FROM THE BRIDGE
Dear Friends,
We’re excited to have you join us on this new platform, which will allow us to connect more frequently and share updates that are both interesting and inspirational for your future travels.
Please do not feel compelled to “Pledge” any funds for this newsletter (as you see that you’re invited to do above). That button is automatically included with all Substack platform newsletters. Our regular newsletter will always remain FREE to our clients. If you do “Pledge” a donation, then we will surely put it to good use as we expand our capabilities to bring you new features on our website, through our YouTube podcasts, and personalized itineraries that we share with you when booking travel. Again, our newsletter remains free, and always will.
Whether you're looking for insider tips, destination ideas, or stories that spark your wanderlust, you'll find it all right here. Plus, we’ll be sharing links to our latest Destination Diaries YouTube podcast episodes so you can stay up-to-date with expert travel insights.
Thank you for being part of our travel community. Welcome aboard!
Safe travels,
John Henry
Harbor Close Travel
Founder & Accredited Travel Advisor
Table of Contents:
Destination Diaries: Welcome to our brand new YouTube channel!
Top Five (5) Reasons to Use an Accredited Travel Advisor
Feature Article: “Staying Hydrated on Long Flights: Why it matters”
Destination Diaries
Please visit our YouTube channel Destination Diaries by going to https://youtube.com/@harborclosetravel. Here you can see any of our very own podcasts featuring YOU - our actual clients who have traveled the world and want to share your experience. We also feature some of our inside partners from the industry - representatives from cruise lines, resort properties, global tour companies, and luxury travel specialists. Remember to “Subscribe” so that you never miss an episode, and please “like”, “share”, and “comment” so that YouTube shares our content with more people. Your support is greatly appreciated! With hundreds of clients, we only have 18 “Subscribers” at the time of this newsletter. We NEED your help!
John talks with Drew Poisson from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on Destination Diaries
Click on the photo above to see our podcast on YouTube.
Top 5 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor for Your Next Vacation
The "Oops, I Didn’t Mean That Kind of Adventure" Prevention:
You meant “relaxing beach getaway,” but ended up on a red-eye flight with three layovers. A travel advisor makes sure your vacation dreams come true—without surprise detours or sleep deprivation.Insider Deals You Can’t Google:
Sure, you can book your own trip, but your advisor has access to exclusive discounts and perks, that you won’t find after hours of scrolling through booking sites.No More “Why Did the Price Double?” Confusion:
You found a great deal… until taxes, fees, and mystery charges pile up at checkout. A travel advisor gives you upfront pricing, saving you hours of confusion and hidden surprises.Guaranteed No "Flight Booked for the Wrong Year" Situations:
Yes, it happens. Your advisor makes sure you’re not showing up to the airport ready for vacation… only to find out your plane ticket is for next year’s trip. Oops.Stress-Free Zen Mode:
Why spend hours researching flights, hotels, and excursions when you could be planning what outfits to pack? Let your travel advisor handle the details, and all you have to do is show up at the airport relaxed and ready to go!
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”
-A. Lakein
Feature Article
Staying Hydrated on Long Flights: Why it matters
Long flights can be exhausting, but there’s a simple, often overlooked trick to making the journey smoother: staying hydrated. Airplane cabins have notoriously dry air, which can lead to dehydration, causing headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Fortunately, by keeping your hydration in check, you’ll not only feel better during the flight, but also adjust more quickly to your new time zone, allowing you to start enjoying your vacation after some initial rest.
Why Hydration Matters
Dehydration on a plane can sneak up on you. The low humidity levels in the cabin make it easy to lose fluids without realizing it. Headaches are one of the most common symptoms, and no one wants to arrive at their destination feeling miserable. Drinking plenty of water throughout the flight helps combat this, keeping your body comfortable and your head clear. Tip: Electrolytes help your body retain water more effectively, keeping you hydrated for longer periods compared to plain water.
Adjusting to a New Time Zone
Jet lag can throw off the start of your vacation, but staying hydrated helps your body adjust more quickly. Dehydration can make symptoms like tiredness and brain fog worse. By drinking water regularly, you’ll feel more refreshed and better prepared to sync with the local time, giving you more energy to explore.
Tips for Staying Hydrated on a Flight:
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it after security.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.
Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Snack on water-rich foods like fruits and veggies if they’re available.
Keeping your hydration in check is an easy and effective way to make sure you start your vacation headache-free and ready to enjoy every moment!
Have you visited our website? If you haven’t been to Harbor Close Travel yet on the web, or haven’t been there for some time, we encourage you to visit and have a look around. Once on our website, you can:
Search thousands of vacation options through our “Look and Book” partners … And you can even book what you like on your own (although we would love to assist and encourage you to call and let us handle the details).
View interesting videos and travel-related podcasts.
Access Traveler Resources such as our links for a currency converter, flight tracker, passport information, world travel requirements, U.S. State Department travel advisories, the S.T.E.P. Traveler Program, and more!
Click HERE to Visit HARBOR CLOSE TRAVEL on the web!