“Draw Me a Bath”-Hot Bath Benefits

No comments

Are you a bath person? Better yet, a deep soaking tub with jets kind of bath person? I don’t know many who don’t love to sink into the warm, often aromatic waters of a tub.

A good soak for me served as a critical need during my many years of migraines. Whether you disappear in silence, with a good book, maybe with a glass of wine, or just some soothing music, this escape can be achieved both at home and away.

Here are three main categories of benefits: “draw me a bath” more often.

RELAX-Stepping into a bath is like taking a deep breath. Those moments lost in the tub let your mind slip into oblivion. Soon you have emptied your brain, and your feel all your muscles settle back into their comfort state. Stress and anxiety literally get washed away. You step out of that tub a new human.

REFRESH-Baths make us clean. The dirt of the day, whether physical or mental, washes away. Warm water works to replenish the moisture and nourishes the skin. We step out with a new perspective and often increase energy to carry on the day or have a more profound slumber.

REJUVENATE-A good bath can cure what ails you. It relieves muscle soreness, joint pain, and overall body aches. Time spent soaking can alleviate cold symptoms. The circulatory system reaps benefits from sitting in the water through better heart health, improved blood flow, and even calorie burning.

The water should not be overly hot. The addition of fragrances, oils, or salts can increase the healing benefits of a hot bath. It only takes 10-15 minutes of soaking to achieve the benefits. Your happy place is just one bath away.



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 Rossmeissl“Draw Me a Bath”-Hot Bath Benefits
read more

5 Benefits of Taking a Vacation

No comments

Americans are notorious for not taking their vacation time. We have work, work, work mentality, and a belief that no one can fill our shoes if we go. With the circumstances surrounding us, it has never been more critical to plan and take that vacation. Whether you travel near or far, the benefits will be well worth it.

Here are 5 Benefits of Taking a Vacation

  1. Lower stress-When you get away from the daily grind, you will tune-up your brain and be more productive when you return. 
  2. Lowers the risk of heart disease-work is stressful. Working “under the gun” day in and day out taxes our systems. The more taxed you are, the harder those systems have to work. Taking the break lets us system restore and repair. Just like a vehicle that needs its maintenance, so do you.
  3. Improves your outlook on life-Vacation provides a time to “stop and smell the roses.” You slow down and get the opportunity to see and enjoy the things around you, lift your spirits, and provide a new perspective on your current situation.
  4. Motivation-When you are relaxed and energized, you are automatically more inclined to work on things. We may even come up with new ideas we hadn’t thought of before now that our mind is clear. 
  5. Improves Relationships-Vacations provide a space and time to be together. A time where you can focus on yourself, your significant other, and your family. Allowing time to see one another and not just be “ships passing in the night.”

The crazy thing is most of these results come about when in the planning phase of your vacation. Just planning the trip can start to increase your motivation, lower stress, improve your outlook on life, and deepen your relationships. Whether you are ready to embark now or whether you want to plan deep into the future, now is the time to start reaping the benefits of a 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.

Lisa Rossmeissl5 Benefits of Taking a Vacation
read more

My BEST Mood-Boosting Tip

No comments

I will come right out of the gate and tell you that music is my best mood-boosting tip.

I know you were expecting me to say travel. When I am off and about on one of my memorable trips, I can’t be anything but happy. However, the past year had us working to keep those spirits upbeat.  

I am more fortunate with a naturally happy state every day, but I do get down like the rest. The fastest way for me to shift gears is to turn the music up. We all know how music can elicit an array of memories and emotions, one of those being elation. We all have that song or songs that will instantly get us moving. I am very fond of pop and dance tunes that take me back to my days of clubbing. I love to dance. I go for artists like JLo, Pitbull, Shakira, and others and good rock classics. My artist tasted across the full musical genre. My choices always get my body moving. Before long, I forgot what even had me down, and I am ready to party. 

Here are three of my favorite ways to enjoy the tunes and super boost the mood.

  1. Take my nature walk up a notch by popping in the earbuds to my best motivational get-moving songs. One of my favorites to this day is “Danger Zone” from the Top Gun soundtrack. I used to run to it.  
  2. Have your own at-home dance party. I pop over to Youtube and find a song and turn it up. I turn my living and office space into a party. I love that Youtube seems to pick several in a row to go along with my first selection. Both one and two are also useful for shedding pounds too. 
  3. Turn it up in the car. Nothing beats a car ride with good tunes, especially if it is a day where you can have the windows and sunroof open too. My vehicle has Sirius XM. Soulcycle and the Pitbull stations these past months have been my favorites. The DJ’s morning wake-up shows are fantastic for getting you pumped. A twenty to thirty-minute ride, and I ready to face the day ahead. 


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 RossmeisslMy BEST Mood-Boosting Tip
read more

10 Reasons for Using a Travel Agent

No comments

If nothing else, 2020 will be the year we learned how uncertain things could become. We’ve learned life can come to a halt. While the future is something we can never predict, we can tell you how having a travel advisor will help clear the murky waters. 

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor

  1. Travel advisors are more than just pretty postcard images you see on the booking engines. We are real. We exist. And our soul purpose and passion is to make others happy by enjoying fabulous destinations and cultures worldwide. 
  2. Travel advisors have comprehensive experience. We have a thorough knowledge of the destinations and all the moving parts of a vacation experience.
  3. Travel advisors care. We are here through each step of the process from the time you inquire until you return. We do not click book trip and finish our service. 
  4. Travel advisors like to build in special treats and benefits. Many of our long-standing relationships with the suppliers in the destinations allow us to provide those extra amenities.
  5. Travel advisors are like family. It is probably one of the friendliest cooperative industries in the workforce. We not only support one another, but we are here to take care of your needs. We want to know what is going on in your life, and we want to help celebrate those special moments with you.
  6. Travel advisors want you to be safe and wise when you travel. That is why we provide you with travel tips before departure. 
  7. Travel advisors are accessible. You have access to us nearly 24/7. And while you’re in the dreaming phase, we can supply inspiration, planning ideas, and even webinars personalized to you or your group.
  8. Travel advisors are connected. We have made a career out of building relationships. 
  9. Travel advisors are welcoming. We invite you to become a part of our travel family. Join our social media, sign-up for informative and inspirational newsletters, and heck, we will travel with you to coordinate while in the destination. 
  10. Travel advisors know it is all about you. Unlike a booking engine, we work with you to design a journey and experience that considers who you are and what you like.  

And if you need one more reason, travel advisors continued to work for you and with you when the currency stopped coming in. Why? Because we love what we do. Most of our satisfaction comes from seeing the smile on your face in your photos and the joy in your voice when you return to tell us what a fantastic time you had and ask where to next.  

We cannot wait to work with you on your next journey. Be safe. Travel Well. Always use a 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.

Lisa Rossmeissl10 Reasons for Using a Travel Agent
read more

Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

No comments

To say it has been a crazy year, is an understatement, and as we slowly return to hopefully a better future than past, there are some things to consider when looking to travel.  First, you need to know the destinations that are open. Second, you need to know the current protocols. Finally, you need to connect with a travel agent to help you through all of this.

The decision of when to travel is purely up to you.  You have to gauge your own comfortable level. Are you comfortable  with the new protocols in place? How will this impact your family or job when you return?  Make sure you are looking at the broad picture and definitely plan ahead.  It is not just a matter of book a flight and go!

With that being said, for those of you ready to go, the Caribbean, is probably one of your best options to find an escape.

Most of the Caribbean is open to the U.S. traveler.  The list of destinations welcoming the United States is growing, but remains fluid. I am providing the most recent options as of Sept 13, 2020.  I will try to update as conditions change.

While this list is geared for our Caribbean lovers, please note places such as Tahiti that we’ve been sharing, Tanzania, and Croatia are some further overseas options welcoming the U.S. traveler.  Please feel free to contact us with your destination of interest and we will be happy to work with you.

Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

  • Antigua and Barbuda-Negative Covid-19 test result within 7 days
  • Aruba-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • Barbados-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • Bermuda-Negative Covid-19 test result within 5 days + $75
  • Dominica-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • Dominican Republic-Negative Covid-19 test result within five days
  • Grenada-Negative Covid-19 rapid result test result on arrival
  • Haiti-Mandatory 14 day quarantine
  • Jamaica-Negative Covid-19 test result less than 10 days old
  • St. Barts-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • St. Lucia-Negative Covid-19 test result within 7 days
  • St. Maarten-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • St. Vincent and Grenadines-Negative Covid-19 test on arrival, additional test on arrival
  • Turks and Caicos-Negative Covid-19 test result within 5 days

*In addition to testing, some of the countries also require a health form to be filled out prior to boarding.

Note: Mexico, while not technically the Caribbean, is open without any current restrictions or requirements regarding testing.

As you can see, pretty much no matter where you go, you will need to provide a negative test result. This cannot be the home test either. These test have to be performed at medical facility. You will find that some destinations will do additional testing upon arrival or after a period of days while in country.  Depending on which state you live in, travel outside the U.S. or even outside of your own state could require a 14-day quarantine period upon your return or additional Covid-19 testing.  All the destinations are practicing new health protocols with additional cleanliness, hand sanitizer stations, and staff in mask and gloves. You will also be required to wear masks in areas where 6ft social distancing cannot be maintained. Be aware that not following the current Covid-19 protocols could result in fines or worse.

I should note, that many of the hotel partners I have in the Caribbean, are now offering incredible cancellation policies and deals we will not likely see next year.

Several chains are offering no penalties on cancellation and/or booking changes up to 24-hours prior to the check-in. Now really is the time to get that vacation booked, whether you fit an escape in before the close of 2020 or prepare for that much needed one in 2021 and beyond. Given the constant fluidity of this situation, please consult your travel advisor for the most up to date policies with the destination, resorts, and airlines.



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 RossmeisslCaribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler
read more

Tahiti-Top 3 Most Asked Questions

No comments

Tahiti is open for business. One of the first openings for US travelers since the COVID-19 outbreak.  Despite current situations, Tahiti has long been a sought-after paradise for couples, families, and solo travelers. Tahiti is all about romance, rejuvenation, and relaxation.  It is a haven and offers an array of land and water activities. Due to all the coral reefs, it is the perfect dive spot as well.   No matter your reason for seeking out this destination, there are 3 common questions I always seem to get.

Top 3 Most Asked Questions:

Q: What is the best time of year to visit?

A:  Tahiti is an ideal destination year-round.  The rains come in January and February, but it is still spectacular because you will see waterfalls appear on the mountain that isn’t usually there.

Q:  How much time should I plan for my visit?

A:  We encourage an immersive experience for your trip. We want you to feel like you belong and connect with the country. I advise you to let me know how much time you’ve got. I will then customize the itinerary to suit your needs. I would recommend a minimum of a week as the flight from Los Angeles is 9 hours.

Q:  What type of documentation do I need?

A:  You will, of course, need your passport, which should have an expiration date 3 months past your travel dates, but we usually recommend 6 months for all international travel.  No visa is required for 90 days or less for tourism-based travel. With the new COVID-19 protocols, you will be required to provide a negative test result done within 3 days before travel, along with a Sanitary Entry Form upon check-in for your flight. Please know that we will assist you in any way we can in obtaining your requirements for travel.

Do You Have More Questions About Tahiti? 

Then send them to me at info@boomerangescapes.com. We are here to make sure you have the best vacation experience possible!


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 RossmeisslTahiti-Top 3 Most Asked Questions
read more

Tahiti Reopening-Covid-19 Travel Protocols

No comments

It is good news for the American traveler as The Islands of Tahiti reopen their borders to international travelers beginning July 15th, 2020.  French Polynesia has done a fantastic job in managing the Covid-19 outbreak amongst the islands.  They had fewer than 70 cases with no deaths reported.  As of May 29th, French Polynesia has had no active cases of the illness.

What does this mean for you?  It means you can travel to this incredible, romantic, cultural, and sensory destination as long as you follow the new protocols.  French Polynesia has established new Covid-19 visitor entry and stay conditions.

Here is a short list of what you can expect:

  • Wear a mask.  You will be required on the flights to wear a mask at all times except to remove for your meal or drink.  In destination, you will be expected to wear a mask when not in open air situations, or in situations where the 6 foot distancing cannot be maintained. An example, the ferry ride over.  You will see all airline staff and hotel staff wearing masks.
  • Covid-19 test. You will have to have a test done within 72hrs prior to boarding.  Your test results must be negative and you must show proof of negative result at check-in.  Test can be done by most health authority centers such as hospital, clinic, and testing centers.
  • Sanitary Entry Form.  This will be a form you are required to rill out after you’ve received your negative test results. It is similar in nature to the immigration forms you are used to filling out when traveling internationally. This again will need to be done prior to your arrival for boarding your plane with the receipt from completed form with you for check-in at the airport.

Once in destination, you will see the heightened cleanliness protocols.  French Polynesia asks that visitors be responsible and respectful that is honoring prevention measures in place and reporting if while in destination any flu like symptoms that arise.  Be aware the Ministry of Health of French Polynesia may carry out some tests and accredited medical staff my carry out inspections of accommodations while you are in destination.

Air Tahiti Nui has loaded flights in for July with August yet to be finalized. As we have seen this virus and the conditions surrounding it have been very fluid. The fluidity of the situation means that at anytime borders could close again or more measures could be put in place until a grasp on the disease has been fully made.  If we all travel responsibly, there is no reason why we can’t enjoy the benefits and current need to revive and rejuvenate with a much overdue escape.

For more details on what to expect and arranging your travel,  please contact your travel advisor. We are tapped in to the latest information being released from the destination both with our suppliers and the tourism board.  We thank Tahiti Tourisme and Down Under Answers for providing these latest details .  Information above was current and up to date as of June 19, 2020.

 


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 RossmeisslTahiti Reopening-Covid-19 Travel Protocols
read more

Flying American Airlines Covid-19 June 2020

No comments

As the states, nation, and world begin to open back up, what does that look like to the traveler as they begin to consider flying again?  Well, I can recount for you first-hand, my daughter’s flight this weekend to Memphis, Tennessee from Newark, New Jersey.  As things started to ease, her father and I, finally decided we could set-up a trip for her to visit which had originally been set for earlier in the year.  So, yesterday, she made her way to Memphis.

 

First, I must share, trying to book this flight a few weeks ago was crazy.  Her dad started sending me screen shots and then I said, just let me look.  Normally, Newark has a variety of direct flight options on United from Newark to Memphis making it a quick select, click, and book for our preferred drop-off and pick-up times.  Not so right now.  I proceeded to actually check 4 airlines from both Newark and Philadelphia. No one had the direct flight.  When I began looking at the connections, they were crazy!  Most of the connecting flights had her travel time for the day around 15hours.  For that kind of travel time, you should be flying long haul overseas.  After about a good hour or maybe more, I settled on American Airlines for price and schedule.  They had the most options and I could get her there in about 6 hrs.

 

As the trip approached, I received an email asking if I wanted to change her flight due to her current one being crowded. Unlike what you have heard, the airlines are not keeping middle seats open.  I kept her flight as is. On the day of check-in, again there was a notice offering $150 air voucher if you wanted to change to a less crowded flight.  I did read on American Airlines site that it looks like this option to opt to change your flight due to crowding will be offered until September.  Again, we left things status quo.


Departure day, we headed to the airport with planned arrival of 90 minutes prior to domestic flight.  The airport itself was almost like a ghost town at terminal A where American operates most of their flights out.  Other than the bit of hustle and bustle at the check-in area the place seemed rather deserted.  Face masks are required in Newark and other than everyone in covered faces, it was business as usual.

 

Veronica then kept me updated through text as to the experience of her travel.  She said it was a full flight, no middle seats left vacant. She herself ended up with a couple that had a service dog. She was happy as the service dog was near here.  Note, American Airlines currently has suspended pet travel other than for service type animals.  Their snack and drink was given to them at boarding in a paper bag.  It contained a bottle of water, pretzels, Biscoff cookie, and a small Purell hand sanitizer wipe.  You are allowed to remove your face covering to eat, but then return it.  Veronica, said everyone traveling and the airline staff were in masks.

 

Her connection was in Dallas where she said again everything was fairly normal as she made the mad dash across gates to catch her next flight. Again, it really just seemed to be business as normal with masks on.  Same upon her arrival in Memphis.   She did note heightened cleaning and while the plane was full overall traffic at the airport was much less than normal.


American Airlines has implemented many new items in their new clean commitment. Beginning, June 30th, will be their new symptom check list for travelers. They’ll ask all travelers during the check-in process to certify they have been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the past 14 days. This is in addition to requiring all travelers on board to wear a face covering. Note a face covering can be anything from a scarf to a medical mask. For more information on American Airlines new COVID-19 commitments, visit here.

 

As things continue to evolve, please know you can depend on us to give you the most up-to-date information we have at our disposal for your travel.  Whether it be air, land, or sea.  The coming months as travel resumes will require a lot more knowing and preparation.  Make sure you have an advocate working for you by using a travel professional for your next escape.


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 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 RossmeisslFlying American Airlines Covid-19 June 2020
read more

Summer Vacation Essentials

No comments

Summer will be here before you know it. People will be commencing on their long-awaited summer escapes as the last weeks of school finally wrap up. June to August becomes one of the heaviest times for travel, whether by plane, boat, or car, as everyone looks to soak up some sun and RELAX!  Whether you are going to the beach, away for a weekend of camping, or jumping on a plane for an island or even a European destination, I’d like to share with you some things that are must-have in your bag while away.

Here are my top 5 recommended summer vacation essentials.

  • Wear skincare protection- Don’t ever leave home without it.  Apply it daily. No matter the season or destination, we want to protect our skin from damage due to weather elements, particularly the sun.  My personal favorite brand is Australian Gold, but I grew up as a Coppertone baby.  No matter the brand, pick the right SPF for your skin type. This also included keeping a lip balm handy.
  • Carry a hat-Again along the lines of skin protection; a hat provides shade for your face, keeps you from squinting, and can keep your head cool and protected.  I always have a baseball cap in my beach bag.  It’s great for when I want to read or keep the hair out of my face on a windy day.
  • Carry a water bottle-I don’t go anywhere without my refillable water bottle. I keep it in the car, at my desk, and take it to the pool or beach.  It is easy to get dehydrated when we are traveling, especially since we often don’t take time to stop or lift glasses of our favorite cocktail. Water is essential, and staying hydrated will keep you feeling well and your skin nourished too.
  • Keep a snack in your bag-I am big on healthy eating and keeping my body fueled to avoid sugar drops or crashes. Not to mention overeating later because I’ve starved myself.  I like to keep simple easy to carry snacks in my bag like small granola bars, nuts, pieces of fruit, and cheeses (depending on if I can keep it cool). I try to avoid chips and salty snacks if possible because they can cause swelling when traveling by air or being in the sun.
  • A book or journal-Now that I am off on my journey, what better item to have for the ride or flight than a book to pass the time. Or a journal to write down those thoughts that have been lost in the commotion of daily life.  It is a perfect way to relax while getting to where you are going to passing the time once you are there. I have more items I like, but the above can be found at any given point when you open up my beach bag or carry-on.  It’s I can’t leave home without them list.   It’s my standard travel operation kit, always ready and waiting to go on my next adventure. And remember, those adventures can happen as close as your own backyard. Enjoy and have a fun, safe summer or any time of year vacation wherever you land.

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 RossmeisslSummer Vacation Essentials
read more

Be Prepared and Speed Up Your Airport Travel

No comments
Like being prepared for our dogs when they are ready to birth, being prepared for travel is a very important thing.  This past month has been a prime example of what weather can do during winter. Conditions can change extremely quick and are not always in our control.  What also isn’t in our control is when the government strikes or remains in a partial strike. The government has more impact on the smooth departure for your vacations than you may have realized.  Due to the most recent striking, some of the TSA check points at major airports were affected due to limited staffing.  The TSA is the Transportation Security Administration set up by the government as a response to the 911 attacks and is the authority over the security over the traveling public in the United States.
Here are a couple things you can get to help speed things up if you’re an avid traveler during times of striking.  You can apply for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry.  TSA Pre-Check is a US Government program that allows travelers that are deemed low risk to pass through an expedited security screening at certain US airports.  It cost about $85 to get this and takes about 4 weeks to have it processed.  Global Entry is a US customs and boarder protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved low risk travelers upon arrival in the US.  With Global Entry you will receive a known traveler number and a card. The cost is $100 and is good for 5 years.  The length of time to get your approval depends on the application being approved, followed by an in person interview with the nearest TSA office to you.   Global entry is good for International and Domestic travel whereas the TSA Pre-check is for United States only.  You can go to the following website and apply for either if you meet the pre-qualifications.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/card
If you are someone who does travel, I would highly recommend you invest in the global entry card as the government is continues to be as unpredictable as the weather and your travel may be delayed due to it.   With having either of these it just allows your time at the airport to be quicker and smoother with less hassle through the security check points.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.


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.

Andrea WardBe Prepared and Speed Up Your Airport Travel
read more