Oh The Places Travel

06/01/2026

A journey designed for restoration at sea.
Begin the morning with a quiet swim beneath open sky, spend the afternoon in The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and end the day in stillness as the horizon softens into evening. Allow me to arrange your wellness escape. Contact me to book Unlike The Rest.

06/01/2026

If Japan is on your list, Kyoto is non-negotiable. And within Kyoto, so is this.

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto opened on the site of the Mitsui family estate near Nijo Castle, and the grounds reflect that history. A natural hot spring runs below the property, and the onsen program is among the most considered in Kyoto. The pool, spa, and quiet of the gardens set this apart from most city hotel experiences in Japan.

The location works well for everything Kyoto offers. Nijo Castle is steps away, Arashiyama is within easy reach, and the Gion district is close enough for an evening without requiring a taxi.

Ready to experience Japan? Message me to start planning!

06/01/2026

A quick travel tip from Portugal! 🇵🇹✈️

We just landed in Lisbon and got to experience Europe’s new EES (Entry/Exit System) for non-EU travelers.

Before our trip, we downloaded the Travel to Europe app and completed our information ahead of time. The payoff? The EES process took about 30 minutes, while border control and baggage claim were a breeze.

The manual processing lines were much longer, so we were glad we planned ahead.

Right now, the app is available in Portugal and Sweden, with more countries expected to join soon. If Europe is on your travel list, this is definitely worth checking out before you go.

As a travel advisor, I love finding ways to make travel smoother and less stressful—and this one made a noticeable difference.

A little prep before departure can save you a lot of time when you arrive.

Have you heard about the new EES system yet?

TravelSmart

05/31/2026

Raise your hand if you're overdue for a real break. If so, there's a Forbes Five-Star resort in Southern California with your name on it.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is 45 acres of citrus groves and Mediterranean architecture just north of San Diego, and it has collected some of the most serious recognition in domestic travel. Forbes Five Star. AAA Five Diamond. Ranked the number one resort in California by U.S. News & World Report. The spa alone is worth the trip.

What makes it stand out: it has the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a much larger resort. Fresh-squeezed orange juice delivered to your casita every morning. A Bentley fleet available to borrow. World-class tennis across 20 courts, including red clay. The Pony Room restaurant, serving coastal ranch cuisine that is significantly better than resort dining has any right to be.

If you’re looking for a California trip that doesn't involve LAX or the usual resort experience, this is the one I come back to.

05/31/2026

We’re delighted to introduce two extraordinary new suite categories aboard the legendary Ghan and Indian Pacific: the Australis and the Aurora. Designed for those who seek space, privacy, and uncompromising luxury, these suites redefine what’s possible on a rail journey. Here are newly released photos of these highly anticipated suites!

With a separate queen bedroom, elegant lounge, en suite with double vanity, and personal bar, the 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀 Suite sets a new benchmark as the most luxurious accommodation in Australian train travel. Guests enjoy dedicated butler service, Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, refined dining experiences, and exclusive off-train excursions.

Thoughtfully designed with a separate queen bedroom, comfortable lounge, and spacious en suite, the 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮 Suite offers a similarly elevated experience, complemented by butler service, Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année, fine dining, and exclusive off-train experiences.

We work with the experts at Swain Destinations to curate customized "luxury with heart" travel itineraries.

Contact us at [email protected] or (512) 434-9308 to learn more about these luxury suites.

05/30/2026

Cool-cations are officially trending this summer, and honestly, I've been recommending them for years.

More travelers are planning their peak season trips around comfort and experience rather than just the calendar. The result? Some of the most spectacular destinations in the world, with a fraction of the usual crowds and temperatures that actually make you want to spend time outside. A few of my favorites right now:

Norway's fjord country is most accessible in summer, and the quality of light at that latitude is something clients consistently say they weren't prepared for. Photographers plan entire trips around it.

Iceland in summer is genuinely extraordinary. Long days, dramatic landscapes, and none of the overcrowding that defines peak season in southern Europe.

Vancouver Island in British Columbia is one of the most underrated summer destinations in North America. Old-growth forests, incredible wildlife, world-class kayaking, and a coastal pace that is hard to find anywhere else.

Alaska in summer delivers some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Glacier trekking, wildlife encounters, and long golden days that stretch well into the evening.

The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the driest places on earth and one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. Days are warm rather than hot, nights are cool, and the landscape is unlike anything else.

And then there's Patagonia. Remote, dramatic, and one of the most distinctive trips I plan all year.

Peak season travel without the heat, the crowds, or the chaos. Reach out, and let's find the right one for you.

05/30/2026

Some journeys invite you to see Australia—others invite you behind the curtain. Imagine a private recital within the Sydney Opera House, a hair, makeup and costume fitting, or even a dream proposal on stage. Connect with us at (512) 434-9308 or [email protected] to include these unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in your Australia journey.

We work with the destination experts of Swain Destinations to make your travel dreams come true.

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05/29/2026

Ocean breezes, cobblestone streets, and pastel-hued charm — in Old San Juan, every step feels like walking through a postcard.​
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Discover your next Caribbean holiday: https://inspires.to/experiences/caribbean-central-america-qqdxv

05/28/2026

Set on a reimagined sheep farm turned luxury lodge, Eleven Deplar Farm is made for travelers who want big days and beautiful nights, featuring puffin-filled cliffs and heli-accessed adventures. 🏔️🍷

Read the five reasons this off-grid escape is worth a visit, then reach out to plan your adventure in Iceland’s north.

Island-sourced meals, a swim-up bar in a geothermal pool, and heli-hiking on Iceland’s northern Troll Peninsula.

05/28/2026

Most people put Australia on the list and never quite get around to booking it. Here's your sign.

The range in one country is remarkable. World-class cities, ancient wilderness, extraordinary marine life, and a food and wine culture that consistently surprises first-time visitors.

The only thing worse than never going to Australia is waiting another year to start planning it. Message me to get started!