The Talking Suitcase

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✈️ Travel Advisor | Custom Cruise & Vacation Planning

🛳️ Stress-free planning • Expert advice • Personalized itineraries

🧳 Visit my website for Destination guides, cruise reviews & travel tips

🌎 Explored 48 countries (43 with kids)

The rain tried to ruin our Memorial Day getaway but we just went with the flow… of consistent downpours 🌧️With the kids ...
05/26/2026

The rain tried to ruin our Memorial Day getaway but we just went with the flow… of consistent downpours 🌧️

With the kids home from college and dog sitters secured 😃, Derrick and I were looking for a quick getaway. We picked Cambridge, Maryland which is an easy 3-hour drive from home. 🚗

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort using Hyatt points. This place is a must visit for families!

🏊‍♂️ 2 outdoor pools & a water slide
🌊 1 indoor pool & hot tubs
⛳ Mini-golf & a playground
🥾 Walking trails & a fitness center
🎱 A game room, pool tables, and a small beach right on the golf course!
👶 Plus a ton of activities and a kids club

We planned to lounge in the sun and get a little color before our trip to the Galapagos, but every time we ventured outside, the skies opened up! ☔

Because of the downpours, most outdoor amenities were a no-go, and the indoor pool was packed with kids. No pool time for us but all the kids were having a blast!

We spent time exploring downtown Cambridge instead, ducking into cute shops to avoid getting drenched. 🛍️

A few highlights from our trip:

🍻 RAR Brewing: A surprise favorite! A must-visit if you love IPAs. The food was great, too! Derrick wants to return just for the brewery.

🍽️ Mallards at the Wharf: Perfect lunch spot on the drive up. Located in Onancock, VA.

🍓 Wright's Market: Local produce, homemade goods and cute gifts.

🍷 Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery: Derrick liked the Oaked Chambourgcin Reserve and I love a spot with dogs that greet you upon arrival 😊

Despite the rain, it was a much-needed getaway not too far from home.

Do you have great stops along the way from the Eastern Shore from Virginia to Maryland?

A proud momma moment ❤️This weekend we celebrated my son’s graduation from James Madison University!! So proud of all of...
05/18/2026

A proud momma moment ❤️

This weekend we celebrated my son’s graduation from James Madison University!! So proud of all of his hard work and excited to watch him begin this next chapter.

The years really do fly by!

I finally finished my full Disney Destiny review after sailing Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship on a 4-night Bahamas cru...
05/07/2026

I finally finished my full Disney Destiny review after sailing Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship on a 4-night Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale 🚢✨

Spoiler alert: the entertainment really is that good.

But I’m also sharing the things I didn’t love including inconsistent food, crowded indoor spaces during rough weather, and why I think 4 nights honestly isn’t enough on this ship.

In my review I cover:

✨ Hercules, Frozen & all the entertainment
✨ The Haunted Mansion Parlor & other lounges
✨ Enchanté, Palo, Pride Lands & dining thoughts
✨ Castaway Cay & Serenity Bay
✨ Adult-only spaces
✨ Coffee bars, sweets shops & hidden details
✨ Disney Destiny vs Wish, Treasure & Adventure
✨ Who this ship is REALLY best for
✨ Mistakes to avoid before booking

I also included my honest thoughts on the heavy Marvel theming (which may or may not be an unpopular opinion 😅).

If you’re considering the Disney Destiny especially as adults without kids or for a multigenerational trip - hopefully this helps you decide if it’s worth the hype.

🔗 in comments

Have questions about the ship? Drop them below! 👇

🚢 3 mistakes people make when booking cruises:1. Focusing on the ship and overlooking the itinerary The ship definitely ...
04/06/2026

🚢 3 mistakes people make when booking cruises:

1. Focusing on the ship and overlooking the itinerary

The ship definitely matters but where you’re going (and how long you’re there) can completely shape the trip.

Two cruises that look similar on paper can feel very different once you’re on them.

Assuming, of course, the Mega ship is not your intended destination 😊

2. Not choosing the right cabin for the type of trip

The “best” cabin really depends on the itinerary.

For example - Alaska or Mediterranean cruises are much more scenic, so having your own space to take it all in can make a big difference.

3. Underestimating how many moving parts there are

Cruises are one of the easiest ways to travel, but there are still a lot of choices behind the scenes (ship, route, timing, insurance, excursions).

Having a plan ahead of time makes everything feel much more seamless.

A little extra thought on the front end can turn a good cruise into a really memorable one.

🫶If you’re starting to look at options, I’m always happy to help you narrow it down and find the right fit.

Royal Caribbean just opened bookings for their newest Icon Class ship - Hero of the Seas - and this one is already shapi...
04/01/2026

Royal Caribbean just opened bookings for their newest Icon Class ship - Hero of the Seas - and this one is already shaping up to be a standout for families.

Sailing from Miami starting August 2027, it takes everything people loved about Icon… and levels it up.

A Few Features:
• 9 pools (including the largest swim-up bars at sea - yes, plural)
• Category 6 waterpark with the first-ever funnel raft slide at sea
• Brand new family raft slides designed to actually ride together
• 28 dining spots, from quick bites to immersive, reservation-only experiences
• A new hands-on cooking experience designed specifically for families
• And the Ultimate Family Treehouse - a multi-level suite that’s in a category of its own

But here’s what matters most - this ship was designed so families don’t have to compromise. Kids, teens, and adults all have spaces that feel like they were made just for them.

Icon Class sailings are already one of the most in-demand options at sea, and early booking = better pricing, better cabin selection, and access to the most unique accommodations.

If this is on your radar for 2027, now is the time to start planning.

Comment “HERO” or send me a message and I’ll help you decide if this is the right fit for your family and lock in the best options.

🌟 Sail the New Star Princess to Alaska! 🌟Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska on this 7-night Inside Passage cru...
03/31/2026

🌟 Sail the New Star Princess to Alaska! 🌟

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Alaska on this 7-night Inside Passage cruise:

Ports of Call:
Seattle, Washington (Departure)
Ketchikan, Alaska
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising)
Juneau, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
Victoria, Canada
Seattle, Washington (Return)

Accommodations for 2 adults:
Premium Balcony: $6,746
Sanctuary Mini-Suite: $7,912

✨ Sanctuary benefits on Star Princess include:
-Exclusive adults-only area with private pool & lounge
-Priority embarkation and disembarkation
-Personalized service and concierge
-Quiet, luxurious escape for relaxation at sea

Imagine relaxing on your balcony while glaciers float by, exploring charming Alaskan towns, and enjoying world-class dining and onboard experiences.

📩 Comment to reserve your spot or to learn more about customizing your Alaska adventure!

7-Night Galápagos Islands Expedition – December 2026🌎 One of the most incredible wildlife destinations on Earth7 Nights ...
03/12/2026

7-Night Galápagos Islands Expedition – December 2026

🌎 One of the most incredible wildlife destinations on Earth

7 Nights | Mid-December 2026
Premium Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda
2 Adults = $20,450

This once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise combines luxury with immersive exploration of the Galápagos Islands. Expect small-group adventures led by expert naturalists and incredible wildlife encounters from giant tortoises and blue-footed bo***es to sea lions and marine iguanas.

What’s Included:
• 7-night luxury Galápagos expedition cruise
• All meals onboard featuring locally sourced cuisine
• All beverages onboard (beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, coffee & tea)
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• All gratuities included
• Galápagos National Park entrance fee & Tourist Card
• Twice-daily guided shore excursions with Galápagos National Park certified naturalists
• Daily educational briefings and expert talks about the islands and wildlife
• Complimentary use of snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, binoculars & walking sticks
• Meet-and-greet service with a naturalist guide on arrival
• Complimentary room service available onboard

Why the Galápagos is so special
• Walk among wildlife that has no fear of humans
• Snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and tropical fish
• Explore volcanic landscapes and black-sand beaches
• Visit islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution

This is truly one of the most immersive and wildlife-focused cruise experiences in the world - perfect for travelers who want adventure during the day and luxury waiting for them back on the ship.

Comment if you’d like the full itinerary or available dates! 🌿🐢

✨ How We Took an Almost FREE Trip to New Orleans ✨We traveled to New Orleans for New Year’s and this one felt extra good...
03/04/2026

✨ How We Took an Almost FREE Trip to New Orleans ✨

We traveled to New Orleans for New Year’s and this one felt extra good because we used points for almost everything! 🙌

Here’s the breakdown:

✈️ Flights on Southwest
ORF → MSY: 11,000 points + Companion Pass + $11.20
MSY → ORF: 26,500 points + Companion Pass + $11.20

Total out of pocket for BOTH of us = $22.40

🏨 3 Nights at The Ritz-Carlton (New Year’s Weekend!)

We decided to splurge a little here.
-Used $250 Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit
-87,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points
-Breakfast included (buffet was $39 per person 👀)
-$100 resort credit
-Fruit welcome amenity

The hotel was sold out (holiday weekend!), so no upgrade but we still got early check-in at 1pm which was great considering capacity.

🍽️ Dining Credits
We used the Chase Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Table credits:
$150 at Muriel’s
$150 at Tableau

Muriel’s will mail you a gift card. I bought a $150 GC in December to trigger the semi-annual credit and thankfully it arrived in time for our January dinner.

We used the new 2026 semi-annual credit at Tableau on January 2nd.

Transportation:
Taxi from airport = $36 + tip
(Uber was $130 because of the Sugar Bowl 😳)

Used AMEX Uber credits for the return trip.

🎒 Other details:
- Earned Southwest Companion Pass in early 2025 (good through end of 2026)
- Keep one Southwest credit card for free checked bags
- Walked everywhere even to the Garden District
- Yes, I bought a NOLA sweatshirt 😆
- Used my new CSR Business card for purchases (working on that sign-up bonus)
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve does have a high annual fee, but between the sign-up bonus and actually using the credits strategically, we more than offset it.

Points + perks + planning = trips like this.

See my full breakdown on how to use credit cards strategically for travel in the comments if you’re curious. 💳✈️

🚢🌲 Sail Alaska from just $99 per sailor, per night! 🌲🚢This is an incredible rate on Virgin Voyages’ brand-new ship, the ...
02/27/2026

🚢🌲 Sail Alaska from just $99 per sailor, per night! 🌲🚢

This is an incredible rate on Virgin Voyages’ brand-new ship, the Brilliant Lady and Alaska is absolutely bucket-list worthy. Glaciers, wildlife, cozy coffee mornings taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Why I love Virgin Voyages (especially for Alaska):
✨ Adults-only (18+) — relaxed, elevated vibe
✨ All dining included — 20+ eateries, no buffet, no assigned seating
✨ Tips included
✨ WiFi included
✨ Group fitness classes included
✨ No nickel-and-diming for the basics

This is NOT your traditional cruise experience — it’s modern, fun, and feels a little boutique hotel at sea.

👇 Click the link in the first comment to:
• Hold your cabin for 24 hours
• Secure this rate before it’s gone
• Make sure you select me as your First Mate (Travel Advisor) so I can help you every step of the way

⚓ Lock It In Insider = Interior stateroom + no changes allowed
If Alaska has been on your list, this is a fantastic way to do it without breaking the bank.

Who’s ready to see glaciers up close? 👀

That end-of-month feeling where you still want the vacation just planned smarter 😅I don’t need luxury,I need value that ...
02/25/2026

That end-of-month feeling where you still want the vacation just planned smarter 😅

I don’t need luxury,
I need value that *feels* like luxury.

Who else prefers knowing the costs upfront?

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Cape Canaveral, FL
32920

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