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Hello Reader,

Greetings from Prince Edward Island in Canada's Maritimes! This is my first trip to Canada since the pandemic and I'm so thrilled to be here! I'm here to bike across/around PEI with Great Canadian Trails - a company that focuses on hiking and biking in the most iconic Canadian destinations. (I hiked the East Coast Trail with them in Newfoundland a couple of years ago - check it out here!)

This biking tour is self-guided trip through the lush green rolling hills of PEI - great for beginner bikers (ebikes also available!). I'm basically biking my way from lobster shack to oyster shack stuffing my face with fresh lobster and PEI potato salad while enjoying the coastal views!

However getting here wasn't easy...or fun. After long delays at customs in Toronto, delayed flights for 3 hours, and then lost luggage - my travel enthusiasm has been tested.

I'm normally a pretty positive person when it comes to travel. But this most recent trip has made me think about all of the things that can go wrong when you travel. And since this summer is seeing travel numbers skyrocketing, it might be good for all of us to be mentally prepared for some of these travel mishaps and pet peeves.

Lost/Delayed Luggage

It took 3 full days for my luggage to be found and delivered. Luckily I had some extra days that I booked before the bike trip so by the time the bike trip started I had my bag back to me. The good news about lost luggage is that airlines worldwide eventually recover 97% of mishandled bags. So before you panic and get sour, odds are you will be reunited with your luggage. That's what I kept telling myself when mine had been missing for 3 days. I did have to purchase some essential items and a days worth of clothes but most airlines will pick up those essentials. Here's my best advice for dealing with delayed luggage.

1. Try to carry on if possible
2. Make sure you have identification on your bag
3. Take pictures of your bag
4. Pack essential items in your carry-on & a change of clothes
5. Wear quick dry clothes on the plane
6. ​Purchase travel insurance​
7. Ask for what you deserve
8. Be vigilant at asking for what you deserve
9. Keep all receipts - 'reasonable' items will be reimbursed​

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For more details on these items, read my article about how to handle long haul flights​

Flight Delays, Cancellations, and Overcrowded Customs

My best advice for delays is to make sure you have lots of time for your connections - especially allow time to get through customs on a transfer. I have a number of big international flights coming up this fall and I've decided to chose 3 hour layovers in lieu of 1.5 hour layovers...just in case. Also - I'm a big advocate of Global Entry too - every little bit helps!

And while we are at it - let's talk about a few travel pet peeves.

I got to the car rental counter on this trip and they informed me that they didn't have the car size/type that I had originally reserved - instead all they had was a mini van, a truck, and a Toyota Highlander...all gas guzzling cars. With today's gas prices - this can cost extra hundreds of dollars. So what do you do to reduce the chance of this bait and switch? Call the day ahead and ensure your car type that you reserved is available. I suppose you could also see if there's any way they would reimburse you the extra gas costs - but that's a long shot.

Despite all of these travel mishaps this week, I'm starting my PEI biking tour tomorrow! You can follow along on my Instagram and Facebook stories here!

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A Chance to Bid on Travel

The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund is holding a fundraising travel auction from June 27th to July 15th. For the past three years, the ATCF has run the Travel Conservation Auction to support their annual grant program. This year's they have over 27 auction items ranging from multi-day adventure safaris to accommodations and gear packages. Mark your calendars and get ready to bid on fabulous trips and gear! See what's on auction here.​

Happy summer travels - stay patient and give yourself extra time!

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Travel News

Think you want to be a Digital Nomad? Read this first - it includes a great comprehensive list of Digital Nomad visa programs by country​

​The Future of Antarctica Tourism - Should you go?

​Women Porters Making History on the Inca Trail​

And don't forget you have until the end of the month to enter to win a $250 giftcard from Olde Town Arvada - where you can find the best patios in Denver!

Seen and Heard

It's rare that I write for a print publication, but when I found out my old University would be traveling to Ireland this fall for a special football game, I pitched the Alumni Magazine an article idea...and they liked it. I know most people want to spend time in Dublin when they visit Ireland - but I want to encourage people to get out of Dublin to the small towns along the coast, and to use small, local tour operators. So I put together a list of my 5 favorite small tours to take outside of Dublin!​

I'm so excited to be a part of this list on Journey Woman of amazing women over the age of 50 who inspire us to travel solo and do it in their own unique way! Be inspired to go it alone!

Latest on the Blog

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Gear for Your Adventures and Travel

My favorite cycling and general summer adventure shirt from Tonik Cycling is on sale. I get so many complements on this shirt and it's super for biking and short hiking trips. It's 80% off right now which is crazy! And while you are at it check out her other great gear and athletic dresses!

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If you've been finding value in these newsletters and the info I've been sharing, please forward this along to any travel-loving friends whom you think might find them useful!

Use these helpful links to book your next trip when we are able to travel again:

• Get my Free ebook Where to Go & When​
• Read through my 99 Travel Tips before you go
• Don't forget the insurance! Book your travel insurance with the company I use, Allianz Travel Insurance​
• Book your accommodation with Booking.com​
• Check out my Gear Shop on my Amazon Store​

Did you know that you can get my blog posts into your inbox as soon as they are published? Click here to sign up!​!​

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