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2023: looking backward and forward, a new travel advisor’s perspective

Aaaaand we made it to 2023! Nice work, everyone. Happy New Year to you and yours. Kiss, kiss and all that jazz. Now let’s look at how my travel planning business, Turtle Shell Travel, is progressing.

Where we started: Let’s just say Omicron. That kept me busy in January, February, so forth and so on. I diversified my PA work life, now doing a mix of ER, Urgent Care and College Health.

Then the fun began. In February, I signed on with FORA travel to be a travel advisor. I made my first booking in March and planned football weekends for my husband for September and October. Since then, more and more travel planning business has come my way.

I attended the FORA Live Forum in November in Brooklyn and met FORA’s HQ staff and many kind and inspirational advisors on the FORA team. I have to say, we are a chatty bunch. I wish the Forum were twice as long as it was, and look forward to attending the next one in October 2023. We met with suppliers, asked questions, shared ideas. I started my FORA newsletter and grew my mailing list. Stayed at the Hoxton in Brooklyn and cannot wait to return!

Hoxton Lobby: perfect for co-working or meeting up with friends

I learned that a travel advisor is just a modern name for a travel agent (think rebranding). My biggest booking to date has been to Jamaica. And my Guide to a Girl’s Getaway in Portland, Maine as one of FORA’s Top 22 advisor-curated Travel Guides of 2022. Living in a destination city has been such an inspiration for my travel work, and I love any opportunity to share travel ideas in and around Maine. This past week, I even planned a breakfast meeting for a local business at a local hotel restaurant. I love connecting people with great experiences.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed family time, friend time, cousin time, and more family time. All the things that make a year a great memory. It’s been a collection of great car rides with music from WCLZ. Great times up at Bowdoin, and lots of time walking with the dog. And of course, always snacks. It’s not pictured here, but Dunkin’ Donuts has been a frequent stop on my way to and fro. But Starbucks is a close second.

What’s up for 2023? I plan to make a splash on LinkedIn … connect with me here. I’ll continue my newsletter and book more great trips for clients. Pinterest is my new obsession – creating pins and using their marketing tools. Check out my Instagram stories to see my view from the front porch, pics of the dog and my morning mood on my commute.

I plan to finally take that train trip to South Carolina, Mississippi and New Orleans. And you’ll probably find me in a window seat or two writing in my journal. I’ve have United Silver and American Gold status for 2023, so I’m hoping all of my seats will have lots of leg room.

I hope you have great plans, too. Over the past 2 years, I’ve learned the that you can’t predict the future. Control is nearly impossible with most things. So you must trust the unfolding of each day. I’m happy I get to do this with you. What are you looking forward to in 2023?

It’s fall and I’m trending

Does any other season have such energy? I think not. Fall in New England is sure to inspire warm and hopeful thoughts about nature, life and travel.

I’ve been enjoying the fall colors and sunshine. Cool days with flannel layers. I’ve a wardrobe capsule fan and my go-to source for outfit inspiration has been Outfit Formulas by Alison Lumbatis. Alison has been my entrepreneur inspiration for years and her Outfit Formula subscription has been so valuable. Please check it out here.

As for travel, I’m loving being a travel agent for FORA. Looking forward to attending the first ever in-person FORA FORUM in November in Brooklyn. I’ll be staying at the Hoxton – Williamsburg. So fun to be living on the East Coast, only a direct 6 hour bus ride on Concord Coach Lines to reach Brooklyn. I can’t wait to share all about it.

My travel guides are LIVE and trending! Check out my new Bachelorette Weekend in Portland, Maine guide. Winter is a great time to visit Portland, Maine. The energy of summer remains and the brick buildings makes everything feels so cozy. And dining in Portland remains hot in the wintertime. Restaurants such as Batson River Brewing and Distilling plan winter decorations and drinks for the season. You absolutely must check it out.

Last but not least, I’m looking forward to a stay next week at The Revolution Hotel in Boston. Great location, hip spaces, and great food is what I’m looking forward to. Boston in the fall… what could be better?

Where are you planning to travel this fall? Planning any warm weather getaways?

xo

It’s football season!

NFL preseason kicked off last night in Las Vegas, where the Las Vegas Raiders beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. Have you seen these new helmets?

Guardian Helmet; Photo Credit: Steeler’s Now

The next preseason game is on Thursday, August 11, where the New York Giants will play the New England Patriots. I’m working that day, and I enjoy working when the Patriots are playing, not because I’m a Patriot’s fan (I’m not), but it’s fun to see the enthusiasm and commitment the Patriot’s fans exhibit, even when they’re in the ER. Quite admirable, in my opinion.

I’m at my happiest when there is a NFL game on the TV. And I’m even more happier (is that a thing) when I can attend a game – Seahawks or Bears…or maybe even the Packers. Cheering on your team in person is right up there with seeing your favorite performer in concert (Kenny Loggins), attending a lecture of your favorite author (Jenna Kutcher). One gets to experience excitement about a sport, and share that excitement with other fans. And imaging seeing many of your favorite players in ONE place, AND their coach, staff and cheering square. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s a chance to wear your NFL gear.

Ready to Travel?

Do I have you fired up to go buy that ticket and see your team play? I hope so. This month, I’m featuring a classic football destination, where you can see your team play the Pittsburgh Steelers. Check out my Sports Lover Travel Guide for Pittsburgh here. If you are a fan of Seattle, New England, Baltimore, or Las Vegas. This is the year to visit Acrisure Stadium, (renamed from Heinz Field in July 2022) to cheer on your team. Be one of the first of your friends to say you’ve been to Acrisure Stadium…

I am looking forward to seeing Russell Wilson play for the Denver Broncos against Seattle, IN Seattle on September 12. Which game are you most looking forward to this fall? Who is your favorite NFL team?

More Preseason Fun. A great reason to travel

Travel prices impact summer plans

Even though my sister (who is an airline pilot) tells me TSA volume is nearly back to 2019 levels, some sources are reporting that Americans are looking at all of their travel options when trying to get to that family reunion, wedding, lake home, or postponed celebration of life for a dear friend or family member. The summer of 2022 shows all the signs of making up for the last two summers, when get-togethers and celebrations were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But high oil prices are driving higher airfares, forcing travelers to look for other options.

Traveling for a family of 4 from the east coast to the midwest may have cost $1200 3 years ago, and now airfares could make that same trip cost $2400 – an increase of 100%. According to a recent Skift article, 70% of surveyed Americans have noticed these higher prices and have many have looked into travel alternatives. Families may choose to travel by car or train to meet have that special trip come in close to budget for the summer of 2022.

Fishing with Dad (GO ILLINI) in Wisconsin

I’ve even thought of skipping our annual trip to “the lake” in Wisconsin, because airfares and car rental prices are much higher than I budgeted for last fall. But with older parents, siblings and cousins I don’t see often, I hate to miss out on these times together. Time to take a close look at the budget to see if we can swing it.

Have you had to change your travel plans for summer? If so, have you found ways to make expenses more manageable?

Almost June, nearly summer

It’s May 31.

How often do we really stop to pause and think about what it means to be May 31? This date is usually wrapped up just after a holiday weekend (as it is today) and is filled with end of school and graduation celebrations. Some people (educators) are retiring. New doctors are graduating from medical school and packing up and heading off to residency.

May is a transition month and it never fails to feel rocky and unsettled for me. It’s always been a time of moving, celebrating, grieving. While I’m sure I’ve done these things in other months. I am certain that May has held the most CHANGE for me, and will continue to do so for the next several years as my kids venture out into the world.

So, how do I settle the rocking boat? By planning the summer and picking out what I want to write, read and see over the three summer months.

I’ve decided to take a new tack with this blog and and start entries that start with the question, “What if…”

What if I only read spy novels this summer? Would I better understand politics, would I be able to solve the puzzles? You’ll find out with me. I just requested from the library books with classic characters that I read about in the “5 of the Most Famous or Notorious Spies in Fiction” blog post by David Adams Cleveland on the criminalelement website. What a resource. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Do you have any favorite spy characters or books to recommend this summer? What are you reading?

Still here, still striving

Thanks for visiting Turtle Shell Travel!

Late winter and spring has been full of transition, lots of working, and TRAVEL ADVISING! I’m so excited to have joined the team at Fora Travel and am learning so much about the travel industry and destinations. Planning travel is simply what I love to do.

I’m finding that travel advising involves creativity. You get to create an experience, to enjoy and to share. This month, my creator project was an itinerary for a Portland Maine Girls’ Getaway. Check it out to see visit highlights for my home city!

I’ve also been looking for ways to pay the bills (in this beautiful Portland area neighborhood). So you’ll be seeing more sponsor links to explore.

As summer approaches, I’m looking forward to beach walks, laughter with friends, and, of course, travel to see my favorite people in Wisconsin and Washington State. I’m also looking to visit Maine’s First Ship in Bath, Maine. This is a restoration of the 1607 pinnacle Virginia, the first ship built in the US. Virginia will be launched on June 4, 2022 and a celebration will be held.

Burst Oral Care electric toothbrush…in LAVENDER!

Products I love

Today’s product I want to share is the BURST electric toothbrush. THE best things I’ve bought for my kids’ dental health (aside from the Invisalign Braces). I like that BURST sends new toothbrush heads every 12 months to keep the bristles fresh. And there is a lifetime guarantee (which we haven’t needed yet…). Please check out their website if you’re looking for ways to get your kids to brush regularly and completely. Any purchase helps me keep this website going and is greatly appreciated.

Looking to travel this summer or fall? Message me and I can recommend hotels, restaurants, flights. This costs you nothing. I work on commission on hotels & car rentals. The restaurants and flights are just fun for me to add it. I’m happy to help. No trip is too big or too small.

The exciting next chapter for Turtle Shell Travel: Professional Travel Advisor

**Pull up a seat and let’s talk travel**

I am so excited to introduce Turtle Shell Travel as a one stop provider for all your travel needs. I have partnered with the innovative FORA Travel to provide quality travel services for leisure travelers such as yourself! If you are a travel addict, looking to book your next adventure, or venturing out for the first time for solo or family travel, message me at my FORA website to start a conversation about what you’re looking for and where you’d like to go.

I’ve traveled the world, from Alaska to Australia. From Brussels to Rome. And have many US destination favorites to share. And the best part of working with me is there is NO COST to you. I can hook you up with hotel perks and make recommendations on where is the best place to stay and the best way to get around.

My passion is booking meaningful trips, planning tours and unique dining experiences. Now that the world is opening up again, it’s time to book that family trip, girl’s weekend, yoga retreat, or mom-kid big city getaway! No trip is too small. I’ve just booked a weekend away in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois, staying at the Hilton Garden Inn – Rockford – a remarkable property which always welcomes me with a bright smile and great service.

Please take a moment to follow me @turtleshelltravel on Instagram to get travel inspiration and more announcements regarding my FORA travel partnership.

**PHL flowers…fly Philadelphia** **with American Airlines**

BRU is a no-go for now

The CDC listed Belgium as a “do not travel” country on November 1, 2021, and the graphs of COVID cases suggest a surge has begun in Europe, so my plans to take my son to Brussels in December have been cancelled. I was looking forward to staying at the Hilton Brussels Grand Place and my son wanted to see the Smurf statue near the hotel.

I was last in Belgium in early 2019, and enjoyed the chocolate and beer. Looking forward to when we can return.

We may do a domestic road trip in Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Vermont. Any recommendations of picturesque destinations in December? P.S. We do not ski…

Looking back to move forward

Just as Taylor Swift has famously released her Red album, again, this weekend. I’ve been thinking of looking back in order to move forward with my life, with my blog.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This weekend I took my 16 year old son to visit University of Maine – Farmington. And although I kept my (mostly positive) comments to myself, I couldn’t help thinking of my undergraduate experience and how that, in many ways, it marked the beginning of my adult life. And now I’m watching him start to envision the start of HIS adult life. Deep sigh filled with lots of love, for him, for life.

So, what does going to college have to do with travel? And why bring it up on a blog? I started this blog to share what I have seen, and I realize that my “ending” of parenting elementary school aged children is someone else’s (HIS) beginning. And when you get on that plane to a new destination, someone else on that same plane is on their way home from their adventure, their work trip, perhaps their goodbye to a loved one.

I’d like to take this blog deeper than hotel rooms and destinations, and reflect on what travel does for us and to us. It makes us grow up and deal and realize that the outside world often doesn’t follow the same rules that you have at home. The language can be different and the views outstandingly different. The journey takes us along paths that others have walked before (perhaps for centuries). We can be the guide or the guided. And in between take off and landing, there are moments of anticipation, excitement, and deep reflection.

This morning in church, our pastor mention the “inward turn” that people take in worship. Where the prayers are private, unspoken. But you take that journey in community, just as we journey in a row of people on an aircraft. Where we think we are ending a journey, we are taking steps on a new one. Surrounded by others on their own path. Those interactions we do permit, even if it’s a smile behind a mask, reflect our human community.

So, as a parent, I treasure where our family is right now. And even as this blog has been slow to take off, I’ll keep sharing where I’m at with this community, who values travel as much as I. On the way to church, I heard the song, “Closing time” by Semisonic, and the lyrics said “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”. Yes, be it college, childhood, motherhood, a place or a relationship.

So, today, I’ll enjoy Taylor Swift’s Red Album (TV), the remaking of her past, so wise, so admirable.

Do you have any endings or beginnings you can place in the comments. Even if it’s a word that’s meaningful to you? As the end of the year is upon us and leaves are falling, what are you leaving behind or moving toward?

Summer Side Hustle continues

And we’ve made it to August.

School is 9 days away.

Our summer vacations are done (to Wisconsin and Washington State).

We seen TWO tropical storms in the past week (Fred and Henri)

I’m enjoying interacting more with everyone on Instagram (@turtleshelltravel)

Continuing to take baby steps forward to create an remote lifestyle for myself and my family. Am concentrating right now on the goal of being a travel influencer. I plan to create partnerships with brands that will add value to your life and create unique, quality experiences for the every day traveler.

In turn, I want to give back and funnel my profits to help people who need it most, to support companies that Do Good. To give that boost to local business who do so much to create the culture and serve where God has planted them.

My vision is becoming clearer. You’ll see more content and opportunities in the coming months. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Amy at Turtle Shell Travel