Neen's Travel Tips: Pay Attention to Kindness

Are you seeing nothing but tales of travel woe when you read the news or browse online this season??

Lost luggage, canceled flights, long lines, missed connections, aggressive passengers, delayed flights — it can be easy — reading those headlines and dreading the worst-case scenarios — to want to crawl into a hole and avoid the masses and the headaches.?

But I’m here to tell you NOT to do that.?

Travel is vital.?

Travel fuels our souls, creates moments, and makes memories to last a lifetime.

Travel inspires, improves creativity, and rewards us for hard work.

I believe luxury is about experiences, not things. Travel is a beautiful LUXURY.

There is so much advice for travelers:?like don’t travel without these 5 apps,?the only 16 items you need to pack, or how to?avoid lines this summer when traveling?— this is all excellent knowledge, but it’s missing a few reminders.

Remember privilege -?It’s an absolute privilege to be able to travel and see the world, don’t lose sight of how fortunate you really are.

Avoid D.I.Y. -?You may think you are really good at finding a deal, booking direct, using points… until your flight is canceled and you are on hold for hours or worse, standing in line with the gazillion others at the airport — don’t do it!?

Use professionals -?Especially now. I have lost count of the number of times my?Virtuoso Travel Advisor has rescued me during my travel adventures: she has helped me get home every single time. The small fees paid to these life-savers are worth the peace of mind while traveling. Just like you need a financial advisor, your luxury travel advisor is someone you want to add to your team. I recommend? Virtuoso Travel

Buy Insurance -?You are going to need it, especially now. Work with your travel advisor, and ask for Travelex Insurance Services ?to have an additional piece of mind for a small fee.

Don't be horrible -?Choose to be a kind, zen traveler no matter what happens. Your family and clients will appreciate it, the staff will value it, and you will be happier — I promise.?

Extend grace -?Everyone is doing all they can right now under challenging circumstances with short staffing and short tempers — don’t lose your temper on someone who is just trying to make it through the day.

At this time of year, let’s be even more kind and gentle with those on our travel journey:?

• Smile at a stranger
• Be patient with a young child
• Use the staff’s names
• Say please and thank you as often as you can
• Take a deep breath
• Meditate a little longer
• Read a fun book
• Hold the door open for someone
• Help someone with their luggage
• Keep an eye out for elderly people traveling alone
• Give your fellow passenger the armrest

Let’s all take an extra few minutes to choose to be kind travelers this season.

#virtuosotravel #SeeTheWorld #BeKind #LiveLuxe #LuxuryisAMindset