Ripple Effect Travel by Sarah Thompson

05/12/2025

If you were considering coming along with me on this trip to Ireland in October, this is the last week to place your deposit. I have 4 spaces left!

04/16/2025

✨ LUXE Alert ✨

This is one of those offers that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and start picturing warm sand between your toes.

Pricing starts at $3,600 for two adults for 7 nights this October at the dreamy Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, a LUXE by ALG Vacations property.

Tucked along one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, this AAA Five Diamond resort is pure magic. Every suite is designed to inspire — with views of lush gardens or the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Step onto your private terrace, sink into your plunge tub, and just let the stress melt away.

It’s romantic. It’s peaceful. And it’s absolutely luxurious — without you lifting a finger. Think: 24-hour room service, gourmet food, cocktails delivered to your beach chair, and live music under the stars. This is where you can unwind and actually remember who you are again.

This is what a “back-to-school” escape for grown-ups looks like.

Let’s add the flights and get this on your calendar.

📞 Call your travel advisor (hi, that’s me).
This price is rare. This place is magic.

Let’s make it happen. 🏝✨

04/10/2025

Time flies when you’re having fun! Or booking trips for the best clients out there.

I have clients headed to Costa Rica, Las Vegas, National Parks in Utah, Scotland, Ireland, Paris and Alaska over the next few months and I’m counting down the days just as closely as they all are.

Are you ready to start counting your days to a spectacular vacation? I’m just a call or DM away!

04/08/2025

Is it too early to plan my trips for 2026? 🤔

Let’s just say — the earlier, the better!

Here’s why booking your 2026 travel now beats waiting until the last minute:

✨ More options: The best accommodations, tours, and experiences get booked quickly. By planning ahead, you’ll have first dibs on the top spots.

✨ Better prices: Early booking often means better rates, plus the chance to lock in promotional deals before they’re gone.

✨ Less stress: Waiting until the last minute adds extra pressure. Starting early means you can have time to think about what you really want and make it happen!

✨ A custom itinerary: With more time to personalize your trip, we can tailor every detail to your preferences and travel goals — without rushing.

Don’t let 2026 sneak up on you — send me a DM and let’s get cracking!

04/07/2025

Mexico or the Caribbean this summer?

Either way, I know exactly where you should stay 👇

➡️ If you want next-level vibes and seclusion:
Sugar Beach, in St. Lucia is the spot. Tucked between the Piton Mountains, with private villas and plunge pools, it’s perfect for honeymooners or anyone who just wants to unplug in total paradise.

➡️ For an all-inclusive that doesn’t feel like an all-inclusive:
Hotel Xcaret México is the move. Stunning beachfront, infinity pools, and unlimited access to adventure parks. Because why just relax when you can also zip-line through the jungle?

➡️ Traveling with the whole family?
Grand Velas Riviera Maya nails family luxury with massive suites, top-tier dining, and kids’ clubs that actually impress. Parents relax, kids stay busy. Everyone wins.

➡️ And if you want one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets:
Curtain Bluff in Antigua is one of those places so good you almost don’t want to share it. Family-owned, sitting between two private beaches, and effortlessly elegant.
Which one sounds most like you?

Send me a DM and I’ll match you to the perfect resort and save you tons of hours researching.
Let’s get you booked!

03/28/2025

🌞 Family Summer Getaway to Cancun – Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites! 🌴

Looking for a luxurious family vacation that offers both relaxation and adventure? Let me introduce you to the stunning Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites - All Inclusive, a AAA Four Diamond resort situated along the beautiful beach of Playa Paraiso.
This breathtaking resort isn’t just a vacation—it’s a journey into history and culture, with soaring Mayan architecture that transports you to the heart of the ancient civilization. Picture yourself unwinding beneath a stunning replica of the famed Chichen Itza pyramid in the lobby bar, and soaking in the intricate design details inspired by the iconic Mayan style throughout the resort.

✨ Swim in the Riviera Maya's only wave pool and enjoy the splash park for endless fun!

🌿 Relax under towering Mayan statues, evoking the majesty and mystery of this ancient culture, while you unwind in elegantly appointed suites—your peaceful retreat after a day of adventure.

🌊 Enjoy the stunning beachfront and explore the vibrant culture, all while staying in a family- and couple-friendly environment.

💆‍♀️ Indulge in the 32,000-square-foot spa or savor delicious dining options across the resort’s restaurants.

This All-Inclusive resort offers an upscale experience with everything you need, from world-class amenities to authentic details in every space. It’s the perfect balance of luxury, relaxation, and cultural discovery!

Let’s make this summer unforgettable! 📩 Message me today to book your family’s perfect vacation at Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites and experience the magic of the Riviera Maya! 🌴✨

03/21/2025

🌳Who are my outdoorsy followers? ✋

How many National Parks have you been to? Did you know there are 63 in total and they are spread across 31 states and 2 territories? If you have been to even half, that is an extensive travel list and I admit my jealousy! There are also 429 sites that you may even group in with these parks including National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, National Monuments, National Seashores, and National Recreation Areas.

As a family whose travel bucket list grows longer all the time, I can say that National Parks definitely have a strong place on our list and we have only just scratched the surface of crossing them off. We actually plan to visit one of our favorites during Spring Break. I have been to this one so many times, I have lost count and yet, we still find the beauty in it each time that we go. I'm talking about Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 🏔

If you are like my family and visiting our National Parks is on your Travel To-Do list too, you may be feeling some hesitation to book that trip given the recent staffing changes that have taken place. That is where I can help! There are many guided tour options that are available for National Parks. These tours take care of securing park passes or permits and have a Tour Director with you who has years of experience leading tours through these parks as well as extensive knowledge of the landscapes, history, wildlife, and natural surroundings you will experience. These tours are available for a variety of activity levels as well.

Not interested in a group tour? No problem. Lets chat about what you want to see and do and make it happen!

Last but not least, I take too many photos when we travel and never get to use them all so here is my chance to share some from all of our park trips! (Photography is not in my skill set but this beautiful scenery makes it easy sometimes).

03/20/2025

POV: It’s five years from now, and you’re thinking about the trip you almost took, but didn’t.

The kids were “too young.” Work was too “hectic.” Life was too busy.

But here’s the thing: life will always be busy.

The kids won’t always be little.

And the perfect time? It’s a myth.

The moments that stick with you aren’t on your to-do list. They’re in the sandcastle-building competitions, the belly laughs over melting ice cream, and the way their little hands reach for yours on an adventure far from home.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign — this is it. Book the trip. Make the memory. Because one day, when they’re all grown up, you’ll be so grateful you did.

What’s one trip you’ve always wanted to take with the kids? ⬇️

03/19/2025

AmaWaterways is offering Complimentary land packages on their luxurious river cruises for 2025 and 2026 if you book before the end of March!

I have reserved d some cabins for my clients on the Melodies of the Danube for October of 2026. Extend your European getaway and use your Complimentary Land Package to stay in Budapest or Prague!

Have your eye on a different route that AmaWaterways offers? Reserve your Complimentary Pre or Post cruise Land package with only a deposit! But do it before this deal expires on March 31st!

Witness this magnificent sight for yourself when you stay with us for two nights pre-cruise in Budapest, Hungary.

Join us on our Melodies of the Danube River cruise and witness this postcard-perfect sight for yourself! https://www.amawaterways.com/complimentary-land-2023 -of-the-danube

Photo Credits: Thomas S.

03/11/2025

Ever visited scenic Scandinavia and its fjords? Is it on your travel list?

Check out this Guided14 Day Scandinavian Tour of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Visit 3 countries, 14 cities with 13 nights accommodations, 13 breakfasts and 8 dinners INCLUDED!

I am told this is one of the most loved tours that Trafalgar has and if you go on May 4th or May 25th of this year, I can personally say that you will have the best guide they have! There are only 8 seats left between those two dates.

https://www.trafalgar.com/en-us/tours/scenic-scandinavia-and-its-fjords

Want more information? Give me a call and lets chat!

Book your 2025 Scandinavia tour with confidence. Free 3 day booking hold and flexible change options. Explore Denmark, Sweden and Norway with Trafalgar.

03/03/2025

Want to hear more about the Danube river cruise with AmaWaterways I mentioned? Here is a link to the sailing itinerary I have saved space for my clients on. This is for October of 2026.

PLUS, If you reserve your cabin THIS MONTH ONLY with just a deposit, you can add a FREE 2 or 3 night land tour in Budapest or Prague. This is a fantastic way to extend your trip and spend a little longer in these beautiful cities. Final payment isn't due until July of 2026!!

Reach out to me for more details or to reserve your cabin!

Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Let the hills come alive with the sounds of music in Salz...