Author: vpadmin

10 Travel Resolutions for 2026 (That You’ll Actually Want to Keep)

Posted on | by vpadmin

10 Travel Resolutions for 2026 (That You’ll Actually Want to Keep)

Every January, we talk about resolutions. And every year, most of them disappear by February. Travel resolutions don’t have to be that way. The best ones aren’t about doing more, they’re about choosing better experiences and actually putting them on the calendar.

Here are ten travel resolutions I love for 2026. No pressure, no guilt. Just ideas that make travel feel more doable and a lot more fun.

1. Plan Earlier So You Have Better Options

You don’t have to book everything right away, but starting the conversation early gives you more choices. Better dates. Better rooms. Less “we waited too long” energy.

2. Put At Least One Trip on the Calendar

Even one confirmed trip can change how a year feels. Having something to look forward to makes the busy weeks a little easier to get through.

3. Use the Vacation Time You’ve Earned

If you’ve got vacation days, they should actually be used. Time off isn’t a luxury, it’s part of taking care of yourself.

4. Say Yes to a Trip with Other People

Some of the best trips happen with friends, family, or people who feel like family. Shared trips create the kind of memories that last way longer than souvenirs.

5. Try a Different Style of Travel

If you always do the same type of trip, consider mixing it up. Cruise instead of land. Guided instead of DIY. Relaxed instead of packed. You might surprise yourself.

6. Travel to Celebrate Something

Birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, or even “we made it through another year” are all good reasons to go somewhere.

7. Go Somewhere New

Comfort zones are nice, but trying a new destination can be refreshing. New places tend to create new favorite memories.

8. Make Planning Easier on Yourself

Travel doesn’t have to be stressful to plan. Asking for help can save time, reduce guesswork, and make the whole process more enjoyable.

9. Leave Room to Actually Enjoy the Trip

Not every minute needs to be scheduled. Some of the best moments happen when you slow down and let the trip unfold.

10. Do the Trip You’ve Been Putting Off

If there’s a trip you’ve talked about for years, 2026 might be the year to finally stop talking and start planning.

Travel resolutions aren’t about perfection. They’re about choosing experiences that make your year feel fuller, more connected, and more memorable. If even one of these ideas sticks, it can make a big difference in how 2026 looks and feels.

The 2026 Travel Ideas Jar

Posted on | by vpadmin

The 2026 Travel Ideas Jar

A simple little tradition that turns wishful thinking into real plans

If you’ve been around here for a minute, you know I love two things: helping people find joy in travel and turning everyday moments into something worth remembering. So let me introduce one of my favorite end of year traditions. It’s easy, heartfelt, and honestly a little magical. It’s the 2026 Travel Ideas Jar.

Think of it as a place where dreams get to stretch their legs before life talks you out of them. All you need is a jar, a stack of paper, and a few minutes of honesty about what you really want next year to look like.

Why it works

A travel ideas jar feels small, but it opens the door to conversations we rarely stop long enough to have. What do we want to explore as a family. What do we want to experience now that the kids are older or out of the house. What feels exciting. What feels healing. What feels like the version of us we want to grow into.

You write it down, fold it up, toss it in the jar, and suddenly it becomes real. Maybe it’s a winter trip to Europe next December. Maybe it’s Alaska for a big birthday. Maybe it’s a beach week where nobody has to meal plan or pretend to like sand in their swimsuit. Maybe it’s something completely wild like Japan, because life is short and you deserve a thrill.

Where the magic happens

The best part is reading everything together. You sit around the table with the people you love, open the slips one by one, laugh at the ridiculous ones, hold your breath at the meaningful ones, and let yourself imagine a year that looks a little different from the last.

It is a moment of connection. A reminder that experiences bring people closer in a way wrapped gifts never quite can. You get to see your family’s personalities show up in the best possible way. The dreamers, the planners, the ones who write down “just somewhere warm.”

Why now is the perfect time

This season is full of reflection. Maybe the house feels quieter. Maybe this year stretched you. Maybe you just want more moments that make you feel alive. A travel ideas jar is a gentle way to say yes to that.

It doesn’t mean booking anything today. It doesn’t mean deciding on flights or budgets or dates. It just means giving your heart permission to want something for next year.

And if you open a slip that makes you smile the second you read it, that’s your sign. Hold onto it. Let it simmer. I’ll be right here whenever you’re ready to start dreaming out loud!

Get your jar ready

Grab a jar. Grab your people. Grab the spark that makes you say I could really use this. Then start writing.

Here’s to a year of memories that feel good in your bones.
Here’s to 2026!

Holiday Travel Tips: Real Talk, Real Chaos, Real Solutions

Posted on | by vpadmin

Holiday Travel Tips: Real Talk, Real Chaos, Real Solutions

It’s holiday travel season, friends. Which means airports are basically emotional obstacle courses, families are operating at full volume and someone, somewhere, is already arguing with a gate agent about a carry on the size of a small moon. 

So let’s talk about how to survive it all with your sanity intact. 

✈️ Real Talk: Holiday Air Travel Is Basically a Full Contact Sport 

If you’re flying this season, here’s the truth: 

  • The lines will be long. 
  • The luggage belts will break at the exact wrong moment. 
  • Someone will absolutely try to bring a Costco rotisserie chicken through TSA. 

Honestly, I respect the commitment. 

Bonus pro tip:
When in doubt, take the earlier flight. Morning flights cancel less, run smoother and make your entire day easier. Painful? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. 

 

✈️ Holiday Air Travel: Quick Survival Tips 

December travel is “fun” in the same way assembling toys at midnight is fun. Manage your expectations and pack a sense of humor. 

Here’s what will save you: 

  • Take the earlier flight. If you know, you know. 
  • Screenshot everything. Boarding passes. Confirmations. Baggage tags. Your sanity. 
  • Bring snacks. You’re nicer when you’re fed. So is everyone else. 
  • Avoid tight connections. If your itinerary whispers “Chicago layover in December,” I’ll light a candle for you. 
  • Charge everything. Your phone. Your backup battery. Your backup to the backup. 
  • Pad your time. This isn’t 1998. Don’t show up thirty minutes before your flight and expect a Christmas miracle. 

The holy trinity of low stress holiday travel is simple: snacks, chargers and patience. 

🎄 Traveling With Family? Here’s Your Survival Guide 

Family travel during the holidays is… a journey of emotional discovery. 

A few golden rules: 

  • Someone will cry. Let it happen. 
  • Schedule alone time. Bathroom scrolling absolutely counts. 
  • Stop planning twelve activities a day. 
  • Snacks solve ninety percent of family tension. 
  • A well timed granola bar is basically therapy. 

Remember: joy doesn’t come from the perfect itinerary. It comes from the people you’re traveling with, even if they’re testing you. 

✨ Final Wisdom for December 

If it all gets too chaotic: 

  • Pour a cocoa 
  • Take a breath 
  • Remember you’re already winning 

Wrapping gifts, surviving TSA, feeding your family.
You’re doing better than most of the country. 

And if you’re ready to plan a trip that feels a little calmer than December at the airport, you know where to find me!

A Father–Daughters Ireland Road Trip: Curating Time Together 🇮🇪 

Posted on | by vpadmin

A Father–Daughters Ireland Road Trip: Curating Time Together 🇮🇪 

A custom Ireland itinerary designed to bring a father and daughters closer

Every so often, a trip comes along that is about more than the destination. This one is a father and his two teenage daughters setting out on a special adventure together, a chance to pause real life, explore their family roots, and make memories that will stay with them forever. 

With mom holding down the fort at home with the youngest, this trip became a meaningful opportunity for dedicated one-on-one time and connection. 

When they came to me, they wanted something thoughtful and authentic. Not a tour bus or a checklist of must-see spots, but a trip that feels personal. We designed a southern Ireland itinerary where winding roads, friendly locals, and cozy inns invite travelers to slow down and savor the moments that matter. 

 

Their Upcoming Journey 

With a custom itinerary created through Brendan Vacations, they will begin their week-long self-drive adventure through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes. Their route weaves through the rolling green hills of County Kerry, the colorful streets of Killarney, and the charming villages that spark curiosity and connection. 

They will stay in family-owned B and Bs and boutique hotels that offer the warmth and character Ireland is known for. One experience the girls are especially excited about is a ring-making workshop in Killarney. Each of them will design a ring to symbolize their journey together, a keepsake they will treasure long after they return home. 

 

Why Self-Drive Works 

Ireland is made for explorers. A self-drive itinerary gives this trio the flexibility to stop at local cafes, wander scenic backroads, and explore the small towns that often become the most memorable parts of a trip. 

For families who value connection and shared experiences, it strikes the perfect balance of structure and freedom. With Brendan Vacations providing detailed maps and local support, they get the joy of discovery without the stress of planning every detail on their own. 

 

Sara’s Take 

What I love most about planning this trip is the heart behind it. It is not just a vacation. It is time dedicated to each other, conversations in the car, shared discoveries, and the kind of bonding that strengthens relationships in the best way. 

If you have ever dreamed of creating a meaningful family adventure, Ireland is a beautiful place to do it. It is scenic, soulful, and wonderfully simple. 

 

Ready to plan your own story-filled road trip?
 

 Contact me and let’s plan your adventure.
https://app.tern.travel/public/forms/CUCJQCqk6sbZpR9bvcL3IQ/responses/LbpMWiO3bovoiaXfVLz1wg/edit  

 

❄️ The Heart of the Holidays: Where Memories Begin ✨

Posted on | by vpadmin

❄️ The Heart of the Holidays: Where Memories Begin ✨

Because the best gifts can’t be wrapped — they’re lived.

There’s a special kind of magic this time of year — the kind that lives in laughter around the table, snowy mornings that beg for one more cup of coffee, and that feeling when you realize the best gifts can’t be wrapped.

For some, the holidays bring back memories of family ski trips in Colorado — rosy cheeks, snow-dusted boots by the fire. For others, it’s the sound of ocean waves replacing the sound of sleigh bells — a Christmas spent barefoot on the beach.

Maybe this year, it’s time to create something new. To trade the hustle for a wellness getaway that resets your spirit before the new year, or gather loved ones somewhere that lets you breathe — together.

✨ What kind of holiday memory do you want to make next?

Reply or click below and let’s start planning your story — whether it’s wrapped in snow or sunshine.

🎁 3 Holiday Escape Ideas to Spark Your Wanderlust

Because the best memories start with saying yes to something new.

A White-Christmas Dream – Colorado Ski Getaway

Trade your slippers for ski boots and your front porch for a fireside mountain lodge. Picture snow-covered peaks, twinkling lights in Breckenridge or Vail, and evenings spent around the fireplace with cocoa (or cabernet—no judgment).

→ Perfect for families and couples who want classic holiday magic with a side of adventure.

A Warm Winter’s Tale – Caribbean or Mexico Escape

When everyone else is scraping ice off windshields, you’ll be sipping something tropical with your toes in the sand. Think Antigua, St. Lucia, or Riviera Maya—all-inclusive ease, endless sunshine, and no winter coat required.

→ Perfect for sun-seekers ready to swap sleigh bells for steel drums.

🌺 Costa Rica: Where Holiday Memories Meet Pura Vida

This year, trade the hustle for something unforgettable — a holiday escape to Costa Rica, where every sunrise feels like a fresh start.

Whether you’re craving a wellness retreat to recharge your spirit or dreaming of a family getaway that brings everyone together, Costa Rica delivers both — wrapped in lush rainforests, golden beaches, and that effortless Pura Vida charm.

🧘‍♀️ A Season to Reset – Wellness Retreat

Wake up to ocean breezes, guided yoga, fresh fruit smoothies, and the kind of peace you can’t download. Rejuvenate in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano or schedule a spa day overlooking the Pacific.

→ Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to start the new year feeling balanced, restored, and alive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Family Adventure of a Lifetime

Bring generations together — grandparents to grandkids — for the kind of trip that reconnects everyone. Zipline through the canopy, spot monkeys in the trees, float down jungle rivers, or just relax at a beachfront villa.

→ Perfect for families ready to skip the shopping crowds and make the holidays about time together.

✨ Let’s Build Your Holiday Story

Whether it’s yoga at sunrise or s’mores by the sea, I’ll help you design the trip that fits your family — or your soul.

Start Your Journey Today

🌴👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travel Made Easy: Top Tips for Happy Kids & Relaxed Parents 🏖️

Posted on | by vpadmin

🌴👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travel Made Easy: Top Tips for Happy Kids & Relaxed Parents 🏖️

Planning a family vacation can feel overwhelming, especially when traveling with children. But with the right strategies, your trip can be smooth, memorable, and fun for everyone. As a travel agent who specializes in family vacation planning, I’ve put together my best family travel tips to help parents feel confident and relaxed while exploring the world with their kids.

1. Choosing Kid-Friendly Airlines & Resorts

One of the most important family travel tips is choosing the right airline and resort.

✈️ Best family-friendly airlines offer:

  • Guaranteed seating together for families.

  • Kids’ meals and in-flight entertainment.

  • Pre-boarding for families with young children.

🏨 Kid-friendly resorts to consider:

  • On-site kids’ clubs and teen programs.

  • Pools with slides or splash zones.

  • Spacious suites or connecting rooms.

  • All-inclusive dining that caters to picky eaters.

💡 Pro tip: As a travel agent, I can match you with the best family resorts and airlines that take the stress out of travel.

2. Packing Hacks for Traveling with Kids

Smart packing makes family vacations so much easier. Here are some family packing tips:

  • Snacks: Pack healthy, mess-free snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and crackers. Always bring more than you think you’ll need.

  • Activities: Tablets with pre-downloaded movies, coloring books, sticker packs, and small toys keep kids occupied.

  • Travel medicine kit: Include children’s pain relievers, motion sickness remedies, and any prescriptions.

  • Comfort items: Don’t forget blankets, stuffed animals, or pacifiers to help kids feel secure.

💼 Keep essentials in your carry-on so they’re handy during flights and layovers.

3. Best Plane Seating for Families

Where you sit matters! Here’s how to make flights with kids easier:

  • Aisle + window combo: For a family of three, book window and aisle seats—many times, the middle seat stays open.

  • Bulkhead seats: Extra legroom and space for bassinets (perfect for infants).

  • Back of the plane: Easy access to restrooms and less stress if kids get restless.

4. How to Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling

Entertainment is the secret to stress-free flights with kids.

  • Download movies, audiobooks, and games before you leave.

  • Rotate activities every 30–60 minutes to avoid boredom.

  • Use airport layovers as a chance for kids to move around and explore play areas.

  • Play simple games like “I Spy,” or create a small travel scavenger hunt.

5. Best Family-Friendly Destinations & Cruises

Some destinations and cruises are especially designed with families in mind:

🌴 Top Family Vacation Spots

  • Orlando, Florida – theme parks and kid-focused fun.

  • Costa Rica – eco-adventures and wildlife.

  • Hawaii – family resorts with beaches and cultural experiences.

  • Italy – history, food, and family-friendly tours.

🛳 Best Family Cruises

  • Disney Cruise Line: Magical entertainment for all ages.

  • Royal Caribbean: Waterslides, rock climbing, and kids’ clubs.

  • Carnival Cruise Line: Affordable family cruises with endless activities.

Cruises make family vacations stress-free since everything is included—meals, lodging, and entertainment.

Final Thoughts on Family Travel Tips

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing kid-friendly airlines and resorts, packing smart, and picking destinations designed for families, your vacation can be enjoyable for both parents and kids.

👉 Ready to plan your next family getaway? Contact me today for personalized family vacation planning and stress-free travel arrangements!

🍾💼 When the Ship Leaves Without You – Your Passport is Your Lifeline 🛳️🥂🛂

Posted on | by vpadmin

🍾💼 When the Ship Leaves Without You – Your Passport is Your Lifeline 🛳️🥂🛂

Let me tell you about Sarah’s WORST vacation moment:

She was in Cozumel. Shopping for souvenirs. Lost track of time. Ran back to the pier.

The ship was GONE. Just… GONE. A speck on the horizon.

She stood there watching her floating hotel sail away. Her luggage is on board. Her medication is on board. Her husband is on board.

The port agent approached. “Do you have your passport?”

Sarah held up her birth certificate. “I have this…”

The agent’s face fell. “This is going to be complicated.”

It Happens MORE Than You Think

Missing the ship is NOT rare. It happens to REGULAR travelers. ALL. THE. TIME.

Excursions run late. Traffic happens. You misjudge walking distance. Your watch is wrong. The taxi breaks down.

BAM. You’re stranded.

Cruise lines report HUNDREDS of passengers miss the ship every year.

The Difference Between Inconvenience and NIGHTMARE

With a passport: Stressful but manageable. Book a flight to the next port. Or fly home. Annoying? Yes. Expensive? Yes. Impossible? NO.

Without a passport: Welcome to bureaucracy HELL. You need emergency travel documents. From a foreign country. In a HURRY. Good luck.

Real Story: John’s Different Outcomes

John missed his cruise ship in Jamaica. The excursion ran late. He RAN to the pier. The ship was already backing away.

John had a passport. Here’s what happened:

  • Called cruise line: Next port is Grand Cayman
  • Booked a flight: Found one that afternoon ($650)
  • Got through immigration: Passport made it quick
  • Flew to Grand Cayman: Rejoined the ship the next day
  • Total time stranded: 20 hours
  • Total cost: $850
  • Stress level: High but manageable

Without a passport, John would have needed:

  • Emergency travel documents from the US Embassy in Kingston (2-3 days MINIMUM)
  • Multiple hotel nights
  • Missed multiple ports
  • Possibly missed the entire cruise
  • Total cost: $2,000-$3,000+

The Bureaucratic Maze Without a Passport

You miss the ship. No passport. Here’s your FUN day:

Step 1: Find the nearest US Embassy. Hope it’s OPEN. Hope it’s CLOSE. (In Cozumel, the nearest one is in Merida – 4 HOURS away.)

Step 2: Prove you’re a US citizen. A birth certificate helps, but might not be enough.

Step 3: Pay emergency document fees. Usually $135 PLUS rush processing.

Step 4: WAIT. Emergency passports take 24-48 hours MINIMUM. Sometimes longer.

Step 5: Get yourself to the next port or home. Without luggage. Without medication.

Meanwhile, your SHIP is sailing away. Your VACATION is ruined. Your FAMILY is freaking out.

The Cruise Line Isn’t Responsible

Your cruise contract says: “The ship will not wait for late passengers.”

They mean it. If you’re not on board when sailing time comes, they LEAVE.

Some cruise lines will help arrange travel to the next port. SOME. If you’re LUCKY. And if you have a PASSPORT.

Without a passport? You’re on your OWN.

The Cost Comparison

With a passport:

  • Flight to next port: $400-$1,000
  • Hotel if needed: $100-$300
  • Meals and transport: $50-$150
  • Total: $550-$1,450

Without a passport:

  • Transportation to embassy: $100-$500
  • Emergency document fees: $135-$200
  • Multiple nights hotels: $300-$900
  • Multiple-day meals: $150-$300
  • Flight home or to catch up: $400-$1,500
  • Total: $1,085-$3,400

PLUS: Missed ports. Missed excursions. Stress. Anxiety. Vacation RUINED.

Your Travel Insurance Might Not Cover It

Most travel insurance covers “reasonable costs” to rejoin your cruise.

But that coverage often requires “proper travel documentation.”

Without a passport, insurance companies can argue you weren’t properly prepared. Your claim? DENIED.

That $2,000 in expenses? All on YOU.

Kids Make It WORSE

You miss the ship with your TWO KIDS. Neither has a passport.

Now you need emergency travel documents for THREE people. Three applications. Three waits.

Your 12-year-old is crying. Your 8-year-old is scared.

And you’re navigating foreign bureaucracy while keeping kids calm, fed, and safe.

All because you thought “We don’t need passports for a closed-loop cruise.”

Even If You’re CAREFUL, Things Happen

  • Excursions run late through NO fault of yours
  • Traffic jams happen
  • Taxis break down
  • You could get LOST
  • Medical issues could delay you
  • Your WATCH could be wrong
  • The ship could change its sailing time

You can be the most punctual person alive. Sometimes the UNIVERSE has other plans.

Having a passport means you’re prepared when the universe throws curveballs.

The Peace of Mind Factor

Every time you leave the ship:

With a passport: “If we miss the ship, we’ll handle it. Flight to the next port. Worst case, fly home. Inconvenient but manageable.”

Without a passport: “If we miss the ship, we’re SCREWED. Stuck in a foreign country. Can’t get home easily. PRAY it doesn’t happen.”

Which mental state lets you actually ENJOY your vacation?

Don’t Learn This Lesson the Hard Way

Sarah from the beginning? She spent three DAYS getting emergency travel documents. Missed the entire rest of her cruise. Cost her over $3,000. Ruined her anniversary trip.

She NOW has a passport. Renewed it the SECOND she got home.

But she wishes she’d had it BEFORE.

Learn from Sarah. Not by BEING Sarah.

Take Action TODAY

Step 1: Check your passport status. Valid? 6+ months before expiration? ALL family members have one?

Step 2: If not, start the application TODAY.

Step 3: When you cruise, make TWO copies of your passport. One in a ship is safe. One in a day bag.

Step 4: Set MULTIPLE alarms for ship departure times.

Step 5: Cruise with CONFIDENCE.

Let Me Help

As your travel agent, I don’t just book trips. I prepare you for them.

I’ll remind you about passports. I’ll check expiration dates. I’ll make sure your family is READY.

Because the BEST cruise stories start with “Remember when…”, not “Remember the nightmare of…”

Contact me today. Let’s make sure your cruise stays in the FUN memory category.

Your passport is your lifeline. Your safety net. Your peace of mind.

Get one. Keep it valid. Bring it on EVERY cruise.

Your future self will thank you.

Ready to Apply for Your Passport? START HERE:

Official US Passport Application Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

What You’ll Find:

  • Complete application instructions
  • Required documents checklist
  • Processing times and fees
  • Expedited service options
  • How to renew existing passports
  • Passport photo requirements

Simple Application Process:

  1. Visit travel.state.gov
  2. Download Form DS-11 (first-time) or DS-82 (renewal)
  3. Gather documents (proof of citizenship, ID, photo)
  4. Locate nearest acceptance facility
  5. Apply with payment
  6. Receive passport in 6-8 weeks (or 2-3 weeks expedited)

Investment in Peace of Mind:

  • Adult passport: $130
  • Child passport: $100
  • Expedited processing: Add $60
  • Valid 10 years (adults) / 5 years (children)

DON’T WAIT. Apply TODAY.

Don’t be the person stuck at a foreign port wishing they’d applied.

Start now: travel.state.gov

All Aboard the Christmas Express: Scenic Train Journeys for the Holidays

Posted on | by vpadmin

All Aboard the Christmas Express: Scenic Train Journeys for the Holidays

Stop. Everything. Stop.

Close your eyes. Listen.

That distant whistle cuts through the cold air. The rhythmic clack-clack-clack-clack of steel wheels on frozen tracks. The whoooosh of steam. The gentle rocking that makes your whole body relax.

That’s the sound of Christmas adventure calling you.

Train travel at Christmas isn’t transportation. It’s MAGIC. PURE MAGIC.

Forget stressful highway driving. Forget airport security nightmares.

Instead? You’re cozy in a warm train car. Hot chocolate steaming. Snow-covered mountains gliding past. Your family TOGETHER. Really together.

Just the rhythmic rocking. The click of wheels. The world is passing by like a movie made just for you.

This is Christmas the way it’s SUPPOSED to be. Slow. Present. Magical. TOGETHER.

Why Trains Make Christmas 100 Times Better

Your kids press their noses against the glass. “LOOK! A DEER! That frozen waterfall! Those lights!” They’re MESMERIZED by real life passing by.

You and your partner actually TALK. Real talk. The kind you haven’t had in MONTHS. No phones. No emails. Just you two watching the world together.

The elderly couple across the aisle leans over. “Where are you folks heading?” Suddenly, you’re sharing stories. Making friends.

The conductor stops. “See that tunnel? It’s 100 years old. Every Christmas, something magical happens inside it…” Your kids lean forward, hanging on every word.

These moments? You CANNOT plan them. They just HAPPEN on trains.

The Polar Express: Your Child’s DREAM Coming to LIFE

Remember reading “The Polar Express” to your kids? Their eyes are HUGE. Imagining that magical train ride?

Now make it REAL.

Over 40 Polar Express trains run across North America every December. These aren’t rides. They’re DREAMS. COMING. TRUE.

Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express

Your kids climb on wearing PAJAMAS. PAJAMAS on a TRAIN!

The train moves. Clack-clack-clack. Pine forests slide past.

Chefs appear. DANCING! Spinning! Serving hot chocolate with the biggest smiles.

Everyone’s singing carols at the TOP of their lungs. Strangers becoming friends.

The conductor reads the story. Your son leans against you, gripping your hand tighter.

The train STOPS. “We’ve arrived at the NORTH POLE.”

SANTA boards the train. Walking through YOUR car.

He stops at your child. Reaches into his bag. Pulls out a SILVER SLEIGH BELL.

Your child shakes it. RING. That clear, beautiful, REAL sound.

“The first gift of Christmas,” Santa says softly.

Your child looks up, tears in their eyes. “I HEARD it. I really HEARD it.”

Parents CRY watching this. Every. Single. Time.

Switzerland’s Glacier Express: EIGHT HOURS of “OH WOW”

Eight hours. Zermatt to St. Moritz. Through the SWISS ALPS. In WINTER.

PANORAMIC WINDOWS wrap around you. Everywhere.

You’re climbing. Higher. Higher. HIGHER.

Snow-covered peaks on BOTH sides. So massive they make you feel tiny. So beautiful they make you forget to breathe.

291 bridges. 91 tunnels. Over 6,000 feet into the sky.

Mountain villages glow below. Every house is decorated. Like tiny jewels scattered in snow.

Then THE moment: The Landwasser Viaduct.

This stone bridge literally comes OUT of a mountain, curves through the air, and goes INTO another mountain.

You’re ON it. Everyone gasps. “Are we FLYING?!”

The dining car serves fondue. You’re eating melted Swiss cheese while FLOATING PAST THE MATTERHORN.

If this isn’t living your best life, WHAT IS?

Scotland’s Jacobite: THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS is REAL

The Hogwarts Express is REAL. You can RIDE IT.

The Jacobite Steam Train. THE train from the movies. ACTUAL steam locomotive.

December in the Scottish Highlands? MOODY. MYSTICAL. PERFECT.

The train whistle echoes off the mountains. THAT whistle from the movies.

Authentic 1940s compartments. Perfect for spreading out Christmas treats.

Then IT happens: The Glenfinnan Viaduct. THAT bridge from Harry Potter.

You’re ON it. RIDING across it. RIGHT NOW.

Your kids are LOSING THEIR MINDS. “We’re on the Hogwarts Express! We’re REALLY on it!”

EPIC.

The Canadian: FOUR DAYS Across an ENTIRE CONTINENT

FOUR DAYS on a train. Toronto to Vancouver. Your family is living ON A TRAIN.

VIA Rail’s “The Canadian” is a ROLLING HOTEL. An ADVENTURE that keeps getting better.

Day One: Ontario’s lakes and forests. Getting settled. Meeting families.

Day Two: ENDLESS prairies. Saskatchewan. Manitoba. Flat land stretching forever.

Day Three: THE CANADIAN ROCKIES.

You wake up. MOUNTAINS. EVERYWHERE. MASSIVE MOUNTAINS.

“EVERYONE WAKE UP!” your son yells. “LOOK!”

Glass dome observation car. 360-degree views. Peaks catching first light. Golden. Pink. Glowing.

“This is the BEST day of my LIFE,” your daughter whispers.

The observation car becomes your family’s living room. Card games. Books. Conversations. Hot chocolate. Stories. Laughter.

This is SLOW travel. The journey is MORE important than the destination.

European Christmas Market Express: ALL THE MARKETS, ZERO STRESS

Europe has HUNDREDS of Christmas markets. How do you visit them ALL?

CHRISTMAS TRAINS that connect them!

German Christmas Market Express: Nuremberg. Dresden. Cologne. Through the Rhine Valley. CASTLES dotting hillsides. Villages from fairy tales.

British Christmas Pullman: LUXURY day trips from London. Vintage cars. Table service. Champagne. Hot chocolate. LIVE entertainment. Bath. York. Canterbury.

Half the JOY is the TRAVEL BETWEEN. The anticipation. The scenery.

Relax. Sip mulled wine. Watch the gorgeous countryside. Dream about the next market.

Make It Happen

Book FAST:

  • Polar Express: September – they SELL OUT
  • Swiss trains: 3-4 months ahead
  • Christmas trains: The second available, GRAB THEM

Bring:

  • Snacks, entertainment, and a charged camera
  • LAYERS (trains vary in temperature)
  • Sense of adventure

Make It MAGICAL:

  • Download Christmas playlists
  • Wrap small gifts to open during the journey
  • Matching family PJs for Polar Express
  • Start a train journal

The REAL Gift

In our rush-rush world, trains offer something RARE. Permission to SLOW DOWN.

Your teenagers can’t escape. They’re THERE. Talking. Laughing. Being PRESENT.

Your young kids ask endless questions. “Can we do this FOREVER?”

You and your partner steal moments watching the sunrise over the mountains. Not saying anything. Not needing to.

Ten years from now, they’ll remember:

Card games until midnight. Hot chocolate mustaches. That collective GASP at the spectacular view. The conductor who gave your daughter a special badge.

Being wrapped up together. Watching the world pass by. Genuinely PRESENT in a way that rarely happens anymore.

THAT’S the real gift. Not the destination. THE JOURNEY YOU TAKE TOGETHER.

All Aboard!

Picture this: Christmas morning. Your family on a train. Snow falling. Mountains rising. Hot chocolate steaming. Everyone is REALLY smiling.

The whistle blows. That beautiful, haunting sound.

The train moves. Adventure ahead. Wonder ahead. MEMORIES ahead.

This can be YOUR Christmas. A Christmas you’ll NEVER forget.

Ready to board? Let’s find your perfect Christmas train journey!

ALL ABOARD!

Contact Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County by email sthompson@vacationplanners.com  or  phone  636-248-965

Skip the Turkey Stress — Try a Thanksgiving That Actually Relaxes You!

Posted on | by vpadmin

Skip the Turkey Stress — Try a Thanksgiving That Actually Relaxes You!

Trade cooking chaos for pure bliss this holiday

Ready for a Thanksgiving that doesn’t leave you exhausted? This year, ditch the kitchen marathon and treat yourself to something amazing: a wellness getaway that fills you up instead of wearing you out!

Why Wellness Travel Beats Traditional Thanksgiving

Let’s be real — most Thanksgivings are stressful. Between prepping, cooking, cleaning, and dealing with family drama, you need a vacation after your vacation. What if this year were different? What if you came home feeling refreshed, happy, and actually thankful?

That’s the magic of wellness travel!

5 Amazing Ways to Relax This Thanksgiving

1. Mountain Spa Magic: Unplug & Recharge

Picture this: You wake up to stunning mountain views, spend your day getting pampered, and fall asleep to total silence. No phones buzzing, no dishes calling your name — just pure relaxation!

What you’ll love:

  • Morning yoga with epic views
  • Massages that melt away stress
  • Healthy, delicious Thanksgiving dinner (someone else cooks!)
  • Hot tubs under the stars
  • Nature walks that clear your mind

Perfect if you love: Mountains, quiet time, and serious pampering

2. Beach Bliss: Ocean Therapy & Chill Vibes

Who says Thanksgiving has to be cold? Trade turkey for beach yoga and stuffing for sunset meditation. The ocean has this incredible way of washing stress right out of your system!

Your beach wellness experience:

  • Yoga on the sand (so Instagram-worthy!)
  • Spa treatments with ocean sounds
  • Fresh, healthy holiday feast
  • Sunset gratitude sessions
  • Beach walks that feel like meditation

Perfect if you love: Warm weather, ocean vibes, and sunny relaxation

3. Desert Zen: Stars, Silence & Soul Food

The desert is like nature’s reset button. Huge skies, peaceful silence, and some of the most incredible stargazing you’ll ever see. It’s the perfect place to get perspective and feel grateful!

Desert wellness highlights:

  • Sunrise meditation (life-changing!)
  • Hiking that feels therapeutic
  • Star-gazing meditation sessions
  • Creative workshops and journaling
  • Southwestern wellness cuisine
  • Spa treatments inspired by desert plants

Perfect if you love: Wide open spaces, spiritual vibes, and starry nights

4. Farm Fresh Fun: Harvest Season & Slow Living

Get back to basics at a farm wellness retreat! Connect with where your food comes from, enjoy the satisfaction of harvest season, and eat the freshest Thanksgiving meal ever.

Farm retreat goodies:

  • Pick your own dinner ingredients
  • Cooking classes with fresh herbs
  • Garden meditation spots
  • Farm animal therapy (yes, it’s a thing!)
  • Traditional Thanksgiving with a healthy twist

Perfect if you love: Fresh food, nature connection, and hands-on experiences

5. City Spa Escape: Urban Wellness & Culture

Sometimes the best hideaway is right in the city! Urban wellness hotels give you world-class spa treatments, rooftop yoga, and all the city culture you want — without the stress.

City wellness perks:

  • Rooftop pools and yoga decks
  • Amazing spa treatments
  • Healthy gourmet restaurants
  • Museums and art galleries nearby
  • Room service wellness menus

Perfect if you love: City energy, luxury spas, and cultural activities

Make It Happen: Your Wellness Thanksgiving Game Plan

Before You Go

  • Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” (seriously!)
  • Pack comfy clothes and your favorite journal
  • Get excited about trying new things
  • Tell everyone you’re going offline

While You’re There

  • Start each day saying what you’re grateful for
  • Try something new every day
  • Eat slowly and really taste your food
  • Take naps without guilt
  • Say yes to spa treatments

When You Get Home

  • Keep one new healthy habit going
  • Share your glow (not just your photos!)
  • Start planning your next wellness trip
  • Remember how good it feels to rest

This Year, Give Thanks by Taking Care of YOU

Choosing a wellness Thanksgiving isn’t selfish — it’s smart! When you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else. Plus, you’ll actually have energy to enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of feeling amazing. You deserve a holiday that makes you smile, not stress out!

Ready for your best Thanksgiving ever? Let’s plan a wellness getaway that leaves you feeling refreshed, grateful, and completely relaxed. Your stressed-out self will thank you later!

Contact me today and let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable — in all the best ways!

Contact Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County by email sthompson@vacationplanners.com  or  phone  636-248-965

The Hottest Travel Trend of 2025: Sleep Tourism (Yes, Really!)

Posted on | by vpadmin

The Hottest Travel Trend of 2025: Sleep Tourism (Yes, Really!)

Travel isn’t just about seeing the world anymore—it’s about feeling better when you come home.

As the owner of Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County, I’m seeing one of the biggest shifts in travel in years: Sleep Tourism—vacations built around true rest and recovery. And honestly? It’s about time.

What “Sleep Tourism” Actually Means

This isn’t just “go on vacation and get some z’s.” Hotels, resorts, and wellness retreats are now designing entire experiences around rest and recovery:

✨ Custom pillow menus & luxury mattresses
✨ Soundproof, tech-free rooms
✨ Guided meditation, breathwork, or yoga before bed
✨ Sleep-tracking tech with personalized routines
✨ Spa treatments focused on relaxation and recovery
✨ Quiet jazz bands at resort lounges
✨ Sunset walks down peaceful beaches

Why People Are Booking These Trips

We’re all busy, stressed, and over-scheduled. Sleep Tourism gives people permission to slow down and make rest the centerpiece of their vacation. Instead of checking a hundred boxes, it’s about recharging so you come home better than when you left.

My Expert Tips for Sleep Tourism

💤 Practical Tip

Pack Smart for Sleep: Bring a lightweight silk eye mask and noise-canceling earbuds. Even at luxury resorts, small details like unexpected light or hallway noise can throw off your rest. A $20 eye mask can save your $5,000 vacation.

🌴 Luxury Tip

Upgrade Your Sleep Experience: When booking, ask about wellness suites or rooms equipped with circadian lighting, aromatherapy diffusers, and air-purifying systems. These touches take rest from “good” to “transformational.”

😏 Playful Tip

Girls’ Night Meets Beauty Sleep: Remember—Sleep Tourism doesn’t mean lights out at 9 p.m. You can sip champagne with your girls and still wake up refreshed if you schedule a spa day or guided meditation the next morning.

Where to Experience Sleep Tourism

“Honestly, it depends how far you want to go.” Right here in the Midwest we’re seeing wellness retreats that focus on rest and mindfulness. If you’re ready to fly, Caribbean resorts are designing entire packages around sleep—luxury beds, spa menus, even tech-free zones.

Is This Just Luxury Travel?

That’s the beauty of it—it’s not just five-star luxury anymore. You can have a restful retreat at a boutique inn in the Midwest for a weekend, or go big with a Caribbean spa getaway. It’s all about tailoring the trip to your budget and needs.

Quick Tips for Your Sleep Tourism Getaway

If you’re thinking about a restful getaway, look for three things:

  1. Blackout rooms or quiet zones
  2. A spa or wellness program
  3. A location where you won’t feel pressure to over-schedule

If those three line up, you’re going to come back recharged.

Ready to Recharge?

As a local travel advisor, I help people match trends like Sleep Tourism to their lifestyle and budget. My job is to cut through the noise, find the right fit, and make sure when you travel, it’s an investment in your well-being—not just a trip.

✨ Gather your crew, recharge in style, and call today for details. Rest is great, but let’s be real… cocktails and laughter with your girls are mandatory 😉

Ready to book your perfect Sleep Tourism getaway? Contact Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County today and let’s design a trip that leaves you truly refreshed.

Contact Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County by email sthompson@vacationplanners.com  or  phone  636-248-965