Travelmation-Amy Thomasson, Specializing in Domestic & Foreign Travel

02/06/2026

If you’re looking for a beach destination that feels charming, walkable, and intentionally unhurried, 30A is a favorite for a reason. 🌊

Stretching along Florida’s Emerald Coast, 30A is made up of small coastal communities — each with its own personality — connected by bike paths, white-sand beaches, and an easy, laid-back rhythm that feels especially good in the spring.

Why 30A works so well:
• Beautiful beaches with calm, clear water
• Charming towns with local shops and dining
• Scenic bike paths connecting the communities
• A relaxed pace that still feels polished and intentional

It’s a great fit for families who want space and flexibility, couples looking for a low-key beach escape, and travelers who want spring sunshine without the chaos of major spring break hubs.

Spring dates here tend to fill quickly, especially for well-located rentals and resort-style stays. Planning ahead makes all the difference in securing the right spot — and the right vibe — for your trip.

02/03/2026

It’s easy to think of a hotel room as just a place to sleep at the end of the day. 🏨

But room location, category, and even the view often have a bigger impact on a trip than people expect.

The “cheapest room” usually comes with tradeoffs — less space, more noise, or poorer rest. In many cases, a small upgrade can dramatically improve the experience without blowing the budget.

This is one of the details I walk through carefully with clients. The right room can mean better sleep, calmer mornings, and a trip that feels more enjoyable from start to finish.

01/27/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about travel planning is that waiting leads to better deals. 🌸

More often than not, waiting actually means fewer options and higher prices. March and April are especially popular travel months — particularly for cruises, resorts, and warm-weather destinations — and availability tightens quickly.

The best pricing and choice usually appear earlier in the year, not at the last minute. That’s why January is such an important planning window.

Booking early protects flexibility, availability, and peace of mind — and those things matter far more once travel season arrives.

01/27/2026

Day 4 of Travelmation Assembled 🎯

Today is a great balance of learning, connection, and celebration — Disney Destinations training, team photos, built-in downtime, and a closing event to wrap up

It’s the kind of day that reflects what this retreat is really about: sharpening our expertise, strengthening relationships, and taking a moment to celebrate the work we’ve done together.

Grateful for the learning, the connections, and the memories made this week. ✨

01/26/2026

Day 3 of Travelmation Assembled 💡

Today is focused on learning and growth — main stage sessions, supplier breakouts, lunch & learns, and team strategy conversations. It’s also a little special for me personally, because I get to be part of Training Tuesday… on a Monday, sharing how I run my business and getting to teach other travel advisors along the way.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and trusted partners, and to contribute by sharing what’s worked in my own business. Investing in this kind of growth ultimately means a better experience for my clients, too. I’ll be sharing a few highlights from today as we go. 📚✨

01/25/2026

Day 2 of Travelmation Assembled ✨

Today is about coming together — check-in, regional pep rallies, time with supplier partners, and stepping back to look at the bigger picture of what’s ahead. There’s something energizing about being in a room with travel advisors who are motivated, collaborative, and genuinely invested in growing together.

This is the kind of day that sets the tone. Building momentum, exchanging ideas, and kicking off what’s shaping up to be a really impactful week. I’ll be sharing highlights and a few behind-the-scenes moments throughout the day. 👀📸

01/24/2026

Day 1 of Travelmation Assembled ✨

Travelmation Retreat is officially underway, and I’m genuinely excited for the week ahead. This is the kind of space that allows us to step out of day-to-day work, reconnect with peers, and focus on growth — both personally and professionally.

Looking forward to the learning, the conversations, and the opportunities to sharpen my skills alongside travel advisors who care deeply about doing this work well. I’ll be sharing moments from the week as we go.

01/20/2026

One of the biggest reasons trips feel rushed or disappointing has nothing to do with the destination — it’s the pacing. 🌿

A high-energy itinerary, a slow reset, and a memory-making family trip all require very different rhythms. When the pace doesn’t match how you actually want to feel, even an incredible destination can fall flat.

January is the perfect time to plan with intention. Instead of starting with when, I help clients start with how — how they want the trip to feel, what they want to come home with, and what pace fits their current season of life.

That shift alone can completely change the experience.

01/19/2026

If you want to get more out of your PTO in 2026, it’s not about taking more days off — it’s about using them strategically. 🗓️

One of the first things I do with clients is look at the calendar before we choose travel dates. That’s where the real opportunities show up.

Here’s what smart PTO planning can look like in 2026:
🗓️ Feb 13–17 (2 PTO) = 5 days off
🗓️ May 22–26 (2 PTO) = 5 days off
🗓️ Jun 13–21 (4 PTO) = 9 days off
🗓️ Jul 1–6 (3 PTO) = 6 days off
🗓️ Sep 4–8 (2 PTO) = 5 days off
🗓️ Nov 7–15 (4 PTO) = 9 days off
🗓️ Nov 25–30 (3 PTO) = 6 days off
🗓️ Dec 23–Jan 3 (5 PTO) = 12 days off

A handful of well-placed PTO days can turn into a longer, more relaxed trip — without draining your time bank.

If you already know your available dates, I can help you figure out which destinations make the most sense for that window.

01/16/2026

There’s no single “right” way to do Disney — and that’s exactly why it works for so many different travelers. ✨

Some people love early mornings and a solid plan.
Others want snacks, festivals, and a slower pace.
Some park-hop nonstop.
Some are happiest spending time at the resort and soaking it all in.

That’s why I don’t plan Disney trips based on a template. I plan them around how you travel. When your pace, priorities, and preferences are matched to the right parks, resort, and flow, the entire trip feels smoother — and a lot more enjoyable.

So tell me — which Disney travel style sounds most like you?

01/13/2026

One of the most common travel mistakes I see is booking flights first. ✈️

It feels like the logical starting point — but more often than not, it actually makes the rest of the planning harder.

When you secure accommodations or cruise inventory first, you’re protecting availability and keeping your options open. Resorts sell out. Cabins disappear. Flights, on the other hand, are usually the most flexible piece. 🏨🚢

This is how experienced travel advisors approach timing — not based on trends or shortcuts, but on what keeps trips smooth, protected, and low-stress from start to finish.

Small decisions early on can make a big difference later.

12/14/2025

You may have seen headlines claiming Japan is introducing a “new” departure tax — and I’ve had several travelers reach out with questions and concerns.

The reality is far less dramatic than social media makes it sound.

I break down what’s actually happening, what hasn’t changed, and why travelers don’t need to panic in this article.

If you’re planning Japan travel and want clarity instead of noise, this will help.

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Travel advisors: If you’re booking or learning to sell Japan and want ongoing updates, policy context, and real-world planning insight, I share this kind of information inside my Travel Agents Selling Japan Facebook group.
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Japan’s proposed departure tax increase is making headlines—but it hasn’t been adopted yet. Here’s what’s actually happening, what it would cost travelers, and why the panic is overblown.