V a c a t i o n s To Remember

06/02/2026

Important information if you’re traveling to Europe this summer!

The transition to Europe’s new digital border system is a topic we are tracking very closely for our clients. Because we want your upcoming travels with Vacations To Remember to be as seamless as possible, we have put together a comprehensive update on how Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is o

04/12/2026

Ever wondered what your kids will talk about for years to come? A safari is the perfect adventure for families of any age, offering unforgettable experiences for everyone.

Start your journey in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where young kids can marvel at baby elephants during a morning game drive and enjoy afternoons splashing in the lodge pool. Or consider Kenya’s Maasai Mara for an interactive experience where they can meet local Maasai warriors and learn about their culture.

For families with teenagers, Tanzania’s Serengeti offers the thrill of witnessing the Great Migration—an epic natural event that’ll have them more engaged than any screen.

If your kids are grown, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a stunning destination where you can all enjoy boat safaris through winding waterways, spotting hippos and crocodiles.

It’s time to make the dreams of an unforgettable family vacation a reality. Let’s get planning!

04/12/2026

TRAVELING TO EUROPE? READ THIS FIRST!

Europe just rolled out a major change that most travelers aren't prepared for.

As of April 2026:

No more passport stamps
Facial scans & fingerprints required
Longer wait times expected

It's called the Entry-Exit System (EES) - and it applies to all non-EU travelers.

What people don't realize:

Your connection airport is now where everything happens.

Meaning... that "quick layover" might not work anymore.

If you're traveling to Europe this year, this is something you NEED to know before you go.

If you’ve ever loved collecting physical stamps in your passport as souvenirs of your travels, we have some bittersweet news. The European Union has officially modernized its borders. As of April 10, 2026 , the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational across 29 European countries. At Vacatio

04/02/2026

In an era where it seems like you can book a flight in two clicks, it’s easy to think that planning a vacation is "easy." But there is a massive difference between booking a trip and crafting a true travel experience. At  Vacations To Remember , we don’

02/22/2026

If you’re heading to the airport today, 2/22/26, heads up: things are… complicated. Between the ongoing DHS funding lapse and the massive legal battle over TSA union contracts, our favorite blue-shirted heroes are currently working without paychecks.

PreCheck is Paused: In case you missed the news, DHS has officially suspended PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to the partial shutdown. Standard lines for everyone today.

Staffing Shortages: With the third shutdown in four months hitting hard, staffing levels are thin. Expect those "quick" security sweeps to take a bit longer.

The Weather Factor: To make matters worse, Winter Storm Hernando is currently moving through the East Coast, adding cancellations to the checkpoint delays.

Pro-Tips for Your Flight: Arrive EXTREMELY Early: If you’re at a hub like ATL, JFK, or LAX, 3 hours is the new 1 hour.

Check Your App: Watch your airline’s app like a hawk—flight statuses are changing by the minute.

Be Kind: The TSA agents are showing up to keep us safe even though their bank accounts are on hold. A "thank you" goes a long way right now.

Are you traveling today or staying grounded until the funding is sorted? Let us know your airport horror stories (or wins!) in the comments. 👇

02/17/2026

Christkindlmarkts? What is that?

Christkindlmarkts (or Christ Child Markets) are traditional, festive, open-air Christmas markets found throughout Germany, Austria, and parts of Europe, running from late November through Christmas. Located in town squares, these markets feature illuminated wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and regional foods, along with hot mulled wine (Glühwein) and holiday entertainment.

There’s nothing quite like the glow of a traditional Christkindlmarkt. Whether you’re dreaming of the historic squares of Munich or the hidden gems of Salzburg, we’ll get you to the heart of the holiday spirit.

Ready to step into a real-life snow globe? ❄️ Now is the time to plan! Comment or send us a DM for help!

02/14/2026

Dreaming of exchanging vows with the sand between your toes and the sound of waves as your soundtrack? A tropical destination wedding can be an incredibly romantic and unforgettable experience. But like any big decision, there are both dazzling highs and a few potential pitfalls to consider. As your

02/13/2026

Traveling is all about the “fun” part—the views, the food, and the memories. The “paperwork” part? Not so much.

If you have a big international trip on your bucket list for later this year or early next, now is the perfect time to check that expiration date. With seasonal surges in applications and upcoming processing shifts, the “wait time” window is starting to stretch.

🛂 Why Check Now?

The 6-Month Rule: Many countries won’t let you enter if your passport expires within six months of your travel date.

Processing Peaks: High demand often leads to longer turnaround times at the passport office.

Peace of Mind: Nothing ruins the “pre-vacation glow” like a last-minute rush for an expedited renewal.

02/03/2026

Planning a European getaway in 2026? The "winging it" era is officially over!

At Vacations To Remember, we want to make sure your dream trip doesn't hit a digital wall. Europe is changing how it welcomes visitors, and "spontaneous" now requires a little bit of prep.

Here are the 4 big things you need to know:

1. No Ticket, No Trevi?

Major cities are fighting over-tourism. Rome is now requiring timed entry tickets to access the Trevi Fountain basin to manage the crowds.

2. The Venice "Day Tripper" Fee

Visiting Venice for the day? You must register online and pay the access fee (contributo di accesso) on peak days.

The Goal: To get a QR Code.

The Risk: Heavy fines if you're caught without it.

Tip: Even if you’re staying overnight, you still need to register for an exemption QR code!

3. Goodbye, Passport Stamps!

Say goodbye to that ink! The EES (Entry/Exit System) is replacing manual stamps with facial and fingerprint scans. Your data is now digital, making it easier for authorities to track your 90-day limit.

4. The New "Digital Hall Passes" (ETIAS & ETA)

ETIAS (End of 2026): Americans will need this pre-travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area. It’s an online check designed to boost security.

UK ETA: This is already in effect! If you're heading to London or the Scottish Highlands, you must apply for your Electronic Travel Authorisation before you fly.

Don't let a missing QR code ruin your vacation. We are here to help guide you every step of the way. Read our latest blog and comment below if you are planning to visit Europe or the United Kingdom in 2026!

Europe remains a dream destination for many, with its history, cultures, and gorgeous scenery. However, as we move into 2026, there are some significant changes travelers need to be aware of to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. The days of simply "winging it" in major European cities ar

01/26/2026

European/UK travel is changing fast in 2026, and it will affect how you enter countries, book attractions, and move around major cities. If you plan to travel internationally this year, these are the things you need to know before you book anything!

🌎 Europe wide
• Digital border entry begins in 2026
• First Schengen entry includes photo, fingerprints, passport logging
• Passport stamps are gone, airport lines get longer

🛂Entry systems
• EES = biometric border tracking
• ETIAS = online visa waiver like ESTA for EU
• ETA = digital permission to travel to the UK
• Small fee, approval required before flying
• No ETA/ETIAS, no boarding (ETA in place now. ETIAS coming later this year)

🇮🇹 Rome
• Overtourism rules start February 1
• Trevi Fountain basin access requires a €2
reservation
• Street level viewing stays free
• Timed entry now required for major sites

🇮🇹 Venice
• Day tripper tax returns and expands to 60 days
• Overnight guests do not pay
• Everyone must register and carry a QR code

No more winging it when it comes to international travel. Contact us and our team of experts to make sure you are fully prepared before you depart!