Traveling Joyfully
A blog about our travel adventures
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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Trip Recap: Scandi Exploration
Tips and Ideas for Copenhagen and Stockholm The Basics Who & Why: I’m seeing a huge increase in the amount of travelers interested in the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Our clients love experiences where they can enjoy great culinary offerings, explore beautiful landscapes through hiking, biking, and watersports, as well as places where they can see and do a lot in a shorter amount of time. So, I embarked on a solo trip to visit somewhere we send clients regularly – Copenhagen – and somewhere that I’ve seen an uptick in this past year – Sweden. What…
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Packing Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks from our Frequent Travelers
Traveling through Europe in the summer can certainly be a dream. Think cobblestone streets, open-air cafés, and endless culture, delicious food, and scenic views. But if you ask us, dragging a bulky suitcase over those cobblestones or waiting at baggage claim can quickly kill the vibe. Our pro tip/solution? Master the art of packing light and making the most out of a carry-on. Why Go Carry-On Only? Packing Strategy for a Two-Week Summer Trip to Europe Start with the right bag: we recommend a lightweight, expandable carry-on suitcase or a travel backpack that meets most European airlines’ size restrictions (note:…
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