If you’ve missed previous newsletter emails that I’ve sent out, you can find them below! I don’t archive the What to Be Planning ones because they are typically only relevant in the month they are sent. Let me know if any of these make you eager to travel!
With sun and warm weather, the Browns love to bike! (Minus Dad, who doesn't enjoy biking.) This summer, our goal is to average about 25 miles per week. EV is a great biker, has already done a 10-miler day this year, and is fully onboard for the goal. Malcolm hasn't yet learned to ride a bike, so he sits in the trailer and on trails will get out and very speedily scooter for a ways.
Read MoreNestled in the North Atlantic, the island of Ireland is a land of captivating beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Divided into two distinct political entities – the Republic of Ireland to the south and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, to the northeast – the island offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes and experiences. From the rugged cliffs of County Clare's Cliffs of Moher to the verdant hills of County Antrim's Glens, Ireland's natural splendor never fails to enchant visitors. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the island boasts a wealth of historical and cultural treasures, from ancient Celtic ruins to medieval castles and bustling cosmopolitan cities.
Read MoreThis month I recommend you grabbing your calendars and figuring out what your plans are for holiday travel - specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa-time. The December holidays are a particularly popular time to travel, as many people's work slows down then and kids are off school, and with that popularity comes increased demand...and increased cost.
Read MoreThis client came to me feeling like she was a bit behind in planning her trip, due to a misunderstanding with a previous travel agent she had been working with who ended up not being able to help her plan her custom itinerary and cost her a few months' time. Lucky for her, this very unique trip is exactly my cup of tea! Her trip revolves around tickets to Taylor Swift that she'd secured for her family, and wanting to expose the kids to the culture of Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Zürich, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome!
Read MoreI personally think that traveling with babies is a lot easier than people think -- if you've planned appropriately. It's the toddler stage that brings a few more challenges, and even then, I still think its a great idea to travel with your kids! Here are a few tips I found helpful when Malcolm and I went on a 2 week trip to Europe alone (the picture above is all we packed!).
Read MoreThis month we celebrated EV's birthday with some of her favorite things: cats, bowling, cake, and presents! She's been into learning origami recently, but didn't have any square shaped paper (meaning I had to help cut precise squares out of normal rectangular paper) so she got some real origami paper as one of her presents.
Read MoreArgentina, a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich history, invites travelers to experience its diverse tapestry of experiences. It is here that the passionate dance known as the tango was born, loaded with expression and emotion, and a beautiful dance to watch - or perform. Embrace the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires, where the echoes of European architecture blend seamlessly with Latin American flair, offering a glimpse into Argentina's colonial past and modern urban vibrancy. Beyond the bustling cities, immerse yourself in the gaucho culture of the vast pampas, where traditional folk music and horsemanship reflect Argentina's rural heritage.
Read MoreMorocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and the like are typically year round destinations, but going in September through November or February through April are the best times to visit as the weather tends to be dry and warm then.
Read MoreMy client and her sister wanted to take their parents to Ireland, as their mother is 3/4 Irish and has always wanted to go see her ancestral lands. On a previous vacation they experienced Germany which was Dad's heritage, but now it's Mom's time!
Read More2024 has hit us a little harder than most years do - with ER visits, family medical scares, and now our beloved cat, Ptolemy, has crossed the rainbow bridge. It was quite unexpected - he hadn't shown signs of feeling unwell until just last week, but his illness was so great that we were faced with the difficult decision to help him pass to end his suffering.
Read MoreNASA scientists have predicted that 2024 will be "super season" for Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights - so where better to catch the painted skies than in Iceland! The best time to visit to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder is between September and April - and if you head to Iceland in December or January you may find yourself luckier to see them as there are only 4-5 hours of daylight during this time.
Read MoreThese clients are celebrating their two kids graduating high school with a big trip to Europe. Their son is very into World War II history, while their daughter loves good architecture and historic places. I think they definitely picked three cities that will fit that bill!
Read MoreLast month EV broke her arm so we "enjoyed" the emergency room and orthopedic appointments. This month brought me back to the hospital as my dad has had some health issues of late, one of which required him to go in for diagnostics (Malcolm and I kept him company for most of one of the days he was there). Hopefully none of my clients felt any type of interruption in the services I provide, but in case you were wondering, life has been a bit hectic for me as of late!
Read MoreGetting the 7 continent badge of honor often seems a lofty goal to people - like Antarctica is unattainable or only for "true adventurers" or those with very high disposable incomes. While of course those two categories of people do travel to Antarctica, it is possible for some of us "common folks" to go there too!
Read MoreShoulder season - the term for the time between peak season and completely off-peak season travel - is a great time to travel to destinations on your bucket list. Being adjacent to peak season means that the weather is usually pretty good still, but the destinations won't be as crowded, and availability will be greater (pricing typically is favorable too)!
Read MoreMy clients have previously taken escorted tours of the UK and Iceland, but this time wanted to join a tour group that was closer to home. They had been wanting to see the natural beauty found in the canyonlands of the Southwest, and this itinerary ended up as the winner!
Read MoreLast month was the month of clearing out water damage from our basement, and this month started off with a bang - literally! My 8 year old, EV, tripped and fell and broke her wrist on the 1st. She's in a cast now for about 4 weeks, but unfortunately has to wait another 4 weeks to enjoy her gymnastics class again safely.
Read MoreWith a long history that is different than most of its European relatives, Spain is a terrific place to travel to. Situated on the Iberian peninsula in Western Europe, Spain has influence from not only its European neighbors, but also exhibits unique Moorish architecture and some Islamic ties from their neighbors to the south.
Read MoreIt's always a good idea to plan travel as far in advance as you can, so in January, I recommend thinking about your summer travels. And as always, I'm here to help you plan out your trip!
Read MoreWhen you think of spring break destinations, I'm guessing you think of something warm and tropical. Often I get requests for Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic as the flights tend to be easy from Minnesota and the rest of the frozen tundra. This year I've gotten several spring break requests to more unique destinations like St. Lucia!
Read More
