Inspire World Travel

12/03/2024

Have you heard this expression? Destination dupes have become popular in the wake of “revenge tourism” post-pandemic shutdown. Soaring tourism in evergreen-popular destinations such as Greece, Italy and Paris has contributed to rising prices, limited availability of accommodations, rental cars and site tickets and general overcrowding. So, what do I recommend? As always, I personalize my recommendations to each client, but here are some I like: Turkey instead of Greece, Slovenia instead of Croatia, Berlin instead of Paris, Colombia instead of Costa Rica. Do you have any good ones?

03/02/2024

Be sure to check the medical/vaccination recommendations of your destination as soon as you’ve booked the trip. Some medications require a longer lead time, and depending on where you live, it may be challenging to find a provider for certain vaccinations. Check the CDC website for more information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
tips

05/12/2023

I recommend a universal adapter, but regardless, it can be helpful to know what electrical sockets look like in your destination. Find out at the link below. I always bring plenty to accommodate charging various gadgets. Do be careful though; because of the voltage difference, you'll need to be sure that your adapter also acts as a converter (and you still should probably not plug in U.S. hairdryers, for example).
https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

26/11/2023

I'm proud to be a Virtuoso travel advisor. If you aren't familiar with what this means, I want to shed some light. It's a luxury consortium that holds its members to a high standard, reviewing hotels, tour operators, travel advisors and other travel suppliers every year to ensure they are still maintaining a high level of service and product. When I tell properties or tour companies that I'm part of Virtuoso, they put their best foot forward to provide my clients the best experience. Virtuoso hotels provide extra benefits to my clients, always upgrading them first when available, providing early check in and late check out when possible, always including breakfast and an extra amenity of some sort (a spa treatment, food and beverage credit or a special experience such as a private wine tasting). Check it out!
https://www.virtuoso.com/.../jul.../travel/advisors/15477419

21/11/2023

Dirty little secret: most Black Friday travel deals are just jacked up prices then slashed, with very little difference in the end. If you do happen to find a great deal, be sure to read the fine print - often times, especially with airfare - these deals only come with big restrictions, e.g. non-refundable (eek! I strongly recommend not ever booking something non-refundable). That said, if the mood to shop does strike you, check out my travel recs here: https://inspireworldtravel.com/my-services/my-favorite-travel-products/

19/11/2023

Talk about confusing! The Area comprises 27 countries, most of which are in the European Union but not all (e.g. Iceland, Norway & Switzerland). As a U.S. citizen, you will need to go through passport control upon entry to the Schengen area. However, once there, you can pass freely to any of the other Schengen countries (barring a temporary border control). Croatia is the most recent country to join the Schengen agreement; Ireland is a notable exception for not being a part of it.

17/11/2023

Heads up: ’s star is on the rise as a travel destination! In no small part due to K-Pop and top-notch film and TV production, this country offers the electric energy of the neon-lit streets of Seoul and the tranquility of mystical rural landscapes dotted with quaint villages. You’ll love the ancient palaces such as Gyeongbokgung to traditional “hanboks” - old neighborhoods that transport you to a different era. It’s especially cool to plan your trip to coincide with one of the many festivals (cherry blossoms anyone?). And - no surprise - this is a major foodie destination, from sizzling street food to refined Michelin star restaurants, from plentiful vegan offerings to a meat-lovers paradise. 🇰🇷✨

14/11/2023

You know how it goes... you've been so looking forward to your vacation, but the minute you start relaxing: what's that? A tickle in your throat? A sneeze? Arghhhh! Being sick on vacation is the worst 🤧 With Thanksgiving approaching, now's the time to start being extra careful to avoid those germs. Hand sanitize and/or wash your hands frequently, try extra hard to get the sleep you need and relieve stress with exercise, meditation and fresh air. Save your germ-catchin' for when you visit with out of town family and friends! Ha ha, kidding of course - it's obviously a good idea to maintain your virus-avoiding habits over the holidays 😜

12/11/2023

I get asked about travel insurance all the time. To be completely honest, I never used to buy it for myself. But after the pandemic and hearing many horror stories of how unforeseen circumstances ruined people's trips, I now always buy it for my family - I even have an annual policy for myself! The devil is always in the details, so always read the policy very carefully to see what is covered. "Cancel-for-any-reason" ("CFAR") policies are fewer and farther between than ever, but you should always make sure that you're covered for any medical treatments while in destination at a minimum (no one expects to break a leg or have appendicitis on vacation, but it happens). Nice to have is protection in the case of travel delays or cancellations; many policies also cover missing or delayed baggage. Be sure to document everything and keep all receipts - insurance companies are sticklers for that sort of thing. Peace of mind is a beautiful thing!

07/11/2023

Get into good hotel room checking habits. Upon arrival, make sure your hotel room has what you need (enough towels, extra pillows, etc.). Make sure your safe works and immediately put your passports and valuables in it (set an alarm for the morning of your departure to collect the contents!). Check your sheets (including the bare mattress underneath) for evidence of bedbugs: the recent issues in France were overblown, but it’s a good habit to get into nonetheless. Report anything broken or stained immediately so you don’t get an unwelcome charge on your bill.

05/11/2023

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable adventure with a guided small group! I especially recommend them for destinations where navigating on your own can be challenging and/or a private tour may be cost-prohibitive - destinations such as Japan, the Amazon, and African safaris. I work with exceptional companies that specialize in small group active/adventure travel, others that are fantastic for older teens/20 somethings (appealing to their parents as well!) and ones that cater to special interests such as ancient history. With local transportation, excellent tour guides and specialty excursions included, you’re freed up to relax and enjoy. While I have clients who enjoy the larger groups, I do generally recommend smaller groups (25 or fewer), as they can be more nimble, and group dynamics are usually better. These types of trips often allow clients to be a bit more adventurous than they might be traveling on their own - from a thrilling train ride in Sri Lanka to a challenging hike in the Colombian Páramo. Let me know if you’d like to hear more!

31/10/2023

BOOs & GHOULS, don’t be TRICKED! Get for *every* trip… I do! I’ve just heard too many HORROR stories… from SPOOKY weather causing travel delays or cancellations, LOST luggage, or GRIEVOUS WOUNDS while on your vacation. Take it from me, your Wanderlust WITCH, purchase insurance to outsmart any MONSTER bad luck that may come your way!!

29/10/2023

Hot topic alert: I am asked frequently about etiquette. Of course all are at your discretion, but are very much appreciated by your drivers, guides, housekeepers and other hotel staff. In this increasingly cashless era, it can be difficult to remember to have small bills on hand, but this is one of the only reasons I personally recommend getting local currency these days. For guides, especially when you don’t know the individual tour price, I recommend $10-20 per person, per day for a group tour (or for a one day or less private tour) and $50-100 per day for a private guide. *Important*: please remember to tip the staff at All-Inclusive resorts! Usually in countries where wages are low, staff often rely on tips for the bulk of their income… this is the time to be generous (local currency appreciated, though they will almost always say they’re happy to accept US dollars). For anyone who goes above and beyond, a note to their supervisor and/or a mention by name in a review can make an enormous difference to them. (This pic of me “picking my own plate” is from a super cool food tour in )

24/10/2023

The very best way to get from Point A to Point B via car is a private transfer that I can prearrange for you. However, if you plan to move around town more spontaneously, then you’ll want to download the right apps for that specific location. This may be Uber, Lyft, FreeNow, G7, etc.

22/10/2023

Made famous by IcelandAir, the stopover program allows people to fly to their ultimate destination via another city or country and stay for one or more nights at no extra cost: a if you will. Other airlines that advertise this concept - sometimes even offering coordinated deals with hotels - include Turkish, TAP Air Portugal, Qatar and Iberia. However, you can often add in a stop at any airlines’ hubs at no or little extra cost (e.g. for Delta, try Amsterdam or Paris). Another trick is an “open jaw” ticket, where you fly into one city and out of a different one - again, often adding little extra expense. You can get from one to the other in any number of ways, e.g. train or short hop flight on any airline. With airlines’ recent records, it’s also a good idea to consider an overnight in a connection city anyway in case of flight delays - just think of it as a chance to enjoy an a trip within a trip! I personally *love* the bonus layover! (this pic is of me en route to Sri Lanka, where I “stopped over” in Dubai for 24 hours… I went to the famous mall, saw the fountain display, saw the Burj Khalifa, took an abra across the creek to the gold souk, walked around the Old City and went on a desert safari!)

17/10/2023

This only applies to those with at least one Apple device. Putting an Air Tag in each checked bag can provide peace of mind that your luggage made it on to your flight. If the dreaded missed connection does occur, you at least know where to focus your recovery efforts. It’s especially annoying when your suitcase has a better trip than you! 😜

15/10/2023

There is no “best” - but I will recommend the best ones for YOU and your priorities. Do you want peace, lush surroundings and a great spa? Or do you want a bit of nightlife, lots of activities at the resort itself and a wide variety of restaurants? Do you want to bring the kids? Or are you looking to escape the kiddie crowd for a bit? All-inclusives vary greatly these days; some have truly excellent food and high design, while others have more of a party atmosphere.

10/10/2023

It’s a great day to start your holiday shopping! days are here today and tomorrow, so great discounts abound. Visit https://bit.ly/IWTshop to get my favorite travel-related items for your loved ones - or yourself (I won’t tell).

08/10/2023

Renting a villa in can be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in this gorgeous region’s beauty and culture. Options range from rustic farmhouses to luxurious villas, some with pools, some with staff available to assist, some more rural and some closer to (or in) a town. Or maybe there are other regions you’d like to consider! Having just spent an entire summer in myself, I have insider tips to help you realize this dream, whether for just you and your partner, a celebration with friends or a multigenerational gathering.

03/10/2023

Airfare is through the roof these days, unfortunately. I’ve had too many clients reach out to plan fantastic trips, only to then realize that the flights will eat up too much of their budget. A quick search on your favorite flight search engine (I like Google Flights) will give you a ballpark, and if you’re at all flexible on dates, you may find enough of a better deal to warrant shifting your vacation. Ideally, you’ll confirm your travel dates before your favorite travel advisor sends you any proposals/quotes, as availability and prices fluctuate.

01/10/2023

It’s actually a bit late in the game to book winter getaways, so don’t put it off anymore! For a family of downhill skiers/snowboarders, a ski-in/ski-out accommodation is hard to beat. My favorite thing about this is the freedom it provides to families with kids - you can ski home for lunch, and more independent kids can ski home when they’d like. I always encourage clients to consider international destinations as well - lift tickets in Europe, for example, are far less expensive than in many parts of the U.S., and you get a cultural experience to boot (adorable Alpine villages, fondue, incredible scenery, etc.). I can help you find resorts that offer the right balance of activities and priorities for your family.

23/09/2023

Savor the crisp, refreshing flavors of Austria's finest wine when you join AmaWaterways on an exclusive wine excursion to Burg Clam on the Melodies of the Danube river cruise.

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22/09/2023

Offering exclusively adult voyages where all the luxurious details have already been taken care of, Virgin Voyages’ lady ships are making quite a splash in the cruise industry. The company took home all of Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards in the large ship category and won both Cosmopolitans’ Must-Visit List and Condé Nast Traveler Hot List this year, but if that’s not enough, they have brand-new voyages across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the South Pacific now sailing through 2025. Pro tip: Hurry to save your spot!

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18/09/2023

Elevate your cruise experience to legendary status and live out your holiday dreams with Virgin Voyages RockStar Quarters — the pinnacle of luxury living at sea. From marble-clad bathrooms and extra-spacious terraces to early boarding, 24/7 RockStar Agent assistance, and access to Richard's Rooftop, these VIP suites redefine cruising. Unleash your inner rockstar and indulge in the ultimate cruise experience.

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17/09/2023

Does your ideal river cruise excursion include hiking? On the Gems of Southeast Europe sail through the rich country of Bulgaria, and visit its ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo with AmaWaterways.

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13/09/2023

Join Virgin Voyages on their 5-night Scarlet Caribbean Holidays voyage from December 22nd to December 27th and trade snow for sand this year. Experience the beauty of Puerto Plata zip-lining over the ocean, relax on The Beach Club at Bimini’s mesmerizing shores, and uncover all the hidden wonders Virgin has on board. It's your holiday — make it extra special. Book with me now and have a white Christmas like no other.

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06/09/2023

The Galley aboard Virgin Voyages’ ships is your gateway to culinary exploration. A fast-casual hub with an array of cuisines — from paninis to pastries, tacos to sushi, burgers to bento boxes — it's a food lover's dream come true. So bid adieu to traditional buffets, step into a relaxed world of upscale flavors, grab a bite, and savor every moment.

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05/09/2023

Become swept away by postcard-worthy views from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Basel, Switzerland (or reverse) when you journey on an AmaWaterways' Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps river cruise itinerary. Contact me for more details.

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02/09/2023

Escape to The Beach Club at Bimini with Virgin Voyages to discover a tropical oasis surrounded by impossibly turquoise waters and pearly-white sand. There, you’ll find the heartbeat of an intimate Bahamian gem, where quiet beach moments and thrilling ocean dives encounter sun-drenched pool parties and a luxurious, relaxed vibe.

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28/08/2023

Is food the way to your heart? Join AmaWaterways' Flavors of Miltenberg tour to sample local sausages, Schnapps, marzipan, and German cheesecake when you select the Medieval Treasures itinerary.

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