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5 Skills Every Traveler Should Master
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WEST COAST, are YOU READY????
WEST COAST, are YOU READY????
Double trouble in Seattle!!!
Double trouble in Seattle!!!
The sisters will be joining you in Seattle for the 2019 Alaska Season. What a Blissful and Joyful Season we will have!!!
After the Alaska Season, the lovely Joy will make her way down to L.A. where she will stay for the winter season, doing some Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal Cruises!!
The Joy will undergo approximately $50 million in upgrades to enhance her aldready popular features and bring her designs and offerings to be virtually identical to those of the sister ship Bliss.
The Norwegian Joy itineraries will be open for sale on July24
I am sooooo excited! HOW ABOUT YOU?
Chile Travel Guide
Chile Travel Guide
Long and narrow, Chile is a geographical marvel and an icon of nature on a colossal scale. This South American gem is undeniably rich in spectacular sceneries, ranging from the moonscapes of the Atacama to the peaks and glaciers of the Patagonian Mountains. In its entirety, Chile is an artistic piece of pristine wilderness and nature, complete with scenic mountains and graceful glaciers which form a surreal but natural boundary with Bolivia and Argentina to its east. The sprawling Atacama Desert splits it from Peru on its southern border, while on its south, beyond the infamous Cape Horn, the land lies desolate with only an endless ocean and Antarctica to its name.
Whether you fancy scaling the summits of Torres del Paine, going on road trips on the infinite Carretera Austral or surfing the vicious waves of Punta de Lobos in Pichilemu, you will bear me witness that Chile is unquestionably deserving of its worldwide reputation as a distinguished tourist destination.
Weather
As a result of its exceedingly long coastline, Chile’s weather is very diverse and therefore hard to predict. However, one thing for sure, most parts of the country are seasonal throughout the year. Winter starts in June and ends in August while summer runs from December to February. Temperature ranges can also be hard to precisely pinpoint due to this variability. However, some locations record constant temperatures. For instance, there is the Atacama Desert on its north where temperatures can drop as low as -2 degrees Celsius and reach highs of 32 degrees Celsius. Central Chile has an Adriatic feel with a wet and cold season from May to August. During this period, the southern part of the country is normally dump and cool, while Easter Island records its own subtropical temperatures.
Best time to visit
If you are a beach goer, Antofagasta, Iquique, Arica, Coquimbo and La Serena are the prime beach hub spots for both local and international tourists on the north; while on the south, Pucón enjoys a high number of tourists from January to March. Valparaíso and Viña del Mar beaches experience lots of sunshine in summer due to their proximity to Santiago, making summer the ideal time to visit the place. If you love skiing, the ski season begins from June to August since Chile is located on the southern hemisphere.
If you are interested in visiting Patagonia, the summer window from December to March will be ideal since the place will be dry and warm enough to trek and conduct outdoor activities. It is never advisable to visit the southern part of the country between May to September. Most trails at this period are closed as a result of bad weather. However, northern destinations such as the Atacama Desert are open to visitors all year round.
Best tourist spots to visit
Chile is a location of environmental extremes with numerous backdrops. Therefore, brace yourself to see lots of open spaces such as the desolate Atacama Desert and the Patagonian glaciers. Even, within this emptiness, there is a lot to be seen. For instance, the Grey Glacier gigantic saw-toothed snout, the barren red rock plateau on the famous Valley of the Moon, A lake of icebergs the size of houses amidst several others. Below, is a list of some of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile.
The Atacama Desert
The unique landscape of the Atacama will sweep you away with its salt flats, stark vistas of volcanoes and aquamarine lakes. You will also get to visit places in this desert which have not seen rain in over 400 years.
Easter Island
This is an isolated island located in the Pacific Ocean. It is famous for its unique and striking stone statues. If you would like to experience and see historic stonework, Easter Island will come in handy.
Northern delights
In northern Chile, there are a plethora of attractions you can visits. The mining ghost town of Humberston is a perfect place to spend an afternoon or you can take some surfing lessons in Punta De Lobos.
Del Paine
The jagged and serrated peaks of the Torres Del Paine are a breathtaking sight to behold. There are two trekking circuits from which you can enjoy the backdrop of nature from a bird’s eye point of view.
Chile Shopping and nightlife
Chile is famous for products such as alpaca jumpers, vicuna rugs, hand-woven ponchos and copper work. Almost all small towns have open-air markets where these products can be bought at a fraction of the price when compared to Santiago. Gemstones such as agate, amethyst, and jade are also available for sale. You can also buy Chile’s iconic Lapis Lazuli Jewelry. If you are out for something more artistic, there are several boutique stores selling professionally crafted jewelry. Camping equipment is also available in bigger towns such as Santiago. However, be sure to confirm the availability before arriving there to avoid frustrations. If you are a big spender, you will quench your thirst in shopping malls such as Alto Las Condes and Parque Arauco in Santiago.
Nightlife in Chile
Though several hotels and restaurants offer entertainment to guests, there are also several nightclubs where you can go and party all night. The capital Santiago is especially lively during the weekends. Neighborhoods such as Bellavista and Pablo Neruda's will keep you entertained till dawn. The Barrio Brasil area also teams with several nightclubs.
Currency and language
Majority of Chileans speak Spanish though there are several other immigrant and indigenous languages. And since most of them speak Spanish, it is the official language of the country. Chileans have also developed their own Spanish dialect which is different from the main language but similar in pronunciation. Approximately 14 million people speak this language in the country. The Peso is the official Chilean currency. If you will be traveling there, it is advisable to have the local currency because residents reluctantly accept dollars. If not, you can use your debit or credit card to pay for hotels and food. ATMs are also available where you can withdraw the money in local currency.
Voltage type
In Chile, residents use type L and C power sockets while the standard voltage is 220 volts with a frequency of 50HZ.
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
The Best Restaurants in Chile and Why You Should Visit Them
The Best Restaurants in Chile and Why You Should Visit Them
As a visitor in Chile, you want to acquire services from best restaurants at minimum costs. However, with lots of misleading information, you may never have the information necessary to make the right choice. This article discusses a checklist of top restaurants in Chile. Let’s dig in.
1. Pasta e Vino
Address: Templeman 352, Cerro Concepcion
Most people prefer this restaurant for good reasons. It is often packed, however, the ideal time for booking is on the weekends.
2. Residencial Mirador Selkirk
Address: EL Castillo 251
It is a convenient family-run restaurant that survived the Tsunami and is based in an islander’s house with a terrace overlooking the bay. A visit to this restaurant will guarantee you a taste of typical Chilean dishes with local specialties such as fleshy caught crab and lobster.
3. Club Aleman
Address: Av. Philippi 747
This German Club serves delicious meals and beautiful kuchen’ at affordable prices. You will get valuable lunch menu at Club Aleman, particularly on weekdays.
4. El Baron de Rodt
Address: La Polvora 353
This restaurant is based in the higher part of the town and the main dish served is a local fish popularly known as vidriola. The restaurant has a terrace overlooking the bay as well.
5. La Greda
Address: Manuel Rodriguez cnr. Roberto Bravo
La Greda restaurant posses a vine-covered outdoor dining room that is often warm with woodstoves during the winter and shady in summer.
6. Club de la Union
Address: Plaza Munoz Gamero 716
The restaurant is located on the main square. The old mansion prides itself on offering delicious meals that are worth every penny you spend. Besides, you can visit the same location in the evening for excellent bar services.
7. Coquinaria
Address: Isidora Goyenechea 3000
If you need a full English breakfast, lunch, or dinner, then Coquinaria is the right restaurant for you. Headed by a British chef called Kevin Poulter, you will find an assortment of your favorite dishes from the British origin at this place.
8. Muneca Brava
Address: Malinkrodt 170
Muneca Brava is an ideal restaurant adorned with props from films and movies. In fact, it is Bellavista classic that serves Chilean dishes with a contemporary twist as well names picked from movies.
9. Sotito’s Restaurant
Address: O’Higgins 1138
Sotito’s Restaurant is situated close to the port and is very popular with the locals. For visitors, this is the perfect restaurant to try the local lamb (king crab).
Finally, What to Eat
The main meal in Chile is lunch, and you can find it for as low as $4 in some restaurants. In most restaurants, you will likely buy lunch at lower prices than diners. Although the preparation procedure is quite simple, quality of the meals is guaranteed in the above top restaurants in Chile.
During the summer, you should never afford to miss humanitas,’ – weathered pureed corn wrapped in corn leaves and meat pie. Also, you may have a taste of Chile’s favorite seafood such as locos (abalone) or jaiva (crab). The main course often comprises of rice, fried fish, chicken, or meat. After taking your meals, you may take a cup of coffee as well.
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
Top 5 Things To Indulge In While You Are In Chile
Top 5 Things To Indulge In While You Are In Chile
You will come across very few destinations like Chile on the planet at present. In fact, it is possible to perform various activities in this wonderful country including enjoying a scrumptious dinner at a fabulous restaurant and strolling along the glorious sandy beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As a matter of fact, Chile is the ideal destination for any outdoor enthusiast who likes to become one with Mother Nature far away from the hectic city life. In the subsequent paragraphs, we have mentioned several things that you can indulge in while you're in Chile.
1. Take the Plunge
You will come across the world's largest swimming pool in this country which can be found at the famous San Alfonso del Mar Resort located in the close vicinity of Santiago. It covers a huge area of around 20 acres which happens to be bigger than that of twenty Olympic swimming pools and can hold as much as three million liters of water. On top of this, this particular pool has also found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the deepest pool on earth.
2. Visit the Easter Island
Ever since the discovery of this particular island way back in the 1700s, numerous tourists are visiting it every single year. This Polynesian-inhabited island is located at a distance of more than 2,000 miles from the mainland, and here, you will come across a unique collection of strange-looking Moai statues which were constructed by the native Rapa Nui folks. Apart from this, you should also pay a visit to the reputed Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum situated in Hanga Roa where you can learn more regarding the Polynesian tradition and culture.
3. Head off to the Torres Del Paine National Park
There are approximately 35 national parks in this country, and it would be perfectly sensible to visit a few of them while you are here. Among these recreational areas, the Torres del Paine definitely deserves a special mention thanks to it incredible landscape as well as natural scenery. This particular park, which is situated in the Patagonia region can boast of uninhabited woodlands as well as turquoise lakes. You may likewise consider hiking along the banks of the tranquil Pango River where it will be feasible to enjoy this park to the fullest.
4. Explore the Pumalín Park
This marvelous recreational area is known to attract a large number of vacationers throughout the year who come here to enjoy the lush green woodlands. Here, it will be possible to hire cabins and you can also enjoy a nice slumber under the open sky at night lying on the campgrounds. Moreover, nature lovers can also explore some fantastic trails right here as well. In a nutshell, the park which covers an area of more than 7 lakh acres will provide you with the perfect opportunity to come across the wildlife and scenic beauty of the Pacific Ocean as well as the Andes mountains.
5. Experience the Splendor of Barrio Bellavista
You cannot simply exclude this breathtaking region of Barrio Bellavista from your list of must-visit sites in Chile thanks to its colorful and vibrant architecture. In fact, this area which is located between the Mapocho River and the San Cristobal Hill is packed with modern art galleries, fashionable boutiques, as well as some mouth-watering restaurants. Folks throng in huge numbers on the eccentric streets of this locality which are usually covered with bright graffiti throughout the year.
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe
Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe
Despite being the second smallest continent in the world, Europe is one place that encompasses nearly everything. From magical and logical attractions to the ancient and modern ones, you will always have something new to explore whether it’s your first or tenth time there. This is why millions of travelers come here to get a taste of the very tumultuous history and rich culture that this continent has to offer. The only challenge travelers here have is choosing from the thousands of unique attractions and sites to visit. To help you, I have compiled a list of the top 10 best places in Europe you must see and visit.
Louvre, Paris
Built in the year 1793, this is arguably Europe’s and the world’s most visited museum. It is a central landmark of the city and receives more than 8 million visitors annually. Being an art lover's paradise, the museum displays more than 35 thousand objects all coming from the 6th BC up to the 19th century.
Vatican, Rome
As the center of the entire Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican definitely needs no introduction. Being located inside the city of Rome, the Vatican has a rich history and more artwork than any other city in the world. It also houses St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s square, and the Vatican museum all which are world’s big tourist attractions.
Buckingham palace, Buckingham
After being built in the year 1705, this palace was first known as the Buckingham House. However, it was later named a palace in 1837 following Queen Victoria's accession. The palace has a total of 775 rooms including 19 State rooms, 188 staff rooms, 52 guest rooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms all decorated using precious works of art.
The Colosseum, Rome
Situated in Rome’s capital center, the Colosseum is the largest known Amphitheatre. Its construction started in the 70AD during the Roman Empire when Vespasian was the empire. The Colosseum was anciently used for gladiator fights but what remains are the ruins which are a major tourist attraction in Rome.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower was originally built to represent the 1989 exhibitions that marked a century ever since the French Revolution. It later became a symbol of Paris. Having been designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower is now the world's most visited entrance-paying monument. The tower enables visitors to experience breathtaking views of the city and houses a wide range of restaurants inside.
Disneyland Park, France
With more than 12 million visitors visiting here annually, Disney Park is questionably one of the most visited places in Europe. It is divided into two main parks with each one holding separate attraction areas. This entertainment resort encompasses more than four thousand acres of theme parks, golf courses, and entertainment complex.
Venice, Italy
Spending some time in Venice feels like you are in a world away from reality. Visitors here are greeted by the breathtaking views of Grand Canal when they Step from Santa Lucia train station. There are tour guides at Doge’s palace and Saint Mark's Basilica to give visitors some great historical insight.
Akropolis, Athens
Located on the rocky hills along the valley of IlIssos, the Akropolis in Athens is the most famous in the world. Since it is situated right in the city center, it offers visitors impressive sights of the city of Athens. There is also a wonderful museum located just under its southern slopes.
British Museum, London
London is known to be a real treat when it comes to museums. Located in Bloomsbury, the British museum is among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Here, visitors are open to viewing more than 7 million objects and 2 miles of galleries. Thanks to its free admission, the British Museum receives more than 5 million visitors annually
Belfast Castle, Scotland
A visit to the Belfast castle is a must if you are a history enthusiasts. Located on the edges of Belfast city on Antrim road, this castle can be seen even far away from the town. This classic sandstone building offers amazing views of the very romantic Scottish city. Visitors can choose to have scenic views of the city from the castle or go for a hike to the summit of Cave Hill and get a chance to view the castle from above.
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
Numerous couples desire to visit Europe for their honeymoon. This is mainly because European destinations provide delicious cuisine, fun activities, beaches and spectacular scenery. Selecting a suitable destination may be a daunting task sine it has many iconic coastlines, country sides and cities.
The following are the top 5 honeymoon destinations in Europe that newlyweds can visit:
Portugal
This honeymoon destination is diverse as it is home to romantic castles, beautiful cities, sunny beaches as well as vineyards that produce excellent wine. The capital city of Portugal is known as Lisbon and is an ideal location to commence a honeymoon due to its friendly locals, great shops, warm weather, historic landmarks etc. Sintra would be the next place to go to view the popular Pena's Palace as well as other grand castles. There is a vibrant coastal city in the northern part of Portugal known as Porto, it is a good place to enjoy ocean views, sip on some fine port wine and listen to some live music.
Porto’s historic center functions as a UNESCO World Heritage site thus ideal for romantic strolls. The Algarve region in the south is the place that newlyweds can go for dramatic coastal scenery and very good beaches. It also has scenic hotels, great restaurants and spas.
Finland
This honeymoon destination is for couples who love adventure. It is characterized by clear night skies, the incredible Northern lights, scenic lakes and cross-country skiing. Its capital city i.e. Helsinki is a perfect base from which to explore the southern region of the country. There are various stylish hotels that provides couples with the opportunity to explore Art Nouveau architecture of the city. Other activities include visiting the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum that has Finland buildings (centuries old) that have been collected from all parts of the country.
Monaco
If you are newly wedded and your spouse enjoys boutique shopping, five-star dining, casinos, clubbing and luxury accommodations then Monaco is the best destination for your honeymoon. It is situated on the French Riviera i.e. between France and Italy. The top attractions include the Prince's Palace, the Grand Prix, opera performances and luxury casinos. Other interesting places to visit are Port Hercule that is located in Monte Carlo, the Oceanographic Museum that has Tortoise Island, shark lagoon pool and a huge whale skeleton.
Italy
This destination hosts the famous Colosseum in Rome, Michelangelo's David in Florence, the cliffs of Amalfi and the Grand Canal in Venice. It has a wide variety of romantic hotels regardless of your budget, these include 5-star villas, B&Bs to affordable hotels. Couples can fly to Venice or Rome whereby they can spend several nights to enjoy the beautiful sights. The train system in the country is excellent thus making transportation convenient.
France
This is yet another diverse destination without a shortage of gorgeous honeymoon spots. These might include the Loire Valley, the island of Corsica, famous attractions in Paris and beaches in the south. While in Paris, newlyweds can book accommodation in 5-star hotels with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower, dine at gourmet restaurants and visit popular museums. Other activities to do are sleep in romantic hotel on the French Riviera, hiking in the Alps and exploring the wine country.
Conclusion
Europe has many honeymoon destinations, but the ones listed above top the list and are guaranteed not to disappoint. Honeymoons are important events and should be enjoyed in memorable places, visit some of the European destinations listed above to enjoy some of these destinations.
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
5 Ways to Experience Atlantic City
5 Ways to Experience Atlantic City
Atlantic City: the East Coast's original place to play! From championship golf courses and shopping to world-renowned entertainment, vibrant nightlife and the latest casino games, there are many ways to experience Atlantic City.
1. From the top of the world.Atlantic City is constantly on the move with new visitor attractions—like the Steel Pier Observation Wheel, the third largest in the United States. It stands 227 feet high and features 40 climate-controlled gondolas. The wheel continuously lights up the ever-changing Atlantic City skyline and is open year round.
2. At the outlets.Shopping is tax-free in Atlantic City! Tanger Outlets The Walk has more than 100 retail establishments, among them Pandora, Coach, Michael Kors, Guess, Banana Republic Factory, Yankee Candle and more.
3. In the crowd.For visitors who like to be entertained, the nightlife options in Atlantic City are limitless. Country, rock, rodeos, boxing and midget car racing are all performed under the bright lights at Atlantic City's casino properties or historic Boardwalk Hall.
4. When the sun goes down.When the sun goes down, the action is just heating up at Atlantic City's many nightclubs, including Premier at Borgata, Boogie Nights at the Tropicana, Haven at the Golden Nugget and The Pool at Harrah's. The variety of nightclubs allows the opportunity to dance and party the night away.
5. At the table.Atlantic City's culinary menu is a delightfully tasty mix of gourmet restaurants, with an amazing array of internationally acclaimed chefs. There are many choices that are sure to please any picky palate and price-conscious visitors. Dishes from all ethnic backgrounds—including Mexican, American, Italian, Vietnamese, Asian Indian, Southern, Cuban, Mediterranean and more—can be found at dozens of restaurants throughout the city and along the Boardwalk.
Courtesy of Tour Atlantic City
Best Attractions for Families in Europe
Best Attractions for Families in Europe
Europe is one of the finest destination places of the world. During the summer and spring seasons Europe is great for spending holidays with family. Some of the best attractions for families in Europe are discussed here for the traveler for whom Europe is the dream destination. Paris is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. The travelers who visit Paris, the must-see attractions of the place include The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre and many more. The city consists of many grand boulevards and there are many brasseries, bistros and cafes to enjoy dining. There is a Flea Market in Paris called Louis Vuitton or Les Puces which is a must visit attraction for great shopping experiences.
London is another grand place of destination in Europe to visit with the family. The must-see attractions for families who visit London include the Buckingham Palace, London Tower, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, Olympic Stadium, National Gallery. Cabinet War Rooms of London are another great spot with the military history associated with it. Visitors must indulge in delicious British food in the great restaurants of London. Rome, the capital city of Italy is a great spot to visit which is also known as the Eternal City. There is a street fountain in Rome, Trevi Fountain and a historical aqueduct is used to feed it and the people can drink water from there. The main spots of attraction of Rome include statues in the Capitoline Museum, Pantheon, Roman Empire Tours and many more.
Barcelona in Spain is another finest destination of Europe where the Gothic Quarter, the most preserved treasure of Europe is located. The places of attraction in Barcelona include Gaudi's masterpiece of artwork, La Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, St Mary of the Sea Cathedral and Guell Palace. The Catalan culture, stylish and trendy hotels, lively nightlife and distinctive architecture can be experienced in Las Ramblas. Venice in Italy is the dream city and is considered as one of the romantic spots of the world. It has everything from mysterious passageways to exceptional architecture and the canals of course. Venice is one of the most attractive and beautiful cities in the world with Saint Mark's Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale and Gaarand Canal is being the best attractions of the city.
Florence in Italy has been yet another attractive city of the world. The most beautiful and captivating places of Florence are Doors of Paradise, David of Michelangelo and the Duomo. A sunset can be enjoyed in Florence at Arno and the Chianti region offers with some popular wines which is located in the south of the city. Prague in Czech Republic is another best holiday destination of Europe with exceptional cultural and historic sites. The city consists of the great Prague Castle, Jewish Quarter with cemetery and synagogues, the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. The list of destinations of Europe seems unending. Most of the finest destinations of Europe are uncountable and some of which are precisely discussed above.
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
5 Reasons Cruises are the Best
5 Reasons Cruises are the Best
Planning your next vacation? You might be weighing your options to decide which type of vacation is your best bet. While we obviously love all types of vacations, we do have a little extra love for this one.
So that's why we’re here to tell you cruises rock!
YOU GET AMAZING VALUE
Cruises are special. Your fare includes everything from accommodations to food to entertainment to transportation between your destinations. Some cruises also have options for covering off-board activities, alcohol and soft drinks on board, gratuities, flights and more. On mainstream cruise lines, you could spend $100 or less per night per person, which is much cheaper than what you might pay for a hotel, dinner and entertainment for an evening. Even more, some cruise lines allow children under a certain age to sail for free, while others offer significant discounts for children.
YOU GET TO SEE MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS
Like the idea of checking off multiple places all at once from your bucket list? With cruises, you’ll get to visit various locations on one voyage. Whether it’s seeing many Caribbean islands in one shot or exploring a variety of European countries, you can find a cruise itinerary that will jam pack your trip with all your dream destinations. And what’s better? You only have to unpack once.
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE (REALLY)
Cruises are actually one size fits all because these floating cities can serve a wide range of people and interests. While one deck will be dedicated to activities for children, another will have a teen night club, another will host Bingo and another will offer adult nightlife, dancing and lounges. You can read a book by the pool, get a massage at the spa, play basketball or send your kids off to play video games while you dine and watch a show.
THEY’RE EASY TO PLAN
Cruises do all the work for you. They’re your transportation, your hotel, your food. Cruises have already planned your itinerary, and they have an abundance of activities for you to choose from while you're at sea. Just chat with your travel agent to help you secure your flights – and your best pricing – and you’ll be all set.
DON’T WORRY – YOU WON’T FEEL STRANDED
Although you’re sailing through the open waters, you won’t feel lost at sea. Today, cruise ships are so modern that you’ll even have access to WiFi, cell phone service and satellite TV. You’ll be able to visit doctors, fitness facilities, laundry facilities, restaurants, theaters, pools, spas and much more while you're on board.
Aren't you convinced yet? Let us know where you’re cruising to next!
(c) 2018 Elliott Exquisite Vacations http://www.ElliottExquisiteVacations.com
When a Youth Needs Medical Attention While Traveling
When a Youth Needs Medical Attention While Traveling
What do you do when a student or youth needs medical attention on a trip?
The answer is complicated.
For most of my student travel safety career, I have been responsible for knowing the correct response. The truth is, different situations call for different approaches.
As a tour organization, you may have supplied the tour leadership or made arrangements for a youth tour group yet do not have tour leadership responsibilities. The family of the ill or injured youth may not know the difference. If the tour is teacher-led, it's important to discuss the matter with the school in advance of travel so there is no confusion as to who will do what in a situation.
When a youth becomes ill, it's important to contact the parents as quickly as possible.
If this is an emergency: First contact emergency medical services (EMS) to start the medical transport, then contact the parents. Making timely contact allows parents to be informed and be part of the solution. Doing so builds trust between the family and the tour organization.
It's important for a tour leader to designate which adult will stay with the youth throughout the experience. The person should stay in the same room with the youth, unless the doctor requests otherwise. The youth will at least feel familiar with the chaperone, helping them feel more at ease in a stressful situation. It's important to call the parents on a regular basis with updates from the doctor and to allow the youth to talk with the parents. If the youth doesn't have a phone, let them use yours. Many tour organizations' on-site staff are first aid- and CPR-certified and would already know these points.
In more serious accidents or emergencies: Make sure the scene is safe and the youth is out of imminent danger. Contact EMS, then call the parents. Again, it's important to stay with the youth whenever able. Doing so provides great relief for the parents back home who can only imagine their child in an unfamiliar hospital all alone. If the youth is required to stay overnight in the medical facility, the chaperone should stay with them. This chaperone should be the same sex as the youth, as possible.
If the parents acquired travel insurance, most insurance providers will arrange and pay for transportation for a family member to join the youth if the hospital stay is expected to last two days or more. If the youth's recovery period does not allow for rejoining the group, getting a parent onsite to take over custodial duties is the best alternative and can reduce the tour organization's liability. While the tour organization must still support the family in these situations, the youth is back under their parent's care and the chaperone can return to the group to finish the tour.
Here's wishing you all safe and healthy travels!
Written by Michael J. Bowers, Safety Consultant, Center for Student Travel Safety.
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