Marie Valentine with Hiatt Magical Vacations

08/19/2026

A client recently asked me about travel protection for their Caribbean vacation, and honestly, it’s one of those things I always want my clients to at least know about before they travel.

Because a vacation can be a big investment… and some unexpected travel expenses can be really expensive when you’re paying out of pocket.

Think about things like an unexpected medical situation while traveling internationally, having to cancel or interrupt your trip, or other covered travel disruptions.

I’m not here to tell you that you have to purchase travel protection — that’s your call!

But I am here to make sure you know your options so you can make the decision that's right for you. ❤️

08/19/2026

This booking is a SPECIAL one. 🥂✨

One of my clients is celebrating her husband’s 40th birthday by bringing two other fun couples along for the adventure — and it’s their first-ever all-inclusive! 🎉

It’s also kind of serving as the honeymoon they never really got to have…just several years later. ❤️

There was some strategy involved to make this trip work for everyone. We actually had to change the dates to get everyone’s schedules to line up — and THAT is exactly why having a travel advisor in your corner is so helpful.

You tell me what you want.
I’ll figure out how to make it work. 😉

Preferred Club gives them those extra touches like exclusive pools and a private lounge — perfect for a milestone celebration.

They also asked about a swim-up room. It was more money, and they really wanted an ocean view- which I know the Swim-up doesn't have. So I said "stick with the ocean view."

Because yes, the swim-up sounds fun…
but I know that view is what’s going to make THEM happiest when they wake up every morning. 😉

And the included waterpark next door? I already KNOW they’re going to use it because they are fun! 💦

First all-inclusive.
40th birthday.
Three couples.
A little delayed honeymoon.
And a whole lot of fun ahead.

I am SO excited for them! 🥂🌴

08/18/2026

🚨 Villains Land is coming to Magic Kingdom! 🖤✨

A brand-new land inspired by Disney’s most iconic villains is coming to life with two major attractions:

🖤 Maleficent Coaster— race through enchanted briars toward her mountaintop fortress.

🪞 Mirror Realm — enter the Magic Mirror’s world and encounter some of Disney’s most notorious villains.

Think dark magic, massive villain lairs, shops, restaurants, and plenty of mischievous fun—on a scale compared to Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney villains are finally getting their own land… and I am HERE FOR IT.😈🏰

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/195GTcxVEw/

08/18/2026

We need to have a family meeting about Rome. 🇮🇹😂

Since we're flying all the way to Europe, I already know I don't want to land and immediately hop on the ship. I want to front-load the sightseeing, give everyone time to adjust to the time change, and actually enjoy Rome before we sail.

Here's the problem…

I want to see ALL of it.

I'm Italian, so getting to experience as much of Italy as I can is something I'm already incredibly excited about. ❤️🇮🇹

But we're traveling with the whole family, so I know we need to figure out what everyone's must-sees are before deciding exactly how early we fly in.

I'm thinking at least 2 full days in Rome, but Craig is thinking 3 — and honestly, I'm not exactly going to argue with him. 😅

And then there's TUSCANY… 👀🇮🇹

Part of me really wants to squeeze in a day trip while we're there. Because if we're already in Italy, how do you NOT want to see those rolling hills and little towns?!

But then I have to remind myself… we're traveling with kids, and I don't want our trip to become a race from one place to the next.

So that's officially going on the family meeting agenda. ✔️

We're going to make our Rome must-see list and build our time around it.

I have my list… but I want to hear yours. What was your favorite thing you did in Italy? 🇮🇹

08/17/2026

Finished my required annual training for Universal Orlando! 🎢✨ And now I’m even MORE excited for my clients heading there next month!

I’m basically drooling (and completely jealous 😂) thinking about them eating all the chocolate at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, pool hopping, taking full advantage of Unlimited Express Pass AND experiencing Epic Universe! 🤯

In my next life, I want to come back as a kid these days because the vacations kids get to take are INSANE. 😂❤️

If Universal is on your bucket list, I have ALL the info! And fall is still such a great time to get away before the holidays! 🍂🎢

08/16/2026

08/16/2026

✨ Planning is just my favorite. ✨

Especially when it’s for something this special. ❤️

Mom + Grandma are taking “M” to my hometown city to celebrate her hitting DOUBLE DIGITS! 🎂🥳

I’m SO excited for them to make some special memories together in Chicago!

Watching our kids grow is one of my very favorite things, and I know this mom feels exactly the same way. 🥹

There’s just something extra special about planning a trip around a milestone — and I’m honored to help make the details a little easier along the way.

Now I just need to make sure Chicago shows them a REALLY good time. 😉🏙️

08/15/2026

My non-negotiables when I travel ⬇️

and a few things you’ll almost always find me doing on a trip…

☕ Finding the best coffee
🍽️ Trying the local food
🚶‍♀️ Walking around and exploring
📸 Taking way too many pictures
✨ Noticing the little details

Because the best travel memories aren’t always the big, planned moments.

Sometimes it’s the restaurant you randomly find, the view you didn’t expect, or the little experience you didn’t know you needed. ❤️

What’s one thing you ALWAYS do when you travel? Maybe I need to add it to my list ☺️