When Can We Start Traveling Again?

So much is uncertain in the world right now, but things will slowly return to a new normal as time goes on. People are cancelling trips left and right or, even better, postponing until later, but how much later should we postpone? Right now, it's just a lot of speculation and hope, but all signs point to being able to get back on planes and taking those put off trips by September.

Disney parks are expecting for crowds to be lower when they actually do reopen, and we still don't have firm dates for that, though reservations for their properties are open for June 1 and after. Bob Iger has speculated that parks won't be reopening until there are mass testing options available, but that's also not set in stone.

Summer visits may be much smaller than usual, between folks rescheduling their spring and summer trips to fall when they can go and parents who have had their children home for months and can't take more time off for the summer or don't want to expose them to potential virus still hanging around. Tons of park-goers plan their trips close to a year ahead of time. Next summer may be cray-zy, but this summer and fall are probably going to be a lot emptier than you'd normally see, especially if you visit on weekdays. 

I'm hoping that parks reopen by this fall, even if I have to wear a mask, because I have a trip planned for late September. If not, I guess we'll be putting it off until the beginning of 2021, or maybe Christmas 2020.

Studies are showing that people may not even want to chance traveling for at least three months after travel bans are lifted, and even if that is mid-May, means a lot of people staying put until late August a the earliest. If schools welcome kids back in September, parents won't be taking them out for travels, since they didn't go for half of this school year, so the fall will be even sparser with tourists than usual. 

Half of travelers in a study said that they wouldn't feel comfortable traveling at all this year, but many who will travel also won't be traveling internationally. What does this mean for you if you want to get out and explore the world in the last quarter of this year? Really affordable airfare for one, deep discounts on accommodations to entice guests for two, and for three, much laxer rules for cancelling and rescheduling both. 

If you're seeing great deals, be it for a whole bundled vacation, or for separate portions of a trip for later in the year, and you don't want to pass it up. Don't! Save where you can in order to take advantage of an awesome trip, and if travel restrictions don't let up before then (though, I'd be surprised if they didn't), you can always get a refund or change your travel dates. Travel companies are hurting right now, and they're going to do everything they can to keep their businesses afloat. 

Worried about traveling too soon? You're definitely not the only one. That doesn't mean you can't take advantage of rock bottom prices, too. Start planning trips for a year out. You'll also be seeing great deals for then as well, because airlines and hotels need money now and are willing to put out awesome sales right now to keep capital coming in. If you wait until closer to those travel dates, you'll have to pay more, because other people will start getting ready to go on trips again, creating more demand. 

What this all means for you is that no matter where you want to go and when, if you start planning and booking now, you'll be able to snatch up some fantastic prices, where otherwise you might have to save up longer and not get to do as much or stay in as nice of a hotel. 

Where would you travel if you could get the best deal possible?

Mother's Day Travel Gift List 2020

The last 4-6 weeks have all seemed like the same day over and over, unless you're working and/or trying to make days special in some way. (We do a weekly virtual brunch and play D&D each weekend and have regular Friday date nights, since movie theaters are closed for our normal Saturday mornings/afternoons.) That said, time has actually passed and Mother's Day is coming up soon - May 10. Just because the world feels like it's on fire (not physically, thank goodness), doesn't mean you should skip getting something fun for your mom. 

Now, more than ever, we need things to make life a little more bearable. Gifts can make the days at home a bit brighter and a way to give your mom (or other moms you know and love) something to lift her spirits. Here are my top picks for Mother's Day in a variety of price points.

Budget - under $50

1. SpectraSpray

There are natural sprays for everything, including those to make your travels way better. Purchase sprays individually, or ones that go together in a Jet Lag Kit or Stay Well Kit. $19.95+ on SpectraSpray - my review is here

2. AeroPress Go

Does your mom love coffee? Is she always jetting off somewhere? Even if she just enjoys camping or needs to free up some space in her home, the AeroPress Go is perfect for those that just want a good cup of Joe at home. It makes amazing coffee, is super easy to use and clean, and fits inside its own mug. $31.95 from AeroPress or Amazon - my review is here

3. Travel Pakt Toiletries

Give them a leg up on packing their carry-on bag and toiletry bag with awesome natural products. Travel Pakt lets you hand-pick toiletries from a great list of amazing companies that make good products and also do good, then ships them in a TSA-compliant zip-top bag that can be packed right away. $5+ on Travel Pakt - my review is here

4. Airplane Pockets

I really hate the airplane seat pocket. Mostly because they aren't large enough for things I want to have during my flight, but also because I've found so much trash in them when I've flown. Get your mom a set of Airplane Pockets that slip over the tray table (covering it with an anti-bacterial fabric) and give them 4 pockets to hold their phone, glasses, pen, snacks, book and whatever else. If you follow me on IG, you've seen these in action on my trips. $29 on Amazon

5. Well Told drinkware

Since no one's going anywhere for the foreseeable future, why not give them something to remind them of a favorite trip or destination, or a big trip they have hopes of. Well Told Design makes beautiful drinkware with etched maps and more. I have a pair of London pint glasses, but I'm hoping to add to the collection soon. $18+ on Well Told - my review is here

6. Belkin Mini Surge Protector

We have several of these - one for travel and some for our house. These surge protectors are so useful, because you can turn one outlet into three sockets and two USB ports. the back swivels, so you can fit it anywhere and then plug in all your gadgets. It has come in handy in those rooms that have maybe one free outlet (read: 95% of hotel rooms) that isn't at the bathroom vanity. Give your mom the convenience of always having enough power outlets. $16.89 on Amazon

7. Bamboo utensils from The Other Straw
When we all start traveling again, even if it's just around town, we're especially going to want to eat out, even if that's just at food trucks. I'm really loving these great bamboo utensils from The Other Straw. Not only are they eco-friendly and nice to look at, but they come in their own pouch for keeping them clean in between uses and TOS donates 50% of their profits to fund ocean cleanups. $9.56 on The Other Straw

Moderate - $50-100

1. Pang Wangle Essential Wrap
Your mom is going to look chic everywhere she goes with this wrap that has an odorless bug repellent woven into its sustainable, impossibly soft, recycled cotton and Tencel fabric. She can use it as a wrap, a sarong, a scarf, a blanket, and more wherever she goes. $58 on Pang Wangle - my review is here

2. Timbuk2 Scholar Convertible Tote
This is a bag I purchased myself for a personal item size bag for the plane. It's cute and fits in under the seat, but I also was able to pack 4 days of clothes and toiletries in it, along with my iPad, snacks and cords. If your mom commutes and also travels, this is a fantastic bag. It fits a laptop, all their goodies and even a water bottle. You can carry it as a tote or you can attach the hidden backpack straps. It's so comfortable and really good looking. $99 on Amazon

3. Barrier Method Winged Mask

Everyone's got a mask or two right now, but Barrier Method was selling theirs before they were all the rage. I always get comments on mine. This anti-bacterial mask is both healthy and pretty and can be used to stay well, reduce your allergens, keep your neck warm, among other things. Gift your mom the gift of health and wellness with one of these. She can wear it to the grocery store and on the plane. $60 from The Barrier Method - my review is here

4. FaceCradle

There are so many travel pillows to choose from, but one of the best I've tried is the FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it. We have the regular version and the lite version, and we sleep like babies on the plane. $49.99 on Amazon - my review is here

5. Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody 

The Parkview collection from Travelon is classy and comes in classic colors. Not only is it anti-theft, but it has an RFID-blocking pocket and tons of room. It will never make you stick out as a tourist, and can hold all your things and probably some of your purchases. Mom's have to carry all the things, and this bag can do it, while looking great. $89.25 from Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% 

Splurge - $100+

1. Arcopedico footwear

I love these shoes. They have dual arch support, meaning you stand the correct way to align your body in a way that takes the stress off your soles, calves and lower back. I have walked all day in my booties while in Scotland and England and my feet never hurt at all. $100+ on Arcopedico or Amazon - my review of Mary Janes here | My review of booties here

2. GlobeIn monthly travel box

If your mom doesn't quite have the funds to travel (or just misses traveling during Lockdown), but loves cool stuff from other countries anyway. Give her the gift of stuff from around the world with the GlobeIn box. Each box contains at least 4 goodies from other countries and they all center around a story. $144 for a 3-month subscription. (The price per box goes down with longer subscriptions)

3. CityPASS

I'm sure your mom already has her next trip planned. Why not help her make it more affordable by giving her most or all of her activities for free? You'll be able to find a lot of participating cities. $50+ on CityPASS website

4. Anatomie Style Women's Clothing

Just because you're not at home and trying to pack light doesn't mean you want to look like a schlub. Stock your carry-on with upscale pieces that are classic and versatile. Anatomie isn't cheap, but it's guaranteed to look good for years to come and help you blend in on city travels and cruise ships. Pieces are also lightweight, so they won't take up more space in your luggage than necessary. Your mom will get use out of these pieces at home and on vacation. $45+ on Anatomie

5. Travelon Heritage Carry-All Weekender

This wide-mouth weekender has so much room in it for a weekend or a week or a two-week trip. It's true! I packed two people's clothing in it for a week in Vegas. Not only is it spacious, but it's also super good looking. Your mom will get so much use from this bag and get all the compliments as well. $115 on Travelon + get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% - my review is here


I hope this helps you find something cool and special for your mom on her special day. Where's your mom's favorite or dream travel destination?


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I will be monetarily compensated should you make a purchase through any of those links. Thanks in advance!

Staying Well + Prepared with Welly

If you're like me, you probably always keep a first aid kit or just a stash of bandages in your toiletry bag, just in case. You never know when you're going to need something on vacation and it's always nice to have things with you than to have to run out and buy a whole box of bandages when you only need one or two. Welly makes carrying a simple first aid kit in your bag easy and also cool.

You know when you buy adhesive bandages that claim to be flesh tone, but then they don't actually match anyone's actual flesh? Are you jealous of the fun bandages kids have a choice of, even though they don't actually stick to anything for more than ten minutes? Sick of buying packs of having to buy two different kinds of bandages depending on if you need them to be waterproof or not? Welly addresses all these problems. 

First of all, the bandages come in awesome colors, so it doesn't matter what color you skin is. They don't have cartoons on them, but isn't a blue or orange bandage better than a weird peach one? If it's going to stand out anyway, it might as well look neat. Welly bandages stick really well, so you're not going to go through 17 of them by lunch time tomorrow or find one circling the drain after your shower. 

I did the science for you. While in New Orleans, my shoes gave me a terrible blister on the back of my one foot. I slapped a Welly bandage on it, and even though my sandals rubbed that spot all day while I was walking around, it stayed put for two full days until I changed it. Even then, that was just personal preference. It hadn't moved, come un-sticky, or frayed in that time. 

The Quick Fix Kit is an ideal travel companion. It comes in a metal tin, so you won't have sad crumpled up bandages when you finally need them. Inside you'll find 3 packets of hand sanitizer (for when you can't get anywhere with soap and water), 3 packets of triple antibiotic cream (to keep nasty cuts and scrapes from getting infected and help them heal faster), and 18 bandages (9 large: 3/4" x 3" and 9 small: 5/8" x 2 1/4") in 3 different colors. This one I picked up the Travel Goods Show has orange, blue, and forest green. 

You can buy kits and refill packs that come in other colors or patterns. I've seen one with polka dots, stripes, and geometric shapes. They even have children's patterns, like unicorns. While they aren't quite Dora the Explorer, they will last much longer and protect their wounds better, while still being fun and whimsical. If you don't want to be super obvious, they do have transparent bandages. 

Got a larger travel party? Get the Human Repair Kit for your bag. It's twice as big and also includes anti-itch cream for bug bites, rashes and other annoying things. Got a ton of bandages? Pick up the Superhero Supplies tin, which includes 9 Hand Sanitizer, 9 Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 9 1% Hydrocortisone Cream, and 9 Burn Gel packets or the Travel Medicine Kit with 8 motion sickness tablets, 16 pain relief tablets, 12 anti-diarrheal tabs, 12 anti-gas tabs, and 8 sleep aid tabs.  There's nothing you won't be prepared for. 

Welly products can be found at Target, and you'll be surprised by how many different kinds of products they sell. You may have seen their bright, pretty packaging already and wondered about them. They appear to be expensive, but if you think about how much you use bandages and the high quality of Welly compared to some others, you'll realize that the price is definitely worth it, since you won't go through as many for each wound.

If you've got a graduate that's planning to travel or move out, get them started with something they'll always forget to buy for their toiletry bag or new apartment. Add one of these Quick Fix Kits to a new toiletry bag you're giving as a gift Mother's Day, Father's Day, a birthday or graduation. They may be picky about the other items they fill it with, but everyone needs bandages at some point, and these are chic, fun, and über useful.

More details: 

Where can I buy it? On their website or your local Target store/online

How much is it? $6.99 for the Quick Fix Kit

Other specs: Easy to open metal tin that also won't accidentally open while being jostled in your bag.

If you like what Welly is doing, support them by joining them on your favorite social media platform:

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Have you ever had to spend too much money buying first aid supplies on vacation?

Disclaimer: I was provided with a Quick Fix Kit to share with my readers, but all opinions are 100% my own.