Newsletter

Greetings!

Thank you for the trust, collaboration and continued referrals you have extended to Nomadic Star Travel.

In our industry, strong professional relationships are everything. We truly value the partnerships we share with you and the confidence you place in us when referring business.

The success of our travel and the satisfaction of our clients are very much a reflection of the relationship behind the scenes. We will continue to create meaningful travel experiences together.

Your willingness to share positive experiences from traveling with Nomadic Star Travel, LLC has earned us new clients.

Interest in Travel

If you have an interest to travel, see the world, and meet new people, contact us at www.nomadicstartravel.com. Our goal is to make the first day of your travel as pleasant an experience as possible with great memories to last a lifetime.

Liability Waiver

We require all clients to sign a Liability Waiver to protect the agency. The waiver will release Nomadic Star Travel, LLC from all liability that one may suffer. Sign and return waiver to the Owner, Nomadic Star Travel, LLC.

Travel Advisors

Our advisors are an ally for all travelers, and especially Black travelers that seek assistance to navigate continued uncertainty both at home and abroad. 

We know Black travelers prefer to travel in groups and visit destinations specific to Black heritage. Black travelers have purchasing power that is hard to deny! Some of the most popular destinations and perceived safety and acceptance are Dubai, Greece, Ghana, Portugal, Panama, Colombia and the Caribbean. To date, we have traveled to the Dubai, Greece, Portugal, the Caribbean and Panama.

Hours for Nomadic Star Travel, LLC

• Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-5:00pm
• Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm
• Closed all federal holidays and weekends

Service Fee

We charge a fee for our service. This is compensation for the time we devote to research your individual travel request.

Passports

Your passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after your international travel to re-enter the USA. This is the only official document that will allow re-entry into the USA. You only need the regular passport and not the passport card.

Before an international trip, it is wise to make copies of your passport should you lose it. Travelers should make a paper copy of their passport and pack it in their luggage. It is wise to take a picture of the passport on your phone as you will need the passport numbers when applying for a replacement.

Airfare

If you are desiring a quote for airfare, please call the airline directly.  

Things you should know about Airplanes

• Flight attendants will unlock the onboard toilet In case of an emergency t
• The pilot will inform all when seatbelts must be worn.
• Aircraft designed to glide.
• The hole in the window is there for a reason. The bleed hole is there because of the air pressure at high altitudes is much lower. I
• Dimming the lights is important so passengers do not have to wait for their eyes to adjust in the event of an emergency evacuation. Now flight attendants can adjust LED lighting on newer planes such the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to mimic sunset and sunrise, which helps our bodies to cope better with the changing time zones on long haul flights.

Student Travel Abroad

We book travel for college and university students to study abroad. In the past we handled travel for college students to study in India, China and Dubai. We welcome the business from these fine institutions. During the time students are abroad, Nomadic Star Travel, LLC is in contact with the college or university staff.

Slow Travel

Nomadic Star Travel, LLC will implement slow travel. Clients will enjoy travel, but at a more relaxed pace. Slow travel focuses on the time and funds travelers already have to enrich the experience. This travel allows clients to truly breathe in their surroundings through a greater awareness of an experience, destination, community or culture. 

This slow travel will allow the traditions and norms of a particular community to come to life through genuine conversations and interactions with the locals.

Slow travel will increase trip satisfaction post-trip. This leads to a higher number of potential return clients. We do not want clients to return home tired.

Group Travel

Our groups (15-25 clients) consist of adults that get along well with each other. There is an expectation that travelers maintain reasonable and respectable behavior towards fellow travelers. This includes, group leaders, hospitality workers, and all who they may come in contact.

We want to ensure the group members have things in common. Group travel exposes travelers to new experiences, new conversations, connections and friends. 

It is important to ensure the itinerary has a good blend of group activities. Explore on your own time is included.

Health Care Experts

We caution you to listen to health care experts to stay safe. Even today, we continue to take precautionary measures by wearing masks while in crowds and on public transportation (airplanes, trains, taxis, cruise ships). 

Travel, Accident and Baggage Insurance

We sell Insurance to all clients. The cost of insurance is based on the age, cost of trip and destination. Buying early does not guarantee medical cancellations. While early purchase is important, it does not eliminate all conditions.

Most advisors and operators know a traveler can purchase coverage early and the traveler is eligible to waive a pre-existing medical condition if they are not disabled from travel at time of travel insurance purchase. Also, the traveler must be seen by a physician to determine if the traveler is not able to travel. Documentation when the sickness or injury occurred and obtaining treatment by a physician are still required.

Cancel for Any Reason coverage is often position as protection for travelers who change their minds. It can also provide a backstop if the medical reason for cancellation did not not occur or is not documented as required by travel insurance policy.

Insurance cannot be sold once a hurricane is named.

Travels with Clients

Recently the owner, Nomadic Star Travel, LLC accompanied two college students from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA and a client from Wake Forest, NC on an amazing trip to Greece. Our flight departed Washington Dulles International Airport May 16, and we returned on May 25, 2026. We were greeted with professionalism by all representatives awaiting our arrival from the airport, hotels, and ports.

Our tour included Athens, Mykonos and Santorini Greece with hotel accommodations for 9 days and 8 nights total with 

• Great accommodations in all the hotels
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Half day city tour of Athens including entrance fees for Parthenon and Acropolis Museum
• The students and the client climbed to the top of the Acropolis
  • 
    • Hollan, Sandra and Michael – on top of the Acropolis

• Transfer from Athens hotel to port; Ferry from Athens to Mykonos – a relaxing trip whereby one could order food and drink
• Transfer from Mykonos port to hotel for three nights
• Transfer from hotel to Mykonos port
• Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini for three nights
• The students reviewed the itinerary prior to arrival, and had already planned to travel the Santorini Calderas Hike Trail. Here’s proof …

• Transfer from Santorini port to hotel; Transfer from Santorini hotel to airport. 
• There were several highlights of the trip, but the evening prior to departure we decided on a luxury sunset cruise for four hours. A delicious meal prepared onboard with drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) were included. Guest had opportunities to swim at the various beaches and enjoy snorkeling.

• Dubai and Abu Dhabi (October 13-20, 2025). We stayed in the Golden Tulip Hotel in Dubai and the Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi.

Clients enjoyed the tour of Dubai and the visits to the Spice Souk and Gold Souk. We enjoyed learning about the various spices , fragrances, and incense from personnel in the stores. 

Some of the clients enjoyed the thrill of driving up and down the golden yellow sand in 4×4 vehicles. All of us enjoyed the tranquility of the desert and an authentic Arabian barbeque. Entertainment included professional  dancers, and henna painting. 

Another highlight was an evening at the Dubai Marina. We got onboard a traditional Arabian “dhow” boat where we enjoyed a relaxing cruise along the Dubai Creek, complete with music, a sumptuous buffet dinner, a disc jockey. All enjoyed dancing.   

I cannot forget the clients that participated in the Flying Dress photo shoot in the Dubai desert! Clients departed the hotel very early in the morning to have photos taken at sunrise. With permission, I am share photos …

 

The visit at night to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, was amazing to see Dubai at night! Even though this was my second trip to Dubai, I decided to take the trip to the top, and the images in the elevators were captivating.

Dave Koz Iceland Cruise: Iceland, Norway and Amsterdam: The owner, Nomadic Star Travel, LLC traveled to Iceland to enjoy live jazz on the Dave Koz Iceland Cruise ( June 14-21, 2025). The accommodations onboard Holland America’s new Rotterdam ship was good. The artists were incredible. The weather, another topic!

There is a famous hot dog stand in Reykjavik Iceland has been there for 90 years. Hot dogs are beef, pork and lamb. People come from all over the world o get these hot dogs! Please visit: www.bbp.is for more information.

A word of caution when traveling to airport in Amsterdam: Please familiarize yourself with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

The Ladies’ Getaway to Majestic Elegance, Costa Mujeres in Mexico, May 14-18, 2025. This trip was for rest and relaxation trip. The only planned activity was to have dinner one night together. 

We stayed at the 5-star resort, on the all-adult side. Some of us walked the beach, others chose to get up and out early to capture photos of the sunrise. Yes, some stayed in the water at the beach to cool off. Others enjoyed getting the sun. Others rested in the cabanas, had cold beverages, got that natural vitamin D and enjoyed the view! 

We visited South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg) for a second time with clients on January 20 – February 4, 2025. Clients had a wonderful time, learning first-hand some of the history taught in school. Tours to Table Mountain,  Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, and Soweto were eye-opening. Eating various dishes of South African cuisine was a “hit” for all as well as the drumming session. One cannot forget meeting the children at Siyabulela Primary School. Every one of the clients looked forward to the safari drives where they were able to see the Big Five! 

States with High Humidity

You may want to check the weather before you plan your travel.

Higher dew points mean greater amounts of moisture in the air, and this is one reason you may feel sweaty and uncomfortable during your travels.

This is a list of the 10 most humid U. S. states by average annual dew point, based on dew point data compiled by climatologist Brian Brettschneider for Forbes.

• 10. North Carolina dew point peaks in July, when it tops out ground 69 degrees at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Combine that with a relative humidity of around 70%, and you have uncomfortable, sticky summer weather throughout the state.
• 9. Arkansas experiences its most humid days in the middle of summer. The average dew point hovers around 71 degrees in July and 70 degrees in August., according to measurements form a weather station located 3 miles outside the capital city of Little Rock.
• 8. South Carolina, because of its location beside the Atlantic Ocean, has quite a bit of moisture in the air. In the coastal city of Charleston, the state’s average summertime dew point peaks around 73 degrees. According to a report issued by the South Carolina State Climatology Office, relative humidity levels tend to peak each day around sunrise, before reaching their lowest point within an hour or two of noon.
• 7. Georgia, the Peach State, ranks as the 7^th most humid state in America, based on average annual dew point. Dew points range between 67.8 and 71.6 degrees. In Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and largest city, the dew point maxed out 77 degrees in July and August 2024.
• 6. Texas, the Lone Star State feels extra muggy during the summer. Summertime statistics from the Dallas-Fort Worth area show a record high dew point of 80 degrees as recently as 2023. The city of Houston can be oppressively hot, too, as the average dew points havers around 74 degrees in July and August.
• 5. Alabama ranks as the fifth most humid state in the U. S. This is due to the humid southerly breezes from the Gulf of Mexico.
• 4. Mississippi is prone to even higher average dew points than neighboring Alabama. Measurements from a weather station 3 miles outside the capital city of Jackson show that Mississippi is most humid in July, when the dew point averages around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Mississippi State University states that May through September are the most uncomfortable months when it comes to excess humidity.
• 3. Louisiana recorded the highest dew point on U. S. soil on July 30, 1987, when the dew point hit 90 degrees at the New Orleans Naval Air Station. New Orleans often experiences dew point averages around 74 degrees in July and August. Lake Charles ranks among the most humid cities in the entire country.
• 2. Florida is one of only two U. S. states with an average dew point exceeding 60 degrees. Several Florida cities rank among the muggiest cities in the nation, including Gainesville, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Orlando.
• 1. Hawaii is the most humid state in the United States. It is the only state whose average annual dew point exceeds 65 degrees. Hawaii peaks around 68 degrees in September and October.

Different Cultures Etiquette

Many travelers are keen to immerse themselves in different cultures and explore destinations they have not yet discovered. It is important to brush up on local etiquette, so you do not accidentally offend anyone – or worse. Sometimes, an etiquette faux pas will not just land you in hot water with locals, it can potentially result in a fine from local authorities.

These six etiquette missteps can prove costly overseas (Credit: DailyPassport-October 2025).

1. Driving Off-Road in Iceland – Iceland’s breathtaking scenery is a major draw for overseas visitors, but it is far more fragile than it looks. . According to the Environment Agency o Island, it can take years or even decades for a damaged area to repair itself, in part due to the cold-climate and short growing season.
2. Carrying a Bulky Suitcase on the Paris Metro is a hindrance to other passengers. Using public transportation can be a game changer while traveling as it can save you a significant amount of money compared to taxis. It also gives you an opportunity to experience a city as the locals do.
3. Swimming in a Venice Canal can land an unsuspecting visitor with a $410 fine. The water is not sanitary.
4. Scrunching Up a Bank Note in Thailand – According to Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code, “Whoever defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent shall be punished with imprisonment of three to 15 years.” While making a joke about the royal family or refusing to stand while the national anthem is played won’t win you any friends, even crumpling up a banknote featuring their likenesses as you put it into a pocket or throwing one on the counter of a bar could be misconstrued as disrespecting the royal family. So, when handing over baht to pay for something in Thailand, make sure it’s pristine.
5. Cycling on a Sidewalk in the Netherlands – Cycling is a big deal in the Netherlands. The nonprofit organization Dutch Cycling Embassy claims that there are around  21,750 miles of dedicated cycle paths in the country, while an official report from the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis estimated there were 23.9 million bikes for a population of just 18 million. 

Cycling is a way of life, and the Dutch authorities have done much to encourage the population to ditch their cars for short journeys by installing dedicated cycle lanes, offering financial incentives for cyclists, and even designating fietsstraaten, “bicycle streets” where the car is the guest. 

• Forgetting to Flush in Singapore – Tourists heading to Singapore should be aware of its reputation as a heavily regulated country. Jaywalking is banned. You cannot eat or drink on public transportation. Repeat offenders face higher fines and corrective work orders to encourage them to alter their behavior. If you walk away without flushing, you are technically breaking the law. 

Did you know?

• Disney Cruise Line has confirmed it will not be returning to Australia and New Zealand after the 2026 season.
• Amsterdam lays out plan to limit river cruising to manage the influx of tourists. The city of Amsterdam aims to cap river cruise calls at 1,150 ships per year.
• Amsterdam is also cracking down on ocean cruises. The city will limit the number of ocean cruise ships allowed to dock to 100 per year. 
• River and ocean ships both use the Amsterdam city terminal.
• Amsterdam also wants to curb bachelor parties, convert hotels into residences and offices, and distribute tourism more evenly across the city.

Taking Photographs

Please know and heed the rules. There are eight places where it’s rude, or illegal to take photographs while traveling. Taking photos while traveling is an opportunity to create a lasting record of memorable experiences, sights, and activities.

To avoid disrespecting local etiquette or facing a fine from the authorities, you should know about these places where it is rude or illegal to take photos while traveling.

• There are a few important rules and regulations to follow when visiting the Taj Mahal. No drone photography anywhere on site. Do not take photos inside the Taj Mahal’s interior.
• Taking  pictures or videos of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is explicitly banned.
• Airport immigration and Security
• When traveling by plane you will often see signs at airports banning the use of cameras, phones or video equipment. The restrictions are in place to protect staff and help ensure passengers are safe and secure.
• Parts of Australia’s Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. The Anangu people are custodians of Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. To them, this famous sandstone monolith in the Australian Outback is a sacred site. Taking photographs is off-limits in certain places. Signage identify the culturally sensitive areas that should not be photographed.
• People in the United Arab Emirates – The law in the United Arab Emirates prohibits photography of people without their explicit consent. Taking unauthorized images of people even in public spaces, can land you with a fine of up to approximately $135,000, and potentially lead to jail time.
• Pedestrian Bridges on the Las Vegas Trip as the bright lights and classing colors of the stirp often have vacationers reaching for their cameras. Pedestrians should keep moving on the bridges.
• The Eiffel Tower at Night shines brightly. For the first five minutes of every hour after dusk, it sparkles too. There is a common misconception that it is illegal to snap a picture of the Eiffel Tower at night. Images for personal use is permissible.
• Certain Japanese Temples have individual temple policies. As a mark of respect to those who come for quiet contemplation and to enhance their spiritual well-being, the use of cameras and other recording devices is sometimes banned. Interiors, pathways, bridges and formal gardens also may be off-limits to photographers. 

Traveling in Comfort

When traveling by air, one of the most essential outfits is your airplane ensemble. You want to be comfortable, especially in cramped airplane seats. Be aware of temperature changes, air conditioning in terminals, and getting through airport security without incident.

Here are six items of clothing not to wear on an airplane. 

1. Nonstretch pants – Wearing tight, thick fabric with no give is a surefire way to make a cramped flight even more uncomfortable. Instead, opt for pants made of looser stretchier material such as cotton, polyester and nylon. Athleisure pants with elastic waists are a great option.
2. Open-Toed Shoes are not recommended. Sandals, fllp-flops, heels, or wedges are more likely to get stepped on, stub your toe, or have luggage rolled across your foot. You may want to choose a pair of closed-toed shoes, preferably slip-ons, for easy removal at security, if metal is on the shoes.
3. Sockless styles – Do not forget to wear socks in those closed-toed shoes. You want to make sure your feet, from your toes to your heels are covered. For long haul flights, you might be most comfortable in a pair of compression socks, which can prevent swelling and help stimulate proper circulation in the legs.
4.  Sleeveless Tops – If you choose to go sleeveless, you should always pack a warmer layer somewhere easily accessible because of air conditioning on the plane and in the airport.
5. Overalls and Rompers – Airport and airplane bathrooms aren’t the cleanest places, so the logistics of using the restroom in one of these outfits is much more complicated. The last thing you want is for part of your outfit to touch something dirty, especially if you didn’t bring a change of clothes in your carry-on. Instead, wear a casual dress or maxi skirt. 
6. Bulky Jewelry and Accessories – You are more likely to be flagged by security, and may set off the metal detectors. This does not mean you cannot accessorize while flying, of course. Just opt for lighter jewelry and understated accessories. 

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will ensure you stay comfortable for your flight without sacrificing style.

Beware of Pickpocketing and Theft Abroad

Before you go – Register for the U. S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (SMART). Please visit https://step.state.gov/step This is a free service. You will receive safety and security updates from the local embassy.

• Make multiple copies of key documents and keep paper copies with you. Give copies to family and friends. Save electronic copies in secure online location. 
• Visit travel.state.gov/destination ahead of time to learn of security concerns.

While you are there use a money belt of similar pouch to hold cash, tickets and IDs. If using a backpack, use a zipper lock and wear it backward.

• Leave valuates at home! If you insist, store them in a hotel safe or in your room, out of plain sight. Expensive luggage can attract the wrong eyes. 
• Secure your phone and camera. Use a strap to keep secured to your body.
• Stay alert and always maintain your guard.

What to watch for – Pickpockets, con artists, and theft rings are clever and will separate even the savviest travelers from their possessions.

• Tourist attractions, train stations and public transport, museums, street performances and ATMs are a few of their hangouts.
• Big cities are more prone to crime.
• Thieves often work in teams.
• Be mindful in crowded area as a seemingly innocent bump or elbow might be more than that.

If you have done everything right, the nearest U. S. embassy or consulate can help in replacing a lost or stolen passport. This is why it’s important to leave copies with family and friends. The embassy or consulate can also facilitate access to medical care, explain financial assistance options, and if needed, connect you with an English-speaking lawyer and more.

U. S. Airlines with the Best and Worst Cancellation Rates (Credit: Peter Bos, DailyPassport)

1 in 5 flights in the U. S. were delayed or cancelled according to the U. S. Bureau of Transportation. These airlines rank from worst to best.

9. Spirit Airlines canceled 2.40% of its flights and 3,665 being the number.

8. Allegiant Air’s percentage of cancelled flights total 2/3%. Its cancelled flights total 1664

7. JetBlue Airways operates its largest hubs in the Northeast. The percentage of cancelled flights is 1.76% while cancelled flights totaled 2433

6. The big three ‘legacy’ airlines (United, American and Delta) in the U. S. cancellation rates are similar in 2024. United’s was the worst of the three with more than 11,000 flights cancelled.

5. American Airlines had the highest overall number of cancelled flights.

4. Delta Airlines fared better than most airlines for cancellations, even more impressive is the fact that the Atlanta-based airline had the second best-on- time performance among the top 10 U. S. airlines in 2024.

3. Hawaiian Airlines’ travelers did not have much to worry about on their journeys.

2. Alaska Airlines  recently acquired Hawaiian Airlines had the second-lowest cancellation rate among U.S. airlines in 2024.

1. Southwest Airlines has made headlines a lot lately. It has plans to charge for checked bags for the first time. The open seating policy in favor of assigned seating is a thing of the past also. This airline is more impressive as Southwest operated over 830,000 flights during the year.

Future trips

• South Pacific Splendor Cruise on Oceania’s Riviera, (October 2026) with ports: Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Raiatea, French Polynesia; Suva, Fiji; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Lautoka, Fiji and Alofi, Niue (October 2026)
• Ladies Getaway – Turks & Caicos (May 2027)
• Greece (May 2027)
• Egypt (November 5-18, 2027)
• Paris (June 2027)
• Ghana (2028) … more information forthcoming

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibits (MICE): 

If you have an interest in hosting your Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) onboard your favorite cruise line, contact Nomadic Star Travel, LLC . We will handle the logistics. You can host your MICE during the day, and spend your evenings with family, friends and colleagues. Contact us as www.nomadicstartravel.com  

Mailing List

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                                                        Let’s travel!

                                                         Dr. Brenda J. Fairfax, Owner