Avid Nomad Travel researches and plans unforgettable travel experiences for curious travelers.
07/21/2025
Ahhh, Christmas In July. That decade(s) old, tradition filled, festival... or something like that.
But, from a Travel Agent perspective, it is a reminder, that the time to book your holiday season and winter travel, is now!
"7 Unforgettable Ways to Spend the Holidays—From Europe to the Nile to the Beach" just hit inboxes for those on Avid Nomad Travel email list. Not currently on the email list? Visit www.avidnomadtravel.com and on the screen that pops up, enter your email address. You'll also have the option to select one, or two, additional travel guides full of ideas for South America and European travel.
Ready to start planning your holiday season or winter travel? Schedule a call and get started!
07/17/2025
Need a bit of pictorial distraction and travel inspiration today?
Check out my latest blog post on my recent Alaska Cruise Tour.
Has Alaska been a destination you have been considering? The season to visit is short and the best dates and options sell out before the leaves change color here.
I closed out last week with two relatively last last minute bookings!
The first one, the clients purchased a package to follow their favorite NFL team, playing in Dublin directly with their team's partner.
But they wanted to add on a short visit to Galway, Ireland and Edinburgh, Scotland, which I finalized for them on Friday. Included in their itinerary are a visit to the Cliffs of Moher near Galway the to the Highlands and Whisky distillers in Scotland!
The next booking, also finalized on Friday, is another last minute trip. This one a bit closer to home but just as unforgettable and unique, as they'll visit Quebec in mid August.
With a few nights at the iconic Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, they'll get all of the historic French charm of this small city on the St Lawrence River estuary. But they'll also get a bit of chilled out time at Club Med (you read that correctly) along Le Massif de Charlevoix, overlooking the St Lawrence as well.
Still thinking about a trip this fall? It isn't too late!
Ready to plan for your holiday season, winter or spring break travel? We need to get started. It also not too early to begin planning for your summer vacation in 2026!
Schedule a chat and get started!
07/11/2025
Friday Funny: the day they put me in charge of a cruise ship on the open waters between British Columbia and Alaska, in 11' swells! 🫣
I promise, it was just the waves rocking the ship, not my driving... Or was it... 🌊
That was such a fascinating tour behind the scenes, I highly recommend it if interested, it is quite the process. Yes, those little joysticks on the console steer the entire ship! ☸️
Tip: book this onboard experience WAY in advance, it is usually sold out well before the sailing.
Ready to schedule your warm weather winter adventure, whether by sea or in a sunnier climate? Time to get started, while most are still in summer vacation mode. 🕶️👒
Schedule a call and plan your winter adventure or 20256-26 cruise. 🚢⛱️🍹🧳
07/08/2025
Just booked: a crossing that’s anything but ordinary.
With 185 years of Transatlantic crossings, Cunard has built upon their foundation while adapting to meet today's expectations for an unforgettable journey.
This group of travelers is set to sail from New York to Southampton in May 2026 aboard the iconic ocean liner, Queen Mary 2—Cunard’s flagship.
Their journey however, is about leaning into spacious sea days, elevated dining, evening galas (if you wish!), and the kind of relaxation that comes with crossing the Atlantic on your own time.
Making their journey in a Princess Suite brings additional amenities and personalized detail with exclusive dining, extra space, and thoughtful touches that turn a voyage into a holiday worth remembering.
Ready to slow down and sail across the Atlantic or discover a new destination aboard one of Cunard's renowned Queens?
Schedule a conversation and let’s make it happen.
06/28/2025
Rounding out the week with a new booking!
A perfectly timed fall journey through Japan for two travelers craving culture, food, and authentic experiences.
From Tokyo’s buzzing neighborhoods to the peaceful post towns of the Nakasendo Trail, from Kyoto’s golden temples to Osaka’s lively street food, this itinerary blends big highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems.
Autumn has long been celebrated in Japan as a season of reflection and beauty. Poets, monks, and artists have honored it for centuries — when temples glow under crimson leaves and traditions feel even more alive. Indeed, my first time in Japan was at the very end of the season, and seeing the nearby temple in this colorful splendor, was unforgettable.
Every detail of this trip was curated with care, based on personal and professional experiences of my own — and I can do the same for you.
🍁 Planning a trip this fall, over the holidays, or this winter? Let’s make it unforgettable. Schedule a call to get started.
06/25/2025
🚞 Just secured the *very last* two seats on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for a late August departure—meaning the last several weeks of the season are sold out!
This unforgettable rail journey includes GoldLeaf onboard service for elevated comfort, panoramic views from a glass-dome coach, dedicated viewing platforms, detailed and personalized service, plus curated meals showcasing the region’s flavors.
But that’s just the beginning: extra nights in Vancouver, turquoise hued Lake Louise, and majestic Banff, with the adventure ending in Calgary.
Add it all together, and this trip blends natural beauty with refined experiences, from coastal greenery to mountain vistas to sweeping panoramas.
It’s a perfect example of those highly seasonal trips—like Alaska cruises—that are best booked a year out to avoid missing your chance and preferred date. That said, there are still a few departures left this summer, particularly early August, if you're ready to jump.
Want to add something truly special to your 2025 or 2026 travel calendar? Let’s start designing it now! 📆
06/20/2025
New Booking finished this morning for a long weekend over fall break, to Paris!
Why might this be a great time to go? How about :
Chicago to Paris: $658
Chicago to Barcelona: $681
Chicago to Madrid: $601
Chicago to Lisbon: $779
Chicago to Athens: $810
Chicago to Brussels: $851
.. and those aren't "Basic Economy", either!
Maybe it is time to check out a new destination this October!
With a 5* hotel, transfers and a unique perfume making class, their long weekend is sure to be an unforgettable fall adventure!
Schedule a call and get started with your own autumn adventure!
06/18/2025
Back from Vacation... and Back to Work with a New Booking! 🇮🇹 🇩🇪
27 days of vacation that included an Alaska Cruise Tour, 7 National Parks, 3055 miles driven, friends, family plus spectacular scenery and wildlife has come to an end. Epic is one way of describing it!
But back to work and already today, with a new booking. This time it is a honeymoon trip in October to Rome and Munich.
Premium Class Airfare: ✅
Rome Airport to Hotel Transfer (who wants to figure out the train after the long flight!): ✅
Boutique 4* Hotel in Rome: ✅
Modern hotel in Munich: ✅
Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, Fountains and Squares of Rome, Pasta Making Class: ✅✅✅✅
Independent Day Trip to Orvieto by rail: ✅
First Class Rail through the scenic Alps: ✅
Munich's Old Town and English Gardens, Neuschwanstein Castle, BMW Welt/Museum: ✅✅✅✅
Autumn is a great time to visit most of Italy. The crowds tend to be a bit lighter and the weather is perfect across the peninsula. You know those sunny 70 degree autumn days you want to bottle up as winter approaches? Yeah, usually those kinds of days into the latter half of the month, whiled away on hidden away piazzas. 🏛 🌤
Bavaria in autumn, after Oktoberfest, sees significantly lighter crowds, some fall colors amidst cool crisp air and bouts of sunshine. With a little luck, there might even be the first dusting of snow on the Bavarian Alps in the distance! 🍂🌅
Think a trip to Europe is too late to plan for late this summer or fall? You might be surprised at the options, and shoulder season travel is often the best season to travel for many reasons.
Ready to plan a last minute summer or autumn trip? Already thinking holiday season or warm winter travel destinations? (and you SHOULD be booking these latter two now if you are!). Let's set up a chat and get started!
06/17/2025
🇭🇷 Dreaming of Croatia? Let’s make it happen!
I’ve got an amazing sample itinerary that takes you from Dubrovnik to Zagreb over 11 days. Think charming towns, coastal drives, historic sites, and even a Game of Thrones tour (yes, Dubrovnik = King’s Landing 👑).
Some highlights:
🧱 Walk the ancient walls of Dubrovnik
🎬 Go behind the scenes of Game of Thrones
🏛️ Explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split
🌊 Hike the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes
🍷 Sip wine in Zadar
🧭 Wander the cobblestone streets of Rovinj
🌆 End in the lively capital of Zagreb
Still thinking of a travel experience this year? September is a great time to visit the Adriatic with its quieter end of season vibes but great weather.
I can customize this trip to fit your interests — whether that means more beach time, more history, more luxury, or a little of everything.
Curious? Shoot me a message and we'll get started with a quote.
06/07/2025
While pretty much all of this trip is a "bucket list" trip, two days ago was one for the ages. It was also a relative surprise.
As this stop on the trip was centered on visiting long time family friends, all I knew was that they had suggested we go biking.
Turns out, it was e-Bike rentals and a ride up Going to the Sun Road, still closed to cars. However, you can bike it and once the road crew finishes for the day, you can go up as far as they have cleared!
Serendipity took the form of 62 spectacular car-free roundtrip miles along the famed drive, by bicycle—151 photos, 13 videos, and endless memories, all under stunning blue skies.
Even better sharing the day with mom. 😊
Next Stop: we've just arrived at Yellowstone, stay tuned!
Ready to put your own unforgettable adventure on the calendar? Let’s schedule a call and start planning your version of serendipity.
01/16/2025
What do all the cities in this collage have in common?
Discover them, and many others, with AmaWaterways latest promo!
Elevate your journey on select AmaWaterways river cruises in 2025 with an incredible land package included at NO additional cost!
Imagine starting your adventure with up to 4 complimentary nights exploring captivating cities before your river cruise even begins—or extending your journey after, all seamlessly planned and perfectly paired with your itinerary.
Whether it's wandering through historic streets, indulging in local flavors, visiting regional vineyards or uncovering cultural treasures, these land packages offer the chance to immerse yourself even deeper in your destination.
🚢 These exclusive opportunities are available on select cruises and only for a limited time. Don't miss your chance to enhance your 2025 travels with this remarkable value—availability is limited, so act quickly!
Want to learn more or need more travel inspiration? Visit www.avidnomadtravel.com for free guides or blog entries to inspire!
🌍 Ready to plan your unforgettable journey? Let Avid Nomad Travel guide you every step of the way.
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My travel story began with a trip to Minas Gerais, Brazil shortly after high school where I stayed with a good friend and his family. From the very beginning my travel experience was less about checking off sites and more about the immersive experience. That isn’t to say, skip the famous sites and beautiful places, but travel is also about learning, connecting and experiencing the unfamiliar or simply relaxing. That first trip has led to over 25 years of independent travel, 6 continents, 52 countries and 106 UNESCO sites, experiencing more than my fair share of art, history, architecture, culture, food, people and of course, nightlife! It is this avid pursuit of travel experiences, sometimes called “experiential travel” or “bucket list travel” that I specialize in planning for others.
Latin America and Western Europe are the areas I know the best, having spent significant time in each. I lived in London for 3.5 years; cumulatively have spent over a year in Brazil; been on journeys of one month or longer in Asia, Africa and South America. Most recently, I’ve spent my winters in Colombia. By utilizing a variety of travel suppliers, I can orient your trip to meet your interests and expectations. For example, I’ve completed specialist training with G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys, which is geared for the culturally inquisitive independent traveler but at a more budget friendly price. There are a wide array of suppliers that I can use to organize your trip whether is a “Bucket List” trip or a resort, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the trip, rather than stress over planning it.
In recent years, I’ve begun to also take a greater interest in diving, hiking and I have 20+ years of GLBT oriented trips. I can organize your group to dive destinations as well as your group trip to Pride, athletic tourneys or Circuit events and beyond.
Travel isn’t a one sized fits all experience, need, or budget. Sometimes it is about the experiencing the journey while other times it is about relaxing at a resort or on a cruise ship. Whichever experience you seek, I will work towards making it a stress free experience and provide support should the need arise, something typically unavailable when using online booking engines.
I’m located in Logan Square, Chicago IL but with the internet, I am not limited to a physical location. Let me know what adventure you have in mind and we can begin the discussion to make it a memorable experience!
