Planning travel for a wedding, corporate event, or group getaway can be exciting, but also stressful. One of the smartest ways to simplify the process and save money is by booking a hotel or cruise block . What Is a Hotel Block? A hotel block is a reserved set of rooms at a specific property for your group. Hotels usually require a minimum of 10 rooms to create a block. The big advantage? Everyone in your group gets the same rate and it assures your entire group stays at th

With everything happening in the world right now — civil unrest in parts of Mexico, tensions in the Middle East, unpredictable weather, and even airlines overbooking flights — it’s more important than ever to protect your travel investment. One option many travelers are considering is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance . This coverage gives you the flexibility to cancel a trip for reasons that aren’t typically covered by standard travel insurance, providing extra p

Venice is one of the world’s most magical destinations, with its canals, piazzas, and historic charm. But if you’re planning a trip, you may have heard about timed entry and a new Access Fee for day visitors for the historic center of Venice (centro storico). How does this affect your travel plans, and who really needs to pay? Let’s break it down. Why Venice Introduced a Day-Visitor Fee Venice welcomes millions of visitors each year , and its narrow streets, bridges, and can

Planning a trip with a group of friends or family can be exciting—but it can also feel like herding cats. Trying to figure out who’s available when , where everyone wants to go , and even who’s bringing what can get messy fast. Luckily, there are free online tools designed to make group coordination simple and stress-free. Why Polling Your Group Matters Before you book flights or reserve accommodations, it’s crucial to know: Which dates work for everyone Preferred destinati

There’s something incredibly special about friendships that last decades. My closest group of girlfriends have been together for over three decades , and I truly cannot imagine life without them. My Girls! Life has taken us in so many different directions. Some of us still live close by, while others have moved to different cities and one thing we’ve always made a priority is staying connected. When we lived closer and life was a little simpler, we could see each other all th

Horse hugs: instant soul therapy! Being on a horse is majestic! Feeling the thrill of moving in rhythm with such a powerful and graceful animal is an experience like no other. If horseback riding is calling you, a dude ranch may be a wonderful way to experience a real Western adventure, whether it’s through guided rides, hands-on horsemanship, or simply immersing yourself in the outdoors. From scenic trail rides and engaging activities to cozy cabins and delicious meals, dude

I am always out to find a local dog or cat on vacation. If you travel with me, you will 100% hear me say, “I haven’t met a Japanese cat yet,” or “I haven’t met a Denver dog yet,” if I haven't as I’m exploring. I truly haven’t met an animal I didn’t want to say hello to and that love for animals has shaped some of the most unforgettable travel experiences. Random Street Cat- I never miss an opportunity to meet them! I’m also completely obsessed with my three cats at home, s

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling the crunch of rising healthcare costs. This year, I switched from a PPO to a high-deductible plan to get some relief. Like many, I’ve been hearing more about traveling for medical care and wellness — not just to save money, but also to combine treatment with rest, recovery, and even vacation. Health care travel is no longer niche. From dental vacations in Mexico to executive wellness retreats in Singapore , people are discovering that

One of the most exciting parts of being a travel advisor is helping clients book unforgettable experiences beyond just flights and hotels. One of my favorite things to do is suggest activities and excursions that bring a destination to life—and yes, you can book these even if you haven’t booked other travel arrangements with me . Here’s a glimpse into some of the amazing adventures I’ve recently helped clients book: Naples Underground Tour, Italy Naples Underground Tour Booke

Travel is an investment — flights, hotels, excursions, tours, and more. Travel insurance protects that investment from the unexpected and gives you peace of mind, no matter where your travels take you. Even if you didn’t book your trip with me, I can provide a personalized travel insurance quote and help you choose the coverage that fits your needs. What Travel Insurance Can Cover ✈ Trip Cancellation & Interruption Trip Cancellation reimburses non-refundable trip expenses

Marriott Cancun, All-Inclusive Marriott Bonvoy offers 30+ hotel brands for every kind of traveler—iconic city hotels, airport and business stays, extended-stay suites, and even vacation homes. You'll find everything from high-end luxury like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and JW Marriott to trusted mid-range options like Marriott, Sheraton, and Courtyard, plus apartment-style Residence Inn and cabin-like vacation rentals through Homes & Villas by Marriott. But did you know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11, 2026 through July 19, 2026 , bringing the world together across three countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada . For the first time ever, 48 teams will compete in 104 matches across 16 host cities , making this the largest tournament in FIFA history. But this isn’t just about soccer. This is your opportunity to turn the world’s biggest international soccer event into a multi-city, multi-country travel experience. 📅 K

No one books a vacation expecting breaking news alerts instead of sunsets . But recent devastating events in Puerto Vallarta — where cartel-related violence led to roadblocks, vehicle fires, and shelter-in-place warnings — are a powerful reminder that situations can change quickly, even in popular tourist destinations. While most vacations go smoothly, it’s critical to know exactly what to do if your destination suddenly becomes unsafe . 🚨 1. Shelter in Place Immediately If

I’ll be honest. I’m an over-packer. Sidenote: A little shoutout to the man who always gives me half of his suitcase ( my husband) when I ALWAYS overpack mine. I always think I can make it work. I’ve flown with the same carry-on for years. I’ve expanded the zipper to it's limits. I’ve stuffed my personal item halfway under the seat and rested my feet on it like it was an ottoman. For a long time… that worked. Not anymore. In 2026, airlines haven’t dramatically changed their lu

Apple Wallet isn’t just for boarding passes and credit cards anymore. With Digital ID , you can securely store identity credentials on your iPhone — and even present them at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. If you live in Indiana, here’s the important update: Indiana does NOT currently support adding an Indiana driver’s license to Apple Wallet. However, Indiana residents can create a Digital ID using an unexpired U.S. passport and use it at select TSA checkpoints,

Since 2010, I have worked with the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads , a federally funded initiative dedicated to educating individuals about assistive technology and ensuring people can access the tools that enhance independence and quality of life. For more than a decade, my work has centered around helping people of all abilities explore solutions that support mobility, communication, sensory access, and daily living. That experience has provided a deep understandin

The Road to Hana isn’t just a scenic drive — it’s a full-day adventure through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and Hawaiian culture. Here’s your complete guide to the best hikes, where to eat, and what needs reservations , now with clickable links for easy navigation. Pro Tip: Start early, drive to the furthest point first , and then stop at shorter trails and food spots on your way back. Always pull over safely to let locals pass. 🌿 1. Pipiwai Trail → Waimoku Falls (Best H

May 22–25, 2026 | Gagliano del Capo, Apulia, Italy If you’ve been craving an Italian escape that feels deeply personal, creatively inspiring and deliciously immersive, this is it. From May 22–25, 2026, Palazzo Daniele—one of Puglia’s most striking design-forward boutique hotels—hosts an exclusive culinary retreat in collaboration with Casa Lawa founder Lukas Lewandowski. This is not a traditional hotel stay. It’s a three-night immersion into the flavors, traditions and rhythm

Some places change the way you travel forever. These are the hotels you plan a trip around. The stays that become stories, benchmarks, and lifelong memories. From remote wilderness camps to iconic island resorts and design-forward sanctuaries, these once-in-a-lifetime stays represent the very best of luxury travel. Many of them are also recognized by the MICHELIN Key rating , the hotel world’s highest honor for exceptional hotels. What Are MICHELIN Keys? MICHELIN Keys are awa

As we’re all getting ready for the Super Bowl tonight, it’s the perfect time to talk about traveling to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — the host venue for Super Bowl LX in 2026 and why sporting events are one of my favorite reasons to travel. Sporting events aren’t just about the game. They’re the perfect excuse to turn a long weekend into a thoughtfully planned destination vacation , where the event is just one part of the experience and the city itself become