Travels By Trish

06/08/2026

Passport PSA: Unofficial novelty or souvenir stamps may seem fun, but they are NOT allowed in your U.S. passport and may cause problems when you travel. Stamp them in a notebook or journal instead!
Do not write or add markings to any passport pages other than your signature or emergency contact information. Learn more at travel.state.gov/new

06/04/2026

WOW 🤯 Did you know this? I had no idea! ⭐️🐟

The ocean creature that runs on seawater instead of blood — Starfish may look simple as they cling to rocks and drift across the seafloor, but their bodies work in one of the strangest and most beautiful ways in nature. Unlike humans and many other animals, starfish do not have blood pumping through veins. Instead, they draw seawater into a special internal system and use it to help them move, feed, breathe, and survive. That same ocean water helps power their tiny tube feet, letting them grip surfaces, crawl across rocks, open shells, and explore the underwater world without a heart or bloodstream like ours. In a way, the sea is not just where they live — it is part of how they live. Every slow movement, every silent crawl, every moment of survival is connected to the water around them, making the starfish one of the ocean’s most quietly fascinating creatures.

06/04/2026

St. Lucia has my heart. 🇱🇨❤️

Yes, the beaches are beautiful. Yes, the scenery is breathtaking. But the reason I love this island so much is the people.

These smiling faces at Coconut Bay are what make a vacation here so special. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

This is why I keep coming back to St. Lucia

06/02/2026

There are so many nuances to travel. This is a big one that not many travelers are aware of.

In addition to checking your passport expiration date, make sure you also have enough blank pages (for visas, entry stamps, etc.) to travel. Some countries require that your passport have two to four blank pages and some airlines will not allow you to board if you do not meet this requirement.

If you’re running out of pages, it’s time to renew! Check to see if you meet the requirements to renew online at travel.state.gov/renewonline.

05/29/2026

Worldwide Caution - Updated Public Health Arrival Restrictions and Enhanced Ebola Disease Screening – May 28, 2026: U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through designated airports for enhanced screening.
Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for the list of designated airports. The CDC and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply enhanced public health screening at the designated airports in response to the Ebola disease outbreak.
This requirement applies to all U.S. citizen and U.S. national passengers who were present in those countries. Please be prepared for flight changes or cancellations.
Read more: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/global-events/worldwide-caution.html

05/12/2026

There’s no reason not to…

STEP = Peace of Mind
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows Americans to receive safety alerts from the U.S. embassy while abroad and makes it easier to contact you in an emergency. Sign up at step.state.gov.

05/07/2026