Any vacation is a chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life, but few experiences are as rejuvenating as an extended getaway. How you define a “long” vacation depends on your frame of reference, but for us it might be two weeks or more. While the world keeps...
Tips
Do your homework before you leave: These international laws may surprise you
One of the joys of travel is stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing all the sights and sounds of a new culture. Anytime you leave the U.S., though, you’re likely to encounter different laws, some of which may seem trivial to you but are taken seriously....
Stay safe when traveling with these expert tips and gadgets
Travel creates rich and rewarding experiences with memories that can last a lifetime. For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers, but bad actors exist, and this can turn a stress-free trip into a real spoiler. Being aware of your surroundings,...
Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list? Top tips and ideas for 2024
Nothing quite prepares you for seeing the northern lights in person. The colors and movements are hypnotizing, graceful, and mysterious, and they have captivated people for millennia. If seeing the northern lights is a bucket list item, know that 2024 is an especially...
The latest on tipping: Where and how much to tip in 2024
One expense that is commonly overlooked when traveling is tipping. We all know to tip at a restaurant in the U.S., but there are other situations that aren’t always so clear, both in the U.S. and especially abroad. Tipping customs and guidance change all the time it...
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,...
Why take a tour for your next getaway? Here are our top reasons
As tempting as setting out on your own adventure may be, we’re big fans of going with a tour group. Even for seasoned travelers, taking a tour relieves the stress of going-it-alone planning and provides peace of mind knowing all the details are being taken care of....
New DOT Dashboard Explains Air Passengers’ Rights
On 9/1/2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a new dashboard that explains the services each airline provides to passengers in the event of a controllable cancellation or delay. This provides one location where travelers can quickly and easily...
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
Keeping your data safe when traveling: Cybersecurity tips for 2026
No matter where you travel this year, chances are you’ll bring your devices and stay at least somewhat connected while away. Technology is useful and essential, from presenting your boarding pass to discovering nearby attractions, but it’s important to protect your...
Our Sunset Group is sailing the Western Mediterranean in 2026! Get inspired with these all-inclusive excursions (Part 1)
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the Western Mediterranean in six-star, all-inclusive luxury, now is your chance! You are cordially invited to join me and Tom on our 2026 Sunset Group journey, sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain, September 13-23, 2026...
Dreading your Long-Haul Flight? Stay Comfortable and Healthy with These Tips
As much as we look forward to our vacation, long flights take a mental and physical toll. Planes are usually full, and especially if you’re in the economy section, 8-10 hours in the air is daunting. This week we offer some tips to combat some of the side effects of a...
Visiting Ireland for the first time? Here are 10 tips
Ireland is filled with lush green landscapes, castles, bustling pubs, coastlines, quaint villages, and more. Visitors to the “Emerald Isle” comment on its mysterious draw that awakens the senses and sticks with you long after you return home. With some of the...
New entry/exit requirements to visit Europe are coming. Here’s what to know.
Starting this fall, visitors to Europe will need to register with an automated entry/exit system (EES). This applies to U.S. citizens for short term stays, defined as 90 days within a 180-day period. This is not a visa, but there are some steps to be aware of...