Audra Claire - Travel Advisor with Be Our Guest Travel Company

09/26/2023

New post is up today: The "Castle at Sea" The Disney Wish is full of light and airy spaces with whimsical touches at every turn.

Still trying to decide on holiday plans? I'd love to help you select the perfect sailing for your holiday vacation - and a bonus ☕ you don't have to do the cooking this year!

See the full Post Here: https://www.audraclaire.com/post/the-disney-wish

09/10/2023

It's National Grandparent's Day! Who's done a trip with extended family recently? These can be so much fun, but choosing the right destination can make a trip run so much smoother. Here are my top ideas for multi-generational vacations ⬇️

1. Take a cruise together: Here's what I love about cruises for multi-generational groups. Everything is easily accessible; if a baby needs a nap, it's an easy walk back to the room. If grandparents want some downtime 🛌between swimming and dinner, it's a quick trip back to their stateroom. If adults want a fine dining experience 🥂, there are kids' clubs that your children will love! Scooters and strollers are well accommodated here. You've got just enough space without the need for a cab to get back to your hotel after a day of activities.

2. Rent a villa! Did you know that I can book a villa that will be stocked with groceries 🍓🍍when you arrive? How about one with housekeeping or even a chef 🍽? These villas can provide a great landing spot with plenty of space to spread out!

3. Consider a river cruise! If younger family members want to explore cities on foot🚶‍♂️, but grandparents need a slower pace, this is a great option. Because these ships dock near city centers and sail through the heart of destinations, passengers with limited mobility can still experience these gorgeous European towns. If you'd like to learn about River Cruises that target families and have entertainment for kids onboard🎨, just comment "River Cruise" below or send me a message!

4. This one's a bit more controversial: A theme park vacation... Some people love extended family theme park vacations while others just don't. My biggest tip here - choose your resort VERY carefully! Pick one that allows relatives to easily get back and forth from parks to resort easily (think about strollers and scooters if needed). What are your thoughts here?

09/05/2023

Something Important that We Don't Like Doing?

👀Thinking back to the parts of vacations we didn't like... What specifically did you not enjoy? Was it factors outside of your control like weather, illness, or resort closures? Or was it the group that you traveled with - or maybe the number of delayed flights you had? ✈️

What can be done to prevent that from happening again? Of course, there are things outside of our control, but there are a lot of things that we can control. As an advisor, this helps me so much! Hearing what my clients enjoyed and didn't enjoy in their past trips brings personalization to my efforts in creating a joyful backdrop for your next vacation.

Read More Here 👇
https://shoutout.wix.com/so/cfOfd4jOp?languageTag=en

So, where to next?!?

01 Today's post is short and sweet. What's something that can be really helpful, but that we don't always like doing? Thinking back to the parts of vacations you didn't enjoy... What was it that put that specific trip at the bottom of your bucket? Was it something uncontrollable like weather, illnes...

08/29/2023

Birmingham friends: Fall break in mid-October is right around the corner! I've rounded up a few of my favorite family-friendly fall destinations, all within the Southeast.

Why are these resorts great for families? They all offer cottage rentals, plenty of activities, kid's clubs, and great dining!

🍂 High Hampton, Cashiers: Historical features well preserved is what sets High Hampton apart. Hit the trails and discover a piece of the beauty surrounding this 1,400-acre resort. Guests are invited to do as much or as little as they like here.

🎣 Primland, an Auberge Resort: A private 12,000-acre estate set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland provides guests with a reimagined Appalachian experience. Warm, familial service greets you at every turn. This property is stunning and the hiking is superb. Try horseback riding, fly fishing or ATV rides. If an appreciation for nature in a refined setting is what you love, then this might just be your dream stay.

🚣 The Ritz Carlton, Lake Oconee: Not far from Atlanta you'll find this luxurious lakefront resort. Enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or boating on the lake, book a spa appointment, or take your shot at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. At Ritz Kids children 5--12 can learn about tent building and fishing techniques or carry out a spy mission on an obstacle course. If Ritz Kids is a service you're interested in you'll want to reserve a spot early!

🌴 Montage, Palmetto Bluff: Set on the May River with live oaks all around, and the cutest little town you've seen is Montage Palmetto Bluff. With just bikes and golf carts in the area, you won't have to worry about children and cars as much. One of my top suggestions here - book a boat tour through the coastal marshlands! Other available activities include a shooting club, biking trails, historical sites, golfing and more.

Which of these resorts would you choose? As always, if you'd like to learn more about any of these resorts don't hesitate to reach out.

08/25/2023

Itinerary Highlight Day: How dreamy is this custom Italy vacation that I've been working on? My clients will enjoy a seamless vacation with private transfers and dedicated, English-speaking guides and drivers.

◽3 Night Stay at the Orazio Palace in Rome
◽A Private Ancient Rome Tour including the Colosseum and Roman Forum
◽A Private Vatican Tour

◽1st Class Tickets - Rome to Florence by High-Speed Train

◽3 Night Stay at Hotel Orto de' Medici in Florence
◽A "Best of Florence with David" Tour
🍇A Private Excursion to San Gimignano with Lunch in a Winery

◽1st Class Tickets - Florence to Naples by High-Speed Train

◽3 Night Stay at Grand Hotel Tritone
◽A Private Walking Tour of Pompeii
🍇Wine Tasting and Lunch at Cantina del Vesuvio
◽A Full Day Amalfi Coast Tour with Private Driver
🚤A Small Group Boat Tour to Capri

Would you like to experience Italy in this way? If so, I'm currently booking for Summer of '24 so reach out to get the planning process started!

08/08/2023

Sharing a little bit about my own travel style today, and I'm wondering if we have any preferences in common? ✈️

◽️Personal preference: A little planning always makes a trip run smoother.
◽️I LOVE a balance of extended family trips and immediate family trips. ❤️
◽️Even as a married adult traveling, I don't enjoy destinations that aren't very family-friendly.
◽️I prefer a window seat on flights, but the practical side of me doesn't mind the aisle
◽️Service can make or break a resort experience for me. If the property is gorgeous but staff members are rude, I won't see an overall positive experience when I look back on it.
◽️I'm not on board with the now popular open-concept hotel room bathrooms. 😂
◽️I notice small details and after walking into a hotel room I might have a mental list of things that need to be fixed. 🔧
◽️I am a true believer that accommodations DO matter. A nice room elevates an entire trip and can dramatically change the memories you take home.
◽️At the end of the day, I believe that outlook and mindset are the biggest factors that impact my vacation experience.

Happy Traveling!

08/05/2023

School's starting back and we're all getting geared up for fall, but wouldn't it encourage you to see a relaxing vacation scheduled on your calendar? 🌴

Nestled into the natural slopes of the surrounding landscape is Las Ventanas al Paraiso. 84 enchanting suites and villas invite guests into the local culture of Los Cabos. Find yourself surrounded by Mexican motifs and artwork, and discover old-school charm delivered in a new way.

Who doesn't love VIP perks? When you book this resort through me you'll receive:

◽️$100 Resort Credit
◽️Complimentary Breakfast
◽️Upgrade at Check-In (Subject to Availability)
# #

07/27/2023

It's been a little quiet around here lately. Michael and I spent this last week in Fairhope with all of my side of the family. It's crazy to believe that this is the first time in two years that we've all been together! Two baby girls have been added to the crew, one niece has started high school, and my parents have moved to a new town that they love.

Time flies and changes abound during this season. We siblings are forever figuring out how to stay close as we get older and each has their own family with a unique personality. Having large families means that dynamics are always shifting; new personalities are added to the mix as life events are passing frequently. More and more I see God's grace in placing me amongst these family members. I'm forever grateful for this crew.

07/15/2023

I've gotten a few questions about the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, so I wanted to give you a handy post with all of the info.

My last stay at the resort was during the first week of May. This was a work-type trip for me. I was attending meetings, touring resorts, and also touring the Disney Wish, which is the line's newest ship! There were even a few special theme park experiences in the mix. There was a lot of learning packed into these days! This is a great type of trip for a stay at the Dolphin.

Here are some of my thoughts on the Dolphin:

✨PRO: Access to Friendship boats with service to Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney's Boardwalk, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort
✨PRO: Quick walk away from Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Boardwalk
✨PRO: Quick walk away from the entrance to Disney's Skyliner
✨CON: Busses will NOT drop you directly at park entrances where Disney busses drop guests - this is a biggie!
✨PRO: Early entry to theme parks (deluxe resort perk)
✨PRO: Extended evening hours in parks
✨PRO: Balcony options available in select rooms

There are a few more items to consider when thinking about a stay this resort. Read my full post at the address below or comment "Link" and I'll send it directly to you. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

https://www.audraclaire.com/post/may-2023-walt-disney-world-dolphin-stay

07/12/2023

As you’re dressed in shorts, headed to the pool, and snacking on watermelon, allow yourself to indulge in dreams of stunning winter landscapes.

To see my top Holiday Travel Suggestions, follow the link below or comment “Holidays” and I’ll send the link directly to you via messenger ✈️

Today I thought we'd take a break from resort reviews and vacation recaps to talk about upcoming holidays. As you're dressed in shorts, headed to the pool, and snacking on watermelon allow yourself to indulge in dreams of stunning winter landscapes. The holiday season holds a certain allure that we....

06/20/2023

Many thanks to the kind staff at the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas. Michael and I were recently able to tour this beautiful property that I know you are going to love!
Link to read my Full Journal Post: https://bit.ly/3NFMAZh

This resort's setting on Great Bay creates a striking yet somehow intimate atmosphere. The reception area boasts a sweeping ocean view with sights of nearby islands scattered throughout, leaving absolutely no doubt that you've arrived in paradise.

Picture gorgeous rooms & suites, breathtaking views, an inviting adults' pool, and a fun family pool with a water slide. Enjoy amazing dining, and maybe my favorite feature - sailing aboard the private Lady Lynsey Catamaran, offering experiences ranging from turtle snorkeling sails to dinner & sunset cruises!

I hope you enjoy reading and as always, don't hesitate to reach out with questions or to learn more!

05/31/2023

Part 2 is Up!
Including Visits to St. Thomas and Disney's Castaway Cay!

Today I'm sharing the Things you'll want to know about a Disney Cruise. Remember that every family is different! If you want a vacation tailored specifically to Your needs don't hesitate to reach out!

- If you've been considering a Disney cruise, I think you'll love it! We enjoyed ours SO much!

- Look closely at the ports of call when choosing your cruise. Some stops lend themselves to family enjoyment more than others. Let me know if you'd like help deciding on an itinerary.

- On port days, towels are handed out as guests disembark from the ship, so there's no need to bring beach towels with you on your cruise.

- I would suggest that Main dining (early dining) is a good fit for *most* families with younger children.

- The shows on board are wonderful, so definitely plan to get there a few minutes early and get a good seat!

- If you love peace of mind and want an experience that is specifically designed for families, I would suggest a sailing that includes two stops at Castaway Cay! (Stay tuned - Disney has a new Bahamian Island, Lighthouse Point, opening in summer of 2024). Compared to other ports of call, this island is perfect for children and is relaxing for adults. There's really not much to worry about! Everything is within walking distance of the ship. There are lifeguards in the water, and there are even kids' clubs on the island.

If you haven't read my previous post on this cruise, be sure to read it here! Day 4: Leaving Tortola The evening after departing Tortola was Pirate Night! Disney is the only cruise line that is able to set off fireworks at sea. It's quite an experience! This is a special evening where guests young a...

05/03/2023

Pretty scenes from today with a quick visit to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for lunch.

We know Magic Kingdom Park has all the technology and glamor, but the simple, sweet moments are often what make us return again and again…

05/01/2023

We made it back from a lovely 7 nights of sailing the Eastern Caribbean! We enjoyed time spent with siblings, and nieces and nephews…watching their little faces as they experience the magic of traveling together!

More to come soon, but for now we’ve hit the ground running in Orlando, starting with a meeting and tour at the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World!

04/25/2023

When you first begin dating the person who will become your spouse it’s all exciting. The adventures, the events, and the first everythings. You're falling in love and moments feel magical.

Engagement comes and all of the celebration that it brings. You get married and begin creating a home, again excited about all the firsts in the first year of marriage. At some point you get caught up in the day-to-days and it seems these dreamy moments are few and far between, so you begin trying to plan for them. I eventually realized though, that these magical moments aren't usually planned. They just happen in the quiter times as you're driving somewhere together listening to music, watching a dumb movie that one of you loves, or when you get caught in a rainstorm unexpectedly.

I'm learning to pray not for specific scenarios or that my perfect vision for a celebration becomes reality, but that God, in His timing, would give us a few more magical moments like these because I know that moments He gifts are so much better than any that I could plan.

Here's to a lifetime more of sweet memories.
Happy 3rd Anniversary Michael!

04/13/2023

New Post up on the journal: Is Scottsdale the right destination for you? With summer right around the corner, let's take a look at this popular destination.

If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation that’s sure to be sunny and warm, this might be a great pick for you. While there are activities to fill your time, you likely won’t experience the hectic feeling of having to pack in a long list of attractions each day. I would say that Scottsdale offers a pleasantly laid-back schedule with a markedly sunny atmosphere. Things are very upbeat and you’ll find a nice blend of couples and families in most areas.

https://www.childliketravel.com/post/is-scottsdale-the-right-destination-for-you

Is Scottsdale the right destination for you? Here are my experiences and thoughts on the area. Thanks to the warmth and dryness of the desert, this is a year-round destination; although fall and spring are certainly the most popular times to visit. Many of Scottsdale’s offerings are focused on hea...

04/05/2023

With its stunning landscapes, secluded beaches, and luxurious resorts, Kauai is a true gem of a destination. Let me help you plan a customized itinerary that includes all the best experiences this island paradise has to offer.

04/04/2023

Exploring the Wonders of Machu Picchu is an unforgettable Tour experience. Experience a vibrant Peru vacation, exploring the ruins of the ancient Inca civilization, rafting down the Urubamba River, and participating in an Andean music experience. This is a great option for families who want to bond through adventures together.

You'll have two guides accompanying you on your journey. Enjoy VIP access, private events, and cultural experiences with local experts.

04/02/2023

Since I'm usually sharing all of my favorite and top destinations, I thought I'd do something different today. Here's my unpopular opinion... Edinburgh wasn't my favorite. Maybe it was the time of year, maybe it was the grey buildings, maybe it was the cold, but for whatever reason, I didn't love it quite like others do.

I don't say this to discourage traveling to Scotland. It is beautiful and if you're a history buff, you'll be in heaven. I say this to re-iterate what I often say to clients. Everyone is different and everyone enjoys different things. This is what makes my job so fun! I get to know each client before helping them decide on a destination that will fit their family perfectly. What's a place you thought you would love but didn't end up having stars in your eyes for?

03/31/2023

Turks and Caicos is a true paradise, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Contact me to plan your own luxurious escape to this stunning destination.

03/30/2023

New for 2024! The Mediterranean Odyssey with Tauck: Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Join Tauck on a 13-day voyage aboard an all-suite small ship that carries just 215 guests. You'll enjoy all-inclusive shore excursions and a 4-night land stay. Experience local cuisines, cultures, ruins of lost empires, Crusader citadels, and incredible landscapes.

03/29/2023

I feel very fortunate to have visited and spent time in the beautiful country of Switzerland. Today I'm sharing some of my experiences with you. I hope you find this helpful and inspiring. Until next time!

You can Read the Article Here👇
https://www.childliketravel.com/post/my-experience-traveling-switzerland

03/29/2023

We're headed back! May 2nd through 7th I'll be back in Walt Disney World. We're staying in one of my favorite areas, the Boardwalk! I'll be in the parks and touring resorts, so let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like me to show anything specific.

The first and second week of May is maybe my favorite time of year to visit Walt Disney World. Of course, the Christmas season is also really fun, but a late spring visit is a great way to kick off summer! It's warm enough to swim, but not miserably sweltering yet. The crowds tend to be a bit lighter than in early spring or later in May, and Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival is a bright and happy way to spend a day!

03/28/2023

Get the royal treatment at Disney World with a stay at the Four Seasons Orlando Resort at Walt Disney World. With its luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and stunning golf course, it's the perfect destination for a lavish Disney vacation.

I'll be visiting the resort in early May, so if there's anything specific that you'd like to see or learn about, just let me know and I will try my best to get the content for you.

03/27/2023

Spring in New York...Here's a proposal I recently made for a client wanting to explore New York with an emphasis on dining and Broadway.

Let me help you plan a customized itinerary that includes private tours of world-class museums, luxury private transportation, and luxury Broadway experiences. If you're thinking about New York for the Macy's Day Parade it's not too early to start planning.

03/25/2023

Experience the ultimate in privacy and luxury with a stay at a private island villa. There are a handful of options scattered throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. From secluded beaches to personalized service, it's the perfect escape from the rest of the world.

03/23/2023

Take to the skies with a helicopter transfer to or from St. Lucia's Hewanorra airport, including a luxury car transfer from the helipad to your resort.

Be whisked above the high mountains for a high-speed transfer between Vieux Fort and Castries. You'll enjoy a quicker, simplified transfer while admiring the gorgeous views of St. Lucia's lush terrain.

03/23/2023

03/22/2023

We're one month out from our Caribbean Cruise sailing date!

Be sure to follow along as I'll be posting through the days we're aboard the Disney Dream ship.

We're sailing to:
🤿 Tortola, British Virgin Islands
🐢 St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
🌴 Disney's Castaway Cay

Is there anything specific you would like to see while we're onboard or at port? If so, just let me know and I'll be happy to share some content with you!