Plan It Travel

02/18/2025

🍮 The Sweet Story Behind Sticky Toffee Pudding 🇬🇧

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in sticky toffee pudding, you know it’s a rich, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug. But have you ever wondered where this British classic comes from?

Sticky toffee pudding—a moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates and served with a luscious toffee sauce—has a history as rich as its flavor. While its exact origins are debated, many credit its creation to the 1970s in the Lake District, England.

The most famous claim comes from the Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel, where Francis Coulson and his partner Robert Lee reportedly first served this decadent dessert. However, some believe it was inspired by a Canadian recipe brought over by RAF pilots during WWII. Either way, it quickly became a British favorite and can now be found in cozy pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants alike.

Served warm with custard, cream, or ice cream, sticky toffee pudding is a true taste of British comfort food. Have you ever tried it? Let us know if you’re team custard, cream, or ice cream! 🍨✨

02/17/2025

🌊🏞️ Adventure Awaits in Cornwall! 🏞️🌊

If dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and epic coastal trails call your name, then Cornwall, England is the perfect adventure! 🏕️✨ From the legendary South West Coast Path to the rugged beauty of Land’s End, every step feels like something out of a storybook.

Ready for an unforgettable escape? Here’s the ultimate 4-day Cornwall adventure itinerary:

🗺️ Day 1: Tintagel & Boscastle
🏰 Explore Tintagel Castle, home of King Arthur’s legend
🌊 Hike along the South West Coast Path for breathtaking views
🍺 End the day with a cozy pub dinner in Boscastle

🗺️ Day 2: St. Ives & Zennor
🎨 Wander the charming streets and beaches of St. Ives
🥾 Hike the rugged Zennor to St. Ives coastal trail (wild and stunning!)
🍽️ Enjoy fresh seafood with a sunset view

🗺️ Day 3: Land’s End & Porthcurno
🚶‍♂️ Walk the Land’s End to Sennen Cove route—jaw-dropping scenery!
🎭 Visit the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs
🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Porthcurno Beach

🗺️ Day 4: Lizard Peninsula & Kynance Cove
🌿 Hike around Lizard Point, the UK’s most southerly spot
💙 Marvel at the turquoise waters of Kynance Cove (like the tropics!)
🦐 Grab a local seafood feast before heading home

Cornwall is where adventure meets coastal magic. Who’s ready to explore? 🚶‍♂️🏄‍♀️🌿

📍 What’s your favorite Cornwall hiking spot? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

02/16/2025

🌿✨ Wander Through the Storybook Charm of the Cotswolds! ✨

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life fairytale, the Cotswolds is your happily-ever-after. 🏡🌸 Rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and winding lanes lead you through some of England’s most picturesque villages—think Bibury, Castle Combe, and Bourton-on-the-Water!

For the adventure-seekers, the Cotswold Way is an absolute must! 🥾 This 102-mile trail winds from Chipping Campden to Bath, offering jaw-dropping views, historic sites, and plenty of cozy pubs for a well-earned pint. 🍻

Whether you’re here for the hikes, the history, or the charming tea rooms (hello, scones! 🍰☕), the Cotswolds is pure magic. ✨ Who’s ready to explore?

📍 Have you been to the Cotswolds? Drop your favorite village or trail in the comments! ⬇️

02/15/2025

Why Civil Rights Tours Across the South Matter ✊🏾✊🏼✊🏿

History isn’t just something we read about—it’s something we walk through, experience, and carry forward. Civil Rights Tours across the South offer a powerful, immersive way to connect with the past and understand how it shapes our present.

🚍 Why Take a Civil Rights Tour?

✅ Walk in the footsteps of history – Stand where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, and visit the churches and schools that became battlegrounds for justice.

✅ Learn from the voices of those who lived it – tours feature firsthand accounts from those who fought for freedom and equality.

✅ Inspire the next generation – Understanding the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement empowers us to continue the fight for justice today.

These tours are not just about looking back—they’re about moving forward, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten.

Have you ever taken a Civil Rights Tour? What was the most impactful moment for you? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️

02/14/2025

💘 The History of Valentine's Day: Love, Legends & a Little Chaos

Ah, Valentine's Day… the time for chocolates, roses, and wildly overpriced dinner reservations. But have you ever wondered how this love-fueled holiday came to be? Grab a heart-shaped cookie, and let’s dive into the surprisingly dramatic history of February 14th!

✨ A Saint… or Three?
Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine, but here’s the kicker—there were multiple Saint Valentines! One legend tells of a priest in ancient Rome who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II’s orders (who thought single men made better soldiers—yikes). Another story claims Valentine helped Christians escape persecution. And yet another says he sent a love note signed "From your Valentine" before his ex*****on. Talk about commitment!

💌 Pagan Party Origins?
Before hearts and candy, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia (Feb. 13–15), a festival that involved sacrifices, random matchmaking, and running around in animal skins. Romantic? Debatable. Wild? Absolutely.

💖 Medieval Love Letters
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love, thanks to poets like Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1415, Charles, Duke of Orléans, wrote the first known Valentine’s poem to his wife—while imprisoned in the Tower of London! Now that’s dedication.

🍫 Modern Love & Chocolate
By the 1800s, exchanging handmade love notes was a thing. Then came mass-produced cards, chocolates, and flowers, thanks to marketing geniuses who saw an opportunity for love…and sales. Today, Americans alone spend billions on Valentine’s goodies. 💰💘

So whether you’re celebrating with a sweetheart, your besties, or a box of chocolates (no judgment), just remember—Valentine’s Day has been through a lot to get here.

Tag someone who deserves some love today! ❤️👇

02/13/2025

Happy Galentine's Day!

"Why should women consider all-women tours? 🌸💃

Because sometimes, you just need a little girl gang energy! 🥂✨ Imagine a trip where you can swap stories, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and conquer bucket-list adventures with an empowering squad by your side. No judgment, no stress—just you and a crew of amazing women living your best lives!

Whether it’s yoga at sunrise, wine at sunset, or shopping like pros in between, these tours are all about freedom, fun, and friendship. 💼👠🍷

Ladies, pack your bags (and your sass 😉)—the world is waiting, and it looks better when explored together. 🌍💪 "

02/12/2025

🌍✈️ Plan It Travel: Global Expertise, Local Connections! 🏙️🌎

At Plan It Travel, we don’t just plan trips—we create unforgettable experiences! Whether you’re dreaming of an international adventure or a seamless local getaway, we’ve got you covered. Yesterday, we hosted a Sip and Stroll for the South Carolina Governor's Conference 2025 event. We introduced them to local shops, brews, and wine. As we walked from place to place, Liz, our owner gave tidbits of history around Spartanburg. We think it was a hit as the tour went over by 45 minutes because the guests didn't want to leave RJ Rocker's.

🔹 Internationally – We leverage our years of expertise to craft personalized itineraries, taking care of every detail from flights to hotels, tours, and unique cultural experiences.

🔹 Locally – We believe that amazing travel doesn’t always require a passport! Through strategic partnerships with local vendors, hotels, venues, and transportation services, we offer exclusive access to corporate retreats, private group getaways, and curated events right in your own backyard.

By working with trusted partners worldwide and within your community, Plan It Travel ensures high-quality, stress-free travel—no matter the destination.

📍 Ready to plan your next journey? Whether near or far, we handle it all! Contact us today and let’s create something amazing.

02/10/2025

Solo? Taken? It doesn’t matter—travel is the real love of your life! ❤️✈️

This Valentine’s Day, forget the flowers and chocolate (okay, maybe not the chocolate 🍫) and fall in love with new destinations, new cultures, and unforgettable experiences! 🌍💃 Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a girls' trip, or a solo adventure, the best kind of love is the one that takes you places.

Tag your travel soulmate (BFFs count! 😉) and start planning your next great escape! 💕✈️

02/09/2025

It's National Pizza Day! - We love pizza, all of the photos we took! Pizza from Alaskas all the way to NYC!

Alright, let’s talk about pizza—the glorious, cheesy, doughy masterpiece that has conquered the world one slice at a time! 🍕✨

Our story begins way back in ancient times, when the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans were already slapping toppings onto flatbreads. They weren’t calling it pizza yet, but hey, they were on the right track. Fast forward to 18th-century Naples, where the magic really started happening. The locals—mostly poor workers—needed cheap, tasty, and convenient food. Enter: thin, crispy dough topped with tomatoes (a once-suspect fruit from the New World), garlic, and whatever else they had lying around. Boom—proto-pizza was born!

Then, in 1889, Queen Margherita of Italy got a taste of this peasant food, and she LOVED it. A Neapolitan pizzaiolo (fancy word for pizza maker) created a special pie just for her, featuring tomatoes (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green)—the colors of the Italian flag. And just like that, the Margherita pizza was crowned royalty. 👑

But wait, there’s more! Italian immigrants carried their beloved pizza to America, where it transformed into the thick, cheesy, gooey goodness we know today. From New York’s iconic foldable slices to Chicago’s deep-dish behemoths, pizza became an American obsession.

Now, pizza is a global superstar. Whether you like it with pineapple (controversial, I know), prefer a classic Neapolitan, or enjoy crazy toppings like squid ink and gold flakes, pizza has something for everyone.

Moral of the story? No matter where you are, pizza is life. 🍕🔥

02/08/2025

What is a Private Group Travel Experience?

A Private Group Travel Experience is a customized journey designed exclusively for your group, whether it’s a family reunion, a group of friends, a corporate retreat, or a special organization. It’s all about tailoring the trip to meet your unique needs, preferences, and interests—because no two groups are the same.

At Plan It Travel, we take the stress out of planning by curating every aspect of your trip. From transportation and accommodations to guided tours, cultural experiences, team-building activities, and even meals, we handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience together.

Why Choose Private Group Travel?

Personalization: Every itinerary is crafted to suit your group’s interests, pace, and budget.
Exclusivity: Travel with just your group—no strangers, just familiar faces and shared memories.
Flexibility: Choose your dates, destinations, and activities without being tied to preset schedules.
Expert Guidance: With years of experience in the travel industry, we ensure seamless logistics and insider knowledge to create unforgettable experiences.
Perfect for Any Group

Corporate Retreats: Boost team morale and productivity with tailor-made retreats that balance work and relaxation, featuring team-building activities, workshops, and inspiring surroundings.

Friend Groups: Celebrate milestones, take that long-awaited getaway, or simply make new memories with your closest friends in an adventure designed just for you.
Family Gatherings: Reconnect with loved ones through multigenerational trips that cater to everyone, from grandparents to toddlers.
Whether you're brainstorming by the sea during a corporate retreat, immersing yourself in Japan's culture with friends, or enjoying a private villa with your family, our Private Group Travel Experiences make it easy to turn your travel dreams into reality.

02/07/2025

Thinking About Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro? Read This First! ⛰️

So, you’re dreaming of standing on the Roof of Africa? Picture this: sunrise over the clouds, glaciers glistening at the summit, and that unbeatable feeling of conquering one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Sounds incredible, right? It is—but let’s talk about what it really takes to get there!

🏔 It's Not Just a Hike – Kilimanjaro is a beast at 19,341 ft (5,895 m). While it’s a non-technical climb (no ropes or ice axes needed), don’t underestimate the challenge. Altitude sickness is real, and training is key!

🎒 Pack Smart, Pack Right – Layers are your best friend. You’ll go from tropical rainforest to Arctic-like cold, all in one trip. And don’t skimp on good boots—you’ll be living in them!

🌿 Choose Your Route Wisely – There are multiple routes to the top, ranging from 5 to 9 days. The longer routes (like Lemosho or Machame) give you better acclimatization and a higher success rate.

💪 Mind Over Matter – The final push to Uhuru Peak is a mental game. It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s exhausting—but the moment you step onto the summit? Pure magic.

Ready to turn this dream into reality? Kilimanjaro is waiting! 🌍✨

02/06/2025

Step Back in Time—Literally! 🦖🦕

If you’ve ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of giants, the Isle of Skye has you covered—dinosaur-style! That’s right, Scotland’s own Jurassic Park awaits, where you can find actual dinosaur footprints fossilized in stone along the island’s stunning coastline.

Over 170 million years ago (give or take a few millennia), massive sauropods and sharp-clawed theropods roamed what was then a subtropical lagoon. Today, you can spot their footprints at places like An Corran Beach and Brothers’ Point—proof that Skye wasn’t always just about dramatic cliffs and Highland cows.

So, if you're up for a prehistoric scavenger hunt, grab your wellies (because Scotland, obviously), check the tide schedule, and head out to trace the steps of some of Earth’s original tourists! Just remember—no T. rexes were harmed in the making of these fossils. 😉

Who’s ready for a dino adventure? 🦕✨

02/05/2025

Food tourism is bigger than ever in 2025, with travelers seeking out authentic, immersive, and sustainable culinary experiences. Here are some of the top food destinations for 2025:

1. Japan – Timeless and Trendy
Japan remains a must-visit for food lovers, offering everything from high-end sushi in Tokyo to regional specialties like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and Hokkaido’s seafood. The rise of sustainable dining and hyper-local ingredients is also gaining momentum.

2. Mexico – Beyond Tacos & Tequila
Mexico continues to captivate foodies with its deep culinary traditions. Oaxaca’s mole varieties, Mexico City’s vibrant street food scene, and Baja California’s wine and seafood make it a top pick.

3. Greece – A Mediterranean Marvel
With an emphasis on farm-to-table dining, Greece is a hot spot for fresh seafood, olives, and traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki. The islands, especially Crete and Naxos, are leading the way in sustainable gastronomy.

4. South Korea – Street Food & Fine Dining
Seoul is a playground for food lovers, offering Michelin-starred Korean BBQ, soju-paired anju, and street food favorites like tteokbokki and hotteok. The rise of temple food and plant-based Korean cuisine is also making waves.

5. Italy – Always in Vogue
From the truffle-rich hills of Piedmont to the seafood feasts in Sicily, Italy continues to be a global culinary powerhouse. Look out for the resurgence of ancient grains and traditional pasta-making experiences.

6. Peru – Latin America's Culinary Star
Lima remains a foodie capital with ceviche, lomo saltado, and Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion). The Amazon region is also drawing adventurous eaters looking for rare indigenous ingredients.

7. Thailand – Spice, Street Food, and Sustainability
Bangkok and Chiang Mai remain at the forefront of food travel, with Michelin-starred street food, innovative Thai fusion, and plant-based versions of classics like green curry and pad Thai.

8. Portugal – Rising Star of European Cuisine
Lisbon and Porto are leading the charge with pasteis de nata, bacalhau, and vinho verde. The Douro Valley is also a must-visit for wine and food pairings.

9. Morocco – A Sensory Feast
Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca are must-visits for spice lovers, with tagines, couscous, and freshly baked msemen (Moroccan pancakes). Cooking classes and food markets add to the experience.

10. Vietnam – A Balance of Flavor & Tradition
With dishes like pho, banh mi, and bun cha, Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers. Hoi An is a top spot for cooking classes and market tours, while Hanoi's street food remains legendary.

Which of these destinations speaks to you? Or are you looking for a specific type of food experience? 🍽️

02/04/2025

🌟 Incentive Trips: A Smart Investment in Your Team and Business Success 🌟

Recognizing and rewarding top performers isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic business decision. That’s why we’ve chosen the stunning Loire Valley as the destination for our upcoming incentive trip for our best employees.

Here’s why this makes good business sense:

1️⃣ Motivation to Excel
Nothing inspires exceptional performance like the promise of an extraordinary reward. A trip to the Loire Valley—known for its fairytale castles, world-class wines, and breathtaking scenery—offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that money alone can’t buy.

2️⃣ Boosting Retention
Great talent is hard to find—and even harder to keep. Rewarding excellence with meaningful incentives shows your team that you value their hard work and encourages them to stay engaged and committed.

3️⃣ Strengthening Team Loyalty
Sharing unique experiences outside the workplace builds deeper connections and loyalty. From wine tastings in historic vineyards to exploring medieval châteaux, this trip will foster lasting memories and stronger bonds.

4️⃣ Enhancing Employer Branding
A company that invests in its people gains a reputation as a top-tier employer. These stories of recognition and reward spread, helping to attract even more exceptional talent to your organization.

5️⃣ Creating Unforgettable Moments
Beyond the business metrics, incentive trips are about celebrating success and saying “thank you” in the most unforgettable way possible.

The Loire Valley isn’t just a destination—it’s a statement. It’s a way to say to your team: “We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re investing in your happiness and success.”

02/03/2025

02/02/2025

Did you know?

Groundhog Day has its roots in ancient weather lore and European traditions, particularly from German-speaking regions. The modern celebration, which takes place every year on February 2nd, originated in the United States but was inspired by Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday.

Origins & European Influence
Candlemas Day (February 2nd) was a day when clergy would bless candles and distribute them for winter. A proverb from Germany stated:

"If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter will have another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again."
Germans believed that if the sun shone on Candlemas Day, a hedgehog or badger would see its shadow and predict six more weeks of winter.
When German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, they adapted the tradition, replacing the hedgehog with the groundhog, which was more common in North America.

The First Official Groundhog Day (1887)
The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club was formed by a group of newspaper editors and local businessmen.

Their chosen groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, became the most famous weather forecaster.

The Tradition Today
Every year, thousands gather at Gobbler’s K**b in Pennsylvania to watch Phil emerge from his burrow.

If Phil sees his shadow, he predicts six more weeks of winter.
If Phil doesn’t see his shadow, spring will arrive early.
Other regions in the U.S. and Canada have their own groundhogs, like Staten Island Chuck (NY) and Wiarton Willie (Canada).

Fun Facts
Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions are only about 40% accurate, but people continue to enjoy the tradition.
The 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray popularized the holiday worldwide.

Phil is said to be the same groundhog since 1887, thanks to a "magical elixir" that supposedly extends his life. (Of course, that’s just for fun—many groundhogs have played Phil over the years!)

02/01/2025

Black History Month - Charleston, South Carolina

In the heart of Charleston, SC, a free black man named Denmark Vesey dared to dream of something revolutionary—freedom for all.

Born enslaved in 1767, Vesey’s fate took a turn when he won a lottery in 1799, using his winnings to buy his freedom. But freedom wasn’t enough when he saw his brothers and sisters still shackled by the chains of slavery. Fueled by an unshakable sense of justice, he secretly plotted one of the most ambitious slave rebellions in American history.

His plan? To lead thousands of enslaved people to overthrow their oppressors, take control of Charleston, and escape to Haiti, the world’s first Black republic. But before the plan could be set into motion, word leaked. Betrayed and captured, Vesey and 35 of his followers were executed in 1822.

Though his rebellion never came to pass, his courage sent shockwaves through the South, striking fear into the hearts of slaveholders and inspiring generations to continue the fight for freedom. Today, Denmark Vesey’s name lives on—a symbol of defiance, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who dared to rise.

His statue now stands in Charleston’s Hampton Park, a reminder that the fight for justice never truly ends.

01/31/2025

💖 Looking for the PERFECT Valentine’s Day gift? Forget the chocolates and flowers—how about gifting an unforgettable adventure? 🌍✈️

With Plan It Travel, you can start planning a dream getaway for your loved one. Whether it’s a romantic beach escape, a cozy mountain retreat, or exploring a vibrant city together, we make trip planning easy, seamless, and stress-free.

❤️✨ Show your love with memories that last forever. This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of adventure—and let us help you make it happen.

💌 Start planning today with Plan It Travel and create a journey filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments!