Patty Z Travels

06/07/2024

Our meeting of The Woodlands Travel Club was so much fun last night! We got to meet so many new people, welcome new members, and get SO excited for the trips we have coming up.

We have three group trip opportunities that are not exclusive to the Travel Club if you are curious about joining but would like to take a "Test Drive" first. I will be posting links to those on our Travel Curious - Your Friendly International Luxury Travel Community and on both websites in the coming days (hopefully over the weekend).

Those trips include:
- A weekend getaway to Fredericksburg with our wine expert, Lindsey Schmidt Mangold
- A group cruise out of Galveston this December
- An adults-only cruise out of Miami in April with Carolyn Anderson Hudson

For the Club, our first members-only trip is going to go live in the next few weeks. That will be a family-friendly Spring Break adventure to Ireland!

This year is going to be amazing! We can't wait to share it with you!

02/05/2024

Got a case of the Mondays? 🙋‍♀️ Need something exciting on your calendar to get you through the week? RSVP for our Adventure & Expedition Travel night! Wine 🍷 , cheese 🧀 , friendly people 💃, penguins 🐧 (pics of penguins) we’ll have it all!

Tell your Valentine that you’re going to take them on the adventure of a lifetime on the 14th and let’s us put the bow on your gift the day after when they choose where to go. Easiest way to show your love to the adventurer in your life EVER.

Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as we introduce you to the world of luxury adventure expedition travel with Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic. Our in-person event is your gateway to thrilling experiences and breathtaking destinations like you've never imagined.

01/12/2024

Get ready for 5 of my best tips to get you through yet another crazy travel year:

✈️ Book those flights well in advance. At least three to four months in advance for international trips and six to eight weeks for domestic trips.

🛫 Avoid basic economy fares. Friends don’t let friends book basic economy, and friends definitely don’t let friends end up with added fees and no chance of a refund in case plans need to change.

🔎 Avoid online travel agencies. I need a whole novel to cover all of the reasons, but the biggest one is the lack of consistency and care and the fact that you’re always at the bottom of the barrel when you book through an online travel agency.

✨ Look for added value. No surprises, travel is not as cheap as it once was, so finding ways to add value to your getaways is key. For example, working with a travel advisor is a great way to get access to better rates, promotions, extra perks, etc.

⏰ Give yourself maximum flexibility. Whether it’s booking the flex fare or refundable hotel rate or adding travel insurance (always have travel insurance!), give yourself lots of flexibility just in case things don’t go exactly as planned.

2024 travel, we’re ready for you!

01/07/2024

Part of the fun of my job is keeping tabs on always-changing travel trends

And here’s one trend for 2024 that I wanted to pass on to all of you:

This year expedition and adventure travel is trending. [As demonstrated by my husband in the photos 🦒.]

Why? The world has seen an explosion in tourism in the last couple years (because we all needed to ESCAPE). If you're like me, you saw lots of friends on the socials largely visiting the same places and encountering MASSIVE crowds. Not my cup of tea and, frankly, I'm not alone in that sentiment.

Enter expedition and adventure travel. Why would you travel to Patagonia, the Galapagos, or the lesser visited parts of Asia and Africa? To see the unspoiled parts of the world without the crowds and indulge in unique cultural experiences.

Do you have to camp to have an adventure? Absolutely not! My favorite type of expedition is one where I visit someplace totally unique and retire to a comfy bed and great food at the end of the day. [Pro Tip: Some types of "camping" are nicer than most hotels out there!]

And PS, if expedition and adventure travel isn’t your cup of tea, I plan trips all over the world, and we can design something that’s just for you!

Just head to the link in my bio.

01/06/2024

Hands up if the last time you planned a big family or friend group trip, you spent WAY too much time on Google trying to find the right flights and the perfect hotel. 🙋‍♀️

Or you got to your hotel or resort and realized it actually wasn’t your vibe 😳

Or putting the whole trip together was actually way more stress and confusion than you were expecting. 🙇‍♀️

I wouldn’t be a travel advisor if I didn’t remind you that it doesn’t have to be that way!

When you delegate planning for your big trips to me, you get the luxury of not having to worry about none of the above. 😎

If stress free and enjoying every moment is how you want to travel this year, I’m just a call away when you’re ready to have an expert along for the ride!

[Photo of me punking my husband with a pic in front of the whale fountain in Juneau. 🤣]

01/04/2024

Think about it:

No one ever sits and the end of their life saying “I wish I never took that trip”.

Take the trip! Where are you dreaming of going?

Amsterdam and The Galapagos are already on my travel list for this year.

I can't wait to put my explorer hat on and see all the amazing animals in the Galapagos. I'm especially excited to snorkel as it's one of the best places in the world to do so.

This isn't my first time in Amsterdam, so I'm really looking forward to checking out some of the sites I didn't visit last time and maybe spending a bit more time exploring the museums. For the most part, though, excited to check out some new-to-me river cruise partners!

01/03/2024

The post-holiday blues are definitely a thing!

How do you get through it when the twinkle lights come down and work starts back up again?

When the weather gets cold here in Texas and the holidays parties have ended, there’s one thing I like to do:

You guessed it: I get a trip on the calendar so I have something to look forward to! 🤩

Right now, the hubby and I are considering an old-fashioned road trip for the family this summer, a cruise (if we can fit one in) and a celebratory European river for a big birthday that’s coming up next year.

And while I prep and get excited for those trips, I’m also relaxing on the couch with homemade latte (perhaps with a bit of Baileys thrown in) and a fire in the fireplace to keep the vacation vibes alive.

How do you get over that post-holiday slump?

01/02/2024

So many travel questions and not nearly enough time in the day scour Google to answer them all — am I right or am I right? 👇

❓Which hotel or resort rooms get the best light in the morning?

❓And what about the junior suite? Is it actually a decent size, or is it worth the upgrade to a full suite?

❓And what about recent renovations? Have all of the rooms in the hotel been updated, or are some still dated and old?

❓Does the balcony of your room overlook the noisy pool, or is it tucked away in a quiet part of the resort?

These are all questions you may be asking yourself about the resort/hotel you’re considering for your trip to Europe this summer, and the answers will be tricky to find in a Google search.

But you will find those answers with me, a trusted travel expert who makes it a point to know the hotels and resorts I recommend like the back of my hand.

These types of things can totally make or break a travel experience! So when you’re ready to have a travel expert in your corner looking out for your travel plans, get in touch with me! It's as easy as scheduling an appointment at the link in my bio.

12/31/2023

One trip I ABSOLUTELY recommend being on your 2024 travel list 👇

If adventure and exploration (and seeing amazing wildlife) is your thing, you’re going to appreciate this!

The Galapagos Island are an extraordinary destination and one of the rare places on Earth where you can see animal in abundance in their natural habitats with almost no fear of humans. There are a few ways to visit but all of them start with a flight to Quito, Ecuador. From there, you either board a flight to one of the islands to join an expedition cruise or stay on an island and go on day trips. yes, you do need to get on a boat of some kind to visit.

This is an amazing destination for snorkeling. It is possible to scuba dive, as well, if you book the right experience but even avid scuba divers will tell you that just snorkeling here is better than scuba diving in most locations.

Once you are finished with the islands, stay and explore more of the beautiful country of Ecuador or extend your stay to visit Peru and the incomparable Machu Picchu.

Show of hands, who would take this trip? Yay or nay?

[Full disclosure: I’m heading this way soon on a luxury expedition so stay tuned if you want more details of my personal experience.]

12/30/2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like 2024, and even though I’m on a personal holiday at the moment, I’m already in the thick of helping clients carve out their travel plans for next year. No true holidays for small business owners, am I right? 😅

Some trips, you can absolutely plan on the fly, while others take lead time and planning to get right.

With how busy travel was this year, it’s never too early to start so you can lock in what you want.

Here’s how I can help:

🏝 Help you get clear about what you’d like to check off your travel list in 2024

☀️ Handle the planning and logistics for your trips, including flights, airport transfers, accommodations, experiences, and all of the other extras that make a trip great.

🏖 Give you expert advice on where to go + where to stay based on my tried and true list of trusted properties and tour operators.

Want to know more about how I can help you with your ‘24 travel plans? Click the link in my bio to get on my schedule soon!

12/28/2023

It’s about to be a new year!

Wondering where the time went and why you didn’t travel as much as you wanted?

There’s no time like the present to make that travel wishlist you’ve been building for years a priority.

I already have clients booked for an amazing trip to Japan during Cherry Blossom season, a fantastic family reunion cruise through the Mediterranean, and a trek through Scotland for a multi-generational family.

And that’s just to name a few.

The world is big and the travel options are abundant, and my job as an advisor is to, well, advise.

I help you know your options and help you cut through all the research and planning straight to your dream trips.

Let’s book a call to chat about your travel wish list for 2024 and how I can help you make those dreams a reality.

Just head to the link in my bio to book a complimentary planning call with me in January!

#2024

12/26/2023

It’s absolutely not too early to start planning 2024 travel! I repeat, it is not too early!

👉 2024 is going to be another busy travel year, so getting a head start guarantees you’ll get the top pick for the accommodations and experiences you want.

👉 Having trips on the calendar is a great way to kick off a new year with lots to look forward to and be excited about.

Here are 5 wish list worthy trips to get your creativity flowing:

Breathtaking Bali Retreat: Picture yourself in a private villa surrounded by lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Bali offers a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility.

Majestic African Safari: Get ready for a wild journey! Explore the beauty of Africa with a luxury safari, where you can witness the incredible wildlife and stay in plush lodges.

European River Cruise: How about drifting through Europe's most iconic rivers? Enjoy the charm of historic cities, gourmet dining, and luxurious accommodations aboard a top-notch river cruise.

Exotic Maldives Getaway: Dive into crystal-clear waters and stay in overwater bungalows in the Maldives. It's a tropical paradise that screams luxury!

Cultural Adventure in Japan: Immerse yourself in the rich history and art of Japan. Stay in traditional ryokans, savor exquisite cuisine, and witness the stunning cherry blossoms.

If you had to choose, which trip would you pick? Share with me in the comments.

12/23/2023

So many travel questions and not nearly enough time in the day scour Google to answer them all — am I right or am I right? 👇

❓Which hotel or resort rooms get the best light in the morning?

❓And what about the junior suite? Is it actually a decent size, or is it worth the upgrade to a full suite?

❓And what about the renovations? Have all of the rooms in the hotel been updated, or are some still dated and old?

❓Does the balcony of your room overlook the noisy pool, or is it tucked away in a quiet part of the resort?

These are all questions you may be asking yourself about the resort/hotel you’re considering for your trip to Europe next summer or for you Spring Break trip to the Caribbean and the answers will be tricky to find in a Google search.

But you will find those answers with me, a trusted travel expert who makes it a point to know the hotels and resorts I recommend like the back of my hand.

These types of things can totally make or break a travel experience! So when you’re ready to have a travel expert in your corner looking out for your travel plans, call me!

12/22/2023

One thing I love about my clients?

They jump in feet first and love a running head start on trips, and 2024 is no different.

Here are just a few trips my clients have already locked in for next year

- A few Disney cruises
- Family celebration trip to the Amalfi Coast, Rome & Florence
- The most epic retirement celebration tour of Europe with not one but TWO amazing cruises bookending the trip!

What trips are on your radar for 2024?

12/21/2023

My Holiday Travel Gift Guide 🎁 It’s the last-minute option that’s sure to win the gift-giving game this year.

Skeptical? Read to the end to find out I make this miracle happen. 🪄

It’s not *really* a competition, but if it were, you’d be the winner with these travel gift ideas! No, you don't have to do the hard work (leave that to me). Make sure to read through to the end to find out how to make this easy...

For the hubby ⛳️
A surprise trip to visit an amazing golf destination.

For the wife 🏝️
A weekend away with her best girlfriends in the Caribbean.

For the kids 🚢
That long awaited Disney Cruise!

For the beach lover 🇲🇽
Five nights at the newest luxury resort on the beautiful beaches of Mexico.

For the wellness lover 🧘🏾‍♀️
An all-inclusive visit to one of the top destination spas in the US

For the person who loves a touch of luxury 💎
Being swept away on a yacht trip along the coasts of Italy and Croatia next summer.

✨ Gifting travel takes finesse

It takes planning, know-how, and some stealth to keep the cat from getting out of the bag! If you’re looking for a partner in crime to help you gift a special someone this Holiday season, I’ve got you covered. Here's how:

Head to the link in my bio to purchase a gift card for my travel planning services. Box it up with something representing the experience you are gifting (it can be as easy as a photo in a box). Then, get you and your loved one on my calendar to plan when I return to the office in January and you're done! Best gift ever!

Just click the link in my bio to get started.👆

12/20/2023

I try not to play favorites, but…

There are a handful of hotels/resorts that I can’t WAIT to book my clients in at in 2024.

Terranea Resort
I know I keep harping on this one but it's just because I love it so much! Everything that's best about Southern California wrapped into one, family-friendly, luxurious package.

One&Only Mandarina
I went here with my family last year and we absolutely loved it. This beautiful hideaway i in Mexico combines eco-friendly design with the utmost in service and quality. Great food, great rooms, and a beautiful beach. And polo! What more could you ask for?

Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses
One-of-a-kind lodge north of Kaikoura, New Zealand. Splurge-worthy stay in the heart of the South Island where you can immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing quality.

Aria - Prague
One of a kind boutique hotel devoted to music lovers in the heart of Prague. I absolutely loved meeting their reps at this year's luxury conference and my husband and I are dying to visit.

I can’t wait to curate trips for clients in 2024, and hopefully recommend some of these places on the list. Do you have any hotels on your wishlist for ‘24? Are any of my favorites on your list?

12/20/2023

I am so happy to be able to take some time off to spend with my family for the holidays this year!

Even though I'm signing off for a couple of weeks, I'll still be available to my traveling clients if anything pops up.

For anyone looking to plan while I'm out, a couple of my trusted associate advisors are available to make your travel dreams come true. Just shoot me an email to get their contact details (see the link in my bio).

What are you looking forward to most this Holiday season?

12/19/2023

Travel is such a personal thing.

And booking hundreds of trips over the past seven years, I can honestly say that one of the biggest things for my clients is the personal touch their trips get when they work with me.

Personal touch you’ll be hard pressed to find on online travel booking platforms that very much take a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to travel.

Adding a personal touch is my superpower when it comes to planning [honeymoons/safaris/family vacations/couples trips] for my clients.

I get to know you, your travel preferences, what you enjoy, what you value — that’s all so I can design a trip that’s made for you and you alone.

Not based on whatever hotel or resort pays to be suggested to you in the top spot.

When you’re ready to sprinkle more of a personal touch to your trips, because let’s be honest, those vacation days aren’t infinite and they are precious — I’m just a DM away.

Want to learn more about my process and how to work with me? Link bio for details.

[Pic of me and my family on a recent weekend trip.]

12/18/2023

Friends, clients, and Insta-family, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you!

Meeting new faces, welcoming new clients into the fold, and building relationships with all of you this year has been such a blessing.

For all of my soon-to-be friends and clients, here are a few things about me you may not already know:

1. I am a huge animal lover and I make an effort to go horseback riding once a week just for fun.

2. I am an avid reader. You'll always find be with a book or a magazine in my spare time.

3. I'm not too shabby of an artist when I get a free moment to sketch or paint. [What's free-time, precious?!] Watercolors and ink are my favorite mediums.

Here’s to new friends, clients, and great adventures in 2024.

12/17/2023

Nothing makes me quite as happy as scrolling on Instagram or Facebook and seeing clients post having the time of their lives on their vacations that we worked together to plan.

When I plan these custom itineraries, I put every detail under the microscope — everything from the hotel or resort, the activities, experiences, and everything else that goes into their itinerary.

It’s nice to see that work come to fruition and to see clients enjoying what’s been curated for them!

Your vacation time is precious, and you deserve nothing less.

Let 2024 be the year you start delegating your travel planning to a travel advisor. You won’t regret it!

12/16/2023

Looking at my December calendar and remembering all of the trips clients took this past year. It was SUCH a great travel year.

This year my clients:

✈️ Went to Costa Rica and explored the beaches and the rainforests with their family

✈️ Experienced the Disney Wish, the newest ship in Disney Cruise Line's fleet

✈️ Spent time relaxing on the beach in Playa Mujeres, just north of Cancun

✈️ Traveled to Scotland for a dream wedding and a bit of Highland exploration on the side

✈️ Made an epic, month-long trip around Australia and New Zealand

It was such a great travel year for so many of them, I’ve got their travel photos in my inbox to prove it!

Which trip would you take? Share with me in the comments. Then head to the link in my bio to schedule a call to chat in January about your 2024 vacation plans!

12/15/2023

TGIF! So glad the week is over!

It’s officially cozy season, but today you’ll find me kicking off this Friday morning with a horseback ride to give me a boost of energy and clarity to finish wrapping up my clients' itineraries and working on those dreaded admin tasks I love putting off during the week.

This is my buddy, Gunner (aka "Gunny Bear"). Isn't he cute? 😍

I’ll be in the office helping clients coordinate travel gifts, Holiday travel, and 2024 travel plans until December 20th this year. My initial consultation appointments are closed until the new year but don't wait to get on my calendar for January to start your 2024/25 travel planning!

How are you kicking off your weekend?

12/14/2023

Controversial opinion about travel coming at you

When it comes to travel planning you don’t have to be the expert.

In fact, I would argue that you definitely shouldn’t be.

Why?

Because you don’t *have* to be.

You want to have great travel experiences, and truly enjoy your very valuable vacation time, right?

The fastest and easiest way to do that is to use the strengths of the people and the resources around you.

Your calendar will thank you.

​​ Your bank account will thank you.

​​ YOU will thank you.

Focus on doing the things in your life you can’t quite delegate, and free up time by finding resources, people, and experts, who can fill in the gaps.

Why spend a bunch of your time planning your trips when there are people for that?

I am one of those people 🙋‍♀️

And if you could use an expert to take the reins on your travel planning, I’m happy to help. Link in bio to book a discovery call with me.

12/12/2023

Here’s one thing not many people consider when they’re planning a trip 👇

It’s the small details.

Things like where your hotel room is positioned and which resort has the type of ambiance, food, and service you want.

These are things I make it a point to know!
A big part of my own professional development involves travel. And yes, it’s incredibly fun!

But it’s also how I can offer such specific advice, recommendations, and tailored support to my clients when it comes to their travel needs.

Because ultimately, those little details can make or break a trip.

Do you have any questions about how I can help you with travel? Don’t hesitate to reach out and find out more about what I do. I’m currently helping clients map out some of 2024 adventures.

12/11/2023

It’s not where you are but who you’re with, and I totally agree, BUT that doesn’t mean that I don’t take where my clients’ stay for their vacation incredibly seriously!

One of the reasons why I make it a point to visit as many destinations, resorts, and hotels as possible is so I can get a feel for the true experience my clients will have when they finally get away for that long-deserved holiday.

In the travel industry, we call them site visits. When I’m in a destination, I connect with my hotel partners for exclusive tours and walkthroughs of their accommodations.

This gives me a feel for what the room, the amenities, and the overall experience at that resort or hotel is truly like.

Then I get to put all of that first-hand knowledge to tailor my recommendations to clients and to make sure their travels are nothing but amazing.

And hey, if I get to test out the newest margarita recipe or the latest spa upgrade and call it work, I’m not complaining. 😎

If you’re looking for guidance and expert knowledge as you plan your 2024 getaways, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Love what I do as a travel advisor! ✈️

12/10/2023

Wondering exactly what we travel advisors do? Wonder no more! Here’s what my client had to say about my travel planning services after their trip to Ireland & Iceland:

"Patty did an amazing job putting together our trip to Ireland and Iceland. She was able to get us the experience we always dreamed of for this special journey. The travel app had all our itinerary and documents in an easy to follow step by step guide to a low stress international experience. Loved it!"

Ready for travel planning that’s THIS easy and stress-free? Let’s chat!

Just head to the link in my bio to get started with a complimentary initial consultation!

12/09/2023

Experiences over things. That’s my mantra going into 2024 and has been my philosophy for a some time now.

This travel lover wants to make the most of every opportunity to see this big beautiful world.

On my 2024 travel wish list is:

🌺 Galapagos

🌺 A good old fashioned road trip with my kids

🌺 Australia (fingers crossed!)

What’s on your list of places to see and things to experience next year? Share with me in the comments.

12/08/2023

T’is the season for gifting! But let me ask you, if you could gift yourself a dream trip, what would it be?

For me it would be heading off on an expedition cruise to some of the lesser known areas of the South Pacific. I'd absolutely love to be pampered while I travel from one idyllic island to another. I want to snorkel in the beautiful water and experience the different cultures of the region. I want to talk with naturalists and learn more about the wildlife in that region and then return to a comfortable room at the end of the day (no camping at sea for this gal).

What about your dream trip? Share with me in the comments.

12/07/2023

Hotels and resorts to book in 2024 for every type of traveler

Save this for your ‘24 travel planning 📌

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 If you want something family-friendy, try Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA and take a day to visit Disneyland or Catalina Island.

👑 If you want something luxury, consider a yacht getaway in the Caribbean or Mediterranean with Scenic or Emerald Waterways.

😴 If you want relaxation, head to Impressions by Secrets - Isla Mujeres and get away from the hustle and bustle in style.

🏔️ If you want adventure explore the Galapagos. [I'm heading there in January!]

Save this for later, and if you’re interested in having someone curate your 2024 adventures, get in touch.