Katelynn with Second Story Travel

01/11/2024

31/10/2024

Wishing you the happiest Halloween from your pal(s), Mickey Mouse!! 🐭

What did you and/or your kids dress up as for Halloween this year?
➡️ Share your pictures below! 👻🎃

31/10/2024

Pro-tip: Disney's best-kept 'secret' promotion is to book your vacation EARLY.

In my experience over the past couple of years, booking early is a discount in and of itself.

The prices usually rise throughout the year (tickets are date-based now, too, just like resort rates) & by the time promotions are released, your early booking price is often LOWER than the discounted price.

It’s the best Disney World promotion out there, especially if your travel dates are not flexible. I'm going to call it: "the early bird gets the world" promo!

But that being said, if a promotion is released for your trip dates after your vacation is booked, I would absolutely apply it, if there is availability & it saves you money. I am always making sure you are booked at your best price.

And remember you don't pay in full at time of booking. When you are ready to book, you will need to put down a $200 deposit. That $200 deposit is 100% refundable up to 30 days before you travel. There is no risk to book early, only gain!

30/10/2024

It's the last week of our "spooky" ! Next week, you'll have more desirable choices I promise! 🤣

Would You Rather..
✈️ discover your passport missing just hours before your flight home
OR
🪪 find your return ticket replaced with one to an unknown destination

29/10/2024

Who else remembers Magic Eye pictures or Stereograms? I used to LOVE these!

Here’s how to see the hidden image:
- Relax & allow your eyes to go out of focus
- Look behind the image. Personally, I like to slowly move the picture away from my eyes while keeping them relaxed & out of focus, concentrating on the image.

❓ Can you find the 3-D image below?
🐭 Comment “Found It!” when you do!

29/10/2024

Parents, by a show of hands, who else is intimated of taking children on a plane? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

If you too are nervous about air travel with children, here are some tips that helped me manage her first flight:

1️⃣. Book an Early Departure: When I first mentioned to people that Finley's 1st flight experience would be at 5:45 AM in the morning, the expressions I received were priceless. While early departures aren't for everyone, they do come with their advantages, such as a less crowded flight & an improved punctuality, both of which are definite pluses when traveling with kids!

2️⃣. New Toys & Surprises: I know that your kid's toybox is probably overflowing with toys, but consider buying a brand new small toy prior to travel & introducing it during the plane ride. Children love surprises & it'll keep them entertained more than an older toy that they already have.

3️⃣. Consider an Airline that Assists with Family Travels: Some Airlines assist families flying with children, such as Southwest! Southwest provides Family Boarding, a service tailored for families with children aged 6 and under. This allows these families to board between Groups 'A' and 'B, ensuring they can settle in on the plane before other passengers.

4️⃣. Dress Smartly: Think about dressing your kids in layered clothing since airports and planes can get chilly and uncomfortable if you're unprepared. Even if you're headed to a 90-degree destination, the plane itself may not be as warm, making a sweatshirt a practical choice!

5️⃣. Be Flexible: Let's face it - children are unpredictable & traveling with children is even MORE unpredictable. PLEASE don't stress if your little ones act out or your baby cries during the plane. It happens to us all & you aren't alone. Remember, those around you are more understanding than you think.. & if they're not, chances are you'll never see them again 😉

In the world of family travel, it truly takes a village to make the journey a more smoother & enjoyable experience for all!

28/10/2024

What is "Club Level" at Disney World?

Very simply put, “Club Level” is a room categorization at some Disney hotels that comes with access to a exclusive perks, most importantly access to a lounge with food & beverage (including alcohol) options throughout the day.

While there are other privileges to staying Club Level at a Disney resort, like dedicated staff to help you, the option to pay extra for extra Fastpasses, etc...the main perk, in my opinion, is the food/drink lounge.

Up until the last several years, the only Disney resorts that offered Club Level were Deluxe level resorts.

Then the Tower at Coronado Springs Resort, a moderate resort, opened and everything changed.

The Tower offers Club Level rooms at a budget-friendly rate that include a gorgeous food/drink lounge, plus all the other benefits that come along with Club Level stays at Disney World. And the views of Epcot, Hollywood Studios, & Disney Springs are breathtaking!

27/10/2024

It sure is! 🥰

25/10/2024

She might not remember meeting her favorite character, but I always will.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret - There is no "right" age to go to Disney.

Whether they're just starting to walk or on the cusp of adolescence, every age brings its own kind of magic to a Disney adventure.

Children will never get younger, so embrace the present & cherish the time you have with them.

Don't wait for the perfect moment; create those precious memories now.

I promise your future self will thank you.

Whether they're 1 or 17, take the trip. Make the magic. Create the memories.

24/10/2024

If you've ever been on a cruise, you know just how small your stateroom can be. While staying organized can be hard (even for the most avid-sailors), I have a pro tip that's sure to help you out on your next sailing!

💡 Travel Advisor Pro Tip: The walls of your stateroom are made of steel, which means they're magnetic! Make sure to purchase some magnetic hooks & pack them with you as they're a great tool for organizing your cabin. If you search "Cruise Hooks" on Amazon, you can find bundles of hooks for pretty cheap! Hooks are great for holding items such as lanyards, bathroom towels, swimwear, purses, hats, & more.

23/10/2024

It’s , & it’s time to dive into another “spooky” travel scenario that will leave you wondering which nightmare you’d rather face. Lucky you, the answer can't be "NONE" 😬

Would You Rather..
🌪️ Have your flight land in the wrong city due to bad weather
OR
🧳Arrive on time but all your checked luggage gets rerouted to another country

22/10/2024

It's unfortunate that in our world, we tend to remember bad service more than good service. Hardworking individuals who go the extra mile often don't receive the recognition they truly deserve.

Within the last few years, Walt Disney World made giving a "Cast Compliment" SO much easier & I was delighted to have used it on our most recent trip!

While we were heading to the park for a dinner reservation, we got stuck on the Disney Skyliner in the middle of a horrible storm. In result, we had to get off the Skyliner at a nearby resort to then catch a bus to get to the park. By the time we got off the Skyliner & walked to the nearest bus stop, we were SOAKED.

Upon boarding our Disney Bus, our driver couldn't help but notice how soaked we all were, including my 1-year-old daughter. In response, he generously fetched a stack of warm towels, not only to dry her off but also to keep her snug as the air conditioning had her shivering. Just before our journey concluded, he thoughtfully distributed ponchos to those in our group who were without them. Once we stepped into the park & found shelter, I promptly logged into my app to submit a "Cast Compliment," acknowledging him for his extraordinary dedication & going the extra mile!

If you encounter a Disney Cast Member who goes above & beyond during your trip, I highly encourage you to submit them a "Cast Compliment" too! Not sure how to do it? It's easy:
🔹 Log into your My Disney Experience App go to your Main Menu (the 3 parallel lines in the bottom righthand corner)
🔹 Scroll the whole way down to the bottom of the screen & select "Cast Compliment"
🔹 Follow the prompts to pass along your compliment!

Disney will do their best to locate the Cast Member so that they can recognize them for keeping the magic alive! To help them find the correct person, try making a mental note of the Cast Member's first name & hometown that's listed on their name tag as well as the date of the interaction.

Have you had a memorable positive experience with a Disney Cast Member - I'd love to hear it below! 🥰

21/10/2024

Alright friends.. it’s time to debate. 🥊
Do you like Hocus Pocus or do you think it’s overrated?

21/10/2024

✅ Recently Booked: A 1st Anniversary Trip Back to Sandals Dunn’s River!

I couldn’t be more thrilled when this special couple reach out to me, ready to relive the magic of their honeymoon at Sandals Dunn’s River! While they explored other fabulous options in Jamaica, they couldn’t resist returning to the spot where their love story began as a married couple - & I don’t blame them!!

This dreamy resort has it all:
🍽 12 gourmet restaurants
🍹 9 bars (including an epic swim-up bar)
🏄‍♂️ Unlimited water sports and snorkeling
🏖 5 stunning pools + 2 lazy river pools
🎉 Non-stop day and night entertainment
🚐 Roundtrip airport transfers
💼 And of course, all taxes, tips, and gratuities covered!

Curious to see why this couple fell in love with Sandals Dunn’s River? Check out the breathtaking photo gallery and let me know if it’s calling your name too!
https://www.sandals.com/dunns-river/photos/?referral=153800&agentid=KARE8508

20/10/2024

😅😅😅

19/10/2024

👻 A Haunted House: Travel Edition 👻
🔸 What’s your worst fear when it comes to traveling?

18/10/2024

I’m choosing Vacation 1!
What’re you choosing?
Remember, you can only choose 1 😉

17/10/2024

The news we’ve all been waiting for is here! 🎉

Something “EPIC” is coming to Universal Orlando Resort next year.. Epic Universe will officially open on May 22, 2025!

Select multi-day tickets & packages will go on sale October 22 as well bookings for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, one of Universal’s newest onsite hotels!

I already have a list of eager clients to quote - why don’t you join them? Comment “Epic” below & I’ll message you with some additional details 😎

17/10/2024

Wake up, we're going on a safari! 🦒🐘🐅

Check out this once-in-a-lifetime "Highlights of South Africa" tour offered by Globus. This 9-day adventure takes you from vibrant Cape Town to historic Johannesburg, with an unforgettable safari experience in a private game reserve! During this tour, you'll ascend Table Mountain for breathtaking views, visit a colony of endangered penguins at Boulders Beach, & enjoy thrilling game drives to spot Africa's beautiful animals.

Pricing starts at $3,004 which includes intra-vacation air + taxes! Message me for a personalized quote.

🐅 What African animal would you be most excited to see? I'd love to see elephants in the wild, especially baby elephants!

16/10/2024

✨ Introducing the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Disney Parks ✨

In the coming weeks, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will pilot a new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, offering a more flexible way to experience your favorite attractions with minimal wait times.

Here’s what to know:

🔹 One-time Access to All Lightning Lane Entrances: No need to schedule arrival windows—just go when you’re ready.
🔹 PhotoPass Included: For the day of your visit, enjoy PhotoPass Lenses and digital downloads of park photos. Disneyland Resort guests will receive all park photos, while Walt Disney World guests receive all attraction photos.

At Disneyland Resort:

• Purchase: Two days before your park visit at 7 AM (Pacific) through the Disneyland App.
• Eligibility: Available to all guests with a valid theme park ticket and reservation, subject to availability.
• Park Hopping: Guests with Park Hopper tickets can use the pass at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day.
• Available Starting: October 23, 2024.

At Walt Disney World:

• Eligibility: Guests with valid theme park admission staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, or Shades of Green Resort.
• Purchase Window: Seven days before check-in, available through the My Disney Experience App. Passes can be purchased for up to 14 days.
• One Park Per Day: Guests can buy one park-specific Premier Pass per day, per guest.
• Available Starting: October 30, 2024.

Quantities will be limited, and prices will vary by date and park. This is a new option for visitors looking to make the most of their time at the parks.

16/10/2024

We’re taking to new heights this week - we’re flying! I bought your plane ticket so you HAVE to go by the way 😉

Would you rather..
😭 sit next to a crying baby for your entire flight
Or
😵‍💫 have a flight with bad turbulence

15/10/2024

Vacations are meant to be relaxing but sometimes when you're traveling with kiddos, relaxation just isn't in the cards.

Parents.. I'm going to let you in on a little secret - vacationing with kids CAN be relaxing if you choose the right vacation destination!

💡 Travel Advisor Pro Tip: Many major cruise lines & resorts offer Children Programs that are including in the cost of your vacation package. These supervised programs provide various forms of entertainment & activities, creating a fun & unforgettable experience for your children. While your children are having fun socializing with others their age, parents can relax & enjoy their time as well. It's a win-win!

If you're traveling with children & would like this option available during your trip, please make sure to let me know during the quoting process & I can find you the perfect vacation for your family!

14/10/2024

Did you know that most cruise lines let you bundle prepaid gratuities into your cruise package? I personally prefer this option to avoid any surprises on your final bill at the end of your trip!

🚨 Heads up for those booked on Royal Caribbean: Starting November 1st, gratuities will increase by $0.50 per person per day. If you’ve booked before this date, you can still add prepaid gratuities at the current rates. If you're one of my clients and want to prepay your gratuities, just send me a message, and I’ll take care of it for you!

🏷 TAG a friend who loves to cruise!

13/10/2024

& one carry-on is all I’d need 🥰

12/10/2024

Moms & Dads - if you're planning to stay at a Value Resort at Walt Disney World, this Pro Tip may save yourself a future meltdown!

Did you know the Value Resorts offer both Standard & Preferred Rooms? While the rooms themselves may be similar, there’s one major factor that can make your trip a whole lot smoother - especially if you're traveling with kids!

Preferred Rooms are conveniently located closer to everything important - like the lobby, dining areas, & most importantly, transportation to the parks. That means less walking after a long day of fun. On the other hand, Standard Rooms are often a bit farther away, which might not sound like a big deal when you’re booking, but picture this: after a magical (& exhausting) day in the parks, the kids are tired, maybe a little cranky, & everyone just wants to get back & relax. Having a Preferred Room could save you from those extra steps when you need them least.

For families who want to keep things easy & avoid those "I'm too tired to walk" moments, a Preferred Room can make a world of difference. After all, a more relaxing vacation means happier kids AND parents!