The Honest Travel Advice Blog
Real trips, honest takes, and what I wish someone had told me before I booked. Italy, Greece, river cruises, safaris, grad trips, and the rest of Europe, from a travel advisor who’s actually been there.
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New here? These are the questions I ask every client, whether you’re dreaming about Italy, a safari, or a river cruise.
Can You River Cruise in Italy? (And Why That's Probably Not the Right Question)
I get this question more than you'd expect. Someone's been dreaming about Italy, they've heard river cruising is a great way to see Europe, and they want to know if they can do both at once. Here's the honest answer — and why it might not be the right question anyway.
You don't need a travel advisor to book your river cruise.
Honest answer: you don't need me. But here's what changes when you have someone in your corner.
Cruising Through Europe: Different Routes, Different Vibes, Different Reasons
Cruising through Europe isn’t one experience — it’s many. From Mediterranean sailings and Adriatic routes to river cruises and Northern Europe itineraries, here’s how different European cruises compare and how to choose the style that fits how you want to travel.
Are You Too Young for a River Cruise?
River cruising has a reputation for skewing older. But age was never really the point — stage of life was. And that stage is showing up a lot earlier than it used to.
African Bush Planes: What They Are, Why Weight Limits Matter, and What to Expect
African bush planes can sound intimidating — small aircraft, strict weight limits, and no flight numbers to track. As I prepare to take one myself, here’s what bush planes actually are, why the rules exist, how strict they really are, and what to expect before you fly.
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 aren't right for everyone. Here's an honest look at when they're absolutely worth it — and when you should book something else entirely.
Why I Don't Always Book the Cheapest Option — Even When I Could
Cheap and value are not the same thing. In travel, the gap between them shows up in ways that aren't obvious when you're clicking through options online.
Why Planning a Trip Feels Harder Than It Used To
Trip planning didn't get harder because you lost your sense of adventure. It got harder because the noise got louder — and your life got fuller. Here's what's actually going on.
Why I Created a Printed Travel Newspaper in the Age of AI
This was one hundred percent my husband's idea. He said I needed something physical. Something people could hold. He was right.
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
The couples trips that go sideways aren't usually about a bad destination. They're about one person carrying all the logistics while trying to also appear relaxed. Here's what actually works.
10-Hour Road Trip with a Baby: What Actually Works (From Someone Who's Done It)
A 10-hour road trip with a baby sounds like a lot. It is a lot. But with a little extra planning, it's absolutely doable — here's what actually worked for us.
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.
The Best Family Trips to Take by Age (And Why the Timing Matters More Than You Think)
This October we took our 5- and 7-year-old to London and Paris, and it was the right trip at exactly the right time. Every big family trip has a window. Here’s how to tell when yours is open, from toddlers to teens, plus where safari and river cruises actually fit.
How to Use Your Travel Points Wisely: Flights, Hotels, and When to Just Pay
You've got points sitting there and a trip you keep putting off. Here's how to actually make them work together — including the hybrid strategy most people miss.
How to Choose the Right Travel Advisor (And What to Watch Out For)
You asked for recommendations and now you have forty names and zero clarity. Here's how to actually filter that list down to someone worth trusting with your vacation.
