Family Travel Association Retreat Travel Log
Beaches Turks & Caicos, September 12-15, 2024
Installment #1: Travel Preparations
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Installment #1: Travel Preparations 〰️
#changinglivesthroughtravel
Disclaimer: The opinions and experiences shared in this blog post are personal and do not necessarily represent the views of Lubinski Family Travel LLC. Individual experiences may vary. This post contains discussions about travel protection and medical considerations, but it is not intended to provide professional insurance or medical advice. Always consult with licensed insurance professionals and healthcare providers for specific guidance related to your travel needs and personal circumstances.
When I founded Lubinski Family Travel early this year, I told myself that I would take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. Since becoming a travel agent, I’ve been wisely warned of the dangers of spreading oneself too thin or trying to be all things to all clients by those in the industry with many more years of experience than me. (1) I’ve been on a one-way street of advice taking for a few months now, which has been great. It’s wonderful to learn from the mistakes of others without having to experience the pain of making them yourself.
That said, what industry veterans might not have, is the blind optimism (some might call it naivety) that comes with a fresh start. One of the many benefits of entrepreneurship is being able to call your own shots and accept or decline invitations as they present themselves. Sure, you can solicit advice, but you don’t have to listen to it! You are the captain of your own ship for better or worse and don’t know, or have a care for, what’s lurking beneath the surface of the water. Ignorance is bliss. This was my state of mind in the spring of this year. I was ready to take the bull by the horns. (2,3)
Anyways, that’s effectively a dramatized version of how I found myself at Beaches Turks and Caicos for the 2024 Family Travel Association Advisor Retreat that took place in the middle of September. Not a bad place to wind up! It’s also how I was featured in a Travel Weekly article (see link below) that ran in May of this year. No turning back, and now that my own horn is sufficiently tooted, I promise I’ll spend the rest of this blog post focusing on my time before, at and after the FTA Retreat so that readers can maybe take something away from my short, but jam-packed, conference getaway.
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Meet-the-advisor-class-of-2024
A stock image of a fire extinguisher because how do you visually represent travel protection?
Travel Protection: To Be (Covered) or Not To Be
Let’s begin with the few days leading up to my departure at an ungodly hour of the night/morning (more on that soon) so that we can talk about general travel preparations. Now that I’m a part of the travel industry in a professional capacity, I’ve spent more time thinking about trip protection than I ever have before. I don’t know that I’d ever purchased a travel protection plan in my life before this trip with maybe the exception of a check the box option that was included for a negligible cost. To this point, I’ve considered myself relatively young and active and with the general sentiment about trip protection, like appliance warranties, being lukewarm, I never saw the need to spend extra money on a protection plan I most likely wouldn’t benefit from.
But oh, how mine eyes have now seen the benefits of a good travel protection plan. As a travel advisor, I’m not allowed to actively sell or solicit the purchase of travel protection. Notice that I’ve also been referring to coverage as protection rather than “insurance.” This is because I’m not a licensed insurance professional and can’t hold myself out as such. (4) However, what I can do is highlight the general benefits of having travel protection.
Think about the last time you were really sick. Outside of it coinciding with flu or cold season, were you able to predict when your throat started getting scratchy or you felt like a fever was coming on (or worse, when something urgently decided it needed to escape the confines of your stomach)? Sorry for the imagery, but unfortunately, viruses don’t take your travel plans into consideration before striking and knocking you out of commission (and if they did, they probably would use that against you). How about the last time you broke a bone? Now multiply that by the number of travelers in your party.
The unpredictable nature of events is what makes insurance a thing after all. And it’s not like when you step onto the plane or arrive at your destination the risks evaporate. Most people are unaware of the fact that many types of medical coverage don’t apply outside of the United States. Forget visions of Michael Myers keeping me up at night this Halloween season, I’m going to be shivering in terror at the thought of having to pay out of pocket for a medical evacuation.
This isn’t to push people into making buying decisions based on fear (I can’t do that remember). All of us are exposed to unavoidable risks, some insured against, as we go about daily life and travel protection remains optional. The pandemic reinforced the additional peace of mind that it can bring to some vacationers, and I’ve come to see the benefit of it myself. So much so that I purchased a trip protection plan for the first time to cover things like medical costs, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage loss and so on. Did I use any of it? Of course not, but I was glad it was there if I needed it. (5) Oh, and one last thing, I did not follow the rules like the good elder child I am and purchase the policy within 14 days of making the initial trip deposit. I waited until the last minute. When it comes to trip protection, generally the earlier the better (especially if you want to add a cancel for any reason option). I’ll try not to procrastinate next time.
These are not my suitcases. I wish I had suitcases as beautiful as these. I wouldn't use them. I would display them.
Packing or A Game I Like to Call: What Essential Item Did I Forget This Time?
Moving on to something slightly more interesting than trip protection: packing! I do get excited about packing for an upcoming trip. It’s a sign that the trip is real and happening soon! I usually wait to pack until the day before the trip, because to do otherwise would be premature in the sense that I’m still going to need the majority of what I’m taking with me. But, when it’s time to get that suitcase out of the basement closet, it’s on!
I also am not one to use a packing list, which is probably why I have forgotten to take essential items like a belt and a bathing suit with me on past vacations. Now, usually this isn’t a problem as most destinations that you travel to will have stores where you can purchase the items that you need, but that takes time and can be a waste of money. So, absent sitting down a writing out a packing list with nice little checkboxes you can tick off as you go, I like to remind people to think about where they’re going (seems obvious) while they’re packing. The reason for that is people typically vacation in places that require items they don’t normally use on a routine basis (along with ones they do, of course). Sunscreen, bathing suits, sunglasses, sandals, beach towels for warm weather destinations. Winter apparel and equipment for cold weather locales. This is especially important when you’re going to a place that has a different climate from the one that you’re currently experiencing. For this trip, I added swimwear (which was a first for me since this was technically a work trip), sunscreen and sunglasses to my mental packing list. After checking the resort and event dress codes, I also made sure to bring appropriate attire, which included some long pants, collared shirts and a pair of casual loafers.
Since this trip was going to be a relatively short jaunt, I decided that I wanted to travel light, which meant a smaller carry-on suitcase as opposed to checking a bag. I’m usually torn between a bigger suitcase (more options) and a smaller one or a duffel bag and tend to let the duration of the trip dictate what I take. A carry-on will suffice for a long weekend, but anything closer to a week requires a checked bag. Each option has its pros and cons and, like I said, the verdict is still out for me on which one is better. Skipping the bag check, saving money on baggage fees, going straight to security and having your items close at hand are benefits of the carry-on option but with a checked bag you don’t have to worry about lugging your bag through security, complying with the TSA rules for liquids and have more room to pack your entire wardrobe if you so choose.
Access to laundry facilities at a destination will also factor into my choice of luggage. Funnily enough, there did wind up being a washer and dryer in our room at Beaches Turks & Caicos, for which I was very thankful. Something that I did not factor in ahead of time was how many times I’d need to change clothes during the day, because it was quite humid when we visited. (6)
Lastly, a quick word about packing cubes. Nothing beats having a bunch of little bags inside a big bag! Treat yourself to some before your next trip.
Nothing good happens at this hour.
The Night Before: A Too Short Nap
The funny thing about my owning a travel agency business is that I don’t particularly enjoy the actual travel part, and you’ll see why. I like spending time exploring in other areas of the country and world while staying in nice hotels. They should have a different word for this act of living away from home. It’s not traveling to or from, but the exciting period in between. It’s vacationing I suppose or being on holiday. Traveling is the exhausting part on the ends.
For example, our flight from Pittsburgh to Atlanta was set to depart around 6 AM with a boarding time of 5:20 AM. I set my alarm for 2 AM because the current best practice is to get to the airport three hours before your flight departure for international flights (two for domestic). An alarm that early did not, at the time, exist in my phone because there was no rational reason for one to. I debated simply staying up until I had to leave but opted for a short, fitful nap after going to bed at my usual time. No use staring at the ceiling trying to fall asleep early. I woke up about 5 minutes before my alarm sounded at 2 and proceeded to pack the remainder of my belongings before heading to the airport to start a marathon day of travel (well maybe half-marathon, the upside of leaving so early was that we were scheduled to arrive in Turks & Caicos in the early afternoon).
Thus concludes the incomplete record of my preparation process for the FTA Retreat at Beaches Turks & Caicos. I’ve since made it there and back, so I must have done an adequate job. We’ll pick back up with my trip to the airport in the next installment. For now, I’ll leave you with the essential item that I forgot to pack for this trip which was…
Nothing! Thanks to all the self-inflicted hard lessons I’ve learned over the years! I probably should’ve packed an extra outfit, but I was bailed out by the in-room washer and dryer.
Planning a vacation or want to swap travel yarns? Drop us a line or book a free, no-obligation consultation using the “Book Appointment” button. While we try to keep things lighthearted when discussing our own travel adventures, this isn’t necessarily reflective of the way that we would approach vacation planning for our clients. Think of us as the test kitchen and your trip as the published cookbook recipe. We give ourselves freedom to experiment and are honest about our missteps, but when it comes to stewarding our clients’ resources, we stick to what we think works best. So, let us help you craft unforgettable memories, whether you're seeking a well-trodden path or a unique adventure off the beaten track. Contact Lubinski Family Travel today and let's start planning your next great escape!
Until next time. Safe travels everyone!
(1) By default, when you start a new career path, almost everybody in the industry has more experience than you since that’s how time works in our linear universe.
(2) I understand that was very melodramatic, but I’m told that you need a snappy hook to get readers engaged. Unfortunately, my penchant for long-form (like long-long form) essay writing/rambling will more than offset any curiosity that was kindled. Anyone who knows me will also tell you I’m also not really one to take uncalculated risks.
(3) That’s a metaphor, but I also literally did that too. Call me White Goodman.
(4) Fear not, my CPA license gives me all the nerd cred that I need.
(5) If you’re someone who travels more than a few times a year, most trip protection providers (and there are a lot of good ones out there) offer annual plans that could save you some money compared to buying individual plans (although this may still be necessary for some components). Any and all questions should be directed to licensed insurance professionals (one of which I am not).
(6) I think my sweat was sweating.
Rain Check: Turning Wet Weather into Vacation Fun
Rain Check: Turning Wet Weather into Vacation Fun
In the evergreen words of André 3000 as heard on the track Ms. Jackson, “You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather.” While some meteorologists might take umbrage with this particular sentiment, the truth of the lyric holds up when it comes to vacation planning. When you’re making reservations for a trip months or even years ahead of time, it’s impossible to predict the weather for any particular period of time aside from relying on broad trends and seasonal patterns. So, what is one to do besides anxiously hoping and praying for weeks on end, stressing about something wholly out of your control (in the face of the uncontrollable)? This is where I offer Mr. 3000 the following advice: invest in a good raincoat. Beyond that, here are a few ways to be prepared in the event that your parade becomes sufficiently rained upon.
Dress for the Occasion
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”
- Alfred Wainwright (more like Rain-right, am I right?)
A good waterproof jacket or raincoat, quick-drying clothing, and watertight shoes or boots can act as impenetrable armor against a volley of raindrops from above while keeping you comfortable at the same time. Umbrellas and ponchos are useful in a pinch as well and can act as cover as you dart from one indoor location to another. Nothing will make you feel more on top of your game than keeping dry in a downpour while everyone around you is getting soaked to the bone. Be victorious in the battle against soggy underwear and look good doing it: dress appropriately!
On this same note, make sure that your electronic devices are protected. If you don’t heed the advice above and get stuck in the rain without an umbrella, your body is still, for the most part, water resistant. You’re not going to melt into a puddle (wicked witches from the west excepted). The same can’t be said of your electronic devices (phones, external batteries, cameras, headphones, etc.). I know that some phones have water resistant features these days, but for the most part, electricity and water do not mix. A good waterproof case or bag can stand between you and a claim on, or outright replacement of, one of your (typically expensive) devices.
A final note – even the best gear has its limitations. The most advanced raincoat in the world will not protect you from a lightning bolt to the dome and if there was one out there that could, no one would be able to afford it or want to wear it. Use caution in the event of extreme weather. Heed local emergency notifications and seek shelter in unsafe conditions.
Build Indoor Activities into Your Plan
Setting aside extreme weather conditions, if you’re vacationing in a place that experiences periods of frequent rainfall or has a rainy season, it’s important to plan build some indoor activities into your itinerary so that you can optimize your time. If you’re theme park touring, rain makes for an excellent time to hop in line for an indoor attraction. Most outdoor attractions will generally continue to operate during the rain, but if there is lightning in the area (and oftentimes there is during pop-up thunderstorms) those rides will go down for safety purposes. If you see a storm brewing, head for an attraction with a roof over its head. I was in Universal Studios Orlando recently and popped into the queue for Harry Potter and the Escape for Gringotts during a downpour. The line was a little longer than usual (when outdoor attractions go down or it starts raining, capacity naturally decreases), but after the half hour it took me to get through the experience, the sun was shining bright again and I was dry as a bone.
Outside of the context of a theme park vacation, museums and galleries, restaurants and bars, and theaters are all excellent ways to spend time indoors. If you’d prefer not to venture out at all, games of the board, party and card variety are a great way to have fun with family, which after all is one of the primary goals of any family getaway. Grandpa trying to draw a bellybutton during a round of Pictionary might produce a fonder memory than any painstakingly planned experience could. Just ask your kids what their favorite part of your last family vacation was; the answers might surprise you. Lastly, rain could be an excellent opportunity for unwinding on your own in a quiet cozy spot with a good book, show or movie. The nature of family vacations can be draining for some, so take this as an opportunity to recharge your batteries.
Embrace the Rain
“Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain”
- Vivan Greene
“I love muddy puddles”
- Peppa Pig
I’m going to wax a little philosophical here, but it occurs to me that at some point in life there comes a point where the inconvenience of “bad” weather robs us of opportunities to enjoy what is otherwise a life-giving experience. We had a dry spell for about a week or two here in Pittsburgh at the end of July and the impact on our yard was stark – patches of brown grass and dry cracked soil in the garden (which, to be sure, could’ve been mitigated by some watering on our part). We take the rain for granted and see it as an all-too necessary evil after we’ve been without for some time. Instead of waiting for the rain to pass, what if we embraced the unpredictability of the weather and used it as an opportunity to reconnect with our inner child, dance in the rain and stomp in some muddy puddles. Vacation is a time to shed the cares and stresses of everyday life and give ourselves permission to be goofy and have some fun. Here’s to hoping for at least one day of rain in the forecast on your next trip.
Hedge Your Bets
From the philosophical to the practical – a word on trip protection or travel insurance. Insurance: you don’t really know how valuable it is until you actually need it. My sincere hope is that our customers at Lubinski Family Travel will never have to file a claim due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The chances of that happening? I’m going to guess not great. A good trip protection plan (and there are a lot of good ones out there) can provide you with coverage for cancellations, interruptions, medical assistance including evacuation and delayed or lost baggage. It can also provide you with the ever-illusive peace of mind. I’m not an insurance professional, would never hold myself out as such, and will always advise clients to compare plans, read the fine print with concern to exclusions and ask the insurer any and all relevant questions; however, I can say that trip protection, especially in a post-COVID world, is something that anyone traveling should strongly consider. In extreme weather events, it’s likely that resorts and hotels will work with you and accommodate you as best as possible, but it’s certainly worth taking steps to mitigate as much risk as possible when it comes to your valuable vacation time and dollars. As they say, lightning could strike.
So, on that somewhat dour note, should you have a doom and gloom outlook when it comes to gloomy weather? Absolutely not! Speaking from personal experience, we’ve encountered good (sometimes abnormally great) weather on many of the trips we’ve taken over the years. Vacation spots are inherently those that folks want to travel to because of their propensity for good weather, otherwise they wouldn’t be popular vacation spots. However, as a number of great leaders have said over the years, failing to plan is planning to fail and, in most cases, bad weather doesn’t have to equate to a bad travel experience.
Need some help with the planning process of the vacation equation? Let Lubinski Family Travel partner with you to put together an unforgettable trip, rain or shine! Sign up through the website to receive relevant information or reach out to us with your specific questions!
Safe travels!
Insurance Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Lubinski Family Travel is not an insurance provider and does not offer insurance services. We recommend that you consult with a licensed insurance professional to understand the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions of any travel insurance policy you consider. Always read the fine print and ask questions to ensure you have the coverage that meets your needs. Lubinski Family Travel does not assume any responsibility or liability for any insurance claims or issues that may arise.
Something Epic is Coming
Something Epic is Coming!
The Top 5 Rides and Experiences Coming to Universal’s Epic Universe™
Something truly Epic is coming in 2025 and no, we’re not talking about the launch of the Lubinski Family Travel website and blog (that’s happening now in 2024)! At a yet to be announced date sometime in 2025, Universal Orlando Resort™ will open its third theme park gate: Universal Epic Universe. It’s been a whopping 26 years since an entirely new theme park (Disney’s Animal Kingdom®) was opened to the public in Orlando, Florida, and I’m incredibly excited to see how the opening of this new gate transforms the theme park landscape in a place that is already widely accepted as the vacation capital of the world. Sure, we’ve had new and exciting theme park lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge™, Pandora – The World of Avatar®, Toy Story Land®, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and more come on the scene since the late 90s, but we haven’t seen anything on a scale like this in quite a while, and I couldn’t be more pumped!
Universal Orlando™ released details of all the theme park lands coming to Universal Epic Universe in a phased manner*, with information on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic™ being the last and latest to drop. Speculation abounds around the official opening date for the theme park, ticketing structure and more, but for the purposes of this blog post, I’m going to limit myself (try as we might) to the facts that Universal has released and confirmed already. The amount of information that’s been shared to date is as abundant as you would expect given an endeavor this size, so to keep things as brief** as possible, I’m going to focus on the five experiences that I’m personally most excited about (in no particular order). I’ll then wrap up the post by sharing about my trip to the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal CityWalk™ where guests can see and interact with a large model of the new park, as well as purchase some cool new merch. Let’s dive in.
You can see art for Mine-Cart Madness in the background of this depiction of the portal to Super Nintendo World.
Mine-Cart Madness™ in Donkey Kong Country™ inside Super Nintendo World™
From Universal: It's up to you to help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana on Mine-Cart Madness™. Enter the majestic Golden Temple, board your mine cart and take off in this thrilling family coaster. Speeding through the mine, you'll appear to jump across gaps in the track and perform other eye-popping feats from the Donkey Kong Country video games.
Did you catch that? You’ll appear to jump across gaps in the track! You can search online for more information about how the ride system will make that possible – it’s incredibly innovative and I for one can’t wait to experience it first-hand. A version of Super Nintendo World already debuted in Hollywood in 2023, but you’ll only be able to experience this particular attraction in Orlando (stateside at least – Japan is slated to get one as well).
Universal Helios Grand Hotel™
From Universal: With a dedicated and exclusive entrance into Universal Epic Universe theme park, you'll be transported to a fantastical world where heavens and earth unite at this full-service hotel. Opening 2025. (Valid theme park admission is required for park entry.)
I love a hotel with an exclusive entrance to a theme park. We’ve seen iterations of this at Disney California Adventure® and Disneyland Paris®, but this is a first for Universal Orlando, and I’m here for it (granted, the other Universal Orlando hotels are very walkable). More details are coming soon and we’re looking forward to seeing what other amenities this hotel has to offer.
Das Stakehaus™ in Dark Universe™
From Universal: Shrouded in mystery, Das Stakehaus is an old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. Here you can enjoy a meal surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts. In fact, the restaurant is run by vampires’ “familiars”, or servants. Just don’t venture down to the catacombs below, or you might find yourself on the vampires’ menu.
Everyone who’s ever picked up a fantasy novel knows that inns are central to any good story. This restaurant checks a lot of boxes for me personally: spooky medieval style inn – check, steak – check, dad joke in the title – check! For me personally, this is the land that I’m most looking forward to exploring (but shhh – don’t tell any of the other lands!).
Harry Potter and the Battle for the Ministry™
From Universal: Travel by Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic™ where Dolores Umbridge is about to stand trial. Board a lift and join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as you journey deep into the Ministry’s many departments. Thrilling adventure, fantastic beasts, and unexplored mystery await in Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™.
Like other attractions in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it seems like the queue for this one is going to be an experience in and of itself. When I first heard about the new Wizarding World land being built, I was candidly a little less than enthusiastic. What could top Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™? Then I watched the teaser video, and my attitude completely changed. Give me all the Wizarding World immersion. Biere au Beurre – are you kidding me?! I’m all in! Lastly, speaking of top 5 lists, Dolores Umbridge is definitely a top 5 villain for me.
Fyre Drill™ in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk™
From Universal: With fire-breathing dragons everywhere, villagers have to be prepared. Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut have transformed Berk’s Fyre Skööl into a watery, interactive boat battle at sea. Board your ship in Fyre Drill™ and blast your water cannons at flame-like targets – and the occupants of every other boat – to out-soak other Vikings.
A theme park experience isn’t complete for me without a water-based attraction, and I expect this one to deliver in a big way. Not only is it a boat ride, but it’s an interactive experience to boot. The water cannons shoot up to 28 feet and you can aim them in the direction of the competition! Something tells me that the flame-like targets will remain very much aflame.
So, there you have it. Those are the five experiences that I’m most looking forward to when Universal Epic Universe opens. For our family, the day can’t come soon enough! If you want to get a taste of the in-person excitement now, you can head to the Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk. I was lucky enough to coincidentally be there on the first day that the center opened to the public after a couple days of team member and media previews. The outside of the building is adorned with a large screen showing videos similar to what you see on the Universal Orlando website. When I stepped inside the building, I was greeted by a very nice team member and directed to download the preview center-specific app from a QR code on a sign that she was holding. When you open the app, you’re able to use your phone’s camera to point at the model to make it come to life on your screen. The AR features, like the windmill of The Burning Blade Tavern™ in Dark Universe bursting into flames, were super clever and added an immersive element (to a model map!). On the inside walls of the building, there were replicas of the portals*** that you’ll use to enter each of the themed lands of the park with concept art giving you a sneak preview of what you can expect to see. Lastly, there was plenty of Epic Universe and land-specific merch to peruse and buy so that you can be appropriately dressed for your Epic Universe theme park day when the time comes.
Peering into the model above Dark Universe with Celestial Park in the background.
Are you as excited as I am to experience all that Epic Universe has to offer? Are you feeling at all overwhelmed by the idea of planning a theme park vacation given all that the process entails? Do you want to make sure that you’re squeezing every last drop of amusement (and maybe a little bit of relaxation) out of your trip? Let us partner with you so that you’re completely prepared to hunt monsters, tame dragons, and beat final bosses (while finding the perfect specialty beverage and snack in between). Reach out to us through the website! We’d love to talk theme parks with you!
Safe travels!
*In conjunction with the phased release of information pertaining to each land, Universal also embarked on a super fun promotional campaign where they mailed a model of the Chronos park entrance tower, which contained spots for medallions corresponding to each theme park land, to a handful of influencers. The social team then separately sent the individual medallions of the land they were releasing information for over time, which certainly enhanced and prolonged the hype around the reveals.
**I’m still the one writing this post, so keep that in mind when interpreting the word “brief.”
***We do really love a great theme park transition from one land to another here at the agency.