You’re trip is just around the corner and you’re getting all excited! Here are some important things to think about that to help make sure you’re trip goes smoothly!

1. Make two copies of your passport and itinerary. Give one to someone back home; pack the other in your carry-on in a separate spot from your actual passport/itinerary.

2. Call credit cards, debit cards, and bank to let them know that you will be traveling overseas. For theft protection, many banks/card companies will freeze an account if they see overseas charges that they do not believe belong to the cardholder.

3. Copy down your credit card numbers/information and the international telephone number. Keep them in your luggage/carry separate from your credit cards.

4. Check voltage at destination ? you may need a voltage/outlet converter.

5. Arrange for your mail to be stopped or have someone pick up your mail for you.

6. Alert a neighbor/friend of your travel dates. This lets them know to be suspect of any activity around your house.

7. Have luggage tags on each piece of your checked luggage ? put at least your name and phone number on the tag, or use a business card. You may also want to put something distinguishable on your luggage if it is a common color.

8. Check the amenities of your hotels ? you can avoid packing items that the hotels already have. Check other hotel details such as if they have air conditioning and elevators, and pack accordingly.

9. Check the weather at the destination.

10. If you plan on using your phone – for calls, texts, email, or internet – while traveling, call your phone company to let them know and see if you need any additional features added to utilize overseas without incurring outrageous roaming charges.

Part two in this series of “before you go” tips contains those items that I suggest doing one to three months before you travel.

1. Check luggage restrictions for flight/transportation. You may not think you need to do this so far in advance, but I recently stayed at a hotel that required a boat transfer, and they only let you bring carry on bags and personal items on the boat, and therefore to the hotel. We had to leave the rest of our luggage locked in their head office in town from where the boat departed. This is certainly something you want to know ahead of time – some of us actually purchased new carry on bags to make sure we could hold enough for our few days at the hotel.

2. Check with your bank about obtaining local currency. Some currencies could take a while to order because the bank doesn’t have them in stock at the branch. You want to have at least some local currency when you arrive at your destination ? most cab/transport companies will not accept US Dollars, and in some locations taxis do not take credit cards or charge a large fee for doing so.

3. Begin a general packing list (on the computer if possible). It doesn’t need to include specific items, just categories – i.e. jeans, long sleeve shirt, walking shoes, etc. Add things as you think of them. Keep this list for future reference. If it’s an electronic list, you can easily adjust it as needed.

4. Make arrangements for any pets/your house. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the planning and forget but if you plan to be away, you want to know that your pet and/or home will be taken care of.

5. Have a copy of all travel confirmations/confirmation numbers. Your travel planner should provide you with the confirmations when you book, but you want to make sure you can easily locate all of the essential details and that you have no major questions. If you look at this in advance, it provides time for us to answer any questions you may have.

I’m a list maker. I keep a lot reference lists for both myself and my clients. One of my favorite is my break down of “Before You Go” items. There’s often so much to remember prior to a trip that a lot can get lost in the shuffle. There are tasks that, if not done on time (or worse, at all), can wreak major havoc on a trip. I break this list down into increments – 4 to 6 months before the trip, 1 to 3 months before, 1 to 3 weeks before, 1 to 2 days before, and the day of departure. These items are in the form of a physical check list, and I highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip. I’m sharing here, in sections, starting with the furthest time period and moving closer to your travel date. I can also provide this as a full check list in PDF format, if anyone would like one.

Part 1: 4 to 6 Months before your trip (note, these are in no particular order, except they all fall in this time period):

1. Contact your travel planner if you haven’t already. The more time we have to plan, the more options that are available to you for flights, hotels, activities and the like.

2. Check your passport. If you’re traveling out of the country, unless it’s to a U.S. territory, you’ll need your passport, period. Some countries require your passport to be good for 30 or 60 days after you leave the country. If you’re passport is close to expiring, best to renew now. Some travel arrangements will require your passport details in order to book, so renewing it sooner than later is ideal.

3. Do you need a visa? Many countries that require a visa will provide it on arrival. Others require you to get it in advance, sometimes in person. Visa rules need to be examined carefully – some are good for multiple entries within a certain time frame, whereas others are valid for one entry and can only be provided within x number of days prior to your trip. Discuss this with your planner and make sure you are comfortable with the visa process before booking anything. We can help you with most of the process, but if it requires you to obtain it in person, there’s only so much we can do.

4. Check on any vaccines, medications, and other health suggestions/requirements for your destination. You can find these details on the CDC website. Most of the time, your GP can provide you with these shots and medications, and there are doctors who specialize in travel medicine as well. Some countries may require proof of a vaccination in order to enter the country. This is often true of yellow fever. When you get the vaccine, a card is provided that shows the date of vaccination and is signed by your physician. If it’s a required vaccination, you will need to carry this card with you when you travel.

5. Double check all travel documents and confirmations as soon as you receive them. If you have any questions, let your travel planner know immediately.

In an effort to blog more, I’ve taken on a challenge this August (welcome to August, by the way)! I’m going to blog every day in the month. At least I’m going to try to. I’m traveling for work this month and have company coming into town, so I won’t lie – I may write a number at once and just post them on the appropriate day. Still, I hope to have a blog up here each day, for the next 31. And yes, this counts – hey, it’s up on my blog on August 1st, right? Picture blogs also count. I am not using these as an “easy out”. In the travel world, both for travel industry professionals and travelers, pictures can often tell the story of a destination or situation better than any words could.

So, let me know what you want me to blog about! A few things for me to note:

1. My blog, and my company, focuses more on mid-level to luxury travel – i.e. I don’t do “budget travel” or last minute deal type of bookings, and since it’s not what I do day-to-day, I tend not to include it in my blogs, as it’s just not what I know best.

2. I do mostly independent travel, so that is where I’ll focus most (as opposed to cruises or tours, say). That being said, I have worked with both so do focus a blog here or there on them, and am happy to address things as best I can about them! If you ask something I truly don’t know well, I’ll tell you and try to refer you to a blog that will be able to answer it!

That being said, let me know what you want to read about! After all, without you, there really wouldn’t be a reason for me to blog!

P.S. The blog challenge will take place on TraveLuxe temporarily while a few things get adjusted with my usual website, blog. I’ve mentioned before, but wanted to clarify this!

I love to travel, and I love to travel in style. When people talk about camping, I joke that I camp at the Holiday Inn (no offense to the hotel, I just picked a mid-level hotel at random). All joking aside, I?ve noticed a trend through my travels, which indicates that I am perhaps, for lack of a better phrase, a luxury travel ?snob?. Let me set the record straight, I don?t think this is a negative at all, so if the following statements ring a bit true for you, there?s nothing wrong with that. Perhaps snob isn?t the right word ? perhaps connoisseur is more appropriate, and more likely it?s somewhere in between. Terminology aside, I thought I?d capture some of the thoughts that led me to this realization, for the enjoyment of my readership.

1. I?ve caught myself saying things like ?well, the beach is nice, but it?s nothing like Bora Bora (insert favorite exotic island here)?. This isn?t exclusive to beaches, it happens with cultural sites, historical sites, activities, etc. I tend to compare them to the cream of the crop in their respective categories ? or at least to the top ranking sites that I?ve seen.

2. The first thing I check in my hotel room is the bathroom, in search of a jetted Jacuzzi tub and a big glass enclosed shower with a rainforest showerhead (or duel showerheads, also acceptable).

3. What?s the point of a Juliet balcony? I can?t sit out there with my coffee in the morning! I want to be able to lounge out there with plenty of room.

4. This statement recently came out of my mouth: ?yes, I have trips to Hawaii and Vegas, but they?re just for business?. I think it was the term ?just? that made me feel silly after the fact. Multiple people looked at me funny and offered to go in my place or hide in my suitcase.

5. I have a queen bed at home. I want a king (for just me, I might add). With all of those fancy shmancy pillows that I don?t know what to do with but they make me feel important.

6. I have to repeatedly remind myself that it doesn?t have to be some far off, mysterious destination to be a good vacation. It still counts as a ?real vacation? even if I don?t need my passport.

7. Group tours don?t appeal at all. I want a private, customized tour and if it?s a limited time or exclusive offer, even better. If they have a sign with my name on it I feel extra special.

Anything sound familiar? Do you have any ?luxury travel connoisseur? indicators that I?ve missed? I probably do them too ? they just didn?t come to mind when I was writing this blog.

I know a lot of people who vow they won?t ever go back to the same destination twice (or more) because they?d rather explore a new one. On the flip side, I know people that go back to the same place every year because they love it that much. I?m somewhere in the middle. I always love a new place, but I have a fondness for certain countries that make it tough to pass up a visit there (ahem? Italy, I?m talking about you).

I?m a person who loves to explore and learn. New experiences are paramount in making my trip fulfilling. So it?s difficult when I travel to a destination and my travel companions, who have never been there, want to visit the same cities and sites that I?ve seen numerous times. Before I go any further, I?ll admit that I realize saying ?oh, not the Coliseum again! I?ve seen it so many times? makes me sound like horrendous travel snob. There?s a reason for this ? in some ways, I probably am. I?m lucky in that I make my living planning travel, that I?ve been traveling the world since I was 16, and that I?ve had the opportunity to visit six continents. So yes, there are repeats and yes, I may begrudge them at times. Still, it?s not fair to my traveling companions to say ?sure we can take a trip to Italy, but we can?t visit Rome, Florence or Venice, or if we have to we can?t see the Coleseum, the Vatican, the David statue or St. Mark?s Square.? If I do this, I?ve pretty much shot down every reason they had for taking the trip in the first place.

Therefore, I?ve learned a few tricks throughout my travels on how to experience an old destination ?for the first time?. Obviously, it?s not the same as exploring somewhere completely new, but it helps bridge that gap between never revisiting a place and feeling short-changed when you head to a repeat location.

Walking across flooded platforms in a flooded St. Mark's Square in Venice.

? Travel during a different time of year, if possible. I?ve been to Italy in every season (Italy is my most visited country, for the record), and each the various times of year have added a distinctive element to my trip. I have celebrated Easter in Pisa in the spring, cooled off with entirely too many gelatos in the August heat in Rome, and enjoyed all of the fall seasons? gastronomic offerings in Bologna in the fall.

? Take part in a class or local activity. This might be a market tour or wine tasting, a surfing lesson, a tour of a nearby (non-touristy) village given by a local, or anything else that doesn?t involve traditional tourist sites. You may have to do this by yourself or with others that have already seen the ?top 10 attractions?, but it?s ok to not do everything together all the time.

Sculpture work on a bridge right near my apartment in Philadelphia.

? Take advantage of your camera. If you?ve ever walked around your hometown and taken pictures, you probably see the advantage here. Looking at places through a lens, especially a creative or artistic one, can give a whole new perspective ? literally. I can?t count the number of times I used my zoom lens on a building and details that I never knew were there. Playing with lighting, shutter speed and various lenses (if you have an SLR) can all add to the experience. Now you?re looking for ?what would make an interesting shot? as opposed to ?here?s a cheesy picture of me in front of the Roman Forum?.

? If you?re in a city, and it?s deemed safe, take a night tour (a privately guided option is my personal favorite). This might sound silly, but it?s amazing the different vibe a city can give off at night. The lighting alone can completely change the feel of a city. In addition, night tours may focus on different features of the city.

Orsay Museum in Paris - All impressionistic art

? Find an ?out of the ordinary? museum. Sure, it?s possible you?ve been to every museum in a city, but it?s pretty unlikely. Find something that isn?t on the tourist radar, or one that you?d not traditionally head to, but that offers something different. I?ve lived in/near Philadelphia for the better part of my life, and I probably haven?t been to half of the museums the area has to offer, at best. There are almost certainly one or two that you?ve not been to at your destination, and probably a whole lot more. You might even discover an interest you didn?t realize you had.

Me and my friend Hannah from London, visiting Belgium.

? Connect with a local. Social media makes this increasingly easy these days. I could probably tweet that I?m going virtually anywhere (or at least anywhere where there?s regular internet access, hence social media availability), and I will have at least one or two people respond that they?re from that area. Reach out for a couple of months or more before the trip and get to know people virtually. If nothing else, they?ll have great local suggestions. If you get to know them and feel you can trust them, meet up with them (taking the normal precautions of meeting somewhere public, in daylight, etc) when you?re there. There?s nothing like making new friends while traveling. As an added bonus, next time you ?have to? go back there, you can further escape from the traditional touristy activities by visiting the local friends you made on your previous trip.

Being a vegetarian traveler can, at times, be difficult. There are many countries in which it?s not advised to eat raw fruits and vegetables, which leaves out salads, most fresh fruits, cold sandwiches and other staples of the vegetarian diet. In addition, many countries cook primarily only what?s in season, and during late fall and winter months, this could include a very small variety of vegetables. I spent one 10-day trip through Italy eating nothing but various types of eggplant dishes ? and I don?t even like eggplant!

The point is, though for most of us it?s a ?choice?, being vegetarian is an important part of our lifestyle and we want to honor that while we travel. At the same time, we want to try to assimilate into the local culture without our digestive tracks being torn apart from some bacteria that we?re not used to.

Here are a few tricks I?ve accumulated over the years to help myself enjoy the gastronomic culture when traveling while still being safe.

1. Scope out the food scene before you go. Talk to others who have been there and ask them about the vegetarian options. Specify what you do/don?t eat, as vegetarian has different meanings to different people. Social media makes this increasingly easy to do.

2. Learn the rules about what you can/can?t eat before you go. It?s important to know if it?s recommended to drink the water or eat raw fruits and vegetables. If not you have two choices ? work around it, or do it and deal with the results. I always choose the former, as my already sensitive stomach doesn?t need any additional aggravation.

3. Bring a few non-perishable snacks such as cereal/protein bars, trail mix, or crackers. These might not be part of the local culture, but in a pinch it will at least hold you over while you search around for a vegetarian friendly restaurant. This is especially important if you have any blood sugar issues or take any medications that must be taken with food.

4. Eat frequently. If you are relying on a couple of big meals per day and you can?t find anything suitable to your diet, you?re going to be really hungry (and possibly cranky due to low blood sugar, which is no fun for anyone). If you eat something small each time you have the opportunity, you?re less reliant on certain meals so that if you absolutely can?t find something to eat at your standard meal, at least you have some food in your stomach. It doesn?t need to be full meals each time, but smaller meals or snacks work well.

5. Be cautious of certain foods. Soups (broths) and sauces are big culprits of sneaking in meat and fish products, so if you?d rather be safe than sorry it might be best to avoid these all together, unless you?re 100 percent certain it contains no meat products.

6. Foreign menus aren?t always as descriptive as those we?re used to at home. It might just have the name of the dish or a list of the main components, but not include every detail. Ask right out if it contains any products you?d rather not have (as best you can if you don?t speak the language).

7. Talk to your hotel concierge. They may have a better idea of where you can find vegetarian options, and also be more able to communicate in English so that you can give a more detailed request. Still, make sure they know what you mean by vegetarian.

8. Learn how to say ?no meat? and/or ?vegetarian? in your destination?s language if you can. At least this way, if nothing else, you can attempt to determine what is/isn?t in a dish.

9. Do the best you can. I?m quite a strict vegetarian and I always specify very clearly at home what I do/don?t eat. I know which foods have meat products in them that people don?t realize (ie Caesar dressing, Worchester sauce), and I make sure my food is absolutely vegetarian. When traveling, I do my best. If it looks vegetarian, and they ensure me it is, that there is no meat or fish in any form in it, I say to myself ?well, I guess it?s vegetarian? and feel I can eat it in good conscience. I realize this doesn?t hold for everyone ? especially if your diet is based on religious beliefs. For me, though, I don?t beat myself up or starve myself because I haven’t confirmed every single detail of every single ingredient (ie whether or not the cheese has rennet in it – I don’t even attempt to ask this one). I do the best I can, eat vegetarian to the best of my knowledge, and feel satisfied with myself.

Until recently, the source of the Amazon River was a hotly debated topic. Five years ago, researchers officially determined that the source of the river is in Peru. The Peruvian Amazon, and its surrounding rainforest are also considered to be the more undiscovered portion. The rainforest in Peru can be accessed from two main points: Puerto Maldonado in the southern part of the country, and Iquitos in the north. I chose to visit the former and stay at the Inkatera Reserva Amazonica. The trip there takes some coordination – a flight to Puerto Maldonado, a transfer to the dock, and a 45-minute boat ride in basically a large, motorized canoe to the reach the resort. Regardless of the accommodations you choose, there are several important factors to keep in mind when visiting the rainforest.

1. The rainforest is a haven for mosquitos, and there are some blood-born illnesses that these creatures can pass along. Before you head to the rainforest, talk to your doctor about the medications and vaccines needed. Certain parts of the rainforest may require proof of a yellow fever vaccine for entry.

2. Load up on bug spray and sun block. Both of these are absolute essentials in the rainforest. You?re close to the equator, so it?s very easy to burn. The bug spray relates back to suggestion #1. Mosquitos may bite through lightweight clothing, so apply even if your arms and legs are covered. Reapply both frequently.

3. Bring a lightweight rain jacket. Depending on the time of year, it can be quite warm in the rainforest, and it?s virtually always humid and damp. You want your arms covered to ward off bugs, but you want something light and breathable (how light depends on the time of year) to stay as cool as possible.

4. Bring long pants: again, this protects against mosquitos and other bugs. Something water/weather proof is ideal. Jeans are not.

5. You?ll get dirty/muddy/sweaty. Your accommodations may (as the Inkaterra does) provide mud boots for your activities. If not, bring something that will protect your feet/legs from mud and that you don?t mind throwing out when you get home if not easily washable. Accommodations should be able to tell you in advance what they do or do not provide.

6. Check with your hotel about their electricity availability. Even a high end resort such as the Inkaterra turns off electricity several times each day (and from 11-4 over night) because the entire place runs on a generator, and they want to save electricity when possible. If your accommodations do something similar, you may want to bring a reading light if you plan to relax and read or write during your stay, or something else to do during your down time that doesn?t require bright lighting.

7. The rainforest isn?t particularly easily accessible. Most likely, you?ll fly into a nearby town and then get a transfer to a boat dock where you?ll take a boat to your hotel. Because of this, you may not be able to bring a large suitcase, so check with your accommodations. You may have to pack a smaller bag to use for your time in the rainforest.

8. Unless told otherwise, rainforest accommodations are generally quite casual. Check with your hotel on this, but most likely, you need nothing more than your clothes for activities and something clean and casual to wear to dinner.

9. Meals may be on a specific schedule, especially if the accommodations regulate electricity. If you like to snack throughout the day, or have specific dietary needs due to blood sugar, you may want to pack some non-perishable snacks to bring for your time in the rainforest.

Machu Picchu was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and it absolutely does not disappoint. Cusco was the Incan capital of Peru, and the history is almost palpable. The Sacred Valley is a magnificent gateway to both spots.

An important factor to consider when planning your trip to the center of Peru is the altitude. It doesn’t affect everybody, and the symptoms and severity vary from person to person, without much rhyme or reason, but it?s important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help hedge altitude sickness as best as possible:

1. Drink a lot of water before and during your stay.

2. Headaches are a very common symptom of altitude sickness. Make sure to have some ibuprofen or your preferred headache medicine readily available. Some suggest taking this 30 minutes before your plane lands in Cusco as a preemptive measure.

3. Take it easy. Allow yourself plenty of time to rest the first day or so.

4. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol. This is particularly true the first day or two until you know how you?ve adjusted to the altitude.

5.The locals drink cocoa tea, which they claim helps with altitude sickness. I know others that swear by this, but personally tried only a sip of it so can?t claim its powers.

For these particular destinations, the best approach is to start at a lower altitude and work your way up. The Sacred Valley is at approximately 8,500 feet above sea level, while Cusco is approximately 11,500. When you land in Cusco, head to the valley for a couple of days. There is a magnificent hotel in Urubamba called Tambo del Inka that is perfect for taking it easy. Conveniently, the Sacred Valley is also an ideal jumping off point for a trip to Machu Picchu. After a couple of days in the valley, you should feel more acclimated and be able to head to Cusco without much issue due to the altitude.

Remember when you had to camp out in the jungle searching for your own food to be considered an adventurer? Not anymore! Tour operators have realized that virtually everyone likes a little activity and adventure, and yet not everyone prefers to completely ?rough it?. The result – adventure travel redefined and separated into two categories – hard adventure and soft adventure.

Hard adventure consists of the more intense activities which require some special skill and/or equipment. These activities are not for everyone, though generally have devoted enthusiasts who pursue them at every opportunity. Soft adventure, on the other hand, consists of less intense activities that don?t necessarily require special skills or equipment. In the travel industry, this is often referred to as active travel. These kinds of trips certainly keep you moving, but may also include some sightseeing, relaxation and cultural pursuits. Soft adventure is becoming more popular with families and groups, as it can generally be enjoyed by anyone in decent health without too much difficulty.

Not sure which is for you? This quiz might help you decide:

1. My favorite activities include:
a. walking, biking (light to moderate intensity), light hiking, snorkeling
b. canoeing, kayaking, rafting, moderate intensity biking or hiking, ecotourism, SCUBA
c. rock climbing, extreme sports (sky diving, hangliding, base jumping, etc), intense hiking/trekking or biking.

2. I generally prefer my adventures/activities to last:
a. one to two hours at a time
b. about a half day (3-5 hours) at a time
c. a full day or multiple days at a time

3. When I travel, it usually consists of:
a. Guided large group tours or cruises
b. Independent travel with a few half or full day guided excursions
c. Completely independent travel or small group when required for activities

4. I generally travel with (or prefer to travel with):
a. A large family or group of friends of varying health/athletic abilities
b. A family or group with similar activity preferences, health and athletic abilities
c. Myself, or perhaps one other person, both with good health/athletic ability

If you answered mostly (a), soft adventure will probably suit you best. You can always work with your tour guide/host to add in a more intense activity if you want to kick up your adventure a bit.

If you answered mostly (b), you could probably go either way. If with a group, you may choose to do a soft adventure, and plan some more intense day excursions for those who want a little more activity. If you choose hard adventure, work with your travel planner and tour operator to determine the level of activity that is right for you.

If you chose mostly (c), you may be ready for a full-blown hard-adventure vacation!

*Each person is different, and before going on any type of active or adventure vacation, it?s best to consult your doctor to make sure you are in good health enough for your trip. It?s also necessary in the case of most hard adventure and some soft adventure to work with your local adventure outfitter to ensure that you have all of the appropriate equipment.