Tips when traveling this summer and early fall 2022: Where for the past two years the challenge in international traveling has been staying healthy, navigating differing COVID requirements and lockdowns, and getting COVID tests before returning to the US, this year it’s the sheer number of people traveling. But don’t dismay, it’s still very much worth it, and there are strategies to keep traveling and keep stress levels low! As I write this I’m on an extended trip to Europe (Paris, Istanbul, Greece, Spain) and Tunisia and thought it’d be helpful to share some advice from my travels. Here are my tips and insights along with images of some trip highlights:
It still pays to have your travel insurance. With airline cancellations due to lack of pilots and crew and strikes in some of Europe’s leading airports, plus COVID still around , it makes a lot of sense. Speaking of COVID, it’s a good idea to take one of the DIY kits to administer an antigen self test. We used the Abbott Labs Binax NOW that’s easy to use and gives results in 15 minutes. Some credit cards give you coverage. I always get full coverage for any cause. Go to any of the sites which compare costs.
To get to your destination if you need to make a connection, especially if you’re going to different countries, be sure to schedule more time than usual between flights. We had a connection time of one hour and ten minutes and barely made it. I suggest ideally two hours or no less than three if you’ll be leaving the European Union.
More Tips When Traveling
As you probably know, masks are not required inflight, in museums, restaurants or airports but often proof of vaccination or recent COVID test are required. COVID tests are no longer necessary for reentry to the US.
It’s best to buy your tickets online for museums and attractions to avoid some of the crowds and long lines though, given the number of tourists, you can still expect some waiting.
Having used Trip Advisor again for restaurants in five countries, we’ve found it seldom fails. You need, though, to look at the comments, the images of the food, and if besides a high numerical ranking it’s a Traveler’s Choice, that’s the best. I aim for 4.5 though sometimes 4 will do.
Try to book hotels, flights, airbnbs, car rental as far in advance as possible to get the lowest prices, especially these days. I have a good friend who was about to book the Four Seasons hotel in Istanbul for 700 Euros. She waited a day and the price went up to 1200 Euros.
For the first time to find a private tour guide we used ToursbyLocals. It’s very easy to use, you can see reviews of the guides and their credentials, and response time is quick. Plus, they operate in 189 countries! We used them for Tunisia and our guide, Noor, was excellent– highly steeped not just in Tunisian history, but world history, well read, well traveled and delightful. He even invited us to his home to meet his wife and enjoy a home cooked meal!
Now more than ever find terrific value for the dollar in Turkey and Greece in Europe, and Tunisia is incredibly inexpensive. As I write this, the Euro is almost on par with the US Dollar and the Turkish lira has been sharply devalued which means the dollar goes much further. An exception is that five star luxury brand hotel rates are higher this year due to demand.
Google Translate, a free app available on iPhone or Android is very easy to use. Just choose what language you want to translate and into what language, take a picture and voila, read the English. Apple also has a new language translation app built into recent iPhone operating systems.
After little tourism for two years, souk, medina and bazaar sales people are a little more aggressive than usual. Mr. W came up with some great lines that stopped the sales pitches dead in their tracks using humor. Feel free to use them!
Are you American? (a come on line) Mr.W “American Express” (he picked that one up from a salesman)
How about some leather goods? Mr. W “We’re Vegan”
Can I help you spend some money you don’t have? Mr. W “Too late”
Look for an upcoming blogpost, Fabulous Friday, on breakfast at Maison Dedine hotel in Sidi bou Said, Tunis.
If you have any other specific questions, go to Ask Karen and ask away. And certainly, love to hear any tips when traveling you have. Wherever you’re headed this summer and fall enjoy!!!
BTW, here are past posts I’ve written about travels in Turkey and Greece in case you missed them.
4 Responses
Great tips
Glad you found them helpful!
I absolutely love all of your travel recommendations, you bring the location to life in your reportage!
Thank you!
Thank you. I just wish I were a better photographer as my photos don’t do the places justice.