Travel Tips

Tahiti-Top 3 Most Asked Questions

July 12, 2020 Lisa Rossmeissl South Pacific, Travel Tips 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.

Tahiti Reopening-Covid-19 Travel Protocols

July 5, 2020 Lisa Rossmeissl South Pacific, Travel Tips 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.

Flying American Airlines Covid-19 June 2020

June 28, 2020 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips 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.

Summer Vacation Essentials

June 23, 2019 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips 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.

Be Prepared and Speed Up Your Airport Travel

February 17, 2019 Andrea Ward Travel Tips 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.

Global Entry-Make Going Through the Airport a Breeze

December 23, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Funny as it is may seem, I was a bit slow in getting my act together. Despite my heavy international travel I had avoided getting this convenient approval. I often have been questioned by the passport control workers as to why I didn’t have it, especially given the number of stamps in my passport. However, I was challenged in November by a group of my fellow Travel Agency owners to complete it by December. Here is what you need to know.

What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program used by the United States Customs and Borders Protection service that allows approved individuals considered to be low risk expedited clearance through customs when arriving in the United States.

Besides the advantage of clearing the lines in customs, global entry also comes with TSA Pre-check making your domestic security experience faster and less invasive. It does require registering your known traveler number when booking your flights or attaching to your frequent flyer accounts. Full information and direction on how to do this are given to you during your interview.

How do I Get Global Entry?
The process of getting your approval is quite simple, but times do vary on it’s completion process. The cost is nominal considering your number is good for 5 years before you need to do renewal. You begin by going to www.globalentry.gov. You will be asked to set up an account. Once you have the account you can proceed or log back in when time allows. Once in your account you will have to fill out a questionnaire verifying your identity information and pay the $100 fee.

After you’ve completed the application it will go into review. The time it takes for the review to be completed and get your approval for interview will vary depending how busy the offices are and the verification of your information. You can use your log-in to periodically check for your approval as you will not receive anything by email alerting you to the approval.

Once you’ve received initial approval you will then select your global entry center and schedule your interview. Availability of appointments and the speed at which you will be able to get in will depend on your specific center. You will report to you interview center on the date and time you selected and wait in a waiting area until and agent calls you for your interview. The agent during the interview will again verify the information you entered on your application, take a photo and get your finger prints, but overall all time for interview is relatively short, approximately 15 minutes.

Now that you’ve had your interview you are approved. Your agent will give you information on activating your card, getting your TSA Pre-check and other general information for use when arriving and updating should any information change. It takes about 2-3 weeks to receive your actual card.

Tips on getting your Global Entry
-Make sure you have good internet connection and allow about 30 minutes to complete your application online.
-Remember to log back in periodically for your approval so you can set up your interview.
-Arrive 15 minutes early for the appointment as to not have to reschedule.
-Turn off your phone before going in for interview.
-For Newark, New Jersey the interview center is in baggage claim B in the back. Park in short term parking B.
-Make sure to bring your approval letter, passport and driver’s id.
-Once you receive your card remember to go back online to activate it and sigh up for your TSA Pre-check.

Now you are ready to breeze through the airport the next time you fly.

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.

Don’t Skip the Insurance

October 7, 2018 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Speaking of Mother Nature. This past month we have seen exactly what Mother Nature can do and how unpredictable and destructive weather can be. We had major areas of the South and the Caribbean devastated by Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Isaac. I found myself asking my clients more then ever, “do you want travel insurance”? Are you someone who declines travel insurance?

Let me tell you why you should not decline the insurance. For the small amount of extra money, it will cost to add insurance to coverage to your trip, you will find it is well worth its weight in gold. We use and recommend at Boomerang Escapes, Travel Guard Insurance. My recommendation is the Travel Gold with the cancel for any reason add on. We find it to be the best comprehensive coverage for our clients and ourselves. If you add the policy on at the time of your down payment for the trip or within 14 days of said deposit, it also has a pre-existing clause. I and the staff at the agency are not travel insurance agents, so I will not go into major details on coverages. However, I send you a quote directly from their website that provides you all the coverage details and I do give you the 800 number they provide, so you can speak with an insurance expert on the coverage specifics. They have a 24/7 line during travel as well, so no worries if the unexpected happens.

I have had people who have had to change their plans at the last minute and those who have opt’d to purchase the insurance have been very happy to have that peace of mind. Should something happen the claims process is quite simple, and we are here to help you through it as well as the trained staff at Travel Guard. Travel Guard is not the only travel insurance provider available, along with their competitors, almost all the suppliers offer a version of insurance, but I have found in my experience that the coverage that is offered through the suppliers is no where as comprehensive as the coverage through Travel Guard. With travel insurance you have peace of mind 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You have worked hard to earn the time and save the money for you vacation, don’t let the unexpected ruin it.

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

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.

Return to Your Happy Place

September 23, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Hi there. Yes, I am the girl you love to hate. The girl who wakes up with a smile. The girl who wakes up on the right side of the bed. The girl whose energy levels are so high each day that you want to stomp on her because you have yet to have your morning coffee. ( and trust me you don’t want to see me on caffeine) Yes, I am the girl who sees the world through rose colored glasses and drinks from the glass that is half-full. I am the girl who has been recently given the nick name “Positive Polly.” How did I achieve such a great attitude and outlook on life? How do I manage to get through all the daily crap?

First, let me begin by letting you in on a little secret. I am not always happy. WHAT??? Yes, I am not always happy! The reality is there are times when life sucks. I have down moments and down days. Bad shit, happens to me just like everyone else. The difference my friends is that I’ve groomed myself with daily practices and strategies not to stay in that state of doom and gloom, poor me, low energy, or whatever you want to call it.

You may recognize the title of this article, as it is also the tag line to my travel company. The tag line truly embraces what we all need to do. It is what I do almost daily and definitely throughout the year. And you have to make these things a practice. For me, getting to my happy place encompasses 4 key components….THRIVE, REVIVE, INDULGE, ESCAPE.

Here are my definitions.
Thrive-
To thrive is to reach and maintain a level of health and well-being that provides you longevity in life. No longer are the days of matching up to an image society has created. Today, it is about reaching your best and feeling your best, so you can continue to do the things you love.

Revive-
To revive is to take time to fuel your soul and mind. Feed your spirit whether you have a regular religious practice or just take time for yourself. It is about reaching deep within, connecting with your inner being. This can be achieved through practices of church, meditation, yoga, personal development through reading, and/or journaling. The point is to find what helps you most to restore your inner peace.

Indulge-
To indulge is to try new things, taste what the world has to offer, and to treat yourself. Stop saying no to yourself and start saying yes. I believe all aspects of life should operate on an 80/20 rule. 20 percent of the time you give in. Have the piece of cake, buy the new outfit, enjoy the seaweed wrap. To indulge is to let yourself have the things you think you shouldn’t.

Escape-
To escape is more then merely traveling. To escape is to let go of you daily routines and disconnect from your devices. You can escape alone or with others, but you must escape. Escaping can be as simple as a walk or as elaborate as a trip around the world. By escaping we can easily bring the other 3 components into action… thrive, revive, indulge.

When you learn to balance your life by setting aside time for these 4 realms, you return to your happy place.

Here is how I incorporate theses into a daily action.
I have a “me” routine. The “me” routine incorporates the thrive and revive. Being the morning person that I am, my “me” routine begins my days. For revive, I journal and meditate daily. Or sometimes swap this out with prayer. Walks and yoga are other key components in my revive arsenal.

For thrive, I do a daily workout. My workouts vary from cardio, weights, Pilates, yoga and more. Often I do the workout in the comfort of my home, but keep a gym membership as well to change it up.

For indulge, I reward myself each day. Sometimes it may be a food item or sometimes I treat myself to. One of the ways I encourage myself to get my to do’s done is by telling myself when the list is done I can have ____. Why did I have so much pool time this year????

Which brings me to escape. The pool was one of my escapes. Another is a walk and just getting back in tune with nature. It could be finding time to disappear in a good book too. When you make time or take time to step away from the grind you will find the picture gets clearer and the energy or creativity you need to get through the project comes back. Of course on a larger scale, taking that weekend getaway and making time for your vacation aka ESCAPE you will be able to begin that journey back to your happy place.

As the song says, “Changes in latitudes Changes in Attitudes” ~ Jimmy Buffet

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.

Jet Lag…There’s an App for That

June 24, 2018 Lisa Rossmeissl Travel Tips No comments

Jet lag, that wonderful temporary sleep disorder we get when traveling. It’s caused by the body being out of sync with it’s own clock do to various time zone changes. The more zones you change the worse the jet lag can be. Some travelers are more susceptible than others, but often everyone feels it to some degree.

Specializing and selling the South Pacific, I’ve gotten quite good at battling this phenomenon for my own travels. I have event written this tip article, “2 Meals, 2 Movies, and a Nap!”, specifically written for the flights from the West Coast, USA to Australia. These are things that have worked for me over the years as I have made my way to the South Pacific. Of course, we in the travel industry are always on the watch for something that might work even better.

On my most recent Amazing Aussie Adventure, we were given the opportunity to test or try out for free an app called Uplift. Uplift works on a scientific premise of being able to reset your body’s clock through the use of pressure points. It made sense to me as I am know stranger to using pressure points to divert pain from headaches. So the concept that a pressure point could change how the body thinks was something I was willing to give a go.

It’s a very easy application to use and is easily downloaded to your smart phone. I have an iPhone. There is a pre-tutorial video to watch on how the application is used, what information from your trip you will need, and an example of a person locating and using their pressure points. Basically you will be entering the information from the time zone you depart from and then the arrival zone. Preferably it is best to do at the airport after landing, but can be done once you arrive at your hotel destination.

For my most recent trip, several of us in the group did use Uplift to see how it worked and if it made a difference. Given I was traveling from Newark, NJ to Perth, Western Australia I actually used the application twice during the flights over as recommended by the company. I did my first pressure point session when I arrive in Auckland where I had a 5 hour layover. What was interesting, was that we had different pressure points to use depending on which area we left from. So not all of us had the same points. Mine happened for this first use to be inside my leg above the ankle and my wrist area. The second use, I did once I was settled into my room in Perth which was several hours after arriving in Western Australia. My pressure points were again different than the previous set. I had now been traveling roughly 30 hours since leaving New Jersey. I went to bed about 11pm local time and slept through the night waking just ahead of my alarm at 6am. I felt great. Got up did some meditation, grabbed a shower and headed up for breakfast. I was right on track the rest of the trip.

When the trip ended and I headed back to the states, I forgot or neglected to do the first round of points in Auckland, but I did do it back at my condo. I arrive home on a red eye out of California at 6am my time. I took about a 5 hour nap upon arriving home and then was up and ready for the day. I even attended a trade event that night.

I can’t say definitively that the application was the reason as I have a tendency to adjust well, but given the quite short length of my trip, only 7 days in Australia and 30hrs of travel time, I think it may very well have helped. I believe the application runs about $9.99 and might be worth you giving it trial for your next international flight. Can’t hurt, right?

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.

Why You Should Download Your Airline’s App

May 6, 2018 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Given the uncertainties of life, it made me realize that there are things that you can do as a traveler to make your travel a little less unpredictable. Let’s consider technology. One of the great technologies is that of our cell phone. It like no other device can let us know what is going on minute to minute. All you need to do is download applications to your phone. There are tons of them out there. What I recommend for making your travel less stressful is to add the airline apps to your phone such as United Airlines. Almost every airline now a day offers an app for your smart phone. Whichever airline or airlines your flying add that application to your phone. Any of the airlines applications can be found in your phones app store.

Once you have the app downloaded you can access information about your flight, use it to check-in online, purchase upgrades, check baggage allowances, and more. One of my favorite things is being able to turn on the notifications button for my flight. When you have notifications on you will receive alerts as to any changes or delays. As a travel planner, I keep these notification alerts on my phone not only for my personal travel, but for my client’s travel as well. By adding my client’s flight information into notification alerts, I can stay on top of any issues that may arise prior to departure or arrival home. It also gives me peace of mind when I know my client’s flights have safely departed and arrived. In the event of an issue such as weather that can cause a delay or cancel the flight, I can quickly be in contact with you and start working on other options to get you to your destination in what hopefully is the most stress-free way possible. The apps truly are handy for us both. While nothing is a guarantee and the apps won’t prevent a flight from being delayed or cancelled, the advanced knowledge and ability to stay in touch with your air carrier and your travel planner does help. Try it on your next vacation escape.

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

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.

Tahiti-Top 3 Most Asked Questions

Top 3 Most Asked Questions:

Do You Have More Questions About Tahiti?

Tahiti Reopening-Covid-19 Travel Protocols

Flying American Airlines Covid-19 June 2020

Summer Vacation Essentials

Here are my top 5 recommended summer vacation essentials.

Be Prepared and Speed Up Your Airport Travel

Global Entry-Make Going Through the Airport a Breeze

Don’t Skip the Insurance

Return to Your Happy Place

Jet Lag…There’s an App for That

Why You Should Download Your Airline’s App

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