Wanderlust Travel Group (2025)

20/06/2024

Summer Solstice☀️🌖🌒🌞

June 20: Longest Day of the Year.

What will you be doing on the longest day of the year??

I will be spending it with my 2 favorite guys doing what I love the most!

19/06/2024

Happy National Get Away Day! Now where do you wanna go?? The ideas are endless.

Next on my list we will be heading to Shenandoah National Park. Now that is a great get away in my eyes.

Need some help planning and getting some ideas together? Send me a message for a brainstorming session.

18/06/2024

Lucky 13!! Even luckier being together for 20 yrs!

I feel beyond fortunate enough to build this amazing life with my best friend, the most amazing dad, travel partner and personal chef.

Everyday has been a journey and I look forward to see where else we will be heading!

16/06/2024

Happy Father’s Day to the greatest dad around. Maxwell is the luckiest to have a role model, mentor, travel partner, ski instructor and everything else in between.

14/06/2024

The Ultimate Travel Checklist: 9 Steps to a Stress-Free Trip ( if you can tell, I LOVE a good check list when it comes to traveling)

1. Make sure your passport is up to date. Many countries (currently around 75 worldwide) require at least six months of passport validity beyond your departure date.

2. Check if you need a visa and immunizations. To enter certain foreign countries, you’ll need some specific visas and immunizations before you can board the plane.

3. Consider travel insurance (MOST IMPORTANT)

4. Make a safety plan. No matter your destination, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, and to read up on potential safety concerns, particularly those related to current political and health situations specific to that area.

5. Confirm whether you’ll need a special driving permit. Different countries have different rules and regulations when it comes to driving, and in some cases, the driver’s license issued by your home state doesn’t quite cut it. Depending on where you’re going, you may need an international driving permit instead.

6. Choose an international phone plan OR check with your provider to make sure you are covered.

7. Prepare your home for while you’re away. You know the basics (taking out the trash, setting your thermostat, double-checking that all doors and windows are locked), but there are plenty of other steps to remember. Consider, for instance, unplugging any non-essential appliances to prevent energy waste and reduce the risk of electrical issues.

8. Download in-flight entertainment. Nobody wants to be stuck on a long-haul flight without something to keep them occupied. Sure, most airlines offer in-flight movies and TV shows, but there’s a chance the options don’t interest you (or aren’t in your preferred language).

9. Pack some patience, acceptance and a good attitude. All 3 goes a long way!

12/06/2024

Need some guidance on what to pack? Here is a starter checklist. Need more guidance, send me a message because I am the Queen of checklists!!

What you need to bring on a vacation depends in part on where you go, what the weather will be like, and what activities you have planned. But the following lists are a good starting point.

Clothing
~ Footwear (including hiking boots or water shoes; our editor at large packs this boot on every winter trip)
~ Layers of cold-weather gear (remember that merino wool holds in heat, wicks away moisture, and is naturally antimicrobial)
~ Jackets/outwear (outdoor gear companies are making progress in the plus-size category too)
~ Sleepwear
~ Swimwear and other beach necessities
~ Hat (for sun or the cold)
~ Personal documents, Passport, ID
~ Hotel, flight, tour confirmations
~ Insurance card and travel insurance contact number
~ Documentation for any medication that might be controlled in other countries
~ Loads of underwear and socks (never know what could happen) 🤣🤣

Essentials
~ Medications (keep prescriptions in their official bottles)
~ Compression socks for the flight
~ Packing cubes (ESSENTIAL)
~ Water bottle
~ Neck pillow
~ Phone, chargers, and adapters

Most important: Positive attitude and patience.

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**Save this post future travel needs**

10/06/2024

We are so grateful to live next to one of the most beautiful cities!! She’s shines bright!

If you’re looking for a restaurant with good food, good vibes and the best views - check out Maddy Rose Liberty House.

05/06/2024

Got your squad? 👭 You know that small group of friends or family who you love to see new places with, enjoy meals with and hold the camera while you get the perfect holiday pics? 📷 🌴 Yes, them... Gather the squad and create new memories!

We are very fortunate enough that we have many amazing family and friends we get to travel the world with and make lasting memories. But my favorite squad are these two boys! By far my favorite travel partners - simply because they put up with me! LOL

31/05/2024

Top Travel Destinations for June
Which one is calling your name?!?!

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan: June is great for blossom viewing beyond cherry season.

2. Eleuthera, Bahamas: known for its “fruity” fun

3. Galicia, Spain; tackling its best-known attraction: the Camino de Santiago, or El Camino, the pilgrims’ trail that climaxes in Santiago de Compostela.

4. Salt Lake City, Utah; go celebrate the big Utah’s Art Festival

5. Asheville, North Carolina; great for exploring the Appalachian outdoors.

6. Bali, Indonesia; June is known to celebrate the traditions in food!
*Indonesia has a very special place in my heart; its where we honeymooned**

7. Sodankylä, Finland; check out to midnight film festival

8. Hobart, Tasmania; a lot of quirky arty escapades happen this month.

9. Winnipeg, Canada; June is great for Indigenous immersion.

10. Gstaad, Switzerland; great for hiking among the hills that Heidi called home.

24/05/2024

I just read an article that says “travelers are prioritizing experiences over material goods, with nearly a quarter (22 percent) willing to cut back on other big purchases to continue traveling.”

That made my heart sing!! Does this sound like you?? What’s your big travel purchase??!!!??

22/05/2024

Destination Highlight - Panama

Panama has already garnered more bookings than Aruba, Saint Lucia, Puerto Rico and even Belize.

Why? People love the road less traveled. Panama is filled with delicious food, vibrant culture, full of adventure, and our US dollar can go a long way.

Looking for some unique Panama travel itineraries? Send me a message!

20/05/2024

Woodstock, NY

Perfect day trip or a weekend away. Woodstock of course is well known for - ya know Woodstock Music and Art Festival. But this town is filled with so much more. Of course music and art is a well known factor throughout the town but it’s filled with hikes, museums, parks, shopping and some delicious food. Looking for a little escape, go check it out!! We will definitely be heading back for more things that we missed.

* Opus 40
* World’s Largest Kaleidoscope
* Shopping on Tinker Street
* Dinner at SILVIA

16/05/2024

“Who wouldn’t travel, if they could? It’s unthinkable to me. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy different, new sensations, especially when the world is filled with so much great stuff? I like new things. I like to feel good. I like learning about stuff. It makes me happy. I like being wrong about stuff.”

–Anthony Bourdain
**A true inspiration and hero of mine**

14/05/2024

Despite an increase in “curious travel,” a long-awaited bucket-list trip remains the top motivator for 2024 travel.

What’s on your bucket list that you are ready to check off?

12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all you fabulous, hard working, selflessness, give it your all, show up for everyone everyday Moms! It’s because of you sh*t gets done. 😂😉

09/05/2024

6 Places Where the Dollar Goes Farthest for Travelers

When we travel we want to really be able to take in the culture, food and the shopping. A strong dollar can stretch your travel imagination. The U.S. dollar is strong in a lot of popular destinations and your money is going to go further. Check out these destinations:

Peru
Thailand
Mexico
Vietnam
Australia

06/05/2024

Hotel Highlight: The Londoner Hotel, London

The Londoner Hotel is a brand new, “super boutique” hotel, just minutes from Picadilly Circus, the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square. But wait, it gets better! This gorgeous hotel also has a focus on exceeding requirements in a number of areas such as energy and water use, pollution, and the overall wellbeing of its guests.

Let’s make this hotel your next home when visiting London!!

03/05/2024

Why hire a Travel Advisor Part 2?? Saves you time!!

Planning
Saving you hours of research, trying to piece it together from the internet.

Managing
Handling booking, confirming, deadlines, requirements, etc on your behalf.

On the ground
Being a point of contact and support as you travel.

Education
Time we’ve spent in education, training, and experience on how to do this job well.

Need I say more??

01/05/2024

Why hire a travel advisor?

~ For their knowledge!! Knowing where to look and who to ask.

~ We have experience of managing expectations.

~ Avoiding commonly made mistakes.

~ Booking with reliable vendors and suppliers.

~ We are able to problem solve quickly, and have contacts to reach out to along the way.

~ Another very important component, education. The irreplaceable knowledge that comes with doing this as a career vs planning personal trips.

Need more reason 😀🤓🤗

29/04/2024

AIR NEWS!!!

Good news for airline travelers: the Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced it is rolling out new rules that will require airlines to automatically give cash refunds to passengers for canceled and significantly delayed flights.

Airlines can no longer decide how long a delay must be before a refund is issued. Under the new DOT rules, the delays covered would be more than three hours for domestic flights and more than six hours for international flights.

This includes tickets purchased directly from airlines, travel agents and third-party sites such as Expedia and Travelocity. (BUT please don’t purchase your airline tickets from a 3rd party anymore).

The DOT rules lay out that passengers will be “entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered.”

The DOT said it is also working on rules related to family seating fees, enhancing rights for wheelchair-traveling passengers for safe and dignified travel and mandating compensation and amenities if flights are delayed or canceled by airlines.

We are heading in the right direction....finally!

26/04/2024

Hotel Highlight!

This Dreamy Island Has Been Called the ‘Maldives of the Caribbean and it has only one resort.

This DREAM place is called Palm Island, in the Grenadines. After a 3.5-hour flight from Miami to Barbados, an hour-long inter-island flight from Barbados to Union Island, a two-minute drive to a dock, and an eight-minute boat trip, you arrive at Paradise.

It’s not a vacation, its an Oasis. This is the perfect place for honeymooners, anniversary getaways, or for someone who doesn’t need an excuse but just wants a unique off the grid destination.

Are you ready for your dream island trip?

24/04/2024

National Park Week!!

Visiting National Parks with my family are high on my favorite travel list!! Between the freedom of being outside, the beauty of nature and a vacation that is cost effective are just a few reasons why national parks are our favorite vacations.

If you plan on traveling to some National Parks this year, These U.S. National Parks Are Requiring Reservations in 2024. You don’t want to show up with no reservations.

Another piece of advice. If you plan on visiting more than one National Park within a year, order a National Park pass. It will save you money!

1. Acadia National Park in Maine (for Cadillac Summit Road)
2. Arches National Park in Utah (entire park)
3. Haleakalā National Park in Hawai‘i (for sunrise viewing at the summit)
4. Glacier National Park in Montana (for Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork, and Many Glacier scenic drives)
5. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado (entire park)
6. Shenandoah National Park (for Old Rag Mountain)
7. Yosemite National Park in California (entire park)
8. Zion National Park in Utah (for Angels Landing Trail)

Two Parks we will be visiting this year will be Shenandoah and Crater Lake!! If you have any questions or need help, send me a PM.

22/04/2024

Happy Earth Day 🍃🌎🌲

The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share. So let’s start sticking together and take care of this beautiful home!

19/04/2024

Why Purchase Travel Insurance?

Top three most important travel insurance benefits are
1. Emergency medical coverage
2. Trip cancellation
3. Access to 24/7 emergency assistance

You wouldn’t catch me heading on a vacation without it!

17/04/2024

100 Days until the Olympics!!

I cannot contain my excitement. For those who don’t know me, I am the BIGGEST Olympic fan and on the top of my bucket list is to be on location and watch the Olympics happen live. It will happen one day! But in the meantime, the count down begins.

Where’s my Olympic fans at?!?!?!?

16/04/2024

Hotel Highlight: Hotel Miramar, Malaga Spain

I just had a couple come back from a memorable stay at Hotel Miramar and they couldn’t get over how amazing their vacation was at this resort. Of course any visit to Malaga is unforgettable with their beaches, food and of course you can’t forget it’s the birthplace of Picasso.

From the minute you walk into the hotel (which is facing the Mediterranean Sea) you are ready for beauty, relaxation and top notch hospitality. The location is so convenient being right across the street from the beautiful beach, 10 minutes from the port and 15 walking minutes to downtown. This is the perfect resort for a few nights or a few weeks!

Interested? Send me a message!

12/04/2024

What to eat in the Açores?

Thanks to its isolated location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Açores food focuses heavily on seafood. But the menu on these volcanic Portuguese islands extends far beyond fish. From volcanic-steam-cooked stews to fresh from-the-plant pineapples, there are countless restaurants of all styles to try throughout the islands.

One of the most popular and typical shellfish dishes you’ll find across the Azores are lapas, a mollusk similar to clams, also known as limpets.

Bolo Lêvedo bread is another of the most typical Azores foods. It’s also a common replacement for burger buns and sandwich bread and makes a great to-go snack with garlic butter, cheese, and ham.

Cheese on the Azores is celebrated for its supreme flavors, often credited to the verdant landscapes and free-roaming, caramel-spotted cows. The most famous Queijo on the archipelago hails from São Jorge Island and is usually served as an appetizer in restaurants.

Cozido das Furnas; For a unique experience and to taste one of the most characteristic Azores foods, head to Furnas on São Miguel Island. This inland town is renowned for its volcanic activity, thermal springs, geysers, and naturally-heated spa pools.

Another surprise food in the Azores, especially from a European island, is ananás, a locally harvested pineapple. These greenhouse-grown pineapples are a peculiar sight in Europe and aren’t just a novelty; they’re also award-winning, thanks to their sweet flavor and small size.

11/04/2024

What to do in the Açores?

With diverse landscapes and immersive activities to be found across all nine islands, the list of the best things to do in the Açores is truly endless. Here are the top things to do in the Açores, specifically in São Miguel which is where we spent the entire week (and we could have stayed longer).
~ Uncover the sites in Ponta Delgada
~ Hike to the top of Lagoa do Fogo.
~ Admire the hues of Lagoa das Sete Cidades
~ Take a tea break at Gorreana plantation (São Miguel is home to Europe’s only tea plantation)
~ Discover geothermal wonders in the Furnas Valley
~ Go whale watching during any season
~ Our highlight of the trip; canyoning into waterfalls

The activities and sites are endless!

10/04/2024

Where are the Açores islands?

The Açores islands are a group of Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic Ocean between the U.S. and mainland Europe. They’re a true hidden gem but are quickly picking North American travelers’ interests. Thanks to their convenient location, visiting the Açores is particularly easy from America’s East Coast. It only takes around five hours to fly from JFK to Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel. You can get a nonstop flight on Sata Azores.

Wanderlust Travel Group