Tag Archives: abroad

Watch how a team of hairstylists and makeup artists give back to Puerto Rico

With Puerto Rico still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and damaging earthquakes, volunteers are stepping up to help the island in unconventional ways.

By: Heather Newgen

Puerto Rico has always been a popular vacation spot and destination for tourists, but for Lou Rod it’s something much more–it’s home.

“My family, including my grandparents and mother, were both impacted by the hurricane. It broke me,” Rod revealed.

Although he no longer lives in Puerto Rico, he comes back often to visit family and friends, and when he saw the amount of destruction and how many people were affected by the events, he decided to do something about it.

Rod who is the, Founder and CEO of MLR Artist Management, created the campaign Care 4 Puerto, which helps the locals in a few  ways. One, he travels with his creative team of professional hairstylists, makeup artists and manicurists to the island to give residents makeovers. Two, he brings essential supplies like clothing, diapers and batteries to hand out to anyone in need and he also helps stimulate the economy by hiring locals for the days he’s in town doing a variety of projects.

RELATED: How a team of hair stylists and makeup artists helped Puerto Rico “feel human again”

“A lot of times when you think about giving service after such devastation, you think about rebuilding a home or getting water supplies or food supplies–those are the basic needs to survive. We’re not necessarily building houses here. We’re not in those types of industries or trades, but we were able to use a trade that we specialize in. We were able to create a project where we’re providing comfort, we’re providing luxury services that is the first that’s taken away from individuals because they’re trying to make ends meet,” Rod told The Voluntourist.

For the last three years, the talented group of artists have visited Puerto Rico on their own dime to volunteer, and will continue to do so on an annual basis.

Please watch the video to see Rod and his team in action as they give back and make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.

How one woman is inspiring Black women to travel alone with her popular Facebook group Sisters Traveling Solo

Meet Cole Banks, the woman behind the Facebook group Sisters Traveling Solo that inspires Black women to travel alone.

By Heather Newgen

Cole Banks started the Sisters Traveling Solo (STS) Facebook community to encourage Black women to travel alone after she stumbled upon an article discouraging Black women from traveling by themself. She frequently traveled solo and wanted to help prove that sisters can safely and affordably travel solo. STS’s mission is to connect, empower, inspire, and support sisters. Beyond the steady increase in travel among African Americans, up $63 billion from $48 billion since 2011; STS has been a forerunner in leading women to discover, heal, and explore themselves through travel.

Sisters Traveling Solo Cole Banks, Founder of Sisters Traveling Solo

In just a few years, here’s what Banks has accomplished so far.

STS Facebook group has more than 70,000 members.
Since 2016, STS has planned 51 trips and taken more than 370 sisters to 17 countries; 7 more will be added to the list in 2020.
STS Cultural Trips have helped generate more than $250,000 in revenue for women-owned businesses globally.
STS started as a passion project for Cole. In 2018, she left her corporate job at The Coca-Cola Company to focus on Sisters Traveling Solo full-time. Now, her office can be anywhere she wants it to be as she continues inspiring people to get out of their comfort zone and live the life they truly want—especially when it comes to travel.

RELATED: How mobile app Skyhi is changing travel

STS is not only inspiring Black women to jet set around the world, but it’s shattering negative generalizations and creating a wonderful community of like-minded travelers.

The Voluntourist: How is Sisters Traveling Solo breaking stereotypes?

Cole Banks: We are breaking a number of stereotypes: that women should not travel alone, that black women should not travel alone, that black women don’t travel but more importantly that women can’t get together and have fun without drama. What I love about our trips is the sisterhood amongst our members. On our trips, it is pretty amazing to see these sisters form a bond and sisterhood that can take many years to find. It is the common bond of travel that connects them and creates an environment of comfort and trust on day one of our trips. In addition, outside of our Sisters Traveling Solo community, we promote sisterhood by intentionally partnering with women owned businesses where we travel.

The Voluntourist: Why is it important for Black women to travel alone?

Cole Banks: I feel it’s important for Black women to travel alone because we need that mental break from our everyday routine; putting others’ needs before ours, compromising on things we truly want, and escaping the weight that society puts on us, just as Black women. We have to take time for mental breaks that allow us to sit in our own thoughts, to reflect, destress, and just enjoy our own company. Also, you don’t have to travel out the country or even out of your own state to do this. Solo travel can be done in your own city.

The Voluntourist: How the group empowers women of color?

Cole Banks: We empower women of color through our community that allows them to see what’s possible when you stop waiting on other people. Our community is a visualization of what it looks like when you put yourself first.

The Voluntourist: How has Sisters Traveling Solo helped generate more than $250,000 in revenue for women-owned businesses globally?

Cole Banks: We have contributed more than $250,000 in revenue to women owned tour companies in Africa (only). For our cultural trips, we only work with and support women owned tour businesses to help us host the trips for our clients. We have done this is in 3 countries; Ghana (2 times), Morocco (3 times) and Tanzania (2 times). We ask these women tour owners to also find ways for us to support small women owned businesses and organizations that help local businesses during our trip. For instance, in Morocco we supported an organization that helps women in Morocco who are divorced, abused or single mothers learn skills that will help them become independent; in Ghana we support Mama Esther who has a fabric making shop that she runs in the back of her home; and in Tanzania we learn about a day in the life of a woman who is a seaweed farmer.

The Voluntourist: what are the misconceptions about traveling alone and has how traveling solo has changed you?

Cole Banks: One misconception is that traveling alone is not safe. But, I tell our members to follow your instincts just like you do when you’re at home and if it doesn’t feel right then, don’t proceed. Also, I hear that it’s not fun. My response to that is…if I can’t enjoy my own company then I’m doing something wrong. Through solo travel I have gained a better understanding of myself. It has helped me understand that the only person who limits what I can do is me. And, most importantly it has helped me understand that I belong everywhere; in every country, in every meeting, and at every table.

The Voluntourist:  What tips can you offer on affordable travel?

Cole Banks: Look for deals. Be flexible with your travel schedule. Be willing to fly out of another city that is a major hub (ie New York). Follow the popular flight deal sites on Facebook and Instagram. Set up travel alerts on airline sites. Look for alternative lodging solutions like airbnb and hostels which can potentially reduce the cost of the overall experience. Also, consider staying outside of the city centers and near public transportation.

The Voluntourist: What inspired you to quit your full-time job to do Sisters Traveling Solo full-time?

Cole Banks: Sisters Traveling Solo didn’t really inspire me to quit my job. I was able to do both. The reason I left my job was because Sisters Traveling Solo grew so fast that I could no longer maintain both. And, after running out of vacation time, doing both was no longer an option.

Interested in joining Sisters Traveling Solo? Click here  or check out the Sisters Traveling Solo website https://www.sisterstravelingsolo.com/home.

Global Entry vs TSA Precheck: What’s the difference?

Global Entry and TSA Precheck are government programs created to speed up the security lines at airports, but which one is right for you?

By Heather Newgen

Every traveler knows how frustrating it can be standing in long lines at the airport, quickly removing articles of clothing to go through security and pretty much unpacking your carry-on to walk through the X-ray machines. While the process is designed to keep passengers safe, it can be a hassle. So Global Entry and TSA Precheck were implemented to help low-risk travelers get through security and customs faster, but what’s the difference? For one, the programs are run by different agencies. Homeland Security is in charge of TSA Precheck while the U.S. Customs and Border Protection runs Global Entry.

Here’s a breakdown of each program, plus a few tips to help you decide which one is better for you.

Global Entry Antalya, Turkey – September 10, 2016: Security and passport control at Antalya International Airport, Turkey.

TSA Precheck

With TSA Precheck, travelers can keep their shoes, belts and jackets on while going through the security checkpoint. In addition, they don’t need to remove laptops or liquids from their bags. Many airports have a separate line specifically for TSA Precheck members to speed things up that much more.  TSA Precheck is great for domestic travelers because you don’t need a passport, and there is no age restriction to apply. However, kids 12 and younger traveling with an eligible parent or guardian can accompanying them through the expedited security process.

Application: You can apply online, but need documentation that shows you’re a U.S. citizen like a driver’s license or birth certificate. In-person appointments are required, as are background checks, and fingerprinting. Once approved you will be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you add to every flight you book

Price: $85 for a five- year membership.

Pros:  Besides the advantages mentioned above, TSA Precheck is quicker and easier to apply for.  You can get approved in two to three weeks, whereas it can take months to go through the Global Entry process. There’s  300-400 enrollment centers for your in-person interview, as opposed to Global Entry where you’ve only got 90-100 and are mostly at the airport. TSA Precheck on the other hand offers more locations like in Staples and shopping centers.

Cons: If you did ever travel abroad, you’d be stuck in mobs of people clearing customs when returning to the U.S.

Global Entry

Global Entry gives you all the benefits of TSA Precheck and then some. For anyone who travels abroad Global Entry is the way to go because it allows you to skip the crowds at customs when returning from an international trip.  You can head straight to a kiosk, get your receipt and make your way over to a customs officer. Benefits apply to air, land, and sea travel for those traveling internationally and re-entering the U.S.

Price: $100.00 for a five- year membership.

Application: You can apply online,

Pros of Global Entry

Significantly reduced wait time at security checkpoints and customs, no taking off shoes or clothing to go through the X-ray machines and liquids and electronics can stay in carry on.

Cons of Global Entry

The application process isn’t quite as smooth as TSA Precheck. People literally wait months and months to get an interview appointment. In addition, unlike TSA Precheck, kids can’t go through Global Entry with an accompanied parent or guardian. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website states:

“Regardless of your age, you must create a Global Online Enrollment System account, pay a $100 non-refundable application fee, and schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at time of interview.”

How to apply

Credit cards that reimburse the TSA precheck or global entry application fee

Some credit cards will reimburse the application fee for TSA precheck or global entry.  See below to find out if your card makes the list.

Amsterdam raises tourist taxes and is now the highest in Europe

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Travelers will need to budget a little more for accommodations starting January 2020.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

In an effort to combat overtourism, Amsterdam is raising the tourist tax. The Dutch capital will add a fee of €3 per person , which averages to about US$3 — per night for hotel stays.

That’s in addition to the 7% of the room rate it currently charges.

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the new Amsterdam levy, and campsites will charge €1 per adult. Airbnb and rental properties are also getting a price hike. The existing tax will be raised to 10% of your rental.

Tim Fairhurst, director of policy for the ETOA (European Tourism Association), told CNN: “It will likely make Amsterdam’s the highest overnight tax in Europe, on average.”

The city has been severely impacted by mobs of overzealous tourists and the Netherlands is taking action.

Netherlands tourist officials recently took the bold decision to stop advertising the country as a tourist destination. Their “Perspective 2030″ report revealed that the priority will now be on “destination management” rather than “destination promotion.”

18 million annual visitors travel to the Amsterdam and authorities have taken additional measures such taking down the “iamsterdam” sign — a former selfie spot — outside the Rijksmuseum in December 2018 and announcing a ban of “disrespectful” tours of the popular tourist drawn red light district in March 2019.

CNN reports a spokesperson for Amsterdam city council denied that the raised taxes were planned to deter tourists, calling it a point of “principle” to make visitors pay their way in the city.

“Visitors will contribute more to the high costs of keeping the city safe and clean, and of keeping the public space like pavements, quays, bridges and streets, in a good state,” the spokesperson said.

Venice is another European city that is fighting overtourism and has recently announced its own plans to charge tourists a day fee to enter the popular destination.

In comparison, the tourist tax for Paris, ranges anywhere from €0.20 (for 1- and 2-star campsites) to €4 (for palaces) per person, per night. Berlin charges a 5% tourist tax and Rome currently has the highest fixed price tax in Europe, at €7 per person per night in a five star hotel.

How the Mobile App SkyHi is Changing Travel

SkyHi is a new mobile app that simplifies booking a flight for a low fixed price.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Looking to access cheap airfare without spending hours looking for the best deal? SkyHi might be your answer. For $199 a month, members can book up a five flights a month, but no more than 10 days before the departure date. However there’s a catch: There are no round trip tickets and for a reason, which you can read below.  And flights up to 1000 miles will cost you an additional $35; 1000 to 2000 miles is $75; and 2000 to 3000 miles will be an extra $120 on top of the monthly $199.00 fee. Currently there are 73 departure cities and 2,652 routes in North America and Europe. If you want to cancel and rejoin, no problem. You can do so for $99.00. You can also freeze your account while you’re not using it, but you’ll still pay $35.00 a month.

Co-founder Rama Poola further explains how SkyHi works and what the advantages are for travelers.

SkyHi Skyhy Co-Founder Rama Poola

The Voluntourist: I’ve been doing a lot of research on SkyHi and I think it’s a great idea. My biggest takeaway was that you were kind of stuck in this 9 to 5 job and that wasn’t where you really wanted to be, so you came up with the concept for SkyHi that really allows people like yourself to have this nomadic lifestyle. Why is that important to you to be able to allow others to have that?

Rama Poola: Great question. I think everyone needs to experience new places all the time. For years I had vacation time and I planned these trips I went on. To me a trip is a lifestyle capital where I can be in Chicago or Miami and experience new people and new cultures and get reinvigorated about whether I’m doing work or whether I’m pursuing creative outlets. I just think the world needs to be more fluid. That’s where I think people need to have those experiences constantly in order to grow and maybe that because I have those all the time and I grow because of it and I want people to have that.

The Voluntourist: From what I understand about SkyHi, round-trip tickets are not offered. Can you explain why not?

Poola: Yes, so they are only one-way tickets and you can claim five tickets a month. We wanted to make sure people aren’t thinking about things as much because there is excitement in the fact that you can go somewhere, spend time there, and not feel confined if you have a ticket going back in two days…If they are out there, then they can make a choice if they want to stay a couple days or maybe go elsewhere. I feel like more people have the flexibility to do that now. I want people to feel that the travel is going to change them. It is our biggest challenge right now, potentially reeducating people to feel and believe that travel can be this easy and this will improve their lives.

The Voluntourist: Break it down for me a little bit. It is $199 a month and then during that month you can get up to 5 one-way tickets to go 1,500 miles between each city.

Poola: Correct. It is 1,500 miles. From LA, you can get to Vancouver, Denver, Salt Lake City, Austin, Dallas, about half way across the country.

The Voluntourist: Do you plan on expanding that?

Poola: We are thinking about different pricing tiers for different mileage radius; at some point a 3,000-mile radius to get people across the country, but it will cost them more.

The Voluntourist: A couple things that could be potential challenges for SkyHi are that you cannot book two one-way tickets at the same time, so you have to go on your current flight and then you can book immediately after you land. Is that correct?

Poola: Correct. As soon as the flight lands, you can book another ticket. That could cause some anxiety for some, but for others, it is kind of exciting. You open up the app and you can see any flight that we can put you on in the upcoming ten days. It is possible that there may not be one out the next day, but there will likely be one two days after. People that have used it are less anxious about it because they usually find their flight home if they need to go home. If not, they just stay an extra day or two. You can also switch your location in the app before you book that first flight to see what flights are coming back.

The Voluntourist: Why did you decide to set it up this way where you can book two one-way tickets at the same time?

Poola: It breaks people’s habit of thinking about round trips. We don’t want people to make their decisions until they’ve landed.

The Voluntourist: When you are talking to people and asking them if they can work anywhere, how are they are able to have such flexibility in their schedule?

Poola: A lot of them are freelancers. I worked for a tech company for many years and for a lot of the tech companies now, it doesn’t matter if you work from home or from a café.

The Voluntourist: A lot of people don’t have that mindset, so are you hoping something like this can change that?

Poola: Yes, I do hope it will change it and I do hope it will have people ask for what they or need out of their jobs. I do hope that this empowers people to ask for more flexibility.

The Voluntourist: Who is SkyHi for? Who are you trying to target?

Poola: People that really just want to have experiences, for people that want to live free lives, and for people that have flexible jobs. We have had small business owners who are getting value out of this. You can meet a client face to face as opposed to a video call. That changes your business.

The Voluntourist: What has the feedback been from those who have used SkyHi?

Poola: The one-click booking experience is game changing for many of them. That saves people a lot of time.

The Voluntourist: I like the set pricing aspect of it because I’m always online searching for the cheapest flight possible and this saves so much time. People can use their frequent flyer miles because it is most airlines that are participating, right?

Poola: Correct, I know some airlines don’t honor miles if you book on a third party, but most will do it for you.

The Voluntourist: You said you came up with the idea on a flight, what sparked the idea?

Poola: I was in Berlin getting ready to fly back to New York. I was at the airport and there were backpackers waiting around for a ticket, they didn’t have a ticket to anywhere, waiting for something to fall under 50 euros. They ended up getting a plane to Lisbon. I got on my plane back home and it was pretty empty. I thought to myself, would they have paid $100 to New York City and would that have helped this airplane be more full, and in turn, help the airline? It was on that airplane that drew out SkiHi.

The Voluntourist: Can anyone become a SkyHi member as long as they can pay the $199?

Poola: Currently, it is invite only.

The Voluntourist: Why did you decide on invite-only for now?

Poola: We wanted to make sure we were enabling the right people to travel. We actually have one -on- one conversations with customers. We also wanted to make sure we serviced the cities that people are living in. We don’t want people to get stuck.

For more information visit www.flyskyhi.com

 

Venice, Italy to Charge Tourists a Fee to Enter the City

Planning a day trip to Venice, Italy? Starting in May you’ll have to pay an entrance fee in an effort to combat overtourism.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

As if visiting the historical Italian city of Venice wasn’t expensive enough, it’s now about to get pricier for certain tourists. Anyone who is day-tripping it to Venice will have to pay up to $11.00 officials confirm. The city’s mayor Luigi Brugnaro tweeted an announcement earlier this year stating there would be a tax for day travelers and now we know the details.

Conde Nast Traveler reports, “Starting this May, all day-trippers will have to pay €3 ($3.40) for access to the floating city, and in 2020, the fee will begin fluctuating between €3, €6 ($6.80), and €10 depending on the time of year and number of visitors. (The city sees around 24 million tourists who visit just for the day, without spending a night within the city center, each year.) All that revenue will be used to clean and maintain the city’s lagoons and public spaces, and to supplement more security officers.”

While local officials are in favor of the new tax law, collecting the fee could be rather challenging. Tourists can enter Venice by car, ship, train, bus, or plane.

The Daily Beast writes, “Last May, the Venice city council introduced turnstiles into the old city from the main square used by the hordes of cruise-ship passengers who are seen to be the most problematic tourists—and primary target of the new tax—to the city. The turnstiles are intended to ebb the flow of people into the city when it is impossible to move or when the number of people poses a security risk. The city can close the turnstiles and only allow citizens and those staying at hotels into the city. Those opposed to the turnstiles argued that it was one step closer to turning the canal city into a Disneyland. The new entrance fee will likely do nothing to calm those fears.”

Residents, tourists staying the night, employees who commute into the city for work, and students studying in Venice will be exempt from new tax.

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How to Explore Petra, Jordan in a Day!

Planning a trip to Petra? If you’re short on time it can be done in a day, so check out our tips on visiting.

The rose colored lost city in Jordan was once a forgotten civilization, but today Petra is one of the country’s most valuable treasures and greatest tourist attractions.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Located amid majestic canyons and hidden behind a barrier of rugged mountains, Petra is full of mysterious charm. The structures, which are carved into the vibrant towering sandstone cliffs, are abandoned temples and tombs, and the breathtaking ruins are considered to be one of world’s most visually stunning archaeological sites.

2,000 years ago, Petra was created by the Nabataeans and was once a thriving trading center. Situated between the Dead Sea and Red Sea, it was primarily known as the capital of the Nabatean empire between 400 B.C and A.D. 106. It was completely untouched and overlooked until a Swiss explorer stumbled upon it in 1812.

Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2007, it was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” In the last few years, Petra has been appearing on countless adventurous travel must-see blogs, and rightfully so. And the Treasury Building is where “Indiana Jones” was filmed.

So, if you’re one of the many people dying to see the historical location, watch our vlog for helpful travel tips and to see what the awesome experience is really like.

For those visiting longer, which we recommend, there are hotel options nearby that cater to tourists heading to Petra. Consider buying the two or three day pass. It’s also suggested to purchase a separate pass for the Petra by Night event that places every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. And make sure to prep well with essential gear like comfortable walking boots or sneakers, camera, water, sunscreen and a jacket.

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