Journey Luxe Travel

08/20/2024

🌋 Just finishing up an amazing few days to the Reykjavik region of Iceland. We explored the live volcanoes, watched a geyser in action, saw breathtaking landscapes and relaxed in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Each experience was truly memorable.

Reykjavik itself offered a nice blend of cultural experiences and city life, plus it’s close to some great natural landmarks, making for a well-rounded visit. If you're considering a trip to Iceland let me know, this region is definitely worth a look.

Now boarding Oceania Cruises ship Marina for the Icelandic & Scottish Stars cruise. So the adventure is just getting started! 🚢

08/17/2024

Tomorrow I embark on a familiarization trip to Iceland and the United Kingdom via Oceania Cruiseline. I am stoked about the adventure, but not so much about packing. It is my least favorite part of any trip, closely followed by unpacking. And when it’s nearly 100 degrees outside, it’s hard to wrap my brain around selecting a warm wardrobe. But I’ve got a coat, a hat, gloves and my husband, who gets to come along for this one. 🎉 We are ready! (Well, almost. I just need to finish packing.)

08/12/2024

Can you guess where this was taken!? Yes, in Frankfurt, Germany, when we were supposed to have been in Venice. A Lufthansa airport employee strike had us grounded. Rental cars were sold out, the trains were also shut down due to another strike -- it was a mess! There was absolutely no way for us to get to our destination on time. We were so bummed. But once we knew we were "stuck" in Frankfurt for at least 24 hours, we decided to make the best of it. We jumped in a cab to city center, got a hotel room (which our travel insurance later reimbursed us for) and set out to explore. We ended up loving that impromptu day in Germany.
No matter how well planned a trip is, things outside our control sometimes pop up. When they do, flexibility is a must. And sometimes, it works out just fine.

07/28/2024

How's spring break in London sound!? No, it's not super warm, but it's still London. I'm seeing several European cities -- Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin and Budapest -- in this price range for spring break flights. Traveling off season offers some great deals!

07/27/2024

It's so fun to see athletes of the countries I've been fortunate enough to visit wave their flags at the Olympics opening ceremony. The ceremony also reminds me of all the places still left to explore. Plus, it's a fantastic geography lesson. I had to look up Kiribati and Eswatini. I had no idea they existed. But now that I do, I wanna visit them too! 😂✈️🌍 (Wiki photo of Eswatini.)

07/15/2024

After months of planning, these last few days have been dreamy as I’ve gotten happy reports and smiling pictures of my clients currently traveling around the world.
They are:
🇪🇸 🇫🇷 🍷 On a culinary adventure in Spain ahead of their Bordeaux River Cruise on AmaWaterway
🏄🌺🐬 Enjoying 11 days of snorkeling, relaxing and multigenerational fun on Oahu and The Big Island, Hawaii.
🚢 🇩🇪 🇭🇺 Cruising down the Blue Danube on a Tauck family adventure from Munich to Budapest.
🗽🛳️🇧🇲🏝️Exploring NYC before they board a cruise to the Bahamas.
🏛️ 🇮🇹 🌳Touring Rome ahead of a week with 15 family members in a beautiful private villa in Tuscany I arranged for them.
🏔️ 🫎🎣 Enjoying a land and sea cruise tour of Alaska, including hiking in Denali and the Yukon and salmon fishing.
🇮🇹 🍝🍋 Taking in the magnificent David statue in Florence before they head to the Amalfi Coast area and then to Pompeii before ending in Rome.
🧳👙🕶️ Packing for their Caribbean cruise, which will take them to St. Croix, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
🏖️ 🌸🥂Unpacking from a romantic stay at a Jamaican all-inclusive.

I’m so grateful they trusted me with their vacations. Meanwhile, I’m at home inspired to plan more. Today it’s our own adventure to Iceland. 🤗
I’m booked solid for the next two weeks, but will be accepting new clients there after. Where do you want to go?

07/01/2024

Travel advisors have been watching the weather closely all weekend. We are making contingency plans for our clients planning to be in the Carribean and Mexico this week and in the weeks ahead. We are on hold with providers, helping clients read the fine print on their insurance policies and looking at flight options for those who need to reschedule. (And, yes, this is one of the many reasons why we recommend travel insurance.)
Travel advisors do not just book trips, we come along side our clients to help deliver the best travel experience possible — and sometimes that means a last minute, unexpected change.
Hurricane Beryl is providing a clear example of that in action.
As much as hurricanes are frustrating and disappointing to travelers, we shouldn’t lose sight of the people who actually live on these islands. Praying for the people of the Windward Islands. They wow us with their hospitality and zest for life, and they share their beautiful countries and cultures with us. May their spirit and their buildings stand strong against this and any other storm. Kristina Coleman

06/27/2024

California’s Senate Bill 478, a new consumer protection law, may only apply in the Golden State, but it has some positive benefits for all of us! I've received notice from many cruise lines that in order to comply with this new law, they will now advertise a comprehensive price for any product offered for sale, and I think all will follow suit. This means that the price you see first (advertised and/or provided by me) will already incorporate applicable taxes, fees, and port expenses.
I'm told that while this change alters how prices are displayed, it does not affect the prices guests pay. You just don't get a surprise 10% tax increase at the end.
Thanks California! I see this as good news!

Send a message to learn more

06/26/2024

This is Waimanolo Beach. Let me get you there!

06/25/2024

Today my clients booked their first Alaskan cruise — for Summer 2025.
It is not to late to plan for this summer and also not to early to plan for next summer. The best rooms often go to the people who book first. But sometimes great deals can be had at the last minute. Whichever camp you fall into, I’m here to help!

06/14/2024

Remember passports are often required to be valid for at least 6 months after travel. This sometimes catches people off guard, and it’s not a happy surprise. Check your expiration dates. If you need to renew, there is good news! The State Department just opened up online renewals! 🙌

This page includes information about the beta release of our online passport renewal system, and instructions to complete your application.

06/07/2024

“How beautiful is youth, that’s always flying by us! So dance and sing and love today: nothing’s sure about tomorrow.”
Lorenzo dei Medici, 1490

06/03/2024

A big hat, sunscreen and a good book are my best friends at the beach. There is nothing that ruins a vacation quicker than a terrible sunburn. Ask me how I know.

06/02/2024

The view as you arrive in St. Lucia. 😍
📸 by my client (and sister) Ginny Phillips.

06/02/2024

Pope Francis has proclaimed that hope will be the theme of the upcoming Jubilee in 2025. Though difficult to precisely predict, millions are expected to make a pilgrimage to Vatican City during the Jubilee, increasing tourism in the ever popular city of Rome. The Jubilee, which happens every 25 years, is likely to impact travelers with larger crowds, longer lines, tickets to main attractions (and possibly lodging) selling out well in advance, probably leading to higher prices.
Whether for a pilgrimage or a vacation, if Italy is on your travel agenda for 2025, the sooner everything is planned and booked, the better.
I have excellent partners in Italy and was just there, so I’m ready to help you navigate the crowds and enjoy the celebration. 🇮🇹 🇻🇦

At a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica on Ascension Thursday, Pope Francis solemnly proclaims the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025, consigning the Bull of ...

05/31/2024

Need a last-minute summer vacation!? There are still deals to be had, like a fifth night free at the gorgeous Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui! I can also provide an upgrade of free breakfast.

05/29/2024

Thinking about a European vacation? Just do it by taking advantage of the current flight deals. I'm finding deals right now (1 pm on Tuesday) from Nashville to London, Lisbon, Barcelona, Madrid, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, etc. in the $600s for basic economy, roundtrip tickets over my family's spring break. Lots of other dates are available too. Direct flights to London are going for $660 RT. These deals usually last only a day or two, sometimes only hours. So do not delay. And once you book, let me know and I'll be glad to help you make the trip amazing!

05/27/2024

We love to host. It gives us an (unnecessary) excuse to be tourists in our own city.
I’d love to hear what makes your city awesome. I’m taking notes.

05/24/2024

Someone just posted this comment in a group in online. 😭 One of the many reasons why travel advisors always recommend travel insurance.

05/23/2024

Southwest Airlines is now showing up in searches on Google Flights!

05/19/2024

Tennessee (my home state) is pretty from the sky.

05/18/2024

Fifteen years ago today, my husband and I were exploring the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. At the time, I was a professional journalist, reporting for travel and religion stories about Turkey. While my profession has changed dramatically since then, my passion for travel remains as fiery as ever.

05/16/2024

The bag that held the gift from my 9-year-old on Mother’s Day 🥰

05/16/2024

Best travel advice ever is in this Facebook comment: Just go!
(This response was to a question about a Tauck tour of Australia and New Zealand, but I think it’s relevant to most opportunities to travel: Just Go! But going is definitely made better by using an excellent vetted tour operator such as Tauck!)

05/15/2024

Remember how I told you St. Louis was a great, affordable weekend away option!? Here is more about that!

05/15/2024

💎 An often overlooked gem in Saint Louis is the Cathedral Basilica. To me, it’s as beautiful as the grand cathedrals of Europe (yes, the ones that cost 50€ a person in admission) and it is free to enter and tour.
I have exclusive perks for you at the nearby Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel, which can be your home base for a wonderful and affordable family vacation. My favorite cupcakes are around the corner and, another hideden gem, The World Chess Hall of Fame is just a few steps away. Also nearby are the award-winning zoo and the Science Center, both of which offer free admission. Stroll the botanical garden, catch a Cardinals game and/or a musical at the Fabulous Fox Theatre to round out the perfect long-weekend. I know all the best spots and would love to plan it for you!
⚾️ 🎭 ⛪️ 🏒 🦓🦒🦍🧁🍻🥨♟️🪷

05/12/2024

Give yourself a prized Mother’s Day gift — a vacation *you* don’t have to plan!

05/11/2024

Flying through the clouds always reminds me of my first flight. I was headed to Brazil as a youth exchange student, and I was mesmerized by the bird’s eye view from my window seat. It was incredible.
I’ve flown so many times since then, and yet flying through the clouds never gets old.