Fly & Cruise Trip Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Travelers

April 12, 2024Posted in Destinations, General Tips, Information, Packing Tips, Things to Do, Travel TipsWritten by Leanna ShawLeave a comment

Are you gearing up for your first-ever fly or cruise adventure? Exciting times lie ahead, and to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey, we’ve compiled a handy checklist to cover all your bases. From identification essentials to packing tips and health considerations, here’s everything you need to know:

Identification:

Carry a valid passport (if traveling abroad) or government-issued ID (if traveling domestically).
Ensure your identification is up to date, with at least 6 months left before the expiration date at the time of travel.
Double-check that your reservation name and contact details match your passport or license.

Packing Essentials:

Pack appropriate clothing suitable for the destination’s weather and cultural norms.
Plan outfits for each day, focusing on reusing core clothing pieces and dressing in layers.
Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, a bathing suit, bug repellent, a hat, and a raincoat for sun and rain protection.
Remember, your suitcase cannot exceed 40 pounds, so pack wisely and leave room for souvenirs.
Leave valuables and expensive jewelry or watches at home to avoid any mishaps during your trip.
For international travel, bring along an international power plug adapter to keep your electronic devices charged.
Remember, liquids in your carry-on bag cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (about 100.55 ml), and certain items like Swiss Army knives and shaving razors are prohibited.

Medications and Health:

Pack essential medications in your carry-on bag, along with any necessary prescription documentation.
Consider carrying a small first aid kit with basic items like pain relievers and band-aids for emergencies.

Accessibility and Special Needs:

Inform your Travel Advisor about any accessibility requirements or special dietary needs before your trip.
Discuss any mobility concerns with your Travel Advisor to ensure accommodations are suitable.

Communication and Connectivity:

Contact your cell phone provider to inquire about international roaming plans or purchase a local SIM card for international use.
Enable international data and call services or utilize free communication apps while connected to Wi-Fi.

Money and Banking:

Notify your bank and credit card company about your travel plans to prevent any payment issues.
Carry a mix of cash, credit cards, and a backup debit card for emergencies.
If traveling abroad, secure some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival or withdraw money in the currency of your destination using a debit card.

Home Preparations:

Provide emergency contact information to a trusted individual and notify them of your travel plans.
Arrange for mail collection or place a hold on your mail during your absence.
Set up automatic bill payments or ensure they will be taken care of while you’re away.
Arrange pet care if needed.

Comfortable Travel Attire:

Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for security screenings and long flights or transfers.

Relax and Enjoy:

Embrace the excitement of your first trip and prepare to make lasting memories.
Keep an open mind and immerse yourself in new experiences and cultures.
Stay flexible and adaptable to any unforeseen circumstances, as they are part of the travel adventure.

Remember, this checklist serves as a general guide, and you may want to personalize it based on your specific travel plans and requirements.

We invite you to explore Starr’s assortment of cruise and fly vacations for exciting travel opportunities! Visit our website and start planning your next adventure today.

Bon voyage!

How Not to “Pack It On” When Getting Away For a Week or a Day

June 21, 2019Posted in General Tips, Travel TipsWritten by Christine DurlingLeave a comment

You’ve been doing your 10,000 steps each day, eating healthy, and just moved your belt buckle in two notches. You are feeling good and looking even better! Then your calendar reminds you that you are booked on one of Starr Tours fabulous day or overnight bus trips. No need to panic!

You can still maintain your weight and exercise regimen with a tiny bit of planning:

Weigh yourself before the tour date. This will be the guide to help you stay on track, especially when you get back home and see that you are the same weight or even less.

Carry some snacks with you. Those, of course, that will give you energy and fill you up between meals – protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Dried unsweetened fruits, nuts, packaged cheese/crackers don’t take up a lot of packing space. Be sure to make smart choices when choosing snacks at rest areas, too. Many rest areas will have packaged fresh fruits and vegetables for those mid-day munchies.

Drink plenty of water. While it will definitely hydrate you, it will also put the brakes on hunger. Remember, you may be moving a lot more while on tour which means your body will need more of boost.

Eat foods that you know aren’t too caloric. It’s probably not a good idea to experiment with large volumes of high fat foods. These foods may also slow you down on tour. Eat light and feel better!

Pace yourself. Most hotels offer a buffet breakfast. A trick is to walk around the buffet table first. See what looks appealing and then go back in line to make your choices. You are bound to eat less. If you’ve had a substantial breakfast, you may want to eat a salad and/or soup for lunch. When dinner is plated with large portions, it is a good idea to divide the food in half and ask for a “to go” box or share with your dining partner. Even though you are on the road, some hotels have microwaves and/or mini fridges that can safely hold your food perhaps for the next day’s lunch.

Move it – of course at your own pace! The team at Starr do an excellent job of planning multi-level attractions. Some have opportunities for a lot of walking while others have a minimum amount of walking. When stairs are available and you feel comfortable, take them. Most hotels have small gyms with treadmills, bicycles, and weights. Some hotels offer indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs. Even if you are not a swimmer just walking in the pool will work wonders for your joints and muscles while burning calories.

As the 2019 bus touring season revs up, I’m lining up my healthy snacks. . . see you on the road!

Christine Durling
Starr Tour Director

Conversation Starters

July 5, 2018Posted in Solo Travel, Travel TipsWritten by Melanie1 Comment

One of the most enjoyable things about traveling is the wonderful people you meet. Whether it’s across a continent or at a new coffee shop down the street, chatting with new people can be very rewarding. Starting conversations is hard, and continuing them is even harder. But fear not, because having great conversations with strangers is easy, and they can lead to some great new friendships.

Here are five tips for having great conversations:

Timing Is Everything

When starting a conversation, take into account the setting. If the area is busy and loud, you might not be able to keep your full attention on your conversation partner. Choose a person who looks happy, and make sure they aren’t busy. A conversation with a new person could be a wonderful and fascinating experience, but if the other person is in the middle of something, they can’t give you their full attention. Conversation with a new person is a great way to spice up a boring wait or a long bus ride, but can be awkward and annoying if it happens in the middle of a guided tour. If the setting is good, then it’s time for the next step.

Lead With An Observation

When starting a dialogue with someone new, it can be tempting to open with an introduction. This is a simple way to start a conversation, but it leads to a screeching halt after both parties say their names. Avoid the awkwardness by starting with an observation instead. For example, point out the great shirt they’re wearing or make a joke about the warmer weather. This is a great way to engage people in conversations other than the typical introduction. An observation can lead into a deeper conversation, and gives your conversation partner a chance to add on. When you compliment their coat, they can tell you where they purchased it, and before you know it you’re both talking about your favorite store. Then you can move on to introductions when it feels more natural and you’ve built a rapport already.

The Magic of FORD

So, you’ve started chatting with someone, led with an observation, and now you’re stuck. You’ve talked about the weather, introduced yourself, and the conversation has stalled. Welcome to the magic of “FORD.” FORD is a handy acronym that’s a great way to remember some great conversation topics. It stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams. These are all great topics to converse about when talking to someone new. Their answers may open the door to other topics, allowing you to learn more about them. Until you know the person better, FORD is a great place to start, and an easy way to identify common ground when chatting with someone new. When the conversation hits a lull, ask a FORD question. The answer is a great way to steer the conversation to something more personal, thus giving you a stronger connection.

Fight Awkward Silences

Everything seems to be going great in your conversation, and then suddenly it happens: the dreaded awkward silence. It may have been something you said, or a joke that fell flat, or nothing at all, but now the silence is in the air, and the conversation is dying fast. When confronted with an awkward silence, don’t let it hang. Use this time to change the subject. Ask a follow up question to something that was discussed earlier, or use another observation. Awkward silence can be a great way to incorporate a new topic to a conversation. Chances are, your conversation partner will be relieved to end the silence, and happy to chat about anything else.

Get Deep

It’s great to hear about the surface details of a person’s life, but the most interesting conversations I’ve had are when the conversation moves on a deeper level. This is a hard thing to do when you’ve just met someone, but a simple tactic is to ask them a “why” question. If they say they are a retired teacher, ask them why they decided to go into teaching. Their answer will be much more telling and interesting then if you asked them what grade they taught. “Why” questions are a great way to glimpse a person’s psyche and really helps understand them on a deeper level, and opens the door for much more in-depth conversations than simply talking about the weather. “Why” are great follow-ups when learning about someone’s hobby, home or occupation.

So there you have it! These are five ways to have great conversations with strangers. Hopefully you’ll use some of these on your next bus trip and meet a new friend! Your next great conversation is just a person away. On your next Starr vacation, take advantage of the wealth of new people around you, and get to know them a little. Your new best friend might be on this very trip!

Be sure to check out our other blog post – 4 Tips for Making Friends While Traveling Solo!

What are your tips for carrying on a conversation?

Ways to Go Green on Your Next Vacation

April 20, 2018Posted in green travel, Travel TipsWritten by MelanieLeave a comment

Contrary to what Vogue may tell you, green really is the new black. With Earth Day coming up, many of us are in the environmental spirit, but it can be hard to stay eco-friendly away from home.

The next time you’re exploring this beautiful planet, keep in mind these awesome travel tips:

1. Use Alternative Transportation
Forget trains, planes and automobiles. Did you know…

A couple traveling by bus will cut their carbon footprint nearly in half compared with driving even a hybrid car.
And if they take a bus rather than a plane, they will cut their emissions by 55 to 75 percent, depending on the distance they travel.
Buses emit the least carbon dioxide per passenger mile compared to other vehicles, and are 7 times more energy and fuel-efficient than single occupancy automobiles.
Buses are 3 times more efficient in reducing carbon dioxide output compared to commuter rail.
Buses are the most fuel-efficient transportation mode in North America when measured in terms of passenger miles per gallon of fuel providing 206.6 passenger mpg compared to commuter rail (92.4 passenger mpg), airlines (44 passenger mpg), and single occupancy automobiles (27.2 passenger mpg).

Switch up your usual style of travel and take a vacation by bus. It cuts down on emissions, making for a more fun trip with much cleaner air. Take a deep breath and enjoy the cool, clean clear air free of emissions and pollution.

2. Don’t Litter
Nothing wrecks a scene quite like a Coke can blowing in the wind. No matter where you are, it is awful to have a pretty picture ruined by some stray pieces of trash. Next time you have a wrapper, take the extra four seconds and toss it in a waste bin. You’re saving the view for others. Better yet…take care of someone else’s litter and improve the view for the next person.

3. Carry Your Own Trash
On a related note, sometimes you just can’t find a trash can. Whether you’re in a canoe, or on a long hike, it’s a good idea to bring a reusable bag to carry your trash. Whether it’s a bubble gum wrapper or your lunch debris, carrying a little extra trash can be annoying, but is worth it in the end. The earth and your fellow travelers will thank you.

4. Reuse Old Containers or Recycle Them
Reduce the clutter in your cabinets and reuse containers for other things. Old ketchup bottle? Clean it and use it for spare sunscreen! Recycle the ones you can’t use, but be sure to check to see what is recyclable in your area. Get to know your local Waste Management company to find out what is accepted in your recycling bin and what isn’t. For example, Mercer County, NJ only recycles #1 and #2 plastics and too much other plastic mixed into the batch could result in the entire batch getting tossed. “Understanding the seven plastic codes will make it easier to choose plastics and to know which plastics to recycle.”

5. Bring Your Own Water Bottle
In landfills, plastic bottles are everywhere. Cut down on your own personal waste, and save money by investing in a reusable water bottle. With countless colors and prints, you can even choose a pretty one. Stylish and environmentally friendly? Now that’s something I can get behind.

6. Pack Light
As anyone who has ever carried a heavy backpack knows, it can be a struggle. With sore shoulders, it can be a huge pain. But it is also a pain for the environment. The more weight on a vehicle (car, bus, plane, etc), the more fuel it uses. Every ounce counts, so save your back and your buck and forgo that extra four pairs of pants. The earth thanks you.

7. Bring Your Own Shopping Bag for Souvenirs
At the grocery store, we often hear the phrase, “paper or plastic?” Now, introduce a new option when you’re on the go. Bring your own reusable bags for souvenirs, and save the shop some money, and the world a few extra trees.

8. Go Digital Instead of Disposable
When it comes to capturing the perfect memory, there are a lot of strategies. Although many people are attracted to the convenience of a disposable camera, try a digital one on for size. It’s a long term option with great settings and HD. It can save the earth, and save your pictures – no print shop visit required.

9. Support Local Businesses
When out and about, it’s easy to go the Wendy’s or McDonald’s route rather than the local place. After all, we love something predictable. But trying out a local place is a new experience, it also helps support local businesses, and local farms. Take a bite out of the local agriculture and try Joe’s Grill for a change instead of Jack in the Box.

10. Leave the Aerosol at Home
Everyone loves the ease and quickness of an aerosol sunscreen or hairspray. It’s quick and effective, but it’s also torture on the ozone layer. Now, don’t forget the sunscreen, but protect your skin with a cream-based option instead. Every little bit helps. Even better, invest in biodegradable sunscreen to protect our oceans!

11. Avoid Paper Maps
In the wonderful age of technology we live in, there’s no excuse to waste money on heavy and wasteful paper maps. Print them out at home on recycled paper, or better yet, keep the information on your phone. Save a tree while exploring the forest.

This Earth Day, don’t leave the celebrations at home – take them on the go! Keeping it green at home or away!

What are your favorite ways to Go Green?

P.S. Go Greener with Starr!

Great Expectations! (NOT written by Charles Dickens)

March 1, 2018Posted in General Tips, Travel TipsWritten by Jane Peters Estes2 Comments

Everyone looks forward to a vacation and many of us expect that our travels will be absolutely perfect and without a care in the world. We envision the destination, often disregarding the journey required to reach it. While no amount of preparation, planning or detail-checking can ensure a seamless travel experience, here are a few tips to help you maximize your travel enjoyment:

Know where you are going. This may sound simple, but some people choose a destination without much thought, research, or investigation. This can lead to disappointment. For example, I once had a tour guest on a Vermont fall foliage bus tour who asked me, “When will we get to the casino?” I explained that there are no casinos in Vermont to which she responded, “Well, I can’t stand to look at any more trees!” Unfortunately, my passenger was not happy with her experience on the trip. In this case, the situation could have been avoided if she had simply read the itinerary.

Put down the camera. Once in a while, put down the camera and actually sightsee. You may think that taking a picture of that spectacular view, attraction, or sunset will preserve the moment forever. However, did you know a recent study found that people had more trouble remembering details of a scene if they photographed it? Those who just looked at it remembered 90% of the details; the ones who took a picture remembered only 78%.

Getting to know you! As society has become more fast-paced, and electronic equipment has taken over our communications, conversation between strangers has dwindled. But you never know who you may meet while traveling. On a recent bus tour, two couples reluctantly shared a table at lunchtime. During their conversation, the women discovered that they had been childhood friends, attended the same elementary school, and grew up in the same Philadelphia neighborhood! They had a wonderful time on the rest of the trip, reliving old memories and making new ones.

Expect the best; but prepare for the worst. Just because it is sunny on the morning your tour departs, that does not mean it cannot rain later. Basic essentials like an umbrella (I prefer disposable raincoats from the dollar store), sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, Band-Aids, aspirin, etc. are important items to pack and can easily prevent small annoyances from ruining your day.

Be flexible. While driving in Hawaii (before GPS was available), we missed a turn and ended up lost for quite some time. On the surface, this seemed like something “bad” had happened. But we ended up viewing the most beautiful scenery on Oahu’s northern coastline due to our unintentional detour. We all agreed it was the most breath-taking view of the entire trip!

Embrace optimism; it is your best travel companion! The definition of “optimism” – A cheerful frame of mind that enables a tea kettle to sing though it’s in hot water up to its nose!

Happy travels and I hope to see you on the bus this year!
Jane Peters Estes, Tour Director

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