A few years ago, travelers were asking, “Should I use a travel advisor or book online?” Now it’s evolved into: “Can AI plan my vacation?” Short answer? Yes… sort of. AI is an incredibly useful travel tool. It can generate ideas, build itineraries, and answer questions in seconds. But after reviewing AI-planned trips and designing real vacations for clients, one thing is clear: AI can create a trip. It can’t truly plan a vacation. Here’s why. What AI Gets Right AI is great for

Most travelers focus on flights, hotels, and excursions, but some of the biggest trip disruptions happen because of rules they never knew existed. These aren’t “hidden” in the sense of being secret; they’re just rarely talked about until they become a problem at the border or airport. Here are a few lesser-known travel issues that can significantly impact your plans if you’re not prepared. Entering Canada with a DUI This is one of the most surprising issues for travelers head

Travel planning today looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Pricing moves faster, inventory is more dynamic, and what you see online isn’t always the full picture. I hear a lot of the same misconceptions from travelers, so I wanted to break a few of them down in a clear, practical way. “The price will drop if I wait.” This is one of the most common assumptions, and one that doesn’t hold up the way it once did. While there are occasional last-minute deals, th

There are a lot of assumptions floating around about what travel advisors do and don’t do. Most of them are outdated, and a few are just flat-out wrong. The reality is that today’s travel advisor plays a much bigger role than many people realize, especially as travel has become more complex and fast-moving. Let’s clear a few things up. “Do travel agents still exist?” Yes, and they’ve evolved. You’ll still hear the term travel agent, but most professionals today operate as tra

We’ve all become incredibly reliant on technology while traveling. Boarding passes live on our phones, hotel confirmations are tucked inside email apps, maps guide every turn, and translation apps help us navigate unfamiliar destinations. Technology absolutely makes travel easier...until it suddenly doesn’t. A dead phone battery, unreliable Wi-Fi, or a spotty international connection can quickly turn a smooth travel day into a stressful experience. One of the most common trav

If you’re looking for a gift that’s actually useful (and not something that ends up in a drawer), travel gadgets are where it’s at. These are the kinds of gifts your recipient will use on every single trip and quietly thank you for every time they do. For Moms: Comfort, Organization& Stress-Free Travel Moms tend to carry everything so anything that makes travel feel lighter and more organized is a win. Smart gift ideas: A chic packing cube set to keep everything organized (an

If you’re considering working with a travel advisor for the first time, you’re likely in one of two places: You either enjoy planning your own trips You’re used to doing it all yourself. Either way, hiring a travel advisor isn’t about giving up control. It’s about deciding what you want more of: your time, better expertise, and support throughout the process. If You Actually Enjoy Planning, You’re Still in the Right Place Some of my clients genuinely like the research side of

As road trip season kicks into full gear, so does the time we spend in our cars whether you’re shuttling kids home from college, heading to weekend tournaments, gathering for family reunions, or setting out on a long-awaited vacation. While the destination is exciting, a smooth, safe, and enjoyable drive can make all the difference in how the trip begins. A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what I always recommend having in your car to keep everyone safe, comfortable

Travelers everywhere are feeling it. The same budget that once covered a full, comfortable vacation now stretches less and less. Prices have shifted, expectations have changed, and the true cost of a trip is more layered than ever. The Hidden Costs Most Travelers Miss Flights and hotels are only the beginning! Today’s travel landscape includes resort fees, transportation, dining inflation, activity pricing, tipping norms, and insurance considerations. These pieces add up quic

We’ve all heard the horror stories… Missed flights. Lost luggage. Showing up to a dream destination only to realize something important was overlooked. The good news? Most travel mishaps aren’t bad luck. They’re preventable. A little planning (and the right support) can turn a stressful trip into a seamless one. Here are some of the biggest travel mistakes I see and how to avoid them: Mistake #1: Cutting It Too Close The Fix: Give yourself breathing room. Tight connections

We all know know the feeling…you check a fare and think, “Great, that’s not bad.” You come back later and suddenly it’s higher. Here’s the real story behind airfare changes and how to use it to your advantage. Distance Doesn't Determine Price A lot of travelers assume longer flights cost more. But it isn't that simple. Airlines base prices on demand patterns, not mileage. Routes with lots of business travelers usually cost more because those passengers: Book closer to depar

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is trying to do too much, too fast. You spend weeks preparing for a trip, racing to finish work, packing, getting to the airport, navigating flights, transfers, and hotel check-in… and then the next morning you’re scheduled for a full day of tours starting at 8 AM. That’s exhausting. When I plan trips for clients, I use a simple structure that helps trips feel balanced, memorable, and enjoyable instead of rushed. Day One - Start Slow

Even the most carefully planned trips can go sideways...blizzards, hurricanes, or unrest in places like Mexico, Iran, or Dubai can disrupt travel in unexpected ways. While I’ve recently written about travel protection, recent global developments mean it’s important to go deeper and explain exactly what travel protection does and doesn’t cover , and how I, as your advisor, can help you navigate disruptions. What Travel Protection DOES Cover Trip Cancellation – If a covered e

When people think about booking a cruise, they often imagine three simple steps: choose a ship, pick a stateroom, and set sail. And yes, that’s part of it. But the reality is, a cruise vacation is made up of so many moving pieces, and that’s where I come in. Evaluating Different Cruise Lines Not all cruise lines are created equal, and the right one for you depends on your style, interests, and what kind of vacation you want. Do you want luxury and pampering, family-friendly

If you’ve watched the news lately, you may have wondered, “Is now really a good time to travel internationally?” It’s a question I’m hearing more often, and it’s completely understandable. Headlines can make the world feel uncertain, even when travel itself remains safe and welcoming. The truth is, international travel is still happening beautifully every day. With the right preparation and professional guidance, you can explore the world with confidence. Let’s talk about wh

A question I get all the time is, “How do you figure out what hotels or resorts to suggest?” Here’s a quick look at what actually happens behind the scenes when I’m narrowing down your options. Spoiler alert: it’s not random, and it’s definitely not based on pretty pictures. I Start with YOU Not the Destination Before I even open a single hotel tab, I review my notes from our conversation about this trip and look back at what I’ve booked for you in the past so I can focus on

Planning a trip can be exciting, but did you know the average traveler spends 40 hours planning a single week-long vacation? That’s an entire work week! From researching destinations to coordinating flights and hotels, the process can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where I come in. Here’s how I make travel planning easier, stress-free, and more enjoyable: 1. Start with Your Vision Every great trip begins with a dream. Whether it’s lounging on a beach, exploring a bustli

If you’ve flown recently, you may have noticed an increase in seat-swap requests once you’re already on board. A fellow passenger asks to trade seats, often with the best intentions, and suddenly you’re put on the spot to make a quick decision in a very public space. While it’s always kind to be considerate, it’s also important to know your options and feel confident navigating these moments. As a travel advisor, I’m often asked what the “right” thing to do is in these situa

Layovers get a bad reputation, but when they’re planned correctly , they can make or break your travel experience. Too short, and you’re sprinting through the airport. Too long, and you’re stuck watching the clock (and your snack budget disappear). So what’s the right amount of time? The answer depends on whether you’re flying domestic or international as well as a few details most travelers don’t realize matter. Why Layover Length Matters More Than You Think Airlines will

My husband and I went on a cruise in December as a pre-holiday getaway. Most of our travel these days is with our kids and their significant others, so this was a rare chance for just the two of us, and we were really looking forward to it. Everything was exactly what we needed… until it wasn’t. When Things Took an Unexpected Turn On the fourth day of the cruise, my husband began experiencing chest pains that quickly worsened. While he’s thankfully okay now (and we were able