Rhonda Thomas with Picture This Travel

16/06/2026

One of the best travel tips I can give my clients is to travel during shoulder season whenever possible.

So what is shoulder season? It’s the time between peak tourist season and the off-season and it’s often the sweet spot for travel.

Why travelers love shoulder season:
• Lower prices on hotels and airfare
• Shorter lines and fewer crowds
• More comfortable weather in many destinations
• Better availability for tours and restaurants
• A more relaxed, authentic experience

For example:
• Europe in September and October
• The Caribbean in late spring
• National Parks in May or early fall
• New England before peak leaf season crowds
• Hawaii in April or September

Peak season isn’t always better, it’s just busier. Sometimes traveling a few weeks earlier or later can save you money while giving you a much more enjoyable experience.

As a travel advisor, I help clients find that perfect balance between weather, crowds, and value. Often, the best time to travel isn’t the most obvious one.

A few years back we traveled to Hawaii in March and it was SLOW. No lines, no crowded beaches or etc. Have you ever traveled during shoulder season? Tell me where.

13/06/2026

Have You Ever Thought About Taking a River Cruise?

Many travelers who have sailed on ocean cruises are surprised to discover how different river cruising can be and why so many people fall in love with it.

✨ You dock in the heart of cities and towns, not miles away from them.

✨ You unpack once and wake up in a new destination almost every day.

✨ The ships are smaller, quieter, and more intimate.

✨ Scenic views are everywhere. Instead of endless ocean, you'll glide past castles, vineyards, charming villages, and historic landmarks.

✨ Excursions are often included, making it easy to immerse yourself in local culture, food, and history.

River cruising is a totally different vibe than ocean cruising. Both are fantastic and both should be explored at some point during your travels.

Whether you're dreaming of the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, or even the rivers of Colombia, river cruising offers a relaxed and enriching way to explore the world. River cruising popularity is on the rise and it's no longer for the more "mature" traveler.

Many of our clients tell us they weren't sure river cruising was for them, until they tried it. Now it's their favorite way to travel!

Would you consider a river cruise? If so, which destination is on your bucket list?

12/06/2026

One of my favorite dishes in London is Fish and Chips, here is a little history on how this dish gained it's popularity in the UK.

Fish and chips became popular in England thanks to a blend of cultural influences and the rise of the working class during the Industrial Revolution.

Fried fish was introduced by Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Portugal and Spain as early as the 16th century. Around the same time, fried potatoes or “chips” were becoming popular street food in Britain. Eventually, the two foods were paired together and sold as an affordable, filling meal for factory workers.

By the late 1800s, fish and chip shops were popping up all over Britain, especially in industrial cities and seaside towns. Cheap ingredients, easy preparation, and access to fresh fish brought by expanding railways helped make it one of Britain’s most iconic comfort foods.

Some of the world’s most famous dishes were created from simple beginnings.

Tell me about your favorite fish and chips spots!

11/06/2026

First hand experience, knowledge, and research!!!!

That is why you want me as your travel advisor. Whether it’s exploring resorts in Mexico, hiking the Swiss Alps or enjoying Disney theme parks (presently). It’s all for YOU! I love what I do and planning the best experience possible is my priority!

Let’s set up a call to explore planning an adventure for you!

10/06/2026

Only one week left to take advantage of the extra $100 onboard credit that I'm gifting each cabin.

I would love to have you join me on this cruise. Alaska has been a bucket list destination for me for years and I am blessed to finally get this opportunity to experience it in person and better yet, on an amazing cruise line...........Norwegian!

Click on the link for more details and to view the itinerary and to see pricing.

In addition to the $100 onboard credit I'm giving, you can also take advantage of Norwegian's Free At Sea offer which can include port credits, unlimited open bar, specialty dining offers and more!

Come on folks, let's ALL mark Alaska off our bucket lists TOGETHER!

Experience the beauty of Alaska in a way that truly takes your breath away. This is one of those bucket list trips people talk about, and once you go, you’ll...

09/06/2026

Do ya'll confused over this as I do? I asked Chat GPT to make us this handy dandy little chart so we could all know the difference! I say let's travel smarter so we can save time. I hope this helps someone!

08/06/2026

Dreaming of Europe in 2026 or 2027? Now is the perfect time to book your AmaWaterways river cruise!

For a limited time, AmaWaterways is offering a Complimentary Land Package on select Europe and Colombia sailings. Extend your adventure with up to 4 extra nights in iconic destinations like Prague or Medellín, including:

✔️ Guided tours
✔️ Hotel accommodations at 4- and 5-star properties
✔️ Transfers between your hotel and ship

Ya'll this is an incredible deal!!!

And that's not all...

✈️ On eligible departures, you can add roundtrip economy airfare for just $599 per person with the AirPlus promotion!

Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Prague before your cruise or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Medellín after your journey—all while enjoying exceptional savings.

📅 Offer ends June 30, 2026.

River cruises continue to be one of the most relaxing and immersive ways to explore the world. If Europe or Colombia is on your bucket list, let's talk about which itinerary is the best fit for you!

📩 Message me today for available sailings and pricing.

06/06/2026

🇮🇹 Italy continues to be one of the most requested destinations for my clients this summer!

From the ancient wonders of Rome to the breathtaking coastal towns of Southern Italy, it’s easy to see why Italy is on so many bucket lists.

Explore the magnificent Vatican Museums and marvel at centuries of art and history. Stand in awe of the iconic Colosseum and imagine life in Ancient Rome. Then travel south to the charming town of Sorrento and discover the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and unforgettable views.

Whether you’re dreaming of history, culture, incredible food, or spectacular scenery, I can help you create the perfect Italian getaway. With firsthand experience planning trips throughout Italy, I can guide you to the best hotels, recommend amazing tours, and help you avoid common travel pitfalls so you can make the most of your vacation.

And the best part? A trip to Italy is often more affordable than people expect!

I’d love to help you start planning your dream vacation.

📅 Schedule a complimentary travel consultation here:

https://calendly.com/rhonda-picturethistravel

Let’s make Italy your next unforgettable adventure!

05/06/2026

In celebration of National Donut Day, here is a fun fact!

Did you know doughnuts may have gotten their signature hole from a ship captain?

Legend says a New England sailor named Hanson Gregory punched holes in the center of fried dough in the 1800s so they would cook more evenly while at sea!

Whether it’s fresh beignets in New Orleans, maple donuts in Canada, or mochi donuts in Japan, sweet treats are part of the travel experience.

What’s the best donut you’ve ever had while traveling?

I'll go! Donut Bar in San Diego! I don't even know if they are still there but OMG, delicious!!!!

02/06/2026

Is Travel Insurance Really Worth It?
Absolutely and it’s about so much more than trip cancellations. I get this question all of the time!

One of the biggest misconceptions about travel insurance is that it’s just an “extra” or a gimmick to increase the cost of your trip. In reality, travel insurance can protect you financially in situations you never expect.

Here are just a few things travel insurance may help cover:

✈️ Trip cancellations or interruptions
If illness, emergencies, weather, or unexpected events force you to cancel or cut your trip short, insurance may help recover your prepaid costs.

🧳 Lost, delayed, or stolen baggage
Replacing clothes, toiletries, medications, and essentials can get expensive quickly.

⏰ Flight delays & missed connections
Hotels, meals, and transportation during unexpected delays may be covered.

🏥 Medical Expenses While Traveling
This is one of the MOST important reasons to have travel insurance, especially internationally.

Many domestic health insurance plans provide little or no coverage outside the United States. If you become sick or injured abroad, travel insurance can help cover:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays
• Ambulance services
• Prescription needs

🚁 Emergency Medical Evacuation
Medical evacuations can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on your location. Travel insurance may help arrange and cover transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or even back home if medically necessary.

🌪️ Weather & Unexpected Events
Cruise itinerary changes, hurricanes, strikes, natural disasters, and supplier bankruptcies can all impact travel plans.

💰 Protect Your Investment
You work hard for your vacations. Travel insurance helps protect the money you’ve invested in flights, cruises, tours, resorts, and experiences.

Travel insurance isn’t about expecting something to go wrong it’s about being prepared if it does.

I'm here to answer any questions you may have when trying to decide whether or not to cover your upcoming trip.