Montage Travel

28/07/2024

If the Appian Way wasn’t already on your list of things to see while in Rome, I hope it will be now!

If your family enjoys biking, I can add an excellent guided bike tour to your itinerary to enrich your visit on this historic road!

Highway that consolidated Roman empire joins modernist Romanian sculptures as latest sites added to list

18/07/2024

I was recently included in the Travel Expert Newsletter from Travel Beyond the Obvious in the "Destination Highlight" section.

They curate all content for the newsletter using only the best articles from their growing group of Certified Travel Experts, which includes me!

Have a look at the newsletter; it has lots of great content for travelers about different incredible travel destinations, tips for travel, and more.

Here is a link to the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/travelbeyondtheobvious/travel-expert-network-march-2024-newsletter-5720688?e=a0751f7d56

Here is a link where you can subscribe if you want to see more content like this: http://eepurl.com/h0y-WP

Paris is a city that comes alive after dark with magic, whimsy, and fun. If you know you want to explore Paris nightlife on your trip, here are some wonderful suggestions to get you started, including a few kid-friendly options.

22/05/2024

Finally! 🎉

This will make it a lot easier for iPhone users to buy and manage Paris metro tickets.

If you’re traveling with young kids, you’ll still want to get them a physical Navigo Easy Pass or t+ ticket.

Passe Navigo – the travelcard used for Metro, bus, rail, and tram journeys in Paris – has finally come to...

16/04/2024

The Palace of Versailles, located outside Paris, was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in 1623. Later, his son Louis XIV transformed it into a grand royal residence.

The palace is surrounded by sprawling gardens with fountains and sculptures, which reflect Versailles' prominence as the center of political power in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Inside, you can find the Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments, which are decorated with stunning artwork and ornamentation. During early Spring through early Fall weekends, you can observe fountain shows where the fountains dance to baroque music.

Tell me in the comments - what are you most looking forward to seeing when you visit Versailles?

11/03/2024

If you're looking to explore the history and mystery of England, a day trip to Stonehenge from London should definitely be on your list. With towering stone megaliths arranged in a circular formation, this prehistoric monument has captivated people's imagination for centuries.

Dating back over 4,500 years, Stonehenge offers a unique window into our ancient past and stands as one of the world's most enigmatic landmarks. Its origins and purpose continue to be a subject of scholarly debate, adding to its allure and mystery. Experiencing the sheer magnitude of these colossal stones is a humbling reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancestors.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness history up close!

06/03/2024

If you know, you know.😉

And if you want to know - let's start planning your trip.

A report ranking the world's best tourist destinations placed Paris in first place for the second year in a row.

26/02/2024

While Rome may be a big, loud, and busy city — with animated conversations, bustling cafes, scooters zipping by — it is also a city best savored at a slower pace. A traveler who walks in Rome is someone who forges a kind of intimacy with this extraordinary place that has so much to offer the senses.

Part of why I love exploring Rome on foot has to do with the present. The deliberate pace makes you aware of the warm colors, the aromas of coffee and bread, the feel of cobblestone streets, the sounds of dishes clinking and the pleasant hum of conversation, the glow of cafe lights as evening drifts down.

And part of it has to do with what’s long past: it’s a city where the ancient is always peeking through, where at any moment you feel like you could cross a stone threshold and slip back in time.

With a custom-designed itinerary, I can map out any route, pre-purchase your entrance tickets, and make reservations for dinner — so all the guesswork is gone, and all you have to do is enjoy your 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘢.

Here’s a sampling of my favorite walks in Rome.

To really savor all that the Eternal City has to offer, these are my top recommendations for the best walks in Rome (gelato stops included!).

22/02/2024

Fly High on the London Eye!

Elevate your London experience - quite literally - with a visit to one of the city's most iconic structures, The London Eye.

As Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, it takes you on a magnificent 30-minute journey into the sky, providing a bird's eye perspective that reveals the city like no other.

From the comfort of your capsule, you'll marvel at stunning views of world-renowned landmarks. Watch as the Gothic beauty of the Houses of Parliament, the majestic Big Ben, the futuristic Shard, and the tranquil River Thames create an unforgettable panorama that lends itself to some unforgettable photography.

Whether you visit during the day to fully appreciate the sprawling cityscape or opt for an enchanting night ride to admire the city lights illuminating the Thames, this experience promises to be a highlight of your trip.

So why wait? Conquer the skies with the London Eye!

14/02/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovebirds out there.

PS. Forget the chocolate and flowers - they only last a few days. Give the gift of travel - the memories will last a lifetime!

07/02/2024

The emblem of Western Christendom and the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is an experience as much as it is a building.

Everything about it — its history, its art, its impossibly towering dome — defies the mind’s sense of scope and scale.

St. Peter is recognized as the first pope of the Church. His martyred remains are buried under what is the main altar today. The original St. Peter’s site (completed in 326 A.D.) is dwarfed by the immensity of the “new” basilica, which took 120 years to complete and was finally finished in 1626.

You can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering the narthex, nave, and nooks of the Basilica, which hold some of the world’s most famous art and sculptures. Michelangelo’s Pietà, Raphael’s mosaic copy of the Transfiguration, and the gigantic statue of St. Peter himself (with a big toe that has been worn down by the kisses of millions of devotees over the centuries) all can be found inside one of the most extraordinary sights Rome has to offer.

And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can climb the 323 steps leading you to the 448-foot dome, where you can get a bird’s eye view of Vatican City below.

𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵? Yes….or no.

If I’m planning your custom Rome itinerary, we’ll discuss the pros and cons as it relates to the time of year of your visit and your personal travel stamina!

06/02/2024

England and tea are an inseparable pair.

The daily experience of “afternoon tea in London” is so intricately woven into English culture that the phrase alone conjures an image: the delicate clinking of fine cups and saucers, the dainty cucumber sandwiches, the raised pinky, the scones, and clotted cream.

Getting the experience of an authentic afternoon tea in London is one of those traditions that gives a visitor a genuine insight into English culture.

There are many places in London to get a wonderful afternoon tea, and what’s great about the many choices is that you can pick a location based on your sightseeing itinerary and preferences.

For example, how does 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 after a visit to the Tower of London sound?

The Shard, a famous London landmark, rising 72 stories to a glittering glass point, hosts three wonderful tea rooms that have been big hits with my clients.

🫖 Children and adults alike love the magical 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗮 (pictured) 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱, the famous bar and restaurant on the 31st floor. The entire menu is designed as an imaginative exploration of the beloved children’s book — sailing-ship tea trays, Tinkerbell cookies, and all the wonders of Neverland.

🫖 Situated 32 floors up the Shard, the 𝗢𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘅 offers a breathtaking view of the London skyline and a menu with a modern twist on the traditional English tea.

🫖 If the perfect pairing of two cultures and two famous places intrigues you, check out tea at 𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚, in the Shangri-La Hotel. The menu features Asian-inspired sweet and savory treats, gorgeous views, and an elegant interior that will transport you.

As a London Certified Travel Expert℠ and Itinerary Planner, I have a long list of fantastic places I can propose based on the type of experience you’re looking to have – and reserving your table for you is included in my Custom Itinerary service.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙? Book your call with me here: https://calendly.com/montagetravel/

Photo Credit: Aqua Shard

01/02/2024

I often find myself wishing that the United States had a train system as efficient and convenient as the ones in Europe. In the US, we are often left with the options of driving or flying, both of which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

And while you 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 drive or fly to connect London and Paris, the Eurostar train offers a much more appealing way to travel.

Here are some of the best reasons to take the Eurostar if your travel itinerary includes visiting both Paris and London (as many of my clients choose to do!):

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 Unlike with air travel, lines move more quickly, there are fewer delays, and all your border checks are done before departure. So when you arrive in Paris or London, you just walk out as if you’ve taken a local train.

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 The train stations in both cities centrally located, positioning you within minutes of your accommodations.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 Eurostar train seats are larger, softer, and come with much more legroom than your standard airplane seat.

𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘆 You can stretch your legs and walk around the train - again, it’s so nice not to be stuck in a cramped seat!

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸 The dining options on the Eurostar are pretty luxe compared to airline food.

𝗪𝗶𝗙𝗶 If you need to work or want to stream a movie, you can do so in comfort with a reliable connection the entire way.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 The 13 minutes under the Chunnel is … well, just dark. But the rest of the trip takes you through gorgeous countryside and interesting English and French towns.

𝗡𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 Once you book your ticket, that’s it! Eurostar has ample luggage allowance, no hidden costs, and no extra fees for choosing your own seat or booking in advance.

Part of the joy of traveling in Europe is getting the opportunity to experience the ease of train travel when connecting nearby cities and countries. And with Paris and London, in particular, there’s no better way than by Eurostar train.

Did you know that I book your long-distance train tickets for you as a part of my Custom Itinerary service? It’s one of the many ways I take the stress of planning out of your vacation.

Photo Credit: Eurostar

18/01/2024

After many trips, tons of in-depth personal research in places like Rome, London, and Paris, and years as a travel expert specializing in custom-designed itineraries, here’s something I’m confident about: I 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 know how to plan a trip to Europe.

From choosing a destination to booking lodging and transportation to making sure all your documents are in order, there’s a lot to keep track of.

I want to give you the inside track on my planning process so that you can enjoy your trip with the least amount of stress possible.

Because there’s nothing like that amazing moment when your plane takes off and you are officially on vacation (it’s one of my favorite feelings!) — and it’s even better when you know everything’s in order.

The countdown to summer vacation is on. Are you ready?

As a seasoned travel expert, here are my best tips for how to plan a trip to Europe — so you’ll have all the essentials covered before you leave.

16/01/2024

Exploring museums dedicated to the works of a single artist can be a truly enriching experience. Beyond being mere art showcases, these museums go the extra mile to narrate the life story of the artist and illuminate the profound ways in which their experiences shaped their creations.

For art and culture enthusiasts planning a visit to Paris, there are several such museums that deserve a spot on your itinerary, including:

𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺: Immerse yourself in the genius of Pablo Picasso, who lived and worked in Paris for more than 60 years, with this well-presented collection of captivating paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺: Discover the artistic passion of legendary sculptor, Auguste Rodin. See his masterpieces, including "The Thinker," in the enchanting sculpture garden and feel the echoes of Rodin's tumultuous love affair with Camille Claudel in this artistic haven.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺: Although not exclusively dedicated to Claude Monet, this museum houses the world’s largest private collection of works by the renowned artist. While in Paris, continue your exploration of his captivating brushstrokes at the Orsay and Orangerie Museums. And, consider a day trip to the nearby Giverny, where you can leisurely stroll through his personal residence, studio, and gardens.

𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺: Those who watch the Academy Awards just for the red carpet fashions will want to make a note to visit the Dior Museum for an immersive journey through the iconic fashion house's legacy. Discover the evolution of timeless elegance and innovation, with dedicated spaces highlighting Dior's distinctive style and global influence in the world of fashion.

So, following your visits to the famous Louvre and Orsay Museums, why not explore one of the more intimate museums devoted to a single artist? It’s a truly rewarding experience.

Tailoring recommendations to your interests — whether you're a foodie, a history buff, a nature enthusiast, an active explorer, a fan of the theatre, live music, and more — I can seamlessly integrate them into your personalized itinerary.

If 2024 is your year of travel, don't wait—reach out now!

11/01/2024

The first national free public museum in the world, the British Museum opened its doors in 1759. With such a massive collection — I mean, truly dizzying — it can be a daunting task to narrow down the must-sees at the British Museum.

The original British Museum collection was around 80,000 “natural and artificial rarities.” In the over 260 years since its founding, the British Museum collection has grown to over eight 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 objects, spanning two million years of human history.

Although it’s no exaggeration that a person could spend days or even weeks combing through these treasures of antiquity — I also understand that most travelers don’t have that kind of time.

With a customized itinerary, I can help you decide how to get the most out of these amazing places in order to maximize enjoyment and avoid exhaustion.

So if you want to see this incredible place but know you can’t be there for days, here are my 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁-𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺. Specifically focusing on the ancient civilizations of Greece, Assyria, and Egypt.

With its massive collection, it’s a daunting task to choose the must-sees at the British Museum. Here are my top 10!

10/01/2024

Ever felt utterly overwhelmed by the sheer variety of accommodation options when planning a trip? With so many options, it's all too easy to get lost in the stars and reviews.

The star rating system can be a helpful guide - more stars mean more amenities and generally imply larger rooms. But the star rating isn’t the whole story.

So, what else matters to you when choosing accommodations? A quiet neighborhood? Close proximity to landmarks? Enough space for the whole family? I've got you covered!

As your dedicated Itinerary Planner, I don't just recommend hotels; I use my expertise to hand-pick options that align perfectly with your vision for your trip.

So, let's weave your travel story together, one unique detail at a time.

05/01/2024

As we enter the bustling season of peak travel planning, I want to take a moment to share more about what I do and what drives my passion for helping travelers:

I started Montage Travel because the traditional commission-driven “travel agent” model 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 who aren’t interested in the cookie-cutter options sold to them (usually with a markup) by someone who has never personally visited the destination.

And DIY trip planning often 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 where they can’t know for sure if they missed a must-see sight or unique activity, chose a hotel that was truly the best value, fit, and location for them, or if their awareness of things to see and do was limited to results from a Google search, a social media Influencer’s partnerships, or other 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀.

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻, 𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆? 𝘔𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

Itinerary design usually starts with the “must-see” sights (𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑡-𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛!) before I add hidden gem recommendations that align perfectly with your interests and curiosities.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.

That means that you don’t have to give up on the dream of seeing the Louvre just because you’re traveling with little kids — because there are ways to get your kids engaged that can allow you to enjoy your time, as well. There are ways to beat crowds, get an in-depth tour, take care of transportation, accommodate mobility needs, and not have to waste time standing in line.

I can help you find the best places to get lunch on your day exploring the Roman Forum. Map out your day in Paris to make sure you get to see the Eiffel Tower light up at night. Reserve tickets to your favorite Shakespeare play. Sneak in that day trip to visit the home of your favorite artist in the French countryside and be back for a relaxing dinner in the most charming cafe that’s just around the corner from your hotel.

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 (𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑛𝑜𝑤!) — 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.

It's also the best time to reach out to me to get started on a custom itinerary.

03/01/2024

🌟 Ready to fill in the blanks on your 2024 travel dreams?