Greece remains one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in Europe. Thinking about the country conjures up images of monuments, white-washed villages perched atop cliffs, and islands surrounded by stunning deep-blue water. Beginning in mid-May, the government...
From the Desk of Denise Koranek
The Best of Ireland’s Historic Pubs
There's a saying in Gaelic, "Céad Míle Fáilte." Its literal translation is "one hundred thousand welcomes", wherever you come from, whoever you may be. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we are reminded that Irish pubs are so much more than just a...
Is visiting Ireland out of style?
In our ultra-connected world, it’s easier than ever to hop on a flight across the ocean. The challenging part isn’t so much getting there, but choosing where to go! Today more than ever, it seems that destinations are like...
How Well Do You Know French Wine?
Are you dreaming of sipping wine with friends while overlooking the French countryside? What about strolling through rural villages and talking with the locals whose families have been cultivating grapes for generations? As a country that produces around 8...
World War I: 100 Years Later
(This article comes from Europe Express) A century later, the French countryside remains impacted by the devastation of World War I. While sites are somber, it’s important to remember those who have fallen for the path to peace. Next year marks the 100-year...
Looking for an authentic, happening city? Berlin is your place. Here’s what to do with 48 hours.
Berlin is a city like no other, and it’s definitely having a moment. Berliners are known for, and pride themselves on, the fact that they are on a different wavelength from much of Germany. The city’s “anything goes” attitude, paired with its artsy, historical vibe...
When You Think of London, Do You Think of Amazing Food? You Should!
For many, associating London with some of the best food in Europe may come as a surprise, but that’s exactly what you’ll find thanks to an explosion of creative and cosmopolitan offerings that will satisfy any taste and budget. Never before has this city...
Why travel with kids with they are young?
Child playing with globe,isolated on a white background. It’s hard to believe that many young kids don’t know a pre-pandemic world. With countries finally starting to lift restrictions, now is a great time to prioritize family vacations, and young children can...
Resorts in destinations the whole family will love
This year, why not make it a priority to take a much-needed family vacation? We say “much-needed” because Americans leave about 600 million vacation days on the table every year, basically donating money back to the boss! Spending time in a beautiful destination and...
How to have a stress-free flight with kids
When flying you’ve probably witnessed the stressed-out family, doing their very best to entertain their exhausted kids on the verge of a meltdown. These scenes make anyone question whether it’s worth it to fly with the little ones. We’re here to tell you that having...
What’s New in Family Travel post-COVID
Having stayed mostly at home the last few months, do you find yourself missing the days of regularly seeing friends and extended family members? Phone calls and Zoom videos are great, but nothing beats connecting in person. Travel has started back up again and...
Disneyland versus Walt Disney World: Which vacation is right for your family?
If you’ve never visited Disneyland (Anaheim, California) or Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida), you might assume that both locations are basically the same. The reality is a bit different - while you will find many of the same attractions, Disneyland and Walt Disney...
Is Family Vacation a Joy or a Chore?
Do you notice families on vacation that just look totally exhausted? You know, kids tired and hungry from running around all day and parents stressed about what to do next, looking like they’d just rather be home? Is this your fear or experience on a family vacation?...
A traveler’s guide to genealogy – how to get the most out of tracing your family’s roots
Tracing your family tree is a great reason to explore the world. Most of us have a general sense of our heritage, and there are DNA testing kits to really pinpoint it, oftentimes with great sales such as 2-for-1. Why not turn your next vacation into something a little...
Babymoon On a Budget
This week we discuss taking a “babymoon” – that is, a vacation to celebrate your life now in this moment. More and more couples are opting to take a pre-baby vacation prior to the baby-proofing and stockpiling of diapers; however, financially planning for such...
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
Stay safe on your next vacation with these crucial tech tips
We all like to assume people are inherently good. Unfortunately when traveling, sometimes that isn’t always the case. With your phone and other technology, it’s a good idea to be cautious when a helpful stranger offers to take a group photo. You key in your PIN and...
A Successful Plan to Beat Jet Lag
As someone who loves to travel, I’ve experienced my fair share of jet lag. The fatigue, insomnia, and general feeling of being out of sync can really put a damper on a trip. So when my son and I planned a trip from Toronto to Perth, involving three different flights,...
What’s the best cruise cabin for you?
Cruise lines offer a dizzying array of cabins for you to choose from. Fortunately, your travel expert can help vet all the options for you. Do you tend to get seasick? Want to be close to all the action? Whatever your travel style, there is a location best suited for...
It’s hot outside! How to travel safely during a heat wave
There has been a lot of news coverage recently about the extreme temperatures in much of the northern hemisphere. Traveling in the summer has its perks – generally it’s peak time for tourism so everything is open and running, but you do need to be weather-aware....
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Alaska and Beyond
If you want the chance to “catch the Lights”, contact us and we will design an adventure for you that is as exciting, memorable, and brilliant as the Lights themselves.