Hawaiian Islands: Do You Want Vacation in Maui?

Travel to Maui, Hawaii-Blackwell Travel

For me, the magic of Hawaii comes from the stillness, the sea, the stars. –Joanne Harris

Recently, I read a travel guide about Maui, Hawaii from Travel+Leisure magazine.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first Hawaiian vacation. You’ll love the beauty of the island as well as the culture and history.

Keep reading to learn key points about Maui. [Read more…]

10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Travel

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Do you want to see the world?

Or are you traveling because of your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend makes you? Maybe they say something like, “If you love me, you’ll travel with me.” That’s called manipulation, and you may want to reevaluate your relationship and decide if it’s worth it.

Many people, and you may be one of them, think that they have to visit as many countries as they can. The truth is you don’t have to become a savvy world traveler. You can stay in “your own backyard” and live a happy and healthy life.

If the thought of packing for a vacation makes you want to throw up, don’ do it. Just stay home!

Read on to learn why you shouldn’t travel. [Read more…]

Want to Improve Your Life? Sometimes You Have to Leave What You Know Behind and Travel

Want to improve your life? Travel-Blackwell Travel

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

You know that feeling you get when you travel? The “angelic you” on one shoulder says that you should live life to the fullest because you only have one life to live. You should do what you want to do and stop caring about what other think about how you travel all of the time. But the “devilish you” on the other says you should just stay home, save your money, and stop increasing your carbon footprint.

The truth is that sometimes you have to leave what you know behind and travel.

Why? [Read more…]

Be Inspiring: How to Make the World a Better Place through Travel

Travel. You may take at least one vacation each year, while others grab their backpacks and see the world for six months or more. However, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in someone else’s country.

I mean, you were taught manners, right? Even if you’re having a bad day, perhaps you missed your flight; you can choose to have a good attitude instead of lashing out at others. It may also help to remember why you like to travel.

Here’s something to keep in mind — you can be the type of traveler who strives to make a difference in the world. You don’t need to perform grand gestures like starting a school for kids in Africa, rescuing wildlife animals, and fighting climate changes.

Let’s explore how you can make the world a better place through travel. The ways you can do this are quite simple. And if you ever need a reminder, come back to this post and re-read it, so that you can make a difference! [Read more…]

Thanksgiving: How to Navigate Your Holiday Travel

Thanksgiving-Blackwell Travel

Can you believe that Thanksgiving in the U.S. is upon us? I can’t!

It seems as if the month of November has been one dramatic event after another, at least for me.

In the U.S., we had a heated (and still dramatic) presidential election.

Personally, I’ve been dealing with my sister having a mild heart attack. Luckily, she doesn’t have heart damage and is on the road to recovery.

I’ve also lost a few loved ones.

The passing of my cousin was and is totally unexpected. I’m still in shock and have been processing my emotions around her death. I feel the urge to grab my backpack and passport and travel for about six months to one year. Yes, I would be escaping. But I feel that travel could help me deal with the tragedy of my cousin’s passing.

But, I digress…

If you’re traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, check out this video about the do’s and don’ts of Thanksgiving travel! [Read more…]

Holiday Travel with Your Pets Doesn’t Have to Cause Chaos

Holiday Travel with Pets-Blackwell Travel

When Benny Met Harriet. Christmas 2009. Sadly, Harriet was put to sleep in May 2014 because she was sick. Benny is still going strong!

According to a national survey of pet owners, nearly 40 percent take their dogs on vacation with them. Ten years ago, it was only 20 percent. And keep in mind that many airlines won’t allow you to ship your dog in cargo.

Ah, the holidays.

If you live away from your family, you may be traveling across the U.S. or to another country to spend time with them. But if you have pets, you may not want to leave them at home, especially if they suffer from separation anxiety.

I remember the first time I flew home for Christmas.

It was 2009, and I was living in Chandler, Arizona and decided to fly home to Parma, Ohio (southwest of Cleveland) for Christmas. I had two cats (still do) and decided that Benny (highly attached to me) would travel with me. CeCe, my other cat, is the epitome of “independent cat” and would stay home.

I took Benny to his veterinarian and secured the proper health documentation along with tranquilizers. Not for me, for him. Ha!

Benny needed a travel regulated carrier, so I bought one. He’s since outgrown it. [Read more…]

Are You Ready to Solo Travel to Edinburgh, Scotland?

2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Catalog

In August 2007, I wrote the following article (updated) about my solo travel to Edinburgh, Scotland to experience the International Fringe Festival.

Remember, you can choose to feel the fear of solo travel and do it anyway.

Why?

Because the opportunity can benefit you in more ways than one, from finding your life partner to discovering things about yourself you didn’t know.

If you’ve been thinking about solo travel, I hope this post inspires you to pack your bags, get out of your backyard, and travel. [Read more…]

Want to Start Traveling? Explore Your Own Backyard

When you think of traveling, you probably have visions of exotic countries dancing in your head.

Maybe you see India, or perhaps Cambodia.

You may imagine yourself on a Kenyan safari where you see lions, elephants, zebras, and other magnificent wildlife against the incredible backdrop of the African sky. The sounds and sights penetrate your body, mind and soul.

Travel has no limit. After all, there are several continents to explore and experience, each with a unique culture and history that has had a hand in shaping the world today.

And yet, you still haven’t begun to travel. Why not? Maybe you believe you have to jet off to a faraway country in order to gain your traveler’s legs or even be considered a legitimate traveler. Think again. [Read more…]

These Travel Quotes Will Motivate You to Travel More

How long has it been since you’ve traveled? If it’s been some time, you may have slipped into a travel rut and need a boost to motivate you to plan your next adventure with some of my favorite travel quotes.

I understand that life happens and traveling may not be a priority at the moment. But this doesn’t mean you can’t think about planning a vacation, even if it’s for next year.

Don’t give up on exploring the world because you may regret it. Even if you went away for the weekend, it’s better than doing nothing at all.

Life’s too short to not follow your dreams and heart. Besides, you never know what you may discover when you’re halfway across your country, or the world.

I hope the following travel quotes inspire you to start thinking about and planning your next adventure. Isn’t it time to explore a part of the world, even a part of your soul, that’s been dying for you to visit and get to know?

Read the following words when you need inspiration, a reminder about why it’s important for you to travel. [Read more…]

The “Travel Agent is Obsolete” Myth Debunked

The time has come to bust the myths about travel agents.

“Don’t use a travel agent” is TERRIBLE advice.

The question is why?

A travel agent can actually be a great resource for you.

He or she can help you plan your dream vacation and reduce your stress because you won’t have to search hundreds of online travel sites to find the travel package you want.

So, what’s the problem? [Read more…]