REW Travel

13/10/2026

Confession time. I am 1000% a card carrying nerd.

I'm heading back to Venice and Florence next month, and I've been disappearing down some magnificent historical rabbit holes.

Did you know Venetian glassmaking was once so valuable that the Republic threatened severe punishment (achem- death or blinding) for artisans who took their secrets abroad?

Or that women on Burano spent generations creating impossibly intricate lace entirely by hand?

And Venice's nickname, *La Serenissima*—The Most Serene Republic? A local once told me it was because the government punished criminals so harshly that nobody dared disturb the peace...and after seeing some of the public punishment sites, it was pretty easy to believe.

Historically, it's a bit more complicated, but I LOVE that explanation.

And don't even get me started on Florence and the Medici. The money! The art! The political intrigue! THE DRAMAAAAAAA.

Meanwhile, over in Venice, fashionable noblewomen were parading around on platform shoes called chopines that could reach FIFTEEN INCHES HIGH—or even taller.

Ostensibly, they kept their beautiful clothes out of the filthy streets, but they also advertised wealth and status. Some women needed attendants just to help them walk.

Because apparently, being rich enough to require assistance WALKING was the ultimate fashion statement.

Fashion is pain, baby.

I love knowing the stories behind beautiful places.

Sure, I want to sit beside a canal sipping an Aperol Spritz.

**I ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHO BUILT THE CANAL AND WHETHER SOMEONE WAS MURDERED OVER A PROPERTY DISPUTE IN 1523.**

You know. Normal vacation stuff.

Someday, when I have a little more time, I hope to bring REW Editions to life: small-group adventures for fellow curious weirdos who want to nerd out over history, meet extraordinary artisans, eat fabulous food, drink excellent w**e, and laugh their way through the world. Above all, to laugh.

Curated journeys for the endlessly curious.

Tell me, are you a vacation nerd too? Because I have a feeling we could get into some delightful trouble together.

And as always...

Don't forget to find the fun.

— REW

10/10/2026

THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT ISN'T ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT. ✈️

Can we talk about something that drives me absolutely crazy when shopping for airfare?

You open Google Flights, enter your destination, and there it is. That beautiful, tempting, ridiculously inexpensive ticket.

Except... WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY BUYING HERE?

Because I have questions.

✈️ Are you flying on the worst schedule imaginable just to get that price? Leaving at some ungodly hour, arriving at midnight, and essentially losing an entire day of your vacation?

🔄 Are you connecting 18 times? Spending 14 hours getting somewhere that could have taken you six? Or getting home an entire day later than you would have with a more sensible itinerary?

🧳 What about everything that ISN'T included? Baggage fees, seat selection, carry-on restrictions, and all the little extras. By the time you've added everything you actually need, have you spent just as much as you would have on the better fare anyway?

💺 And what fare class are you actually booking? Is it basic economy? Can you change your flight? Cancel for a credit? Choose your seat? Or have you saved $75 in exchange for giving up almost all of your flexibility?

🚗 Are you driving two hours to another airport to save $60?** Because once we've factored in gas, parking, and your time, I'm not entirely convinced we've saved anything at all.

**And before you think I'm just being dramatic, I have personally learned this lesson the hard way.

Years ago, my mom and I decided to take a chance on TAP Air Portugal for a trip to Naples.

We missed our connecting flight in Portugal by MINUTES.

MINUTES, PEOPLE. I'm still upset at that gate agent, tbh.

What followed was an absolutely spectacular travel disaster, with us being rerouted all over God's green earth, eventually flying into Rome instead of Naples, and finishing our journey with a FOUR-HOUR CAR RIDE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

We finally arrived at our beautiful hotel not at 4 p.m., as we'd originally planned, ready to check in, freshen up, and enjoy our first evening in Italy...

But **well after 10 p.m., absolutely BEAT UP.**

Instead of a lovely Italian dinner and a leisurely start to our vacation, we'd spent the entire evening just trying to GET THERE.

And here's the thing that I think gets overlooked when people are comparing airfare:

You aren't just paying for transportation. You're protecting the vacation you've already invested in.

That beautiful hotel room? You paid for it whether you arrived at 4 p.m. or 10:30 at night.

That first dinner? Gone.

Those precious hours of vacation? You're never getting them back.

And that experience is a big reason I'm so particular about flight itineraries today. Whenever possible, I prefer making my connections stateside before crossing the Atlantic. I'd rather navigate a domestic connection and then settle in for my long-haul flight, knowing that when I land overseas, I'm hopefully at or much closer to my final destination.

Now, don't misunderstand me.

I LOVE A GOOD DEAL. I absolutely believe in saving money wherever it makes sense. More money for ch*****ne IMO!

And sometimes basic economy really IS the right choice. Sometimes an extra connection is worth the savings. Sometimes that cheapest flight really is the best option.

But sometimes spending another $100 or $200 buys you a significantly better itinerary, more flexibility, and hours of your vacation back.

And THAT is money well spent.

Google Flights is a fantastic research tool. I use it all the time. But that first enticing price is only the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.

My advice? Don't just compare ticket prices. Compare the actual trips you're buying.

Because the goal isn't simply to get you there as cheaply as possible.

It's to get you there in a way that makes the most of the time, money, and energy you've invested in your vacation.

And nobody wants to arrive at their beautiful Italian hotel at 10 o'clock at night looking and feeling like they've just survived an episode of *The Amazing Race*. 😂

Now tell me: What's the most ridiculous flight itinerary you've ever endured because you thought you were getting a deal?**

I KNOW some of you have stories.

08/10/2026

🎄 **LESS STUFF UNDER THE TREE, MORE MEMORIES TOGETHER!** 🎢

Last year, we decided to do something a little different for Christmas. Instead of the usual mountain of presents, we took them...to the actual mountains!

Snow, mountains, skiing, quality family time...sounds pretty Christmassy, right?

Wellllll, according to my children, **“IT WASN'T CHRISTMASSY ENOUGH.”** 😂

Okayyyyy. Noted.

So this year, we're trying a slightly different approach.

A few days before Christmas, we're heading to Universal Orlando with the kids AND their besties!

Is a theme park packed with people, roller coasters, and general chaos my personal idea of a dreamy holiday getaway?

Maybe nottttt. 🤣

But the older my kids get, the more I realize that the real gift isn't necessarily the destination.

It's watching them laugh with their friends. Getting little glimpses into their worlds. Seeing who they are when they're surrounded by the people they've chosen to love.

And selfishly? It's getting a little more time with them while they're still willing to have Mom and Dad along for the ride.

My children's happiness is a gift in and of itself to me. And giving them experiences they'll remember long after they've forgotten what was wrapped under the tree? That feels like money well spent.

So we're keeping Christmas morning at home this year, but adding a little adventure (and hopefully enough Christmas magic to satisfy my toughest critics!) beforehand.

The lesson? Family travel doesn't have to look the same every year. Sometimes the best traditions are the ones you make up as you go. ❤️ (official disclaimer- my kids hate that I'm the biggest lover of traditions, but also the first one to say ENOUGH, let's try something else! Keeps them guessing 🤣)

Now I'm curious: Would your family trade gifts for a trip? And if you've tried it, was it a hit or did your kids demand a recount?

✈️ REW Travel | More memories. Less stuff.

05/10/2026

03/10/2026

🚨 MY DISNEY PEEPS — NEW RESORT ALERT.🚨

For my Wilderness Lodge lovers: there’s a new campfire cutie on the scene. 🔥🌲

Disney’s new *Lakeshore Lodge* is coming to Walt Disney World in Summer 2027, and she is looking cuteeeeeee.

Picture- Bay Lake waterfront, Magic Kingdom fireworks, big family-friendly villas, freestanding Lake Houses, a lazy river, boat transportation to Magic Kingdom…

…and, as your resident travel lover AND angler — *Nautical Princess is my nickname, after all* — I obviously consider the TROUT CEILING a major design triumph. 😂🎣

This one especially has my attention for multigenerational Disney trips.

You’ve got:
🌿 that woodsy, nature-forward Disney feel
🏡 one- and two-bedroom waterfront Lake Houses
💦 zero-entry pool, waterslide + lazy river
🎆 Magic Kingdom fireworks views
🍸 waterfront dining + lounges
🚤 boat transportation to Magic Kingdom
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 villas that can sleep up to 9 and Grand Villas sleeping up to 12

So if your family loves the vibe of Wilderness Lodge but needs **more space, kitchens, laundry and room for grandparents + kids + everybody’s stuff**, this is looking VERY interesting.

Booking opens to everyone **October 8**, and Lakeshore Lodge opens July 1, 2027- which feels like the perfect 4th of July opportunity for my Florida people who understand that the 4th is best in the Sunshine State 😉

If this one is on your radar, message me. I'm ready to click add to cart on those red, white and blue Mickey headbands!

— Jacque
REW Travel ✈️

01/10/2026

JUST BOOKED 🌺🌴 HAWAII
A little Waikiki sunshine is officially on the calendar for a special client. ✨

Just booked a stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort — 22 oceanfront acres right on Waikiki, with that iconic stretch of beach, multiple pools, restaurants, shopping and plenty to do without ever leaving the resort.

This one is especially great for travelers who want the classic Hawaii experience with an easy, full-service resort setup — beach in the morning, exploring Oʻahu during the day, and mai tais at sunset. 🌅

One of my favorite parts of travel planning is taking all the tabs, rates, loyalty benefits and logistics and turning them into one very satisfying BOOKED ✅.

Planning Hawaii? I’m always happy to help you sort through the options. 🌺

REW Travel | Fora Travel Advisor

26/09/2026

22/09/2026

Thinking about Alaska next summer? Now is the time to start looking at cruises.
I put together a quick guide to a few of my favorite options—from family-friendly Royal Caribbean to adults-only Virgin Voyages and ultra-luxe Seabourn—plus why cruising is one of the easiest ways to see Alaska.
And yes, the people's champion- Virgin Voyage's “Shake for Ch*****ne” feature absolutely made the cut for me. 🥂
Read the full guide here:
https://mailchi.mp/4be7c8da95ca/never-too-early-to-start-thinking-about-alaska

19/09/2026

I was chatting with a mom today who has had to postpone some travel while her husband recovered from surgery.

They love good w**e and seemed game for a little off-season travel, so I asked, “Are either of you history buffs?” and mentioned Ch*****ne in November.

On our girls’ trip to Paris last year, my mom and I had scheduled a visit to the Ch*****ne region on what I thought was a random Sunday.

That random Sunday just so happened to be Armistice Day—our Veterans Day—and the whole countryside was gray and misty, with a light drizzle.

I was previously unaware of just how important this day is to the French, but as we drove, the hustle and bustle of the towns was replaced by a quiet reverence.

Wreaths. Empty streets.

Our guide said, “This is a day for family and reflection for us.”

Our hotel was full of elderly Marines taking the time to tour Normandy and other historic sites. We met a Marine who had come to visit Belleau Wood and see the wreaths. The French really take the time to honor the sacrifice of the people who came there. The Devil Dogs. It is all still very much top of mind in the w**e country where the trenches were.

Our guide was an incredible wealth of knowledge, and the families at the vineyards we visited had direct connections to the land and to its history.

At one, the grandparents pulled out black-and-white photos of themselves as children right after the war.

That stayed with me.

You are there ostensibly for Ch*****ne, but the history is everywhere. The terroir of the soil that could've just as easily been Germany if the Marines hadn't arrived.

And then to end the day at Notre-Dame de Reims, with the light streaming through the stained glass, felt very sacred.

It is still one of the most special trips I’ve taken.

Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you go for one thing and come home thinking about something else entirely.

18/09/2026

European summer hours are officially over. 🖤

After a busy summer of travel and the annual production of getting four children back to school, I finally have a little room to turn my attention back to REW Travel.

Let's be honest- I've never really stopped being the person friends call when they want to know where to stay, which room to book, whether the upgrade is worth it—or where to find the excellent lunch that isn’t in every guidebook. To know me is to know that I always want to know where you're headed next!

Now REW Travel has a new home behind the scenes with Fora, giving me much easier access to wonderful hotels, cruises and travel partners while allowing me to offer the same personal judgment and honest advice that have always been at the heart of REW.

I keep coming back to the word lagniappe: a little something extra.

Sometimes that’s daily breakfast, a hotel credit or an upgrade. Sometimes it’s the better-located room, the charming stop worth adding to the drive or the small detail that makes a trip feel considered rather than merely booked.

REW can be as involved as you need. I’m still very happy to help plan the enormous family trip, the cruise with seven people in three cabins or the glorious multi-stop European adventure. But if all you need is a lovely hotel for two nights—and you’d like someone to check for a preferred rate and a few extra perks—I’ve got you there, too.

That’s the kind of travel I love: thoughtful, personal and always looking for a little lagniappe.

So you’ll be hearing from me again—places I’m considering, trips I’m planning, things I’ve learned and occasional opportunities to make your own travels a little better.

It’s good to be back. 🖤