Lark Song Travel

06/18/2024

Discover the serene beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast on an unhurried hike along the CAI-300.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/emilmill04902/travel/articles/an-unhurried-hike-along-italys-amalfi-coast

Image: Anthony Lanneretonne

06/11/2024

Once in a lifetime family experiences in Italy! ❤️🇮🇹

06/11/2024

Trek to a gourmet picnic by a hot spring or enjoy a post-hike reflexology treatment beside a soothing waterfall at these properties.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/emilmill04902/travel/articles/hike-sleep-repeat-at-these-trek-friendly-five-star-hotels

Image: Sensei Lanai

06/09/2024

Orvieto, a charming hilltop town in Umbria, Italy, captivates with its picturesque setting and rich history. Perched on a tuff cliff made of volcanic stone, Orvieto offers breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside. The town is renowned for its Duomo, a 14th-century cathedral that boasts a stunning façade adorned with mosaic tiles and intricate carvings, representing a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. I love wandering down Orvieto's narrow streets lined with quaint shops and cozy cafés.

The town is also celebrated for its delicious local cuisine and the famous Orvieto Classico wine, a fabulous dry white that complements the regional flavors beautifully. I only had a couple of hours to spend here, but I recommend at least half a day to soak up everything it has to offer!

06/07/2024

Italy pro-tip: bring your stretchy pants 😉🇮🇹🍝

06/06/2024

On these expedition cruises, you can access tropical islands, untamed coastlines, and wildlife-packed waters.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/emilmill04902/travel/articles/heres-where-to-go-on-your-next-expedition-cruise

Image: Luis GarcÍa

06/04/2024

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Oman, where you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality, taste the finest dates, and explore desert landscapes.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/emilmill04902/travel/articles/heres-how-to-spend-12-days-in-oman

Image: Paul Thuysbaert

05/27/2024

You know that moment when you think of the perfect thing to say but it’s too late because the moment has passed? It’s the worst.

An acquaintance at a recent event I attended brought up the fact that they didn’t understand why people use travel advisors because they had recently planned their own trip online.

I was so happy that I got the opportunity to speak up and point out the 20 hours this person could have saved herself by letting a travel advisor do the research and book the trip—this person is super busy with her career and kids!

What I didn’t point out is that by booking their hotel on that 3rd party travel website, they left tons of perks on the table, including late check-out and a possible room upgrade.

And if they need to make changes to their plans, they’ll likely be passed from one customer service person to another. As opposed to my client who recently had to reschedule her entire trip due to an illness, and after one phone call to me- it was all done!

The more you know the better your travels can be! Do you have any questions about travel planning?

05/25/2024

Are you a racing fan? If so, Regent Cruise Lines has a special themed itinerary that you might love in the Summer of 2025!

"Aboard the Seven Seas Splendor, the line plans to host a 10-night cruise departing Barcelona for Rome on July 22, 2025. The ship will call at destinations with a history of motor racing, including Monte Carlo.
Representatives from Aston Martin, including engineers and executives, will participate in workshops about innovation and design."

Not to mention access to a racing simulator, and the ability to experience a tour of the private car collection of the Prince Ranier of Monaco!

This is a limited capacity sailing that will go fast-- reach out to me if you're interested in this bucket-list adventure.

The luxury cruise line and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team will host a themed cruise in summer 2025, complete with a replica car on the ship and specialty shore experiences.

05/24/2024

There’s absolutely nothing worse than coming home from a vacation, scrolling on social media and realizing you missed out on seeing or doing something.

But this, my friend, is where I can help.

I want you to imagine this: you‘re planning a trip to Spain or Italy.

Instead of relying on some random blog you can’t verify or scouring online reviews (which, unfortunately, can be biased!), you have access to ALL the insider tips and recommendations curated just for you.

I’m taking mental notes about you, your interests, how you like to travel, your budget and your timelines, and I’m giving you an itinerary that helps you make the most of your time because life is way too short to have regrets about your vacations.

What trip have you been thinking about? Let's make it happen!

05/17/2024

Nobody talks about the customer service limbo you can end up in when you choose to book your trip yourself online.

There’s another way!

When you plan and book your trips with me you’re not only getting a trip that’s custom to you, you’re also getting 10/10 customer service.

❌ No 1-800 number.

❌ No stress if travel plans need to change.

❌ No need to be passed around like a hot potato from the booking site’s customer service line to the hotel and back to the booking site.

Bottom line: customer service limbo just isn’t where you want to be when you find yourself in need of help on a getaway.

All it takes is heading to my website to schedule a free consultation and tell me more about your trip!

05/15/2024

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to have a European Summer?

My bucket list European summer involves island hopping through Greece. First I’d start in Athens for some city exploration, a food tour, and shopping. Then I’d hop over to Naxos, Paros and Crete for immersive exploration, yachting, and eating as much delicious Mediterranean food as I can get my hands on.

What would be your perfect European summer?

05/13/2024

That summertime breeze in your hair, sangria on the back porch feeling... 🍹

What’s on your summer to-do list? And what things are you looking forward to experiencing?

📝 On my list:

✅ Learning how to speak at least a little more Italian before my trip in June

✅ Spending more time being intentional about activities with my kids

✅ I'm so excited about attending Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas in August!

Share your summer to-do list and what you are looking forward to this summer with me in the comments!

05/10/2024

Your week before travel checklist: Family Edition

Save this for later! 📌

✅ Make special requests ahead of time for adjoining rooms, cots, cribs, etc.

✅ Request early check-in so you don’t have to wait around if you’re landing before the standard 3PM check-in.

✅ Pack a secret stash of surprise goodies for the littles to special moments and good behavior.

✅ Audit your bags to make sure you’re not missing any of the little things like the kids’ toothpaste or their favorite hat.

Family travel planning is as beautiful as it is hectic, and if you need an extra hand with all the little details, don't hesitate to reach out!

05/06/2024

Summer travel plans loading ☀️

I’m especially excited for my clients who are heading to Alaska on a cruise with their extended family.

They‘ve been planning this trip since last year as a celebration of their parent's 50th wedding anniversary!

They'll head out of Vancouver and stop in Juneau, Skagway, sail for a day in Glacier Bay National Park, and finally in Ketchikan.

I never get tired of helping clients bring their travel dreams to life, and I couldn‘t be more excited for them. 🥂

Where are you heading this summer?

05/03/2024

🚫 Problem: You only have 5 days to spare for a getaway

✅ Solution: Me!

I’m the queen of helping clients maximize their vacation time. Here are my best tips for planning short and sweet trips that pack a punch 👇

➡️ Prioritize your must-see attractions: Make an “I can’t leave without…” list so you know what to work your time around.

➡️ Be Mindful: Things like the location of your hotel, transportation options, the level of traffic in the places your visiting — all of it can impact the time you spend actually enjoying the place you’re in.

➡️ Stay Flexible: Plan, but leave room for adventure. Magic strikes when you least expect it, so stay open-minded and flexible to make the most of your trip.

➡️ Delegate the Details: Planning a the perfect itinerary for a short trip can be overwhelming. This is where I can help. I take care of all the details, so that you can maximize your time, without the stress of trying to figure it out by yourself!

Ready to call in your travel partner? Reach out and lets start planning.

04/30/2024

I absolutely love this article. I love it because it highlights the importance of human connection in travel, which is one of the main reasons I love to do what I do. But I also love it because it does such a wonderful job describing what it is like on a Virgin Voyages cruise!

I was on the same ship in January, and I can tell you this is exactly what it was like. Virgin really reminds you how to have fun away from the life and routine that we deal with on the day to day.

And of course I love how the article highlights how their fabulous travel advisor took care of everything when their initial cruise was cancelled. :)

After their mother's death, writer Megan Padilla and her siblings used a Virgin Voyages cruise to reconnect and honor their mother.

04/29/2024

Hello to all my fellow Foodies 👋 How can you make sure you don‘t miss out on the best food spots on your next big trip?

It will all come down to a few key factors:

➡️ What comes to mind when you think of a great food experience?

Is it indulging in gourmet meals? Exploring local cuisine? Or are you more of a hands-on person who would love to learn how to cook traditional dishes? Decide what you like so you can prioritize it in your itinerary.

➡️ How long is your trip?

Do you have lots of time to explore, or just a few days? Depending on how long you‘ll be at your destination, you‘ll want to make room for the best recommendations but leave space to stumble upon spots that may not be on Google.

➡️ Have you consulted anyone else?

Some of the best spots are found through word-of-mouth. I‘m a bit of a foodie myself, and I love researching and connecting with locals to find the best spots for my clients‘ adventures.

Did you find this helpful? Follow me for more travel tips and tidbits and when you’re ready send me a message and let‘s start planning your culinary adventure!

04/28/2024

What kind of trip are you dreaming of now – a far-flung journey or a close-to-home escape? Whatever you are dreaming and planning, I have an amazing new tool to share with you!

Virtuoso Wanderlist lets you organize all your travel dreams – big or small – into inspiring and shareable lists. Get started now through the link below, and know that I’m always here to help you dream.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/emilmill04902/wanderlist/

04/25/2024

Important news for airline customers:
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/DOT-rule-finalized-airline-refunds

"Airlines are currently required to provide refunds when requested for flights they cancel or "significantly delay."
However, there had been no DOT definition of a significant delay. Now there will be. Domestic flights delayed by more than three hours will trigger a refund requirement and international flights delayed by more than six hours will do the same."

Domestic flights delayed by more than three hours will trigger a refund requirement and international flights delayed by more than six hours will do the same.

04/15/2024

What if I told you that this summer may not actually be the best time to take that trip to Europe? (Unless you started planning months ago....)

I don’t mean to rain on anybody’s parade, but with T-Swift, the Olympics, and, well, it just being summer in Europe, this year will be crowded, pricey, and a little bit wild.

If you‘re looking for a more low-key adventure I recommend setting your sights on September and October.

Here are three Fall getaways to Europe to get your creativity flowing:

1) Andalucia, Spain -- there's nothing like southern Spain in October and November. Imagine walking the streets of Granada and gazing up at the Alhambra without the summer crowds and with a warm cup of cafe in your hand.

2) Ireland: Halloween began in Ireland to mark the beginning of winter, so what better time to visit than in October to experience the Púca Halloween Festival in Ireland's historic Boyne Valley.

3) The Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy: While the mountains always have a pink glow at dawn and dusk, add the autumn foliage and you're guaranteed a magical moment. Stay at a fabulous spa resort near Ortisei and spend your days hiking, biking, or just soaking up the invigorating mountain air. And don't forget the food festivals!

During these fall months, the warmth of summer still lingers, but the crowds will drop drastically and if you’re lucky, you may have a few of those “Are we the only ones here?” moments.

Have I convinced you on a European Fall instead of a European summer? Tell me in the comments!

04/13/2024

Feeling stuck in a cycle of ‘someday‘ when it comes to your travel wishlist?

Let me remind you that a vacation is more than just a getaway.

➡️ It‘s a chance for you to reset and an act of self-care

➡️ It's an opportunity to learn new things about yourself and the world

➡️ It‘s REAL quality time with the people who mean the most to you.

Don’t let it be the thing that keeps getting filed away for later.

Whether it‘s a tropical escape to relax, getting back in touch with the outdoors, or a cozy low-key escape somewhere off the beaten path, I’m here to make the planning a breeze for you.

Let‘s make it happen!

04/11/2024

Are you looking for a sign to delegate planning your summer adventure? Here it is, and the clock is ticking ⏰ No, seriously, I'm about to close my books for the summer!

Here’s a little inspiration to light you up from some summer trips I've planned for clients:

1) A family escape to Scandinavia, where they'll be touring Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm, and Finland! While there, they'll experience a journey on the Bergen Railway followed by a ferry ride through the majestic fjords of Norway, and they're ending their adventure with a private tour of a chocolate factory. Yes please!

2) A multi-generational friend group is traveling to Oahu and staying at the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. While there they will go horseback riding, snorkeling, and soak up the breathtaking Hawaiian views and atmosphere.

3) And last but not least, another multigenerational family group is fulfilling a bucket list dream of visiting Ireland together! Among other things, they'll explore the Titanic museum in Belfast, experience a sheep-dog demonstration in the countryside, and stay the night in a castle!

Which one sounds like your ideal summer vacation?

03/24/2024

Is Safari on your radar? Here are the top things to consider:

➡️ Start planning 12-16 months in advance. Most safari lodges are small and intimate so if you have a very specific one in mind, planning in advance will get you what you want. There are lots of places to “safari” so planning your adventure can also be flexible.

➡️ Be choosey with your dates. I work with my clients around the rainy seasons and weather patterns to pick the perfect time to go.

➡️ Narrow down your region. Would you prefer East Africa, Southern Africa, and South Africa? Narrowing down the area makes it so much easier to move forward in the process of picking the best country, lodges, etc.

Ready to finally check that safari off your bucket list? Book a call with me to chat about your adventure!

03/23/2024

The Spring trips my clients have planned are BEYOND awesome.

Get inspired by these trips:

Two couples who are taking a bucket-list river cruise down the Duoro River in Portugal! They are sailing with Viking Voyages and will get to experience the food and culture of Porto, Lisbon, and the wineries of Pinhao along the way.

Two friends who are also taking their bucket list cruise with Viking on an ocean cruise on the Empires of the Mediterranean itinerary. They'll leave from Venice and explore Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece!

A family of four who explored the Island of Hawaii together for a week. They stayed at the Westin Hapuna and had a fabulous time with a custom itinerary that included a whale watching catamaran sail, surf lessons for the kids, night-swimming with manta rays, a helicopter tour of Volcanoes National Park, and more!

I won’t lie, I’m having a little bit of FOMO, but I can’t wait to take my own trip to Italy this June!

What’s your next trip?

03/22/2024

Check out my latest video all about my preview sailing on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas! What an amazing ship this is!

I was so lucky to be invited on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas preview sailing in January! What an amazing ship-- I can't get over how beautiful the ship...

03/22/2024

You’ll never appreciate having a travel advisor more than in those hectic moments.

Those moments when your itinerary needs to be adjusted, your flights are delayed or canceled, there’s a train strike, or there’s crazy unexpected weather…

In times like those, it’s such a relief to have a real person in your corner to help you make calls, make changes, and sit on hold.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the travel planning process, but coming to the rescue for my clients in times when things don’t go according to plan is where I can add so much value.

Want a behind-the-scenes co-pilot for your next adventure? Reach out and we'll schedule a complimentary call to see if we're a perfect fit!

03/21/2024

They say curiosity killed the cat, but for us travelers, it‘s the Google rabbit hole that poses the real threat.

One innocent search for "cheap flights" later, and you‘re knee-deep in airline reviews, travel hacks, and conspiracy theories about luggage (I’ve been there!)

Take a breather, put down the mouse, then consider delegating the planning — because life’s too short and you’re way too busy.

What Google rabbit holes have you been down lately?

03/20/2024

I’m in your feed because….

You’re contemplating booking a trip, but you may not know yet how much better your trips can be when you have a savvy travel agent in your corner.

✈️ Someone to help you personally curate your vacation

🥂 Someone to delegate all of the research and planning to so there’s no stress or time wasted.

🎉 An actual phone number to call when you need something, not just a 1-800 number

🍹 Someone who calls ahead to the hotel or resort to make sure you’re treated like the VIP that you are (The people at that 1-800 number would never!)

☀️ Someone that’s here every single step of the way who knows you and your travel preferences and can make dynamic suggestions.

If the above sounds like your cup of tea, let’s chat. It’s as simple as scheduling a complimentary call to tell me about your trip.

What questions do you have about working with a travel advisor?

03/19/2024

Does anyone else feel like there aren‘t enough days in the week to get everything done?

And to top it off, now you have the task of planning your family's vacation on your to-do list.

But here’s the thing: I've created an entire system for the whole travel planning process and the only thing you need to do is slide that travel to-do list over to me.

First, we'll start things off with a discovery call where I get to know you.

Second, I start designing your trip based on all of the intel you’ve given me in our first call.

Third, I present your custom itinerary and start coordinating the details once you give the thumbs up.

And lastly, you pack your bags and take your trip! My supplier partners and I will be there every step of the way if you need anything while you travel.

Do you have questions about planning trips with me? Drop them in the comments!