TRAVEL BLOG
What's Juneteenth, you ask?
On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger and his soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, declaring, per General Order No. 3, that the war was over, and all slaves were free. Saying in part: "The people are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free."
I need to get away, where can I go right now?
Labor day is approaching and realization is setting in, another trip cancelled and another holiday spent looking at the same four walls. I get it, you want to just scream! Yet another reason 2020 needs to end asap! Some of us have ventured locally while others have decided to just get away. The question has come up numerous times, where can U.S. Citizens travel right now internationally?
Trying to decide which country is open, if you need a COVID-PCR within the last 3 days or 10 days or none at all can be overwhelming. I decided to do some research and share the facts. The most popular destinations that are welcoming U.S. tourists are primarily within the Caribbean and Mexico. Restrictions on foreign policies vary from country to country along with health and safety protocols which are often revisited and reevaluated on an ongoing basis. Most countries require a valid VISA issued by the embassy or consulate often prior to arrival. In addition, there may be restrictions on flights, tours and hotel availability. Be mindful, borders can close to U.S. citizens at any time. Don’t be discouraged, restrictions are gradually being lifted as cases improve across the world. Travel will return!
To keep it simple, I’ve compiled a list of countries that are accepting US citizens.
Africa:
Egypt
Kenya
Asia:
Cambodia
Maldives
United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Europe:
Croatia
Ireland
Turkey
North America & The Caribbean
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Mexico
Puerto Rico
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
If you aren’t ready to travel, start planning for 2021. Let me plan your next trip! I’ll keep up with all the travel restrictions, assist with obtaining a VISA, any necessary vaccines plus you have the option to make payments. Travelers are already booking travel across the globe!
When was the last time you checked your travel bag? I’ve created a packing list directly on Amazon with my absolute must haves when traveling. Shop the list directly from my website Amazon Packing List
Check back soon as I will share my packing hacks on how I travelled across Thailand and Cambodia with only a carry on!
Your favorite Globetrotter,
Mai
References - Yes I'm citing my work!
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
The World is Waiting for Us
One Day soon…
It's early Sunday morning, I'm wide awake thinking about everything that is going on around us. To relax my mind, I turn to one of my favorite comforts, looking over my previous travel pictures. Studying the vibrant colors, appreciating different cultures, experiencing tasteful cuisines with urban vibes, waking to a peaceful sunrise on white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. These awe-inspiring images remain ingrained in my memory. I know they are on your mind too as you stare at your luggage sitting in the closet or the corner of your room, wondering when you’ll be able to pack up and explore once again.
But the world is there, waiting for us. And it’s going to wait as we all take care of our health and wellness.
Because of COVID-19, I have had to cancel trips for clients as well as for myself. I understand all too well the disappointment everyone is going through. We were all looking forward to setting sail on the high seas, lounging by the water with a refreshing chilled cocktail, dining on impeccable cuisines from different countries, seeing and experiencing new things. It broke my heart to cancel my trip island hoping around Greece. I was supposed to be standing in Santorini overlooking the caldera at the end of this month!!
As a travel advisor, I can assure you that as disappointing as it is to cancel plans you’ve been dreaming of for months or longer, we will soon be back to exploring our world. It is waiting for us, and when it’s time, I will be ready to help you plan your dream trip. Whether you fell in love with Italy and can’t wait to go back or you’ve always wanted to go to island-hopping in Greece (deep sigh), the world will be ours to appreciate once more.
In all honesty, I think we’ll appreciate it even more than ever before. All these beautiful continents brimming with countries that have unique landscapes, notable landmarks, and soul-soothing food and culture will welcome us with open arms. While much does remain uncertain about travel in the current state of the pandemic, there is something you can be absolutely sure about. I am here for you and will always be as we get through this together. Don’t give up on your dreams of exploring the places that haunt your mind. I can help you plan them even now and then set a date for you when we’re back to our old globe-trotting ways.For now, we’ll have to make the best of it. Cruises will set sail again and planes will glide across the sky, making their way to these beautiful destinations. To fight that disappointment, start thinking of where you’d love to go when we are finally able to do so. Keep busy getting staying active, whether it’s on your peloton, virtual yoga or hitting the pavement. Moving the body does wonderful things for the mind and unites mental and physical wellness. Plus you will have the perfect vacation body when it’s time to travel again! My love and best wishes to you and your loved ones. Stay safe!
Maisha 'Mai' Harvey
Entrance to Angkor Wat, Feb 2016
Siem Reap, Cambodia
A country mostly made up of plains and great rivers, and located in the Indochinese mainland of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a travel destination that should certainly fall somewhere on your “top ten list” of countries to visit. Known for its historical temples, rich culture & vibrant city, there’s much to explore. During my time in Cambodia, I was able to visit the Temples of Angkor, & the Floating Villages. It was such an invigorating experience as I got to explore its history and community. Here’s a look inside what that experience was like, along with a few travel tips to consider before you go.
Cambodia is full of ancient temples, rich culture, and a vibrant spirit. It is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia and is most known for the Temples of Angkor. When I went to Cambodia I got to visit Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple complex in Cambodia and is the greatest religious monument in the world. The temple was built in the first half of the 12th century with an estimated construction time of 30 years. Ta Prohm is located southwest of the East Mebon and east of Angkor Thom. Its outer enclosure is near the corner of Banteay Kdei. It can be accessed by entering the monument from the west and leaving from the east entrance. Ta Prohm is where the popular movie Tomb Raider was filmed.
Standing in the Floating Village during dry season Feb 2016
Cambodia is also known for its Floating Villages. During my visit, we walked through the village filled with kids playing and adults walking around socializing as they are confined to commuting via boat during the rainy season. In the rainy season (June to November) water levels rise to just about the height of the structures. However, the best time to go is in December or January when the water level drops and you can witness temples and schools balancing on thick, wooden trunks
Top Destinations worth checking out: Temples of Angkor, Floating Villages
PASSPORT VALIDITY: Six months
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:. One page is required for entry stamp
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes
VACCINATIONS: None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: The import of local currency (Riel) is prohibited. When entering Cambodia, foreign currency amounts over US $10,000 must be declared.
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT: The export of local currency (Riel) is prohibited. Foreign currency can be taken out of the country up to the limit declared at customs on arrival.
** Information has been obtained from the US Dept of State and should always be utilized for the most current information on obtaining a Visa or Vaccines for US citizens** Visit here to obtain more information in addition to any Travel Advisories to Cambodia.
Have you noticed, international travel has become more like a way of life, rather than a luxury as it was deemed many years ago? With the increasing demands of everyday life, people are looking to travel to destinations that are stress- free, off the beaten path, away from many tourists and crowds. In recent years, Asia has become one of those popular travel destinations due to it’s inviting culture, beautiful beaches, historic temples & captivating jungles.
Over the years, I’ve spent an extensive amount of time traveling across the globe to many different countries. In my experience, Asia has captured my heart as it is truly a place that’s special. Whether you are a novice or avid traveler, here are three places to visit along with a few travel tips to help you prepare & enjoy your travels.
Sri Lanka is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. With a history of over 2550 years it consists of ancient palaces, historical monuments and beautiful works of art. Sri Lanka has eight world heritage sights and the Sri Lankans are friendly hospitable people which adds to the experience. One of those beautiful historical places to visit is Sigiriya. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. From Mirror Wall, to Water Gardens to Boulder Gardens to Terraced Gardens, Sigiriya has many aspects to explore.
During my time in Sri Lanka I also had the chance to tour a local farm. It was such a great learning experience. Sri Lanka produces thousands of tons of fruits and vegetables annually and exports them to destinations all around the world. The majority of their fresh products are targeted to the Middle East and the Maldives and about 75% of processed products go to the European market. Although Sri Lanka produces lots of fruits and vegetables, rice production is its primary form of agriculture. While the humidity, cool temperatures, and rainfall in the central highlands provide a climate that favors the production of high-quality tea. If you’re a tea lover like myself, Lovers' Leap Ethical tea boutique is a great place to visit and taste the many different Sri Lankan teas.
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea.
Top Destinations worth checking out: Sigiriya, Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Yala National Park
PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for six months from the expected date of departure from Sri Lanka.
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp.
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes! U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Once obtained, travel authorization allows entry for up to 30 days.
VACCINATIONS: Required for yellow fever if arriving from an infected area.
** Information has been obtained from the US Dept of State and should always be utilized for the most current information on obtaining a Visa or Vaccines for US citizens**
Visit here to obtain more information in addition to any Travel Advisories to Sri Lanka.
1. Travel agents are a convenient one-stop shopping
Things that make a perfect holiday include accommodation, tours, travel activities, meals, ground transportation, lodging, and so much more. A travel agent can organize all these for you at an affordable price.
2. They can offer New insights
Travel agents can propose astonishing traveling tips and ideas you could never have thought of by yourself. They are in the business for different reasons, and I believe one of them is to make every expedition you engage in remarkable.
3. Hiring a travel agent will Save you time
Planning a retreat is a tedious and time-consuming procedure. Let a qualified travel agent handle everything from booking trips to arranging travel activities for you.
4. It relieves stress
Missing little, yet crucial, details while planning your trips can be incredibly devastating at the last minute. Hire a travel agent and rest assured that everything will play out correctly.
5. They are travel experts in every sense of the word
Travel agents ceaselessly attend seminars, acquire new professional certifications, and travel around the world themselves. They are experts at choosing destinations, transportations, and accommodations.
6. They have first-hand knowledge of arising travel news
Travel agents communicate with travel suppliers on a regular basis, so they have every up-to-date info such as new policies and latest itineraries.
7. They can help you with travel documents
Different countries require different travel documents from foreign tourists. Bearing in mind that Travel agents know every country’s policies, they can help you get the right documents in order.
8. They act as advocates
In case something unfortunate happens while you travel, a travel agent can serve as your advocate to make sure proper resolves are made.
9. Added value benefits
There are hundreds of added value benefits that travelers know nothing about. Only travel agents can take full advantage of these special treatments.
Ever wondered why the couple in the next cabin got free champagne every night but you did not? They probably used a travel agent.
10. Customer service
No travel website can help you out with all the above. Even more, that peace of mind and personal touch felt from working with a travel agent is irreplaceable. Find a travel agent with your best interest at heart and never stress over anything travel-related.
