The Inclusive Optimist

28/05/2024

In honor of my son's favorite food, may your burgers be cooked to perfection and full of all the best stuff.

22/04/2024

Happy Earth Day!

15/04/2024

As the mother of an artist, I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful World Art Day! May you always find a creative outlet for your passions, and may you travel to the most inspiring places for your craft. Need help finding that special place? Reach out today! [email protected]

10/04/2024

I’m Back. Here’s Why I was Gone.

I know I’ve been out of touch. It’s hard to tell you why, but I’ll do my best. I think it’s easier to write it than to say it. Last summer, I had a physician randomly discover a tumor in my lungs. It was indeed cancerous, but not lung cancer. Rather, it was called a Neuroendocrine tumor. And it could have appeared anywhere in my body, but it showed up in my lung. So on November 8, 2023, I had surgery to remove it. It was a dark and scary time, and we did not know what the future would hold. After the surgery, it was a lot of waiting and hoping and praying. I decided to take a break from travel planning so I could focus on myself and my family.

Since that time, I've been healing, both physically and emotionally. I know that planning travel makes me happy, and I'm well enough to do so on a limited basis.

And so I'm back. I have only limited spots so I can manage my time around my medical appointments. But I'm definitely back and happy to be here! Please reach out if you are ready to book your travel, because I'm ready to help you create your dream adventure. [email protected]

08/04/2024

It's Eclipse Day! Where are you in relation to its path? Do you get to see a total eclipse? Keep your eyes safe and enjoy!

07/04/2024

Hi Everyone. I'm Back. I'm so sorry I've been gone but I'm back now. Stay tuned to hear why I was gone.

04/09/2023

Guess where I just went? Hint: monkeys, toucans, and the Pacific Ocean! Stay tuned for pics from my latest travel experience! I am excited to share all I have learned and ready to help you book your adventure!

15/07/2023

Have you heard of Eagle Beach? It has made the top of the list for many years, but this year travelers voted it the best beach in the Caribbean and #2 overall best beach. Being a self-proclaimed beach connoisseur, I figured it was my duty as a travel advisor to check it out for myself. This time no kids accompanied me - it was just me and my bestie for a week of sun, sand, water, and relaxation.

From the moment I laid eyes on the white sand, turquoise water, and quirky Fofoti trees, I knew I was in for a treat. We stayed at , but don't let the name fool you. The casino is actually next door at the sister hotel. This resort had plenty to offer - 3 pools, hot tubs, full kitchens in the rooms, walking distance to a grocery, and much more. But the best part? Its location meant that only one measly parking lot separated me from sand between my toes and the bluest blue water your eyes ever did see.

Our room type included breakfast, so each day after filling our bellies, we spent the rest of the morning relaxing on the beach and swimming in the perfect Caribbean Sea. Eventually we wandered back to the resort, where we spent the afternoon and evening drinking fruity happy hour drinks, swimming in the pool, and listening to live music before happily falling into bed to repeat the process the next day.

Our resort was wheelchair accessible, and there are some beach wheelchairs available for us.

Friends, if sun and sand make you happy, you need to head to Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba. Contact me today to book your next amazing beach holiday!

29/06/2023

Wow - travel is crazy this year! I'm sorry I've been out of touch, but I've been very busy helping people plan their adventures! But the time has come to wrap up these Ecuador posts and move on to my next educational experience (hint: lots of sun and sand!)

Our final full day in Ecuador was spent with a partner supplier learning about Ecuador’s tropical rain forest. First, we took a stop at the Equator Museum, where our guide gave us a generous 1.5 hours of her time, demonstrating the unique properties found at the equator and teaching us about life for the indigenous people.
Next stop was down to Mindo, home to the closest rain forest to Quito. We visited a bird and hummingbird sanctuary before moving on to a butterfly habitat. Next, we took a zip line ride through the tree tops before experiencing a private tour of a local chocolate plantation. If you have never tried cacao juice, I highly recommend it! I know a place…
After sampling the most amazing chocolate I have ever tasted, we headed back to Quito for dinner and a short sleep before heading home.

I am ready to help you create your own fantastic voyage. Contact me today!

07/06/2023

Amazing!

The patented design is supposed to provide comfort and safety for all passengers.

07/06/2023

It is my 26th wedding anniversary today! Throwback to our 25th bash in Tanzania - what an amazing trip! (I promise I'll get back to Ecuador soon!)

I'd love to plan an anniversary blow out for you as well. Contact me today!

27/05/2023

Ecuador is currently home to 20 active volcanoes, with one of the closest to Quito and most famous being Cotopaxi. I booked with one of my favorite excursion suppliers, Project Expedition for our tours (use my affiliate link to book! https://www.projectexpedition.com/?utm_source=travelablellc-21001-tracey-40619&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=tagent ) Our small group tour spent the day traveling to Cotopaxi National Park, where we witnessed both steam and ash spouting from the volcano's rim. Our guides then took us to Quilotoa Crater Lake, where a cooperative group of indigenous people established a village to teach visitors about their life. The drive through the Andean Mountain range was stunning and unlike any other mountains I have visited before. We ate at a local restaurant, sampling incredible local food for an extremely reasonable price. All of Ecuador is quite reasonable in terms of cost, making it great option for world travelers on a budget.

Ready to book? Contact me today!

25/05/2023

https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2023/05/08/packing-better/

Travel gear strategies on packing better and lighter, plus products and clothing from a writer who spends a lot of time in planes, trains, and buses.

23/05/2023

Quito is one of the highest capitals in the world, standing at 9360’ above sea level and nestled into the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The city is 11 miles long but only 2 miles wide and tucked between two hills. As soon as you drive in, you can see how growth has happened creatively, making use of vertical space in place of width. The Old Town of Quito dates back to the late 16th century, with buildings well preserved fanning out from Independence Square. We spent the first day exploring on our own (I often bring one family member on my educational trips, and this time my 18 year old son was the lucky pick), wandering through the narrow streets in the city center. Outside the old town, the city is modern with easy accessibility and parks scattered throughout. The foothills make a picturesque contrast to the hustle and bustle.

Ecuador is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, Florida, making it the perfect exotic destination when you are short on time. The United States Dollar is their official currency, so you don’t even have to worry about exchanging money!

Have you seen enough to convince you yet? If so, contact me today! If you are still on the fence, stick around to learn about excursions to an active volcano, the equator, and the rainforest.

20/05/2023

Ecuador...sound exotic? It most certainly is, but it is also very easy and comfortable! Stay tuned for what I learned about this amazing country. I learned so much and feel confident I can book you the trip of a lifetime. Message me today!

17/05/2023

Wow wow wow this is so exciting!

To celebrate this honor, I'm offering a promo! If you book travel with me for now through August 31, I'll send you a personalized gift as a thank you! Feel free to share with anyone looking to plan a summer vacation. Thanks so much, TravelAble!

A tip of the cap to Tracey!

Not only did she snag the April Top Sales title, but her recent perseverance in meeting a client’s request at the 11th hour deserves our recognition. She rearranged the second half of a vacation, while in progress, and was able to find a lower cost to boot. That’s beyond 5* service!

To see how Tracey's celebrating her success, visit Inclusive Optimist.

16/04/2023

Did you know? I can help you book tours even if the rest of your trip is already planned. Send me your destination and I can create a wish list for you to peruse.

Or, if you just want to see what is available yourself, go to my affiliate links. You can book directly while showing your favorite travel agent some love.

https://www.projectexpedition.com/?utm_source=travelablellc-21001-tracey-40619&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=tagent

https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00031909&uid=U00134526&mcid=58086

https://www.getyourguide.com?partner_id=Z1XKU7X&cmp=share_to_earn

Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do and fun activities from around the world. Save money and book directly from local suppliers.

26/03/2023

My husband and I climbed Kili last July. Check out my posts, or message me with questions.

Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in both Tanzania and Africa, is just as impressive as you would imagine.

Also known for being the fourth-highest summit in the world, Kilimanjaro is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 ft. from base to summit.

The mountain is characterized by picture-perfect forest trails that lead into rocky and moon-like landscapes before giving way to snowy glacial views.

There are several trails for hikers attempting this climb, and the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes are the most popular and range from six to eight days. I have friends that have done it and believe it to be one of those experiences you cannot miss.

If you need tips or support, contact us today!

26/03/2023

If gambling isn't your thing (it certainly isn't mine!), then perhaps our trip to Hoover Dam will intrigue you. While there are many day tours from Las Vegas, we opted to rent our own car for the day so we would be on our own timeline. Hoover Dam is an impressive structure and an engineering marvel, even by today's standards.

We opted to take a tour of the facility, which is fully accessible and highly educational. The weather was perfect, and all of the staff at the facility were friendly and accommodating to the needs of those on our tour.

The short tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a 10 minute movie at the beginning followed by a trip down into the dam to see the equipment and learn more about how it was built. At the end, we were free to wander through the museum on our own. Outside of the museum, a speaker plays an explanation of the sites on a repeated loop. The longer tour includes all of these things, and it includes a venture into some of the original tunnels.

I highly recommend this easy day trip if you find yourself in Las Vegas. Need help planning this trip or any others? Message me today!

19/03/2023

Las Vegas - a city that assaults the senses. I recently traveled to Sin City to scout out how it’s accessibility rates and meet with some travel partners. I could feel the energy as I walked down the strip, watching street shows and checking out some of the newer casinos. Is this destination on your list? Send me a message - I would be happy to help you plan your visit!

14/03/2023

I'm always looking for new tools and gadgets to make traveling fun and efficient. What's your favorite item on this list? For me, it's the magnetic containers, hands down!

And you can get them from just $15.

01/03/2023

Accessible bathrooms only for those who need them - Europe does it through Eurokey. I recently acquired one of these keys for some clients traveling to Germany. The process was simple and fast. I'm happy to do the same for you when I book your European holiday! [email protected]

The Euro Key and RADAR Key are master keys that can be used to unlock wheelchair accessible toilets in Europe and the United Kingdom.

24/02/2023

What do you think? https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-02-17/aircraft-company-unveils-wheelchair-accessible-hybrid-electric-regional?fbclid=IwAR3qwUA4QhXIurm5JBRifyYa4NzyuuBYFVQtA1DcHl6auGmaSaw5yVJ-6a8&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

The AirCraft Company, a new start-up based in Wichita, Kansas, has revealed its plans to produce a hybrid-electric, 30-seat regional airliner called the Pangea SY30J.

17/02/2023

Paris and Romance: they go together like champagne and oysters, peanut butter and jelly, Bert and Ernie -- which is why loved up couples make a pilgrimage to the French capital every year on Valentine's Day.

But why exactly is Paris the "city of love" and does it really deserve the title?

Aside from the beauty, food, and people, historically, France was the center of ideas, art, poetry, and revolutionary politics in the Western world. And the Left Bank “intellectuals quarter” retains a sense of romanticism for couples.

You must experience the City of Romance for yourself at least once in your life!

11/02/2023

Many in the arctic tundra that is Minnesota and Illinois are asking for warm destinations. It has me thinking all about travelling to the beautiful destination of Mexico.

Mexico is considered one of the world's top travel destinations due to its year-round sunshine and warm weather. Depending on where in the country you plan on traveling, some seasons are better than others.

**In general, the dry season in Mexico is between December and April, making this the ideal time to visit.

**If you want to go during the offseason, keep in mind that the south's wet season begins in May and lasts until October.

**On the Caribbean coast, June to November usually has nice weather, but be aware of hurricane season!

When are you going to Mexico? And can you take me with you?

26/10/2022

21/10/2022

Just south of Mexico City, between the canals of Xochimico, you can find a truly creepy man-made island with a sad background, known as Isla de las Munecas (The Island of the Dolls).

The island was created by local man Don Julian Santana Barerra, and is dedicated to the lost soul of a poor girl he found in the water and whose life he was unable to save. Shortly thereafter, Julian saw a floating doll near the canals. Most probably, the doll belonged to the girl. He picked up the doll and hung it from a tree, as a way of showing respect to support the spirit of the girl.

Julian was apparently haunted by the spirit of the girl and started hanging more dolls in an attempt to please her spirit. He soon realized the dolls themselves were possessed by the spirits of dead girls, and continued to collect dolls hanging them over the entire island.

After 50 years of collecting dolls and hanging them on the island, Julian was found dead, drowned in the same spot where the girl died.

Local legend says that the dolls move their heads and arms and have even opened their eyes. Some witnesses claim they have heard the dolls whispering to each other, while others have said the dolls lured them to the island.

Although the actions of Don Julian were innocent and even admirable, the Isla de las Munecas ended up being a truly nightmarish destination.

Would you visit?

18/10/2022

Paris, the capital of France, is often called La Ville Lumière (meaning ‘The City of Light’), however, beneath this bustling European city of 12 million people, lies a dark subterranean world holding the remains of 6 million of its former inhabitants.

Only around one mile of this area is open for public exploration as the rest is deemed to be unsafe, and hence, is illegal to visit. But one mile is enough to see the artfully arranged bones.

Visitors are first greeted with a sign at the entrance of the ossuary, which reads 'Stop. This is the empire of death.' Creepy, right?

If you are looking for a thrill in your trip, this is the perfect match for you!

29/09/2022

26/09/2022

Whether you prefer American style, Dutch, French, or Grandma's, indulge in this sweet treat today. Better yet, plan a trip to the origin of your favorite pancake! Who's with me??[email protected]