Planning for an international getaway is an exciting opportunity that opens doors to new cultures, breathtaking landscapes and scenery, and incredible, lifelong memories.

The most exciting time of the year for travelers is here! Black Friday and Cyber Week bring incredible opportunities to lock in unbeatable savings on your next dream vacation. Whether you’re craving the tranquility of an all-inclusive beach escape, the adventure of a river cruise, or the magic of Disney, now is the perfect moment to plan your 2025 or 2026 vacation.

With over five years in the travel industry, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients transform their travel aspirations into reality. My extensive experience has equipped me with insider knowledge, valuable connections, and a keen eye for detail, allowing me to curate personalized itineraries that cater to your unique preferences and interests. From the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean to the majestic landscapes of Europe and beyond, the world is yours to explore. Whether you're yearning for the historic charm of Italy, the natural wonders of New Zealand, or the vibrant culture of Japan, I'll work closely with you to identify the perfect destination that aligns with your interests and preferences.

The loss of a loved one, especially a parent, leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. In my case, my mother's passing created a void that seemed insurmountable. Unable to share the joy of travel with her, I discovered a different kind of healing through exploration. Traveling became a form of therapy, allowing me to channel my grief into a constructive journey of self-discovery. The act of exploring new places and meeting new people served as a balm for my soul, helping me find moments of peace and inspiration.

If you’ve been waiting for Cyber Week to book your next vacation, wait no more because there are some AMAZING discounts and opportunities available to consider for your next trip!

Included below are some of the best Black Friday and Cyber Week Travel discounts I’ve found, offered by some of my favorite vacation providers to work with! All pricing is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. Some exclusions may apply. Booking windows are listed where applicable.

Explore the Extraordinary: 5 Vacation Destinations to Ignite Your Wanderlust

If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for the next adventure, and the next destination to inspire awe and wonder and memories for years to come. Well, get ready to be inspired because today, I'm here to whisk you away to five incredible vacation spots that will awaken your inner wanderlust.

The Transformative Power of Travel: Why It Matters

Choose the Convenience of a Travel Agent For Your Next Vacation:

Why stress over travel planning when you can have a knowledgeable, dedicated partner by your side? Whether it's a dream vacation, a family getaway, or a business trip, or a solo-getaway, working with a travel agent ensures a better, more enjoyable experience. Contact me today and start your journey the right way!

I hope this Celebrity Solstice Dawes Glacier Alaskan Cruise trip report conveys the heartfelt message that a cruise to Alaska should absolutely be next on your list of travel plans— you will not be disappointed!

Cruise Ship: Celebrity Solstice

Cruise Itinerary: Roundtrip embarkation and disembarkation from Seattle, Washington and cruising the Inside Passage; visiting Ketchikan, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; cruising through the Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm Fjords; Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and Juneau, Alaska.

Travel dates: July 14th - 21st, 2023

Stateroom category: Oceanview stateroom with verandah, room 7118

Are you just now starting to think about what you want to do for fall break this year and worried that you missed out on the best rooms and discounts? Fear not: There is still availability at some of the most popular destinations to vacation to, such as Disney parks, Maui, the Caribbean, and cruising! I may preach advanced planning from my seat (and firmly believe in its importance!), the fact of the matter is that between work schedules, school schedules, sports schedules, and just plain life getting in the way, some of us may have to plan things at the last minute. And guess what: that’s what I’m here for! To help YOU find the best vacation option for you and your family no matter when you can travel!

VIKING is a brand that so many people have heard of and is synonymous with adventure, exploration, luxury, and elegance. Offering an adults-only experience, VIKING features river, ocean, and expedition cruises and continues to be the world’s leading ocean and river cruise line, voted by Conde Naste Traveler and Travel + Leisure— highly respected publications in the travel industry. These accolades are for good reason: they offer award winning service, dining, amenities, and more with their sailings, and nearly everything is included in the cruise fare, including meals, beer and wine, a complimentary port excursion each day, gratuities, and more. They don’t have an upcharge at every turn, there are no photographers waiting to sell you a photography package and popping up throughout your trip, and there are no specialty dining package or beverage packages waiting to be added onto your bill for the “real” experience. Travelers love being able to arrive to their VIKING ship, be welcomed on board, and know that for the next 7, 8, 10, or even 14 days, everything has been taken care of for them and they can watch the cities go by from their stateroom river views as they look forward to their next port stop during their sailing.

I have been fortunate enough to travel to many beautiful places in the world, but I have to say that one location that literally took my breath away, day after day, was Banff, Canada. Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. My husband and I spent each and every day picking a new trail to hike, and with each new adventure, we kept pinching ourselves and widening our eyes, thinking, “is this real?” The bluest glacier water we’d ever seen, epic views that stretched for eternity, stunning waterfalls and canyons that made you feel so tiny in comparison… the list goes on.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting Europe numerous times in my life— by train, plane, car, and cruise. I have to say, cruising Europe is one of my absolute favorite ways to tour the continent. One of the advantages of cruising in Europe is the ability to visit many different cities and port stops in a short amount of time— which is especially helpful if someone has limited vacation days or wants to maximize their time abroad and minimize the amount of time spent traveling between cities.

Picture this… turquoise waters + scuba diving +sunbathing + showing up to your vacation, knowing that everything has been handled for you and all you need to do is rest, relax, and enjoy paradise= priceless. You can experience this and more at a Sandals resort on one of their seventeen different properties located in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Curacao, The Bahamas, Antigua, and Grenada.

Did you know that Disney offers its own award-winning, highly-curated guided tour & river cruising brand called “Adventures by Disney?”

Imagine if you traveled around the world, exploring castles, cruising down rivers, exploring the Amazon, or taking an expedition to Antarctica… all with the Disney touch? Disney prides itself on having “The Disney Difference,” which can be found woven throughout an Adventures by Disney vacation experience— offering magical moments and memorable experiences for the entire family.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line knows how to hold records. For just a few short months, their newest Oasis Class ship, The Wonder of the Seas (whose inaugural sailing was earlier this year) will hold the title of “World’s Largest Cruise Ship.” That is, until it is dethroned in 2024 when the new world’s largest cruise ship— The Icon of the Seas— will take over that coveted title. (And if you wondered which ship was the largest before the Wonder— that would be Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas!)

Did you know that Disney has its own Hawaiian resort on the north shore of Oahu? Built in 2011, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa features a variety of room types and villas (some complete with full kitchens or mini-kitchenettes), a lazy river, six pools and waterslides, its own private beach area, complimentary character greetings, a kids’ club through Auntie’s Beach House, over 30 on-site complimentary experiences and no daily resort fees!

I’ll say it: London is one of my most favorite cities on the planet. We have had the privilege to travel to so many beautiful cities around the world, but there is something absolutely magical and special about London. For me, it’s the Tube smells (IYKYK), walking across as much of the city by foot as possible, watching performers in Trafalgar Square, holing up in a pub for a pint and the best fish and chips you’ll ever have, and trying to pretend to be a local by a quick stop into a Waitroses or M&S for a picnic lunch you can enjoy in Hyde Park or somewhere along the Southbank.

Tauck has been named to the “World Best” list with Travel + Leisure for 25 years and counting, and for good reason: They really are one of the very best tour providers in the world, and truly offer something for everyone. One of my favorite reasons for exploring the world by tour is because of the friendships formed and the fact that there are so many handcrafted and personalized activities and excursions that an individual traveler may not get to encounter on their own. Plus, there are so many advantages to having a trip planned for you as part of a small group tour: Your transportation is arranged, your activities are coordinated, your meals are paid for, and your lodging is taken care of— all in addition to the memorable experiences that are one-of-a-kind through a company like Tauck.

If you’re anything like me, you have wistful dreams of hopping on a plane in December, bundling up in your coziest winter wear, and flying over to visit the famed Christmas markets of Europe— strolling booths to sample the sweet and spicy Glühwein, warm gingerbread, potato cakes, and more specialty treats and sweets you can only find at a Weihnachtsmärkte.