Sending thoughts and prayers to the people in the beautiful Bahama Islands, and all those in the path of Hurricane Dorian along the eastern US coast.

I do hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! But like many others, I have also been keeping tabs on the storm path of Hurricane Dorian and thinking of all those affected. Knowing so many people that live in Florida, as well as colleagues in the Bahamas, it's sad to see so much devastation brought on by such a vicious storm. Even though we did not have any clients or travelers in the storm path, we have many Travel Advisor colleagues that were assisting their own clients over the weekend to either rebook or reroute their vacation plans due to the storm. So, this brings up our feature article topic for this week - Travel Protection!

Did you know that 'hurricane season' lasts from April until November.....

But historically speaking, the worst storms typically occur from late August through mid-October.  Some of the most destructive storms that have hit the Caribbean and the US in the last 20 years, including Ivan, Katrina, Ike, Irma, Matthew, Maria, and now Dorian, have occurred in late August and September.

So what does that mean? You never know what could come up that may interrupt your travel plans. So the best way to protect your travel investment is by purchasing a Travel Protection (insurance) plan.

Although the majority of our clients do opt for some form of travel insurance, I have had a few opt out of purchasing a plan because they think everything will be fine and there's no need to add that extra expense. And many times they are fine and all goes well. We thankfully have not had to process too many travel insurance claims which is great. But just like car or medical insurance, it's a safeguard in the event that something does go awry and you need assistance. And if you are traveling, or about to travel, and have an issue that comes up, that is where a Travel Protection plan can help you.

Most travel protection plans do include several benefits including protection for lost or damaged baggage, flight delays or cancellations, emergency medical coverage for something major (broken ankle and needing to fly home from Rome) or relatively minor (like when I needed to get stitches because I was injured in a volleyball game while in Jamaica). Travel Protection can also cover you for illness  or injury of covered travelers or immediate family not traveling, car accident on the way to the airport, job loss, and if you have a 'Cancel for any reason' plan, you are  covered for any reason, including bad weather.

I know it can definitely be a little confusing sometimes when thinking of the different options. Some people even think that they have travel insurance included with certain credit cards. That may be true to a point, but it's very important to double-check and make sure exactly what that coverage includes. Many times it's very limited, and typically will not include coverage for any travel outside of the United States.

Because we feel so strongly about having travel protection for your vacation, we do include a quote for coverage in all of the travel and vacations that we book. We can always remove it if you opt to not purchase the coverage. But more often than not, most of our clients do realize that it is a good investment. You are protecting your vacation dollars in the event something happens before or during your trip, and it's typically a small investment for that peace of mind. And if you travel frequently, we can even offer a yearly plan if that works out better.

We use excellent and vetted providers that offer the best coverage for any issue that could arise. If you have any questions about travel protection, please feel free to reach out and ask!

Do you have a story where having travel protection really benefited you, or maybe a scenario where having travel protection would have helped? Feel free to write back and let me know! 

Top Five Unique Experiences to do in Lima, Peru

If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you will most likely fly into the country’s largest city, and also the capital city, Lima, Peru. With its bustling city life, rich culture and eye-catching architecture, there’s so much to see and do that it could take several vacations to the land just to truly encounter it all. The entertainment found within the city’s borders surely is a treat to all tourists. 

Since there’s no shortage of things to do in Lima, we’ve narrowed it down to our Top Five Unique Experiences that all tourists should try during their visit to Peru.

1. Street Food Carts

Like so many other cities around the world, one of the Lima’s most sought-after features is its abundance of street food vendors. The inexpensive street food options are endless and an absolute delight to the palette. The street carts found in Lima are primarily owned by famous chefs and hold a high standard on the quality of the food they decide to offer.

2. Primitive Architecture

Large colonial structures with meticulously detailed features are all over the City of Lima. The vibrant golds and rich colors are certain to catch your attention as you walk through the streets and head downtown.

3. Try Pisco

Native to Peru, Pisco is a light brandy that is created by the winemakers of the nation. The foamy sour drink infused with bitters is one of the most favored by connoisseurs from all over the world. If Pisco is a little too bitter for your palette have it mixed with ginger ale, splashes of lime juice and topped with a cherry. This tasty alternative is called the Chilcano.

4. Explore Boho Barranco

As the country’s trendiest and most artistic region, Boho Barranco attracts many sightseers. Sitting atop a ravine, the views from the district seem to go on forever as you wind through the streets to find all the sweet little art galleries, museums and boutiques buy souvenirs from. Many of the galleries showcase the making of their art forms and let their guests reach into their own artistic side by getting hands on.

5. Cruise Along the Coastline

Along the coastline, you will find an assortment of entertaining activities as you cruise alongside the water’s edge taking in all of its beauty. Enjoy ongoing views from a cliff’s edge at El Malecon de Miraflores, take pictures with your loved one at the sculpture of two lovers, or head to the beach for some fun in the Pacific Ocean.

Many times travelers only plan to spend a night or two in Lima as they are anxious and excited to get going on their adventures beyond the city. However, I think it is a good idea if you are able to spend a few nights in Lima. This allows you to not only adjust to any jet lag or exhaustion from traveling, but you will have a more enriching experience overall by immersing yourself fully in all that Lima has to offer.

Is Peru, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley on your bucket list? Or what about an add-on adventure to an eco-friendly lodge in the jungle near the Amazon in Peru? If an off-the-beaten path, out of the guidebook type of vacation interests you, I would love to help you with planning your next travel experience! Please reach out to info@soulfuljourneystravel.com or info@getupgotravel.com and we can schedule your complimentary planning call.