Candice Reinders at Wishing Star Vacations - Tico#: 50021282

04/27/2026

I read a post this morning by Paul Russell that got me thinking about the word experience.

Not as a buzzword, but what it actually means.

What makes something an experience… instead of just an event?

When I think about the moments that have stayed with me, the obvious ones come to mind. Graduating. Getting married. Earning my master’s degree with a newborn at home. Having my children.

Those are life-changing.

But sometimes the experiences that shape you the most don’t feel that big at the time. You only realize their impact years later.

For me, it was my first trip to Walt Disney World.

I was four.

My dad was at a conference in St. Pete’s Beach, and my parents had heard about this “amusement park” nearby. We went for the day, and I was completely taken by it.

I still remember walking through Cinderella Castle — my favourite fairy tale, suddenly real. Being there with my parents, my baby brother, my grandparents.

And I remember the ferry ride at the end of the day, watching the castle get smaller and smaller as we crossed the lagoon… crying because I thought I would never see it again.

We went back the next year. And the next.

We couldn’t afford to stay on property in the beginning. It was one day at a time.

But we kept going.

I’ve now been over 70 times. Not because it’s the same trip, but because it’s not.

Because that place holds decades of memories. First with my parents, then with my children, and now watching them bring the people they love into it.

That one day changed the trajectory of my life.

It sparked a love of travel, of stepping into another world, and of understanding how powerful a single moment can be.

Which is why I smiled reading Paul’s post about “experiential luxury.”

Because calling experiential travel new feels a little like rewriting the narrative.

And it's dismissive. It implies this is something we didn’t already understand… and that now, suddenly, brands are here to show us the way.

As if this is some big revelation.

It’s not.

Travel isn’t just about where you go. It’s about what stays with you.

That’s the real luxury. Not what it costs, but what it becomes.

I’ve shared Paul’s post in the comments — it’s worth the read.

04/11/2026

Luxury is experiencing something you didn’t even know to want… until it completely takes your breath away.

Most people think luxury is about thread count, butler service, or five star hotels.

It’s not.

The most luxurious moments I’ve ever experienced didn’t come from something you can book or upgrade. They came from something I didn’t even know to ask for.

Just outside of Lucerne sits Mount Pilatus. At the very top is Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, a small mountain hotel with roughly 30 rooms and space for only about 60 to 70 guests.

It’s a lovely hotel. But the hotel itself is not the luxury.

The luxury begins when the last cogwheel train and gondola leave the mountain, usually around 5:30 in the afternoon.

Because then everything changes.

The crowds disappear. The noise disappears. The only people remaining are the small number of guests staying overnight and the occasional hiker who made the climb.

Dinner is included, not because it is extravagant, but because there are no other options. Before dinner, they tell you exactly what time the sun will set and ask how you want your evening to unfold.

Do you want to finish your meal early so you can step outside and take it all in? Or would you prefer to pause between courses, watch the sunset, and then return for dessert and perhaps a cocktail?

It is such a simple touch, but it feels incredibly personal.

And then there is the sunset. The Alps turning gold. The stillness. The silence. It is breathtaking.

But for me, the real luxury happens the next morning.

Before you leave dinner, they tell you what time sunrise will be and it can be really early.

Almost no one goes.

The first time I stayed, there were a handful of people. The second time, it was just me.

Completely alone at the top of the mountain.

No voices. No movement. Just silence.

Watching the first light hit the hotel. Watching the Alps slowly come to life. Feeling completely still, completely present, completely at peace.

That moment, standing alone above the clouds with nowhere else to be and nothing else demanding my attention, is the kind of luxury that changes you.

04/09/2026

It was beautiful. It was elevated. But it wasn’t luxury.

I recently sailed on a higher-end, mainstream cruise line that offers an “elevated” class within the same ship — separate spaces, upgraded dining, a dedicated sun deck, and enhanced service.

It was a noticeable step up from the standard onboard experience. But it didn’t deliver what I would consider true luxury.

The best way I can describe it is premium plus.

There were definitely highlights. The private sun deck was lovely. There was no fighting for chairs, plenty of loungers, attentive bar service, and a more relaxed atmosphere. But when you consider that this section likely represents close to a quarter of the ship, it still felt busy. It didn’t have that sense of space or personalization that defines a true luxury experience.

Service, for me, is always the differentiator.

And this is where it fell short.

There was no sense of being known. No anticipation. No effortless flow. Requests were handled, but not intuitively and sometimes only after asking more than once. That might be acceptable on a mainstream cruise. It’s not what I expect when something is positioned as luxury.

Some of the promised touches like the expedited embarkation and disembarkation were inconsistent at best.

The dedicated lounge was another miss. While the space itself was large, it felt understaffed and underwhelming. The food offerings mirrored what was available elsewhere on the ship. Nothing felt special or elevated.

The restaurant reserved for this class was a highlight. It was smaller, more elegant, and far more enjoyable than the main dining rooms. Dining overall was good, but not fine dining.

And then there was the cabin.

This is where it did feel like luxury.

The layout was exceptional. A king-sized bed facing the ocean. A bathroom design that allowed you to see the sea from the sink and even the shower — if you wanted to. It was peaceful, beautifully designed, and incredibly functional.

Luxury, for me, is a feeling and this is where I felt it most.

It’s rare that I spend so much time in my cabin on a cruise, but on this sailing, it became my favourite place to be. Morning coffee in bed, watching the sunrise over the water this was my luxury.

And that’s really the distinction.

Premium plus is a step up.
Luxury is a different standard entirely.

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04/07/2026

Here's a glimpse into the Swiss Escape with Globus. This 8-day tour shows you all the gems Switzerland has to offer. 🚶‍♀️

Globus makes it easy by taking care of every detail while still giving you the time to roam on your own. ✈️ Let's plan a trip!

04/06/2026

After 30 years in travel, it’s not often something truly new excites me — but this does.

I’m so proud to be part of such an incredible organization.

I’ve been a travel advisor for over 30 years, but the most meaningful growth in my business has happened in the four years since joining The Travel Agent Next Door. The support, collaboration, and forward-thinking approach here is something really special.

And now, there’s an exciting new addition LUXE by TTAND.

This elevated luxury brand is opening doors in the luxury travel space in a meaningful way. With partners like Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Explora Journeys, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Tauck, Crystal Cruises, and Abercrombie & Kent, along with the new Luxe Mastermind training program, it’s creating real opportunities to elevate the kind of travel experiences I offer.

For my clients, that means more access, more personalization, and more of those truly exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

See the comments section for the latest news article about The Travel Agent Next Door.

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04/06/2026

It's time to welcome the newest addition to Beaches Turks & Caicos — Treasure Beach Village! ✨

This new village is perfect for families wanting an elevated experience when vacationing at an all-inclusive resort. Connect today to plan a trip with expert guidance! 🏝️

03/31/2026

Let's help you get the most out of the Princess Spring Savings Sale! ✨

Whether you want to experience the untamed wilderness of Alaska, the romance of the Mediterranean, or the blissful brightness of the Caribbean — your adventure will be filled with the extraordinary experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional service. 🌟 🛳️

Up to 50% Off, Up to US$400 Instant Savings, 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free & More on Select Voyages

03/28/2026

03/28/2026

Premier upgrade transforms your Canyon Spirit journey into something extraordinary. 🚆

Along with all of the Signature experience amenities—gourmet dining, panoramic views, and curated drinks—you’ll enjoy exclusive access to a lounge car, an extra viewing platform, premium beverages, and elevated comfort throughout your trip. 🌄

03/27/2026

As one of Costa Rica's most developed beach towns, Jacó brings you adventurous activities, a relaxing atmosphere, and delicious cuisine for your next vacation. 🌺 🌊