Exclusive Travel by Monica Rae

04/12/2026

Views matter.

04/11/2026

So apparently 6ABC Action News (Philly) decided to hand out travel advice… and somehow landed on: Use a travel advisor for ideas… then go book it yourself.”
I’m sorry… what? 😶That’s not a travel tip.

Let's visit reality:
Using a travel advisor for free planning and then booking it yourself is the same energy as: 📸 Posting a photographer’s photo—with the watermark still on it.
You know it’s not yours. You saw the name. And sure, the photo was already taken and edited, but it took skill, training, and time to learn how to make a photograph amazing. They deserve to be compensated for it, especially if you're using it.

Same with travel planning.

Here’s how it really goes down👇
Travel advisors (hi, it’s me 🙋‍♀️) are commission-based, and getting paid after services are completely rendered and have returned home.

That commission? It’s already built into your trip whether you book with me or book direct.The only difference is who gets paid for the work.

So when someone says, “Can I just pick your brain?” Translation is; You’d love full professional insight without investing in the professional part.

That's like baking together, but not sharing the cookies.

Let's catch up with the times: about 72–79% of advisors are charging research fees — because good travel planning takes time, skill, and energy (three things that aren’t free on anyone’s calendar).

Why? simply because advice like these anchors thought was good, but wasn't. Planning is work.

✔ Research fee = time, strategy, education and customization before you book
✔ Commission = support, management, and troubleshooting after you book.

Both are valuable. Both are earned.

Now—mini reality check (because I’m fair):
If a trip comes back and it’s not what you envisioned, or pricing doesn’t align?

Totally valid. We get that. We have that with our own trips.

That’s not the issue.

The issue is listening to these anchors and blatantly using a travel advisor to plan your trip, and then turning around and booking it yourself.

You wouldn’t: Ask a lawyer for advice and then represent yourself. Ask a financial advisor for a plan and ghost them. Please don't do that to us. You hire lawyers and financial planners, and you hire travel agents.

If your job worked like that—
How long would you stay there? 👀 How long could you support your family on that business strategy?

Right now, I'm not charging that research fee, but if too many guests start taking advice that these news anchors are giving, I'll have to do just that.

So here’s the bottom line:
Search all you want — but when it’s time for real planning, call me.
Let me do what I do best.
Let me turn those ideas into a plan.
And then, book with me.

04/09/2026

Alright, who’s ready to stop trying to plan a group trip and actually TAKE one? 👀✈️

If you’ve ever said:
“We should all go somewhere together…”
…and then immediately gotten overwhelmed by 27 opinions, 14 budgets, and zero decisions — this is your sign.

I’ve got something so good for my families, friend groups, and “we deserve a trip” crews: small group guided tours with CIE Tours.

✨ Think:
✔️ Smaller groups (so you’re not herded around like cattle)
✔️ Incredible destinations across Europe
✔️ Built-in experiences without the stress of planning every second
✔️ Free time to explore (or sip wine… no judgment)
✔️ Someone ELSE handling logistics while you just show up and enjoy

This is PERFECT for:
👯‍♀️ Friends who keep talking about a girls trip
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families who want memories without the chaos
🎉 Milestone celebrations (hello birthdays, anniversaries, “we survived the school year”)

You get the experience of traveling together… without someone in the group having to become the unpaid tour guide.

If you’ve got a group in mind, drop a ✈️ below or message me — I’ll match you with the right itinerary and make you look like the genius who finally made the trip happen. 😉

[email protected]

04/08/2026

Hi Friends,

I realized I’ve got a lot of new faces here, so it’s probably time for a proper reintroduction…

I’m Monica — your go-to for turning “we should really take a trip” into actually booked and on the calendar ✈

Here’s what I do best (aka what I LOVE planning):
✨ Europe trips — the kind where you’re sipping wine, wandering cobblestone streets, and wondering why you don’t live there
🌴 All-inclusives in the Caribbean & Mexican Caribbean — because sometimes the only decision you should make is beach or pool
👯‍♀️ Group trips — girls trips, family chaos, all of it… I keep it organized so you don’t have to
💍 Destination weddings — the dream without the stress (yes, I handle the details)

Basically… if it involves getting you somewhere amazing without you losing your mind in the planning process, I’m your person.

And if you’ve been thinking about a trip but haven’t quite pulled the trigger yet or know someone thinking about taking a trip… consider this your sign 😉

Where do you wish you were going right now? 👇

04/07/2026

Newly Renovated Secrets® Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
What vibe are you looking for?
email me: [email protected]

04/06/2026

I don't always post sales, because your trip should be based on the best value for you, BUT
BEST OF SUMMER SALE for Europe
Book By: April 16, 2026
Travel period: June 1 - September 30, 2026
Savings from or even up to $1400 to $3200 to $3400
With: DEFINITE DEPARTURES, EXPERT TRAVEL DIRECTORS, EXCLUSIVE SUMMER EXPERIENCES
Like What? Best of Italy, Best of Greece, Best of Britan, Country Roads of Italy, Amazing Spain and Portugal, Iberian Explorer, European Cavalcade, Highlights of Spain, Portugal & Morrocco.

*pricing and discounts based on your trip booked with
**price and availability subject to change

04/04/2026

What's the difference between an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and someone that takes their family several times a year
⏬⏬⏬⏬⏬⏬
Hot take — your friend who loves Disney is not your travel agent.
They know what THEY experienced. I know what's right for YOU.
Trainings. Certifications. Strategy. That's the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Stop crowdsourcing your vacation. ✨
📩 [email protected]

04/02/2026

We’re just wrapping up our trip, and my 11-year-old said: “Can we just come back here instead of Florida?” 😂

Honestly… fair.

Hot take: Disneyland is the chill Disney vacation—and here’s why it wins over Walt Disney World Resort:
• Way more relaxed pace
• Characters are actually accessible (wait times are short)
• Everything is walkable 🙌
• Easier (and cheaper) shorter trips
• That classic, nostalgic Disney magic

Low stress + a solid promo? That’s a win.
And yes… he's already talking about what to show his siblings

Want me to price it out for your crew? You know where to find me 😉

04/01/2026

✅ Nap
✅ Different shoes
✅ Ibuprofen
✅ Coffee
✅ Pain patches
Heading back for our Lightning Lane

03/20/2026

https://www.marriott.com/luxury

Explore a dedicated offering of luxury hotel brands, providing an unparalleled hotel stay experience.

03/19/2026

Destination weddings are beautiful… but they’re still contracts.

Room block minimums.
Deposit schedules.
Attrition clauses.

If no one is watching those dates carefully, you could be paying for rooms your guests didn’t book.

My job? Make sure that never happens.

Have you thought about who’s tracking those deadlines for you?

📩 [email protected]