Journal

St. Lucia is one of my favorite islands to send people to, and the one I talk people out of most often. Here's who it suits, who should pick Turks and Caicos, and what to know about the transfer and the open-wall rooms.

The first call came on March 3rd this year. A client in New York wanted Christmas week somewhere warm, oceanfront, with two bedrooms. Then she asked the question I'll hear a few dozen more times before Halloween. Is it too late?

Nine people, eleven nights, and two quotes $150 apart. How I decide between a villa and rooms at a resort when a family travels Italy together.

A resort has a front desk. A villa has a WhatsApp thread with a property manager who may or may not pick up on a Saturday. Where an advisor earns their keep on a Caribbean villa, where they don't on an all-inclusive, and what changes during hurricane season.

Twelve to fourteen months for summer, nine to twelve for spring and fall. But a two-week Italy trip gets booked in pieces, and the pieces open at wildly different times. What to lock first, what you cannot book early, and the three deadlines people miss.

They solve the same problem — no driving, no hotel research, no logistics. Underneath that, they produce two very different trips. Here's how I sort out which format fits.

Two travelers can pay the same suite premium on two different river cruises and get very different things for it. Here's what the upgrade actually buys, and when I tell clients to skip it.

A story out of Costa Rica this week is a sharp reminder of something I talk about with my clients all the time: who you book with matters. In early April, Costa Rican authorities detained 30 people at Volcán Poás National Park after they were caught entering strictly prohibited volcanic zones — areas closed to the public because of toxic gas emissions and eruption risk. The tourists weren't thrill-seekers intentionally breaking rules. Many of them were Americans who had simpl

When many people think of the Caribbean, they think of great resorts, Jamaica, and Cuba. But what they don't realize is that the most popular destination in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is on an island that is shared with Hispaniola and Haiti, and it sees over 6 million visitors a year. This results in 2 million more than Cuba. This Caribbean destination has a lot more to offer visitors than your run-of-the-mill resort. The Dominican Republ

Spanish food is known for being straightforward, comforting but most importantly, fresh. The ingredients are always of premium quality, and each dish is made with love, passion, and cultural pride. Spain’s cuisine reflects a country that was both conquered and has a long history of colonization. When North African Moors arrived in Spain in 711 CE, they shook things up on the culinary scene. Alcohol was banned for well over 345 years, meaning wine production halted.However,

Antigua is situated in the Caribbean east, southeast of St. Kitts and north of Guadeloupe and Dominica. It is a picturesque island that people dream of visiting when they fantasize about a Caribbean getaway. Antigua is categorized by its beautiful ocean views and turquoise blue waters. What most people don't realize is that there is a lot more to this island than just the beaches. There are beautiful beaches like Half Moon Bay, Dickenson Bay, Galley Bay, and Valley Church.

You can expect fresh ingredients and loads of flavors whenever you indulge in some of the Greek foods found throughout the country. Their healthy traditional recipes will leave you wanting more, and fortunately, there are a ton of excellent restaurants, eateries, and cafes all over the city. To help you figure out what Greek dish you're going to order next, here are 12 of the best Greek foods to experience in your lifetime. Greek Meze Greek meze is a blend of bite-sized foods

Thanks to a 2014 New York Times article declaring Naxos, Greece not to be missed, travel heavyweights have been including it year after year on their roundups of must-see destinations within the Cyclades. Unlike its neighbors Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos remains relatively unfazed by the North American hype – despite the fact that the picturesque island continues to surface on Greek island round-ups. Its low-key ambiance and quiet pace provide visitors with an authentic Greek

Northern Italy From the winding canals of Venice to the Dolomites' white-domed peaks, Northern Italy is a magnet for lovers of nature, art, and literature. The city of Verona is even the alleged backdrop for Romeo and Juliet's tragic love story. Besides museums and history galore in the renaissance capital of Florence, northern Italy offers a range of romantic day trips for couples, ranging from vintage car rentals to vineyard tours and cooking courses. For those seeking a lu

There are many reasons why someone would want to visit a spa. Especially while traveling. We're living in a face-paced society, and, over time, keeping up with everything takes its toll. We are all looking for an escape. Many people travel to escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life. You can enhance those vacations by visiting a spa resort. Let's look at how! Reduction of Stress Levels After enjoying scenic views or a stunning sunset, you can cap off the day by rec

Canada’s Rocky Mountains are magnificent, imposing, and the turquoise waters and towering peaks are often thought of when considering a trip to Canada. From horseback riding in Jasper to paddling the still waters of Banff’s Moraine Lake, let’s dive into some of the best things to see and do in Canada’s Rockies! Banff National Park Gracing countless postcards for the Rockies is the crystal clear, aquamarine Moraine Lake, bordered by the Ten Peaks mountain range. An alpine lake

Food is one of the best ways to learn about a different culture, and in France, this couldn’t be more true. After all, cuisine, menu, and dessert are all French words! Try eating like a local for every meal to get a true taste (pun intended) of the French lifestyle. Breakfast / Le Petit-déjeuner While the traditions and customs vary somewhat in different regions of France, it's safe to say that breakfast will be the same wherever you go. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea,

With the magnificent climate and stunning scenery, it is easy to see why Greece is a top global destination, but the Greek cuisine raises a visitor’s experience to the next level. This delectable cuisine is influenced by Eastern and Western cultures with the 3 key ingredients are olive oil, wine, and wheat, often combined with fish, meat, yogurt, and vegetables to create a mouth-watering meal. Many herbs and spices are blended into Greek recipes, mostly including basil, thyme

For some of us, the last two years have greatly impacted how we live, work, and travel. With restrictions around the globe easing, and travel making a BIG comeback, let’s take a look at a few major trends we are seeing in 2022 and beyond! Epic Trips Revenge travel has never been hotter, and big, bucket-list trips are taking travelers (and travel advisors) by storm. With all of the time spent at home, in lockdown, teaching your kids through remote schooling, or simply saving m

From foot-kicking neighbors to an overly-talkative seatmate, it’s always a gamble when you step aboard an aircraft. Flying can be exhilarating, stressful, boring, and downright scary at times. I’m here to give you a few simple tips to ease the burden when you take to the skies and possibly even make your travels downright enjoyable! Prioritize Comfort Sure, you may want to step off the plane in New York looking fabulous in your jeans or new dress – but you don’t want to sit