This is NOT your Grandma's Bus Trip!

Escorted tours have long received a bad rap for offering regimented and BORING bus tours for elderly travelers. It's time to take another look at coach tours!

You can explore many exciting destinations on a luxury coach with a personal tour guide. We work with Trafalgar Tours, and they  specialize in authentic activities that allow travelers to connect with the locals. How about as a cooking class in Florence, a winery tour in Tuscany or dinner with a family in a 17th century farmhouse in the Loire Valley? This is definitely NOT your Grandma's bus trip!

Founded in 1947, Trafalgar has a high satisfaction rating of 95%. They offer over 300 unique trips around the world. They escort guests to Europe, Great Britain, Russia, the Americas, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. This is a great way to see areas off the beaten track without the hassle of train schedules or driving a car, which can be a scary experience!

Trafalgar creates trips that are perfect for couples and families. They deliver an immersive and cultural experience wherever you go. Enjoy riding in luxurious and air-conditioned coaches with a tour director, which is like having a 24-hour concierge that guides the way! So why drive when you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery? Your tour guide and local specialists take care of every detail so you can spend your time enjoying your destination.

They hand pick quality hotels at an affordable price. Plus, they offer VIP access to iconic sites such as the Vatican & Sistine Chapel, and the Eiffel Tower. That means you don't have to stand in line for hours so you can maximize your vacation time. This is the SMART way to travel! The package price includes tips, tolls, taxes, porterage and many of the meals.

Looking for a "budget" tour? Their Costsaver Tours are the perfect choice for solo travelers or those who are looking for lasting travel memories on a limited budget. Costsaver Tours offer tremendous value and provide a selection of hand-crafted optional experiences while leaving time for self-directed exploration.

Interested in going to Ireland and/or Scotland?  Ask us about Trafalgar's sister company Brendan Vacations, who are Celtic experts. They offer guided and stress-free vacations through the beautiful British Isles.

Ready to go?
Contact Us for more information for wherever YOU would like to go!

Tips to keep your sanity when traveling with children!

Traveling with children is not for the faint of heart! I have 10 travel tips that will help you enjoy your family summer vacation. Really!

1. Plan Flight Times & Seating
When choosing flight times, remember to plan around nap time and bed time with small children. In terms of seating, ask if you can have the bulkhead seats in the middle of the plane as they have more legroom and the possibility of a baby bed. Flying with a child under two? Don't assume that they fly for free - contact the airline  ahead of time to confirm if they charge a fee. Depending on the price, it may be worth paying for an additional seat for the extra space.


2. Allow Plenty of Time
If your vacation involves flying, leave early so you don't have to rush through the airport with young children. Check if your airline offers a "meet & assist" service because this can definitely be a lifesaver. It's also a good idea to let children move around before they board the plane to get some of their energy out before they have to sit still.

3. Don't Overpack

We all make the mistake of packing too much - but remember you can always purchase items wherever you are going. Parents are tempted to take a lot of equipment, but it must be lugged through the airport. A light stroller may be all you need because it doubles as a temporary bed for naps. Strollers are also a great place to store jackets and snacks.  If you must take a car seat, I would recommend  a car seat-stroller combination.

4. The Crucial Carry On
A well packed piece of carry-on luggage is a life saver for parents. Bring plenty of diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothing, soft toys and a pillow for babies and toddlers. Pack snacks, medicine in case they are not feeling well and suckable treats for pressure change. Many airports will allow baby milk and food in containers, but check with airports ahead of time. I also recommend that you pack extra clothes for yourself in case you get wet or dirty. Trust me, this has happened to me before!

5. Backpack
A backpack for both the parent and the child allows you to be hands free. Kids will love opening up their backpack to find new crayons, coloring books, small games, playing cards, toys and a portable DVD. I once wrapped up their play items, and they loved opening each one. Don't forget extra batteries or power packs. Young children can be responsible for packing up their own bags prior to arrival, which gives them something to do.

6. Load up your Tablet

Kids love to play with tablets. While at home you may be stricter with viewing times, but giving them special screen time will allow you to relax and keep your sanity. Remember holiday rules are different!  Make sure you have plenty of songs, TV shows, stories, games and Disney movies on your tablet. I recommend packing child-sized headphones so it is more comfortable for them to wear.

7. Choose a Resort Carefully
Often the family is crowded if they all have to sleep in the same small room. This also makes for tired (and cranky) vacation goers! Ask you travel agent for options such as a condo or a vacation rental home where you will have more room and can prepare some of your own meals.

8. A Pool is a Must!

Even if your accommodation is on or close to a beach, you will want to ensure that there is a pool for the kids to splash around and cool down. A pool saves you the hassle of getting off all the sand, and it helps children sleep well at night!

9. Plan for a Slower Pace
Find the right balance - don't overload your itinerary. Let everyone have a chance to pick an activity. Travel specialists find that the most successful family trips are where the children are involved in choosing an activity themselves.


10. Plan Ahead
It's better to plan as far ahead as possible. Don't wait to the last minute because flights get pricier the longer you leave it and resorts/cruises can be sold out.

Contact me so I can plan your trip. I just need your travel period and budget. This will save time so you can spend it getting ready (doing laundry and making sure clothes fit everyone!)

Fall in LOVE with Niagara Falls

You'll Love Niagara Falls!

As one of the world's natural wonders, Niagara Falls is a top tourist attraction. Visitors are awe struck with its amazing 170 foot waterfalls. Standing on the viewing platform and watching them crashing down is absolutely spectacular! You can't imagine the sound unless you have been there.

Niagara Falls is actually on both sides of the border - United States (US) and Canada. There are amazing views from the American side. I think some of the best views are provided from locations in Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side. Summertime is the most popular time to visit. Visitors who come between May and October rave about the magnificent fireworks and illumination show.

It's an easy destination to visit. You can fly into Buffalo, New York, as Niagara Falls is just a 35 minute drive from there. There are also many guided tours available - relax while someone else does the driving! I would highly recommend a side trip to Toronto, which is just an hour’s drive from this popular site. Don't forget to bring your passport!

The Rainbow Bridge lets visitors travel from the US into Canada (and vice versa). It takes just 20 minutes to walk across the bridge. There's a small fee to cross the bridge. Whether you go on foot, by bike or by car, you must have a passport or proof of identity. Adults can use a passport card or passport book, and a child's birth certificate will suffice. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency for more information.

One of the most popular ways to experience the falls is by boat on the famous 'Maid of the Mist'. This legendary water vessel has been offering tours since the 1840’s!  You can count on getting wet with this experience – but fortunately they do provide ponchos!  The falls can also be viewed by going up or down. Take the elevator down to the caves or book a helicopter ride for panoramic views. Located in downtown Niagara, the Skylon Tower offers an observation deck and revolving dining room.

If you decide you might like to spend a few days on the Canadian side of the border, there are lots of activities for all ages. Adults can visit the many wineries because Niagara is located in the Canadian wine country. There are also casinos and top-rated golf courses nearby. Families will enjoy visiting the Niagara SkyWheel, 'Marineland', a Safari Park, several water parks and the Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory. 'Old Fort Niagara' is located on the American side, which is a 17^th century fort that history buffs will really enjoy.

Contact us to plan an unforgettable vacation to Niagara Falls!

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

St. Patrick's Day is approaching - and that is the time of year when many people consider making a trip to beautiful Ireland! Access is easy with daily flights to most of the island's main cities.

Is Ireland somewhere that YOU have always wanted to go?  Maybe you would like to trace your Irish roots? This island is a good destination if you love Celtic music or want to sleep in a former castle! 

Ireland is steeped in a rich history and is a magical place to visit. The scenery will take your breath away with rolling green fields, a spectacular rugged coastline and rustic castles. You will marvel at the pretty quaint villages and enjoy freshly caught seafood. The pubs are filled with a great selection of drafts, friendly locals and toe-tapping music. No trip would be complete without some fresh fish and chips!

There are many ways to explore this island - stop over, city break or countryside tour. The best way to plan a trip is to determine your length of stay and interests. You can choose from an escorted tour to a self-driving trip (on the other side of the road!)

Ireland is known as a golfer's paradise with a great selection of courses. I can plan a special trip for you and your golfing buddies. The island offers great spots for hiking and biking, too! Dublin is a bustling city with a great selection of attractions. Are you starting to see green?

I can plan a trip to meet any budget. The BEST part is there is NO FEE for my services! Let's discuss where you want to go, and I will provide you with some options. Contact Us for more information.

KIA ORA from New Zealand!

Kia Ora!

This Māorian expression means 'hello'. The literal translation is 'be well and healthy'. Kia Ora is heard all over New Zealand and loved by Kiwis.

We recently returned from an amazing trip to New Zealand. We visited the beautiful Bay of Islands, which is located in the northern part of the North Island.

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, I would HIGHLY recommend that you visit this absolutely gorgeous area. We stayed in Pahia and were extremely happy with our accommodation - it was a bed and breakfast (B&B) called Chateau Romantica. As you can see from this photo, the view was truly spectacular. Our hostess Inge, who is Austrian, was wonderful and made our stay magical. Our suite was spacious and very clean with a beautiful view. We slept well and woke eager for the delicious breakfast and stunning views. We enjoyed meeting other guests from around the world. This B&B was ideally located within easy walking distance of restaurants and the beautiful beach in Pahia.


There is so much to see and do in this area. Popular activities include boat trips to view the dolphins, parasailing and a jet boat ride through the famous "Hole in the Rock". Cultural fans will enjoy visiting the historic sites that are within easy driving distance. I would suggest a visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds (protected site of the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Maori people) as well as The Store & Kemp House in beautiful Kerikeri, which are two of New Zealand's oldest buildings dating back to the 19th century.
Visitors rave about the ferry trip to Russell. This outing isn't complete without dinner at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which is New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel and sits right on the spectacular waterfront. From here, browse through quaint shops, walk along the beach, stop for a glass of wine and enjoy watching the amazing sunset. Writing this post makes me want to go back to New Zealand right now!

Contact Us for more information! This is a great time to book travel to New Zealand.

Will you join us?

Who wants to join us on a River Cruise?
(There are amazing rates on group River Cruises!)

As many of you know, we are passionate about "river cruising". This passion quickly became my travel specialty area. We experienced our first river cruise eight years ago in September, and it was love at first boarding! I immediately fell in love with this type of travel. There is nothing more relaxing than unpacking just once and enjoying panoramic scenery from your floating hotel, as you meander up the river. Plus, the food and drinks are divine!

River cruising has improved tremendously since 2009. There are now several different river cruise companies that cater to the North American market. We enjoy working with all of them, and recommend them all based on their high satisfaction ratings. If you enjoy history, culture, amazing food and fine wine, you just can't beat a river cruise!

Viking is the best known river cruise line in the United States. It's not surprising because they have the most ships and offer the most itineraries. This allows them to offer the best pricing, including tremendous deals on contracted air fares. Many of you will have seen their television commercials;  and trust me, the river cruise experience is EVEN better than what you can see in their commercials!

If you have always wanted to experience a river cruise yourself, I've got a GREAT DEAL for you! But, don't delay because they sell out very quickly! You can secure a cabin for just $500 per person. For bookings made before December 31st, Viking are offering economy air to many parts of Europe for an unbelievably low price from just $395 per person in October 2018 and 2019! Remember, a river cruise is "inclusive" with an excursion in every port. Award-winning wine, beer and other beverages are included with both lunch and dinner.

Our personal favorite time to travel to Europe is in October. It is a quieter time to travel when the kids are back in school, and we like to take advantage of "shoulder season" for air travel when the prices drop a bit. We arranged a Viking River Cruise Group booking for their popular "Rhine Getaway" (Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland) that departs on October 17th, 2018. Click here for more details.



Would 2019 work better for you?  We now also have a 2019 Viking River Cruise Group for the 'Lyon and Provence' itinerary that departs on October 8th, 2019 (from Lyon to Avignon in France). With either of these group cruises, you are able to take advantage of our group discount of $125 per person. A deposit is needed to secure your spot. Contact me today if you are interested because there is limited availability with both of these sailings.

Call me at 336-790-8911 or email me for more details!  We would love to have you join us!!

Is Yellowstone National Park on your bucket list?

Yellowstone National Park and nearby Jackson Hole are very popular family summer destinations. If you have never been to these amazing spots, NOW is the best time to plan your visit. The scenery is just breathtaking! Yellowstone is the "world's first national park," and Teton Village, a scenic resort area, is just 10 miles from Jackson Hole.

One of the closest and easiest airports to fly into is the Jackson Hole Airport. Nearby, there are lots of activities that will interest the whole family. Choose from hiking in Grand Teton National Park, whitewater rafting down the Snake River, horseback riding, fly fishing, and wildlife tours. Of course, there is shopping and great local restaurants. Pack your outdoor gear and go have some fun!

The south entrance of Yellowstone National Park is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Jackson Hole. Yellowstone is nearly 3,500 square miles. Most of the park is located in Wyoming, but it does spread into parts of Montana and Idaho.

Yellowstone Park has spectacular scenery with canyons, Alpine rivers, hot springs, and geysers. Visitors love seeing the park's most famous geyser - "Old Faithful".


This amazing park is home to a great variety of wildlife. Bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope live in the park. There is no "best time" to visit because each season is magical. Decide what you want to see, and I will tell you the best time to visit. The summer months (June to August) is the busiest time of year when the weather is warm and school-age children are on summer vacation. The important thing to remember is to plan early because the camp sites and lodges on the park's ground sell out very quickly!

How much is the entrance fee to Yellowstone?
$25 for a private, non-commercial vehicle.
$20 for a motorcycle or snowmobile in winter.
$12 for visitors 16 years and older entering by foot, bike or skis.


Note that these fees provide the visitor with a seven-day entrance permit for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The $10 Interagency Senior Pass (62 and older) is a lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Contact me today if Yellowstone National Park is on YOUR bucket list. I would love to help you customize a vacation for you and your family to these amazing places!