The travel business never stops. As families gather for the holidays, conversations turn to plans for the upcoming year. Grandparents are planning “multi-gen” trips to bring together their adult children and the grands. Someplace with a pool or beach is typically in the mix, unless they are a ski family, then it’s Utah or Colorado or, even fancier and fantastic, Switzerland or France. I’ve fielded all of these travel requests and welcome them every day this time of year.
And those celebration trips are popular – an anniversary, graduation, honeymoon. Italy continues to be my most booked destination. Never one city, either. But many trains and adventures to be had. This week I booked tours from Milan, Florence and Rome. I have clients driving around Tuscany in a Fiat, and touring the Vatican in Rome. I’m particularly excited for these clients to visit Lugano, Switzerland. All before the ETIAS visa requirements go into place for US citizens (currently slated for October 2026).
Also this week, I’m thinking of gift lists, and taking advantage of sale prices. What a great feeling to get the shopping done early. Here’s a link to my Amazon Storefront. Commissions from sales keep Turtle Shell Travel afloat. Thank you, as always, for supporting my small business.
And are you looking toward the future this time of year? I’ve been looking ahead and designing my joyful life for 2026. I don’t know what it will look like. 2025 has brought so many changes for our family and my parents. I’ve been remembering the “simpler” days of young children and summertime. Those kids are now in college and that cat is long gone (but forever in our hearts, Clyde). Bless them on their paths.
Happy holiday season to my followers. If you’re planning a trip, complete my contact form and we’ll start the process.
I’ve reached a point in my travel advising career where I’m looking forward to my clients’ travels more than my own. Here’s what I’m working on for 2026
Maine getaway
Italian Honeymoon
Hawaii celebration
Key West Getaway
St. Lucia Honeymoon
Ireland family vacation
Watching cruise pricing
Black Friday promotions
With Black Friday just around the corner, here are links to my top travel and wellness products, ensuring you score the best deals of the year.
Are you whipping up an itinerary that’s all about train travel in Europe? Well, you might want to hop on over to Trainline. Seriously, it’s like having a magic backpack—your passenger info gets saved, making booking smoother than a barista’s foam art when you’re bouncing around various countries. Plus, all your train tickets are cozy and snuggled up in one spot, so you won’t end up playing hide and seek with them in your luggage or on your phone! You can also book Flixbus trips through Trainline. Check it out!
Highs in the 40s are coming our way in Maine, and the weather radar is giving us a frosty welcome—probably sending snowflakes to knock on our doors any minute now! Winter is sneaking up like an uninvited guest, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Bring on the holiday season and those cozy evenings where we can pretend the chill is good for our character!
In the past month, we’ve played host to some friends from the midwest, and boy, did we pick the right day for our adventure! We bought same day tickets for the Cog Railway and rode to the summit of Mount Washington on a lovely (and surprisingly warm) fall day. It was the last day the visitor’s center was open, and we literally hopped on the last train out of there. The Mount Washington Summit is now covered with snow, as can see on their live webcam.
For those of you who have yet to experience the stunning top of Mount Washington – I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Maine (or New Hampshire or Vermont)! The view is simply breathtaking and pleasantly surprising, especially for a “flatlander” like me from Illinois. If the weather cooperates (and trust me, it makes all the difference), it’s an unforgettable adventure. On our journey back home, we enjoyed a delightful Mexican dinner in North Conway that added to our wonderful day!
Also in the past month, we joyfully participated in Tufts Family Weekend, and I had the chance to fly home and visit my parents, who are settling into the assisted living facility not far from their cozy condo in Rockford. Although the adjustment comes with challenges, we are committed to caring for Mom and Dad with as much love and support as possible, ensuring they are safe and enjoying plenty of good meals. Being part of the sandwich generation certainly has its ups and downs, but being a caregiver to a parent also brings moments of unexpected joy and growth. I’m grateful to be back in the Midwest, especially during this time when the corn and beans are being harvested and the sunsets stretch beautifully for miles. I returned home to a stunning fall evening in Portland.
In the past month, I’ve researched winter island destinations in Spain and a Key West escape for January. I’ve also scheduled a follow-up call with a client organizing a remarkable Maine getaway in 2026. If Maine is on your bucket list—or any list—for 2026, now is the perfect time to start planning your adventure.
This recap may resemble a holiday letter, so I’ll wrap things up here. In celebration of our holiday this month, I proudly express my gratitude for my friends and family who have stood by me through the challenges of caring for aging parents. I also extend my appreciation to my travel clients; your support for my small business means the world to me.
Finally, I want to enthusiastically share my experience with the Design your Joyful Life course I’ve been part of this fall! It’s perfect for anyone eager to reflect on their professional journey and envision their future. You can purchase the book here, but participating in this guided class has truly inspired me to identify what fuels my passion and my aspirations for the next 5 years. The group of participants has been incredibly supportive and open-minded. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed connecting with thoughtful individuals from across the US who are embracing new experiences. And the course leader, Lisa, brings such a calm and vibrant energy to the experience. I highly recommend it!
Empty nest, caring for elders, and booking the best trips
Summer passed by in a blink, and I spent the majority of it caring for my elderly parents – one with mild dementia and one with a fresh hip fracture followed by a stroke. They’re both still with us – there adapting to a new living situation (situation) and the keep working together to manage their days. It’s quite admirable, actually.
I haven’t hated spending much of my time in the Midwest this summer. It’s been hot and sunny and I love watching the corn grow tall and the beans turn yellow. As beautiful (and temperate) as Maine is, average highs of 85 are the way to spend the summer (with a/c).
I’ve also had the chance to use my new carry-on bag, to transport TWO laptops (work and personal) through the airport. It fits under the seat, thankfully, although I often will put it overhead and put my (overloaded) purse under the seat.
Summer was punctuated by sending both kids off to college. One matriculating with pomp and circumstance and the other heading off with his headphones on to start junior year. Last night was my first night with an empty house, but it was far from sad. It’s the way the world turns – our little ones grow to be big ones. You can call it the empty next, open door, or just a quiet place. I miss them and the past years, but am excited about what the future holds.
Tufts matriculation – 2025, all 1800+ new students
So what am I doing today? Planning travel of course. A sabbatical to Italy for friends is on tap. In the wings is a February break warm weather getaway for two families and a St. Lucia honeymoon. I’m listening to the hits of 1988, 1989 and 1990 (thank you, Spotify) to remind me that I was young once, and eating Chipotle leftovers. Not all days as a travel advisor are glamorous. While I’ve flown a lot to Chicago in the past 9 weeks, my time spent on the ground has been very ordinary.
My goals for the next 3 months, is to get ready for Christmas with my college kids, plan some more great trips and keep checking on Mom and Dad. I’m working with a life coach to fine time my direction for the next 10 years, and enjoying quiet evenings with my husband in our quiet place.
Visitors to Maine most often think of visiting Maine in the “Summa-time” when long days and sunshine make beach mornings and days hiking to see those ocean view bring a feeling of vitality and zen. But I find visiting Maine in the off season to be the best way to enjoy peaceful Maine. The ocean never goes away, even during this cold winter we’ve been happening. And during the off season (November through May) the best hotels and restaurants are available, not crowded and eager to welcome visitors from near and far
pampering and rest this winter
My husband and I married in January, so we like those short, cozy winter days. In January, I had the opportunity to stay at the White Barn Inn, an Auberge Resorts property, in Kennebunk, Maine. My stay was part of a “FAM” – a familiarization trip to learn about a Fora Travel partner property. And I took advantage of their great winter rates, to stay an extra two nights with my husband to celebrate our anniversary.
Even though we were only 45 minutes from our home, we felt far away in a winter wonderland, a short walk from the beach and shopping were nice aspects, but what we enjoyed most was the cozy suite we stayed in, impeccable service, and the excellent dining led by Chef Mary Dumont.
Our rate included breakfast, which always started out with a not-too sweet cinnamon roll with a hint of caramel. And the full breakfast menu offers sweet and savory options to start your day. On our departure day, I enjoyed oatmeal in my room while packing and enjoying one last morning in the to-die-for bathroom complete with heated floors. Am contemplating a home bathroom renovation as we speak. I’ll be dreaming about the details of the White Barn Inn bathroom for quite some time.
Sparkling and still water were offered in the rooms. Daily housekeeping was provided as well as turn down service each evening, where they dropped off chocolates or a small sample of facial wash or room spray.
We never needed to leave the property during our stay. Breakfasts were filling and a great list of well prepared options. Staff is attentive to dietary restrictions. Dinner at the Main Restaurant is Prix Fixe which we enjoyed with the Fam Group. Service was warm and precise.
My husband and I opted to eat at the Little Barn two nights which offers a good variety of meals, which are also available through room service. The Burrata Squash starter will remain in my memory for a very long time.
Spa treatments were fantastic, with gratuity included in prices. Spa staff shared that the general public can book spa services and have access to the outdoor pool (with food and beverage service) in the summer time.
Fresh flowers are everywhere. No detail is overlooked. You will feel pampered here – and isn’t that exactly how you want to feel in the middle of winter or during a long spring in Maine? Staff remembers guest names and are always willing to go the extra mile to make their stay memorable.
For gatherings of friends or family, you can arrange pasta making, flower arranging, coastal foraging, bouy paining, wreath making, candle making, oyster shucking, whiskey tasting.
Being a Pro travel advisor with Fora Travel means I can previous fantastic properties right in your back yard. Whether you’re coming for a quite getaway with a partner, or meeting up with friends for the weekend, the White Barn Inn is one of the best choices in Vacationland.
This property offers great “free night” rates in the off season, and offers Fora Reserve benefits: $100 Resort Credit, Daily breakfast credit, Room upgrade to next room category (subject to availability at check-in) and Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)
2025 started off with a bang. Travel planning in full swing once the holidays died down. My clients are leaning in to 2025 travel, and I am here for them.
Travastere in 2016
I’m thankful to my clients for returning year after year for me to put into motion their travel dreams. In 2024, I booked travel to 12 countries, and have added 4 to that list in the past 6 weeks.
When planning these trips, it’s more important than ever to have travel insurance. Just last week, I had clients have their travel delayed on their way to a wedding weekend in the Caribbean. Flight delays can result in missed connections and spending a night in a connecting city, which incurs costs, AND you still have to pay for that hotel room you didn’t make it to at your destination. Or you might have to change your plans due to a family emergency or work commitments. Travel insurance provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage, reimbursing you for non-refundable costs like flights, hotel bookings, and pre-paid tours. This can save you from losing hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars due to situations beyond your control.
Thanks to travel insurance last summer, a client got reimbursed for purchasing an alternate flight to get her to her destination when her airline cancelled. Credit cards like the Chase United Quest Card do offer some insurance for travel that you pay for with this card, but for those big and special trips, I recommend getting a quote from Arch RoamRight which will cover a broader bunch of events. If an unforeseen event, like a natural disaster or personal emergency, forces you to cancel or delay your trip, travel insurance can help protect that investment. It ensures that you won’t lose money due to circumstances out of your control.
Freddy at the Vatican in 2016. I enjoy planning parent-child trips to European cities. Create those memories that will last a lifetime.
While travel insurance is often an afterthought for many travelers, it’s an essential part of your trip planning. It’s a relatively small investment that could end up saving you a significant amount of money and stress in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation. Whether it’s protecting your health, your belongings, or your travel investment, purchasing travel insurance can give you the peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey.
This Thanksgiving, my plate is full of travel requests. 2 years ago, I never dreamed I would spend my holiday time researching and planning for so many clients: friends, family, referrals from friends and also web-requests.
Here’s a link to see special Fora offerings for Travel Tuesday. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is on my bucket list for 2025.
Today, as you sit around your Thanksgiving table, use these destinations as conversation starters to make your 2025 travel dreams come true!
Welcome to the holiday season. The travel planning never stops!
This week is very busy, as I get clients ready to go to Mexico in one week. They’ll be enjoying sunshine, ocean views and food tasting with Culinary Backstreets. Am confirming hotel stays, flights and transfers. Also working on Greece, Italy and Norway itineraries. Have also found a little gem in Florida on Little Gasparilla Island for a family who likes to truly get away from the crowds and enjoy warmth of sunshine during our long Maine winters.
And my find of the week was roundtrip airfare to Italy the week before Easter! Only $820 round trip which my clients snagged up. They are wise. Now am completing their itinerary with hotels, trains and transfers.
Steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2014
Am also thinking about family travel. More specifically, one-on-one travel, parent-child. November and December were the months I took my kids to New York. These one-on-one trips were so wonderful for me. They were still at ages where hotels were magical (they still are to me). We went to see a Broadway show, and toured around the museums and even took a food tour to Brooklyn once. Great memories for me and, I’d like to think, this time expanded their worlds in ways that would pay off 10 years into the future. Freddy (pictured above) loved feeding the pigeons a pretzel. And now has flown off to college on the West Coast. He enjoys plane travel (a lot apparently) and I like to think our early trips planted the desire for exploration and trying new things.
Now is the time to plan for your one-on-one trip with your kid – it can be a “staycation” two hours from home, an adventure a flight away or a taste of Europe in Paris, Madrid or Rome. I’ve done all three with my kids and wish we had time to do it several times over.
Post CAPTIVATE below with your email address and I’ll send you an email with a 20% discount code on my travel planning services. Or send me a message with CAPTIVATE in the text and you’ll get the discount and we can talk about where you would like to go next.
Do you put your groceries, dog daycare, cell phone bills on your credit card? If so you can earn miles for every purchase. My preferred travel credit card (and I’ve had so many) is the United MileagePlus Quest Visa.
I’ve had a few different United Chase cards, and my favorite right now is the Quest Card. It has a $250 yearly fee, half of which you’ll automatically earn back as a $125 statement credit when you make a purchase on United.
This year I also used the $100 TSA Precheck Credit to renew my son’s TSA privileges. And you’ll save 25% on in flight purchases. And you’ll get free first AND second checked bags for you and one traveling companion.
I earn 1 mile per $1 charged and 2 miles for travel and streaming services (hello Netflix and Peacock!). 2024 has been full of spending promos and I’ve earned over 10,000 miles for meeting spending challenges.
But the big reason I chose the MileagePlus Quest Visa is that I can earn 6,000 PQP toward United MileagePlus Status. I’m on year 3 of Silver Status, and this card made is possible to keep my status for 2025. This means complimentary Economy Plus seating and upgrades when available. I’ve used the miles I’ve earned to pay for my son’s trip to London this summer and also for seat upgrades and to cover the $250 annual fee. There’s no way you won’t win with this card.
You’ll get 60,000 points and 500 PQP when you sign up and meet a spending challenge if you use this link: Lock in that free airfare and status now.
As a Fora Travel Advisor, I’m getting lots of requests to book Alaska for 2025.
The window to travel to Alaska is very short – mid May to mid September. Want to see the Northern Lights? Go in September. Want fewer crowds and gorgeous landscapes, do what I did in May 2024 and do a land tour with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.
Denali, May 2024
Not sure what kind of trip to plan, then set up a travel consultation with me to discuss your options. I recommend you have 10 days to travel, choose a good playlist on Spotify and enjoy the scenery.
Denali 2024
What else is hot this month? Planning that trip to New England. I often recommend visiting Portland in the “off season” (November – May), where you’ll enjoy lower hotel prices, the best meals and up and coming restaurants, and, as always, spectacular coastal views.
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