Award-winning travel agency specializing in family travel. I am based in Portland, OR but send people all over the world! Highlights of working with me:
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We help families plan amazing vacations and save time, money & stress in the process!
🌴 #1 Travel Agency used on TikTok
✅ Reach out to start planning YOUR family’s vacation today! My name is Sonia and I am the owner of Dreaming of Sun by Dream Vacations, a full-service travel agency. There are many great reasons to use a travel agency today. Here are some key things you will get when you use my
agency. Free, same-day quotes
2. Payment plans accepted
3. Single point of contact from booking through the end of your travel
4. Fully loaded website with the ability to search out your own destinations, promotions and even book yourself!
4. 24/7 availability during your trip
5. I keep an eye out for new promotional prices that come up before your trip and make sure the prices get applied correctly. I’d love to help you plan your next trip, even if it is a year away. Let's chat!
To my Fabulous 👑 Queen
Happy 17th birthday! Here’s to another year of laughing at our own jokes,
dealing with challenges, fitness walks, sneaking into the fastpass line, and keeping each other sane!
I ❤️💗 you more than i can ever express baby girl!
Yayyy it’s summer!
I had the pleasure of consulting with Business Insider last week, on a travel topic that isnt new, but has been gaining popularity recently. Here is the article!
Open-jaw flights, which fly into one city and out of another, are popular among those traveling to Europe. They're usually cheaper than one-ways.
Excited to announce that 2 new travel agents have joined our team (now we have 6!). Please take a moment to meet Melissa and Vanessa - they are both experienced travelers that have traveled domestically and internationally. Both are eager to start helping people plan their vacations. :)
Mother’s Day wknd has been amazing! My little loves have spoiled me with gifts and ❤️.
I also got to spend 1:1 time w my own mom enjoying gossip & lunch
Then went on our 🎣 annual mom’s day fishing adventure w my little lovelies.
Malina is still the queen- she caught 6. Niko came in a close second, with 5. And me… well I only got 3 but that is one more than last year!
These littles grow up so fast- take the time to travel while they still want to!
Social media has changed the way we vacation and think about vacation. Not all of the impact has been positive. 🙁
Overtourism is now a global problem, and it continues to result in a declining quality of life for locals. Too many 🌎 tourists visiting one place in too condensed a time can cause stress, damage, and an often inauthentic experience.
So what can we do? I recommend checking out less popular, but very similar, alternatives (plus you’ll save $ by doing this).☀️
Swipe to see some popular destinations that are affected by overtourism and some great alternatives to consider visiting!
If you ARE going to visit touristy destinations, here are some ways to lessen your negative impact:
✔️Visit during off season
✔️Stay more than a day — the longer, the better.
✔️Support local tour guides, and stay in boutique or eco hotels.
✔️Shop and eat at family-run places so your dollar has the most impact.
👉 Reach out with your questions!
Looking forward to getting back here soon☀️
A sincere 🙏🏼thank you to all of my past, current and future clients and to those who use a travel agent. Today is Global Travel Advisor Day ☀️and because of you my business is thriving! Thank you so much for trusting your vacations to me.
I truly look forward to connecting with you MORE, when you’re ready to start planning your family’s next adventure!❤️
I’ve been getting lots of DMs looking for ideas on where to travel with kids that is different from the basic all-inclusive type of vacation. So I put together this list of “beginner friendly” countries for international family travel.
Let me know if this is helpful and if you’d like to see more of these types of posts! 🙂
Not gonna lie, we still arent past the jetlag stages🤷🏻♀️
If Europe is on your family's bucket list, THIS is the edition for you! Grab your free copy here.
Europe Family Vacation Packages Dreaming of Sun Dream Vacations 503.403.6186 Email Me!! Which European country is on YOUR bucket list? When you make the decision to take your family to Europe (for the
One thing I love about planning family vacations is helping families find super cool and memorable activities in their destination. 🛶 🐫 🐬
Here are a few of the fun ones my little crew have done in the last couple of years. 🙂
If you’re traveling soon and haven’t booked all your excursions yet, DM me - I’d love to help you find the unique ones in your vacation destination!😊
Anyone interested in a super fun side gig?! Let me know! Happy to answer questions!🙂
Don’t you wish you could just go on vacation whenever you want? Become an independent travel agent and work from anywhere in the world online. As a Dream
There’s truly never a bad time to visit Disney😘🏰
✨ Travel Tip✨
Flying can be a little hectic these days with lots of delays and cancellations. Putting an Airtag in your luggage will allow you to keep track of it - this is especially important for long journeys, connecting flights and super busy airports.
(Haha I just noticed how dusty mine is!🤦🏻♀️)
We’ve talked 🛳️ about the best time to BOOK a cruise, but here are the best times to actually CRUISE to these popular destinations. Of course “best” is subjective. But in MY opinion, this is when the weather is at its best and when the most variation of excursions are available, and when I recommend you cruise to these spots.
🏔️Alaska: Jun - Aug
🌴Caribbean: Dec - April
🍁Canada/New England: Sep - Oct
🌍Europe: Apr - Jun, Sep - Oct
🌈Hawaii: May - Sep
☀️Mexican Riviera: Feb - Apr
🐨Australia: Nov - Mar
As always, reach out with your family cruise questions!
Multi-generation travel is big this year! Not sure what has sparked this ”trend” but I’ve curated so many large family group trips in the last few weeks and they are so fun to plan!❤️
I’ve heard people say that sometimes BEING on vacation is more stressful than PLANNING a vacation! 🤷🏻♀️ I get it - You are in a new place, stuck in small quarters and are with your family members 24/7, which is something you may not be used to.
As parents, we put so much pressure on ourselves to make sure everything goes perfectly during our family vacations. Here are a few ways to minimize the inevitable stress:
1️⃣ Build time in our day for our own kind of fun. There is no one-size-fits all definition of “fun”. For some this can be spending an hour in the afternoon reading a book, or going for a solo walk. For me, I like to wake up an hour early, while the kids are sleeping in, and enjoy my coffee in peace on our balcony, overlooking the scenery.
2️⃣ Be aware of, and plan for, your family’s limitations. This can be something small like planning for long restaurant waits if your kids have a hard time with this. Or scheduling your flights to coincide with nap time. Whatever needs your family has, make sure to incorporate that into your vacation plans
3️⃣ Don’t overschedule your days and PLEASE build in downtime periods! It is very tempting to want to see every site, try all the cool restaurants and check everything off your list. But don’t do it! 1 or 2 new activities a day is PLENTY when traveling with kids. Plus, all of you will benefit from downtime like hanging out at the pool, going for a walk around the resort area, or just resting in the room.
👉What other things do you do to ease vacation stress?
Fun ☀️ fact -
Cabo San Lucas is very family friendly!
My 6 yr old and I recently went on a glorious trip to Cabo 🇲🇽 and we experienced so many amazing things including a camel ride on the beach, boat rides from the marina, hiking, learning about different cactus plants and their uses, and seeing thousands of gorgeous fish and turquoise water in the Sea of Cortez.
We also indulged in ridiculously good 🌮 tacos and fresh guac daily, watched fireworks, sat outside at night and watched the stars, and met a lot of cool people.
Cabo is ✈️ also a very short 3.5 hr nonstop flight from the Pacific NW - a huge plus!
The 🏨 resorts can be tricky because most are beachfront, but they aren’t on a swimmable beach...
👉👉If you are considering vacationing in Cabo, DM me so we can chat about your trip and finding the best resort for your family. I know all the best spots. 😉
I love all of the fun times my little crew has, but especially when we travel!
It’s that time of year when people start asking about taking their 🐾 dogs on vacay! Here is my annually updated list of the 10 most dog-friendly family destinations:
- Bend OR
- San Diego CA
- Orlando FL
- Austin TX
- Denver CO
- Rhode Island
- Charleston SC
- Stowe VT
- Boise ID
- Vancouver BC
😉 As a reminder, dogs that are under 20lbs can fly with you in the cabin (under the seat, in a carrier). Dogs heavier than this will need a reservation made ahead of time, and riding in the climate-controlled cargo area.
Happy@🐰🐣 Easter!
I guess we missed the memo because we came home with bags full of souvenirs
Group travel is such a big thing in 2024!
The term “group travel” used to be about family reunions or school groups. But it has expanded quite a bit. I’m now seeing groups made up of five or six couples, four or five unrelated families, and even small groups of friends with a common interest.
Why do people travel together?
People are craving authentic connections and memory-making experiences with other humans! It has been interesting to see what types of affinity groups approach our travel agency - I’ve booked groups interested in food, college dorm reunion and a book club!
One of the biggest benefits of traveling with a group is the volume discount. For example, group cruises are often priced lower than regular rates and they offer more amenities such as onboard credit, bottles of wine, fruit plates and cocktail parties. For groups staying at a resort, similar benefits are offered - volume discounts in pricing, lower deposit, private parties or celebrations, ability to reserve an entire restaurant or bar.
Group travel planning is also fun for me! I enjoy working with different people in the group to get their perspectives on activities and interests.
The best time to start planning for a group trip is 4-6 months out. So if you are thinking of a group trip for late Summer or next Fall, let’s chat!
Alaska cruises are more expensive than Caribbean cruises, but why? Alaska cruises are a COMPLETELY different experience - here are some key highlights:
Unique activities - helicopter rides over glaciers, walking on glaciers, panning for gold, dog sledding camps - to name a few!
More family time on board. These cruises aren’t for swimming and partying. The vibe of an Alaska cruise is slower paced, relaxed, and in your flannels or sweats.
Scenery everywhere! Every day on the cruise you will pass through beautiful areas that are 100% natural , and will see wildlife everywhere just from looking off your balcony. You can easily see bears, moose, whales, porpoises and more!
Rich history of native Alaskans - whenever you stop into a port you immediately sense, and will learn about the history there. It is awe-inspiring to learn about things like totem carving and gold mining.
If an Alaska cruise is on your bucket list for 2024 or 2025 - DM me today! This is the perfect time to get a great price on the 2025 sailings.
Morning in the ☀️ Mediterranean
I almost can’t believe I’m posting this, but business has skyrocketed and I am hiring 2 more travel agents for an April start date!
Have you been considering a side gig as a travel agent? There are a lot of perks to being in travel, including taking heavily discounted (and sometimes FREE) vacations. This gig isn’t a casual, easy money kind of job. There is a lot of work involved with researching and planning, but it is super rewarding and I personally love it!
Dream Vacations isn’t an MLM, but it is the largest leisure travel group in the world. As such, we have great contracts with suppliers/hotels/cruise lines and amazing training tools/portals.
There is a one-time start up fee for new agents - $475 - to access all of this! I don’t keep your money, it goes straight to Dream Vacations headquarters so they can get you all set up.
If you’ve been dreaming of a side gig as a travel agent, this is the time to jump in and do it! I am planning on my 2 new agents beginning in mid to end of April 2024.
DM me if you want more info!!
Longhaul flights don’t have to be miserable! I’ve traveled a lot in my life and that has included many 30+ hr travel durations back and forth to Asia and Australia.
Here are some ways to make the long trek easier, especially with kids.
1️⃣ Pick the right seats, and pick them early! When you are traveling long distance the right seat is a huge deal. Choose a configuration that works best for your family (whether that is near the bathroom, everyone in a window, extra legroom, etc)
2️⃣ Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need! Bring familiar but filling snacks that you know your family likes. Include protein packed options like yogurt pouches and protein bars. Relying on airplane food is fine, but sometimes there are long delays or taxiing in the parking lot for longer than usual and snacking helps with the hanger that could arise.
3️⃣ Preload shows and movies onto your devices! All of the platforms like Netflix, Prime, etc have options to download shows right onto your device. This is really important, in my opinion. On one of our recent flights, one of my kids’ TV screen on Delta didnt work and Delta couldn’t fix it, so she had to rely on whatever was on her iPad for the longhaul flight.
4️⃣ Inflatable foot pillows - super handy for sleeping on!
5️⃣ Sleep gear - eye masks, toothbrushes, pjs. Plan to sleep at your regular sleep time. This helps pass the time and keep your body on a schedule. All those movies will still be there when you wake up.
6️⃣ Take laps around the plane every couple of hrs and stretch! Your body will be so cramped up and walking, even a little bit will help with circulation
7️⃣ Bring portable toys and mini size board games in your carry-on.
👉Do you have any other tips that you and your family do on longhaul flights? Let me know in the comments!
I have 8 awesome summer family vacation promotions under $6000 to share!
All of them are for families of 4 and will be detailed in this week’s upcoming newsletter. Here are some highlights:
🔵 Hawaii - 3 vacation packages in Maui, Big Island and Oahu
💙 Costa Rica - 2 vacation packages in Guanacaste
🔵 Dubai & Maldives combo trip under $3500
💙 Bahamas - brand new resort!
Are you on my newsletter list yet? If not, DM me so I can add you. These ☀️ destinations and packages are perfect for the whole family.
Portland, OR
97229
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The number $10k seems to evoke emotion for travel. Im not sure why! People are either appalled at how much or how little that is! In my opionion, 10k is a solid budget for most families when theyre taking an international trip. 😊✈️
Did I miss any big ones? Let me know in the comments!➡️ . . #disneyland #disneycaliforniaadventure #disneyvacation #familytravels #travelwithkids #traveltips #disneytips
Grab the 20-page guide while it’s still free!😉
The 6 month rule is no joke! Check your passport and start the renewal process 4-6 months ahead of your trip. Current processing time is approx 7-9 weeks.😉
What questions do you have about cruising?🛳️
I admit, I ❤️ going to Disney! I also admit, Disney CAN be a very expensive trip if you go at the wrong time, book too late, book the wrong hotel, and eat all your meals in the park. There are many ways to optimize your budget so you spend less- these are just a couple of them. 👉 Reach out with your Disney questions, Im happy to answer them! . . #disneyland #disneyworld #disneyvacations #disneyfam #disneyvacation #disneytravelagent #planningfordisney #familyvacations
The internet is great, but sometimes makes things difficult especially when we are blindly looking for things! Im always here to help field questions about your family vacation plans.😉
I personally think ☀️Mexico is pretty great on both sides- just depends on what type of vacation you’re planning for! . . #familyvacation #busymom #vacationplanning #familytravel #travelagentlife #mexicovacation #allinclusiveresort
Family cruises are actually so fun! Make sure to save this post so you know when to start planning YOURS! 🛳️
Hawaii 🌸 is rich with culture, tradition and natural beauty! My family loves traveling to different islands each time we go. —— ✈️ Family travel is my specialty! Reach out to start the stress-free planning process!☀️ . . #hawaiistagram #hawaiivacation #mauivacation #waikiki #familyadventures #family #vacationplanning #traveltips
I hate to be the bearer of bad news… but this is the most expensive time to BUY flights (not to fly, but to buy airfare). Hold off on those winter plane tickets for a few more weeks friends!😬✈️ —— 🏖️Family travel is my specialty!Reach out to start the stress-free planning process!☀️
I hear this a lot- that planning a vacation feels so overwhelming! This is exactly why I created a ton of DIY planning tools, templates, worksheets, guides - so people can feel less stressed and more confident about planning their family vacation! Reach out with your questions😉
I love all inclusive resorts for families! They are the perfect type of trip for people that want an easy vacation or that only have a short time to be away. It is key to not overlook these items in favor of a great price. You dont want to find yourself stuck in a different country with a crappy resort and/or beach because you didn’t do a thorough job of researching upfront.😉
My fingers 🤞🏽are crossed for you if you’re already in mid-travel! But let’s get you all set up for success for your next busy holiday travel day! —— ✈️ Family travel is my specialty! Reach out to start the stress-free planning process!☀️
BEST PART: 6- day park tickets!! Disney World is getting more expensive every year, but these are 5 date ranges your family can go for way less! 🏰 DM me so we can start planning YOUR family’s Disney trip!
✈️ Family travel is my specialty!Reach out to start the stress-free planning process!☀️
DM me for more 🛳️ details and to book your balcony cabin! . #alaskacruise #familycruise #norwegian #cruisedeals #family #familytime #familytravel
Alaska cruises are perfect for the whole family AND they only sail from May to Sep (so you won’t be freezing 😊). This is my top choice for a pre-cruise hotel in Seattle. It is a little pricey, but you’ll only be there 1-2 nights. It runs about $500-575/night. My second choice is directly across the street and is the Marriott Seattle Waterfront. They have standard rooms and a huge breakfast buffet. Rooms cost btwn $350-450/nt —— ✈️ Family travel is my specialty!Reach out to start the stress-free planning process!☀️
This video only shows a very mild sargassum situation. Some beaches are overrun by it! 👉Let me know where you’re planning to vacation so we can discuss if there’s a sargassum situation there and how I can help you alter plans if needed!😉 —— ✈️ Family travel is my specialty!Reach out to start the stress-free planning process!☀️
Hawaii 🌈 is magical and has a completely different vibe from Mexico or the Caribbean. My family goes to Hawaii every year. This year we stayed here AGAIN because this place has everything a family could want! ➡️ DM me for details. For a faster response with quotes, include your email address, travel dates and # of people traveling!
Willamette International Travel
Nw Irving Street
