Turtle Shell Travel

Travel Advisor with Fora Travel

Tag: travel

  • It’s getting chilly: November update and what I’m working on as a travel advisor this month

    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!

  • Fall highlights and what I’m working on as a travel advisor in September

    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.

  • Why Off-Season Maine is Your Ultimate Winter Getaway

    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)


  • Just booked…spring break cruise for a family of five

    Cruising for families

    Solarium on Symphony of the Seas @royalcaribbean

    Are you looking for an “easy to plan and enjoyed by everyone” family trip? Look no further than cruising. Ditch the multi-generation family cabin vacation (or bring those generations with you!). Travel on a cruise ship resembles hotel vacations but BETTER. It takes away many of the daily chores for a “family manager” who is also probably the “vacation planner”. No meals to shop for and prepare, no dishes to wash, no clothes to fold.

    If you’re the parent of elementary aged kids and preeteens, consider taking your family vacation on a cruise ship, rather than in a vacation rental. On a cruise, your meals will be prepared for you. No filling the fridge with ketchup, syrup and butter for mac-n-cheese. And your activities are literally feet away, with pools, shows, kids activities, AND port excursions. Your days will be full, your kids will be tired, and you’ll watch them having the times of their lives. Share a meal, a story, or an activity with them and you’ll have memories to take home from your getaway in no time.

    There are many ways to “house” a family on a cruise ships, from suites, connecting cabins and adjacent cabins, the configurations are limitless. And think about bringing along a friend or two for your kids. Or travel with your extended family. Cruising is great for a multi-generational reunion. And, again, you don’t have to cook the hot dogs and hamburgers…no potato salad to prep or water balloons to tie.

    Visit new countries and spend a day at a beach club. Variety is key and you won’t tire of this adventure. Check out my Pinterest Page for Cruising videos and recommendations. Comment here if you’ve every cruised…and what is your favorite cruise line?

  • February is the best time to talk to your travel planning expert

    Treating yourself to a travel advisor for Summer 2023 travel planning…

    Some people say “yes” to the dress. My challenge to you is to say “yes” to a travel agent. Do you have a complicated itinerary in the works, or a simple booking with flights and hotel? A travel agent can help you will all of that, and more.

    In the past three months, I’ve booked travel to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Midwest US, San Juan Islands and Glacier National Park. I also have a client coming to Portland for her Bachelorette Party in August! She and her friends will have a blast. Now is the time to reach out to have me work with you to plan your summer adventure.

    What about fees? My fees range from $100 – $500 depending on the size of your group, and destination (US & Caribbean vs Europe) and length of trip.

    I can make your travel planning effortless and will leverage my relationship with hotels and travel suppliers to bring you the best experience during your getaway. I’ve grown my business considerably over the past 4 months. Help me reach my goal of doubling my clients and bookings in 2023.

    Type in the comments where you’re looking forward to traveling in 2023. If you would like to receive my newsletter, leave your email in comments, or DM it to me on IG @turtleshelltravel

  • Protect your pocketbook – travel insurance for those big ticket bookings

    I have to laugh…when we moved to New England, my son asked me what a “pocketbook” is. We’ve always called those stylish catch all bags “purses”.

    Either way, it’s where we (sometimes) carry our credit cards, cash, and maybe even check books for us old fashioned types .

    ‘

    I’m starting to work on big “bucket list” type trips for clients and am learning the ins and outs of travel insurance. This past weekend I took a “deep dive” into the topic and came away with a “Certification of Achievement” to sell travel insurance for Allianz.

    When should you pay the extra for travel insurance? When you have booked a trip that costs more money than you would want to lose if you were unable to travel, or if your trip got interrupted by illness or injury of yourself, a travel companion or a family member who is not traveling. It ensures that you will get refunded the unused portion of your trip (or the whole trip if you have to cancel for an approved cause). Plans vary in coverage, and Allianz offers a variety of options. They also currently cover children for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

    Feel free to message me at amy.barraclough@fora.travel if you would like to talk insurance. You can buy a plan at any time before departure, even if I did not book the travel myself. I can send you a quote and you decide whether you want to protect your bank account in the even disaster strikes you or someone you love.

  • 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

  • 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.

    image of my unsettled May self

    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?

  • 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

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