New York Times writer Susan Heller famously said, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”
 
Even when we have great intentions, it’s easy to overload our suitcases. We wind up dragging a lot of stuff around. There’s more to keep track of; it winds up being a lot of physical and mental clutter. And, of course, we wind up paying a ton of extra fees for the additional weight and luggage.
 
So, rather than viewing efficient packing as a practice in minimalism, I like to think of it as a challenge that helps you make the most of every vacation: you have what you need, you’re freed up to not have to lug around a bunch of extra weight, and you can put that saved money towards a special souvenir, a nice dinner out, or another cool experience.
 
So what are the secrets that seasoned travelers use to guarantee expert packing? Here are the top 6:
 

1. Remember the 80/20 Principle — that is, 20% of what you pack will be 80% of what you actually wear. If you’re like most people, you’ve already noticed this. You pack four pairs of shoes, but you really only wear one pair every day. You pack three sweaters and a shawl that you never use, because you wind up just wearing your favorite light jacket that goes with everything you own. 

2. Don’t pack for every possible situation. Pack for an average day. There’s no way you can cover every contingency. Look at the forecast, the average temps and weather for that time of year, and go with that. If there’s a freak week of rain in what’s normally a sunny season — unless you’re headed to an extremely remote area that sees few travelers, it’s very unlikely that you won’t be able to purchase a rain coat or an umbrella where you are. If there’s a cold snap, there’s probably also a store nearby with just the thing you need. 

3. It’s okay to wash. If you’re going to be gone for three weeks, pack enough clothes for one. If you’re a hardcore DIYer, almost every resort or town in the world has a Laundromat or laundry service. If you’re feeling like you want  break from daily tasks and routines and you’re really looking forward to the luxury of having other people pamper you, have your clothes laundered and folded for you. It’s still often cheaper than luggage fees!

4. For warmth, go with layers over bulk. Pick several thin layers with insulating, wicking fabrics — merino wool is a great one — over a big jacket. Heavier items like jackets and sweaters don’t offer the flexibility. They’re just hot, and when the sun comes out, then you have to cart around a huge coat. But a compact zip-up fleece can roll up easily into a bag or backpack in the afternoon and then come back out again for that sunset walk on the beach. 

5. Think: mix and match, simplified palette, and multi-function items. If three tops match three bottoms, you’ve got nine possible outfits. Add in a Swiss-Army-Knife travel item like the popular Chrysalis Cardi, and you’ve got one item that converts into eight different things. As travel blogger Fred Perotta says: bring pieces, not outfits. 

6. If you’ve got to have something bulky and heavy -- wear it, don’t pack it. Hiking boots, down jacket, that awesome cable knit wool cardigan — these might very well have a great place on your trip, but they shouldn’t be in your suitcase. Wear them on the plane. You can easily pack several versatile layers for the space that one sweater would take up.

 
If you’re ready to pack for an adventure, I’d love to talk to you about it. I know we can find a place that’s just right for you — and I’ll even give you insider tips packing suggestions for your specific destination! You can reach me today!

Sleeping well on a plane has developed into a certain kind of art — and into a healthy business — with savvy travelers constantly scoping out new ways to make long flights more conducive to actual rest. Here are a few that really seem to have some payoff.
 
Splurge on a better seat. Sure, not everyone can afford a premium seat in first or business class, where you can take advantage of fully- or almost-fully-reclining seats and loads of leg room. But for long-distance flights, it can still be worth it to spend the extra money on an exit-row seat, a bulkhead seat, or a window seat. Flying on off-peak days, like a Tuesday evening, will also increase the likelihood that the flight will be less crowded and quieter.
 
Do the best you can with flight times and direct flights. While crossing many time zones always poses its own sleep challenges, do your best to pick a flight time and schedule that will sync up most naturally with your sleeping and waking times. Leaving in the evening will work better than trying to get REM at three in the afternoon.
 
Know your cues. Which side of the bed do you sleep on at home? Book on that side of the plane. Do you usually have a cup of tea before bed? Bring a few packets of your favorite herbal. And grab your own small travel blanket and comfy slippers while you’re at it (the airline pillow or blanket can be used for extra cushioning or lumbar support if you like). Spritz your pillow with a mild lavender essential oil. The more familiar things you can do, the more your brain will recognize the cues that it’s time for rest.
 
Sweet darkness, sweet silence. On most trans-oceanic flights, you’ll see the blue glow of nearly every seatback screen flickering, no matter the time. We know that the type of light emitted by screens is proven to disrupt sleep. For any rest at all — let alone good rest — keep your screen off. Bring an eye mask or cap to block out as much light as possible. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to create the quietest environment you can.
 
Buckle up over the blanket. When the plane hits turbulence, flight attendants are required to make sure people are safely buckled in. If they can’t see that your seat belt is fastened, they have to disturb you to check. Make it easy for them and for you — simply click the buckle over the blanket.
 
Rather than paying more for less in the airport, do some quick research before you leave to find the best travel pillow for you. There are dozens to choose from, and they range widely in price, portability, and visual quirkiness. Check out reviews like this one from the Travel + Leisure — and note how the reviewer coordinates the best pillows with each type of sleeper. Chances are, there’s a pillow out there that will support your head and neck and give you the rest you need.
 
What are your best tips for getting good sleep on an airplane? I’d love to hear them. And if you’re ready to plan your next (well-rested) journey, I’m here to help! 

​People are always talking about taking their “dream vacation” — but largely what people mean when they say this is that every detail of the trip was planned flawlessly, everything went according to plan, and the service and food were stellar.
 
But what if the key to having the best vacations of your life has as much to do with how you approach traveling as it does with where you go and the number of stars on your hotel?
 
Here are 5 Traveler’s Resolutions you can make right now to make this the best year of travel yet:

1. I resolve to take responsibility for enjoying my vacation. Sounds weird, right? Especially since we often think an enjoyable vacation means that nothing goes wrong. I mean, what if your flight is late? What if they lose your bags? What if the hotel shower has terrible water pressure? What if your passport gets stolen?  What if you get seasick — or worse?
2. If you resolve to be the one who decides if you enjoy your time, then you get to decide how you’re going to respond to each situation and what you’re going to make of it. Is it going to be a catastrophe that ruins your trip — or fodder for an exciting story at your next dinner party?
3. I resolve to take myself less seriously. Traveling is an act of vulnerability, especially if you’re headed someplace where the language, food, and culture are vastly different from your own. You don’t have to be an expert; you don’t even really have to know what’s going on. If you make a mistake, the world will not end. The more easily you can laugh at yourself, the easier you’ll be to travel with — and the more fun you’ll have.
4. I resolve to stay curious and humble. The world is full of surprises. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be amazed by what you discover. Ever wonder why it’s so much fun to see regular everyday “boring” things through the eyes of a kid? They don’t know that they’re supposed to be “cool” and avoid looking silly in front of others — they just experience everything as if it’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened. And you know what? They’re almost always having way more fun than those of us over 30. As adults, we have the choice to let go of cynicism and embrace wonder.
5. I resolve to trust more and be more generous. Anyone who loves to travel will tell you this: the world is mainly populated by good-hearted people who will extend help and hospitality when and if you need it. While it’s always wise to be aware and educated on potential scams and dangers — the truth is, 99 people out of 100 will gladly help you out of jam and will go out of their way to show you the best spirit of their culture. Open up a little and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. And inevitably, you’ll have experiences and make real connections that will stay with you for years to come.
6. I resolve to let go of my attachment to The Plan. Perhaps above all, being a great traveler means you have to be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan — and wonderful things can happen as a result. Think of the “wrong” turn you took that brought you to the most breathtaking vineyard you’d ever seen. Or the cancelled day trip that led to a day of meandering through spice-scented streets where you had the best curry of your life. Or the delayed train that allowed you to have late-afternoon tea with a charming shop owner in a crowded bazaar. 
7. In the most significant ways, like all of the rest of life, the most valuable and memorable parts of traveling can’t be planned. That is the enduring beauty and draw of striking out on a new adventure.

 
 
A common thread among these resolutions is the ability to let go of anxiety, relax and enjoy yourself. Hiring a Travel Professional is one of the best ways to avoid the most stressful parts of travel altogether. I can do all the planning, handle all the details, and you get to enjoy. I will also be on call for you while you are on your trip to handle any complications or emergencies that may come up. Let me take all the stress out of organizing and leave all the pleasure to you. Click the link below to contact me today!

Reawaken Your Soul (and Stomach) by Traveling on an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Journey
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love explores simple pleasures and pizza in Italy, devotion in India, and love in Bali, bringing readers with her on a one-year journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Taking the bookshelves by storm in 2006, the book spent more than 200 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, eventually translating into a movie starring Julia Roberts and selling over ten million copies worldwide. As a result, readers have been inspired to begin their own soul searching, and perhaps even more noteworthy, to travel more as part of a journey to self-discovery. After the ten-year anniversary of the book in 2016, Elizabeth Gilbert released Eat, Pray, Love Made Me Do It, which chronicles the stories of more than fifty people who were inspired to make a big change, from taking a solo road trip to chasing their dreams of teaching abroad.
Whether you’re a fan or a critic of the memoir, it has undoubtedly changed the lives of its readers and prompted transformative trips around the globe. While people may not have a full year, like Gilbert, to immerse themselves in destinations, there are thoughtfully designed itineraries that encompass these cultural and educational experiences in one to three week long itineraries. Most notably, the Eat, Pray, Love travel Learning Journeys Series which offers immersive, women-focused itineraries across the world.
Based on your interests, trips may focus on cooking, dancing, yoga, photography, and more.  You can even travel to Malta, India, or Greece with a group of like-minded adventurers by organizing your own private tour with ten of your family members, friends, or members from your book club. The trip is entirely customizable based on your group’s interests. Want to go hiking? Practice knitting techniques? Learn to belly dance? Whatever it is, every traveler will find something that fills their hearts and feeds their soul on their own journey to self-discovery and empowerment. Here are some of my favorite trips for 2019.
For a focus on wellness, gastronomy, and fashion, the Mystical Malta eight-day trip takes place in Gozo, Medina and Valetta, offering a hands-on cooking class and a trip to a local horse farm. Travelers will learn the sustainable art of painting, jewelry making and ceramics from a local artist at her studio and there’s a chance to visit the fashion house of Charles and Ron, renowned international fashion and lifestyle designers who have a distinct Mediterranean flair.
A transformative journey to the birthplace of Western Civilization and the land of muses, gods, and goddesses, the Greek Goddess Journey of Wellness In Crete offers an eight-day itinerary that includes daily yoga and meditation, a lesson in Greek dancing, and cooking classes with a local figure. There’s ample time to experience wine tasting and experience the vibrant culture of the city.
The sacred land of Bhutan, untouched by the modern world, offers sacred temples, ultimate peace and serenity, and a warm local community with the 14-day Sacred Bhutan- The Land Of Happiness trip. The itinerary includes visits to the well-known Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the Kyichu Lhakhang Buddhist temple. Enjoy your meals in the sunshine, explore the museums, and learn traditional Bhutanese weaving.
The 11-day sojourn, Spiritual Northern India, is designed for personal reflection and growth. In addition to visiting key destinations like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, travelers can shop for sarees at the market with a local fashionista, participate in community service projects including a visit to a girl’s orphanage, take cooking lessons, meet an astrologer, and much more.

Contact Us to help plan your Inspiring Journey. Book a 30 minute Exotic Travel Planning Session

As you get ready to embark on your own summer vacation, here’s a quick list of smartphone apps that can help you get organized, find great deals, and save you money along the way.

1. Waze  – Whether your trip involves a lot of road travel, or you just want to find a faster way to get to places in your own city, consider Waze. Recently purchased by Google, it uses social media input to give real-time updates on traffic situations. So, for example, if there’s a game downtown in the city you’re visiting, as you’re trying to navigate that same area to get to a restaurant, Waze will let you know where the jams are so you can avoid the tangle and the time (and fuel) wasted waiting for game-goers.
2. GasBuddy – GasBuddy is another app that takes advantage of the constant updates and interaction of crowdsourcing. People input gas prices and keep an eye out for low prices, so users can quickly and easily search for gas stations nearby and compare prices to ensure the best deal in their area.
3. TripIt Travel planner - This is a great tool to use in partnership with your travel agent! Reservations, tickets, events, meetings, personal gathering with friends or family — you can basically have all the important details of your trip at your fingertips, all in one convenient place. You know all those confirmation emails that you get from hotels, airlines, car rental services and the like — the ones you frantically search for in your Inbox the night before you leave on a vacation? Your travel agent can simply send all these emails along to plans@tripit.com, which will then magically generate a digital itinerary that you can refer to on your mobile device. It also provides weather info and maps of your destinations. You can add multiple trips to TripIt if you're a frequent traveler, or just use it for a single vacation. TripIt was awarded Best Travel Mobile App for 2011 at the Webby Awards. All the services described above are free, or you can upgrade to a paid version for even more cushy service and alerts.
4. Around Me  — Ever find yourself in an unfamiliar city, and you just want a decent cup of coffee or a place to buy an extra toothbrush? This application tells you all the points of interest that are located near you. It detects your current location, and lets you select from categories like bars, cafés, hospitals, pharmacies, and hotels to filter though the results.
5. Road Trippers  — This is a fun travel tool made for the iPhone as an app, but that is also available via mobile web so you can use it with Android, Blackberry, and other smartphone platforms. Here’s how it works: you type in your starting and destination points and it tells you distance, time and estimated gas costs. This is great for day trips — think of a great tour of Napa while staying in San Francisco (or vice versa!). While the distance-finding feature in itself isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, RoadTrippers goes one better and tells you about all of the attractions worth seeing along the way, from the obvious to the wonderfully ridiculous.

There are tons of apps to explore, of course, and this is just a glimpse — but these should add some fun and help you plan and save a few dollars. Once we’ve worked together to plan your awesome summer vacation, give these apps a try and let me know how it goes!

Book A Complimentary Exotic Travel Planning Session Here. ​

There are, of course, thousands of possible trips out there. There are plenty of great trips to choose from — and then there are trips that are great for you. Being honest about what you want and need and getting to know your own personal travel profile can save you from the but-it-looked-great-on-paper trip disappointment.
 
Here are a few simple things that can help you better understand your unique and personal travel profile:

1. Make a quick list of the twenty most fun memories you have of trips you’ve taken in your lifetime. Notice if there are any themes. While you don’t necessarily need (or even want) each vacation to be a carbon copy of things you’ve already done, you can use those larger themes to guide your planning of future trips. That way, if you decide to step out a little from your comfort zone, you’ll at least have a solid idea of what makes the most meaningful moments for you. Is it time with friends or family? A certain type of weather or geography? Certain activities? Quiet time? When you can build some of these elements into your travel, you’re more likely to come home energized and restored.

 

1. What do you like to do to relax, unwind, have fun, or re-energize when you’re not on vacation? Do you like to be still or active? Quiet or surrounded by crowds? Scheduled or free-form and spontaneous? Simplicity or luxury? Inside or outside? These might seem like silly questions — but you’d be surprised how often people book vacations that are filled with activities or set at a pace that they otherwise don’t really enjoy.


2. It’s possible that you’ll love a week of biking in Tuscany even though you’d never go cycling at home — but more likely you’ll be tired, saddle-sore, and wishing for a car. That’s not to say you shouldn’t try new activities every now and then; there’s plenty of room for new adventures on trips. Just make sure that you incorporate new activities in small bites — say, an afternoon bike tour with plenty of stops — to see if it’s something you’d genuinely like more of. 

 

1. What is the purpose of your trip? What do you want to take away? Part of what makes travel so amazing is its capacity to broaden and deepen our cultural, relational, and emotional horizons. Are you looking to create tons of new memories with your kids? Are you hunting for the perfect gift(s)? Maybe you’d like to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, or do a service-oriented trip that allows you to give to others while you’re getting an invaluable adventure. Plan your trip around the kind of experience and emotional takeaway you’re looking for.

 

1. Do you prefer to be in control, or are you happier when someone else is at the helm? This can be a huge factor in overall enjoyment of a trip. Sometimes people think they’d love to be in charge of everything — but when faced with the reality of hundreds of details that need taking care of before, during, and even after a trip, the fun gets sapped right out of the vacation. When you work with me, you can create the best balance of autonomy and assistance in order to maximize the fun, adventure, and relaxation on your trip.

 
 
When you take a little time to get to know how you travel best, your vacation can be more than just fun; it can actually be fulfilling. And you can come home refreshed, energized, and brimming with great new memories.
 
Are you ready to start planning an incredible experience for yourself or your whole family? Contact us  today and let us help you get there! Book a complimentary Exotic Travel Planning Season. Just click here.
 
 
 

Europe is a vacation that most people dream about, from the Swiss Alps to the ocean waves in Malta or the quaint cafes around each corner, there is a little something for everyone. However, with such a variety of activities it can be hard to know what to do, where to go, or even how to pack for your trip. That’s where I come in. I recently just did my first trip to Europe and I was definitely not as prepared as I could have been. I have taken note of things I would recommend to future newbies so that you all don’t have to struggle your way through like me.

The most important thing that I took away from my trip is to buy a big backpacking backpack and backpack your way through Europe. I decided to glam-pack. I brought my suitcase and purse, which I thought would be fine because that is what I have done on all my other trips. My oh my, did I underestimate the cobblestone. It is EVERYWHERE. You will never not have cobblestone streets in Europe and rolling a fifty-pound suitcase across the cobble stone to catch the train to your next city is not ideal. In fact, it is quite exhausting and that is not what we want to spend our energy on while on vacation.

The cobble stone isn’t the only obstacle with using a wheeled suitcase. Don’t forget about the stairs that often to lead to the metro lines. You will have to drag your bag down to the train platform and back up again. It doesn’t sound that horrible, but often times you’ll have to transfer train lines which means that you’ll have multiple stair cases to haul that bag up and down. Unless you’re craving a good workout, I would suggest ditching the suitcase.
Buy the backpack. It seems like a hassle, but you’ll thank me for it later.

As you’re searching for your backpack to bring on your adventure, search for comfortable shoes. I decided to be all cute because all over Instagram you see girls and guys dressing like they are hitting the New York Fashion Week runway. I learned really quickly that being cute was not the best idea. I had packed a new pair of flats because they were so precious and would make so many outfits look just adorable. What isn’t adorable is the scars that I will have on my ankles from the blisters I got walking around Paris all day in shoes that were not broken in.
Tip number two, wear comfortable shoes or at least break in all of your shoes before trying to get the best Insta pics.

While grabbing those comfy shoes make sure you pick out versatile outfits. Things that you will be able to wear again and mix and match with other clothing items. Solid colored tops that you can layer with sweaters, jackets, and scarfs make for the perfect items to pack. They can be worn again with different layers and look like a completely different outfit. No one will know that you wore that shirt three days ago in a different country.
​
Lastly, go in with an open mind and be flexible. With so many things to do and see it will be hard to see everything you want to on your first trip. Keep an open mind. It isn’t the end of the world if you miss one sight. Hopefully you’ll be back in your lifetime. Being flexible is key to a successful trip. If something is closed that day, come up with a backup plan and don’t think twice. You don’t have a lot of time, so why waste it being upset or wishing you were doing something else?
 

The island that most couples dream of walking hand in hand down the stairs next to the white houses, or in my case walking down with five of my closest friends and that was pretty great too.

There are taxis to take if you need transportation, but the more fun way of getting around the island is to rent ATVs. You can rent an ATV for 20 euro + 10 euro for gas for the entire day. Which isn’t a bad deal for 24 hours of use. You’ll get helmets and learn how to drive the ATVs. Once you’re on the road you are a normal vehicle. You will be required to drive the speed limit and cruise along like the other cars. At first, you might be a little overwhelmed, but after about ten minutes you’ll be on such an adrenaline rush that you won’t even realize that a big tour bus is zooming past you. You’ll begin to see it as the normal.

Take your ATVs to the red sand beach. The beach will take a roughly a 10 minute hike to get to from the parking lot. The hike is not strenuous or difficult, so don’t worry, you can show up in your beach attire and be just fine! If you go in October, the water will be a bit chilly, but if you love playing in the waves, then nothing can stop you right? After your day at the beach, if you’re in need of a little snack or drink there is a stand in the parking lot to fulfill your food and drink needs. No need to pack an entire cooler if you don’t want to.

After relaxing by the beach and soaking in some Vitamin D, get dressed and ready for some wine tasting. Make a reservation ahead of time, so that they know you are coming and can be prepared for you. Check out Gaia Wines in Kamari, Santorini. A small, local winery right on the ocean. The price is cheap, but the wine isn’t. If you’re a little hungry, they have appetizer plates ready to order.

After wine tasting, hop back on those ATVs (only if you are not feeling intoxicated from the wine) and drive carefully to a nice dinner. There are many places to go that will have wonderful food. Wherever you go, order tzatziki bread and stuffed peppers at least once. You will not be disappointed. A restaurant that serves delicious food quickly is Ladokolla, located in Fira Town. If you wander around the little outdoor shops first, you may even get yourself a coupon for a free drink, and who doesn’t love free things?

On day two register for a tour of the volcanic thermal pools and the volcano hike. The tour will be by boat and will leave out of the old town port. There are multiple tour companies, so find one that you would like best. Often times, your hotel or hostel will have connections with the tour companies.

The first stop is the volcanic thermal pools. You will jump out of the boat (or step into the water via the ladder, whichever you’re more comfortable with) and swim to the thermal pools. The water is quite chilly on the swim over, but once in the pools you will warm up just enough that you are even colder on the swim back. But, don’t let the water temperature stop you from jumping in and exploring the views. Life is all about adventure and going outside of comfort zones, right?

Once everyone is all dried off and, in the boat, you will head over to the Thera volcano. You will have roughly an hour and thirty minutes to walk to the top of caldera and look around. There is a lot to explore on the top and many fabulous photo opportunities for your Instagram. You will have wonderful views of the bay where the boat you rode on is stationed. The water is a beautiful mix of teal and sea foam green. It is one of the most beautiful sights of the day.

Once you are back on dry land, head back to your hotel to get changed into a cute, chic outfit for the sunset at Oía. This is what everyone thinks of when they think of Santorini. White buildings piled on top of the water’s edge, light blue roof tops, bright pink flowers, orange sunsets, little shops located throughout to purchase little trinkets of Greece. The beauty of Oía is truly breathtaking. The modern, yet cozy feel of the buildings is one like no other. It is a must see on your trip to Santorini.

The island that most couples dream of walking hand in hand down the stairs next to the white houses, or in my case walking down with five of my closest friends and that was pretty great too.

Contact us for a complimentary travel planning session.
Click the link to our online scheduler: https://my.timetrade.com/book/LKZ86
​

At this time, it might be getting close to sunset and dinner time. So, hop on your ferry back to Malta and head to dinner. There are many restaurants on the coastal line with outdoor seating to watch the sunset while you eat dinner. After dinner, head on over to a gelato store and get a scoop or two. The blueberry flavor is refreshing and will be the perfect dessert for your post dinner snack. 

Contact us for a complimentary travel planning session.
Click the link to our online scheduler: https://my.timetrade.com/book/LKZ86
​

​Again, you’re on a time budget so you only get one day in each major city. Things to do, food to eat, adventures to be had:

Upon reaching the main road, you have a couple of options. First, you can buy a bus ticket and head to Amalfi coast. Secondly, you can walk the 3 miles on the road to get to the heart of Positano and the beach. Or you can take a bus to the center of Positano. Thirdly, walk about a mile down the road towards Positano and find numerous cozy restaurants on the sidewalk that have stunning views of the colorful houses nestled up against the water. If you start the hike during the morning, you will have enough time to hike it back out. However, I started at 2 pm and after dinner at Bruno (a lovely restaurant overlooking the coast) it was dark outside. Therefore, we hopped a bus back to Naples to avoid the 2,500 stairs back up and hiking in the dark isn’t very safe. So, if you stay late, I suggest buying a bus ticket.

​Italy is a country that you could spend an entire month in and not see all of the sites. There is so many beautiful things to do, so do your research and plan your time carefully because there are many things to see and do. But I am sure that you’ll be back one day to finish what you started on your first trip. ​

Contact us for a complimentary travel planning session.
Click the link to our online scheduler: https://my.timetrade.com/book/LKZ86
​