Every year, the holiday season reminds us of what truly matters — connection, experiences, and memories that last far longer than anything wrapped under a tree. As I traveled across the world this year, from the Caribbean to Europe and everywhere in between, one powerful truth kept coming back to me. As the holiday season fills the air with warmth, lights, and togetherness, I can’t help reflecting on one powerful truth I rediscovered throughout my travels this year:​ ​My Travel Adventures This Year: Inspiration for Your Holiday Gift

Today, I have the honor of embarking on an invitation-only holiday river voyage as one of the select few ASTA Verified Travel Advisors.  I’ll be sailing aboard the gorgeous AmaWaterways AmaBella from Nov 17 to Nov 23, 2025, on the exquisite route through the Lower Danube, and I couldn’t be more excited.

What makes this sailing even more special?  My husband will be traveling with me — it will be his very first river cruise, and we’ll be sharing this milestone together.  Plus, this is my first-ever Christmas Market river cruise, and the first time I’ll be cruising through the legendary Iron Gates and the lesser-traveled reaches of the Danube.  This is going to be a voyage of discovery, celebration, and holiday magic.

November is a beautiful time to experience London — crisp air, early sunsets, and the glow of Christmas lights wrapping the city in magic. I recently spent three unforgettable days exploring this iconic destination before continuing my journey to Romania, and I’m excited to share the highlights, tips, and memorable moments from my trip.

A Scenic Start Through Switzerland
My Viking Rhine Getaway began with a breathtaking train ride through Switzerland from Milan on October 16th.  The journey itself felt like a dream — gliding past shimmering lakes, mountain villages, and green valleys that looked like postcard scenes.
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I arrived at the Basel train station, where my dear friend Kirsten met me.  She had been exploring Switzerland on her own before joining me for the cruise, so we already had stories to share before even boarding the ship!  After a few funny moments figuring out Swiss traffic signs and turns, we finally arrived at the port, where Viking’s crew greeted us with their signature warm hospitality.

After 24 hours of travel from Nashville to Genoa, my Italian adventure finally began! ✈️🇮🇹
My flight arrived two hours late in Milan, and I barely made it to the train heading toward Genoa. Thankfully, my sweet niece came to the rescue,  she managed to change my ticket just in time! A quick (and rather expensive 😅) taxi ride from the airport to Milano Centrale got me there with only minutes to spare.

Give the Gift of Adventure This Holiday Season
​Adventure doesn’t just change your travel itinerary — it changes you. It pushes your boundaries, reawakens your curiosity, and invites you into landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems unlike anything you’ve known. If you’re dreaming about a year filled with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and epic stories, these Top 10 destinations for 2026 are calling your name.

Whether you’re searching for icy wilderness, volcanic mountains, jungle immersion, or ancient European trails, these destinations are crafted for explorers who crave something deeper.

This was not a vacation — it was an educational FAM (familiarization) trip designed to build relationships and deepen industry knowledge so I can craft even better Costa Rica experiences for my clients. Over six full days I toured properties, inspected hotels and adventure sites, and met with local partners — including hotels, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and transportation providers. I traveled with eight fellow travel advisors and returned full of ideas, partnerships, and memories. Here’s the trip, day-by-day.

Italy isn’t just about breathtaking views—it’s about flavors that linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the fresh coastal cuisine of Cinque Terre, La Dolce Vita is a journey for your palate as much as for your soul.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be traveling to Costa Rica on Monday for a familiarization trip, which I’ve been invited to by the Costa Rican Tourism Board.  I’ll be exploring the middle of the country, areas I haven’t visited before — and I can’t wait to discover more of this incredible destination.
Should you be dreaming of a vacation that blends adventure, relaxation, and culture, Costa Rica checks every box.  From misty cloud forests and jungle trails to golden beaches and vibrant local traditions, this little slice of paradise truly has it all.

​When it comes to exploring Italy, many travelers picture crowded buses, rushed tours, and feeling like just another face in the crowd. But La Dolce Vita: Tuscan Treasures with Cinque Terre offers something very different—an intimate journey designed for connection, discovery, and true Italian immersion.