DoubleJ Destinations

04/29/2025

Some of my favorites from our recent trip to Italy.

Luckily we were there before the massive crowds arrived in Rome (although there were still a ton of people there).

Have you been to Italy?

04/23/2025

Think Rome’s the only way to do Italy?

My latest clients thought so too, but I showed them why Florence is the real gem for their family adventure.

Rome was the first choice for their family. But I nudged them towards Florence instead. Here's why:

📌Rome's buzzing with the 2025 Jubilee, drawing 35 million pilgrims. It's even more crowded now with the Pope's passing.

📌 Florence is full of Kid-Friendly Fun! Tinkering with hands-on inventions at the Da Vinci Museum keeps them engaged for hours.

📌 A Pisa Day trip is a hop, skip and jump away. They could snap those silly photos holding up the leaning tower and be back in Florence in time for dinner.

Rome's got charm. But Florence delivers big on family-friendly vibes without the chaos.

Are you struggling to decide between two destinations? Let me know in the comments where your dreams are guiding you.

04/15/2025

Sure, booking online will get you a flight and a bed—but you didn’t cross an ocean to crash in a hotel room.

You’re chasing experiences that stick with you long after the jet lag fades. So, how do you make sure your trip’s a story worth retelling?

It’s all about diving deep into your destination. Here’s what that unlocks for you:

↳ Savoring carbonara at a tucked-away Rome trattoria that tourists never find.

↳ Breezing into the Vatican Museum when you want, thanks to knowing when to book tickets.

↳ Hopping on the right train in Amsterdam to take you to the tulip fields.

Your vacation isn’t epic because it’s booked—it’s epic because you’re ready for the magic. Partnering with a travel advisor turns your vision into reality.

Want a trip that lives up to the hype?

Let me know where your travel dreams are taking you and I'll show you how to turn them into reality.

04/01/2025

Here’s what they do to make your trip shine:

↳ Dig up all the alluring details—like which Florence café has the best espresso—so you don’t miss a thing.

↳ Tailor your getaway to you— Do you prefer a quiet fjord kayak or an activity packed cruise ship.

↳ Save you hours of scrolling—because who’s got time to sift through 50 tabs of conflicting reviews?

↳ Share local know-how—like the best time to hit Prague’s Charles Bridge without the selfie-stick mob.

↳ Nudge you to book those must-have tickets—like the Alhambra—before they’re gone.

A travel advisor’s your shortcut to a trip that’s less stress, more wow. What’s one thing you’d love help with on your next getaway?

03/26/2025

My family just spent the last two weeks traveling through Europe.

Spring break usually means a pause in learning, but that wasn't the case on our trip.

While the classrooms were closed, Italy turned into one giant lesson plan for my kids, and here’s how it went down:

🎨 Marveling at Famous Works of Art – They gawked at Michelangelo’s David in Florence, asking why statues don’t wear clothes and if they were cold.

🇮🇹 Language Learning – Phrases like "Grazie, buon giorno, and arrivederci" became part of our daily communication.

🏛 History Deep Dive – Textbook words and pictures can make things seem distant. But walking through the Roman Forum amongst the giant columns made the kids feel what living in the ancient world was like.

Our spring break wasn’t a break from learning—it was a turbo boost, wrapped in pasta and sunshine, where my kids gained knowledge and perspective without even thinking about it.

03/19/2025

Is the Geiranger fjord on your Europe bucket list?

Geirangerfjord’s got a vibe all its own.

Tucked in western Norway, this UNESCO gem stretches 15 kilometers, flanked by steep cliffs and thundering waterfalls. It’s a postcard come to life, and I’ve got the inside scoop on what makes it stand out:

↳ Seven Sisters Waterfall – Seven streams plunge 410 meters into the fjord, if you look closely they dance when the light hits just right.

↳ Dalsnibba viewpoint – 1,500 meters up, staring down at the fjord snaking through the cliffs, you'll feel like your in the sky.

↳ Ørnevegen lookout – Winding up the Eagle Road, the balcony viewpoint my be small, but looking out at the city one direction and the waterfalls the other will take your breath away.

With cliffs that tower over the water, hiking trails and numerous lookouts, you can get a view of this fjord from almost any angle.

Which one would you pick?

03/12/2025

Travel’s not just a treat for kids—it’s a secret weapon for their growth.

Here’s why I love taking my crew on European adventures:

↳ Brain Boost – New languages and cultures spark their minds. My kids went nuts decoding Icelandic signs in Reykjavik — total brain workout.

↳ Better Grades – Travel amps up school smarts. They crushed history after exploring Rome’s Colosseum.

↳ Confidence Surge – Ordering tapas in Spanish or buying tram tickets in Lisbon? They glow with pride tackling Europe’s little challenges.

↳ Big-Picture Thinking – Meeting sheep farmers in Ireland or glassblowers in Venice opens their eyes. They see how big and varied Europe—and the world—really is.

Europe’s like a living classroom for life skills, wrapped in fun. What’s the coolest thing your kids have learned on a European trip?

03/06/2025

Here’s what no one tells you about Norway’s weather—it’s a wild card that can make or break your trip if you’re not ready.

This place doesn’t play by the usual rules, here’s what you need to know about its quirks:

↳ Coastal cities like Bergen get drenched—think 200+ rainy days a year. I packed a slick rain jacket and embraced the downpours.

↳ Summer skiing is a thing! Places like Stryn let you carve powder in June—snow sticks around while the fjords bloom below.

↳ Wind’s a sneaky beast—on the Lofoten Islands, it will hit out of nowhere. A sturdy jacket will save your dignity on those cliff trails.

Norway’s weather isn’t here to bore you—it’s part of the adventure. Pack smart, and you’ll roll with it like a pro. What’s the wildest weather you’ve tackled on a trip?

02/26/2025

Norway’s got so much to offer, and you don’t need to elbow through tourist-packed spots to experience it. These gems give you the views, the thrills, and the charm—minus the chaos:

📌 Loen Via Ferrata – A heart-pumping climb with insane fjord views, 750 meters above Nordfjord. You’re clipped in, crossing Europe’s longest via ferrata bridge, and the crowds? Barely there if you time it outside peak July.

📌 Romsdalseggen Ridge – A stunning hike near Åndalsnes with 360-degree mountain and fjord panoramas. It’s less swamped than Trolltunga, especially in early fall, and the shuttle bus makes it a breeze to start.

📌 Ålesund – This coastal town’s Art Nouveau vibe and colorful buildings are a must-see. Climb to Fjellstua lookout for a postcard-perfect view of the islands—no tour bus hordes here, just chill local charm.

📌 Jotunheimen National Park – Think rugged peaks and turquoise lakes, like Besseggen Ridge. It’s a trekker’s paradise, and while it’s known, it’s way less crowded than the fjord hotspots in summer.

📌 Lofthus in Hardanger – A quiet village with orchards and fjord views, plus the nearby Dronningstien trail. Perfect for a low-key escape with killer scenery.

Want to avoid the crowds on your next trip to Europe? Partnering with a travel professional can help show you the spots to hit and the ones to avoid.

Comment “Europe” and I’ll send you a link to start planning your trip!

02/20/2025

Ever come back from a trip to Europe, only to see a post about an incredible spot you completely missed?

I know I have. And every time, I think—if only I had known about it before my trip, I could have added it to my itinerary.

Do you find yourself sitting in your hotel room, wasting precious time figuring out which castle to visit or where to eat?

Which begs the question…

If you spent your entire trip deciding what to do next, did you really get to experience your destination?

Wouldn’t you rather spend your limited time actually enjoying the adventure—not stressing over logistics late at night or first thing in the morning?

Here’s the truth:

✅ Planning ahead doesn’t mean scheduling every minute.
✅ It means knowing your destination before you arrive.

You already know which train gets you to the Tower of London and which one takes you to Abbey Road.
You know where locals in Porto go for a francesinha—and what time to beat the crowds.
You know when to line up for the Vatican Museums on the last Sunday of the month for free entry.

And yes, learning all that takes time. But you don’t have to do it alone. With some help you can be sure you don't miss out on your next Europe trip.

Comment "Guide" and I'll send you a guide to get started planning your two week trip to Europe!

02/14/2025

Have you been to Athens Greece?

I was lucky enough to explore this historic European city last fall.

It's a place that many people skip when they go to Greece. However, you shouldn't.

In just two days, you can take an incredible journey through Athens.

Follow the link below for your travel guide, which provides all the details on how to make it happen.

Discover how to make the most of two days in Athens, where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. From the Acropolis to lively markets and rooftop bars.

02/12/2025

Kilkenny, Ireland, is a city that invites you to step back in time. Here's Why:

Located in Ireland's ancient east, Kilkenny is less than a 2 hour drive from Dublin and is well worth a day trip or even a longer stay.

☘ Kilkenny Castle dates back over 800 years. It has been home to many of Ireland's most prominent nobles and has been refurbished and added on to throughout the years.

☘ Beer and spirits have been flowing at the pubs in Kilkenny for centuries. And along with them, stories that will captivate you.

☘ A stroll down the medieval walled streets will transport you back to a bygone era filled with history and charm.

Want to learn more about Kilkenny? Drop a ☘ in the comments and I can give you all the details you need.

01/29/2025

Have you made this common travel mistake?

You’re excited to book tickets for that long-awaited trip to Amsterdam to tour the Anne Frank House.

⭐️ But life happens, you get distracted and miss the booking window.

⭐️ Your hopes of experiencing a part of history are dashed.

⭐️ But you can ensure you don’t endure that feeling of despair.

⭐️ When you partner with a travel advisor to help with your trip, you’ll have your own personal travel assistant.

All the details, including booking your Anne Frank House tickets, will be taken care of.

If you want to learn more or if you’re ready to start planning, check out the link in my bio to schedule a meeting.

01/23/2025

Are the small details falling through the cracks of your Europe vacations?

Finding the right accommodations and flights is an exhausting enough task. It's easy to focus on just getting to Europe and figuring it out once you get there.

But to have a vacation your family will talk about for years to come, you'll want to ensure it includes the awe-inspiring travel experiences that Europe provides.

When you partner with a travel advisor, you'll have help with all of the little details. Like knowing when to book tickets so you can walk through the Colosseum in Rome like the gladiators.

Want to learn more about partnering with a travel advisor to plan the particulars of your next trip? Check out my bio to schedule a meeting.