Perfectly Planned Journeys

05/19/2024

A few reasons why I am proud to be a Norwegian! ❤🇳🇴🥰
https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=421041674186922

05/14/2024

My focus as a travel advisor is to provide unique, quality travel experiences that are not available to thousands of other travelers.

The guide/host I am working with here is someone I have known since 3rd grade so I am so excited to post this!

If you seek experiences no one else has had. If you believe that seeing popular tourist attractions is fine, however seeing hidden gems, getting to know the locals, learning about their lives and culture gives a much deeper meaning to travel. If you also are active and love nature this will be a trip of a lifetime!

Embark on a journey less traveled where the majestic mountains of Norway are not just a backdrop but your home away from home.

Your host, a local certified guide will take you and your small group up to his beautiful cabin in the Norwegian highlands in Hemsedalen for a very unique and immersive experience.

Your host will share a lot of personal stories about life in Norway giving you an authentic experience. Each day filled with breathtaking nature and local activities handpicked just for you.

Whether you prefer leisurely hikes through lush trails, exhilarating climbs for panoramic views, or tranquil days soaking in the untouched natural beauty, your guide will morph Norway’s landscape into your playground.

And there’s more - every meal is an event in itself! Indulge in authentic Norwegian cuisine, prepared by your guide with love and local flavors, making each dining experience as unique as your adventure.

Whether you’re seeking serenity, adventure, or a taste of local culture, this exclusive trip offers a blend of it all.

We will be happy to customize your Norwegian escape with options to integrate other unique experiences around Norway, crafting a truly unparalleled adventure.

Contact Perfectly Planned Journeys today to begin planning your personalized mountain retreat today, and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. [email protected] / 703-927-0588

05/10/2024

As we are only one week away from May 17th, the Norwegian National Holiday, it only seems right that I share a few pictures and a little information from my recent trip to Eidsvoll.

Today, May 17th is celebrated all over Norway people dressed in their finest clothes, many wearing their bunad (national costume), Norwegian flags, hotdogs, and ice cream.

It is the day we celebrate the day in 1814 when the Norwegian Constitution was signed. Eidsvoll Manor House is Norway's most important building.

In 1814, Eidsvoll Manor was a private home owned by Carsten Anker, the owner of Eidsvoll Ironworks, and one of Norway's richest men.

When talks began of drafting a Norwegian constitution,, Carsten Anker made his home available as a meeting place for the National Assembly, and Rikssalen (the National Hall) on the second floor was where the National Assembly signed the Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway in 1814.

So yes, Eidsvoll was the birthplace of Norwegian democracy and is today a museum and property of the Norwegian state. ❤🇳🇴🌭

05/05/2024

To all of you who visited Norway 20+ years ago, and remember Norwegian food as being bland and boring, I am here to tell you that this is not the case anymore!

My recent visit to Norway, and esp. Trondheim, mentioned by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top food destinations to visit in the world, is this year's host to Bocuse d'Or and is known as the food capital of Norway. In addition to having three Michelin-starred restaurants, you will find a culinary gem on every corner of Trondheim.

I was very fortunate to attend NTW's (Norwegian Travel Workshop) 2024 Farewell Dinner & Party at the esteemed Britannia Hotel while in Trondheim.

The hotel is magnificent, and the food was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

I am afraid my pictures do not do the delicacies we enjoyed justice.

For those of you who enjoy fine dining, Trondheim should be on your list of places to visit.

Thank you Visit Trondheim for hosting such an exquisite event.❤

05/03/2024

My mom would have turned 83 today. Unfortunately, she passed away at 68, but I am grateful for all the good memories. ❤

05/01/2024

Congratulations to all of my fabulous colleagues out there! 🥳

03/19/2024

I'm thrilled to share that I am now Travefy Certified!

But what does this mean for my valued clients?

Travefy is the magic wand behind the seamless, meticulously planned trips we craft for you. This cutting-edge tool allows us to build dynamic itineraries that bring your dream vacations to life, ensuring that all your travel dreams are just a tap away on your favorite electronic devices. 📱💼

Why is this a game-changer? Here's the scoop:
🔹 Everything in One Place: Your entire journey, along with all necessary electronic documents, is housed in the Travefy app for the ultimate ease of access, wherever, whenever.
🔹 Stay Connected: Communicate with me directly through the app. Whether it's a simple query or a quick update, I'm just a message away.
🔹 Real-Time Updates: Sometimes things happen and we need to modify the itinerary in the middle of a trip, and when they do, rest assured that any modifications to your itinerary will be reflected instantly on your device. Your adventure stays as fluid and flexible as your spirit of exploration.
🔹 Flight Alerts: One of Travefy's coolest features is its connection to airlines, ensuring you (and anyone you've shared your journey with) are the first to know about any flight changes. No more last-minute airport surprises!

In a world where travel can sometimes feel overwhelming, my goal has always been to take the stress out of your voyages. With my Travefy Certification, I'm equipped better than ever to do just that, ensuring your travels are not just trips, but truly Perfectly Planned Journeys.

Safe travels, ✈️

03/05/2024

Have you ever visited Tallinn? If you visit Helsinki, Tallinn is absolutely a recommended day-trip. Take the very comfortable 2 hr Tallink Silja Line which will take you right in to the old town of Tallinn.

Tallinn's Old Town is a tapestry of history, culture, and fairy-tale aesthetics recognized for its exceptionally complete and well-preserved medieval northern European trading city.

The city wall adds a charming, fortress-like quality to the old town. The most famous tower, "Fat Margaret," now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.

According to ancient legends there is a "White Lady" haunting the city's Dominican Monastery adding a spooky layer to Tallinn's history. Legend says she appears in a window of the monastery during full moons.

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03/04/2024

Just like art, a travel itinerary can be a masterpiece done by a professional or a DIY. It all depends on what you are looking for.

02/27/2024

What an honor to attend an event with Marco Fernandes from Sagres Vacations and Susana Tavares from Vila Foz in Porto at the Portuguese Ambassador Francisco António Duarte Lopes & wife Paula's residence last evening.

It reminded me that I need to go back to Porto and Douro Valley to explore more!

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02/24/2024

As a European, it is mindblowing to me that anyone would forgo their paid vacation time!

If you are like me you are dreaming of distant shores and adventures yet to be had?

Or are you one of the 46% of all American employees who don't use all of their vacation days each year, letting precious moments of exploration and relaxation slip through your fingers? and to all of my friends in the VA/DC/MD area, we are the most likely to not take our vacation.

Why do American workers take so much less vacation than Europeans and other nationalities around the world?

It could be the cultural value placed on downtime, the legal vacation entitlements, or simply a difference in lifestyle perspective.

Europeans tend to believe that when people take a nice break occasionally, they come back refreshed and energized, and will actually perform better. Travel also expands the mind and improves creativity

Whatever the reason, I am here to tell you that the world is vast, filled with wonders waiting to be discovered by those willing to take the time. Vacation time is crucial for our well-being and important for relationships.

Now is a perfect time to plan a vacation for this summer or fall. In fact, I have also begun planning Christmas vacations for a few clients.

Let me help you craft a journey of a lifetime this year. Because life's too short not to explore. 🧳🌎

02/22/2024

As a travel advisor, my most important tools are the connections I make with people all over the world.

To have "feet on the ground" who knows the destination I send my clients to intimately in a way only a local can is priceless!

Someone who knows all the little changes that happen in the destination that can make or break a trip. A road closure, a strike, etc., etc.

Many of my best contacts I have made at conferences organized by , and I feel honored to be able to attend . Thank you for all of your hard work! ❤

02/18/2024

Scammers can be found everywhere these days! 😢

Scam sites posing as authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment providers could cost you money and put your data at risk.

02/15/2024

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's talk about Paris! Known all over the world as the City of Love.

So what is it about this city that makes it so attractive to lovebirds looking for romance?

Paris is full of beautiful places and is one of the world's most popular cities in the world for proposals and honeymoons. It is especially romantic for an evening walk when all the lights from the Eiffel Tower light up the sky.

Paris is filled with small, romantic restaurants serving delicious French cuisines such as Le Cinq, La Tour d’Argent, and Le Clarence (which has an amazing wine collection).

The language - who doesn't think "Je t'aime" or "l'amour" make you a little weak in the knees?

Paris even has a wall of love! “I love you” is written 311 times in approximately 280 different languages. The so-called “Mur des Je t’Aime” in French was built on Place des Abbesses in the Mont Martre area in 2000. It was built by artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, who started collecting the phrase in multiple languages in their notebooks. By combining the phrase in all these languages, the wall stands as a symbol of reconciliation and reuniting the world.

Fun fact: Every evening from dusk until 11 pm, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour.

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤❤

11/22/2023

As Thanksgiving approaches I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday to my family and friends.

May this Thanksgiving bring you moments of joy, laughter, and cherished memories with your loved ones.

01/28/2022

Barcelona has something for everyone! With a Mediterranean vibe, great weather, beautiful beaches, intriguing architecture, lots of parks and fabulous museums, a long and interesting history, and let's not forget the delicious food! It is no wonder this city appeals to so many.

Barcelona has been a source of inspiration to artists for centuries, resulting in a city filled with beautiful architecture, sculptures, paintings, and even street art.

You probably know that Sagrada Família, Barcelona's famous church, has been under construction for almost 150 years and is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Antoni Gaudí was not the original architect. Architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, was first appointed to design the church, however, Gaudí took over the project one year later.

Unfortunately, Gaudi did not have a chance to complete his masterpiece. Gaudi died of a freak accident when he was hit by a tram, and because he was mistaken for a beggar, no one came to assist him, resulting in his untimely death. Antoni Gaudi’s tomb can be found in the underground level of Sagrada Família.

Did you also know is that French engineer Gustave Eiffel offered to build the Eiffel Tower in Barcelona for the World Exposition in 1888? The local authorities in Barcelona rejected his proposal believing that the large tower would be an eyesore to the city’s skyline.

It is well known that Barcelona's beaches are man-made and that it wasn’t until the Olympic Games were organized in Barcelona in 1992 that Barcelona transformed its industrial and rather unsightly coastline to the beautiful beaches it’s known for today. What you may not know is that 2.7 miles of coastline were transformed into a beach using sand that was flown in from Egypt.

According to National Geographic and Discovery Channel, Barcelona has been voted as one of the “top ten beach cities” in the world.

So why not make this enchanting city the destination to visit on your next vacation?

If you need any help planning a memorable trip please contact me at [email protected] or 703-927-0588

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01/24/2022

At first glance, the picture to the left looks to be of a real man. This is not the case. This is one of the many amazing ice sculptures at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. This particular sculpture is of Tor Kjetil Wisløff, the General Manager at Sorrisniva. It was created by Sorrisniva's very talented Creative Director Maya Christine Opgård, who is pictured above at the ice bar.

Sorrisniva voted one of eight "Coolest Hotels in the World" is located in Alta. Sorrisniva is the Igloo Hotel located the furthest north in the world and is built from scratch by local artists every year, with a different theme each year.

In case you did not know, Alta is referred to as "the town of the Northern Lights".

A few years ago I had the privilege of staying in Sorrisniva's Igloo Hotel. Let me tell you, although I am from Norway, this was one of the most exotic and memorable travel experiences of my life.

I am not going to lie, I was a bit nervous before I got there. The thought of sleeping in an igloo was actually not that appealing to me. I like to be warm, and I was pretty sure igloos would NOT be warm. I pictured myself shivering all night without any lights, no electronics ..... just the cold!

Would you believe me when I tell you I have never slept so well in my life? and I would go back to Sorrisniva in a second.
It was actually quite nice to go to bed, and not have any of the distractions I usually have. It was so quiet and peaceful, the air was crisp and clean and to my big relief, the arctic sleeping bags ensured that I was snuggly and warm all night long. In the morning there were nice hot showers and saunas.

There are a lot of fun activities at Sorrisniva, and it is a perfect place for a special occasion. You can even have your wedding inside the igloo hotel.

Let me not forget the food....... who could forget the food! Sorrisniva is well known for its culinary expertise focused on all locally sourced products.

While staying at Sorrisniva you can also learn a little about the Sami people and their culture, and be able to visit some of their reindeer. The Sámi people (also Saami) are indigenous people of the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia.

So why not plan something totally different for next winter? If you are interested in Sorrisniva please contact me. My contact information can be found below.

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01/20/2022

Some days I just really want a change of scenery and a beautiful view!

This is the world's first and only sundecker aerial cable car - and you can enjoy this in beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland.

The ride combines an old-timer funicular (built in 1893) and takes you to the mountain top of Mount Stanserhorn at 6300 ft above sea level where you can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of over 100 km of the snow-capped alpine range, 10 Swiss lakes, and an alpine-flower reserve.

Video compliments of my friend Lena Hafelfinger at CabriO mt. Stanserhorn, Lucerne.

09/15/2021

The Río Tinto is a river in southwestern Spain that rises in the Sierra Morena mountains of Andalusia. It flows southwest, reaching the Gulf of Cádiz at Huelva.

So what is so special about this river you may wonder. The name of the river actually means “painted river” in Spanish and it got the name due to its brick-red color.

The area along the river was for centuries a mine of copper, gold, and other metals. After many years of mining, high levels of iron and heavy metals dissolved in the river which resulted in making the water extremely acidic.

This makes Rio Tinto ideal for astrobiology research. This is because, on both Earth and Mars, water and chemical energy could support life in an acidic, anoxic environment. A Mars analog drill system was also tested as a prototype for future Mars exploration here.

Interested in visiting the southwestern part of Spain? please contact me at [email protected] or 703-927-0588, and let's plan your Spanish adventure.

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08/20/2021

This is my friend Christina Jacobsen!

She posted this picture today, and I just love it! It truly shows that no matter what activity you are doing in Norway, you will most likely be surrounded by beautiful nature.

This picture of my friend was taken in Voss, Norway. To get to this beautiful view you can take the Voss Gondol to the top of the mountain. Voss Gondol is the largest and most modern mountain gondola in Northern Europe.

The gondola opened in 2019. It is open all year and takes you from the train- and bus station in Voss and to Mount Hanguren (820 masl) in under nine minutes. The view from the top is breathtaking as you will be overlooking Voss town center, the Vangsvatnet lake, and get a panoramic view of the many mountains surrounding Voss.

If you enjoy hiking there are many scenic walks available and Voss' largest restaurant where you can enjoy homemade, local food.

Are you ready for an adventure in Voss?, if so, please contact me at [email protected] or 703-927-0588, and let's plan your adventure.


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