own back yard, a few hours out in the fresh air and away from electronics will benefit the entire family

We thank you for your continued patience and support throughout the past several months. We look forward to helping you plan your next vacation when you feel comfortable doing so.

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Summer may not feel like it’s in full swing, but this past weekend marked the Summer Solstice. More travelers are returning to the air, with that come more questions regarding how to stay safer from Coronavirus germs as you fly. Of course there are no guarantees, but these steps on cleaning the space around your seat may help cut down on the germs you’re exposed to. As always, follow the recommendations on social distancing and mask wearing to protect those around you, and if you’re not feeling well, please stay home.

How to sanitize your airline seat

Step #1 – Board as early as possible to give yourself ample time to sanitize the area without holding up other passengers

Step #2 – Make sure you have disinfecting wipes handy, and that you’ve read the directions. Some recommend that the surface dry on it’s own for maximum effect, this can take several minutes

Step #3 – Use the wipes on the surfaces around your seat including:

~ tray table latch

~ both sides of the tray table

~ both arm rests, including all 4 sides and the button to recline

~ both seatbelt straps and latches

~ seat back entertainment screen and buttons (remote if offered)

~ overhead controls for air, light and call button

~ window pull – if you’re seated by the window

~ latch to the overhead bin if it’s not already open

Step #4 – Do not use the seat back pocket for your items, keep them cleaner in your carry on bag.

Step #5 – Sit back, lather on the hand sanitizer, adjust your mask, and enjoy your flight!

When you’re comfortable enough to start planning your next vacation we would love to help you.

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No doubt you are seeing conflicting headlines and articles when it comes to the current travel situation. Sometimes it seems like things are changing from one hour to the next, or even from one source to the next.

Luckily, that’s where the assistance of a travel professional is to your advantage. We are getting updates daily from trusted sources.

Perhaps you’ve read an article that indicates that “The Caribbean is open” and in some cases that is correct. However there are a myriad of different restrictions in place on different islands. Here are a few:

Temperature checks and swab tests on arrival

Certified proof of a negative Covid-19 test given 48-72 hours prior to your arrival

Hotels, restaurants, shops and even pools with only 30% – 50% occupancy permitted

Masks required on shuttles and public transportation, including taxis

Beyond the Caribbean there are very few destinations accessible to Americans. While Greece had announced weeks ago that Americans would be welcomed, that invitation was pushed back just this week beyond June. The Seychelles are currently open to American travelers, as long as you arrive by private jet and proceed directly to an authorized resort, yacht or residence.

Domestically there are still quarantine requirements of 14 days in Hawaii for anyone arriving from out-of-state through July 31st.

I’m certainly not sharing this information to talk you out of taking a vacation that you feel ready to experience. My point is to make sure that you’ve done your research and will really be able to experience the vacation you’ve been dreaming about.

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