My Journal: Cuba, Planning the Journey

A few weeks ago my jet-setting sistafriend sent an email to our close-knit framily (friends who are considered family) asking if anyone was down to travel with her to Cuba in May. I was immediately all in. I had been interested in visiting Cuba for as long as I could remember. I knew that the embargo had been slightly lifted but I had no idea that I, ME, could just go onto any travel search engine and book my flight. Delta and Jet Blue both have flights leaving from JFK. Delta was slightly cheaper at $288 while Jet Blue was $305. 

I decided to go with Jet Blue. 

Always looking for a steal, I usually opt for the lower price point. However, I chose Jet Blue because this wasn't just any ordinary trip. There are certain requirements for visiting Cuba: a visa, health insurance (Cuba's own) and you must determine your reason for visiting under one of the 12 generalized licenses for categories of travel. 

Jet Blue makes it easy to do this. Included in booking your ticket are the 12 categories; you simply click the box next to the one that best describes your reason for visiting (I selected "Educational/People-to-people exchange", which is what most visitors select). Keep in mind, Americans are not to be visiting Cuba as mere "tourists". 

Jet Blue will also grant you your Cuban visa the day of your departing flight at the gate for $50. Your Cuban health insurance is also included in the price of your flight, so no need to worry there. 

I decided not to go with Delta because the above mentioned requirements for getting to Cuba weren't as clear and seemingly simple. Jet Blue was very direct and precise about how they will help YOU get to Cuba as effortlessly as possible. 

Stay tuned as I keep you posted on the process. 

Global Entry

I recently found out about Global Entry through one of my fabulous followers on Instagram. Global Entry is "a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports" (- www.cbp.gov)

Almost any American citizen can apply. Simply create an online account here to apply: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply

There is a $100 fee (however you are covered in the program for 5 years) yet the benefits alone make it well worth it. Here's why you should consider it:

- No processing lines

- No paperwork (you no longer have to fill out those annoying customs forms!)

- Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries

- Available at major U.S. airports

- Reduced wait times 

TSA Pre-Check Eligibility 

I applied last week and was able to get an appointment for my interview last Friday. After a series of relatively simple questions, my photo was taken and I was done in less than 5 minutes. I haven't received my card yet but that should be arriving within 1-2 weeks. 

I'm probably late in finding out about this but I'm glad I did it! I should have it in time for my trip to Cuba in May :-) 

Do you have Global Entry? If not, do you plan on joining? Tell me! 

Fear of Flying: Turbulence

One of my biggest fears when flying is turbulence. When I had to fly to Florida for work, the idea that we would run into some bad turbulence was ever present in my mind and gave me jitters. The slightest rumble would cause me to grip the armrest until my knuckles turned white and my palms got sweaty. 

In order for me to continue effortlessly stepping foot on a plane, I knew I had to educate myself. I needed to understand what turbulence was, how it worked and how planes handled it. So to YouTube I went. 

Latch on to triggers that set you off.
Figure out what frightens you and examine how your anxiety reaction is triggered. Your goal is to identify your particular triggers, so you can manage your fear when anxiety levels are low. Learning what sets you off makes it easier to turn it off. (Dr. Martin N. Seif, 8 Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Flying)

I reviewed several videos about turbulence on YouTube. I watched pilots and flight attendants give their accounts and multiple videos about understanding turbulence. Overall, I found out that I really shouldn't be frightful. 

Below is a clip about understanding turbulence, it is the biggest fear for many people who do and don't travel! Hopefully this will be helpful to you or someone you know. 

Fear of Flying: Facing the Facts

Are you missing out on an amazing vacation because you're afraid to fly?

I'll be the first to admit that I'm afraid of flying. I love to travel though so it's something that I'm able to push to the back of my mind and just do. I would've never been able to claim my "16 and Counting" motto had I been too afraid to step onto an airplane. My footprints would've never been left on the sands of those 16 islands if I let my fears get in the way. 

A few years ago my job at a popular beauty brand required me to travel a lot. We would travel at least once a month to Florida. It was then that I realized I REALLY needed to face my fear of turbulence and the unknown of just being in the air. Being on a hunkering piece of metal thousands of feet in the air is a scary thought. 

I faced my fear by educating myself. Most people are afraid of what they don't know; fear of the unknown. According to Dr. Martin N. Seif ("Freedom to Fly Now" workshop): 

Step onto the airplane with knowledge.
Anxiety thrives on ignorance, and feeds off “what if?” catastrophic thoughts. But once you become knowledgeable, your “what if?” thoughts are limited by the facts. Become familiar with the facts. They will not eliminate your anxiety, but they will help you manage it.

This concept has helped me immensely. Over the next few days we will explore the facts so that you can finally ditch that fear and hop on board a flight to your dream destination.