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Quail Point Lodge became the starting point for future adventures on Wednesday, July 22, as Karen Calderon-Schweitzer presented “Traveling to Special Places” as part of the HSB POA Community Education Series.

 

Before Karen took the stage, HSB POA Media and Communication Specialist Whit Holcomb opened with a brief “Men’s Edition” designed to move new travelers toward intermediate packing status. His rule for trips lasting fewer than six days was simple: pack one shirt, one undie, and one pair of socks for each day, but limit yourself to two pairs of pants in total. Add one lightweight layer, a weather-appropriate jacket, and comfortable shoes. Coordinate colors, wear the bulkiest items while traveling, and leave the “just in case” outfits at home. For longer trips, add laundry sheets and wash what you brought. "Keep your backpack under 13 pounds" was Whit's advice.

 

 

Karen began by explaining the inspiration behind her lifestyle and travel blog, Passionista Chic. The name reflects her enthusiasm for sharing the things she is most passionate about, including travel, food, style, and healthy living.

Growing up in El Salvador gave Karen an early appreciation for different cultures. Her experience working for a travel magazine later provided opportunities to travel extensively and helped turn her into a seasoned traveler. She and her husband, Bill, have explored destinations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, Alaska and the United States, with Japan next on their itinerary.

Karen’s message throughout the presentation was clear: memorable travel does not have to be extravagant, but it does require thoughtful planning.

The first step is deciding what kind of vacation you want. Is the goal relaxation, history, adventure, great food, or a combination of several interests? Once that question is answered, the destination and itinerary become easier to shape.

Karen strongly encouraged travelers to establish a realistic budget before making reservations. A vacation should create good memories without leaving the traveler financially underwater afterward.

When researching airfare, Karen uses Google Flights to compare routes, dates, and prices. "Open an incognito tab," she advised, to find the best fare. She also discussed the familiar claim that Tuesday is the best day to purchase airfare, but cautioned that there is no guaranteed day that yields the lowest fare. Watching prices and remaining flexible with dates are more dependable strategies.

 

Karen uses Google Maps early in the process to locate attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods. Saving each place makes it easier to understand distances and build a practical daily itinerary.

 

After Google Maps, it's then time to go to Tripadvisor. She especially enjoys boutique hotels because they can provide a more personal and memorable experience. Before booking, however, travelers should verify that the property offers everything they require, including elevators, air conditioning, transportation, breakfast, and accessible rooms when needed.

 

Her approach to reviews was one of the afternoon’s strongest tips. Instead of relying only on the overall rating, Karen reads the negative reviews and looks for a recurring complaint. She then asks whether that issue would actually matter to her. A complaint about nightlife might concern someone seeking quiet, but it could be a positive for someone who wants to be near the action. She compares reviews across Tripadvisor and Google before making a decision.

Karen has also found competitive hotel rates through Agoda. For tours and excursions, she uses Viator to discover available experiences, then compares the price and cancellation terms with those offered directly by the tour operator.

 

Land transportation challenges can first be researched at Rome2Rio.com. But Karen prefers researching and arranging a private driver over mass transit. When arranging private transportation, she recommends collecting two or three quotes and confirming that the quoted price is for a private ride rather than shared transportation. Travelers should also verify pickup locations, payment terms and luggage capacity before agreeing to a reservation.

 

Karen does not pack far in advance because weather can change. She waits until shortly before departure, reviews the latest forecast and packs for the conditions she is most likely to encounter. Rain can also appear quickly in certain destinations, making a compact umbrella and weather app worthwhile additions.

 

Travelers should also research local seasons and customs. If you are traveling to Europe in the summer, some small businesses may close for several weeks during traditional vacation periods. A great resource for traveling to Europe is Tripmasters (formerly European Destinations).

 

For travelers who do not mind cooler temperatures, Karen described Europe’s Christmas markets as some of her most magical travel experiences.

 

Karen demonstrated how a few carefully selected apps can reduce confusion and keep important information close at hand.

 

Google Keep works well for packing lists, reservation details, and daily reminders. Google Maps can save destinations and download maps for use without cellular service.

 

 

Google Translate can interpret typed or spoken language and translate menus and signs through the phone’s camera. XE Currency provides current exchange rates, while Citymapper can simplify buses, trains, subways and walking routes in supported cities.

Cruise travelers can use CruiseMapper to find a ship’s current location, itinerary and port schedule. Google Lens can identify landmarks, artwork, plants and unfamiliar objects simply by pointing the camera at them.

 

Karen also encouraged travelers to use AI tools to help organize possible itineraries. Any AI-generated recommendation should still be checked against the attraction’s official website for current hours, prices, and reservation requirements. AI can, and does, sometimes make mistakes. 

One of her most important technology tips involved backing up travel documents. Copies of passports, identification, insurance policies, flight information and hotel reservations can be stored in a secured Google Drive folder. Travelers should protect the account with two-step verification and keep another set of copies with a trusted person at home.

When asked whether land travel or cruising is better, Karen’s answer was, “Yes.”

 

Land travel provides flexibility and a deeper connection to a destination. Travelers can spend more time exploring neighborhoods, restaurants, museums and local culture while tailoring each day to their own interests.

 

Cruising offers a different kind of convenience. Travelers unpack once while visiting multiple destinations, with transportation, dining, entertainment and accommodations brought together in one place. Karen explained that different cruise lines serve different audiences, from lively and casual experiences to quieter luxury sailings. Celebrity Cruises is among her current favorites, while Crystal Cruises remains a special occasion choice.

Karen recommended Vacations To Go for researching cruise prices, particularly for travelers able to book within 60 to 90 days of departure. She also credited her travel advisor, Heather Thompson, for providing consistently excellent assistance. Karen's contact at Vacations To Go is Heather Thompson, Master Cruise Counselor, and her number is 800-338-4962, extension 7317.

 

Karen demonstrated that two weeks in Europe can be managed with one suitcase. Her strategy is a capsule wardrobe built around coordinating colors and versatile clothing that can be dressed up or down.

Shoes require discipline because they consume valuable space. Her firm rule is never to travel with new shoes. Every pair should already be comfortable and broken in. She recommends no more than three pairs, including the heavier walking shoes worn while traveling.

 

Packing cubes help organize clothing, but Karen reminded attendees to leave a little room for souvenirs.

A zippered crossbody bag worn in front of the body is Karen’s most important travel accessory. It should remain attached to the traveler rather than being placed on a chair, table, or vehicle seat. Backpacks should remain closed and secured, especially in crowded areas.

Karen also advised against displaying expensive jewelry, designer labels, or large amounts of cash. Travelers should carry two credit cards stored separately, keep medications in their carry-on luggage, and never allow a stranger to handle their bags.

Family members or trusted friends should receive a copy of the itinerary, including hotel information and transportation plans. Travel insurance is another important safeguard, but coverage and exclusions should be read carefully. Depending on the policy, insurance may help with cancellations, medical emergencies, delays and lost luggage.

Karen closed the afternoon by encouraging everyone to begin planning the destination they have always wanted to visit.

 

 

Sidebar: During the Question/answer portion, the conversation turned to getting through customs more efficiently. Here are some links to these programs. 

TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening for flights departing from participating U.S. airports.

Global Entry expedites entry into the United States for approved travelers and includes TSA PreCheck benefits when the traveler’s Known Traveler Number is added to the reservation.

CLEAR+ is a paid identity verification service available at select airports. It can be used with TSA PreCheck but does not replace security screening.

Mobile Passport Control is a free app that can simplify the U.S. arrival process for eligible travelers at participating locations.

Sidebar: Here are some powerful official international travel resource links: