For 23 years, I taught World History and Geography to high school students. If I'm being completely fair, most 15 year olds did not walk into my classroom on day one especially thrilled to analyze revolutions, absolute monarchies, or global conflicts. The parents at Back to School Night, however, were a different story. Whenever I mentioned the French Revolution, Versailles, or D-Day, parents would lean forward. Somewhere between high school and adulthood, history shifts from

If Beaches Turks & Caicos is an energetic, high-octane mega-resort, Beaches Negril is its calm, soulful counterpart. Stretched along the quietest, most pristine swath of Jamaica's famous Seven Mile Beach, Beaches Negril delivers the same luxury all-inclusive dining, crystal-clear water, and world-class amenities Beaches is known for. In a footprint so compact and walkable you can go from your resort bed to barefoot in the sand in under three minutes. For families traveling w

When people hear "all-inclusive family resort," they often picture a couple of pools and a beachfront buffet. Beaches Turks & Caicos is not that resort. Spanning 95 expansive acres on world-famous Grace Bay, Beaches Turks & Caicos is a true destination mega-resort. It features six distinct villages, 25+ dining concepts, a massive 45,000-square-foot waterpark, and a stretch of beach that consistently ranks among the best in the world. Because of its sheer size, navigating your

Planning a family vacation to a Beaches Resort is an exciting milestone, but if you're just starting your research, you'll quickly hit your first big decision: which location? Here's the number one mistake I see families make when comparing Beaches Turks and Caicos vs Beaches Negril: assuming they're the same resort with two different addresses. Yes, both deliver the world-class all-inclusive dining, kid-friendly amenities, and luxury service Beaches is famous for. But the vi

Aloha! After spending a week exploring Maui with my family, I came home with pages of notes, a camera full of photos, and a much deeper appreciation for why this island continues to be one of my absolute favorite destinations to recommend to growing families. As a travel advisor, I never like relying solely on glossy brochures or sterile online reviews. I want firsthand experience. I want to know which excursions are genuinely worth the splurge, which popular attractions trul

Aloha! When clients tell me they’re ready to plan a trip to Hawaii, my first question is always the same: “Wonderful, which island?” One of the biggest misconceptions about Hawaii is that all the islands feel similar. They don’t. Each one has its own personality, pace, and landscape, meaning the best Hawaiian island to visit depends entirely on your unique travel style. Here’s how to match your travel style to the right island. Oahu: Energy, History & Iconic Beaches If you wa

Choosing Exactly When to Sail Alaska: June vs. July When planning an Alaska cruise, June vs July is one of the most common dilemmas my clients face. Because Alaska operates on a compressed summer season, a variance of just a couple of weeks can radically reshape the entire character of your journey. Both June and July represent the peak of Alaskan summer travel, but they speak to very different travel desires. Let's move past the brochure language and get into what actually m

Los Cabos is one of those destinations that genuinely earns its reputation. Dramatic desert landscapes, luxury resorts that feel effortless, and the kind of sunshine that makes families instantly relax. But it's also one of the easiest places to accidentally misbook, and when families get it wrong, it's not a minor inconvenience. It's a $10,000 lesson learned on day one.

We’ve all been there: you’re plummeting down a 50-foot drop or blasting off into a galaxy far, far away, and the last thing on your mind is grabbing your camera. That’s the beauty of Disney PhotoPass. It captures those "core memory" moments so you can stay in the magic. But with the recent shift to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and new technology at the parks, getting those photos is a little different than it used to be. Here is everything you need to know to ensure your vacatio

Here is the breakdown of California’s four major cruise hubs and what you can expect from each.

Luxury travel doesn’t have to mean choosing between comfort and meaningful experiences. You can spend your mornings diving vibrant reefs, your afternoons relaxing in a private pool suite, and your evenings dining oceanside under the stars.

When most people plan a trip to Mexico, they picture white sand and bottomless margaritas. While those are iconic, the region stretching from Cancun to Tulum offers natural wonders and ancient history you literally cannot find anywhere else on Earth. If you’re looking for the most authentic and unforgettable Riviera Maya excursions, here are four "only-in-Mexico" experiences that belong at the top of your list. Why These Are the Best Riviera Maya Excursions The secret to a gr

“When is the best time to visit Paris?” The truth is, Paris is beautiful year-round. But the experience can feel very different depending on when you go. I have been to Paris 2 times, both in March. My husband visited two additional times in November and December. Here’s how I usually break it down for my clients.

“When is the best time to visit Italy?” The honest answer? It depends on what kind of experience you want. Because Italy in July feels very different from Italy in October. And both are very different from April. Let me break it down the way I do for my clients.

Travel from the San Francisco Bay Bridge to the Tower Bridge in London.

Why the "Right Time" Isn't Just a Season I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve walked through the open-air lobbies of Sandals, from the lush, jungle vibes of Ochi to the high-tech luxury of the new Royal Curaçao. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own stays (and my many coffee-fueled planning sessions), it’s that "When to book" is about a lot more than just the weather. In 2026, the game has changed slightly. Whether you’re a first-timer or a "Sandals Select" regu

If you’ve been following my newsletters, you know I have a bit of a "thing" for Ireland. And no, I don't mean the Shamrock-sunglasses-and-green-beer kind of thing (but yes I wear them and yes I drink it, lol!). I mean the mist-rising-over-the-Atlantic, ancient-stone-walls, and "stay-up-too-late-talking-to-a-local-in-the-pub" kind of thing. Ireland is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype, but only if you plan it right. The secret to a great Irish getaway

I’ll be honest: I had a preconceived notion of what New Orleans would be like during Mardi Gras. I expected crowds, chaos, and maybe a little too much "party." I couldn't have been more wrong. After a long weekend in the Crescent City, my mind is completely blown. New Orleans during Carnival isn't just a party; it’s a masterclass in history, tradition, and soul. What made this trip even more special? I experienced it with a group of friends I’ve been traveling with for 10 yea

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica Costa Rica is a year-round destination! The best time to visit depends on your travel goals: December–April (Dry Season): This is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. Expect sunny weather, perfect for beaches, hiking, and outdoor excursions. May–June (Green Season): Enjoy fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and better value. This is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter experience. July–August: A great option for family travel, with active wil

Looking for sun, sea, and adventure? Los Cabos is the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement! Did you know there are 2 main Cabos? Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo! Both offer very different experiences. Choosing the right area can make all the difference in your trip.