The best time to travel isn’t just about weather — it’s about how you want to travel.
From whale season in Hawaii to wine harvest in South Africa, here’s when I’d personally go (and why it might not be the same answer Google gives you).

Skip the mall this year. These unique holiday gift ideas—from experience gifts to travel packages—are thoughtful, fun, and perfect for the person who already has everything.

“Last-minute deals” sound exciting—but the truth is, the best trips are booked well in advance. From Europe vacations to bucket-list safaris to holiday getaways, here’s why planning early is the real key to securing the flights, hotels, and experiences you want.

Rome is magical, chaotic, and… easy to get wrong. From tipping too much to hunting for Alfredo, I’ve made (and seen) plenty of rookie mistakes in the Eternal City. After studying abroad here and returning more than a dozen times, I’ve rounded up the 10 most common Rome travel mistakes—and how to avoid them so your trip is smooth, delicious, and unforgettable.

Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. travelers (yes, even babies!) will need a UK ETA—Electronic Travel Authorisation—to visit or transit through England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Here’s what it is, who needs one, how much it costs, and how to apply so your trip isn’t delayed.

River cruises aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some include wine and excursions, others charge for every little thing. Some feel like boutique hotels, others like sleek floating resorts. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right river cruise line for you, this guide breaks down what really matters—like inclusions, cabins, excursions, and onboard style. And if you’re ready to see it all side by side? Don’t miss the free River Cruise Cheat Sheet I created—it compares 10 top lines in one glance

As a travel advisor, I always thought I understood river cruising. But then I actually walked the ship, peeked inside the suites, chatted with the crew, and watched the river roll by in real time—and wow, it changed everything.

Avalon nails it with “Spacious. Choice. Views.” But if I were in charge of their tagline?
✨ Serene. Water Views. Introvert-Friendly.

This is not your average cruise. It’s the kind of trip where you can read by a panoramic window all afternoon and still feel like you’ve experienced Europe. It’s calm. It’s flexible. And it’s surprisingly perfect for folks who want structure without being stuck.

👀 Inside the post, I’m breaking down:

• Who Avalon is great for (hi, first-time cruisers and book-loving introverts)

• Who might want to skip it (if you’re chasing tiny boutique vibes or big foodie moments)

• What made me go, “Ohhh... now I get it.”

✨ Curious if river cruising fits your style—or if Avalon’s your match? Come take a peek. My honest review (from someone who’s actually been there) is live for subscribers now.

I recently stepped onboard an AmaWaterways ship and—no exaggeration—it felt like being wrapped in a warm, personalized welcome. Then I got to hear Kristin Karst (yes, the co-founder!) speak about the story behind their summer menus and why apricots show up during Danube sailings in July. Suddenly I was like: okay, who’s free to river cruise with me next month?

Their three brand words? Family. Love. Passion.
Mine? Partnerships. Surprises. Welcoming.

💛 Inside this post, I’m breaking down:

• What AmaWaterways feels like vs. what you’ll read on a spec sheet

• Who it’s best for (first-timers, couples, collab lovers, and foodies—looking at you)

• One small thing that might be a hang-up (a few coach transfers here and there)

This brand shines when it comes to thoughtful details and genuine care. It’s elegant but never cold, polished but never pretentious. Basically, if you want to feel seen, supported, and delighted throughout your trip—Ama’s got you.

You can read brochures all day—but there’s nothing like stepping onboard a ship and getting hit with crystal chandeliers, gold trim, and velvet everything. I recently toured a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise ship, and y’all… this brand is extra in the best way.

Their team calls it: Elegant. Immersive. Spectacular.
I’d call it: Fancy. Glamour. Extra.
(Seriously—I felt like Belle in Beast’s Castle, but with better lighting.)

🎀 Inside this post:

• What it really feels like onboard (hint: jaw-dropping)

• Who Uniworld is perfect for (luxury lovers, honeymooners, milestone celebrators)

• Who might prefer something more relaxed (no shame in loving a cozy cottage vibe)

I even got to hear from Uniworld exec Michelle Palma herself—and you can tell this brand is intentional about every detail. It’s not just travel—it’s theater.

✨ My honest take? It’s not “home” for me—but for the right traveler? This is pure river cruise royalty.

When you think of river cruising, Viking is probably the first name that pops into your head—and for good reason. Those scenic commercials? The red-and-white ships? The “this is not your average cruise” vibe? It all leaves an impression.

So I hopped on board one to see what it’s actually like in real life. And here’s the scoop: Viking knows exactly who they are and who they’re for—and they deliver on that promise, almost to a tee.

If you’re someone who loves predictable comfort, American-style service, and the ease of knowing everything’s taken care of from day one? You’ll be right at home. Viking is consistent across the board, with a touch of quiet luxury that appeals especially to seasoned travelers and those celebrating something special.

But if you're hoping for bold local flavors, ultra-personalized experiences, or a cozier, boutique feel… you might want to look elsewhere. Viking plays it safe—and for a lot of folks, that’s exactly what makes it appealing.

As a travel advisor, my job is to match you with the cruise that feels like you. Sometimes that’s Viking. Sometimes it’s one of those smaller, off-the-radar lines that do things a little differently.

👉 Curious what kind of cruise would fit you best? Let’s figure it out together.

How to Stretch Your Airfare Budget—Without Sacrificing Sanity (or Sleep)

Let’s be honest—finding affordable flights to Europe can feel like playing whack-a-mole with your budget. One minute it’s $700, the next it’s $1,800 and climbing. But before you panic-book the first thing you see, let me show you a smarter way to search.

This post breaks down the exact steps I use (and teach my clients) to sniff out better airfare, even during peak travel months. You don’t need fancy apps or elite travel hacker status—just a browser, a bit of date flexibility, and this guide.

👉 If you’ve ever felt personally victimized by flight prices to Europe, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely in the right place.

Let’s get your airfare working for you, not against you.

Ever wonder what systems actually keep a travel business running smoothly? From CRM to OneNote, I’m sharing the real tools I use every day as a former project manager turned full-time travel entrepreneur—and which ones were totally worth the investment.

Thinking about taking a trip without your kids? Cue the emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re daydreaming about quiet dinners and uninterrupted sleep… the next, you’re spiraling about who’s packing lunch on library day.

Here’s the truth: you can have an incredible, soul-filling getaway and feel totally at ease leaving your family behind—if you prep the right way. I’ve done it, I help clients do it all the time, and this post is packed with the exact tools I use to keep things calm, clear, and chaos-free while I’m away.

Start here to get my free “While We’re Away” template and learn how to leave home without leaving behind your peace of mind.

No matter where you go, some travel questions follow you everywhere—from “Where are you from?” to “Still or sparkling?” I started keeping track, and yep… the hits just keep coming. Here’s how I answer them (and how you might want to, too).

Dreaming of “off the beaten path” but still want a hot shower and a killer cappuccino? Same. Let’s ditch the buzzwords and talk real-deal authenticity—small-town limoncello, family-run vineyards, and cozy beds included. Adventure doesn’t have to equal roughing it.

Hotel or apartment? It’s one of the most common questions I get—and the answer really depends on how you travel.

If you’re arriving early after a red-eye, traveling with kids, or hoping for daily housekeeping, a hotel might be your best friend. But if you want more space, a kitchen, and that “live like a local” feel… apartments shine.

In this post, I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of each—plus sharing how I book vetted rentals (no shady listings here) and when I recommend one over the other for my own trips.

Because where you stay? It can shape the entire vibe of your adventure.

Thinking about seeing Europe by cruise ship? You're not alone—and honestly, you might be onto something. For many travelers (especially families or first-timers), a Mediterranean cruise offers the best of both worlds: multiple destinations, one unpack. But is it right for you?

As someone who’s sailed everything from luxury lines to family-friendly ships, I break down what to expect—who cruising works best for, where it might fall short, and what no one tells you about port days.

Before you book that “easy” trip across Europe, read this first. Because the right cruise? Game changer. The wrong one? Well… let’s just say you’ll be Googling train schedules by day three.

Planning a family trip to Europe? Before you hit “book” on that dreamy hotel, here’s what most people don’t realize: in Europe, the room size (and guest count rules!) aren’t quite like the U.S.—and trust me, it matters a lot when you’re jet-lagged with toddlers. As a mom of two, I’ve learned what to look for (and what to avoid). From capacity limits and neighborhood vibes to whether there’s actually air conditioning… this is the real talk guide to finding the right stay for your family—without the travel meltdowns.

Planning a big trip and wondering if I’m the right person to help? Here’s what I bring to the table—from custom food maps and curated pre-trip recs to in-destination support and post-travel follow-up. If you want a trip that feels like you (without doing it all yourself), this one’s for you.

Overwhelmed by Google tabs and travel recs from your neighbor’s cousin’s friend? I’ve got you. This guide is a one-stop shop for my go-to travel tools, packing gear, and preferred partners—aka the brands I actually use (and trust) to make trip planning smoother, smarter, and more fun.

From cruise lines and travel insurance to excursions, luggage storage, and that one adapter I never leave home without—it’s all here, with links that help me help you.

Let’s skip the guesswork and make your next trip easier from the start.