Canopy of Stars Travel by Jessie

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06/07/2026

Okayyyy I officially understand why people say Africa changes you 🤍

Now that I’m home from traveling throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe, I finally get the hype… and honestly, I think this destination deserves SO much more attention than it gets.

I experienced luxury safari lodges, private game reserves bordering Kruger National Park, wine country, nature reserves, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls firsthand, and one of the biggest things I learned is this:

Not all safari experiences are created equally.

Your lodge, reserve, guides, and overall style of safari completely shape the type of experience you are going to have, which is exactly why planning matters SO much for a trip like this.

Since being back, I’ve been getting a ton of questions, so I figured I would answer a few of the biggest ones here!

✨ When is the best time to go?
Peak season for South Africa travel is typically November through March, but honestly, I absolutely LOVED going in May.

The temperatures were amazing, cooler in the mornings and evenings without feeling overly hot during the day, which made safari game drives super comfortable.

✨ How far in advance should you start planning?
Earlier than most people think.

For luxury safari travel, I would realistically recommend planning about 10 - 18 months in advance, especially if you are looking at the best lodges and private reserves.

Some of the top properties only have a handful of suites total, and the smaller, more intimate lodges often book out the furthest in advance.

✨ Are safaris insanely expensive?
Honestly… this was one of the biggest surprises to me.

Compared to what many travelers are currently spending on luxury Europe trips, South Africa can provide INCREDIBLE value for the level of experience you are getting.

Once you are actually in South Africa, the US dollar goes SO much farther than many people expect. Luxury accommodations, incredible food and wine, spa treatments, excursions, and experiences were all far more reasonable than I anticipated.

✨ Is safari your entire trip?
It definitely CAN be, but personally, I would recommend pairing it with additional destinations to create a more well-rounded experience.

One of the things I love most about South Africa is how many incredible experiences you can combine into one trip:
• safari
• Cape Town
• wine country
• Victoria Falls
• beach extensions like Seychelles or Mauritius
• beautiful coastlines and nature reserves

It really gives travelers the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

✨ Are all safaris basically the same?
ABSOLUTELY not.

This was probably the biggest thing I learned while there.

Some reserves are much more intimate with fewer vehicles around sightings, while others feel larger and more resort-like. Seeing those differences firsthand completely changed the way I will plan African itineraries moving forward.

This is exactly why working with someone who has personally BEEN to the destination matters so much.

I experienced multiple safari lodges and private reserves firsthand while traveling alongside the owner of one of South Africa’s top destination management companies, and seeing those differences in person completely changed the way I will plan African itineraries moving forward.

This destination truly has something for everyone and I honestly cannot wait to help more clients experience it 🤍

If Africa has ever been on your bucket list, you can start the conversation here:
https://app.tern.travel/public/forms/j-Zs3JxGyWSeS98muceVbw/responses/new

06/05/2026

I’ve been struggling to put this trip into words because the truth is… something in me feels different after South Africa.

Yes, the safaris were incredible. Seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, and wildlife in their natural habitat was something I’ll never forget. But this trip impacted me in a way that went so much deeper than just “seeing cool things.”

It reminded me how big and beautiful this world really is. How important it is to stay curious, to experience different cultures, to appreciate nature, and to step outside of your comfort zone every once in a while.

There were so many moments throughout this trip where I just stopped and thought, how is this real life?

And honestly, I think that’s the kind of travel everyone deserves to experience at least once. The kind that shifts your perspective a little. The kind that stays with you long after you come home.

South Africa challenged me, inspired me, humbled me, and completely stole my heart. And I truly believe it deserves a spot at the top of more people’s bucket lists 🤍

05/31/2026

One thing I’ve realized over the last week is that no amount of photos can fully capture a place.

You can photograph the mountains. You can film the wildlife. You can take videos of the vineyards and sunsets.

But it’s much harder to capture how a destination makes you feel.

South Africa surprised me in the best possible way.

I expected the incredible scenery, the safaris, the wineries and the adventures. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the people would impact me.

Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with kindness, pride and genuine warmth. There was an authenticity to every interaction that made this trip feel different from anywhere I’ve been before.

As I’ve started sorting through thousands of photos and videos, I keep finding myself thinking less about what I saw and more about how I felt while I was there.

Inspired.
Grateful.
Welcome.

I’ve now been fortunate enough to visit 25 countries, and South Africa quickly worked its way into my top 3 favorite places I’ve ever been to.

In fact, I think it might be one of the most underrated destinations I’ve ever experienced.

Over the next few weeks to months, I’ll be sharing more from this incredible journey, the places that surprised me, the experiences that exceeded expectations, and why I think more travelers should consider adding South Africa to their bucket list.

For now, I’m simply grateful that a destination I knew so little about a few months ago left such a lasting impact on me 🤍

05/28/2026

One of the greatest gifts this business has given me has been the people 🤍

I had the incredible honor of spending the last 10 days in South Africa and Zimbabwe with Jennifer and Denna, along with several other amazing women, and honestly… my cup feels so full it’s overflowing 🥹

Yes, there were long days, deep conversations and very little sleep, but every single moment was worth it. The laughs, the conversations, the support, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and all the little moments in between are memories I’ll hold onto forever.

And trust me… there were plenty of moments in between 😂 Like me getting pulled aside at the airport because I accidentally left a power bank in my checked bag, or fully admitting to them that yes, sometimes I put an ice cube in my red wine if it’s being served way too warm 🤣

What makes this even more special is that most of our friendship has existed online. These two women live across the country from me, yet the love and support I receive from them feels closer than ever. To be completely honest, this was actually the first time all three of us had been together in person.

I met Jennifer back in 2023 and hadn’t seen her in person since, and Denna and I first met in person last August. But distance has never mattered with friendships like this.

We support each other, push each other, celebrate each other, and lean on one another through every season, both personally and professionally. They are my biggest cheerleaders, trusted sounding boards, and friends I truly never knew I needed.

As I return home and reflect on this incredible trip, I keep coming back to how grateful I am for the people this business has brought into my life. Because while the destinations are incredible, it’s the people beside you who make it all matter so much more ✨

I truly could not do this without them 🤍

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05/06/2026

Happy Travel Advisor Appreciation Day ✨

This job looks like beautiful destinations, curated itineraries, and seamless trips… and it is. But what people don’t always see is everything happening behind the scenes. The late nights, early mornings, and even the middle-of-the-night calls when a client needs support.

I’m constantly thinking about timing, flow, location, room categories, logistics, and all the small details most people wouldn’t even know to consider, because I know those are the things that make or break a trip.

And somewhere along the way, this became so much more than just planning travel.

It’s the relationships with partners around the world who I trust with my clients. It’s the conversations, the shared experiences, and those moments where everything just clicks and you realize you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

It’s also the friendships that have come from this industry. To my fellow advisor friends, I’m so grateful for each of you 🤍

Lately, I’ve been feeling all the feels.

As I prepare for an upcoming trip to Africa that I was invited to attend, I keep having these quiet “how is this my life?” moments. Not in a loud, look-at-me way, but in a way that makes me pause and take it all in.

Because at the end of the day, I don’t just plan trips. I get to be part of something bigger, experiences people will remember for the rest of their lives.

And that’s not something I will ever take lightly🤍

04/28/2026

Just as you build an amazing team of vendors for your wedding day… don’t forget about your honeymoon 🤍

You’ve spent months choosing the right photographer, planner, venue, and all the little details to make your day feel seamless. Your honeymoon deserves that same level of care, especially if you’re leaving right after the wedding.

Because the reality is… you’re not going to want to double check flight times the morning after your wedding, coordinate transfers when you’re exhausted, or troubleshoot delays and last-minute changes.

And when hiccups do come up, you’re not the one dealing with it, I am. I’m monitoring flights, watching weather, and making sure everything stays on track so you don’t have to.

Everything is planned, confirmed, and handled ahead of time so when the wedding ends, you can just show up, take a deep breath, and step right into your honeymoon ✨

If you’re starting to think about your honeymoon, I’d love to help you plan something that feels just as seamless as your wedding day 🤍

04/09/2026

Out of office for my wedding and honeymoon 🤍

I will be fully out during this time with limited to no availability.

If you’re interested in working together, feel free to submit an inquiry form and schedule a call for when I return in late April ✨

Thank you so much for your patience — I can’t wait to connect when I’m back!

03/25/2026

Your honeymoon isn’t just another trip.

It’s the first chapter of your marriage, and it deserves to feel intentional, seamless, and completely you.

The difference between a good honeymoon and an unforgettable one comes down to the details, the pacing, the experiences and having someone who knows how to bring it all together.

That’s exactly what I do.

If you’re starting to think about your honeymoon, save this for later or reach out when you’re ready to start planning 🤍

03/21/2026

Postcards from Cancun ☀️🌴

Sunsets like this, time together and moments that remind you why you booked the trip in the first place.

My clients just got back from such a special getaway, and while these views speak for themselves, one of the highlights of their trip was a catamaran day to Isla Mujeres.

Because the best trips aren’t just about where you stay, they’re about the experiences woven throughout.

So grateful to be a small part of trips like these✨

Minneapolis travel advisor | Cancun travel planning | all-inclusive vacations | custom itinerary design

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03/18/2026

MSP FRIENDS!!

Looking for a last minute getaway? You can fly to Aruba ONE WAY for $86 PER PERSON on April 11th.

Interested? Drop a comment below to get started!

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Bloomington, MN

Website

https://linktr.ee/canopyofstarstravelbyjessie

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