I recently stepped aboard Avalon Waterways to experience their river cruises firsthand. With spacious rooms, stunning water views, and a mix of active and traditional excursions, Avalon offers a versatile river cruise experience. It’s perfect for first-time river cruisers looking for variety but may not be the best fit if you prefer a boutique-style cruise. Is Avalon right for you? Let’s dive in!

"Stepping aboard a Viking River Cruise, I instantly felt the brand come to life—consistent, global, and unmistakably tailored for its audience. From hearing Torstein Hagen share Viking’s vision to experiencing the ship’s atmosphere firsthand, I saw exactly who this cruise is designed for. Viking proudly calls itself ‘the cruise for grown-ups and their parents,’ and that philosophy is evident in every detail. But is it the right fit for you? In this post, I break down what to expect, who will love it, and who might prefer a different experience

Traveling often means crossing paths with people who are genuinely curious about you and your journey. From what kind of water you prefer to your thoughts on politics, there are a few questions that seem to pop up on every trip. In this post, I’m sharing the questions I get asked most often while traveling, and how I navigate those conversations—because sometimes, it’s not just about the destination, but the people you meet along the way!

When you book your trip with me, you get a custom travel app. It’s designed to keep everything organized and accessible right on your phone.

What’s Inside?

• Travel FAQ: Words to know in the local language, dining habits, tipping customs, and packing lists.

• City Guide: My custom Google Food Map with my favorite spots, food recommendations, and local souvenirs.

• Day-by-Day Itinerary: Detailed activity blocks with meeting times, contacts, gratuity suggestions, and notes.

• What to Do When: Insurance info, emergency contacts in your time zone, and tips for handling any travel hiccups.

It’s like having a personal concierge in your pocket, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable trip every time. 🌍✈️

Stop Overthinking & Start Traveling: How to Choose Your Next Destination

The world is huge, and if you're like me, the urge to see everything can keep you up at night. So how do you decide where to go now versus later? Here’s my best advice:

More Time? Go Further.

If you're in your pre-kid phase, this is your moment to explore far-flung destinations—Thailand, Japan, the Greek Islands. Use that honeymoon or anniversary as an excuse to splurge!

Got a rare 3+ week window? Take full advantage. Rent a home, settle in, and immerse yourself in a new culture instead of just skimming the surface.

Prioritize What Matters.

Big birthdays, milestone anniversaries—these are the perfect excuses for dream trips. Always wanted to see Italy? Make it your next big birthday celebration. And about a year before? Let’s start planning.

Chase Unique Experiences.

Some experiences won’t wait. With changing weather patterns and growing tourism, things like seeing Antarctica or tracking wildlife in the wild are worth prioritizing now.

Plus, when destinations go viral, they get busier and more expensive. If something catches your eye, go before everyone else does.

Stop Waiting.

Don’t wait until retirement to take the trips you’ve always dreamed of. Life will always be busy. Money will always be spent.

Instead, set a little aside each month, and let’s get your next adventure on the books. Because the only trip you’ll regret is the one you didn’t take. ✈️ 🌍

Maximizing Your Travel Points: Where to Save & Where to Splurge

Many of my clients come to me with travel points they’ve earned from work trips or credit cards, ready to cash in for a well-deserved vacation. If that’s you, here’s how to use them wisely!

Flights: Use Points Here First

No one loves paying for flights—it’s not the fun part of travel, just the necessary part. That’s why flights should be the first place you use points.

Have the option to upgrade? Go for it—especially on a red-eye or long-haul flight. Extra legroom or (if you’re splurging) a lie-flat seat makes all the difference.

Hotels: Where to Use Points & Where to Pay

Most hotel points are tied to big brands like Marriott or Hilton, which is great—if you’re staying in major cities or traveling in the U.S.

So, my advice?
✔️ Use points in places with plenty of chain hotels—NYC, London, or Berlin.
✔️ Save cash for boutique stays in smaller towns, where family-run inns create a more intimate experience.

This is where I help clients find the right balance—maybe you use Marriott points in London before heading to a charming countryside inn in Oxford.

Bottom Line: Use the Points & Take the PTO

If you can book your whole trip on points? Do it. A nearly free vacation? Yes, please. And if you’re mixing and matching, I can help you make the most of what you have.

Most importantly—use every single PTO day this year. You earned it. Make it count. ✈️ 🌍

Planning your next trip? Here are my top travel tips: allow enough layover time, avoid basic economy, choose direct flights, and skip busy airports when possible. Happy travels!

UK ETA

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