Episode 25:  My Summer of COVID

Episode 25: My Summer of COVID

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] I was a little bit worried about doing this episode because this year has been so tough for so many people. My generation hasn’t experienced anything like what has happened this year. As a travel agent, my business took a major hit when the travel industry came to a halt. Despite all of this, I took it upon myself to make some changes in my life and have a positive outlook. This is how I made the best of it… [03:12] Getting out of the houseI’m so used to being between an office and home, and working on my travel business and my 9-to-5 job. I never really focused much on what was happening all around me outdoors. [05:17] This podcast!I’m one of those people that listens to…
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Episode 24:  What Travelers are Losing Due to COVID-19

Episode 24: What Travelers are Losing Due to COVID-19

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] Things are not the same anymore.As travelers, there are some things that have been taken away from our experiences –some luxuries, comforts, and conveniences that would have made for a better vacation. When I travel, it’s in comfort and safety. Since the pandemic hit, theregulations have affected our travel experiences – and I know it’s a good thing and it is about our safety, but we’ve still lost some things along the way. These might seem like “First World Problems”, but here are the things that I’ve noticed are no longer available to travelers. [02:05] Flying First Class has changedDue to COVID-19, some airlines are boarding the plane from the back to front to avoid people walking past each other, which meant First Class boarded last and alcohol…
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Episode 23:  My Solo Trip to Jamaica

Episode 23: My Solo Trip to Jamaica

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] In October 2020, I returned from a trip to Jamaica, and let me tell you something – it felt good breathing that fresh ocean air and having sand between my toes. It felt good all the way into the depths of my soul. As much as I want to reminisce about living my best life for 5 days in Jamaica, this episode is about traveling solo, and how I ended up taking this solo trip to Jamaica. There were struggles, I had internal battles, and I had to take some steps just to get there. [02:00] The Original PlanA group of people made plans to go to Jamaica in September. A couple of months later, Covid-19 showed up in the US. We thought for sure it would be…
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Episode 22:  Your Dream Vacation in St. Lucia with Keiwa Simpson

Episode 22: Your Dream Vacation in St. Lucia with Keiwa Simpson

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] In this episode, I talk to Keiwa Simpson. She is a vacation planner living in St. Lucia, and today she’s going to tell us about the beautiful, romantic Caribbean island of St. Lucia. [01:42] Introducing Keiwa SimpsonKeiwa Simpson is a local St. Lucian vacation planner. She has been in the tourism industry for 3 years, and she helps overworked couples put together their dream vacation on the island of St. Lucia (some say it’s the most beautiful island in the Caribbean!). Prior to getting into the world of travel, she taught high school science and Spanish. [03:49] Is there a “best spot” or are there several spots to vacation in?Keiwa says this is an easy answer but also a tough answer. There’s “The Heart and Soul” of St…
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Episode 21:  How & Why I Travel Several Times a Year

Episode 21: How & Why I Travel Several Times a Year

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] It’s episode 21 and in today’s episode, I’m going to tell you how and why I travel, and a little bit about my background. [01:19] How it all startedI grew up a child of divorce. This meant that I was often traveling by myself across the country, at a young age, to visit my dad. I say “travel”, but it was really between Nashville where I went to school and wherever my dad was stationed (he’s a retired marine) in the summer. [03:02] The Big Trips of the YearBack in my school and college days, I took two “major trips” every year.One was the Classic Football Game in Atlanta where TSU would play every year. In my college years, the other major trip of the year was Freaknik,…
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Episode 20:  Safety Tips for Traveling Alone as a Female

Episode 20: Safety Tips for Traveling Alone as a Female

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] You’re planning a vacation, and you’re all excited, but you can’t seem to convince any friends to join you, so you decide to take a solo trip. Sound familiar? I’ve been there! I get it. You’re going to a new place, and the thought of traveling alone can seem a bit daunting. All you want is to have a good time with the least stress. Over my many years of traveling (and several solo vacations), I’ve come up with a list of safety tips for the female travelers out there who just want to get out there and put their toes in the sand – and to go solo. [02:03] Arrive at your destination as early as possibleThe last thing you want is to arrive at the airport…
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Episode 19:  The ABC Travel Green Book by Martinique Lewis

Episode 19: The ABC Travel Green Book by Martinique Lewis

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Shortcode for Podcast Player: [podcast_subscribe id="715"] In this episode, I talk to Martinique Lewis. She has been making waves in the travel industry, pushing back against a historically white-centric travel narrative and making way for a wider acceptance of black travel and tourism. In 2018, African American travelers added $63 billion to the US tourism economy, according to a Mandala Research survey. Martinique is determined to expose the world to this significant contribution. Today, I get to talk to her about her new book, The ABC Travel Green Book. She is about to open doors and get more black travelers to live their best lives in some of the most unexpected places around the world! Purchase the Book The ABC Travel Green Book on Amazon The ABC Travel Green Book…
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Episode 18:  15 Things You Should Do Before You Travel

Episode 18: 15 Things You Should Do Before You Travel

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] So, you’ve decided you want to travel. You’re almost certain nothing will go wrong - after all, you’ve never had a problem travelling before. You get to the check-in gate at the airport, and you can’t find your passport, or you get to your holiday resort only to find that it definitely isn’t that 5-star luxury and comfort you saw in the photos. Avoid the stress, uncertainty, and possible disappointments by having a to-do list. Don’t know what to put on that list? In this episode, you’ll learn the 15 things that you should be doing before you even leave your house to go on that vacation. Here are the things that should be on everyone’s list: [02:43] Get a folder for all your travel documentsThis is the…
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Episode 15:  Travel Talk with Ray Blakney

Episode 15: Travel Talk with Ray Blakney

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] In episode 15 of the Erica James Travel Show, I am sitting down with Ray Blakney to talk about his travel life and journey. Ray was born in Cebu City, Philippines. He was raised in Instanbul, Turkey until he was 15 years old and then moved to the United States to finish high school and attend college. He later joined the Peace Corp, where he met his wife and now lives in Mexico. With living in a few countries throughout his life plus his travel journey, Ray definitely has some interesting travel stories to tell. [4:21] Ray discusses why he joined the Peace Corp and what is the Peace Corp. [6:34] With so many family members living around the globe, Ray shares the locations of his well rounded…
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Episode 14:  Why Visit Jamaica

Episode 14: Why Visit Jamaica

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[podcast_subscribe id="715"] Looking for a destination that has great beaches, amazing food and low-key vibe? How about Jamaica? That’s right, the beautiful Caribbean island is a whole vibe that you are sure to find yourself having one love for. This episode is all about Jamaica- an ultimate guide from a trusted source of information about traveling to Jamaica. Tamara Christie - Johnson is with the Jamaica Tourist Board. Tamara is a Business Development Manager with the Jamaica Tourist Board where they promote Jamaica and work with individuals who are within the travel industry, media, festivals, and more. They spread information about traveling to Jamaica for weddings, vacations, honeymoons, and so much more. Here’s a snippet of the information on COVID-19 pandemic travel guidelines that you’ll find at visitjamaica.com: Jamaica is…
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