Creosote Journeys is a boutique luxury travel planning company. What connects you? Hola! Saved my life really. Those are just the words that fit. Like I belonged.
I am Mandy McKaskle, the founder of Creosote Journeys a full-service lifestyle travel planning company and quite simply travel has changed my life. That seems a bit dramatic and well it is, but if you know me you know that say exactly what I mean and how I feel. And in order to accurately describe something that has lifted me from the depths of loss, heartbreak and tragedy and shown light, hope an
d perspective is to say it is life saving. Let me paint the picture for you. The first time travel saved my life was when I was 9 years old and visited New York City for the first time. See, I grew up in very small town. The kind where everybody knows everybody's business and families grow up together for generations. The kind of place that makes you feel small and if you don't like your situation or who you are - can also make you feel like it is the only way that life will ever be. New York City opened my eyes and mind to a whole new world outside of my small town so I always knew there was more to life.➡️ I want to connect you to new or old places with those you love most. Fast forward a few years later to when I was 16 years old and a few months removed from my brother taking his own life. An already planned exchange for me to live in Hermosillo, Mexico continued in spite of this. I have no idea how my parents had the strength to lose and let go of 2 children all at the same time, but I went and am so glad I did. I grew up spending every long weekend, holiday, summer vacation in a beach town in Mexico called Puerto Peñasco so from a very young age felt at home there. Honestly most of my happy memories from childhood are from those carefree times in a place that wasn't the small town I grew up in. It made me feel special and different but I also just felt connected. And living there just solidified my love affair with Mexico and all of Latin America. Speaking spanish is something that just comes back to me no matter how long I go without practicing it daily - and there is something incredibly comforting and exciting about knowing that I could be thrown into any spanish speaking situation and be ok. ➡️ It opens up worlds to my fingertips which is what I want to do for you. The last experience I had was just a few years ago when I visited Croatia for the first time. It was not too long after a series of tragedies and personal losses had just about taken me over and I needed a lifeline. So when my beloved friend from Argentina invited me to travel with her I jumped at the opportunity. This trip opened my mind, healed my heart and gave me hope. I came home with a renewed purpose and knowledge that I would ok along with happy memories of a country that I would return to time and time again. ➡️ I want to help you experience a new place that opens your eyes, your heart and your mind. (with none of the stress of planning)
What does all this mean for you? ➡️ I care that the experience you have while traveling is one that changes your life. That helps you to heal from loss, or spend precious time with those you love most, or seize the moment, or experience your final continent or whatever travel means to you. I care about the details and creating the most memorable journey so that all you have to do is relax and unwind. Even if you love to plan travel, it can get overwhelming and stressful really quickly and especially in light of all the changes with COVID-19, the value of working with a travel advisor has never been more clear. I have had the good fortune of being in the travel industry for over 20 years and want to help open up the world to you. Because travel heals. Travel expands your mind. Travel connects you. I invite you to connect on a free planning call so you can get one step closer to creating your own journey that connects you to what you love most. Contact me via email at [email protected] to get started!
03/08/2025
Fun fact: Everyone smiles in the same language ☺️🌍
Creosote Journeys is a luxury travel planning company based in Tucson, AZ and ready to elevate your travel experience and help you smile all over the world. 😊🌏What connects you?
03/05/2025
An icon of Paris hotels! I have long adored the romanticism and old world elegance of the and seeing it in person was a dream. Walking the halls you can feel the energy of luminaries that have stayed here such as Ernest Hemingway, Maria Callas, Coco Chanel and Princess Diana. The hotel is located in Place Vendôme in the Golden Triangle of Paris and choice awaits you once inside. Be it luxury shopping, an outpost of my favorite coffee shop in Marrakesh or the iconic Bar Hemingway. And not to be missed is the pastry shop that offers dozens of varieties of madeleine’s to choose from. At the Ritz, no one rushes you and it is the definition of divine. 🇫🇷💛
02/26/2025
Family travel inspo! We are so excited to be working on several itineraries that include Scotland, and a favorite is Glenapp Castle that looks like it came from a storybook. Yes, it offers dozens of activities for all ages, but perhaps the most unique is the Hebredian Sea Safari where you can explore the wild coastline and remote islands while glamping (with your butler in tow) paired with a few nights at the castle. Safari in Scotland? Sign us up!!
02/20/2025
Client love! Italy is one of our favorite destinations to plan travel to as it consistently delivers an amazing experience with beautiful scenery, welcoming residents and of course the most amazing food,
wine and shopping. But it can also be very busy, especially pop**ar cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. We are encouraging (and seeing) more and more clients visit during off peak times, when crowds are fewer and prices are less - but one thing that doesn’t change? Happy clients :) We absolutely loved working with these couples, who were a referral from another fab client, to help plan a joint milestone birthday and anniversary vacation. Grazie Mile for bringing us along on your Italian journey! What connects you? 🇮🇹 💛
02/09/2025
01/31/2025
Some views (and days) are better than others. What connects you?
01/28/2025
This is the place you have been waiting for! Gracias a for the most magical place to spend a sister’s getaway.
In just a few short days we were able to enjoy walks on the beach, sunrise views from our private plunge pool, a bike ride throughout the complex, an offsite day trip to snorkel with turtles and in a cenote, the adults only beach club (p.s. this resort is also amazing for families with lots of kid friendly activities and spaces) a hydrotherapy circuit in the spa, boat rides through the mangroves and plenty of good food. Powder white sand beach, the sound of waves and butler service. What connects you?
01/14/2025
Client Love! Such a delight to help this family celebrate the holidays together in Switzerland where they enjoyed shopping in the Christmas markets in Luzern and Zurich, playing in the snow, a boat ride on Lake Luzern, excellent food and creating some new family traditions together. Planning multi-generational getaways is a specialty and personal passion of as this time together and the memories created are the greatest gifts. What connects you?
01/07/2025
In our sights: Discover the pristine Elmau Valley, a sanctuary amidst one of the most beautiful and varied landscapes of the Alps, surrounded by majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, river beds, wild forests and jaw dropping canyons. Located on the border between Austria and Bavaria, 1 hour from Munich, 40 minutes from Innsbruck or a 2 ½ hour scenic drive to the Dolomites.
This year round resort offers no shortage of outdoor adventure (tennis, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, trail running, skiing, snowshoeing, wild swimming, golf, archery), six different spas, kids and teens clubs, five restaurants, multiple lounges and a concert venue featuring jazz and classical performances.
Clients of Creosote Journeys enjoy exclusive benefits when staying here so reach out today to start planning your spring, summer, fall or winter adventure!
What connects you?
01/05/2025
I forgot that I might see
So many beautiful things
I forgot that I might need
To find out
What life could bring
Beautiful things
- Andain
So many places to experience, so many travel memories to create, so many beautiful things to see. Time is a sieve and the moment to start planning is now. What connects you?
12/14/2024
Maison Albar L’Imperator in Nîmes is part of and the ideal 2 or 3 night stay as part of a South of France itinerary. Just 3 hours by train to Paris and Avignon is just 45 minutes away. Out the front door of the hotel await Roman ruins, beautiful gardens, fountains, running paths, restaurants and shopping. Inside are two swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, 2 Michelin Starred restaurant by Pierre Gagnaire and a kids room. Curious about planning a trip to this part of France? Let’s chat!
11/15/2024
Las ventanas, puertas, espejos y vistas al paraíso…
10/31/2024
Bok Hrvatska loosely translated means Croatia is calling 🇭🇷💛 Whether you want to travel by yacht, cruise or vehicle we have you covered. Let’s connect!
**a
10/25/2024
With guaranteed snowfall and the Urseren Valley as your backdrop, a cozy Swiss escape awaits!
10/17/2024
There is beauty. There is wonder. There is uncertainty. There is pain. There is growth. 6 images to reflect on the 6 years since I started Creosote Journeys and what a roller coaster it has been. I am SO thankful for my family, my travel industry friends and my clients that have encouraged and supported me along the way. It is rarely easy, but always worth it. To many more years of creating travel memories and helping to write chapters in travel stories. Forward, forever…
10/15/2024
What type of travel do you specialize in? I get asked this question often, so sharing just a small sampling of destinations and experiences I have had clients at over the past few months. It highlights just how varied it is; truth is I focus more on the right clients and developing a relationship over many years. Those I can develop a deeper connection with. It goes beyond transactional, where I can anticipate and make recommendations versus just answering the phone. With each journey, I learn more about what they love and what they would do differently. I can hone in on the small details and finer touches that make a trip truly magical. What connects you?
10/04/2024
Looking for a romantic hideaway? This Caribbean destination is under the radar and offers sustainably built villas with private plunge pools and outdoor rain showers. Treehouse style spa offers couples massages to signature facials. Open air restaurant serving inspired island-to-table plates sourced from local fisherman and farmers markets. Benefits available when you reserve through me are: complimentary room upgrade if available at time of arrival, daily breakfast for 2, complimentary lunch or dinner for 2, and a complimentary 50-minute couples massage.
Ready to book your secret getaway?
📧 [email protected] to learn more!
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Videos
POV on vacation in Italy: Bubblegum hues and sunrise views along the Arno River in Florence. What connects you?
@creosotejourneys
#florence #italy #sunrise #serenityfound #italia #firenze #arnoriver #luxurytravel #traveladvisor #vacacion #italyvacation #italylover #myhappytime #amanacer #alba #florenceitaly #creosotejourneys
Checking in to our lovely suite onboard Ilma. 🌊😻
@ritzcarltonyachtcollection
@embarkbeyond
@creosotejourneys
#luxuryyacht #luxurycruise #suite #ritzcarltonyachtcollection #ilma #luxurytraveladvisor #familytravel #honeymoontravel #smallshipcruising #brandnew #caribbean #marriottbonvoy #luxurystyle #embarkbeyond #creosotejourneys #ritzyacht
The chapters of my 2024 travel story included:
January - Sweden
February - San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City
March - Fairmont Lake Louise, Jasper Park Lodge and Banff
April- London and Ireland
May- Explora Journeys Cruise
June- Sedona
July - Utah
August - Windstar Cruise around Iceland
September - Yosemite National Park
October - Los Cabos and Washington D.C.
November - France
December - Tucson
Looking forward to the new chapters and stories yet to be written in 2025…
#2024 #travelmemories #yearinreview #luxurytraveladvisor #sweden #sanmigueldeallende #luxurycruise #ireland #iceland #france #parisfrance #yosemitenationalpark #loscabos #viajante #worldtraveler #creosotejourneys
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The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in France!
@ritzparis
@soparishotel
@shangrilaparis
@lareserveparis
@gallerieslafayettefr
@carltoncannes
@creosotejourneys
#christmas #holidays #christmasdecor #holidaylights #christmastree #louisvuitton #dior #paris #cannes #france #holidaytravel #holidayshopping #parisfrance #luxuryhotel
Iceland Cruise with @windstarcruises - I could get used to this small ship life! The 7-day itinerary circumnavigates the island and is a great summer vacation idea for solos, couples or families. The temperatures are a great hot weather escape, loving the private yacht vibe and the food (and wine) have been incredible. Message me for more info and to start making your small ship dream a reality!
📍Haimaey Island, Iceland
#iceland #volcano #horses #golf #elephant #heimaey #island #icelandtravel #windstar #smallshipcruising #summertravel #puffin #volcanicisland #europe #atlanticocean #fjords #embarkbeyond #creosotejourneys #windstarcruises
@creosotejourneys
@embarkbeyond
Take the chance…and the trip! The essence of our @explorajourneys luxury cruise encapsulated in a short video courtesy of @embarkbeyond and the talented @maxschoeber
@creosotejourneys
#luxurycruise #atsea #cruise #pacificocean #vancouver #sonoma #astoriaoregon #sanfrancisco #dancingqueens #elegance #virtuosotravel #duvine #bicycle #nike #hiking #wine #creosotejourneys #explorajourneys #embarkbeyond
Hey you! Yes, you! You the one that wants to travel...
Hola! I am Mandy McKaskle, the founder of Creosote Journeys a full-service lifestyle travel planning company and quite simply travel has changed my life. Saved my life really.
Say what? That seems a bit dramatic and well it is, but if you know me you know that say exactly what I mean and how I feel. And in order to accurately describe something that has lifted me from the depths of loss, heartbreak and tragedy and shown light, hope and perspective is to say it is life saving. Those are just the words that fit.
Let me paint the picture for you. The first time travel saved my life was when I was 9 years old and visited New York City for the first time. See, I grew up in very small town. The kind where everybody knows everybody's business and families grow up together for generations. The kind of place that makes you feel small and if you don't like your situation or who you are - can also make you feel like it is the only way that life will ever be. New York City opened my eyes and mind to a whole new world outside of my small town so I always knew there was more to life.➡️ I want to connect you to new or old places with those you love most.
Fast forward a few years later to when I was 16 years old and a few months removed from my brother taking his own life. An already planned exchange for me to live in Hermosillo, Mexico continued in spite of this. I have no idea how my parents had the strength to lose and let go of 2 children all at the same time, but I went and am so glad I did. See I grew up spending every long weekend, holiday, summer vacation in a beach town in Mexico called Puerto Peñasco so from a very young age felt at home there. Honestly most of my happy memories from childhood are from those carefree times in a place that wasn't the small town I grew up in. It made me feel special and different but I also just felt connected. Like I belonged. And living there just solidified my love affair with Mexico and all of Latin America. Speaking spanish is something that just comes back to me no matter how long I go without practicing it daily - and there is something incredibly comforting and exciting about knowing that I could be thrown into any spanish speaking situation and be ok. ➡️ It opens up worlds to my fingertips which is what I want to do for you.
The last experience I had was just a few years ago when I visited Croatia for the first time. It was not too long after a series of tragedies and personal losses had just about taken me over and I needed a lifeline. So when my beloved friend from Argentina invited me to travel with her I jumped at the opportunity. This trip opened my mind, healed my heart and gave me hope. I came home with a renewed purpose and knowledge that I would ok along with happy memories of a country that I would return to time and time again. ➡️ I want to help you experience a new place that opens your eyes, your heart and your mind. (with none of the stress of planning)
What does all this mean for you? ➡️ I care that the experience you have while traveling is one that changes your life. That helps you to heal from loss, or spend precious time with those you love most, or seize the moment, or experience your final continent or whatever travel means to you. I care about the details and creating the most memorable journey so that all you have to do is relax and unwind. Even if you love to plan travel, it can get overwhelming and stressful really quickly and especially in light of all the changes with COVID-19, the value of working with a travel advisor has never been more clear. I have had the good fortune of being in the travel industry for over 20 years and want to help open up the world to you. Because travel heals. Travel expands your mind. Travel connects you.
I invite you to connect on a free planning call so you can get one step closer to creating your own journey that connects you to what you love most. Contact me today to get started!