Adventure Smarter Blog
Travel Smarter, Explore Deeper
Welcome to the Adventure Smarter blog—your go-to resource for curated travel insights across Europe and beyond. We share firsthand experiences, practical tips, and honest reviews to help you plan journeys that resonate with your travel style.
Search for something specific:
All the Things
Find every resource, guide, and must-know in one convenient place.
Amsterdam in 24 Hours: How I Turned a Stopover Into a Mini Trip
Instead of powering through back-to-back long-haul flights to Africa, I added a 24-hour stopover in Amsterdam. Here’s why turning a layover into a mini trip made the journey more comfortable — and smarter.
River Cruises: When They’re Worth It (And When They’re Not)
River cruises can be an incredible way to travel — but they aren’t right for everyone. This post breaks down when a river cruise is truly worth it, when it’s not, and how to know if this style of travel fits your season of life before you book.
Why I Don’t Book the Cheapest Option — Even When I Could
The cheapest option isn’t always the best one — especially when it comes to travel. In this post, I explain why I don’t prioritize booking the lowest price, where “cheap” often backfires, and how I help clients spend intentionally so their trips feel worth it.
Why Planning a Trip Feels Harder Than It Used To (And What Actually Helps)
Planning a trip used to feel exciting. Now it often feels overwhelming. Between endless options, conflicting advice, and full lives, travel planning has become heavier than it used to be. This post explains why that shift happened — and what actually helps bring clarity, confidence, and calm back into the process.
Why I Chose Print in the Age of AI
In the age of AI and automation, my business is built on something different.
Relationships. Trust. And thoughtful planning.
Wanderlist is not an advertisement. It is a reflection of how I work and who I choose to work with.
How I Plan Travel by Season of Life (Not a Bucket List)
Not all trips belong in the same season of life. In this post, I share how I plan travel as a timeline instead of a bucket list — balancing partner trips, family trips, and intentional “me trips” so travel fits real life, not the other way around. If travel planning feels overwhelming, this framework will change how you think about it.
The Myth of the “Perfect Romantic Trip”
Planning a romantic trip sounds simple, but it often comes with pressure. This post breaks down how to design a getaway that balances rest, adventure, and connection so both partners actually enjoy the experience.
10-Hour Road Trip with a Baby: What We Learned & What Actually Helped
Lessons from a first-time long-haul road trip with our baby. Thinking about taking your little one on a long car ride? When our daughter was 10 months old, we tackled a 10-hour road trip—and came out the other side with a trunk full of lessons. From early departures to on-the-go baby meals, here’s what actually worked (and what we’d skip next time) so you can road trip smarter with your baby in tow.
Traveling with a 3-Month-Old: What to Pack & What to Expect
Traveling with a newborn doesn’t have to feel impossible. After our first trip with our 3-month-old, here’s what we actually used, what we wish we’d packed, and how to make family travel smoother from the start.
The Golden Rule of Multi-Hotel Trips: Always Upgrade Forward
There’s a golden rule in travel that can make or break your trip: never downgrade hotels. From the psychology behind “hotel hopping regret” to smart ways to plan your itinerary, here’s how to make every stop feel better than the last.
If You Love This U.S. Destination, You’ll Love This European One
Love Napa, Nashville, or New York? There’s a European twin waiting for you. From Tuscany for wine lovers to Iceland for adventure seekers, this “city-swap” guide matches your favorite U.S. destinations with their perfect European counterparts—so you can start exploring what’s next across the pond.
Thinking About Becoming a Travel Advisor? Read This First.
Thinking about becoming a travel advisor but not sure where to start? This honest guide breaks down the real differences between joining a team or working under a host agency, what commission structures look like, how long it actually takes to get paid, and what you should consider before becoming a travel agent.
Best Trips to Take with Kids by Age: From Babies to Teens
Family travel gets a whole lot easier when you match the destination to your kids’ ages. From toddler-friendly beach houses to teen-approved international adventures, here’s how to plan trips that actually fit your family’s current season of life—and make memories everyone will love.
How to Use Your Travel Points Wisely: Flights, Hotels & When to Splurge
You’ve earned your miles—now it’s time to make them work for you. From when to use points on flights versus hotels to how to mix and match for maximum value, here’s how to stretch your rewards (and your PTO) to turn “someday” into “we leave Thursday.”
How to Choose the Right Travel Advisor: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
Anyone can Google “good travel agent,” but finding the right travel advisor takes a little more finesse. From checking their website and credentials to reading what clients actually say, here’s how to choose a travel pro who fits your style, your trip, and your sanity. Because this isn’t just another purchase—it’s your vacation.
How to Choose Your Next Vacation: A Simple Guide for Real Life✈️
Your travel bucket list isn’t getting any shorter—and “someday” isn’t a real date. Whether you’re planning a milestone celebration, craving a far-flung adventure, or just ready to stop waiting for the perfect time, this guide will help you choose your next destination with confidence (and maybe a little nudge to actually book it).
Costa Rica Packing List: What You’ll Actually Use (and What You Won’t)
Packing for Costa Rica isn’t your average “beach vacation” situation. Between rainforest hikes, waterfall swims, and surprise rainstorms, I learned quickly what actually earned space in my suitcase—and what I could’ve totally left behind. From the gear that saved the day (hello, dry bag!) to the “cute but useless” outfits, here’s what I really used in Costa Rica—and what I’ll skip next time.
10 Common London Travel Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)
Avoid these slip-ups to make your trip smoother, smarter, and way more fun. London is one of the most exciting, historic, and diverse cities in the world—but it’s also huge, busy, and full of small details that can trip up first-time (and even second-time) visitors. This guide covers 10 common mistakes travelers make—and what to do instead—so your London adventure feels less stressful and a whole lot more spectacular.
🐘 Things That Surprised Me on Safari
Even as a travel advisor, my first safari surprised me in more ways than I expected. From early wake-ups to off-road adventures and the reality of “middle seat views,” here’s what really stood out—and what you’ll want to know before planning your own safari adventure.
🦁 What I’ll Be Advising My Safari Clients
After my first safari, I realized it’s not just about seeing animals—it’s about understanding the rhythm of safari life. From timing and rest to what to pack (yes, neutrals really do matter), here’s what I’ll be sharing with future clients to help them plan smarter, smoother, and more magical safaris.