Journal

I know one of the big concerns when we vacation is making sure our homes stay safe. While I can’t make any guarantees that any of these methods will work for you, I know these are popular methods that many people look to when preparing their home before traveling abroad. 1. Home Monitoring System- These systems will typically sound an alarm and alert you if something should happen. Most also do run through a phone list of people to alert, should you not answer due to being ou

When you think of cruises, do you think of tiny cabins, lukewarm buffets, and crowded pool decks? Think again. Cruising itself may sometimes get a bad rap, but it’s not all bad food and tacky tour bus excursions. In the last ten years, river cruise bookings have increased a whopping 250%. Whether you’re new to a vacation on the high seas, or a long-time cruising aficionado, here’s why you should consider a river cruise for your next holiday. Access Having unfettered access to

Italy is abundant in eclectic dishes. No matter where you choose to go throughout the country, you'll get an entirely new dining experience. For instance, when you head towards the lagoon, you'll get to enjoy Venetian cuisine, and if you head towards the shores of the Adriatic Sea, you’ll get to experience traditional seafood dishes. Dishes That Are Unique to Venice Of course, upon visiting Venice, you must try some of their most authentic, delicious dishes. So, in case you’r

You may think sun, sand, tropical drinks – the Caribbean is all the same right? Wrong! There are countless unique islands, different cultures, food, and activities on offer in the Caribbean, from the legendary Mayan ruins to the flashy lights of Nassau’s Atlantis. Let’s examine a few of these stunning and sunny locales, so you can better determine which is the best fit for you! Aruba Affectionately coined One Happy Island, Aruba is a great vacation option for the entire famil

Everyone with a camera thinks they are a photographer and everyone with a blog thinks they are a journalist. Likewise, everyone with a computer thinks they are their own travel agent. The difference in each instance is years of training, experience, intuition, and connections. January is typically the busiest month of the year for travel professionals. I guess families get together over the holidays and discuss their travel plans for the next year...then when the kids go bac

How often do you find yourself feeling tired, worn out, or even frustrated with day to day life? Maybe you’re putting in too many hours at work, or perhaps your work-life balance is so skewed you don’t know where one begins and the other one ends. The past two years have been a long stretch, and if you feel like you’re on the edge of burnout and need a drastic change of scenery, we’ve got a great idea; head out on a grand outdoor adventure. Here are a few amazing benefits to

1. You already hire experts to get a better result We are all quick to call an expert when we are in a jam or out of our skillset; mechanic, accountant, attorney, dentist, or plumber. From cutting our hair to preparing our taxes, there are just some tasks that are better left for the pros. Travel is one of the biggest three purchases you’ll make in your life after a home and car (or college tuition if that’s in the cards for you). You use experts to save yourself time and s

With a large variety of trains available to explore the world, the choices may seem overwhelming. Although some people choose to focus solely on the destination, the train can play an essential role in the journey. No matter if you are looking for something vintage or something a little more modern, keep reading to discover some of the top luxury trains located around the world. The Belmond Andean ExplorerLocated in the beautiful country of Peru, The Belmond Andean Explorer i

If you know where to look, adventure is everywhere. The adventures you and your family take are an excellent way to bring your family closer together, expand your worldview, and help you feel young and vibrant. 1: Antarctica Traveling to Antarctica is the pinnacle of exploration, from crossing the world's most treacherous sea to seeing pristine ecosystems. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, trekking across glaciers or the polar plunge is considered a right of passage

One of the most popular stops in Florida is the grand city of Miami, located on the southeast coast of the state. With vast beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture, Miami has something to offer everyone. Here are five places to try out on your next trip to Miami. 1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Visit this gorgeous park on a sunny day and enjoy the vast array of exotic and rare plants and wildlife. Explore the rare plant house, which is home to 450 species of rare tr

The history is in the making at these Northern Ireland landmarks. The drinks have long flowed freely in Northern Ireland, home to some of the oldest distilleries anywhere and, pandemic times aside, to a robust pub culture. Bottles of native spirits bear hundreds of years’ worth of heritage on their labels. Many bars in and around Belfast aren’t much younger. Until recently, however, primarily locals appreciated this history, but the region’s status as a Game of Thrones set ha

Planning a picturesque romantic getaway is so easy when the right vacation ideas are in front of you. You and your partner can't go wrong when adding any of these ideas to your travel plans. No matter if it's a relaxing beach getaway or escapades in a sophisticated city, we have ideas to create the most romantic travel experiences! Australian GlampingVisiting Cape Range National Park near the picturesque Ningaloo Reef gives couples an opportunity for romantic glamping. Dine o

As the most vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is more than meets the eye. With untouched beaches and a ton of adventures awaiting, there's an endless amount of fun to be had. But what about the island's food? Well, that's just as good, maybe even better, especially after a long day of exploration. So, to help you prepare and plan for your trip to the island, here are ten dishes you must indulge in. 1. Seafood Perhaps the most apparent food to try while on the island is

Paris is sweet on the eye, sweet on the romance, and sweet on the palate. It is a sugar lovers' dream, and the only problem you'll have when it comes to the delectable French desserts is which one to choose. To help you navigate that yummy last course, we've broken down the top 10 must-try desserts for your visit to France. And if you have to eat more than one a day to get through them? Well, c'est la vie! 10 Sweet Treats to Eat While Visiting Paris The Tartes Aux Fruits –

Are you ready to ditch the fast-paced nature of the big city and book a vacation by yourself or with the family to explore the great outdoors? While it’s likely there are plenty of options for camping and other outdoor activities near you, let us suggest hitting the road in a fancy wagon (or for those not stuck in the past, your car) and head west to Utah. What’s in Utah, you may ask? Most may be familiar with Salt Lake City, but there is actually a wider variety of sights an

1. Not arriving at your departure port the day BEFORE your cruise. So much can go wrong with airport delays, interstate traffic, cancelled flights, etc. Isn't it worth the cost of a hotel room to know for sure that you will be boarding that ship before the crowds? 2. Getting too drunk No one enjoys having an obnoxious drunk by them on the lido deck or at their dinner table. Just because you CAN drink a bucket of beer before lunch doesn't mean you SHOULD. New beverage packages

This Central Pacific archipelago includes hundreds of islands and a diverse range of activities to partake in. With huge waves, volcanoes, and interesting culture, Hawaii will keep you busy and entertained. These are eight top things to enjoy while visiting the beautiful atoll. Whale Watching – The 'Big Island' is the most popular destination for whale watching in Hawaii. The peak season to catch a glimpse of Humpback whales is from January to March. You have the option to vi

If you ask 100 people to name their top choice for a Honeymoon or "Milestone Anniversary" destination, at least 30 of them would name Hawaii, according to a recent study. Visions of tropical palm trees swaying in the breeze, drinks in coconut shells and sexy hula dancers create a very romantic image! I belong to some travel agent Facebook groups and always cringe when I see someone ask: "What is the best island/resort for Honeymooners in Hawaii?" There are so many different a

Do you love to travel, but the thought of the TSA security lines and the long waits at US Immigration and Customs are holding you back? I have a great tip to simplify your life – and it’s called Global Entry. Whenever you travel by air, you can use the TSA PreCheck lines at security which move so much quicker because you are not required to strip (belts, jewelry and even shoes can stay where they belong!) or remove your laptop and toiletry baggie from your carry-on luggage. T

Imagine enjoying a Hawaiian beach day with several of your closest friends or family and then returning to your temporary “home” at the end of the day to shower, rest and share a “Pau Hana” (Happy Hour) Mai Tai on the lanai while your own chef prepares an amazing dinner with fish that was caught that very day. Or, imagine spending the day touring some wineries in the Tuscany or Chianti region of Italy with several of your buddies and getting “home” in time to take an afternoo