My client and her 18 year old son wanted to do a mother-son trip to a place he had a lot of interest in -- Norway! He wanted to learn more about Viking culture, see the fjords and landscapes, and experience a bit of Norwegian culture.
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I'm calling this year a big SUCCESS!
My business has continued to grow and I couldn't have done it without the travelers who've trusted me with their itineraries, the many fabulous referrals, and the positive reviews that have been left for me.
I'm so excited to see what 2025 brings, but before I do, let's take a look at what 2024 had in store…
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As I take the day to celebrate and recharge, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. Your trust in me to help craft your travel experiences means the world to me, and it’s truly a gift I treasure. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey—it’s an honor I don’t take lightly.
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Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is one of the last remaining untouched corners of the world, where tradition and nature come together harmoniously. Often called "The Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan is renowned for its commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and sustainable way of life.
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If you are at all like I was about 8+ years ago, you may have some reservations about using a travel advisor. But let’s make sure you don’t make the same mistakes as I once did!
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This family of 5 wanted to get some adventurous activities in but also have some time relaxing on a beach. Costa Rica is an excellent location to do just that! Bonus: the mom is a Spanish teacher, so she can speak the language fluently and get even more immersed in the culture of the area!
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To own a small business is no easy feat, and even the most dedicated entrepreneur cannot do it alone: we need stupendous clients to make our dreams work. So in this season of thankfulness and gratitude, please know: I am so thankful for you and your continued support of my business.
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South Africa is probably best known for the ugly apartheid, but there is so many positive things about the nation! It offers a range of experiences that cater to adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. It truly is an all-encompassing destination with unique spaces for every type of traveler.
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My client wanted to surprise his wife for her birthday with an awesome trip reminiscent of one they took before they had kids. They'd done small ship sailing off the coast of Mexico & Belize, but wanted to explore a bit of the Aegean Sea as well as see some of the ancient historical sites in Türkiye. The ship they will sail on will have a maximum of 17 passengers, making it a super intimate experience where everyone will be friends by the end. This is a unique way to experience sailing, and is not terribly expensive either!
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Mid-month, I attended the European Travel Agent Forum in the Azores (a Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic). First of all - if you haven't been here, it was BEA-U-TI-FUL. It reminded me of a cross between Hawaii (there are 9 islands here and each is a little bit different with different charm) and Ireland (lots of quaint farms with cows roaming, and very green). I only got to explore one island, Terceira, but some of my colleagues went on to see 2 or 3 others, and their pictures and stories were amazing. If you're looking to check this island chain off your bucket list, I'd recommend planning to travel in the summer months, when weather is warmest and there's the most activities going on.
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For many, packing up for a trip causes stress and anxiety - what if you forget something?! But it doesn't have to be that way. Check out these tips from someone who has taken many a trip - and even forgot important items before!
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Piggybacking off the recent summer Olympics, I'm highlighting France for this month's Destination Spotlight. France is a popular destination for first time travelers to Europe, as many airlines offer direct flights from the US to Paris, and France is well-connected by public transport, including a high-speed train system, making it easy to explore the entire country without needing a car.
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These three friends wanted to experience the culture of Japan by splitting their time between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. They'd always had an interest in it, and one of them had gone years before and stayed in hostels, but they decided that they have moved far beyond youth hostels and capsule hotels for this trip.
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This month I'm highlighting a couple 2024 Christmas Market river cruise dates that have a discount for solo travelers! Typically solo travelers pay what's called a single supplement - an up-charge to keep a cabin or room that usually fits 2 people for just 1 person. These two itineraries below have that up-charge at just 10%! This is much less than the normal 50%+, making these last minute river cruise options amazing deals if you can make the dates work!
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This month I joined my colleagues in travel at an annual conference in Funner, CA, and it was indeed Fun! But more importantly, I was able to connect with tour operators and travel suppliers, network with my friends and colleagues, and win a Monarch Agency award!
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Sticking with the South Pacific theme from last week, this week I'm highlighting New Zealand for the Destination Spotlight! What comes to mind when you think of New Zealand? Is it the Lord of the Rings? Is it rugby? Maybe Taika Waititi? Or perhaps you know a bit about the native Māori culture. Whatever it is, New Zealand is an amazing place to visit!
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If Tahiti has ever been on your bucket list, now's a great time to start planning your trip. There are some amazing sales (I'm talking about up to 35% off regular room rates that represent thousands of dollars in saving!) going on now that you don't want to miss!
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These clients are a family coming from 3 cities in South Dakota. They wanted a roadtrip experience that wasn't too far away but that allowed for ample activities for everyone: grandparents, parents, and kids. As they lived in opposite ends of South Dakota, the range for how far away they wanted to go was fairly narrow, but in the end they decided upon the Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes, MN.
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Not only is it my birthday month (yay! happy birthday to me!), but it is also the month we head up to the cabin for a family weekend and the one in which the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival begin! So much fun in just one month!
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Hailed as the "land of many waters," Guyana is a relative newcomer to the vacation bucket list but is an amazing country that is largely untouched from tourism. It has extensive rainforest with beautiful rivers and waterfalls (like the one above). For an eco-tourist or adventure-seeker, Guyana holds a special spot as it is full of tepuis (which are table top mountains or mesas) and wildlife.
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