Seaside & Sunsets Travel

07/29/2024

The way we travel is changing.

I mean, we’ll always love the beaches and hot sun, but more and more, I’m seeing unique requests like:

✨ Astro-tourism: Watching the stars in a clear night sky or chasing the northern lights.

🧘 Transformative Retreats — Trips designed around self-reflection,

✈️ Skip-gen travel — Grandparents traveling with their grandkids.

I love that travel is becoming more unique and personalized. People are setting the intention for their travels then looking for experiences and destinations that will fit what they truly want.

If you’re interested in unique trips and personalized travel planning, you’re in the right place. Send me a message so we can chat about your travel goals and how we can bring them to fruition.

07/25/2024

Did you know you could hang ten with some of Costa Rica’s coolest athletes? Read more about SurfX, the women-run surf school, at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/meet-costa-ricas-new-generation-of-surfers

07/24/2024

How much does the hotel or resort you stay at impact your vacation?

For a lot of my clients, it’s a make-or-break element of the trip.

Picture this:

🏝️ You booked a beach resort, but the actual beach leaves a lot to be desired.

🌆 You opted for a resort you thought was good value, but you didn’t realize that for $10 more a night, you could have had a much better stay at the place down the street.

🏞️ You splurged on what you thought was a luxury resort, but it’s totally out of date.

All of these mishaps are things my clients never worry about because I’m serving up personalized recommendations based on their travel style.

I know how much or little accommodations matter to them. I think about things like modern rooms, dining options, and the quality of kid activities and spa services so they can enjoy every minute of their very precious vacation time.

If you’re interested in personalized resort/hotel recommendations for your next trip, send me a DM!

07/23/2024

Make reservations for high-profile tables in Monaco, but don’t miss traditional Monégasque dishes that are still loved by locals.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/monacos-soulful-native-cuisine-is-worth-the-trip

Image: Clara Tuma

07/22/2024

Let me share an insider travel tip with you:

Crafting a truly memorable trip requires not just going with the flow but truly taking a personalized approach to things.

When I‘m faced with a sea of activity options for client itineraries, I always think back to our initial discussions, where you give me the full scoop on your interests, travel style, and past adventures.

Maybe you‘re into nature.
Or maybe you’re an art lover.
Or maybe you just love to find the best spots to take pictures.

I’m cataloging all of this for future travel ideas.

Each activity contributes to the overall vibe of your trip.

So, take a moment to visualize the kind of experiences you want to have.

This is valuable information for me. It guides me in curating the perfect itinerary with moments that really resonate with your interests.

And if we haven’t had the pleasure of working together yet, take this list of things you’ve visualized and use it to keep yourself laser-focused as you plan your trip — the internet has a way of pulling even the best traveler in sooo many directions.

Hope you find this travel tip handy!

If you‘re ready to plan your next escape or have any questions, I‘m just a call or DM away.

07/18/2024

Here are four destinations to sail to when you think you’ve already seen it all.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/four-destination-dupes-for-some-of-the-worlds-most-popular-cruise-ports

Image: David Swanson

07/16/2024

Explore Zagreb's top restaurants and bars for artisanal foods, house schnapps, and fresh roasts.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/to-find-croatias-best-restaurants-and-bars-head-to-the-capital

Image: J. Duval and Zagreb Tourist Board

07/15/2024

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

➡️ A chance 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.

Lets make it happen!

07/11/2024

With private guides, turn a few short days in Rome into the coolest trip ever.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/how-to-do-rome-the-right-way

Image: Abercrombie & Kent

07/10/2024

You deserve travels where you don’t need to remember if the car rental is confirmed or stress about whether the resort actually looks like the photos.

Let’s work together so you can start counting down, and if you’re on a trip right now and you or your partner did, in fact, forget to confirm the rental car, call me next time!

07/09/2024

From plant-based dining to health-focused hotels, find out how Manhattan transforms into a restful haven for wellness-seeking travelers.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/where-to-find-serenity-in-the-city-that-never-sleeps

Image: Ball & Albanese

07/08/2024

You forget your headphones, left the book you planned to pack on the coffee table, and are sitting at your resort paranoid about leaving the hair dryer plugged in.

There’s nothing worse, in my opinion!

Here’s my day before travel checklist that I’ve perfected to make sure I don’t forget anything:

Start prepping a week before: I start setting things aside for my trip, but I hold off on packing until a day or two before, so I remember what’s in my suitcase.

Do a round of editing: Right before I pack, I edit to make sure I’m packing what I’ll actually need. I also check the weather forecast where I’m headed to make sure I’m prepared.

Carry-on check: I double- and triple-check my carry-on for my documents, my AirPods, and my lip chap—basically everything I’ll need on the actual flight (chapped lips on a four-hour flight is the worst!).

Travel admin: I call my credit card company, download airline apps, make sure I have a copy of my boarding pass, etc.

What on your day before travel checklist?

Share yours in the comments below 👇

07/06/2024

07/05/2024

Watch the new season of 'The Bear,' then add these standout Chicago restaurants to your must-visit list.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/watch-the-new-season-of-the-bear-then-add-these-chicago-restaurants-to-your-list

Image: Kelly Sandos

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July!

As we celebrate America's Independence, let's take a moment to appreciate the traditions that make this day special. Whether its watching fireworks, having a bbq, or spending time with loved ones, we all have our favorite ways to celebrate.

What's your favorite 4th of July tradition?

07/03/2024

You can only pick one: 7 nights in Cancun in an oceanfront room, 4 nights in the Riviera Maya in an overwater bungalow or 5 nights in Bacalar in this luxury tented camp. Which do you choose?

07/02/2024

From a Loro Piana-bedecked beach club in France to Pucci-inspired cocktails in Monte Carlo, discover the high-style collaborations worth traveling for.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/the-fashion-houses-popping-up-at-luxe-hotels-this-summer

07/01/2024

Before you dive into planning your next vacation, take a moment to really think about the goal of this trip.

What do you need right now, and why are you planning this vacation?

➡️ How are you feeling?

➡️ Are you celebrating something…are you burnt out?

➡️ Who’s by your side – family, your significant other, or friends?
Once you understand the goal of the trip, then you can start to craft it from a place that’s a lot deeper than just “I need a vacation.”

And as your travel advisor, I can turn those goals into detailed plans.

I’ll help you find the perfect places to stay, must-do activities, and hidden gems that match your vision and budget.

Plus, I’ll guide you through any travel hurdles and make sure every detail is taken care of.

With your goals for the trip clear, and my experience and expertise, your vacations truly get elevated to another level.

Let’s start planning a trip that ticks all the boxes. Drop a message below, and let’s get started!

06/28/2024

I don‘t know who needs to hear this today but...

Just go! Stop dreaming about going, stop thinking about going — start planning for it instead!

Of course, you know who to call if you‘re not sure where to start with your adventure or want someone to help you make sure the planning process goes smoothly.

I‘m here when you‘re ready

to make those travel dreams a reality!

06/27/2024

Immerse yourself in Delhi’s culturally rich history and make unforgettable family memories with this guide.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/an-essential-guide-to-visiting-old-delhi-with-a-toddler

Image: Atul Pratap Chauhan

06/26/2024

Fair warning when you’re planning trips to the Caribbean…

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that every resort is equal.

There are so many options that it’s easy to get a few hours or even weeks into the process of planning a trip that everything starts to blur.

Which resort had the adults-only section again?

And which resort has the better beachfront?

It’s so hard to keep track of it all, then take the leap and make the decision.

But what if instead, you had options based on the trip you’re looking to take, the way you like to travel, etc.?

❌ No more bookmarking, taking notes, or hunting for online tips.

✅ Just the best resort and hotel options served up based on your needs by an expert who takes the time to get to know you.

That expert is me friend, and all it takes is a DM to get started. Who’s in?! 🙋‍♀️

06/25/2024

Far-flung destinations, home-grown hospitality, and house concerts make the Faroe Islands a haven for slow travel enthusiasts.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/how-the-remote-faroe-islands-make-a-case-for-slow-travel

Image: Visit Faroe Islands

06/24/2024

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 for 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, I’m just a DM away!

06/20/2024

While in Vegas, uncover the off-the-menu margarita adored by over 1 million visitors for a truly unforgettable sip.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/stacysawyer/travel/articles/drink-vegas-secret-100000-people

Image: Anthony Mair

06/20/2024

☀️ Happy First Day of Summer! Let's welcome the season of longer days, warmer nights, and endless adventures. What's on your summer bucket list? Share your plans below!

06/19/2024

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 airline 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 a DM to me or head to the inquiry form in my bio to tell me more about your trip!

06/18/2024

Embrace your wanderlust because it's National Want to Get Away Day! ✈️ Whether it's a remote beach, a bustling city, or a cozy cabin in the woods, where's your dream escape? Let's share our wanderlust destinations and inspire each other to explore the world!

06/17/2024

No matter how many European cities you’ve marked off your bucket list, there’s always somewhere new to explore. River cruises offer a truly immersive experience and a unique opportunity to explore those off-the-beaten-path destinations and gems you may not have considered in your past travels.

Most itineraries offer stops in major cities like Amsterdam, Paris and Vienna. But cruises also focus on the lesser-known, tucked away towns along the way that you get the chance to dive into and explore. It’s amazing what new things you can discover on a good river cruise!

06/16/2024

Wishing all the Incredible Dad's out there a day filled with love, laughter, and appreciation! Happy Father's Day!!