Travel Russia Today

When I wrote my previous email regarding packing, I should have mentioned the most important thing—the weight of the luggage. You always need to check with your specific carrier directly, but for most transatlantic flights you are allowed 50 lbs/bag in economy and 70 lbs/bag in business. The problem is, once you are overseas and traveling from country to country-the luggage allowance drops.

Most carriers within Europe allow 44 lbs TOTAL for the bags in economy and 66 lbs in business. Although I know it’s hard to pack efficiently for a long trip overseas, it’s best to do so, so you do not run into any problems or any extra expense. We have had instances where clients have incurred small overweight fees, so please be aware while packing.

My colleague, Kevan, always amazes everyone with his packing skills…he packs 7-10 days worth of clothes into a backpack size suitcase that he carries on the plane with him. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he usually always has a sport coat in there and none of his clothes are EVER wrinkled. So keep that in mind while packing for your trip and you’ll be sure to never be at risk for the dreaded overweight fees that are imposed by ALL the airlines!

You never know what the future holds. We all believe that "it will never happen to me" but guess what, it does! Through the years, I have seen cancellations due to health complications, divorce, loss of job, natural disaster and worst of all death. Chances are you will probably be fine and the trip will go off without a hitch but what if it doesn't?

As a tour operator, we follow a strict cancellation policy for we have to protect the hotels, guides, car services, and most of all the time the staff has taken to put together this fabulous trip. Even though you did not take the trip, the guides that we booked still have to paid!

Typically, travel insurance equates to about 10% of your total trip costs. For those of you that have not purchased travel insurance, this probably looks like a ton of money (I know you are computing the numbers and yes it is about $1,000 for a $10,000 trip). However, lets look at it a different way- what it you do have to cancel that trip? Our cancellation policy states ZERO refunds on any trip canceled less than 14 days out. This means you have lost $10,000 and you were not even at a table in Vegas having a great time.

In the end, BUY THE INSURANCE. It is the safest and smartest purchase and much more important than that upgrade to a 2-bedroom suite.

Most of us want to be able to say that we traveled the world, right? Well, I know I do but it seems that I may be my own obstacle. It seems that in the last few years, I have been planning trips to the same places over and over and over again (the beach!). I think most of us find that ONE place in the world (Mexico, Paris, London, etc.) that feels comfortable. Feels relaxing. Feels like home. Unfortunately, this process will not enable us to see the world.

My message today is get out there- see the world! Venture beyond your comfort zones and plan a trip to an exotic, off the beaten track place such as Estonia or even better Georgia (and I mean the country, not the state). When I first joined Exeter about 6 years ago, I couldn't even point out most of our destinations on a map. Now, I can tell you where they are and more importantly why you should see them.

Be one of those exclusive travelers that is able to sit at a table and talk about a trip that no-one else has been on or even thought of. Go beyond the ordinary and see the extraordinary.