Tourist taking selfie at a tropical beach at Maldives Islands Few things are more exciting than being in a completely new place. Think of your first trip abroad – how great it was to experience the new sights, smells, customs, and language. It’s practically addictive!...
From the Desk of Denise Koranek
Do you know your rights as an airline passenger? Denise answers your top questions.
United Airlines landed in some hot water recently because of the way they handled an overbooking situation on a flight from Chicago to Louisville. In short, four people were required to involuntarily give up their seats after they had boarded. The...
Five Tips for Taking Vacation Pictures Like a Pro
Photography is a great way to weave together the story and spirit of your vacation. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a famous artist to create a wonderful photo album! With these five tips to keep in mind during your next trip, you’ll be transporting your audience...
Boosting the brain, body, and bonding: The health benefits of taking a vacation
Beach Hammock under palm trees American culture places heavy importance on work ethic, which has been particularly evident during the last 18 months. For many this has meant juggling childcare, remote learning, and endless Zoom meetings. We just aren’t wired to be...
Travel rejuvenates mind, body, and spirit: Here’s your go-to guide
As 2020 comes to a close with all its twists and turns, we’ve seen how important physical and emotional well-being are, with travel providing the golden opportunity to refresh and unwind. Bringing an intentional element of wellness into your getaway can be a primary...
What to know about travel insurance in a post COVID world
You’re dreaming about the vacation you want to take: whether it’s waking up to a picture-perfect beach, a tour of Italy, the Alaska frontier or a cruise around the world. You are dreaming of the chance to reconnect with family and friends in a learning, experiential...
Travel insurance is complicated. What to recognize about pre-existing conditions
You’re planning a vacation and I bring up travel insurance. Should you purchase it? Absolutely! In addition to offering a plethora of coverages, Travel insurance ensures a smooth, worry-free experience that protects your investment. However, what happens if you have a...
Disaster at Sea: A Real Client’s Story
If you’ve ever let us plan your vacation, you know about the travel insurance conversation and why we always recommend it, especially for trips outside the U.S. Sure, it’s only normal to assume that everything will work out just fine and that that you’ll never...
It pays to have a friend in travel
May is Travel and Tourism Appreciation month, and admittedly it’s strange celebrating given the near-shutdown of all things travel. However, rest assured; we WILL get back to exploring again! In fact, research shows that travelers can’t wait to get back to...
Air Fees Explained 10 Ways
In the world of travel planning it can be confusing as to how we earn our living. Like what is commissionable and what is not. Because air is non-commissionable, we charge a fee when taking on the responsibility of researching, booking and maintaining your air...
Travel agents can save you over $1,000 versus booking online. Here’s how.
What if I told you that travel agents aren’t in competition with online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia or Trip Advisor. Would you be surprised? These internet giants certainly have changed the playing field in the travel industry, but studies show that...
6 Reasons Why Travelers Still Need a Travel Professional
Illustration of a Travel Agent at Work More people than ever are leaving unused vacation time on the table – an astounding 662 million days last year. Taking a vacation is a chance to unplug, relax, and enjoy what the world has to offer. Removing the pitfalls and...
10 Reasons for Using a Travel Agent in the New Year: Because Getting the Most is Essential
Planning a trip can be stressful, taking time that you can spend elsewhere on other priorities. Luckily, there are options for planning that perfect getaway without the worry and hassle. So enjoy the upcoming year without the confusion and frustration of researching...
When Should You Use a Travel Professional?
Anyone who's vacationed lately, or even looked into a few ideas for future destinations, has likely noticed something. The bulk of today's travel industry is built on one key notion: convenience. With virtually everything available online, piecing a trip together...
Remove the Fear of Arranging Your Own Travel
If you've ever sat down behind the computer to plan a family vacation, you've probably experienced that moment of fear as you make your final purchase. Did I get the best possible value out of every decision? Did I do it right? Remove the fear of arranging your own...
About Denise
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning. Recent Posts
Alaska cruises: Sailing during peak versus shoulder season
Towering snowcapped mountains, massive glaciers, and wildlife at every turn. There’s a reason why Alaska is one of the most beloved cruise destinations in the world. Just imagine waking up every morning from the luxury and comfort of your balcony stateroom taking in...
A brief history of the Panama Canal by Tom Koranek
It is widely accepted that the Panama Canal is one of the seven engineering marvels of the world. To view in person, the canal is an inspiring wonder. Denise and I just completed the transit of the new locks. It is truly awe-inspiring! Tugboats gently guided our...
What’s it like to cruise through the Panama Canal?
Prior to the Panama Canal opening in 1914, ships wishing to sail from the east coast of the U.S. to the west coast had to make the dangerously long journey around Cape Horn on the southern tip of South America. Through a series of locks and an artificial lake, it’s...
You’re invited to join Sunset Vacations on our Second escorted group tour of 2023 – Ireland!
Is the Emerald Isle on your bucket list? Imagine experiencing rolling green hills, magical castles, vibrant towns, friendly people, and history everywhere you turn. Drum roll please as we announce our next Sunset group tour: Irish Legends, a 9-night/10-day land tour...
Small ship versus large ship: What type of cruise do you prefer?
After being shut down for 15 months, cruising is finally operating with some level of normalcy while still following safe protocols. After all, the cruise lines have had 9 months of practice getting it right. This was further confirmed when the CDC lifted all travel...