Is there anything more magical than watching the sunrise over a city skyline or slip beneath the sea? In 2019, we encourage you to chase more sunrises and sunsets in unfamiliar places. Watch the light illuminate the world around you, or cast a red hue on your surroundings. These are just a few of our […]
Category Archives: Europe
Cities around the world will hold Pride Month celebrations this summer, making it a perfect occasion for LGBTQ travelers to plan a trip and join in the festivities. This year, New York City marks the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations. The entire month of June is packed with events — from rallies to […]
A recent survey conducted by Travel Leaders Group finds that people are interested in going farther afield on vacation. With more options for flights, accommodations and activities, it’s now easier than ever to travel from Los Angeles to amazing places around the world. New airline routes at Los Angeles International Airport, and increased frequency on […]
Adventure, All - Vacation Inspiration, Australia, Europe, Luxury, Solo-Travel, Travel Column, Uncategorized, USA
Where to Travel to Watch Championship Games
If you’re a fan who has a trip to your favorite national or international sports competition on your bucket list, you’re not alone. Luxury sports tour operator Roadtrips predicts that 2019 will be a particularly strong year for sports travel given the growing popularity of these global competitions, attractive venues and some highly desirable […]
Adventure, Africa, Kenya and Beyond, Beach, Cruise, Destinations, Europe, French Polynesian
Your Luxury Vacation Bucket List
Luxury travel isn’t solely about the level of accommodations anymore. These days, it’s also about the unique experiences, personalized itineraries and destinations that travelers can choose around the world. According to the most recent travel trends survey conducted by Travel Leaders Group, luxury travelers are most interested in exclusive access, including VIP tours, cars and […]
If you haven’t been to Portugal, I highly suggest you make the trip. Here are just a few of its hidden treasures: The Alfama District is Lisbon’s most symbolic quarter. You will step back in time exploring this residential neighborhood which is considered a village within a city. Take a stroll through medieval alleys, narrow […]
Adventure, Africa, Kenya and Beyond, All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Florida, Hawaii
Top 8 Luxury Destinations of 2018
Are you looking to go on a vacation? If you are, then you might be interested in enjoying a luxury destination. But did you know that the best spots to enjoy can change from year to year? They can depending on recent weather disasters that have temporarily made other destinations less desirable. Recent changes in […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Germany, Melissa
Religious & Faith Based Travel – Oberammergau’s Passion Play
From Oberammergau’s Passion Play in Germany to the Sistine Chapel in Italy, faith based travel can take on many shapes and forms. Some people want to discover and visit where their ancestors once lived, some wish to stand in the very place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children. I can […]
Adventure, All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, France, Missy, River Cruise, Travel Agents
Exploring France by River Cruise
I recently had the opportunity to sail on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy on an 8-day River Cruise with Avalon Waterways. This is the itinerary that we enjoyed on our River Cruise: Day 1 – Paris (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception Day 2 – Vernon–Les Andelys: choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle; guided walk in Les Andelys, […]
Adventure, All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Karen, Travel Agents
My First European Experience—A Travel Agent is a Must!
I recently sent my clients off to Europe for the first time and here is what they had to say…. Thanks for all the help booking this trip for our first European vacation. It was great. The airplane ride was a bit long (squished into the 4 middle seats). My daughters suitcase unfortunately didn’t arrive until […]
As an avid traveler, one of the best ways to explore a new destination is a walking tour. You can visit landmarks, chat with the locals, and hopefully unveil a hidden gem. I’ve had the pleasure of doing a couple walking tours myself, including Istanbul and London. If you’d like to hear more about my experience with […]
How to Handle an Unexpected Turn Abroad You’ve spent months anticipating your perfect trip and then something out of your control happens and the plan takes an unexpected turn. This happened to my husband and I when we traveled to France a few years ago. Our plan was to stay in Paris for 6 days and […]
Disney movies have always taught us that dreams really do come true! Lucky for us, many of these movies are inspired by real places and experiences that you can have for yourself!!! One might need to trade in their magic carpet for an airplane though! Thank you to Jamie Ditaranto at Smart Traveler for these […]
Europe, European Rail, Guided Vacations, News & Announcements, Nora, Travel Agents, Travel Column, Uncategorized
Understanding the State Department’s Travel Alert for Europe
For Americans planning a trip abroad, State Department advisories can be confusing. Terms that may sound similar actually mean very different things for travelers. In March, the State Department issued a Travel Alert for Europe. Alerts are issued for short-term events that the U.S. government believes Americans should know about when planning a trip. The […]
Cruise, Europe, Honeymoon, Missy, River Cruise, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s Avalon River Cruise on the Danube
I had the opportunity to travel on an Avalon Waterways cruise from Budapest to Vienna on the Danube. Wow, what an experience! We stops at different ports along the river and did small guided tours. Some of the amazing cities we visited were Budapest, Bratislava, Durnstein Austria, Melk and Vienna. The Avalon Artistry II delivers […]