There’s nothing more memorable, exciting, and romantic than a destination wedding. Just think, you and all your favorite people get to be part of your special day at one of the most beautiful settings in the world. It’s truly the time of romance, joy,...
From the Desk of Denise Koranek
This place is like Alaska on steroids: Here’s why Norwegians are some of the happiest people on Earth
sk a person from Norway about the weather and they’ll tell you: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! There’s no doubt about it – Norway is wild and beautiful. It’s easy to see why a country with scenery that makes even Alaska look...
Top 5 Things to See and Do on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai
Kauai is the fourth largest of the islands in the archipelago that makes up the state of Hawaii, and the northernmost. Known as the Garden Island, Kauai is the least commercially developed, offering a pristine and relaxing paradise. Although relatively small—just 550...
Say Aloha to 10 Healthy and Rejuvenating Experiences in Hawaii
Everyone knows Hawaii is a tropical paradise, but it’s also becoming a popular destination for health and wellness vacations. In fact, Hawaii has been named the nation’s healthiest state for five years in a row! Think about all the stressors you have; now imagine...
Hawaii is Fully Re-opening: Which Hawaiian Island is Perfect for You
Effective March 26th, U.S. travelers heading to Hawaii will no longer need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before their departure to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine. This is great news for travelers as we continue to move forward in our new...
5 Short Hikes on the Big Island, Hawaii: Stunning Vistas and Gentle Climbs
When visitors think “Hawaii,” their mental images are generally centered on sun, surf, and sand. Yet Hawaii—especially the Big Island—is also an excellent place to hike. The Big Island boasts beautiful waterfalls, complex and changeable ecosystems, high mountain...
Can taking a vacation cause more stress than staying home?
You’d think it would be straightforward – we love taking vacations, we’re stressed, therefore taking a vacation results in lower stress upon return. Unfortunately, research doesn’t always support this claim. In fact, one study in the Netherlands found that most people...
Give the gift of travel with your frequent flier miles
Can you relate to this? You work hard accumulating airline miles, but with all the recent chaos they’ve mostly remained stacked up. If you don’t use them fast enough, they might expire or devalue with the airlines’ ever-changing redemption rules. This year, why not...
A patchwork of rules: The latest on airline mask policies
Face masks have become the norm on airplanes and likely will be required for the foreseeable future. While airlines are following CDC guidance around mask policies on flights, each carrier has their own rules and interpretations they abide by. This includes especially...
Peak Versus Off-Season Travel – Choosing Your Perfect Getaway
If you’re like us, the past year has provided plenty of time to update our travel bucket list. It seems to grow longer by the day! As we think about all the places we want to visit in 2021 and beyond, one important question to consider is the pros and cons of peak...
Travel makes you richer: Here are 5 reasons to travel when ready
Well 2020 was a wild ride! Now that we’re into the New Year, it’s time to consider one of the best purchases you can make for you and your loved ones – the investment of travel. With the vaccine rolling out, we’re confident that travel will make a big...
Relive cherished travel memories right from your armchair
It’s surreal to think how quickly the world of travel has changed from a few months ago. For us explorers, seeing the quiet streets and shuttered ships is a struggle! At the same time, we have a unique opportunity during this travel intermission to reengage with...
Stay-cation ideas once the quarantine is lifted
We’re all dreaming of the day we can go explore as before, and while we can’t wait to travel the world again, simply leaving the house seems exciting at this point! Taking a “stay-cation” in your own town can bring about similar feelings of adventure and rejuvenation...
Travel like an expert: Knowing the ideal time to book
One question we often hear is, “When is the best time to book my trip to get the best price?” The answer to that question varies according to the circumstances of what you’re booking, how flexible you are, and whether you’re content or not with leftover...
Don’t give money to your boss. Take a vacation instead.
With the arrival of a new year (and decade!) comes a brand-new set of vacation days. As Americans, we’re accustomed to long hours at the office plus staying connected in our fast, 24/7 culture. With this level of hard work and dedication,...
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
Give the best gift of all this Holiday season, the gift of travel
Are you wondering what to give yourself or your loved ones this Christmas? How about a gift that you already own; one that’s better than any item you could buy? This week we describe the benefits and many ways of giving the gift of travel including using your...
Our top tips to make holiday air travel a breeze
Traveling to our seasonal gatherings can be stressful, particularly if navigating air travel. From frenzied travelers to longer-than-usual lines, flight delays and weather have the potential for added drama. There is hope, however! By remaining proactive and following a few simple tips, you can help relieve some of the stress associated with air travel and arrive at your destination refreshed and in the holiday spirit.
Should you update your travel documents? Here’s the why and the when.
When you travel are your documents up to date? Because a government issued ID is required to board a plane, it’s important to keep your state ID updated and if traveling internationally, your passport as well. When life changes happen, what do you need to update? How...
Will you need a “Visa” to visit Europe in 2024? Here’s what to know
starting in 2024, the European Union is preparing new document requirements for American citizens to visit. Is it technically a “visa”? No. But there will be some additional hoops to jump through before you can begin your European escape. Here’s what is changing and what you need to know.
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,...