Joyful Journeys by Karen

06/24/2024

Let’s get your magical Christmas vacation planned! Book your vacation today with a $200 deposit.🎄

Christmas cheer is almost here! Walt Disney World announced dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party today. The festive nights will begin November 8 this year. Guests with Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Packages can purchase these special event tickets as early as July 2. Contact your Joyful Journeys Vacation Designer today to plan your merry and magical vacation!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event featuring your favorite pals, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade, decked out dance parties, delicious cookies, delightful beverages, and so much more! Select nights November 8 - December 20, 2024.

06/24/2024

Still looking for some summertime magic?

06/22/2024

SATURDAY FIND FOR BEACHES! Beaches Negril in the Negril Luxury King Suite (LK) for 2 adults arriving 7/19/24 for 4 nights for only $4438!!

Email at [email protected]

*prices are subject to change until deposit is made- airfare can be added from any city

06/21/2024

Dear Gentle Readers 🖊️ 📖

With all the Bridgerton buzz- this is your sign to head to London on your next European getaway! Track down Lady Whistledown herself as we take on this 5 day city escape to this iconic city.

London 🇬🇧, where history meets modernity, invites you to explore its iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Dive into world-class museums, vibrant markets, and diverse cultures. From charming Notting Hill to lively Covent Garden, London’s blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy promises an unforgettable adventure. Come, explore the heart of England and let London’s magic captivate your soul.

Accommodations 🏨
5 Night stay in London
Transportation 🚘
Private Transfers from Airport to Hotel Round Trip

Optional tours and inclusions
- Magic of London Tour Including afternoon tea at the infamous Harrods. (Tour includes St. Paul’s cathedral ⛪️, Westminster Abbey, changing of the guard 💂 at Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, 🚤 cruise on River Thames, afternoon 🫖 )
- Satisfy your appetite and go on a culinary adventure with London Bridge Secret Walking Food Tour 🧀🍺🍽️
- Relive the regency era and Bridgerton with a tour of Stonehenge, Roman Baths and Bridgerton filming locations 🎥
- 🎭 take in a show and check out London’s theater scene with options like Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, or Les Miserables
- Stroll through markets like Borough Market, ride the London Eye 🎡 and visit Shakespeare’s Globe.

Let's make your English Regency dreams a reality! Contact me for a personalized quote and let's craft the perfect itinerary for your dream vacation. Your adventure in London awaits! ✈️

Contact me at [email protected]



- PRICING DEPENDS ON DEPARTURE DATE AND WHAT TYPES OF INCLUSIONS YOU WOULD LIKE

- Remember, we can add more, take off what you don't want, and change anything about this itinerary to make it completely tailored to you.

06/20/2024

With just a quick flight from Atlanta, my clients love visiting Sandals Royal Bahamian. It’s home to Nassau’s only private island: Sandals Barefoot Cay Island & Restaurant. This Sandals Resort is perfect for couples looking for adventure with a side of relaxation.

06/18/2024

My clients are setting sail today on a gorgeous river cruise from Prague to Budapest. I love being a part of my clients’ dream vacations!

06/18/2024

Day 10…the long journey home…
Where we’re so tired we fall asleep fully clothed 🫣
It has been an adventure and I’m going to miss those 6am wake up alarms to experience a new place.
I’ll miss this awesome group too. We had the most fun and shared so much.

Until the next adventure. ✈️🚉🛵🎸⛴️🏰

And yes… Stacy wore another ridiculous shirt to travel in. 🫣

06/17/2024

Day 9- The City of Light - and our last full day together.

We started the day by traveling out of Paris to spend a time like a French aristocrat at Louis XIV's opulent Palace of Versailles.
We had a nice stroll through the many incredible rooms, including the State Apartments and magnificent Hall of Mirrors, and explored the elegant, 250-acre baroque gardens. The gardens were a site to behold.

Then the crew enjoyed a Seine River cruise seeing the city by boat.

And yes, we needed to eat one more time together. We ended our trip with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and exploring the streets.

06/16/2024

Day 8- We're on the move again... who needs rest right?!?

We traveled from Lucerne to Basel then boarded the high-speed TGV train to Paris. Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. We saw rows and rows of vineyards on the way to the City of Light.
We enjoyed our Swiss chocolate along the way.

Once we arrived we explored the Louvre's Art and History. Which was fascinating and would take so long to go through it all. We admired the Mona Lisa and so much along the way.
We took in the city and I eat my weight in macaroons.🫣

And of course we needed the night with a meal at a local restaurant... where I felt very American ordering a hamburger but it was delicious none the less! 🫣

06/14/2024

Day 7- W.O.W.
Switzerland has my heart and I don't want to leave tomorrow. 😭
The beauty that God created here has blown me away!

We spent the day exploring Lucerne. We visited Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge, shopped and strolled through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake.

We climbed Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel railway (with an incline of 48 degrees), the silent aerial tramway, and the panoramic gondola. And man was it worth it.
The rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been shrouded in mystery and legend since the Middle Ages when countless tales reported encounters with a dragon that inhabited the surrounding caves.
Looking back and forth between the 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and sparkling Lake Lucerne was a once in a lifetime feeling. The trip back down is just as inspiring. We saw goats in places I don't know how they were hanging on, cows with cowbells around their necks and sheep. It was a site to see.

We then took a private boat scenic tour of Lake Lucerne. The forested hillsides, lush meadows, and towering peaks give a completely different perspective of Lucerne and be able to learn about its enchanting history. Stacy wanted to be a pontoon boat captain here but apparently you have to be on a list for 15-20 years. 😂

And of course we ending the evening doing what we do best... eating. A local restaurant served some delicious German food. We couldn't have asked for a better ending to the day.

06/13/2024

Punta Cana is a great option for those who are looking for a luxury getaway that isn’t too far from home. It’s been a popular choice for my clients this summer with it’s beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes.

06/13/2024

Day 6- We had a big day of travel from Venice
to Bellinzona (saw Lake Como along the way), Switzerland and onto Lucerne to stay a couple of nights.

In Bellinzona we explored the Castelgrande which sits high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are spectacular panoramic views from here.
We were privileged to enjoy a lunch with local specialties on property.

The scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard en route to Lucerne was breathtaking.

We arrived at our hotel just in time to freshen up and head over for our Swiss Dinner and Folklore Party.
We were able to hear them yodel and blow the alp horn.
We sat at a rustic table at a typical Old Town restaurant where colorful banners, wooden walls, and quaint balconies add to the atmosphere.
We enjoyed merry accordion tunes and traditional dances as we savored a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue. And some of our own may or may not have been selected to preform on stage. 🫣😍😀

I can't wait to explore the area more tomorrow. Stay tuned.

06/12/2024

Day 5- Today we traveled from Florence to Venice.

We took a private boat ride, followed by a walk through town for some site seeing, including, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and a glassblowing demonstration(made some authentic glass purchases).

And no visit to Venice is complete without the ride on a Venetian gondola, and this was such a memorable excursion while our Gondolier sang sweet(I think they were sweet... I'm not fluent in the language🫣) Italian ballads. Even with it starting to rain while out- he was a trooper.
We went along the labyrinth of watery byways past the famous monuments and landmarks, as well as along the Grand Canal, the "Finest Street in the World".

We ended another night with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride back the Grand Canal.

06/12/2024

Day 4 - We traveled from Rome to Florence. We viewred the Fine Art in Firenze including Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Academy of Fine Arts. Admired Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze Gates of Paradise, and Signoria Square. Might have made an Italian leather purchase🫣
We finished the evening with a authentic Tuscan dinner in the country side in the rolling Chianti Hills known for its dazzling landscapes, rich culture, captivating history ― and amazing food and wine!

06/10/2024

While I’m in Europe, I’ll be sharing some of the places that my clients are visiting while I’m gone. First up, a fabulous trip onboard Disney Wish! A Disney Cruise offers something for every age with delicious food, fun entertainment, fabulous pools, an incredible kids club, Broadway style shows, and so much more! Plus, Disney’s private island Castaway Cay is always on the itinerary.

06/10/2024

Day 3- As they said today on the tour “Rome wasn’t built in a day but we’re going to see most of it in a day”. They weren’t playing 😳

We visited Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, the Colosseum, bustling piazzas, the incredible Pantheon, the best preserved Roman temple; lively Navona Square, the heart and soul of Rome's social life; and beautiful Trevi Fountain, where legend says tossing a coin will ensure your return to Rome!
And finished off with an authentic dinner(yes, we like to eat pasta, pizza & gelato on repeat)

Tomorrow we head to Florence for more adventure. Stay tuned 🥰

06/09/2024

Day 2 we ventured out of the city of Rome for a private tour of a few hillside towns.
We visited Nemi(known for their strawberry everything),Castel Gandolfo and Ariccia. Then we finished off the day with a wonderful dinner at San Marco in Rome.
They were delightful little towns with big personalities.
Buckle up for tomrrow as we take on all things Rome!

06/08/2024

We have arrived in Rome and hit the ground running. 1st up on the list- Cooking class.
We learned how to make homemade pasta- Ravioli, fettuccine, and a yummy desert- tiramisu.
It was pretty scrumptious.

Follow along for many more days of adventures.

06/08/2024

Congrats Lori Brooks on winning the $10 gift card! I’ll definitely have a gelato in your honor.
Thank you to everyone who commented. I can’t wait to share my European tour with you all!

06/04/2024

There’s no age limit to the magic of Disney! Whether you’re visiting with littles or your teens and adult children, there’s still plenty of magic for everyone!

06/03/2024

I’m heading out Friday on a dream European Vacation! This guided tour will allow me to see so many wonderful sights and experience some of the best of Europe! Comment below with what you would love to see with this itinerary and you’ll be entered to win a $10 gift card!”

Contest open 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 6.

06/01/2024

Saturday find #3! Sandals Royal Bahamian for 3-nights, in the Island Village Walkout Butler Hideaway Villa Suite with Private Pool (VPS), arriving 6/15/24 only $3515 per couple!! 🏝️ 🇧🇸

Email at [email protected]

*prices are subject to change until deposit is made- airfare can be added from any city

06/01/2024

Saturday find #2! Beaches Turks & Caicos for 3-nights, in the French Village Luxury Double (FD) room, arriving 6/28/24 only $3765 for family of four (2 adults 2 children)!! 🏝️🇹🇨

Email at [email protected]

*prices are subject to change until deposit is made- airfare can be added from any city

06/01/2024

Saturday Find #1! Sandals Negril for 4 nights arrive on 6/22/24 and stay in the Paradise Deluxe (DL) for only $2325!!!

Email at [email protected]

*prices are subject to change until deposit is made- airfare can be added from any city

05/30/2024

Still looking for the perfect summer vacation to Europe? Dive into the vibrant culture and rich history of Spain and Portugal with this beautiful 9-night/10-day summer vacation itinerary! 🌞✈️

🇪🇸 Barcelona: Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of this bustling city! From the iconic architecture of Gaudí's Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Familia to the lively streets brimming with flamenco energy, Barcelona offers an unforgettable start to your adventure.

📍 Madrid: Experience the heartbeat of Spain in its capital! Lose yourself in the grandeur of Plaza Mayor, take a serene row around El Retiro, or indulge in tapas galore while exploring the city's local neighborhoods.

🇵🇹 Lisbon: Discover the enchanting charm of Portugal's capital! Wander through the historic alleys of Alfama, tantalize your taste buds with crispy pastries from local confeitarias, and hop aboard Lisbon's iconic yellow trams for a nostalgic ride through time.

**Highlights and Optional Inclusions**
- 🏨 Accommodations: 3 nights in each city
- 🚂 Rail between cities
- 🎭 Art Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
- 🏞️ Private Monsterrat Tour
- 🍽️ Guided Secret Foodie Tours in Lisbon
- 🏰 Sightseeing walking tours in Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon
- 🍳 Daily Breakfast
- 🚗 Private arrival/departure transfers in each city
- 🎟️ Fast-Track Sagrada Familia Tour
- 🍷 Gourmet Tapas Tours
- 🏰 Skip-the-line Tours of Royal Palaces
- 🥘 Gastronomic Lunches

Ready to Book Your Dream Vacation?
✨ Contact me today to customize your itinerary and get pricing tailored to your preferences and travel dates! ✈️🌍

This also does not have to be for summer 2024, we can quote a year out from today. This is just a great itinerary for a summer vacay 🙂

05/28/2024

We're excited to give families the opportunity to create some magic moments at home this summer! The Joyful Journeys team has been at work creating Disney themed summer fun for families of all ages. Join our mailing list for "Six Weeks of Pixie Dust: At Home Activities for a Magical Summer" and we'll send you an email each week for six weeks, beginning June 3. Sign-up today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/q35g9dv

For each week that your family sends in proof of participation, you'll be entered to win a Disney gift card! If you participate all six weeks, you'll receive some Disney swag.

05/27/2024

Today, we remember that freedom is not free. We are eternally grateful to those who gave themselves to ensure we have the opportunity to do the things we love.

05/27/2024

Summer magic awaits! Contact me to book exciting experiences.



* Prices and availability are subject to change until deposit is made.

05/24/2024

Check out the latest Joyful Journal and learn why you may want to chat about a trip to Disneyland Resort in Southern California! With less stress, a fabulous ticket deal, and PixarFest, you'll be California Dreamin'! https://conta.cc/3UW872b

05/23/2024

The Greek Village hosts the most requested suites Beaches Ocho Rios. Spend 7 nights for a family of 4 at only $6,377!!

Rates include $250 resort Credit + A free Catamaran for up to 5 people.

Contact me for this amazing deal!