Traveling Joyfully
A blog about our travel adventures
Trip Recap: Amsterdam like a Local
Three Days of Canals, Culture & Kid-Friendly Finds The Basics Who: Me, my colleague (and native Dutchie!) Annelot, and my 11-year-old son — the perfect trio for this trip, since Annelot’s local insight paired with a kid’s-eye view gave us a much fuller picture of the city. What: Three days exploring Amsterdam on foot and by public transit, digging into authentic experiences, standout dining, and kid-friendly activities. When: August 2026 Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands Why: Purely in scouting mode — I wanted to experience the city’s authentic experiences, great dining, and family-friendly options firsthand so I can plan it with confidence…
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Trip Recap: South Korea Family Adventure
Visit this hidden gem before the rest of the world arrives. The Basics Who: Our family of four (our kids are currently 14 and 11) — plus my ever-curious “client scouting” eye, since I couldn’t resist noting everything that would delight future Travel Made Joyful clients along the way. What: A three-city deep dive into South Korea — four nights each in Seoul, Jeju, and Busan — packed with theme parks, hikes, beaches, food markets, paragliding, shopping, and hands-on cultural experiences. When: June 2026 Where: Seoul (the capital’s energy and history), Jeju Island (volcanic coastline and beaches), and Busan (coastal…
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How to Rock a Trip to the Cinque Terre in 2026
Top tips for enjoying this tourism hot spot If there’s one corner of Italy that seems almost too beautiful to be real, it’s the Cinque Terre. Clinging to the cliffs of the Ligurian Riviera, these five picturesque villages have enchanted travelers for centuries — and for good reason. But visiting well takes planning, and I learned that expectations certainly don’t match reality. Here’s what you need to know if this is on your Italy “must-do” list. What Is the Cinque Terre? Cinque Terre — Italian for “Five Lands” — is a string of five ancient fishing villages perched along a…
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Trip Recap: Morocco Family Fun
Tips and Ideas for this North-African Gem The Basics Who & Why: Our family of four (my husband and I, along with our two kids who are currently age 11 and 14) went to Morocco for Spring Break, as well as to use a 2-night stay at the Fairmont Tazi Palace in Tangier, which I won on an educational webinar. What & Where: We visited several locations on this trip to maximize our time, starting and ending in Marrakech, but with stays in Tangier, the Ourika Valley (High Atlas Mountains) and the Agafay Desert When: We visited for nine nights…
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Where Maui Meets Magic
A Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Some hotels give you a place to sleep. A rare few instill a sense of magic. Nestled along one of Maui’s most breathtaking coastlines, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is that rare kind of place — where the Pacific horizon feels close enough to touch, the air smells of plumeria and salt, and every moment feels intentionally, luxuriously alive. I was thrilled to be one of five travel advisors selected to experience this property and why it is a top property on beautiful Maui. Here’s a look at what made this stay truly unforgettable.…
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