BABY BOOMERS ARE CONTRIBUTING TO A BOOMING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MARKET

This May, the U.S. celebrates Older Americans month, but it’s clear that age doesn’t curb seniors’ desire to see the world, and travel is currently quite strong in the nation’s mature market.

And it makes sense. We’re talking about a generation that came of age in the ‘60s, rocked to the Beatles, began the Earth Day movement and traveled around the world in droves to discover new destinations and the people of each country, with backpacks in tow and youth hostel guidebooks in hand.

And their sense of adventure hasn’t waned.

Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in personalized small group and solo travel for Americans ages 50 and older, encourages travelers to seize this eternal spirit of adventure through its 2024 Small Group Adventures to diverse, discovery-rich locations around the world.

According to an AARP survey of the 50-plus generation, most older travelers (85%) rank travel in their top three priorities for discretionary spending, much higher than other types of expenses. Forty-three percent (43%) plan to take an international trip within the next three years, and 30% anticipate doing so in the next year.

“Older travelers in particular will continue to make up for lost time by exploring the world in 2024,” said Brian FitzGerald, CEO of Overseas Adventure Travel. “Our travelers tell us that unique itineraries at great value are most appealing, and our company continues to deliver that combination.”

From the company’s time-tested favorites, such as its Ultimate Africa safari or Sicily’s Ancient Landscapes and Timeless Traditions, to exciting new destinations, including Romania, Bulgaria, and the Azores, there is a world to discover traveling with the company in 2024. Travelers enjoy a journey off the beaten path in small groups and experience intimate cultural encounters, meeting people where they live and work for a real and unfiltered view of local life. For many, it will be a hark back to the travel experiences they enjoyed during their youth.

Cruising continues to be a popular mode of travel, for obvious reasons both for young and old—unpack once and see the world from the luxury of your cabin, with on shore excursions that take you in comfort to the highlights of each destination. Travelers can explore remote ports from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, enjoying direct access aboard privately owned 50- to 98-passenger small ships in small ports large cruise ships can’t access. O.A.T. travelers step ashore in a small group of no more than 25 travelers for authentic local experiences.

Solo travel remains strong, especially among women travelers

Traveling solo on many cruise ships can be a challenge. But not with O.A.T., which is offering 23,000 single spaces in 2024 across all adventures. For solo travelers, the company’s free or low-cost single supplements translate to hundreds of dollars in savings, making these trips very attractive to solo women. The small group size on these voyages makes it easier for solo travelers to bond with other members of the group. For 2024, O.A.T. is offering 12 exclusive women-only departures of its most popular adventures – an opportunity to enjoy the special camaraderie of exploring with some like-minded intrepid women travelers.

To learn more about O.A.T. or to reserve travel, visit www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

ABOUT OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Established in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel.  In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwide—among them, 100 schools, in 50 countries. The Foundation is an entity of the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $250 million since 1981.

Please note: This post was not compensated by A.O.T travel. In our research of the best cruises for senior travel, this company definitely came up as one of the best!

ARE WE READY TO START TRAVELING? GUEST COMMENTARY

Are You Ready to Start Traveling? Three Questions to Ask Yourself

By Wally De La Rosa, Money.com

July 7, 2021

Although it’s been a while since we were last able to brandish our passports at the airport or take out our nice luggage for a spin, increased vaccinations and a slowly-rebuilding economy is putting travel points, destinations, and hacks back on the map for many Americans.

Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies joannedibonaphotography.com

After what feels like living a few years below ground, COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures are finally easing up as more people get vaccinated across the country, and nations begin to explicitly open up their borders for leisure travel.

It makes you wonder: Am I ready to start traveling?

To help you decide, we’ve gathered three short questions to help you determine the best approach to retake your anticipated travel plans.

Question #1

Am I fully vaccinated?

Quite surprisingly, the U.S. predicts around 53% of their population will be vaccinated at least once by early July, but many Americans continue to have doubts about the safety of the vaccines.

The CDC recommends delaying all unnecessary travel, including leisure and business travel, and to take full precautions when traveling due to reasons outside your control until you are fully vaccinated. The same is true for travelers bound to or from Europe.

COVID-19 has disrupted the way we go about our business, from commuting to grocery shopping, having dinner, and traveling. This just to say: Businesses are doing their best to adapt to a very fragile and complicated public health situation and we should try to understand that. 

Yes—it is frustrating that it’s been so long since we last set foot on foreign land, but we’re okay. We’ve made it. Now it’s just a matter of asking ourselves: 

Question #2

Do I have a plan?

Do you know where you want to go? Before choosing a destination and setting a date for your adventures, do some research, read up on any official COVID-19 response statements emitted by the country’s government to ensure a smooth entry with little to no setbacks.  

© Joanne DiBona Photography joannedibonaphotography.com

Over the course of the pandemic, almost half of people worldwide have put their travel plans on hold, and a similar amount have outright cancelled their trips and asked for rain checks for fear of catching the virus in the air. Airlines have continuously reassured us that properly ventilated airplanes pose a minimal risk to passengers as long as they are fully-vaccinated, wear masks, and keep a safe distance from other passengers, although traveling is not 100% safe still. 

While most of us have no problem with staying put a little while longer until things get better, many people have a necessity to travel due to business, health, or family emergencies. 

Though the outlook isn’t very clear, having a solid backup strategy is essential during this period.

Question #3

Can I wait a little longer?

Diving back into travel after such a long time doesn’t just feel like a lot, it is! 

There are many questions on traveler’s minds right now, and a  lot of the uncertainty brought on by COVID has made people hesitant to travel if they can agree to wait a little longer—which means a lot of us have been putting it off for a few months, too many! 

But waiting a bit can actually have a positive effect on your overall trip, if you can dispose of some time to plan and budget accordingly. 

For those who want to take some extra months to save up for their trips, now might be a good time to start clearing off items from your credit report, so that when the time comes, you can use a rewards card to make the most of your expenses abroad. 

A few more months of waiting can help you save an additional couple hundred dollars to play with when you finally set sail, and that extra time can be put to good use by researching your destination fully and finding the best green alternatives to enjoy on your travels.

JOANNE'S TRAVEL TIPS, FOR FUTURE TRAVEL OR TO ENJOY NOW

BACKPACK IN STYLE

For those of you who have followed my “packing light” travel tips over the years, you’ll notice that a backpack is a mandatory part of my traveling arsenal. Unfortunately, I had to resign myself to not making a fashion statement as I traveled around the world on my press trip adventures.

Well, not until I discovered the chic London Backpack, by The Casery.  Now I can finally travel in style, at least where my backpack is concerned.

It’s hard to make a large backpack look chic, but the London Backpack definitely does a great job. In addition to providing ample room for everything from my laptop computer and cell phone to my bulging make-up bag, I love the stunning rose gold hardware and zippers (what a classy touch) and sleek style. It even keeps my identity safe with RFID-block lining!

As a welcome extra, it has a travel-friendly sleeve on the back so you can slip the pack over your roller bag handles, making that oh-so-common airport sprint so much easier.

Did I mention it is constructed of beautiful vegan leather, available in black, grey and pink. Here’s to practicality and style in one handy pack!

THE BEAUTY IN WATERCRESS

One of my favorite salad toppings, when I can get it, is watercress.

That being said, it shouldn’t have surprised me when I learned about a new beauty product that actually uses its powerful anti-oxidant properties to develop a “Superfood Beauty Oil” with the catchy name, “Sacred Mama.”

Frequent and long travel in the dry air of airplanes, plus a pretty cold winter even here in Southern California, definitely took its toll on my complexion these past months. I am very particular about what I eat, as well as what I put on my skin, so any beauty product I buy has to be pure and free of chemicals.

When I read the ingredients on the label of Sacred Mama, I was sold.  The oil combines 17 natural and organic plant-powered ingredients chock full of vitamins, enzymes and natural oils. Watercress has been known to promote the production of Type III collagen, so important in recharging one’s skin for a smooth and youthful appearance. Already after just a few weeks of daily use (4-6 drops), I’ve noticed a definite improvement. It has a wonderful aroma, too, which one would expect from all those natural oils.

As my mother wisely said, “You are what you eat.” How surprised she would be to learn the same principle applies to your daily cosmetic regime!

MY FAVORITE WATER BOTTLE FOR TRAVEL

We’ve all seen those disturbing photos of the mounds of plastic that pollute huge expanses of our oceans, which is why my family and I try to avoid all items that may end up in a landfill, or, most distressingly, in our waters.

My car trunk has an entire case filled with reusable bags of all shapes and sizes, and I’ve not asked for a plastic bag in a store for well on ten years now.

So why would I carry, and throw away, a plastic water bottle?

I don’t.

I take a Hydaway bottle wherever I travel. First of all, it is collapsible, which means it conveniently fits in my pocket when I am going through security. Then I just take it to one of the many water stations most airports offer and fill it to the brim. When we are trekking through countries and cities on our press tours, I attach it to my back pack with a carabiner so I always have my water supply available.

As an added note, these collapsible bottles are BPA-free, taste-free, odor-free, and dishwasher safe. Do your health—and our world—some good and make this handy bottle your best friend.

Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.

AMTRAK RAIL ADVENTURE: SAN DIEGO TO OAKLAND, WITH STOP IN SANTA BARBARA

This is one of many spectacular views you will see on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight as you make your way up California’s Central Coast.

If you love train travel, and live in or are visiting California, we can highly recommend our recent adventure, DESTINATION OAKLAND BY RAIL article, originally published last month in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

To view the photos we captured during this trip (remember, a picture is worth 1,000 words!), check our AMTRAK ADVENTURE, SAN DIEGO TO OAKLAND gallery on our Joanne & Tony DiBona photography site.

For a first-hand view of this experience, take a visual journey in our recent post at USATODAY 10BEST

All aboard!

FROM FASHION TO TECH GADGETS, WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE TRAVEL EASIER IN 2020

Scarves Rule

Since my husband and I travel exclusively with one carry-on bag each, no matter how many days/weeks we are on the road, I’m always on the lookout for items that add style to the simplest outfit. For ladies, scarfs are the key to looking stylish without taking up too much room in my small suitcases (I’ve been known to get by on a two week cruise with a simple black dress, a few tunics and leggings, and a selection of scarfs--and no one was the wiser!)

One of my current favorites thanks to its quality (silk and cashmere options) and a wide selection of beautiful patterns is the scarf collection by Scarflings, which boasts a product line of over 400 scarves. Available in a wide variety of sizes and patterns, the scarves are versatile, giving women a simple way to change their entire wardrobe and look by simply adding a scarf.  I took this lovely scarf on a recent cruise and wore it draped across my shoulders for special dinners on board, as a shawl to keep warm on my morning walks on deck, and even as a swim suit cover up for lounging by the pool. Talk about versatility and style—without taking up that precious luggage space.

Made to Order

Leggings and light-weight pants are in integral part of my travel wardrobe. So when I came across the RedThread Ankle Pant, which can be custom tailored to a perfect fit based on my exact measurements, I was totally intrigued.

Being on the tall and leggy side, I’ve never really had a pant that gave me a length that didn’t stop above my ankle and wasn’t baggy in other areas. But I gave up on finding the ideal pant years ago….until I learned about RedThread. This San Francisco-based company makes it their mission to guarantee their customers a beautiful fit. Their 3D scanning studio can automatically detect your measurements from just a few photos, or you can use their easy diagram and a measuring tape.

To ensure complete customer satisfaction, RedThread also offers a generous “Try Before You Buy” program. Just pay $4.99 shipping and try out your custom piece for one week. Love it? The balance will be charged to your credit card. If not, RedThread will refund the full amount.

Now that’s a return policy you simply can’t resist!

It used to be that only the rich and famous could afford tailor-made clothes. This company’s logo is “Join our mission to create a size-less world.”  

And that they did.

The Silk Road

Each night as we returned to our luxurious cruise cabin after dinner, I found that the attentive stewards on our Viking Ocean Cruise had placed my beautiful Papinelle silk nightgown on our bed. What a romantic gesture indeed!

Did you ever find an article of clothing that you loved so much you wonder why you waited so long to add it to your wardrobe? That’s how I feel about the Papinelle pure silk slip/nightie I brought along on my recent Viking Ocean cruise through the Mediterranean. Papinelle is an Australian sleepwear and lifestyle brand, launched in 2003, that has made its mark by creating comfort nightgowns and pajamas that also bring a bit of luxury to the bedroom.  My nightie felt so light soft on my skin, owing no doubt to the high quality of silk used to create it.  Papinelle prides itself on using sustainably sourced, natural fibers to create its collection.

Worn and endorsed by the likes of Emma Roberts and Jessica Alba, you can find the sleepwear collection at Nordstrom department stores. Or let your fingers do the walking and log on to the Papinelle website and explore what a luxurious experience such perfect sleepwear can offer.

Needless to say, I’ll never go back to flannel jammies again!

And On to technology. ..

Technology is every traveler’s friend, but with the boggling array of tech items popping up each day on the market, it isn’t easy at times to hit upon a product that is right for you. Here are some “winners” we came across recently we’d like to share with our readers.

A Mighty Mount

While most of our travel is done in the air, we do often travel by car (in our reliable Ford Escape) to cover travel destinations here in California and surrounding states.  That is when we heavily rely on our phone’s Google Maps to direct us smoothly to our destination.

We’ve gone through numerous car mounts over the years, none of which were ideal. We learned to hate windshield suction models, as they inevitably lost their grip eventually and fell off in our laps (not to speak of obscuring our vision of oncoming traffic due to their position on the glass). The only place on our dash board to mount a phone was on our heat/air-conditioning vent, but we never found a system that used that option effectively until we learned about Pure.Gear’s wireless car charger vent mount.

This is a self-gripping system, as the arms close automatically when the wireless charging pad senses your phone. It’s in the perfect position, right there on your vent next to the steering wheel, to offer a safe view of your phone (and maps) while exploring unknown roads while driving.

Let’s Communicate

If your travels take you around the world, as ours do, you can’t always assume you will be able to communicate with locals in English every place you visit. While we used Google translator in the past to get us through some interesting circumstances in our travels (like ordering lunch in rural Japan or buying cold meds in a Slovenian village), the process wasn’t ideal since you had to refresh each time you wanted to read or send a translation.  The activity also gobbled up our phone’s precious battery life.

That’s why we found CM Translator an ideal alternative for our next foreign trip, no matter where we venture, as it currently supports a whopping 42 languages. Weighing a mere 2 ounces, it slips conveniently into your pocket or purse and when fully charged, the battery has an amazing 180 days of standby time.

The company logo is “One Click….one World” and we can see why. Just press and hold to start a 2-way real-time instant translation.  We tried it out with our cousins visiting from Sicily and it works like a charm (and we learned a few expressions in the meantime, so it is also an excellent language learning tool). We’re anxious to try it out at our next exotic travel destination and will report again in detail on our experience.

Keep Charged Up

If you’re like me, you have a drawer filled with chargers of all shapes and sizes, none of which charge up our arsenal of electronics quickly enough while on travel. That’s why I jumped at the chance to test out the British-made MuOne, the world’s thinnest 45 Watt universal charger for smart phones, laptops, notebooks, and similar devices. With its embedded detection circuitry, the MuOne can identify the connected device and deliver the correct charging parameters for it. Its compact size makes it an ideal traveling companion, as it can be slipped into a pocket or easily packed away.

Since I travel internationally quite frequently, I use the MuOne International which is equipped with three interchangeable, foldable, low profile power plug adapters for the US, UK, and Europe. It can be used in over 200 countries, so no matter where in the world your travels take you, chances are you can charge up in lightning speed with this handy product.

Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.

JOANNE'S TRAVEL TIPS: STAYING CONNECTED & TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

A TRAVELER’S BEST FRIEND

Having a reliable internet connection while on the road is important to any traveler, especially for journalists. While many tech pundits claim that free WiFi is available all over Europe, we had just the opposite experience during our recent cruise down the Rhine river and subsequent week-long trip through Switzerland and Italy.

That is why, this time around, we decided to give VisionGlobal WiFi, an international, pocket-sized portable WiFi hotspot that works without SIM cards or cables, a try.

It became our best friend as we traveled from Amsterdam to Basel on our cruise. While we did have complimentary WiFi on board, it was often inaccessible as the ship meandered through gorges and remote areas down the river.  Thank you, VisionGlobal WiFi, for giving us access during all those dead spots we encountered!

The device also became our salvation while we traveled by train through the formidable mountains of Switzerland, which otherwise often blocked out any cell phone reception.  But we happily were able to access Google, as well as our social media accounts, thanks to this amazing device.

VisionGlobal WiFi offers a variety of plans to service your needs, depending on your length of stay and internet plan. Feel free to call them at 1-424-219-9224 for live help in designing the best plan for your travel itinerary.

As working journalists, it was such a pleasure to be able to effortlessly access the internet to download maps, research visitor information, keep up with email, and post our travels on social media in any situation. Whether we were on a bus, train, or walking along Europe’s city streets, we certainly appreciated our effortless internet access along the way!

WALKING ON AIR

I’m always on the lookout for lightweight shoes I can pack in my carry on, which is the only way we travel. The Boulder-based Lems shoe company knows exactly what I mean. Their minimalist footwear mimics the natural shape of the human foot and is designed using the bare minimum, which makes for the perfect shoe to stuff into your luggage.

I trekked through Europe with Primal 2, a fantastically comfortable hiking shoe which, despite its light weight, stood up to all the rigors of travel….from walking over endless cobblestone streets in Italy to hiking the trails of the Swiss and Bavarian Alps. It’s made of microfiber and air mesh and features a full length rubber outsole. Another great feature for weary feet is its innovative design, which naturally spreads the toes to avoid many common foot ailments.

Another great feature, which I learned when I accidently slipped into the Rhine River as we were hiking along the shore, is that these shoes dry super-fast!

Oh, and did I mention they are vegan-friendly? So if you’re ready to hit the trails or the city sidewalks in comfort and style, these shoes are, indeed, a perfect fit!

Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.

JOANNE'S DECEMBER TRAVEL & HOME PICKS, FROM TRAVEL SUITS TO HOLIDAY SMART LIGHTS

All suited up

It’s not easy to be a travel journalist when your goal is to travel light. My husband Tony and I share the pain. He carries our heavy camera equipment in a backpack and packs his wallet, cell phone, and our passports, etc. in his beloved ScotteVest.

My backpack carries my 15” laptop, wallet, printed itineraries I may need (you can’t always ensure that you will have internet connection) and my cosmetics. That leaves two small carry-on bags in which we need to stuff a variety of clothing options. This includes some “dress up” items for cruises, special events, and those press trip itineraries that require somewhat more than jeans and T-shirts.

For any man on the road needing a suit, we can highly recommend the affordable Haggar “Active Series” line. This suit is super light-weight (so important if you are carry-on only travelers) and features an amazing stretch fabric designed to move with you all day, no matter what your activity. This includes a waistband that flexes 2 inches, perfect after a multi-course meal.

The fabric is wrinkle-free, so important for us folk who live out of suitcases, and boasts a state-of-the-art ventilation and moisture-wicking system. Bottom line is, this amazing suit will stretch with you from the airline seat to the board room and to activities beyond.

For a suit that moves with you all day, is lightweight, and looks sharp, this is definitely our recommendation.

Better safe than sorry

As frequent travelers, we know the importance of protecting our home while we are touring the world. As such, we are always on the lookout for innovative products to enhance our home security system.

If you have a notion to improve your home security, the NOTION is for you!

The Notion is a small, Oreo-sized sensor that you can place around your home to monitor various activities. Notion can tell you when someone enters the door, opens the garage, tries to access a liquor cabinet or opens a window while you are away. But most importantly, Notion sensors can quickly recognize water leaks almost immediately, temperature changes and smoke alarms going off, sending alerts to users via a mobile app, helping to prevent severe water and fire damage before it’s too late. 

Set up was simple. The instructions lead you through a simple calibration mode, using your smart phone, for each component as it is installed. The first application was on our garage door, a prime spot since we often forget to lower the door especially when we’re in a hurry. If we aren’t sure if we closed it, all we need to do is refer to the app to check the status.

We also placed one on the floor next to the water heater. In the event of a leak (this happened to us a few years back and we came home to a flooded kitchen), we would be immediately notified via our phone.

Check it out. Better safe than sorry, as the old adage goes.

Home for the holidays

Since cooking is my passion and the holidays are coming up, I couldn’t resist telling you my latest and greatest find, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven.  For years, we’ve used a deep-fat fryer to make a few favorites such as fried calamari (a favorite in our Italian American family over the holidays), shrimp, and French fries. We were, however, careful not to use it too often because of the fat content that inevitably comes with the process.

When I discovered this Cuisinart product, I knew I hit the culinary jackpot. Not only does this attractive stainless steel appliance bake, broil and toast, it also lets you air fry right inside the oven! This means I could toss my aging toaster oven and greasy fat fryer (which needed constant cleanup and a new gallon of oil after just a few uses) and place this kitchen workhorse on my counter to satisfy a wide variety of culinary applications.

Our delicious coconut shrimp, right out of our Cuisinart air frying oven!

The true test came when my husband made his favorite recipe—coconut shrimp. I must admit, he was skeptical that he could get delicious results just by spraying a light layer of olive oil over his breaded shrimp and popping it in the air fryer for ten minutes. But he was sold when he saw, and tasted, the outcome.

Air fying is the way to go for a healthier diet, and this oven does it all in one attractive stainless steel unit. Bon appetit!

Twinkly Lights for the Smart Home

You know you are in a brave new digital world when holiday lights go high tech!  Gone are the days of buying those cheap strings of lights that are so frustrating to unravel and inevitably crash after one season of use-- if you get even that.

We decorated our outdoor tree with two boxes of Twinkly 56 LED lights in less than 20 minutes! I can change the colors at a whim with my smart phone. Too cool!

In comes the Twinkly series of products, a new generation of LED string lights that work with your smart phone to display an infinite and customizable number of effects on your tree, wall, or window. You can even create your very own animations in the app. They are designed for use indoors or out. Each light is designed to produce an intense light effect, resulting in super-vivid colors.

It took us all of 20-minutes to string the lights on our outdoor tree and program them in all sorts of cool effects we can change with a tap on our smart phones.

Thanks to Twinkly lights, we are the talk of the neighborhood this holiday season!

A Place for Everything

I came across a new product that just might be a solution for those of you who don’t want to wear a travel vest, but still want an efficient, and hands-free, way to carry all your essentials while on the road. The iBand Sling is worn across your chest and has several pockets that hold your ID, smart phone, business cards, sunglasses, passport and cash. There’s also a spot for your water bottle and a secret passport pocket, as well as a carabiner for keys.

It’s great for a wide variety of activities, from hiking to theme park adventures to dog walking, to name a few. But it’s really useful if you are a frequent flyer, as it makes going through security so much easier. Just toss it on the conveyer and avoid the hassle of removing everything from your pockets before you pass through screening. Just make sure your water bottle is empty!

Boise, Idaho: A Capital Idea for Your Next Vacation

The state of Idaho has always been known for its dramatic natural beauty, making it a much favored destination for visitors from around the world. The state capital of Boise has equally come into its own as a popular tourist and meetings destination, thanks to an ongoing urban Renaissance that has added a wide variety of experiences for the visitor to enjoy. 

Discover the beauty of this destination on my USAToday/10Best link.

See an entire gallery of Boise images on our photography website, Joanne & Tony DiBona Photography.

Read the print article on our Boise experience that published in the Travel Section of the San Diego Union-Tribune on July 8, 2017.

For a travel in"VEST"ment you won't regret, consider a ScotteVest

My fascination with the ScotteVest began after one of those travel horror moments you like to think would never happen to you.

My husband and I were touring Paris in early May, on a national holiday. We boarded a packed bus that brought us to the Louvre, but our “magical” afternoon took a turn for the worst when, in the middle of the square, my husband realized his wallet and passport had been “magically” stolen by quite an accomplished thief during our transit!

We spent the next four hours in a Parisian police station, filing a report which actually yielded us no benefit, even with our trip insurance in place. Much of our trip to Paris was ruined because of this incident, as you can imagine.

Bottom line is, it is YOUR job to protect those precious belongings, so upon our return home, I made it my mission to thoroughly research all the travel vests out there to ensure this would never happen again.

Hands down, the ScotteVest won out over all the competition!

My husband doesn’t like heavy vests (and we often travel in warm climates), so we opted for the featherweight vest for men. Since he waxed poetic about the vest during our recent trip through Switzerland, I am quoting his remarks directly:

"On my recent travel to Switzerland, there’s no doubt the ScotteVest, with its 14 convenient pockets, played a huge role in making my entire travel experience worry-free.

The benefits were instant when we went through security at our home airport in San Diego. The items I normally carried in my trousers and jacket pocket were transferred into assigned pockets in my vest. This included my wallet and passport (which were placed in the RFID pockets for security) and several miscellaneous items such as phone, keys, pens, eyeglasses, and wristwatch.

It is so convenient to have all your items safely nestled in your vest, with no need to use  those TSA item trays and worrying about whether you will walk away and forget them in the stress of the moment.

Everything is packed right there, in the vest. There’s even room for an IPad or tablet. The zippered pockets and special RFID area bring a secure aspect to this vest. Nothing will fall out, plus you will be protected from scammers with the RFID feature.

As a photographer and a writer on the go I had a convenient pocket for my journal and pen and pencils that I use to chronicle my travel adventures. Other items such as camera SD cards and batteries all tuck away in the vest within easy reach when needed.

Tony wore his vest every day during a recent Swiss press trip. It served him well as a photographer's vest when it wasn't protecting his belongings in crowded cities.                                                                                                                       © Joanne DiBona

If you love listening to music on the road, there is a convenient internal route through specially designed channels for headphones/bud wiring. The feature eliminates the clutter of wires often experienced when operating player devices externally.

The vest was extremely comfortable in all weather conditions we encountered. It took me through unseasonable, scorching heat one day as we hiked through the mountains, and protected me from a chilly wind another day, when the zipped front of the vest served as a windbreaker.

The ScotteVest has become my constant traveling companion and there’s no way I would ever leave home without it."

Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendation. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for all.

Santa Barbara California, Where You Can Enjoy Summer Fun All Winter Long

It’s no wonder that Santa Barbara is lovingly referred to as “The American Riviera.” Nestled 90 minutes north of Los Angeles between the Santa Ynez mountains and the blue Pacific, Santa Barbara’s Old World architecture, dramatic landscapes, and Mediterranean flora are certainly reminiscent of the famous towns along the Côte d'Azur. 

Santa Barbara is a multi-faceted visitor destination that appeals to visitors of all ages and interests. It’s a playground for outdoor activities of all kinds, a feast for the food and wine lover, a mecca for the cultural tourist, a fun family destination, a shopper’s paradise, and the perfect place to rekindle romance and rejuvenate health and spirit. Winter in Santa Barbara is a perfect time to visit, with moderate temps, azure blue skies, fewer crowds, and a laid back vibe.

Check out our SANTA BARBARA photo slide show on USA TODAY 10Best.com to see the charm of one of America's most beautiful and historic cities.

Joanne's Travel Accessory Tips: How to Make Life Easier, Safer, and Healthier On the Road

The Smartest Piece of Luggage You Will Ever Know

My quest for the perfect airline carry-on bag for traveling seems to be never-ending.  Since my husband and I travel with only carry-on bags in tow, regardless of how long our trip is, finding the perfect bag can be a challenge.

When I discovered the Genius Pack 22”, I knew I had found the ultimate in carry-on spinners.

I tested it out on a recent 10-day trip, and it emphatically earned 5-Stars in my book. Made of quality materials meant to hold up well on the road, this spinner looks as good as it performs. What sets it apart from other carry-on bags is a long list of bells and whistles that can make living out of a suitcase more of a pleasure than a curse, especially on longer trips.

One of the coolest features is a removable laundry bag with a built-in compression system that neatly compacts your dirty clothes by expelling unwanted air through an integrated air valve. Your dirty laundry is stored away from your clean clothes. When your trip is done, just unzip the laundry bag and take it straight to the laundromat or cleaners. This is certainly a welcome convenience for the traveler on the go. 

Other ingenious organizing conveniences are the built-in underwear, socks and electric chargers compartments, which eliminate the need for packing cubes for these items. These are located in the top cover, leaving ample room in the body of the spinner for your bulkier clothing items.

In all, the bag comes with 17 “genius” features, which include a zippered expander that adds up to 25% more packing space; an external jacket wrap (I used it to carry my bulky raincoat as I rushed through the airport); convenient external compartments to store your water bottle, umbrella, and magazines/portfolios; and a built in add-a-bag strap, which I used to cart my camera gear.

As if the above weren’t enough, the bag also has a portable battery pack integrated in the luggage so you can recharge your device wherever your trip takes you. The ability to juice up your phone from your carry on is an amazing convenience, especially in busy airports where finding a charging station not shared by the masses is a rarity.

For those travelers who can’t live without music in their ears, another feature integrated into the luggage is a compact mini speaker so you can listen to music while you unpack, or just about anywhere your journey takes you. Both the battery pack and speaker system are sold separately.

All this smartness is contained in a bag that measures 22” x 14” x 9”, so it is compatible with current size restrictions for most airlines.

www.geniuspack.com

A UPF 50+ Protection Hat That Makes a Fashion Statement

In preparation for a recent trip to Hawaii, I knew I needed a packable hat with major UPF protection. My dilemma was to find a hat that would take me from hiking through the trails to sipping a Mai Tai on a luxury hotel veranda. I knew I had to replace my tried-and-true khaki hat which, while it did the trick to block out the rays, was hardly a fashion statement.

My online search for a stylish, packable, large-brimmed hat with maximum UPF protection led me to the Wallaroo Hat Company website, where I found my dream hat: the Savannah. I am a lover of large brimmed hats because they offer the most protection from the hot rays of the sun and, in my opinion, are also very fashionable and flattering.

This hat has lots of features I love, including the fact that it fits my larger-sized head perfectly (an internal drawstring makes it adjustable, so it is a true one size fits all). It also rolls up nicely in my carry-on and immediately pops back into shape.

It was a good feeling to know that I was receiving UPF 50+ protection, as Wallaroo hat fabrics are tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

My only recommendation for improving the hat would be to add an adjustable drawstring to keep the hat from blowing away. I almost lost mine walking on the windy trails of Kauai and it was a challenge to keep it on my head. I would have been very distressed to have lost it!

www.wallaroohats.com

Wow--a Waterproof Daypack That Fits In Your Pocket

As photo journalists, my husband and I are always on the lookout for a super lightweight daypack to serve us during our travels around the world.

We were happy to discover Matador’s Freerain 24 backpack, as we realized we would need such a product on our recent 25-day, carry on only, adventure through Europe.

It was hard to believe that such a road horse packs away into a 6 X 3 inch travel bag, but it does. It actually took less room in my carry on than my travel umbrella, and weighed less, too (an unbelievable 5.5 oz).

The day bag itself is water resistant (with comfortable, breathable straps) and it protected our equipment and contents during a few light rainfalls. It has a 24-litre capacity, which means you can pack quite a bit into its folds. It is superbly constructed and its sleek grey exterior is quite classy, and serves the traveler well under any circumstance.

Together with a base layer photo protector bag, which Matador also offers, I felt confident bundling up my extra camera in the well-padded pouch on our day trips through Europe’s cities.  Filled with protective down and sturdily constructed, the camera base layer fits most DSLR cameras with common lenses. It can be used in a variety of ways to protect your equipment while on the road.

We’ll be using this bag again and again not only on our travels, but also on our local hiking excursions. You can’t beat its versatility, and it is as light as a feather and stores away in your pocket!

Check out Matador's entire line of products.

Tech Tip for the Traveler: Find Your Stuff While on the Road

Here's my tech tip for the traveler, especially if one is forgetful and misplaces everything from car keys to cell phones and even a “lost” rental car in a parking lot.

The Nonda compact triangular shaped tracker is a mere 1.5 inches per side and .25 inches thick Once you download the free app to your Android or iPhone, it performs several handy operations.

Finding your keys in a hotel room: With the device attached to your key chain a tone will emit when you are near the location.

Finding your phone: This happens to all of us, especially while traveling. It actually calls your phone. The ringtone will lead you there.

Finding your rental car: This feature is linked to Google Maps and will display a location map and arrow to direct you to your lost car.

You can also take cell phone photos with the “Camera Shutter” feature to remotely control the phone’s camera. It’s been fun running through the various features of this tiny giant. I can think of other applications (child, pet and lost luggage locator) when it would come in handy.

5 Stars to NONDA for a clever and useful travel tool. And the price is right!

Learn more about this device HERE

Protect Your Valuables While On Travel....In Your Scarf or Around Your Tummy!

Protecting your valuables, especially in big city crowds, is something you may not think about until it’s too late. During our recent trip to Europe, my husband was robbed of his wallet (carelessly placed in his zippered pant pocket) on a super crowded Parisian bus.  While he lost some cash and his credit cards, we were relieved that we did not have our passports stolen.

Why? I was carrying them (as well as my wallet, phone and Euros) in an ingenious product called Sholdit. It can be best described as a scarf that serves as a hidden purse. It has a generous zippered compartment that will keep your valuables safe, especially in heavily crowded areas, since no one (even a thief) would guess that your scarf is actually a sort of money belt.

I wore it double wrapped around my neck, so that my valuables sat in front on my chest (the safest place on your body) but were indiscernible to the casual observer. The scarf can be worn a variety of ways and can even transform into a clutch bag, if desired.

sholdit.com

Alas, it was too late to retrieve our losses from the theft, but I did put quite a bit of research after our trip in finding a money belt my husband would wear on our next adventure to parts unknown. He gave a total thumbs up to the TravelGenixx money belt, available for $14.95 on Amazon.com. It is extremely well made, especially considering its reasonable price, and boasts a sturdy, and adaptable, belt system. With his valuables safely on his tummy, no thief will get the best of him again!

There's a smaller version available for ladies, too.

Flip Out Over the Flip Belt

Speaking of keeping your items secure, especially during a hike or run, the Flip Belt is a must-have for those of you who embrace an active lifestyle.

I chose the larger, Zipper Edition of the belt. The belt fits snugly but quite comfortably around your waist or upper hip. A front zippered pocket holds your phone or passport. There are three other access points built within the belt, one of which has an internally secured key hook.

It’s a great feeling when I am walking or hiking to know that my personal items will not inadvertently fall out of my pocket onto the trail. The belt is available in a variety of sizes, depending on how you wish to wear it. 

My only suggestion would be to make the front zipper pocket an inch or so wider to accommodate the super large cell phones that are popular today. I have a Samsung Note 5 in a protective case, and while it fits (very snugly) in the zippered pocket, it is difficult to remove to answer a call. Otherwise, this product gets my thumbs up!

 flipbelt.com

Give Your Legs A Break While Traveling: Fashionable Compression Socks

I’ve written about them before, but I also wanted to mention yet again how much I depend upon RejuvaHealth stylish line of compression socks. I wore my fashionable pair of black dot knee highs on the long flight to Europe, and again realized what a difference they made in my comfort as I sat for hours in my cramped airline seat.

I also wore them on our long city walking tours. I’m convinced they made a significant difference in that I didn’t get any soreness in my calves after trekking for miles on Europe’s cobblestone streets.

rejuvahealth.com

A Refillable Water Bottle That Fits In Your Pocket

Finding the perfect water bottle for travel is not as easy as you might think. I’ve carted all sorts of shapes, sizes and configurations on my travels but never really came up with one I thought might be a winner---until now.

The Hydaway Collapsible bottle is an ingenious device which folds down easily to fit in your bag, carry-on, or even in your pocket. It's perfect if you are traveling light. The 21 oz. bottle carries around the same amount of liquid as your standard plastic water bottle.  I’d love to see an even larger version of this versatile and convenient carrier.

hydawaybottle.com

Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed regarding these travel products are strictly my own. I was not compensated by the companies represented in my reviews, nor will I receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. 

My goal is to share regular, unbiased reviews with my readers for products that make travel more comfortable and efficient.

A Springtime Trek Through Old Japan: The Kiso Road

There is no better way to discover the beauty of Japan than by seeing it on foot. 

Walk Japan a pioneer of off-the-beaten-path walking tours of the country, offers a wide variety of excursions for every fitness level in key locations throughout Japan. Check out my photo essay, recently published on 

USA TODAY TRAVEL/10Best

which details a magical Walk Japan trip that took us from the modern city of Nagoya to the historic old city of Matsumoto via the ancient Kiso Road and Nakasendo Way.

IF YOU GO: TRAVEL ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR A TRIP TO JAPAN

Staying Connected

Everyone worries about staying connected while traveling abroad—and about racking up hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in roaming charges with your local provider if you aren’t careful.

One solution many opt for is to purchase a roaming data bundle from your U.S. provider. But I found a less expensive and extremely effective solution through CellHire. The company offers super fast 4G-LTE coverage with unlimited data (and that is the key here, as you will need it to access maps, information, Skype and your favorite social networks) for $14.95 a day-$79 a week-$159 a month. They also allow five users to connect to the MIFI, so this is a no brainer for families or people traveling in groups.

The connectivity was flawless. Whether I was in a train speeding through the Japanese Alps, overnighting in a remote mountain inn, or walking through city streets, this device was a lifesaver. Very simple to use, it also boasts hours of battery life. Sweet!

Cellhire also offers a variety of other connectivity options, so check them out before your next trip abroad.

Powering Up

My internet connectivity issue being solved, my next worry was how to power my phone and laptop while I was traveling on foot over hiking trails and by train from town to town.  This is when my Apelpi external battery charger came to my rescue.

In addition to packing a hefty 6400 mAh capacity via two USB ports (and robust enough to charge multiple devices throughout the day), this charger doubles as a fashion statement. Who can resist a red (or pink or green) apple doing its thing next to your phone or tablet?  Light-weight and extremely durable (it was dropped by mistake a few times and survived the abuse), this will definitely be my favorite tech accessory on my future trips.

Keeping Healthy

Sure, keeping connected on international trips is important…..but so is keeping healthy.

I had heard about the importance of wearing compression socks on lengthy international flights for people with deep vein thrombosis and other circulatory disorders, but I never considered them for myself—until I ran across the stylish RejuvaHealth line!

The company features a series of slimming, shaping and supportive stockings, leggings and socks that utilize graduated compression to relieve soreness, pain, and reduce the swelling that often occurs on long flights.

Figuring it was worth a try, I opted for a pair of Rejuva Knee High Coolmax compression socks for the flight as well as a pair of black footless compression leggings for the walking trails. I selected the 15-20 compression level, which was perfect for me.

To be honest, I didn’t expect much. But now I am convinced I will never fly again without a pair of compression socks nurturing my restricted circulation! I can’t believe what a difference they made in my comfort during that long flight, especially when I couldn’t move my legs except for under the seat for hours on end.

The leggings also made a significant difference on our trek--when we hiked more than 7 miles daily—in that I didn’t get the soreness in my calves as I expected. I’ll soon add more RejuvaHealth items to my travel wardrobe, to be sure.

Getting the Best Shot? Here are My Favorite Travel Photography Tips...

I am honored to be designated as USA Today/10 Best's "Travel Photography Expert." I only had 10 words to describe each tip in this list, and I hope these succinct tips can help budding travel photographers get the best shot.. I still use them myself on every shoot.

Getting the Best Shot---USA TODAY/10Best

Photographers Getting Their Best Shot, Galapagos Islands            ©Joanne DiBona