Destination Days Travel

26/08/2024

One Week in Bavaria!

Bavaria is an often-overlooked gem in Europe. While Switzerland was beautiful, the Bavarian Alps offer stunning mountains with fewer crowds. Save this itinerary for your next trip!

Day 1: Munich & Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Arrive in Munich and stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a ski town with plenty to do in summer. It’s close to the Austrian border and we loved the area.

Day 2: Kletterwald Climbing Forest
A must-visit, especially with kids! The course has various difficulty levels and a safety system for independent climbing. My kids ranked this as one of their favorite days of their month in Europe.

Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle
Drive through Lermoos and Ehrwald, Austria, then stop in Fussen before visiting the castle. For fewer crowds, continue past Mary’s Bridge and onto the higher trails to another viewpoint of the castle.

Day 4: Zugspitze & Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Zugspitze, Germany’s highest point, offers stunning views. Put a jacket in your daypack, as it’s cold at the top. Enjoy the beautiful Lake Eibsee afterwards.

Day 5: Mittenwald & Leutasch Gorge
Start with a hike around Leutasch Gorge for an amazing sky bridge. Then hike or drive down into Mittenwald for lunch and a beer at Gasthofr and some spaghetti ice. Consider the Kranzberg Sesselift and mountain carts if your kids are over age 10.

Day 6: Dachau Memorial & Munich
Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial—a sobering but essential experience. I left the youngest kids back for this, as the images can be a bit graphic. In Munich, explore Marienplatz Plaza and St. Peter’s Church for panoramic views. Enjoy a meal at Hofbräuhaus beer hall; the upstairs restaurant is quieter if the downstairs is too loud.

Day 7: Day Trip to Innsbruck, Austria
Explore Innsbruck’s Altstadt (Old Town) and ride the Nordkette cable cars and Hungerburgbahn Funicular for panoramic views. Have lunch at Seegrube at the top.

22/08/2024

Some of my TOP Honeymoon destinations! *Picture of Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica. My romance travelers love this one!

-French Polynesian Islands: For island hopping and overwater bungalows

-Mexico: For all inclusives, luxury for a more reasonable price tag, and for a much shorter travel time

Costa Rica: For a mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury

Bali, Indonesia: For a unique cultural experience and mix of relaxation, romance, adventure, and reasonably priced luxurious accommodations

Caribbean Islands: For ease of access from the US, varied activities and accommodations, and warm weather year-round.

Maldives: For overwater bungalows and to avoid the crowds

Thailand: For a unique cultural experience, Thai hospitality, and varied activities that can include city, mountains, cultural experiences, and beautiful beaches

Greece: For island hopping, luxury, nightlife, history, and amazing food

Japan: For food, culture, Japanese hospitality, history, and a combination of nature and amazing cities

Italy: for rich culture, diverse landscapes, amazing food, beautiful architecture, and history

Which location would be your dream honeymoon?

20/08/2024

New blog is up! Are you wondering how to spend a week in Belize? Here is one of my favorite itineraries!

https://destinationdays.com/2024/05/21/best-belize-itinerary/

07/06/2024

There’s a new player in town!

I had the privilege of touring the new Ava Cancun right before it opened. While I can’t speak on the anything but my meeting with the sales rep and the building, which wasn’t done, it looks like a really promising resort!

What we know-
-AIC Hotel, who also manages Hard Rock Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Punta Cana, and Unico.
-It is going to be more upscale than the Hard Rock hotels in the destination.
-Family friendly
-Massive hotel with over 1,000 rooms. Huge event spaces for conventions
-Massive salt water pool

It is not meant for those who prefer boutique hotels, and more for those who want a large property with a lot to do inside. It reminded me a bit of a cruise ship. It is very close to the Cancun airport, so no long travel days!

What do you think? Will you be trying this one out?

24/05/2024

Kicking off the summer in my favorite spot 🇲🇽. This summer we will be in 3 states and 8 countries 🤯. We will spend some much needed family time together on some new and exciting adventures, but while the kids are resting I’ll be meeting with new suppliers, exploring new resorts, learning better ways to service my clients, and sharing the beautiful world with YOU! First stop: Mexico!

30/04/2024

Spent the week exploring and learning about beautiful Barbados and I can’t wait to share!

15/04/2024

Let’s talk sargassum…

These photos are on the exact same beach, taken at different times of the year.

This is especially important for those who are planning a beach event, like a wedding. It’s here, and it sucks. It can happen anytime of the year, anywhere, but is generally worse in the summer.

A majority of resorts have workers working tirelessly to battle this “gift” from Mother Nature, but there is only so much that can be done.

Some beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean are hit worse than others. I have found that beaches that directly face the open Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico seem to get hit the worse since there is nothing blocking it. Other beaches, like the Caribbean side of St. Lucia tend to see less of it.

This is a big part of the conversation I have when qualifying clients and helping them choose resorts. For pool lovers, a giant bloob of seaweed isn’t ideal; but won’t ruin a trip. For others, we may specifically scout out beaches that are least likely to get hit with it.

This year I am scouting out many different beaches around Mexico and the Caribbean and will be working on a full guide for my beach lovers!

26/03/2024

If you want your choice of lodging, now is the time to start planning next year’s trip. And if you hire me, this could be your view 😉

20/03/2024

I’m almost through my “Resorts of Saint Lucia” series! Today the highlight is The Landings. Why I love this property: on a beautiful marina and sargassum free beach, multiple bedroom condos for extended families, larger families, and groups, the option of an all-inclusive plan or European plan, and on Rodney Bay so you have easy access to restaurants and bars. This is a fabulous property if you want a nice mix of a resort while also experiencing some life outside of the resort!

There are only a couple of my top recommended resorts left. Go back through my last few reels and follow for the full resort list!

23/02/2024

I’m working on a new blog that will have full packing lists for each destination I visit (my big 2024 project!) but in the meantime, I’m going to tell you one absolute HAVE TO PACK in your suitcase for your winter trips to Europe.

WATERPROOF BOOTS

Seriously, if you invest in one good item for your trip, let it be good shoes. Go cheap with everything else, but make sure you have good shoes for walking that are warm and waterproof. You can layer clothes, but nothing will ruin a trip like not packing the right shoes.

Your summer Europe shoes will not work for winter.

All around Spain we kept seeing a brand called Panama Jack, so I’m going to give those a try for the next trip and I’ll post a review!

12/02/2024

Made it to country #30! A year ago I set out to make it to 50 countries before I turn 40. Now I know I look like I’m in my youthful 20’s (😉), but I’m getting pretty close. I still think I can make it though!

This trip we made it to 3 of Europe’s smallest countries. Follow along in my stories to see what we did and where we are headed next!

05/01/2024

2024 is promising to be a prime time to witness the northern lights. If you've ever thought about laying in a glass lodging looking up at the dancing sky, now is the time to plan!

Here's why:

-Solar Maximum Peak: 2024 marks the apex of Solar Cycle 25, a phenomenon occurring every 11 years. This heightened solar activity significantly increases the chances of a vibrant and intense Northern Lights display.

-Increased Visibility: In 2024, Earth's position enhances the visibility of the Northern Lights. The tilt of our planet's axis, combined with the solar cycle peak, ensures a more pronounced display.

Here's the top places to see the northern lights in 2024:

-Tromsø, Norway
-Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
-Abisko, Sweden
-Iceland
-Lapland, Finland
-Yellowknife, Canada

If seeing the aurora borealis is on your bucket list, the earth is telling you that now is your time!

01/01/2024

Happy New Year from British Columbia! We spent the week exploring Vancouver and skiing Whistler and Blackcomb!

Wishing you all a year filled with laughter, good health, and the fulfillment of your biggest dreams 💫.

26/12/2023

Happy Holidays! Thank you all for being here, following us on our adventures, and supporting Destination Days Travel. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you and your continued support.

23/12/2023

Spent the day in Miami exploring beautiful ship before she set sail into the Caribbean. If you like the idea of cruising but hate crowds, buffets, and prepare higher end accommodations, Explora Journeys may be what you’re looking for!

18/12/2023

We haven’t been back to Disney since right after things reopened post-😷 when we had season passes. We actually enjoyed it then, but didn’t renew since we started traveling internationally a lot and just didn’t have the time off work/school to do both.

Well, the kids have been begging, so we decided to check it out a bit. We did a day at Epcot in hopes of lesser crowds around the holidays and went on a weekday. Things have changed so much! I’ll do some follow up reels, including what we spent for the day, because I was honestly a bit shocked 🤑🤑.

One thing is sure: Disney requires a ton of extra planning if you want to maximize your days at the parks. Gone are the days of picking some fast passes, showing up, and going with the flow. I can see why Disney TA’s are so busy!

Overall, the kids had fun and we enjoyed our day because we went with good friends, but we certainly won’t be rushing back to get annual passes again.

So if you’re a Disney mom, what do you love about it? What keeps you coming back? And what’s everyone’s thoughts on the Genie+ nonsense? It wasn’t really my fav.

13/12/2023

*client repost

Zoetry Aqua Punta Cana is a boutique resort on the beautiful Cap Cana beach in the Dominican Republic. My clients love that this resort is smaller and more peaceful than the typical all inclusive and has a beautiful Balinese aesthetic!

04/12/2023

I absolutely feel in love with Cabo and lucked out with the BEST group of agents and the most awesome trip organizers and hosts. Thank you, for a truly amazing weekend of learning this beautiful destination!

01/12/2023

Another beautiful day in Cabo! Today we are seeing 4 more amazing properties and I can’t wait to share details!

30/11/2023

Morning view from Cabo! Today we got to see 5 amazing properties and tomorrow we will see 4 more! I go to Cancun quite a bit and I’m loving the different views from this side of Mexico. Follow along in my stories for some awesome resorts for your next trip!

27/11/2023

What are the benefits of a destination wedding? Check out my new blog to read more!

Are you dreaming of saying "I do" in a picturesque location with a breathtaking backdrop? Look no further, because destination weddings are the perfect way to celebrate your love in a truly unforgettable way. Whether you envision exchanging vows on a secluded beach, in a charming vineyard, or atop a...

05/11/2023

Strasbourg, France, is beloved for its wine culture and enchanting half-timbered houses. Experience numerous delights in Strasbourg when sailing aboard our Enchanting Rhine itinerary. Contact me today!

Extending This Limited-Time Offer! >>>MORE

03/11/2023

Are you planning a trip to see Machu Picchu? ⬇️

Here are some of your options and the pros and cons of choosing these itineraries, which itinerary I ultimately chose, and why I preferred my choice.

The most popular is trekking the iconic Inca Trail for 4-days. While this is filled with many historical sites, due to its popularity and the Peruvian Government's attempt to preserve the historical site, securing permits can be a challenge since there is a strict cap on how many people can trek the trail per day. This requires booking really far in advance, which isn't always possible for many people.

For a less crowded adventure, the Salkantay Trek offers some absolutely incredible scenery on the way. Spanning 5 days, this trek guides you through a variety of landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to rainforests, all leading to Machu Picchu. The trade-off here is that the Salkantay Trek is more physically demanding and it lacks the historical heritage of the Inca Trail.

Travelers wanting a less strenuous journey can opt for a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu, before making their way up to the ruins.

The choice ultimately hinges on your preferences, considering factors like historical immersion, terrain diversity, and the level of physical exertion. We chose the Salkantay Trek and I was very glad we did. Machu Picchu was impressive enough that I don't feel I missed out by not hiking the Inca Trail. I think it also would have taken away the "WOW" factor I had watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu. We got to see some of the most gorgeous mountains in the world, and our experience was very diverse. We hiked into Aguas Calientes, so we still got to experience it before resting and heading up to Machu Picchu.

Is Machu Picchu on your bucket list?

27/10/2023

Seville's Plaza de España is a beautiful square within Maria Luisa Park. It is adorned with tile work and features ornate bridges, fountains and canals. The tour departs on May 2, 2024. Book by 11/15/23 to Save $400 per couple.

Save $400/couple on Europe Tours >>>MORE

20/10/2023

Have you ever thought about combining travel with a hobby or sport?

Here's the story about how I, as a non-runner, ended up running 26.2 miles on and around The Great Wall of China.

It starts with me doing lesson plans late one night with a glass of wine in hand. Because that's when ALL the best ideas come to us, right? I came across a "Top 10 Marathons to Run" article. A few teacher friends and I had started running after school and had worked our way up to a 10k race. The next logical step was to train for our first marathon, but with 20k steps added on, of course, so they bought into my idea.

For the next few months, we followed a pretty rigorous training program and then set off to Beijing. It was an absolute unorganized mess. If you ever decide to run The Great Wall Marathon, know that there are 2: one larger, professionally run race, and one much smaller. (That info may not still be current, but it was the case when we ran it). We ran the smaller race. They ran out of fluid and medical supplies on the wall so for miles and miles no one had a sip of water and there were bloody knees everywhere. Some parts of the wall have been restored, but other parts are quite uneven and slippery.

Despite it taking 9 hours, we made it through and got to explore many parts of one of the most incredible, and largest man-made structures in the world. It truly is unbelievable in person. And you don't have to run a marathon to enjoy it.

So, would I ever do it again? Nope! I don't see myself ever traveling to run a race again as I'd much rather leisurely see a country, and I certainly won't ever be running that far again. But it sure was an experience!

What is one of your most outlandish travel memories?

13/10/2023

Have you ever been to a destination that completely exceeded your expectations? 🌟

Last week, I shared a photo from a place that left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. This time, I'm shining a spotlight on a destination that totally blew me away: Halong Bay (and Vietnam in general, though today, I'm focusing on Halong Bay). Pictures don't do it justice. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, you absolutely must include a Halong Bay cruise on your itinerary. It's just a 1.5-hour drive from Hanoi, and I recommend a 2-night stay on a small boat. You'll have the chance to explore caves, villages, and even go kayaking in the bay. Some cruises go to the lesser-known spots, like Cat Ba Island. It's surprisingly affordable, making the upgrade to a luxury ship more attainable here than in most places around the world.

I typically avoid revisiting countries, but I can honestly say that I'd LOVE to return to Vietnam! 🇻🇳❤️

06/10/2023

The time a monkey fought with me over my water bottle in Cambodia… can we guess who won?!

One of the things I love about many countries in SE Asia are the monkeys, but they aren’t always friendly. The nicest monkeys I have encountered were in Bali, and the nastiest were in Nepal when they stole my plastic bag that had some souvenirs in it. This little guy just wanted some water. I was trying to be nice and help, but that wasn’t good enough and he wanted the whole bottle 😆. Needless to say, when he showed his teeth, I gave in.

06/10/2023

The canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands were my favorite part of the Netherlands! Although the stroopwafels take a close second place. One of my favorite ways to explore Europe is on a river cruise, where I unpack once and wake up in a new location every day. Check out this AmaWaterways' Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps river cruise itinerary for a truly unique European travel experience. Contact me for more details.

Choose Your Journey >>>MORE

29/09/2023

This one causes some controversy, but let's talk about one-and-done travel destinations. Some busy cities, like Rome, left me content after just 48 hours and no urge to return. What are your one-and-done destinations?