FTLO Travel

With Thanksgiving this week, there’s one thing at the top of our gratitude list: All of you! From our incredible travelers who bring so much energy, curiosity, and good vibes to every trip, to our amazing local partners who share their cultures, stories, and homes with us, we’re endlessly thankful for the people who make FTLO more than just travel. It’s about the connections formed over shared meals, the laughter during unexpected adventures, and the moments that remind us why we love exploring this beautiful world. Together, you make every journey unforgettable, and for that, we’re forever grateful. What are you feeling thankful for this year? Let us know below! ?? #TravelCommunity #FTLOtravel

The U.S. Department of Transportation just updated airline refund rules, just in time for the holiday travel season! ?? Here's the breakdown: Automatic Refunds: Delayed flight? You’ll get a cash refund automatically. Baggage Delays: If your bags are delayed over 12 hours (domestic) or 15-30 hours (international), you’ll get a baggage fee refund. Extra Services Refunds: Didn’t get the Wi-Fi or seat you paid for? You’re owed a refund. Fast Refund Timeline: Refunds within 7 days for credit cards, 20 days for other payments. Know someone flying soon? Share this with them! #AirlineUpdates #TravelEducation

???? Our team spent months in Brazil—here’s everything you need to know! Visa Requirements: No visa is needed until April 10, 2025. After that, U.S. citizens will need to purchase an e-visa online, which is valid for 10 years. Safety: Brazil is a safe and popular destination for tourists. We personally vetted all our experiences, from the destinations to the partners we work with on the ground. Plus, you'll be accompanied by an FTLO trip leader, a local who knows the ins and outs of the country and is there to make sure you’re in good hands. Trip Vibe: The energy in Brazil is truly electric. Imagine dancing samba late into the night in Rio de Janeiro, vibrant rhythms echoing through the streets. Spend your days on iconic beaches, where golden sands meet turquoise waves under endless sunshine. From sipping caipirinhas at sunset to immersing yourself in the rich culture of Salvador, Brazil has this contagious spirit that draws you in and keeps you moving. Is there anything we're missing? Drop them in your comments! #southamericatravel #traveleducation

Here are some key lessons learned by travelers who started solo travel through group adventures ?? Confidence in New Situations: Group travel helps travelers feel at ease in new environments while providing structure and support. Social Skills and Adaptability: Meeting a mix of personalities and backgrounds opens you up to perspectives and friendships you’d never find at home. Sense of Safety and Preparedness: Group trips provide a safe environment for navigating unfamiliar cultures, from language barriers to customs, offering lessons on practical travel tips. Building a Travel Community: Group travelers often leave with an extended travel fam and future reunions around the world. People who step into solo travel through a group setting often find it’s the perfect blend of independence and connection, gaining confidence along the way. ?? ?? What has group travel taught you? #ftlotravel #solotravel #grouptravel #travelcommunity #travelconfident

Holiday hectics are around the corner, and sometimes, your mind just needs a vacation (science even says so) ???? Erica Jackson Curran writes for National Geographic about how it's not just about picking the perfect spot or finding the best deals; it’s all about the thrill of anticipation and imagining the adventures ahead. The planning phase pre-departure can really give your mental health a boost, sparking creativity and adding a little excitement to your everyday routine. Read more about it here and tell us your thoughts in the comments below: https://lnkd.in/e2R6resv #traveling #mentalhealth #traveltips #solotravel #fortheloveoftravel

What would you consider solo travel? Drop your definition below!

Something new is coming to FTLO, where do you think we're headed next? (Hint: It's a destination in Asia!) Drop guesses in the comments below ??

If you’re traveling to Europe soon, you might want to read this.. ?? Starting on November 10th, 2024, fingerprinting and registration of all non-European tourists arriving at European borders will be mandatory. This process will replace passport stamping upon arrival as you enter the Schengen area. Instead of manual stamps, your entry and exit will now be digitally recorded through an automated system. (This allows for faster processing at border control and provides better security by tracking travelers more efficiently. The goal is to modernize border management while reducing travel delays) How will it work: You’ll have to provide biometric information (like fingerprints or facial scans) upon first entry into the Schengen?Area. The system will store biometric information for three years, or when your passport expires, whichever comes first. If there are any other questions that you have, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments below. We’re always happy to help ?? #travelnews #neweuroperequirments #passportrequirements #europetravel

The FTLO Team is hiring for new Trip Leaders! If you have a background in leading tours in Thailand, Brazil or the Philippines, we want to hear from you! Please fill out an application here: https://lnkd.in/e8rm5aK4 #tripleader #tourguide #tourleader #triphost #travelhiring #hiring #jobs