Travel by Marisa

17/03/2026

Nestled along Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the InterContinental Hotel is home to one of the most extraordinary pools I've ever had the pleasure of swimming in. Built in 1929 and adorned with stunning Spanish tile work, it exudes a timeless grandeur that's rare to find. The hotel hosts Family Float Movie Nights Friday through Sunday, and its Camelot-esque interiors and Historic Hotels of America make it worth a visit. Not a guest? Resort day passes are available — don't miss this one.

17/02/2026

Delicious breakfast spot at Hermosa Beach.

23/12/2025

It’s been a busy year, but I’m grateful we were still able to enjoy an epic six-country family adventure, an adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise, and a Chicago trip for St. Patrick’s Day.

Thank you to everyone who supported my small business this past year, especially those who referred new clients—referrals are truly the greatest compliment.

Travel by Marisa will be closed December 24–January 4. If you are traveling during this time, I will still be available if you need assistance. For 2026 bookings, please visit travelbymarisa.com, click Contact, and complete the Trip Inquiry Form. I’ll follow up when I reopen.

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year.

19/12/2025

Cucina deliziosa - What keeps travelers coming back, including my own family !!. Italy continues to place in the global top ten year after year as a favorite travel destination.

Italian cooking added to ‘intangible cultural heritage’ list after campaign by Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government

27/09/2025

Picturesque stop for a tasting. Friendly staff, they squeezed our group in for a tasting without a reservation. Port arrived a bit delayed, the box was hanging out in NY for a few weeks before we were reunited.

13/09/2025

Relieved ship’s food has been excellent compared to last cruise’s mediocrity with another line Last night, dined at the Italian restaurant “Extra Virgin” where everything was delicious. This EV has a different menu than other Virgin ships & pasta is made fresh onboard! There are no upcharges for specialty dining. Everything is included, but there are a few menu items for an additional fee, mostly alchohol pairing courses. r linr

10/09/2025

Travel by Marisa is Closed - 9/10 - 9/16. Checking out some new adventures for everyone. No kids allowed ! !

02/09/2025

As a travel advisor, I try to test experiences before my clients. We boarded the Nightjet sleeper train, hoping for a European adventure. Instead of the sleek new cars I’d seen online, we got quirky old carriages and some very ‘memorable’ amenities. The silver lining? Now I know what to expect—and how to help my clients avoid the same pitfalls. Sometimes the best stories come from trips that don’t go as planned.

I’m going off the rails on a crazy train! – Ozzy Osbourne When I was a kid, my adventurous parents took me on a cross-country Amtrak trip from New York to California aboard the Southwes…

02/09/2025

Our family are huge AC/DC fans, but we'd never been to a concert. When rumors started circulating in 2024 that the band would mount a 2025 tour, we signed up for the newsletter and all the social media feeds. AC/DC announced there North American dates on December 2, 2024. Notice anything missing? That's right, they were skipping the New Jersey/New York (yeah, it's Jersey first because that's where the stadium is 😤) market!...

Our family are huge AC/DC fans, but we’d never been to a concert. When rumors started circulating in 2024 that the band would mount a 2025 tour, we signed up for the newsletter and all the so…

07/07/2025