Post pandemic travel is a new and interesting experience. So many people, myself included, are ready to explore the world again. The question is, just how do we do that now?

Destinations are beginning to open to visitors but there are still many aspects that have changed and need to be considered before embarking on your next adventure. Especially for women traveling alone.

Solo Travel Has Always Been a Unique Experience

It required special planning to make sure that it was safe and enjoyable to travel alone. Not so different than how it is today.

Thinking about how to do this reminds me of when I first began to travel. Deciding where to go, how to get there, where to stay were just some of the decisions that I needed to make. Everything about the process was a little scary but very exciting.

I’m feeling that way again, and it is making this process even more enjoyable.

Jump Back in or Take It Slow

For some, this will be going full speed ahead, trying to regain their normal routine. For others, it will be a little slower and more deliberate. I probably fall somewhere in the middle. I want to go fast but also be mindful of real and relevant factors all over the world.

Pre-pandemic, I was travelling full-time, most of it internationally. Just the month before lock-down in the US I was in three different countries and planning the next.

Now that seems unrealistic and even careless in some cases. I had to remind myself that things have changed and if I want to continue to travel, I need to do somethings differently.

Back to Basics

As much as I love the experience of going somewhere far away, I don’t feel quite ready for that. What I am ready for is that feeling of wonder and joy that being anywhere new brings.

I began thinking of things to do and places to go a little closer to home. Places that would give me that sense of being away without having to go too far.

When I first started to travel alone, I would pick a nearby location and plan from there. What I found was that it didn’t matter where it was, it always felt like I was worlds away.

Start Small

Something I love to do when I am in a new place is to take public transportation, especially buses and trains. That is something I almost never do at home.

I started by checking stations and schedules near where I live and began to see all of the locations I can access without driving. What I didn’t expect is that it was as much fun, if not more, than researching flights, at a fraction of the cost.

The other thing I love about traveling is staying at a nice hotel and taking myself out to dinner. As much as I enjoy that, it is something I only do when I’m away.

Just this small amount of planning helped me to see that I can have all of the pleasure of taking a trip with a lot less of the anxiety producing aspects that I don’t want.

There Are So Many Options

Now, that I’ve decided that this is a good way for me to ease back into travel, I’ve realized just how many possibilities there are. I don’t have to fly to another city to enjoy all of the things I can have right here.

I’ve decided I will play tourist in my own city and state. Each trip will involve something that I love – visiting local parks and gardens, going out to lunch or dinner alone, staying at a nice hotel for just a night or two or booking a luxurious spa treatment. Anything I want.

Not only will it be convenient, but without having to pay airfare, it is much more affordable.

Just thinking about this new way to travel has reignited my enthusiasm for something that has been such a wonderful part of my life.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

How do you feel about traveling again? Are you comfortable with planning and preparing for post pandemic changes? Have you ever been a tourist in your city? Share your stories and join the conversation!

Jennifer Lopez has a new single and she’s celebrating over on her Instagram. While teasing Cambia El Paso, JLo showed off a new golden bronze hair color and her natural texture. “Un mensaje especial para mi #JLovers,” she wrote, which translates to “a special message for my…” She continues: “Tan emocionada por #CambiaElPaso … disponible este lunes,” which means “I’m so excited for Cambia El Paso available this Monday.” So soon!

Colorist Tracey Cunningham is responsible for Lopez’s new color, which she calls “golden bronze.” She used Redken color to give Lopez gorgeous low-lights, which breaks up her solid blonde and gives a more natural look that brightens Lopez’s face. She finished with Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($28 at Sephora) to keep her client’s hair soft and strong.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Cunningham’s other celeb clients include Emma Stone, Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Garner, Dakota Johnson, Halle Berry and Jessica Biel. She just released her first book, which will help you find the perfect hair color for you.

Amazon.

Tracey Cunningham’s True Color: The Essential Hair Color Handbook isn’t just some boring memoir. You’ll actually learn a lot about hair from this book. Cunningham’s hair color philosophy is all about revealing your true color by looking at photos of yourself as a child. So, she includes tons of pictures of celebrities as kids, including Christina Ricci, Lily Rabe and Maria Sharapova. It’s a really fascinating read.

Hey, maybe Lopez’s golden bronze hair is actually the perfect color for you. Find out by grabbing her colorist’s new book.

Medicare isn’t mandatory, but delaying enrollment may come with lifelong penalty fees. Therefore, it is wise to explore all your options before postponing coverage.

If you’ve worked at least 10 years (40 quarters), you automatically get Medicare Part A premium-free, but delaying Medicare Parts B and D could result in costly monthly fees. That’s why you should sign up when you first become eligible.

If you’re approaching 65, now is the best time to consider your next steps when it comes to your health care. This article explains the pros and cons of delaying Medicare, how to avoid penalties, and scenarios when it’s acceptable to wait for coverage.

Reasons People Delay Medicare

Life happens, and now may not be the right time to enroll. Keep in mind that delaying Medicare isn’t always a bad thing, and it could make sense in certain situations. Luckily, not all circumstances will result in late fees.

Following are the most common reasons people delay Medicare:

1. Having employer coverage or insurance through your spouse’s employer
2. Having CHAMPVA, COBRA, or TRICARE insurance
3. Having private insurance or through the Marketplace

If you have insurance at the time you’re eligible for Medicare, do your research before delaying enrollment.

Medicare Part A Enrollment Penalty

Part A covers hospital expenses. Again, Part A is premium-free for everyone who has worked long enough to pay Medicare taxes. If you get Medicare Part A for free and decide to delay enrollment, you won’t have to pay a late penalty. Yet, those who don’t qualify for free Part A and sign up when they turn 65 could face higher premiums.

Do I Need Medicare Part B?

Part B pays for outpatient medical costs and covers 80% of doctor visits, lab work, and physical therapy, among other expenses. While Part B is optional, it will certainly help with unexpected medical bills.

If you currently have insurance through your employer, you have the option to delay Part B until you retire. However, keep in mind that you can use your employer’s plan and Original Medicare together.

Medicare Part B Enrollment Penalty

You should enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday, or three months before your 25th month of receiving Social Security disability benefits. If you don’t enroll during your IEP, you may have to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

The penalty for Part B increases the longer you go without it. Your monthly premium goes up 10% every 12 months you’re not enrolled. There’s a chance that you may have to pay this penalty along with your premium as long as you have Part B.

Late enrollment fees for disabled people under 65 start after their 65th birthday. Medicaid beneficiaries don’t have to worry about Part B premiums, since their state covers them.

You could also avoid paying the late fee if you meet certain requirements that allow you to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare Part D Enrollment Penalty

Medicare Part D pays for prescription drug costs. Similar to Part B’s fine, beneficiaries pay the penalty for late enrollment at the same time as they pay their monthly premium. The Part D enrollment penalty is 1% for every month you went without coverage when you first became eligible.

If you’re currently not on any medications, you may be wondering if you even need to enroll in Part D. Life is unpredictable, so it helps to prepare for the worst. We advise enrolling even if you don’t need it today, as you may greatly benefit from prescription drug coverage tomorrow.

Employer Coverage from Work or Through a Spouse

People who have creditable coverage through their employer can enroll later without being penalized. However, the employer must have at least 20 employees.

If you sign up for Medicare within eight months of losing your employer coverage or leaving a job, you won’t have to pay any late fees. In this case, you should sign up for Medicare immediately.

If you delayed your Medicare, what’s something you wish you knew beforehand? What’s one piece of advice you would share with someone considering delaying Medicare? Please share your answers in the comments below!

Jennifer Lopez has a new single and she’s celebrating over on her Instagram. While teasing Cambia El Paso, JLo showed off a new golden bronze hair color and her natural texture. “Un mensaje especial para mi #JLovers,” she wrote, which translates to “a special message for my…” She continues: “Tan emocionada por #CambiaElPaso … disponible este lunes,” which means “I’m so excited for Cambia El Paso available this Monday.” So soon!

Colorist Tracey Cunningham is responsible for Lopez’s new color, which she calls “golden bronze.” She used Redken color to give Lopez gorgeous low-lights, which breaks up her solid blonde and gives a more natural look that brightens Lopez’s face. She finished with Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($28 at Sephora) to keep her client’s hair soft and strong.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Cunningham’s other celeb clients include Emma Stone, Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Garner, Dakota Johnson, Halle Berry and Jessica Biel. She just released her first book, which will help you find the perfect hair color for you.

Amazon.

Tracey Cunningham’s True Color: The Essential Hair Color Handbook isn’t just some boring memoir. You’ll actually learn a lot about hair from this book. Cunningham’s hair color philosophy is all about revealing your true color by looking at photos of yourself as a child. So, she includes tons of pictures of celebrities as kids, including Christina Ricci, Lily Rabe and Maria Sharapova. It’s a really fascinating read.

Hey, maybe Lopez’s golden bronze hair is actually the perfect color for you. Find out by grabbing her colorist’s new book.

Jennifer Lopez has a new single and she’s celebrating over on her Instagram. While teasing Cambia El Paso, JLo showed off a new golden bronze hair color and her natural texture. “Un mensaje especial para mi #JLovers,” she wrote, which translates to “a special message for my…” She continues: “Tan emocionada por #CambiaElPaso … disponible este lunes,” which means “I’m so excited for Cambia El Paso available this Monday.” So soon!

Colorist Tracey Cunningham is responsible for Lopez’s new color, which she calls “golden bronze.” She used Redken color to give Lopez gorgeous low-lights, which breaks up her solid blonde and gives a more natural look that brightens Lopez’s face. She finished with Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($28 at Sephora) to keep her client’s hair soft and strong.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Cunningham’s other celeb clients include Emma Stone, Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Garner, Dakota Johnson, Halle Berry and Jessica Biel. She just released her first book, which will help you find the perfect hair color for you.

Amazon.

Tracey Cunningham’s True Color: The Essential Hair Color Handbook isn’t just some boring memoir. You’ll actually learn a lot about hair from this book. Cunningham’s hair color philosophy is all about revealing your true color by looking at photos of yourself as a child. So, she includes tons of pictures of celebrities as kids, including Christina Ricci, Lily Rabe and Maria Sharapova. It’s a really fascinating read.

Hey, maybe Lopez’s golden bronze hair is actually the perfect color for you. Find out by grabbing her colorist’s new book.