Travel Tips Blog and Statistics
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Rude airline staff? Too bad for you.
I just watched one of those irresistible airport videos. An airline staffer used the F word to a passenger. The staffer had demanded to see her boarding pass, not at check in but randomly. The passenger refused, said she had to make her plane and continued on to check in. Then came the F word. What can you do if an airline staffer treats you discourteously or even gray area illegally?
Dept of Transportation, your go to help line.https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com Not much is the answer.…
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Fun Frolick Fanciful Faimlie
Faimlie is Family in Scotland. Be part of The Women’s Travel Group Faimlie. Join our trip to Scotland and Ireland. A list of stuff to surprise and shock you!
Scotland the land. There are 790 islands and 600 sq. miles of lakes.
All photos in this article are from Visitscotland.comr The climate There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Summer time is still on when we travel.
The hair The highest percentage of red haired people is in Scotland up to 13% vs.…
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Learn to love crowded airports
Travel Tips from award winning The Women’s Travel Group. Get there early. There is no reason NOT to arrive early. One generally sits around watching the clock or doing last second chores which should have been done yesterday.
Group in Italy Avoid items that might set off TSA alarms. Even gold jewelry or a watch can activate the alarm. Remove all metal at home, secure in a zipped area of carry on. Removing jewelry in front of strangers feels chancey.…
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Never Pack List for Women
Over the years, our group has had items confiscated. Some are not allowed to be imported, some are illegal, and some were ‘taken’ by customs’ officials overseas. One confiscation was hilarious. It was a tampon removed and examined by a South American customs official.
Shopping in Ethiopia https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours/ Here are some items not to pack.
Anything expensive especially with designer labels.
Items with price tags; these are easier to fence. Remove the tag.
Pirated goods like fake designer bags, sunglasses, watches. …
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1st Solo Trip? 1st Gynecological Exam?
Every day we hear the same: This is my first solo trip. I’m not sure I can do it.
Some in this photo are first time travelers. Practical concerns are flights: what if delayed? (fewer are than you think) What if stuck in an airport? What if my transfer is missing in action? Finally, what if I get sick? Or what if I use a bathroom more than the other women?
Emotional concerns: Will the tour manager be helpful with my many questions?…
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The I don’t need it shopper
The Women’s Travel Group does not specialize in shopping tours but we know a lot about it. In some countries in Europe you will inevitably buy some treasure, despite protests of “I have too much already.” Temptation is strongest in Italy: leather, shoes, purses, clothes, pottery, food items. Another area is Scotland and Ireland for woolens.
www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours/ Here is how the experts judge leather quality:
Press with your finger, the leather will indent with a wrinkle then return to its original state.…
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Danger in Street Markets
Fake goods can get you in trouble. Source: US Customs https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com Is the fun of buying fakes in street markets gone? The Women’s Travel Group says Yes. Customs might confiscate your Hermes-ish bag. Two days ago it was announced US Customs seized $2.98 billion of fake goods, entering this country, way up from$1.5 billion in 2019.
There were 31,030 handbags and wallets, 28,910 pieces of clothing, 14,098 watches and jewelry, thousands of shoes, electronics, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. There were dangerous toys, even sketchy candy. …
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Upgrade or Chanel?
Is the cost of upgraded airplane tickets worth it? Some thoughts from The Women’s Travel Group.
London of course https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com In the last few years, travelers have become obsessed with airline status and their seats. This frenzy is, in part, caused by airlines themselves. There is branding / selling status by airlines. Who doesn’t want to be ‘special’ ‘elite’ ‘first in line’, ‘envied’ and ‘fussed over’.
Lets start with the special bit. Anyone who can afford to fly is already special.…
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New in Women’s Travel What is Old: Fear
What is new in Women’s Group Travel in 2024
A Women’s Travel Group Tour Immediately after the pandemic, travel was slow, then grew, then exploded. 2020-2023 travel was named “revenge travel”; with feeling safe splurges. 2023 was a banner year for travel. Prices stabilized. Tour groups were full to capacity and flights busy.
2024 flights are expected to reach 40 million world wide with 4.7 billion travelers. How will this effect you?
So far in 2024, US domestic fares are 6% lower.…
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Spain,a President’s trip
Royal Palace Source Spain Tourism 
Madrid Source: Official Spain Tourism The Women’s Travel Group is famous for unusual ‘smart’ itineraries. What Makes Spain a Different Travel Experience so that Phyllis Stoller, President of The Women’s Travel Group chose to go with the Spain Tour?
Most women take their first European trip to England, France or, Italy. Why does Spain fall into a lesser category for Americans? One obvious reason is our heritage: more often English or Italian. Madrid is too distant for a train ride to another city (like Paris to London or Amsterdam to Paris). …
