What to do When Your Flight Gets Cancelled

What to do When Your Flight Gets Cancelled

September 17, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl No comments

Cancelled, it is the most dreaded word in the travel industry. Airline cancellations are the worst. Whether it is weather, mechanical issues, or even a missing flight crew that causes the disruption, it is bound to put even the best of travelers in a bad mood. And as great as having a travel planner on your side, we can do little to prevent this situation from happening. You will experience this at some point in your travels. When your flight gets cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and minimize disruptions to your travel plans. Even with a travel agent by your side, you will want to know some of these when the problem arises. 

Here’s what to do when your flight gets cancelled. 

  1. Stay Calm: It’s essential to remain calm and composed, even though flight cancellations can be stressful. Take a few deep breaths to help you stay focused.
  2. Check for Notifications: Often, airlines will notify passengers of flight cancellations through various means, such as email, text message, or phone call. Check your communication channels for any news from the airline.
  3. Contact the Airline: Call the airline’s customer service or visit their service desk at the airport. Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially during peak travel seasons. Explain your situation and ask about the next available options. 
  4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your passenger rights, which can vary by country and airline. Airlines typically have policies in place for compensating passengers in the event of cancellations. These policies may include providing you with alternative flights, accommodations, meals, and, in some cases, compensation. Ask the airline about your rights and entitlements.
  5. Ask About Rebooking: In many cases, the airline will offer to rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost. Discuss your options with the airline representative and choose the best choice for your situation. 
  6. Consider Alternative Airports: If the airline can’t provide a suitable replacement flight, ask if there are other nearby airports you can fly into or out of that might have available flights. Be aware that you may need to arrange your own transportation to or from these airports.
  7. Check Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, review your policy to see if it covers flight cancellations. Depending on the policy, you may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses related to the cancellation.
  8. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the situation. Flight statuses can change, and alternative options may become available. Use airline apps or websites to monitor your flight’s status.
  9. Arrange Accommodations: If you’re stranded overnight due to a cancellation, and the airline doesn’t provide accommodations, consider booking a hotel room near the airport. Keep any receipts for expenses related to the cancellation, as you may be able to seek reimbursement.
  10. Rebook as Soon as Possible: Once you’ve secured alternative travel arrangements, confirm your new flight details and make necessary adjustments to your plans. Flights can fill up quickly, so rebooking as soon as possible is essential.
  11. Follow-up: After resolving the situation, consider contacting the airline’s customer service again to ensure that you received any entitled compensation or assistance.

Remember that airline policies and procedures can vary, so it’s essential to be patient and polite when dealing with airline staff. While flight cancellations are frustrating, being respectful and cooperative can often lead to more favorable outcomes when seeking assistance and alternative arrangements. As the saying goes, “You’ll attract more bees with honey.”

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Is Your House Ready For Vacation?

Is Your House Ready For Vacation?

September 10, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl No comments

It is the unofficial end of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Kids are back in school, and you are preparing for all the fall festivities and holidays that approach way too quickly. Your thoughts might have already turned to where we will go and what we will do over the school breaks, even though the year has just begun. 

 I travel a lot during the year. Not always with my family, but when we all manage to get our calendars to jive, I like to know my house is as ready as I am. What do I mean?

There are several things I like to do to prepare my home for being empty while I’m gone. Just like you have a packing list for your suitcase, you should have a list of things to prepare your house. 

Do your neighbors know you will be gone? I like to let my immediate neighbors or friends know when the house will be empty so they can watch for any strange activity. Or in case of storms that may cause damage. As I write this, we are getting hit with another torrential downpour, and these next few months can be some of the worst for hurricane and storm activity. 

Do the police know you will be gone? When I lived in Bartlett, TN, our local police had a website where I could register the dates I would be gone. They will actually do drive-bys to check for suspicious activity.

Did you set your alarm system? Do you have an alarm system in your house? If so, be sure to activate it before leaving. Also, notify your security company so they will know how to reach you during your absence, especially if you are out of the country. If you have a house sitter, which I have done to avoid putting our pets in the kennel, make sure they know how to operate the system to prevent false alarms. House and pet sitters are a great option when gone on vacation. 

Do you have timers? Your outside and even some inside lights should be on timers to mimic your regular daily routine. The police, when I registered my house, even asked about this.

Do you have someone checking the mail? If you don’t have a friend or a neighbor to pick up your mail, alert the postal office to hold your mail while you are gone. Mailboxes are a top target for scammers looking to access your personal information. 

Did you empty all the trash? This is a big one if you want to avoid being knocked over by the smell when you return. Also good is to make sure someone puts your cans out on garbage day. I have lived near the woods, and the raccoons love the restaurant au Rossmeissl.

There are lots of other little things to do in the house. For example, I like to ensure my refrigerator is relatively empty so I don’t come home with spoiled food. Adjusting thermostats for your absence is another example. I could go on, but sometimes what you do to prepare will depend on the season you travel. Creating a pre-travel checklist for your home will ensure you cover all your bases before departure. I have used lists for almost everything to keep my home running in some semblance of order. Raising three children, who are now grown adults, minimizing chaos was critical.

So, is your house ready for vacation?

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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When Working with a Travel Agent-It is Important to Prepare

When Working with a Travel Agent-It is Important to Prepare

August 13, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl No comments

So, you’ve decided to work with a travel agent—a good choice for most vacation plans. Working with a travel agent gives you someone with experience and connections to ensure you get the best value for your hard-earned dollars. Before you speak or meet with your travel agent, it’s important to prepare so the agent can help you plan your trip effectively and efficiently.

Here’s a list of items and information you should have ready when working with a travel agent:

  1. Travel Dates and Duration: Provide the exact dates or narrow time frame you plan to travel, along with the duration of your trip. It is essential to help the agent find suitable flights, accommodations, and activities for your desired timeframe.  
  2. Destination Preferences: Let the agent know where you want to go. If you have multiple destinations in mind, rank them in order of preference. Also, mention if you have any specific cities or regions you want to visit. It is good here to note any activities you prefer or things you would like to avoid. 
  3. Budget: Clearly define your budget for the entire trip. Your budget should include flights, accommodations, activities, meals, transportation, and any other expenses you might incur. When a travel agent knows they need to stay below a figure, it greatly aids in making the proper selections. An agent wants to provide you with the best value you can afford for any vacation. 
  4. Travel Companions: Inform the agent about the number of people traveling with you, including adults, children, and their dates of birth. This information helps in finding suitable accommodations and activities for your group.
  5. Travel Style and Preferences: Explain your travel style and preferences. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget accommodations? Are you interested in adventurous activities or cultural experiences? Sharing with your travel agent some previous experiences and what you liked about them is a great way to express this. Knowing your preferences will help the agent tailor the trip to your liking.
  6. Special Occasions or Requirements: If you’re celebrating a special occasion during your trip, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday, let the agent know. Also, mention any special requirements you have, such as dietary restrictions or accessibility needs or medical concerns such as motion sickness. 
  7. Activities and Interests: List the activities and attractions you’re interested in experiencing during your trip. This could include sightseeing, outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping, etc. The more specific you are, the better the agent can customize your itinerary.
  8. Flexible Dates: If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, mention this to the agent. They can find better deals or options for you.
  9. Preferred Airlines or Alliances: If you have a preferred airline or are a frequent flyer program member, share this information with the agent. They can book flights that align with your preferences.
  10. Travel Documents: Ensure you have valid passports. Check the expiration on your passport before speaking with your travel agent. The best practice is to ensure your passport is good for six months past your travel dates. If you have frequent traveler numbers or memberships, share those with the agent too.
  11. Emergency Contact Information: Provide an emergency contact person’s name and phone number in case the travel agent needs to reach someone in case of unforeseen situations. Most suppliers, from airlines to tours to hotels, now ask for an emergency contact on file. 
  12. Health and Medical Considerations: If you have any medical conditions, allergies, or other health considerations, let the agent know. This can be important for selecting accommodations, transportation, and activities that suit your needs. Travel agents can arrange to accommodate your needs, such as requesting seating in front of a vehicle if you experience motion sickness. 
  13. Preferred Communication Method: Let the agent know your preferred communication method – via email, phone calls, or a specific messaging platform. Most agents want to make the first contact via phone, in-person, or virtual meeting. 

By providing these details and being clear about your preferences, your travel agent can create a tailored itinerary that meets your expectations and ensures a smooth travel experience.  

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Things to Remember to Review and Check Off as a Traveler

Things to Remember to Review and Check Off as a Traveler

July 23, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl No comments

Whether you are planning your trip with a professional travel agent or you have decided to DIY it, it is crucial that you review things during the research, booking, payment, and documentation processes. We are all human and make mistakes. Not to mention computers and technology are only sometimes as reliable as we would like. We compiled a review list to help alleviate stress and prepare for your upcoming travel.  

As a traveler, reviewing and checking off several things is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here’s a fairly comprehensive list to review and check off. 

  1. Passport and Visas: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your return date, and check if you need any visas for the countries you plan to visit. Do this before picking your dates and quoting your trip. 
  2. Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. Keep a copy of the policy number and contact information while traveling. 
  3. Health Precautions: Check if any vaccinations or health precautions are required or recommended for the destinations you’ll be visiting. Also, be sure to alert your travel planner of any health concerns, such as mobility issues, dietary needs, and phobias.
  4. Itinerary and Reservations: Double-check your travel itinerary, flight, accommodation, and any other reservations you’ve made. We cannot stress that you read all the information from the beginning to the start of your trip. Reading your reservations’ fine print and details throughout the booking process allows for changes before penalties might occur. Be sure to note essential terms and conditions. 
  5. Emergency Contacts: List emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and the local embassy or consulate. You should provide at least one contact to your planner or add on your reservation when requested. 
  6. Money and Banking: When booking, you often need to alert your bank of a significant charge, especially for debit cards, as your bank might see this as fraudulent. Before travel, inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues using your credit/debit cards abroad. Carry some cash in local currency as well.
  7. Electronics and Chargers: Ensure you have all required chargers and adapters for your electronic devices.  
  8. Essential Documents: Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other necessary documents. Store them securely online and carry physical copies as backups.
  9. Language and Culture: Learn some basic phrases in the local language and research cultural norms to show respect and avoid misunderstandings.
  10. Weather: Check the weather forecast for travel dates and pack appropriate clothing.
  11. Medications and First Aid: Bring any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit. Carry your medicines in your onboard luggage allowance. 
  12. Travel Apps: Download helpful travel apps, such as maps, language translators, currency converters, and travel guides.
  13. Luggage Restrictions: Check your airline’s baggage allowances and restrictions to avoid additional fees.
  14. Transportation: Plan how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation and between destinations.
  15. Emergency Numbers: Check your documents for local phone numbers and what to do in the case of emergency or interruption while traveling. Keep instructions on dialing out in a foreign country with you, or don’t hesitate to ask a local such as the hotel concierge, to assist you with making a call. 
  16. Photocopy Your Itinerary and Photograph Important items: Give a copy of your travel itinerary to a family member or friend in case of emergencies. Please take photos of your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents in case they get lost or stolen.

Remembering to review trip details and check off items in the early stages will help alleviate issues and dissappoints in the final stages. But remember, there is always the possibility that you or your planner miss an item, forget an item, or go things go wrong. Embrace the journey with an open mind, be flexible with your plans, and make the most of every moment.

By reviewing and checking off these points, you’ll be well-prepared for your travels and can focus on enjoying your adventure to the fullest. Safe travels!

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThings to Remember to Review and Check Off as a Traveler
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Reasons To Purchase Travel Insurance

Reasons To Purchase Travel Insurance

July 16, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl No comments

In today’s travel world, travel insurance has truly become a non-negotiable trip item, covering your rental car, flight only, cruise, and everything else on your itineraries. I have seen more issues as we have come out of the pandemic, where travel plans have gone differently than planned.  

What are some examples of things I’ve seen?  

  • I have had clients who had a medical event before travel and had to cancel their trip because they could no longer travel.
  • I have had clients who have been injured or fallen ill during travel, had to seek medical attention and even some who have had to return home. 
  • I have had clients lose items or have items stolen.
  • I have had clients experience various reasons for flight delays and cancellations, from weather to birds hitting the plane.

The world and life are absolutely unpredictable, so there are several compelling reasons to purchase travel insurance.

Here are several compelling reasons to purchase travel insurance before embarking on a trip: 

  1. Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Travel plans can be unexpectedly disrupted due to various reasons such as illness, injury, or the death of a family member. Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for non-refundable expenses and help recoup the costs of canceled or interrupted trips.
  2. Medical emergencies and expenses: Healthcare costs can be exorbitant in certain countries, and your regular health insurance may not cover you while traveling abroad. Travel insurance can provide coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical evacuations.
  3. Lost or delayed baggage: Airlines occasionally misplace or lose luggage, leaving travelers without their belongings. Travel insurance can offer compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, as well as provide reimbursement for essential items in case of baggage delay.
  4. Travel delays: Delays in transportation can disrupt travel plans, leading to additional expenses for accommodation, meals, or alternative transportation. Travel insurance can provide coverage for these expenses, offering financial protection against unexpected delays due to factors like inclement weather, natural disasters, or airline strikes.
  5. Emergency assistance services: Many travel insurance policies offer access to 24/7 emergency assistance services. This can be particularly helpful when facing language barriers, seeking local medical providers, or navigating unfamiliar situations.
  6. Travel-related emergencies: Travel insurance may cover emergencies such as trip curtailment due to a terrorist attack, political unrest, or natural disasters at your travel destination. It can provide peace of mind and financial protection in such unforeseen circumstances.
  7. Rental car coverage: If you plan to rent a car during your trip, travel insurance can often provide coverage for rental car damages or theft, saving you from incurring additional expenses or relying on costly rental car insurance.
  8. Additional benefits: Depending on the policy, travel insurance can offer additional benefits such as coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, legal assistance, and assistance with lost travel documents.

 It’s essential to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing, as coverage and exclusions may vary. Additionally, consider the specific needs of your trip, your destination, and your personal circumstances when deciding on the right level of coverage.

Travel agents are not insurance agents, but we can provide you with coverage options and pricing for your travel. We work with several travel insurance providers. We can make recommendations based on your experiences as we never leave home without it, but any specific policy questions should be directed to the travel insurance company. Be sure to always discuss your options for your itinerary when booking and when making your deposit payment, as most companies have a pre-existing medical condition requiring insurance to be booked at deposit or within two weeks of depositing. There are some exceptions. For more details on the reasons to purchase travel insurance, speak with your trusted travel advisor. 

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Be Fit To Travel

Be Fit To Travel

May 7, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl , , No comments

How do travel and fitness go hand in hand? I will share how fitness plays a significant role in your traveling and has shaped my traveling career. You will discover why it is vital to be fit to travel. I will share two things you may or may not know about me, depending on whether you have booked travel or followed my adventures. One is an essential part of who I am and how I approach life and living, and the other is an inspiration and a reminder of why you must take care of yourself and do when the opportunity presents itself.

I have a separate component called Be Fit to Travel within Boomerang Escapes.

Being fit to travel came from my long history of being in the fitness industry and discovering over the years how taxing travel can be on the body. I was always a fitness buff, having been at the prime of my life when aerobics first took its hold, and shiny spandex was the attire. The love of fitness established in my youth carried over into my early family life as I received my personal trainer and fitness instructor certificates just before discovering I was pregnant with my first child. I taught classes and maintained my certification for about ten years before. Fast forward to my mid-forties, when I opened the agency and life’s stresses had a detrimental impact on my health, I returned to fitness as a motivational coach for Bodi (formerly Beachbody). At this point in my travel career, I was on the road nearly every month, realizing that if I was going to keep up with the pace of activities and enjoy all the things offered, I needed to regain my health. I witnessed many travelers who were also sidelined and unable to participate in something as simple as an easy-grade walk through a rainforest. I had clients who had to cancel major trips due to health issues arising before travel that likely might have been prevented had they spent a little more time on healthcare.

And this is where the second influence comes in. It is something I will never forget. It occurred long before I had any idea I would be a travel agent or, let alone, own an agency. A woman who was in her sixties and ran a consignment shop gave me a crucial piece of advice one day when I was selling some of the kid’s clothes at her shop. We were discussing my husband, who was living and working in Germany at the time. I shared with her how I wanted to see it for myself but wasn’t sure about traveling with the kids and the cost if I should do it. She then told me their dream of traveling the world did not happen. She told me how they had planned to travel the world in retirement. She worked and saved only to have retirement day come and take the dream away when her husband ended up on a dialysis machine. She told me, “Do not wait; go when you can. You never know what will happen in life.” Needless to say, I went to Germany with my toddlers in tow that year to visit their dad.

It’s always possible to begin that journey of health. And it isn’t about the swimsuit body but about longevity and mobility. You want to truly enjoy your rewards when you have worked as hard as you have worked. Feel free to follow @BeFitToTravel or join my private motivational fitness group to spur you on your wellness adventure.

As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I encourage you to BE FIT TO TRAVEL.

 

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Expect Delays

Expect Delays

April 30, 2023 Lisa Rossmeissl , No comments

The first quarter of 2023 has zoomed by. Travel is up. We are busier than ever. You would think by all accounts that we are entirely past the pandemic’s repercussions. On some fronts, we are. The days of required masks and extra shots for Covid no longer pertain. From the naked eye, the world appears to look like it did before. But…and it is a big but because one key factor still significantly impacts the smoothness of travel.

What is the one key factor I am alluding to? It is the human body.  Or should I say lack of bodies? Until this one factor is resolved, expect delays.

As the remaining lingering countries opened their borders mid to late last year and began pushing out mega advertising to entice travelers back to their lands, they forgot one thing. Most companies had downsized their staffing to keep up with the overhead while there was no travel. The travel demand came back tenfold. Millions of people shut up for two years, eager to take those long put-off trips. And others are ready to go as they realize they shouldn’t put it off until tomorrow. Yet, the industry, and not just travel, has yet to be able to fill its staffing back to pre-covid levels while the demand and number of travelers are rapidly passing the years before the pandemic. I already see 2023 for Boomerang Escapes being a banner year and blowing by 2018 and 2019 traveler numbers.

What does this staff shortage cause? In a word, delays. There are delays everywhere.

Delays in getting pricing back so we can produce quotes, delays in receiving documents, delays in handling refunds for cancellations, and delays in getting paid. If you didn’t know, most of what a travel advisor earns comes from commissions paid out after the client travels. Usually 30 days after the client has returned from travel.

What can you do? Simply put, have patience and faith in your travel advisor. We are as frustrated, if not more frustrated than you, as every delay, at least in my eyes, reflects upon my service. Even when I know I can’t control what is happening. I know from many a call with managers within the industry they are doing their best to get their staff and functions back up to full speed. I have faith that they will do it. If you are preparing to travel, expect there may be a few bumps in the road yet this year as the travel industry continues to get back on its feet after such an extensive pause.

Boomerang Escapes-logo

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslExpect Delays
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The Winter Road Trip Short Checklist

The Winter Road Trip Short Checklist

January 30, 2022 Lisa Rossmeissl , No comments

I am no stranger to winter or winter road conditions. While many of you know me from my years in Tennessee when I began my travel career, I have as much if not more of my life spent in the north. I have lived in Wisconsin on four different periods of my life, including my driving development years and living in Vermont three different periods. And of course, now I reside here in New Jersey, where we just had a lovely dumping of the white stuff from the most recent Nor’easter.

With many of us still sticking close to home and hitting the roads for our vacations, it is an excellent time to share some of the items I keep in my car to be road-ready. I’ve created a shortlist of things you will typically find in my car during the winter months or when I make a winter road trip. I like to ski and visit the mountains, not to mention I will use any excuse to hit the roads for travel. 

Winter Road Trip Short Checklist

  • A blanket. I keep a blanket in my car year-round. In the winter, it is there for warmth should you end up stranded on the side of the road. In the summer, it is a beach blanket or park blanket.
  • A shovel. I have a collapsable shovel that I throw into the car when the cold months arrive. It comes in handy if you have to dig yourself out unexpectedly. 
  • A bottle of wiper fluid. Be sure to get the wiper fluid that is good for at least -20 degrees below zero. Regular wiper fluid will freeze up in the spouts.
  • A bag/box of cat litter.   Cat litter works great for providing some traction if your wheels are spinning. The extra weight of the bag or box is good for keeping the tail end of the car swishing. The extra weight grounds the car better.
  • A bottle of water. I always have my water bottle with me. Again, if, for some reason, you are off the road waiting for some assistance, you can remain hydrated. 
  • A roll of paper towels. Paper towels can serve many purposes, from cleaning up messes, wiping your nose, or even wiping your ass. Having had three kids and multiple pets in the cars over the years, finding paper towels rolling around in the back is pretty standard year-round. 
  • A snack. Anyone who knows me well knows I usually have something in the bottom of my purse. I am one of those hangry people. However, traveling during winter, this snack may need to be your meal until help arrives. 
  • Jumper cables.   I have a set that has its own power source. I don’t need another vehicle, but I need to make sure I have fully charged them before traveling. 

Those are my winter car kit basics. And I must admit I am not always good about remembering to keep it stocked on regular road days even though I should because traveling the parkway to work here can be just as dangerous as taking a road trip to the mountains in Vermont. Share with us some of the things you have in your emergency kit. I know there are a few other things that I should include, but this is a good start for anyone looking to hit the winter roads.  

Boomerang Escapes-logo

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Winter Road Trip Short Checklist
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My Favorite Holiday Traditions

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

December 19, 2021 Lisa Rossmeissl , , No comments

As the year winds down, I feel somewhat nostalgic this year. I believe it comes from being so thankful to be here writing and booking travel after what seems like an eternity of trials. However, that is precisely it; we can always keep our spirit no matter the challenges. December for me is always a rollercoaster month of emotions, but when I think and prepare for the holiday, it brings me joy. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite holiday traditions. While not all of them happen every year now, especially with the kids all grown up and the family spread across the states, they still bring joy to me. You may practice some of them yourself. I hope thinking of them brings a smile to your face.

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

  • Cutting a Christmas Tree.  I haven’t done this one in years, but oh, the memories of bundling up and going to go pick out what I always felt was the grandest tree. Over the years, I lived in many homes with Cathedral ceilings allowing us to get a huge and very tall tree. But what I love most, its the smell. 
  • Watching the Sound of Music.  My favorite movie. Every December, it has become a tradition for mom and daughter to watch. And of course, you can not watch it without singing along. I was fortunate to see a theater version with a good friend one year. And probably one of the best family trips ever was a trip to Germany and Austria that included the Sound of Music tour. 
  • Hanging Christmas Stockings. To this day, my kids still find the stockings to be the best part of Christmas. We open them last. I fill them each year with the same treats. I fill them with such things as toothbrushes, floss, gum, nuts, chocolate, hard candy, chapstick, and more. 
  • Opening One Gift on Christmas Eve. After returning from Midnight Mass, it has always been a tradition to open one gift before heading to bed. Oddly enough, this one gift always managed to be pajamas. Insert winky face. Today, my adult kids still look to open that one gift. 
  • Attending Midnight Mass. While it can be a struggle to stay up, I believe this is the most beautiful and heartfelt of the Christmas masses. It just seems a bit more magical when you leave and see the stars in the sky. After all, it is the reason for the season. 

I am sure there are more I could share, but as the song says, “these are a few of my favorite things.” I would love to know if your family shares any of our traditions or what others you might have to share. The greatest gift about working in travel and living all over is discovering other cultures. Learning what is the same and trying something new. 

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Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together

5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together

November 14, 2021 Lisa Rossmeissl , , No comments

When you think travel, you think of dreamy destinations, romantic hideaways, untold adventures, and a world waiting out there to discover. What better way is there to find the hidden world with all its magic than to travel together with your significant other. Whether you are dating, engaged, or married, you should be traveling together. Traveling together is not only fun and a great time to try new things, but travel provides some great building blocks for couples. I’ve heard it said, a couple who travels together stays together.” Here is what travel can do for you.

5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together

Strengthen your bond. Traveling together gives you time to strengthen the relationship as you face challenges. An opportunity to build and grow trust in the relationship. A time where there are no outside forces of daily life to pull you away from concentrating on each other.

Discover more about each other. Now is a perfect time to see one another’s true colors, reactions to change, and stress management skills. Are they able to let loose and enjoy, or are they fit to be tied? Learn something maybe you didn’t know as far as a like or dislike or even a future dream.

Learn to compromise. As you discover each other’s styles, likes, dislikes, you will learn to compromise. Quite often, in a couple, one is the daredevil, and one is not. You may have different visions of what relaxing means. Through travel, you will learn to sort through the differences and select destinations and activities that appeal to both of you.

Make memories. Travel will create stories and make you storytellers. You will have moments to share deep into your relationship. “Remember when we….” And be sure to capture those personal photos and pictures to go along with the many adventures.

Rekindle the romance. Traveling together definitely provides an opportunity to keep the sparks alive. We all need, and I think even more so when we are in a relationship that, time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle to become human again. Whether you go near or far, time spent away as a couple for a weekend, week, month allows you time to reconnect and remember why you first came together.

Want to liven things up and have a less boring relationship, then make time for travel as a couple. Not only does it do all the things above, but it is safer, can be less money than single travel, creates quality time, and is double the fun!

Boomerang Escapes-logo

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together
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