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?