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For Culture-Collecting Clients & Friends of Imagine Going There Travel THE COMPASS
MAY 2022
Lessons Learned: THE LEARNING JOURNAL
Did You Know ... You can use Viking’s free or reduced airfare and extend your trip up to 30 days before and/or 30 days after your trip for just $100 per person. Transfers for whatever end you deviate from are on your own, but it’s a wonderful way to spend more time in your destination and still have Viking handle all the air details. Did You Know? Eiffel Tower Tidbits The Eiffel Tower was designed for the World’s Fair in 1889, and while it was completed in record time, it was the substance of much controversy. Comments such as “this truly tragic street lamp,” and “giant ungainly skeleton” were just some of the insults publicly hurled against it. However, once it was finished, it became an enormous success and received 2 million visitors during the first World’s Fair, and now averages 7 million visits annually. In 1999, the Tower added night illumination to its attraction, with 20,000 lightbulbs that bring the monument to life for 5 minutes every hour.
“If your brain doesn’t work, your feet have to.” This was a quote from my German grandmother (that gets more real every day!). She was known for short sayings with a lot of punch, and believed verbal brevity was a virtue. So, that heritage plus growing up in a family of six kids with a mom who believed in the redemptive power of work — otherwise known as weed- pulling, bean-bug squishing, tomato- picking child labor, not to mention that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” — we weren’t encouraged to indulge in nonessentials like journaling. If anything was likely to move me toward journaling, one would think it would be having our first child. However, being presented with my husband’s first baby journal, which resembled the World Book encyclopedia, set the bar too high for me. I do have baby books for each of the three girls … it’s just that there’s only about one page filled out in each! While occasionally I would remember to write down cute things they said, I think I was too busy watching life happen with them to remember to record it. (And I figured if they lived to be adults, it would be obvious they had their hair cut and their baby teeth fell out!) The funny thing is, our oldest daughter, Meredith, is a world-class journaler. It’s her way of processing life while figuring out how to change the world. I’m sure
she has a future book in her that will be something worth reading.
But back to me being a non-journaler and why I’m writing about journaling.
I remember hearing motivational speaker Jim Rohn talk about keeping a journal and writing down what you learned. He said, “Don’t get through the day, get from the day.” That made some sense. Whether it’s learning from a mistake that could have been prevented, or if it was something out of my control that I can learn from, reducing the number of repetitions it takes to learn the lesson is just an efficient use of life.
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
VIKING INSURANCE PLUS VOUCHERS ‘Yawn’ or ‘Yikes’
If you purchased Viking insurance (otherwise known as Trip Mate) within 14 days of your cruise deposit and paid all cash for your trip, then this article likely falls into the “yawn” category for you. You’re in a great spot because you are able to cancel your cruise for a covered reason and get cash back for non-refundable fees paid on your cruise. This article is for those clients who applied vouchers and purchased Trip Mate insurance: You may not have the coverage you think you do. (Yikes!) For example, let’s say you have a $10,000 per person cruise, and you’ve paid $819 per person for insurance. You also have vouchers for $8,000 per person, which are applied to your balance. Your out-of-pocket cash cost is now $2,000, so your insurance drops to a mere $319, and you are happy to get a $500 per person refund for the overpayment. While you still have medical coverage while on your cruise, the $319 now only covers the $2,000 per person cash paid over the vouchers in the event that you have to cancel for a covered reason prior to your trip. That $8,000 voucher unfortunately is not protected.
Here’s another thing to consider: What if your vouchers cover the full amount of your cruise and you
have the Risk-Free Guarantee for 2022 sailings? You can cancel up to 14 days prior to your departure and get another voucher, but may have no cancellation protection at all inside of those dates if you don’t have an alternative policy. (As a disclaimer, I like to say I’m a travel agent, not an insurance agent, so call Trip Mate at (866) 303-1165 for specific questions related to your situation.) So, what are your options if you have vouchers and want cancellation coverage? There is a way to protect your vacation investment: Alternative companies like Travel Insured will cover the full amount of the vouchers and give you cash-back for a covered reason should you have to cancel in advance of your cruise. If you’d like a quote for that coverage, you can email Meghan@ImagineGoingThere.com for advice and assistance.
Leaving on a Jet Plane?
3 ESSENTIAL PACKING TIPS
A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation still can be stressful, and baggage fees haven’t gone anywhere. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible: MAKE A LIST. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider a color theme to maximize the interchangeability of outfits, and write down what you’ll wear on each day of your trip. Then, as each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system that not only keeps you organized before you go, it also helps prevent leaving things behind. Plus when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don’t need to pack as much as you thought. (Don’t forget that rain and wind can significantly impact the day’s enjoyment, so pack a light windbreaker or raincoat to keep you comfortable — and possibly save the outfit you’re wearing that day!) USE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM FOR EXTRA STORAGE. Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but the general rule of thumb is that the personal item needs to fit under the
seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse when you can maximize packing space with a large tote or — my favorite — underseat luggage
on wheels. With the extra room, you might be able to avoid checking an extra bag.
NEVER CHECK ESSENTIAL ITEMS. While we are partnering with Blue Ribbon Bags to mitigate baggage issues, misplaced luggage is a stressful way to start your vacation. Definitely pack all essential items, like prescription medications or glasses, as well as an extra outfit or two in your carry-on. You’ll be glad to have them if something goes awry. Packing smart makes for a less stressful journey in several ways: There are fewer items to keep track of, less luggage to drag with you, and most importantly, you don’t lose precious sight-seeing time packing for your return home.
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“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” –ANONYMOUS
... CONTINUED FROM COVER
One of these lessons was from our Paris to the Swiss Alps river cruise, and our two oldest daughters were flying in from Barcelona to meet us. Both had been to Paris before, so when we found out their flight was delayed and we were right down the street from the Notre Dame Cathedral, we decided to pop in and look around. What we didn’t realize was that Meredith (our oldest) had seen the outside of Notre Dame, but was saving the inside so she could see it with us. When they arrived and found out we had already seen it, she was crushed. She was so sad, in fact, that we offered to turn around and go back, but she said she didn’t want to use the time to backtrack and miss showing us other highlights of the city. She was living in Barcelona at the time, and, she said, “After all, a flight to Paris is $60 Euros, and I’ll be back and can see it then.” Little did we know that just a few months later, Notre Dame was damaged in a fire, and it would never be the same again.
Pork Tenderloin With Honey-Lime Marinade And Oven-Roasted Potatoes
The Learning Journal lesson there was, “Don’t wait for the perfect moments — seize the day!”
Simple, but oh so good!
But this reminder, sad though it is, isn’t about missing the chance to see an 850-year-old architectural treasure together. It’s not even about not recording how we made a mistake that could have been prevented. The real lesson I want to remember is to remove the presumptive perspective that there will be a better time … or even more time to do something that’s important. This lesson to me was, “What is it that I’m putting off until later — until I ‘get around to it’ — that I might regret not doing?” For example: What should I be doing that I might not think I have time for, but considering that we don’t get endless tomorrows, will make the effort to do today? Tell someone I love them? Ask forgiveness? Reach out to that person I feel prompted to connect with? Encourage someone with a note or call? Pause and enjoy a sunset?
Ingredients For the Tenderloin: • 2 pork tenderloins • ½ cup lime juice • ½ cup soy sauce
For the Potatoes: • 1 lb. petite potatoes, halved lengthwise • Olive oil • Garlic salt • Montreal steak seasoning
• 2 tablespoons honey • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
Directions
1. For the tenderloins: In a Ziploc bag, combine all ingredients except tenderloins and squish together to mix. Add pork tenderloins, seal, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours, turning occasionally. 2. Grill to desired doneness, or at least to an internal temperature of a minimum of 145˚F. Cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes to distribute meat juices. 3. For the potatoes: Heat oven to 400˚F. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. In a Ziploc bag, drop potatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Squeeze bag to coat, then lightly sprinkle with garlic salt and Montreal steak seasoning. 4. Place potatoes cut-side down on cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until surfaces are browned. Turn and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
My dad used to say, “Too soon old; too late smart.” I never want to stop learning, but I do prefer to learn
things only once! Recording obvious reminders like “Don’t put my cellphone in the laundry basket!” (after a near- miss into the washing machine), to jotting down the more important life lessons helps me do that.
—Carol Shaddix
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
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770.421.9627 | www.ImagineGoingThere.com 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064
Everything you love about Viking, only better! A great destination is just one part of an amazing vacation. Just like having a master chef prepare your meal at your favorite restaurant, as one of Viking’s largest representatives, we’ve booked these vacations countless times. We intuitively know how to enhance the outcome of your experience so it consistently delivers above and beyond your expectations (and know when those special promotions such as extra shipboard credit or free airfare are available that you might not know about). Whether you are interested in an individual reservation or want to travel together as a group, call 770.421.9627 for your free consultation on how to make your next vacation even better than you expected! Tip: If you’ve already booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, contact us to add some additional bonuses to your reservation!
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EXPLORING THE LEARNING JOURNAL
INSURANCE: ‘YAWN’ OR ‘YIKES’
PACKING TIPS TO SAVE YOUR BACK, WALLET, AND SANITY
PORK TENDERLOIN WITH HONEY-LIME MARINADE AND OVEN-ROASTED POTATOES 3. 4. MARK AND BARBARA: PRO VIKING TRAVELERS Tales From Our Sails Last year, Mark and Barbara took TALES FROM OUR SAILS
about ensuring that we enjoy our trip instead of trying to sell us something,” they mention. “We’ve sailed on other cruise lines before and nothing compares to Viking.” One of Mark and Barbara’s favorite parts about Viking cruises is that even on the ocean cruises, the ships are smaller in size and the crew seems to really care about the well-being of the passengers. “I’m gluten-free,” Barbara tells us. “With this dietary restriction, it can be tough to find meals, but while on board, they were polite and worked with me to make sure I had great meals every time. They even offered to modify the menu.” So far on their travels, Mark and Barbara have especially enjoyed Paris, France, Rouen, France, Alta, Norway, and seeing the Northern Lights. They mentioned that it was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime
experience and something that you can’t really put into words — you just have to be there to see it. They are especially looking forward to the World Cruise and getting to experience so many different areas in one trip. “It’s an easy and cost- effective way to see so much without having to make several small trips to get it all done,” Mark notes. One piece of advice Mark and Barbara have for other Viking passengers is to pack lightly. “You really don’t need as much as you think you do. The Viking cruises are more on the casual side. As long as you are comfortable and not in shorts and flip flops, you are all set,” they note. Pretty soon, Mark and Barbara will be setting sail again with more wonderful adventures to come, and we are thrilled to hear all about their journey when they return! Bon Voyage!
Viking’s 15-day France’s Finest trip, and in January, they adventured upon In Search of Northern Lights, a 13-day journey from Bergen to London. This July, they’ll be taking the 15- day Grand European Tour and were so intrigued by a longer cruise, that they booked the 121- day Viking’s World Journeys cruise as well. In the next few years, they have also booked four other Viking cruises and could not be more excited! “We are so comfortable with the Viking cruise line that we feel comfortable booking many trips,” Mark and Barbara say. “It has exactly what we want and eliminates what we don’t want.” By this, Mark and Barbara mean that they enjoy not having noisy casinos on the ship with smoking, multiple attractions for children, and photo opportunities around every corner. “On Viking, it’s all
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