Lindsey Markwood Magic

03/24/2024

At the tail end of last week I booked 4 families stays at Walt Disney World - including one family who will arrive the first week in April. I wish I could be a fly on the wall watching the sheer joy appear when they boys get that awesome Mickey Hug or smile riding Dumbo or seeing a giraffe so close to them. There is so much magic they are going to experience and my heart is very happy. Mom and Dad don't have to stress because I am giving them my customized tip sheets, access to our exclusive Facebook group and they know I am only a phone call (or email) away.

03/23/2024

The Ko'olau Mountains are the backdrop to Honolulu. In between tours, a small group of us took at hike to get closer to nature. I was a bit obsessed with the trees here. Right before the trail started, there was a beautiful overlook. Straight ahead you can see Diamond Head. We all spent a lot time here just admiring the view before continuing on our walk on the Ualaka'a Trail. It is an easy 1 mile loop and highly recommend. Take a taxi to get here. Y'all the trees were beautiful! I just loved how different they were compared to home with their root system and the way they developed.

03/22/2024

Just booked a sweet couple onboard the largest cruise ship in the world for 2025! I know they are going to have a blast singing their hearts out at Dueling Pianos, having a drink at the Hideaway, laughing like crazy listening to the comedians at the Attic, and enjoying my personal favorite, the Overlook.

03/21/2024

Quick poll: On a scale of 1-10 much do your resort accommodations matter to you when you travel to the theme parks?

Do you sit at a 3-4, where you know you will busy doing other things and not spend much time in the resort in your room, or are you sitting at a 9 or 10 where your hotel or resort can make or break your trip?

When it comes to my trips I’m a 8.5 because the resort is part of the experience. I love having slides in the pool or a few awesome restaurants to choose from at my resort. I want to be fully immersed and feel like I am still in the magic - even when not in the theme park. I love getting into the parks early. I love being close where I can walk, ride a boat, ride a skyliner, or take a bus. I love not having to drive.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

03/20/2024

After the Caribbean, Alaska is the most popular cruise destination for our travelers. (In case you are wondering the Mediterranean is the 3rd most popular). Most cruises focus on the southern part of Alaska. What can you do if your cruise stops in Ketchikan? Check out the article below.

Ketchikan is not just another cruise port with mountains and wildlife; it is a destination with a unique history, identity and charm. Consider Ketchikan as one of your port stops on your next Alaska cruise. Ketchikan is a small town in Southeast Alaska, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”...

03/19/2024

Yesterday I watched "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" And earlier today I had her songs playing in the background as I was working. Currently, I am singing the song Anti-Hero. No worries, I work from home so I can belt out songs anytime. (and my kids are at school so they won't hear me either!). Anyway, do you remember the lyrics: “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” It got me thinking. Could you be getting in your own way when it comes to travel planning?

I know, those are fighting words, but hear me out! It will only take a minute.

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you may spend too much time over analyzing every choice and that can make planning a good trip challenging.

The best way to cut through the noise (in case you were wondering!) is to have a trusted expert you can work with to plan, run ideas by so you’re not spinning your wheels, and vet information so you’re never second-guessing your travel choices.

That expert is me! If you’re planning a multi-generational or family, you are in luck because I can help you.

03/18/2024

Just booked a stay at Loews Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando for a family of 4 over Spring Break this year. Out of all the hotels, this one is the closest to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and City Walk. They are getting early park admission AND an Express Pass Unlimited so they wait in a much shorter line. Because they booked with Markwood Magic they are also getting access to our exclusive Facebook group, a customized tip sheet, and access to me for questions they have. Plus if anything needs to be called in, I am the phone on the phone saving them time.

03/16/2024

I am working on 4 (yes 4) different trips to London this week. What I love is that they are all very different. One group wants a focus on everything active, another group wants to make sure there is something on Harry potter, a different group wants to make sure they experience the culture with high tea and learning everything royalty, and the last group wants everything history. What I love is that even though these travelers are going to the same city, Markwood Magic has planned out very different vacations for each of them. Each group has different tours and different hotel recommendations based on their individual travel needs.

03/14/2024

Did you know that there are 300 animals carved into the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom? My favorite place to take a picture is actually on the 'back side'. Its is a lesser known spot and in the afternoon you can often find a PhotoPass photographer there. Pro tip: They can use your camera in addition to taking pictures with their professional cameras. I am so happy I had the opportunity to visit here last week during my Agent Education Program. I gained so many new tips and tricks to share with our travelers. I am always learning to help you have the best vacation possible.

03/12/2024

Raise your hand if you’ve been designated the unofficial travel planner for your next family vacation. 🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♂️

Now it’s your job to coordinate with everyone, consider all of the members of your group, what they’ll like and what they won’t like, and whether they’ll enjoy the accommodations and experiences you’re planning.

Or you can pass the baton over to me to worry about all of the above.

Hi, I’m Lindsey Markwood and I’ve been planning family getaways for 5 years, so I’m a pro at juggling it all.

It’ll take a huge weight off your shoulders by heading to my website and booking a call to chat about the family getaway you have in mind.

www.markwoodmagic.com/schedule

Here when you’re ready!

03/11/2024

It's ! (And yes, I did take a nap around lunch time today). Did you know that laying with your eyes closed for 20 minutes, even if you aren't asleep, can effectively lower your blood pressure AND relieve stress? I love planning vacations helping girlfriends or couples escape from the pressures of work and home and having a relaxing vacation where they have time to decompress 🏝️ 💤. Ready for your relaxing vacation? Send me a message to get started.

03/10/2024

Have you ever watched a show and loved it so much that you went to watch it a second time? That was 100% our family when we saw Starburst: Elemental Beauty last month onboard Icon of the Seas. I have crazy high expectations when it comes to Royal Caribbean entertainment because their shows are just that good. I kid you not that I was floored with how wonderful this ice skating show was. I loved all the projection mapping on the ice, the entertainers were fantastic (and one of them did back flip after back flip after black flip on the ice - super cool to see) and it was just a great venue. I wish I could be in Nick's shoes when he dreamed up this concept because the creativity was unreal.

03/08/2024

Yesterday I had the pleasure of sharing with one of our travel couples that addition to having a host onboard their Silverseas cruise to Alaska and private reception, they will also be getting a shore excursion while in Ketchikan. These additional perks were complimentary because they booked a Distinctive Voyage with Markwood Magic.

03/08/2024

Excited to book a Harry Potter themed tour in London for one of our travel families. There are a few tours you can do depending on your availability. If you have all day, then I suggest doing the studio tour at Warner Brothers. However if you don't have a full day to devote to it, then there is a walking tour in London. For all our Harry Potter fans - which house do you belong to?

03/05/2024

Today is all about classroom training and resort tours.

03/04/2024

There is nothing better than hearing from a client how much they loved they vacation Markwood Magic planned for them. Check out this sweet Google review Mary left.

03/04/2024

Happy to be home!

03/04/2024

Just booked an anniversary celebration in the British Virgin Islands. This is the 3rd vacation I have planned for J & B and I am so happy for them! Their vacation will be filled with drinks in hand, toes in the sand, and a lot of smiles and snorkeling!

03/02/2024

Planning multigenerational family trips is one of my favorite things to do. I love learning about the families interests and then taking that knowledge to find them the perfect place to stay. I am so happy that I was able to find them rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Being on the monorail line they have super easy access to both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. By working with Markwood Magic, they will also have all the tips and tricks to make this vacation epic. They know I am only a phone call or email away with questions they have. Bonus: I'll be stopping by this resort next week during my Agent Education Training.

02/28/2024

I'm so excited for the *H* family. I am currently working on an itinerary for Paris. I don't know what I am more excited about - the tour of Versailles, the small group tour of the Louve to easily see the most famous paintings, or the food tour to taste some of the amazing food Paris has to offer. Is Paris on your bucket list?

02/28/2024

Just booked - cruise edition!

1. Viking Kvasir - Holland and Belgium River Cruise
2. Icon of the Seas - Western Caribbean Cruise
3. Utopia of the Seas - Bahamas Cruise
4. Star of the Seas (sister ship to Icon of the Seas) - Western Caribbean Cruise

📷: Surfside Neighborhood onboard Icon of the Seas. I cannot even begin to express how much fun this area is. They were just setting up for face painting (included w/cruise fare) in front of the carousel when I took this picture.

02/26/2024

Lots of news for Walt Disney World.
1 - Disney is adding a free water park day on the day of arrival for guest staying on property Jan - October 2025.
2 - Booking open tomorrow for 2025
3 - I will be at Walt Disney World next week for an agent education training.

Send me a message for additional details and to get your family booked for 2025. Also If you have anything you want me to research while I am at Walt Disney World next week send me a message on that too!

02/25/2024

Ranking high on the list of things I love are photos of happy, smiling faces during a vacation and feedback from clients when they come home.

Like these kind words from a client who just got back from an adults only Virgin Voyage cruise. Here‘s what they had to say about working with me to plan their girls getaway.

Lindsey was amazing. She had been on the boat we were interested in and had so much information to share. We loved all her suggestions and tips. We wouldn't have had a chance to try out the specialty restaurants without her suggestions. She booked us into a great room, scored a great onboard credit and gave great suggestions for excursions. I can't wait to book my next vacation with Lindsey! Don't do it on your own, bring in an expert! - C.H.

There is nothing better than happy clients who love every minute of their getaway. ❤️

02/21/2024

I just saw the coolest parade, Ship's Ahoy! The cast from the Royal Theater, Aquashow, and orchestra put on a royal performance.

02/20/2024

Bacalar is stunning! Have you visited?

02/19/2024

Relaxing in the most comfortable chairs in Pearl Cafe.

02/19/2024

Cruise tip: share what you think with the staff. The ice skating performers work the free skate onboard Royal Caribbean. I let them know this morning how much I enjoyed their spectacular performance last night. I wish you could have seen the smile those words brought to their faces. It was pure joy! This is only the 4th revenue sailing and the show is brand new. Yes I will also give feedback through official channels buts it is nice to give compliments along the way too.

02/19/2024

One word. Phenomenal! We are having a blast this week onboard Icon of the Seas. Send me a message so we can get you onboard.

02/18/2024

Hello from Icon of the Seas.