You've probably seen the pictures of the mountains of luggage at London's Heathrow Airport. You've heard about the heat wave. And maybe you have friends who got Covid while they were in Europe.
With all that's happening, maybe you need a better guide to traveling to Europe this summer.
"Tourism is back," says David Corsun, director of the University of Denver's Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management. "Hotels are full. Flights are full. Restaurants are full."
Travel by Americans to Europe will soar 600 percent over last summer, according to new projections by Allianz Partners.
Europeans are traveling more, too. A new survey by insurance company Europ Assistance Group found that 71% of Europeans intend to travel during the summer. That's a 14 percentage point increase compared to 2021.
But you don't have to get stuck in a crowd and miss the best part of your European vacation. Europe has changed since the pandemic, in big and small ways. You may not be able to avoid a summer heatwave, but experts say that with a little planning and insider strategies, you can sidestep the crowds and high prices — and still have a great vacation.
This is part one of a two-part series on summer travel to Europe. In our next story, we'll look at how travel has changed based on transportation mode and accommodation type.
Jérôme Montantème, general manager of the Fauchon L'Hôtel Paris, a new boutique property. He says ... [+]
What’s new in Europe this summer?If you haven't been to Europe in a few years, here are a few differences you might notice:
Europe is less expensiveThe euro is at its lowest level against the dollar since 2017. (The euro is worth only $1.06, so, so it's practically at parity.) "This makes traveling across Europe extremely attractive for the savvy saver," says Hussein Fazal, CEO of Snapcommerce, an AI-driven mobile commerce platform. "There are some differences in inflation rates, but overall, your dollar should take you further." Flights to Europe are cheaper, too. A new survey by CheapAir.com shows that the average lowest international airfare to Europe is down 15.1% from last year. Last year, flights to Europe departing from cities across the U.S. averaged $1,070. This year, the lowest average price is $908.
Covid-19 is gone — but it's still hereMost testing requirements have been dropped this summer, including those for returning to the States. But I've heard from many travelers who got sick in Europe and had to extend their trip. "Although you no longer need a negative Covid test to return to the U.S., I believe it has given many a false sense of ease when traveling to Europe," says Jenna Swan, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Beyond.
Cash is no longer kingDuring the pandemic, many businesses made a switch to contactless payment systems. Some companies now prefer electronic payments. And some companies, including airlines, won't accept cash anymore. Suzanne Wolko, a travel expert who just returned from a whirlwind tour of London, Madrid, Barcelona and Paris, says that was the most significant change she noticed. "Everyone is using credit cards," she says. "I did not use cash during my two weeks of travel in three countries. I did everything with a tap of my credit card."
Travelers expect more from their European vacationAfter sitting on the sidelines for two years, the travelers coming to Europe expect more. "The travelers coming to Europe are different," says Jérôme Montantème, general manager of Fauchon L'Hôtel Paris, a new boutique property. "They are more demanding." That means travelers visiting Paris and other large European cities have raised their expectations about a vacation. Guests don't want to waste any time at the hotel standing in line.
Is it safe to visit Europe this summer?According to the U.S. State Department, sort of. The government advises a Level 2 "increased caution" for the most popular summer destinations. For example:

• Britain is a Level 2 due to terrorism concerns.
• France is also a Level 2 because of terrorism and civil unrest, mostly in Paris.
• Germany is a Level 2 because of higher Covid infection levels and terrorism.
• Italy also is a Level 2 because of terrorism concerns.

Of course, it depends on where you go and what you do. (Here’s my series on summer travel advice.)
"Preparation is key," says Alex Twiggs, business development director at World Travel Protection. "Understanding that travel isn't exactly the same as before the pandemic is important to ensure a smooth journey. With some people traveling for the first time in over 18 months, I'd recommend going back to basics."
Twiggs says you should remember that different countries are emerging from the pandemic at different speeds. Even though everything appears to be normal, your hotel's facilities may still be closed. He says if you're traveling on business and your company has a travel risk management partner, reach out to them before you go to understand any security risks.
The exterior of the Centre Pompidou in Paris on the hottest day of the year. It was too warm to wait ... [+]
 CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTTThis is the hardest part about being in Europe nowI'm living in Paris and have heard complaints about the crowds and long lines in museums and attractions. But with a few expert tips, you can easily avoid those. (I'll get to them in a minute.)
The hardest part is a combination of weather and lack of amenities. A heatwave scorched Paris last weekend. Temperatures climbed into the high 90s. My small apartment in the 19th Arrondissement has no air conditioning, making things a little uncomfortable. My friends in the U.K. have also been complaining about the extreme heat. They don't have air conditioning, either.
On the hottest day of the year, I visited the Centre Pompidou, the modern art museum in Paris. The Pompidou's escalators, which are in plastic tubes outside the building, heated up in the midday sun. The temperature inside was almost unbearable, but the art inside was as riveting as ever.
My contacts at Fauchon reminded me that hotels like theirs do have air conditioning. So if you want to stay comfortable, you might want to check into a European hotel with air conditioning this summer.
A guide to traveling to Europe this summer: Try these pro tipsHere's what experts are saying about traveling to Europe this summer:
Plan as far ahead as possibleThat means start planning your trip now. ​​"Europe is busier than ever," says Roula Noujeim, a spokeswoman for the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. "We are operating at almost full capacity for much of the summer. So the last thing we want is for someone to miss out because they hadn't focused on their reservations and itineraries." Here's my guide on planning a trip.
Give yourself plenty of time"Get to the airport with time to spare," says Angie Licea, president of Global Travel Collection. "Don't wait until an hour before departure or you may miss your flight. Lines are very long at the ticket counter, baggage check, and security." For domestic flights, Licea recommends arriving two hours before departure. For international flights, get to the airport three to four hours before departure. "Anticipate delays," she adds.
Consider an alternate destination"To avoid the crowds, consider going to some of the smaller towns, outside the tourist hot spots," advises travel advisor Kristin Winkaffe of Winkaffe Global Travel. If you dream of Florence, consider a small Tuscan village like Lucca, she says. "You can still experience the delicious food, wine, and experience the art — but also get the gorgeous city views without an overwhelming number of tourists in your way," she says. Also, try Paxos, Greece, instead of Santorini. Going off the beaten path this summer can mean the difference between a calm, rewarding vacation and one that goes off the rails.
Know the dangersThe most common travel risk in most European countries is sickness or injury, according to Randy Haight, a senior director at FocusPoint. "Travelers should be aware of health risks, which could impact their travel," he says. Most experts recommend travel insurance, but not all policies cover everything. For example, if your policy covers trip reimbursement in case of sickness, you might still need a medical evacuation policy such as CAP Tripside Assistance, which offers medical evacuation to the hospital of your choice at no additional cost.
Visit earlyMost tourists — especially the Americans who are jet-lagging — like to sleep in and eat a leisurely breakfast. Experts say that's the wrong instinct, even if it's your vacation. "In crowded spaces like Rome, get up early to see the major touristic spots," advises Susan Sherren, founder of Couture Global Trips, a travel agency. "Crowds will swamp you if you sleep in and head out the door later in the day. Forego those late-night European meals and head to bed early."
Avoid weekendsEurope's big attractions may be busy this summer, but it's gridlock on the weekends. "Try to go to major cities or landmarks on weekdays instead of weekends," advises Allie Balin, food and beverage director for Deep Dive Hospitality. She just returned from a trip to Europe and witnessed the almost unbelievable crowds. "Buy tickets for popular landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower or Colosseum, well in advance. Also, make hotel, restaurant, and transportation reservations well in advance." Otherwise, you might not have anywhere to go.
Be flexibleThat's the advice of Ilia Jones, who just returned from Spain. "Be flexible with your budget, timing, and expectations of your travel experience," says Jones, who works for a company that provides insurance to expatriates. "Each country in Europe has handled the pandemic differently, it seems, so staying aware and respectful of each country you visit will make your trip run much smoother." At the moment, the biggest stressor for travelers is the sheer volume of people going abroad. "Do your research and be respectful, flexible — and patient," she adds.
Going to Europe? Don't wait to make your plansBottom line: If you're headed to Europe this summer, plan ahead, go for alternate destinations, and pack your patience.
But more than anything else, don't wait.
"If you are planning to travel to Europe this summer and don't have your arrangements finalized, you will experience difficulties trying to obtain accommodation and renting autos," warns Berry Versfeld, a travel advisor with Ovation Networks.
It's going to be an interesting summer. With the CDC's testing requirements lifted for travelers returning to the United States, Europe will be on many Americans' "must-visit" list. With a few insider strategies — and a lot of patience — you can still enjoy your European vacation.


Christopher Elliott

 
​Today air travel has never been more daunting. Daily headlines are filled with horror stories about flight delays, angry passengers, and cancelled flights. Here are few best practices to come out on top or at least be prepped before the wheels are up.
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By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: 6/20/22 1:20 PM

The last thing on your mind after returning home from a trip is how to care for your luggage post travels. If you've hauled your luggage around the planet, it could probably deserve a good cleaning and prep for the next trip. Here are our best tips and tricks for keeping your bags in good shape.

First Things First
Empty your suitcase and avoid placing it on your bed, couch, or other soft surfaces during unpacking. You've hauled this bag many places and don't want to risk dirtying your home surfaces. It's best to unpack in your garage, porch, or utility area and don't procrastinate emptying our your suitcases!

Step Two
Place the bag on a towel on the floor or counter to sort it out.
Remove your clothing and other items. Put your soiled clothing directly into the washing machine. If you have used packing cubes on your travels, you can hand wash them in the sink with warm detergent, rise, and let them air dry, preferably in the sun.

Open up all the compartments of your suitcase to let them air out. Then gently wipe the hard surfaces like handles and wheels, or lock with an alcohol-based cleaner to kill any germs. Shake out any leftover bits of dirt or debris. You can also take a damp towel and wipe out the compartments.

Hard Side Luggage Care
​ Depending on the bag you have- hard or soft side- you will want to clean the outside. Samsonite, a leading luggage manufacturer, suggests: "To clean hard side luggage, we recommend using a gentle soap and warm water and rinsing well. If you want to wax the case after cleaning, any good silicone-based automobile or furniture polish will preserve the luster and add resistance to the covering. We do NOT recommend, however, that you try to clean the luggage with a combination cleaner-polish."

 
Party Time Equals Mykonos, Greece 
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The island in the chain of the Cycladic area of the Aegean Sea is one of the world's most glamorous and luxurious spots on the planet if you crave upscale beach life. These days, it rivals the South of France and the wild and crazy Ibiza part of the Iberic island chain. These aren't just cozy places by the sea; these exclusive beach clubs attract some of the most famous, rich, and glam people on the planet. Reservations are a must plus a load of Euros, yes they are not cheap. If you want to experience the best in Mykonos, it will cost you a pretty penny. We recently visited the top beach clubs, and here are Couture Trips' recommended grand dames by the sea. Our beach club insider has been on the island for over 30 years and is known to the locals as the "King of Mykonos" this kind of access means we can facilitate your beach club dream to one of the most deluxe spots on the earth. Yes, we have connections to this gorgeous and rarefied island's top spots. In the Mykonos beach club realm, connections are everything these days due to the rising popularity of the beach club lifestyle sought after on Mykonos.

• Scorpios Beach Club- Paraga Beach 

​Imagine muted shades blending right into the Paraga beach velvety sand. The multi-level design gives you excellent views and various ways to access the water. The open-air terraces and large spaces are a hallmark of this club. The menu features vegetarian cuisine with an Eastern Mediterranean flare with some Mexican fusion tossed in. Scorpios screams exclusive and out of this world service. Be prepped to be pampered plus SoHo Roc House is a close neighbor to this beach club. If you are part of the jet-set crowd then you'll find this a perfect shoe that fits.

• NAMMOS- Psarou Beach

There is a lot of high-end shopping near NAMMOS, and the exclusive and upscale shopping adds a different dimension to this beach club. The white buildings and contrasting white and turquoise striped umbrellas and towels scream luxury on steroids. Consider helicoptering in from your yacht for the day. Yep, this is the world of the rich and famous. Private plunge pools, immaculate service, exquisite cocktails, and menu items await to rock your taste buds.
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Avoid The Urge To Overpack

Unfortunately, you can't take your entire closet on your next vacation. I once took a friend to the airport and picked up her suitcase only to discover it was incredibly light. I asked her what she had packed? She replied with one change of clothes and a few toiletries; I like to leave room for shopping. This might be an extreme example of light packing, but it does shine a light on the benefits of packing lite.

Nothing can ruin your vacation faster than roaming around with too much luggage. If you're hauling the load by yourself, consider leaving most of your treasures behind at home. I have suffered this self-inflicted pain myself. It wasn't fun, plus it cost me a pretty penny in overweight and multiple baggage fees. Over the years, I have reduced the number of goods I haul around. Here are a few top tips from Couture Trips.

The Luggage
Weight matters when you select your luggage. Try weighing your current suitcase empty; ditch the old bag and go for a newer model if it is pretty heavy. Many modern lightweight suitcases are made from polycarbonate materials or lightweight aluminum shells. Check out the luggage label for the weight and shop for the lightest but most durable shell. 

Shoes
You can sabotage your efforts by taking too many shoes. The basic rule is three shoes, one comfortable pair for sightseeing, one dress shoe for evening dinners or more formal occasions, and one pair of in-betweens- like ballet flats that you can dress up or down. Leave the rest, resting comfortably in your closet. Remember, you'll have one pair on and the other two safely packed away.

Clothing
Use the rule of five's- five shirts, five pairs of trousers, five socks, five sets of underwear. If you plan on attending a more formal event, tuck in a dark-colored dress or suit. If you're heading out during the summer months, you might consider five dresses, five skirts, and five pairs of shorts instead. The key is making sure the items you select are interchangeable. Remember to choose lightweight and breathable fabrics, especially if you travel during the summer months.
Packing during the winter months offers more of a challenge due to the weight and bulk of the fabrics. But adhering to the rule of 5's is an excellent place to start; tip for the colder months-wear your heaviest or bulkiest item of clothing.
Packing cubes are a great way of keeping your belonging organized and clean. Remember, you won't necessarily want to place your clothing in the drawers of just any hotel furniture. Keeping your clothing in the packing cubes makes packing up and unpacking a cinch when you are on the go.

Toiletries
Purchase travel-sized products and transfer your home-based products to smaller travel-sized containers. Take only what you need and leave behind the extra cosmetics. Remember depending on where you are traveling to; you can purchase toiletries at your destination. One of my favorite things on holiday is perusing pharmacies in foreign countries. You might find something new and exciting to take home with you. French pharmacies are notorious for carrying high-quality skincare products.

Carry On's
Traveling with a carry-on solves so many problems. Your check-in process will be pretty simple, and you will avoid the lost luggage crisis. Reconnecting with your checked bag won't be in the equation if you have all your belongings in tow. Walk right off your plane and right into your holiday.

Test Time
Try living with the rule of 5's, slimmed toiletries, and three pairs of shoes for one week and see how you do if you pass; maybe you are ready to take the next big step, packing with just a carry-on!

Washing Up
Yes, you'll need to do a bit of washing if you only have five pairs of underwear and your trip is for 14 days! Most cities have self-service laundry mats, or you can improvise in the hotel room by filling up the sink and doing a bit of a scrub-up. Sink Suds are an excellent travel-friendly product that can help you get the washing done in the hotel sink. Most hotels also provide laundry services if you need to send your clothes out but remember it might take a day or two to receive your clothing back, so plan accordingly.

Take the time to think through ever item you toss into your suitcase. Remember you'll likely regret bringing anything "extra" or something you think you "might need". Chances are you won't need it and you'll regret the added items.  Resist the urge to overpack and you'll be on your way to passing the carry-on only challenge.

Visit www.CoutureTrips. com to schedule a complimentary travel consultation. We'll give you more than just a cool trip! ​

Coping with travel delays and glitches seems to be commonplace now. The headlines are full of delay notifications due to airline and airport staff shortages, weather-related events, or the growing pains of relaunching the travel industry post-Covid. We have brainstormed and would like to suggest the following ways to cope during this transition time.

1. Fly non-stop; fewer connections mean fewer opportunities for a glitch or delay.

2. Arrive early enough to troubleshoot a delay or cancellation at the airport—3 hours minimum for international travel and 2 hours for domestic.

3. Fly with reputable airlines- avoid budget airlines during this readjustment phase.

4. Schedule a potential flight delay into your itinerary. For example, arrive at your cruise departure city early and take the sites in a day or two before cruising. There are endless ways to explore a city even if you think you know everything about it. This strategy will take the stress out of a tight itinerary time frame.

5. Purchase travel insurance- it's a must these days with so much uncertainty.

6. Stay flexible- leaving your home has inherent risks.

7. Use your manners- try and be kind and considerate even in the face of stress and disappointment. I passed out Starbucks gift cards to the airline staff on a recent flight to London, and the reaction was so amazing. The airline staff relayed that me most of the abuse issues occur on US domestic flights. The staff treated me like gold- so give a little and fly international!

8. Use an ASTA-certified and experienced travel consultant. We place all our clients on a flight tracker during air travel days, and  we can make changes to smooth things out when we see a  potential cancellation or glitch.

9. Travel with just a carry-on and keep all valuables and medication with you.

10. Have a backup plan, and don't plan a meeting or work-related events on either side of your vacation. It will give you a cushion in case of a delay or disaster.

11. Be patient- over time, the affects the pandemic had on the travel industry will work themselves out.

12. Evaluate the risk-benefit ratio for yourself. Please take responsibility for your decisions, whether you  decide to travel or not.

 Hang in there travel issues will resolve with time. Be patient and realize the travel industry was devastated during the pandemic. It takes time to re-boot the entire travel industry. Don't give up, and hope that the future is even brighter for you and the travel industry as whole.
*Note these are only suggestions and observations from our perspective. 

• ​Passports: You need a valid passport to leave the U.S. The Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you return home. The Passport must be in good condition, without spills, torn pages, etc. Your Passport must have enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit immigration stamps for each country you are traveling to. At least one visa page in your Passport is required for each visa. Most travel visas stamped into your Passport need an entire blank visa page. For additional questions on renewal or validity, visit Travel.State.Gov. The name on your airline ticket must be identical to the one listed on your Passport. Warning you may be denied boarding if there are any discrepancies.                                                                                           
•  Copies: Leave hard copies of your travel documents (Passports, Vaccine Cards, Itinerary, etc.) with a close friend or family member. Pack a duplicate set for your own reference in case your phone is lost or stolen.

 

• Currency: Obtain some local currency before your trip. You will be prepared if your debit or credit card is non-functioning or a digital malfunction occurs. Not all ATMs (especially in rural places) accept foreign debit cards, and not every restaurant and store will. Some merchants do not allow foreign debit cards. You should have some backup cash and a credit card. Be aware of where you swipe your credit card. Fraudulent transactions can prove disruptive to your vacation. Additionally, using debit or credit cards regularly could accumulate transaction fees. At ATMs, for instance, you'll be charged for converting funds into local currency and, if outside of your network, an additional ATM fee. Check with your bank before departure about their foreign transaction fees and policies.​

 We all look forward with great anticipation to our well-deserved vacations. After months of planning, the big departure day arrives, our bags are packed, tickets purchased, and the itinerary is just the perfect mix of activities. 
It is not uncommon after this great anticipation, planning, and hype to experience fatigue while we are supposed to be enjoying our days away from work and routines. How can you combat hitting a wall of fatigue and exhaustion while on vacation?
​
​Be realistic in the planning phase.
Pace yourself when you are away. Cramming two weeks' worth of activities into seven days will leave you frustrated and extremely tired.
At Couture Trips, we incorporate a bell-curve planning method into our itineraries. Ease into your activities, make the midpoint of your vacation pulse with the most exciting and most active adventures, then wind it down again before departure.

London is a perfect destination for any mother and daughter duo. It has all the right elements- charming, quaint with lots of shopping and dining options. You could also spend a few days meandering around the city and then head to the fabulous English countryside.
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If you need beautiful and authentically Londonesque accommodations, the Goring Hotel in Belgravia fits the bill perfectly. This is London's last family-owned luxury hotel property. Perfectly manicured and incredibly authentic. It has garnered many awards because it has maintained its identity, and its staff is dedicated to service.
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 Over a decade ago, Kate Middleton and her mother stepped through the doors of the Goring Hotel the night before Kate's big day. The Goring has also been a popular spot for the royalty and the famous over the years. 

The travel industry has experienced lots of strain since the onset of the pandemic. This is the advice we give all of our clients and would like to share with you if you are new to Couture Trips. Yes, things change and the pandemic has changed the travel landscape. Here are few tips and tricks that will make travel in 2022 a bit easier or at least will ease the strain of traveling in the post pandemic or endemic realm.
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Mexico:
Travelers are staying away from this country due to the recent shooting incidents related to drug cartel warfare issues. I just spoke with an American Airlines agent this week. She communicated that AA was working with travelers who were requesting a change of flight plans due to the negative headlines and are accommodating rebooking to other locations.

Vacations to Mexico will probably be booked with some trepidation and associated warnings. Currently, we are not encouraging our clients to book a trip to Mexico as a destination right now. Secondly, Mexico does not require any COVID-19 testing before arrival or upon arrival.  We encourage our clients to consider the Turks and Caicos as an alternative to Mexico in the short run. The government in the Turks and Caicos has been very diligent with pre-travel COVID-19 testing and has instituted strict policies and guidelines that keep everyone safe.

​This Thanksgiving will see more air travel and ground travel than in prior years. The pandemic curbed our regular holiday travel routines. While we all are anxious to have our holidays return to normal, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind as you hit the ground running.

 First and foremost on any to-do list is to stay home if you are not feeling well. Friends and family will be grateful if you decide not to spread your germs during this holiday season. Stay well-rested, eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

If you are traveling by air, make sure to get to the airport a bit earlier than usual. You can download The MyTSA app; according to the TSA it, "provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can't go in checked or carry-on bags".​

 Make sure to bring along hand sanitizer and plenty of masks. Ideally, it would be best if you changed your face mask every 4-6 hours. Rewearing masks isn't a great idea. Go for the disposable ones vs cloth. Also, change your clothing once you arrive at your destination. Remember to use frequent hand washing and avoid touching your face.

​Try and travel light with one carry on if possible; if your bags don't make it, you won't have to make another trip to the airport or wait to locate a lost piece of luggage. 

Bring along some healthy snacks that can satisfy you in case you become delayed or are stranded. Nothing is worse than an irritated or growling stomach while you're waiting for a flight.

Be patient; this time of year, people can become quite stressed and angry. Try and smile; you decided to travel during one of the busiest times of the year so have a little compassion for those airport and TSA employees who have to work during the holidays. Throw out a compliment or two! 

​If you are driving to your destination, consider taking the shortest distance due to rising gas prices. This probably isn't the year to take the longer scenic route—budget for this added expense. You can offset the cost by packing a picnic for the road or hunt up a few roadside fast-food restaurants coupons in advance of your travels. Make sure to stay on top of the weather forecast and don't travel in poor weather conditions. 

Scheduling your travel dates around Thanksgiving will lessen the strain. Don't book your trip the day before Thanksgiving, and expect everything to go smoothly. Airport systems will be under pressure as the holiday approaches. If you have a flexible work schedule, depart a few days earlier than you usually would of in years past and delay your return a few days following the holiday. 

Have an exit strategy in case of illness. If you become ill at your destination or during your travels and exhibit COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, have a pre-planned way to deal with the situation. Pack the necessary over the counter cold remedies, and you might even consider pre-purchasing an over the counter COVID-19 test kit. 

Most of all, enjoy your time with your friends and family. This year more than ever, we will appreciate our ability to sit face to face at the dinner table with our loved ones. 

By: Susan Sherren
Published: 9/1/21 4:45 PM

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The EU's updated travel ban announced this week had placed a wrench in some travelers plans. Yes, you can still travel to some countries, but you will have to keep updated on their current policies and procedures. It's a jungle out there for travelers these days. Travel can be stressful enough without the Mondays announcement that the EU no longer recommends non-essential travel from the U.S. to Europe. Unfortunately, this travel rollercoaster may become the new norm.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers will still be allowed into some countries within the EU, and member states will be setting their own policies.  European countries heavily rely on tourism, and over the past year, many were affected by closures due to COVID. The ticket into these countries will remain focused on testing and vaccination status. You must check with each country you plan on visiting before making any travel arrangements. 

Where Can I Check On The Status Of Countries Border?

The U.S. Embassy in each country can be a great source; you can even give them a ring to hear it from the horse's mouth. Sherpa is also a great resource that can provide you with up to date information. The best and most accurate way to determine how you will enter a country is by going directly to their immigration and border entry websites. Remember, this is a fluid situation, and specific policies are only in effect for a certain period of time. If your vacation straddles a renewal date, make sure you understand that these policies may change. 

Can I Get a Refund On My Airline Tickets If I Decide Not to Travel?

It depends on the type of ticket you purchased. If you bought Basic Economy tickets that are non-refundable, then the answer is most likely no. If you change them, some tickets will trigger a change fee, and others are more friendly to amendments. Make sure you seek clarification from the airlines before purchasing.

Can I Cross Borders Once I Enter a Country? 
Yes, you can, but you will have to be familiar with each countries border requirements. If you are a U.S. Citizen and travel to Paris on a connecting flight and your final destination is Italy- Italy will require you to adhere to entry requirements from France even though you are a U.S. Citizen. 

Should I Use a Travel Advisor?
Well, it depends on how much homework, trips prep and stress you want to take on. A travel advisor is usually associated with a larger consortium or entity that may have quite a bit more pull than, say, an individual traveler. It might cost you a tad more to use an advisor, but it will be the best money you have ever spent. Visit Couture Trips to schedule a complimentary travel consultation. We keep up to date on the latest and greatest in travel. 

By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: August 30, 2021 2:47 PM CST

​In a move that was anticipated, the European Union is recommending to its associated countries to limit the travel of U.S. to citizens to its member states. The recommendation as it stands now is primarily due to the rising number of COVID cases in the U.S. The updated announcement is due to the lack of robust vaccination rates in the U.S., fears of COVID spread due to the variant and rising numbers. Each member state will ultimately decide on specific border entry requirements. Many cruise lines in the E.U. require passengers to be vaccinated. It is anticipated that many member states will adopt this stance instead of completely blocking U.S. citizens' travel. Travellers should consult with their travel advisors, airlines and other travel professionals.

​It is always a good idea to check with the U.S. Embassy of the country you are planning to visit. The situation is changing on a daily and minute to minute basis. The Biden Administration has not lifted the travel ban for Europeans wishing to visit the U.S. in over 500 days. This has proved frustrating to E.U. member states, considering Europe has higher vaccination rates and many countries have implemented stricter guidelines as compared with the United States. The EU also removed Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia from the safe travel list.


You can visit our Blog- The Runway to stay up to date on the latest happening in the travel world. Travel these days has become quite complex.
If you are interested in a complimentary consultation visit: Couture Trips today to get started on planning your next great escape.

​By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: 8/4/21 2:05 CST
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Pedalling Coast to Coast May Soon Be A Reality

Many of us consider travel transportation to include planes, trains and automobiles. Have you considered pedalling your way across America?
Now with electric bikes gaining in popularity, you could experience a new version of a road trip on two wheels.  The fear factor of riding on busy and congested roads is a deterrent to many cycling enthusiasts. But thanks to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, biking across America on designated cycle paths may soon be realized. The organization is committed to creating a cycling infrastructure that connects more than 125 existing trails and 90 trail gaps over 3,700 plus miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. Yes, that means coast to coast cycling opportunities! "Since the 1980s, RTC has understood the potential of a trail like the Great American Rail-Trail that could connect the nation. That vision has been a guidepost for the organization for 30 years. Now, we have the chance to create from that vision a national treasure that unites millions of people over thousands of miles of trail," said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. "This trail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide—together—an enduring gift to the nation that will bring joy for generations to come."

 Where Can I Ride ?

Approximately 53% of the trail is completed; it will likely take several more decades before all the routes are fully linked. The overall goal is to have the paths free from traffic. Walkers and cycling enthusiasts will be able to add this to their bucket list when it is completed sometime around 2040. You may explore available trail options by visiting Trail Link to view routes near you. The most up to date trail 2021 trail assessment can be found by clicking HERE. 

How Can I Prep For a Bike Vacation ?

You'll likely need proper equipment and some know-how if you're going to venture very far from your home. It's a good idea to chat with the pros at your local bike shop. You can venture into the vast amount of information available on the internet as well. The best advice is to start out locally and join a local biking club. The equipment, clothing and road safety tips are all areas to be explored before you pack up and head out to the Great  American Rail-Trail. 

Couture Trips Loves Cycling

We can help you plan your next great biking adventure. With the pandemic situation many travelers are playing it safe and staying closer to home. A spring RTC study reported trail use across the US spiked by 200%.  If you need assistance with accommodations or planning out a suitable route- feel free to contact us. America is a beautiful country with so much to see. Getting outside and seeing it up close is the right way to go.