Tips For Planning Travel in 2023

Rachel Stovall • April 19, 2023

Travel is on the rise now that most covid restrictions have been lifted! Travelers are FINALLY taking those trips that were cancelled and put off thanks to the pandemic in 2020. I have several pieces of advice for all of my clients now that travel is returning in full force!

Tip ONE - START PLANNING NOW! My biggest tip for my clients is to plan as early as you can. When you plan well in advance you are more likely to get the best price for your trip. To start, by booking early, you will have MORE options. Resorts tend to book up much faster these days. I want my clients to have all their options open and to see the best possible rates. Many resorts offer early booking specials which will help us to save and maximize your budget. This savings alone could cover the cost of a couple of excursions for your family or group! Also by planning in advance you should be able to see more room categories available. I hate delivering the news that there are only KING rooms left or no OCEAN VIEW accommodations. I want my clients to get their first choice best option!

Tip TWO - Budget MORE for your flights. We all know inflation is real. EVERYTHING is more expensive these days. Flights included. Just expect flights to be MORE. Be aware of when airlines are releasing their flights and book EARLY. I know I sound like a broken record but planning in advance is KEY! You want to jump on the Wanna Get Away fares when they are released. If they happen to run a sale you can always get a voucher back for the difference. Also, DO NOT BOOK BASIC ECONOMY. If we learned anything from 2020, we know that anything can happen and we need to have flexibility. It is absolutely worth the extra cost to be able to make changes to your flight plans.

Tip THREE - BE FLEXIBLE. When we travel we always need to have patience and learn to be flexible. Things can happen. It is always good to have a plan B in mind. For example, if something happens to your transfer and it is not on time or maybe your flight was delayed, don't panic. We can always find a plan B. Call your Travel Advisor if you need help! That is what we are here for. Remember that your transfer driver is only human too. Sometimes they get stuck in traffic. Or maybe their last client was delayed. Please be patient as we can hit small bumps in the road. Just know you will soon be at your magical destination enjoying a new adventure.

Tip FOUR - speaking of bumps in the road, ALWAYS BUY TRAVEL PROTECTION especially for international trips. You never know what could come your way. We have seen more flight cancellations and delays than ever before. It is so important to protect your investment. Buying the insurance will give you a great sense of peace as well. I always tell my client I hope you don't need it but it is so important to have. Many people do not realize that your health insurance often does not work internationally. What if someone slips poolside and breaks a bone or needs stitches? Or if someone gets ill and needs to be treated. It happens more than you realize. The cost of being medical care overseas can be extremely expensive. Make sure your plan offers good medical coverage for these situations.

Tip FIVE - MAKE TIME TO TRAVEL. Keep it in your budget if at all possible. The days are long but the years are short! If you feel you don't have the budget to travel like you did in years past, consider a shorter trip? A dometic trip or a destination within driving distance? Make the time to be with those you love and don't give up the adventure. The memories you create from traveling are truly PRICELESS. It doesn't have to be a fancy trip! Call your Haven Escape Travel Advisor for ideas! You know what they say, the only trip you will regret is the one you did not take!

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Into the Wild: A Luxury Safari Through Kenya & Tanzania

By Rachel Stovall • March 19, 2026

There are trips that are memorable—and then there are journeys that stay with you forever. A recent safari through Kenya and Tanzania delivered exactly that: a seamless blend of iconic wildlife encounters, intimate luxury camps, and landscapes so breathtaking they hardly feel real. Our adventure began in Nairobi with a short stay before heading out on safari, including a visit to the legendary Giraffe Manor. Even if you do not stay overnight at the Manor, it’s an unforgettable experience. Watching the gentle giraffes wander up and interact with guests—often poking their heads through windows—is both surreal and magical, and the perfect introduction to Africa. From there, we traveled to Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp, where the pace slowed and the scenery opened up. Set against the shimmering lake and framed by rolling hills, this stop offered a peaceful contrast to what was to come. Flamingos dotted the water, and the stillness of the landscape allowed us to fully settle into the rhythm of safari life. Enjoying our lake side meals while discussing the daily highlights is one of my favorite memories! Next, we ventured into the Maasai Mara, staying at Neptune Mara Rianta Camp. This is where the wildlife viewing truly begins to take center stage. Early morning and late afternoon game drives brought us face-to-face with elephants, zebras, and an abundance of plains game. The thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat never gets old—it only builds with each sighting. Crossing into Tanzania, the journey reached its peak at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge—without question, the highlight of the trip. The setting alone is extraordinary, perched near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, but what made this stop exceptional was the guiding. Our guide, arranged through Cater, elevated every moment with deep knowledge, intuition, and an ability to anticipate unforgettable wildlife encounters. One such moment is impossible to forget: an intense and rare interaction between lions and warthogs unfolding right before us. It was raw, powerful, and a vivid reminder of the untamed beauty of Africa. Experiences like this are what define a truly great safari—and why expert guiding makes all the difference. The lions got so close to our vehicle we could almost TOUCH them. Our final stop brought us to the Serengeti and the beautiful Lahia Tented Lodge. Perched high on a hill in the central Serengeti, the camp offers sweeping, panoramic views across the plains—some of the most breathtaking in the region. Evenings here were nothing short of magical. The sunsets in the Serengeti are unlike anywhere else in the world, with the sky transforming into layers of gold, orange, and deep crimson as wildlife silhouettes move across the horizon. It’s the kind of moment that makes you pause and fully take it all in—Africa at its most raw and beautiful. This journey through Kenya and Tanzania is the kind of itinerary that perfectly balances iconic experiences with under-the-radar luxury. From up-close wildlife encounters to serene landscapes and exceptional lodges, every detail contributes to a deeply meaningful travel experience. For travelers seeking something extraordinary—something that combines adventure, beauty, and unforgettable moments—East Africa delivers in every way. And with the right planning and expert guidance, it becomes more than just a trip. It becomes a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. Reach out if you are ready to plan your own African Safari. I would love to help you create a seamless, personalized journey, from choosing the right camps to curating unforgettable wildlife experiences!

St. Lucia - Paradise Found!

By Rachel Stovall • June 29, 2023

The beautiful Island of St Lucia in the Caribbean is a top destination for vacations and honeymoons. interesting fact - it is known as the Hawaii of the Caribbean! The lush, tropical landscape, mountainous topography and beautiful weather make it a popular choice. In St Lucia you can expect to see waterfalls, mountainous landscape, the majestic Pitons, sulfur springs, banana plantations, beautiful beaches and sunsets! We saw ALL this and more on my recent trip to the island. We traveled for 5 days during the end of April first part of May and they weather could NOT have been more perfect. We were lucky enough to visit three properties here. Sandals Le Toc, Sandals Grande St Lucian and Sugar Beach Viceroy. We got to see Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet from the water - gorgeous properties perfect for a romantic vacation or honeymoon! There is only one airport that welcomes commercial flights and that is Hewanorra International Airport at the south point of the island. If you are staying up north expect a windy, mountainous transfer that will take 1:5 - 2 hours depending on how far north you are staying and traffic! If you are prone to car sickness I would consider the helicopter transfer of ferry! Your travel advisor will be able to help you set this up! Fun Facts - several famous people own homes on this island including, Mick Jagger, Howard Stern, George Forman! Matt Damon even rented out the ENTIRE Sugar Beach Viceroy for a private function (his vow renewal for a reported 1.2 million dollars!). It would be a gorgeous venue for a destination wedding! If you are a family traveling with children under 18, you could potential stay at one of the family friendly all inclusive on the island or the Sugar Beach Viceroy in one of the villas or beachside cottages. I would say our favorite activities while on the island include hiking, snorkeling, champagne sipping on a sunset cruise, swimming by the waterfalls and just enjoying the beach! If you are interested in planning a visit to St Lucia, I definitely have some opinions and good advice to share! Reach out and let Haven Escape Travel plan an amazing vacation to St Lucia! I highly suggest putting it on your bucket list!