Research — How to Stay Safe When Traveling
Safety is a concern that prevents many people from ever venturing into independent travel, but it's often the illusion of what is or isn't safe rather than the reality that we focus...
Sandi McCoy Kramos
Sandi McCoy Kramos is a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate from the University of Virginia and over 30 years of experience as a therapist. She is also a lifelong traveler with years of experience planning and implementing individual travel adventures for herself and family and friends. When asked why she started this blog, Sandi said, "Over the years I've realized that when people say they want to travel but don't actually do it, it's often their own insecurities and lack of knowledge that get in the way. I want to give individuals the knowledge they need to actually make their travel dreams come true."
The ROI of Travel Research
If you've picked a location and your travel companions, it's time to start your research. Wait! Please don't leave yet! I promise this isn't going to be as painful as you think...
How to Avoid Death by Committee
If you're considering traveling with more than one person, or maybe if it's only one but you both have big personalities, it's important to not let group dynamics stop the planning process....
Time and Money (aka Reality)–Part 2
A previous post about travel planning (Time and Money Part 1) focused on the financial budget and limitations, but just as important to planning is the time budget. It is important to...
Time and Money (aka Reality)–Part 1
I was once with a group and we were swapping stories about trips we had each taken when the topic of trip planning came up. As we shared how we initially choose...
The Traveling Brain is a Healthy Brain
With the rising rates of dementia from multiple causes, most of us have at least a passing concern as to how to keep our brains healthy. While your brain benefits from a...
How to Avoid Ruining a Good Friendship
All the friends and family you enjoy hanging out with will make great travel companions, right? Actually, not always. A group of us making memories on the cobblestones somewhere in England. Don't...
Some Questions to Get the Travel Party Started
It's important to make sure that you and your potential travel partners are well matched when planning a trip together. (See the post How to Avoid Ruining a Relationship.) Don't assume that...
Tuesday Travel Tip #2
Changing lodging frequently can be exhausting. To decrease the stress in packing up and moving during your travels, consider building your trip around one or just a very small number (depending on...
When Less Is More
When you take that dream vacation, you need to plan to do everything, right? Well, in reality, independent travel...actually, all travel...is a situation when less is often more. More enjoyment. More spontaneity....