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Share The Magic Travel - Rachel Baldridge, High Point, NC (2026)

08/19/2026

Friends, I’ve been so quiet on social media lately!

I wish I had a spare second here and there to share all of the amazing trips I’ve been booking and the incredible places my clients are traveling. But when I have five seconds to work, I put my head down, grab my laptop, and knock out as many things on my to-do list as humanly possible.

This month has been FULL of custom itineraries and unique experiences. I’ve booked everything from croissant-baking classes in Paris and a hotel stay near the Eiffel Tower to a Mediterranean dream vacation with private excursions planned at every stop for the most stress-free way to experience Europe.

I’ve helped plan a West Coast road trip beginning in Seattle and ending in San Francisco, and I’m currently planning a last-minute Italy vacation that will take my clients through Rome, Florence, and Venice.

I’ve also been working on my group trip for next March and helping my clients plan their pre- and post-river cruise stays. We’re even scheduling a canal cruise as a group, and I am SO excited about that!

And that’s not all…

Clients have been traveling on Alaska land-and-sea tours, exploring Denali and Glacier Bay National Park.

Clients have been in Bar Harbor, Maine, taking in the beauty of Acadia National Park and enjoying incredible restaurants within walking distance of their hotel.

And, of course, I’ve had plenty of Disney clients heading off to enjoy Halloween festivities at the most magical place on Earth!

I’m so incredibly thankful for each and every trip and every family who trusts me to help plan their vacations.

I’m doing my best to juggle it all while getting ready to start another homeschool year and preparing for preschool, where I’ll be teaching one day a week starting next week.

God has blessed me with so many incredible people in my life, and I’m so thankful that I get to do work that I love, work from home, and still experience life alongside my kids.

So, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been…

I’ve been busy. And I couldn’t be more thankful.

07/24/2026

One of the biggest travel trends I've seen this year—and one that has honestly surprised me—is the combination of last-minute travel and the growing demand for Alaska.

I can't tell you how many Alaska trips I've planned that depart within three months...sometimes even less! So many people know they want to go, but they don't realize just how many moving pieces there are to planning the perfect Alaska vacation.

Not every cruise itinerary is the same. Not every cruise line visits the best glacier viewing areas. The excursions you choose can completely shape your experience.

Over the years, I've built a list of trusted excursions and tour operators that my clients have absolutely loved—from riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to whale watching, glacier seaplane tours, and even dog sledding on a glacier.

This is where having a travel advisor who truly knows the destination makes all the difference.

Alaska has become one of my favorite vacations to plan, and I can honestly say I've never had a client return disappointed. I'm very selective about the cruise lines I recommend, the itineraries I book, and the excursions I suggest because I want every client to experience the very best Alaska has to offer.

If Alaska is on your bucket list, there are still a few sailings left this season. However, if your schedule is flexible, I'd encourage you to start planning for **2027 now**. Booking early gives you the best selection of cabins, the best pricing, and first choice of those incredible excursions that often sell out months in advance.

These photos are from two sweet best friends who recently returned from an Alaska land-and-sea adventure. ❤️

Here's what they shared about their experience:

"She prepared a wonderful trip, keeping me involved every step of the way! She always asked before she planned anything—from flight times to excursions. She even messaged us when we got to our destination to see how everything went. I never felt forgotten once my trip started! Rachel is great and I would definitely recommend her services to anyone planning a vacation!"

There's a reason Alaska is one of my favorite destinations to plan. If you've been thinking about making the trip, I'd love to help you create an itinerary that's the perfect fit for you.

07/22/2026

In October, my family will be staying at a deluxe resort that has been on my Disney bucket list ever since I toured it over a year ago! Disney's Yacht Club Resort is a vacation dream, and we cannot wait to spend seven days just steps from EPCOT while enjoying what many consider the best pool complex on Disney property (largest water slide, lazy river, and a pool with sand bottom)!

One of the biggest perks of staying at a deluxe resort is access to Extended Evening Hours. During our trip, we'll get to take advantage of this twice! Historically, these are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, allowing deluxe resort guests to stay in select parks for two extra hours after they close. It's often EPCOT on Mondays and one of the other parks on Wednesdays!

My husband is obsessed with the Disney Skyliner, and while Yacht Club doesn't have its own Skyliner station, it's just a short walk over to Disney's BoardWalk or EPCOT's International Gateway, where you can hop on and ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios. EPCOT is so close that you can actually walk there in just a few minutes!

The BoardWalk area connected to the resort is such a special place to spend time when we're not in the parks. There's always something going on—from lawn games and entertainment to delicious quick-service dining and beautiful views of the boats on Crescent Lake. We've intentionally built more rest days into this trip than ever before, and I know we'll spend plenty of time soaking it all in.

The kids are probably most excited about one thing: you can watch the EPCOT fireworks while swimming at Stormalong Bay! They cannot believe they'll get to go night swimming while watching the fireworks from the pool. Are they spoiled or what?!

Disney always brings out a more relaxed, playful side of Donny and me as parents, and I can't wait to make more memories in our favorite place with my favorite people. ❤️

07/10/2026

Luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive...at its finest. 🌴✨

If you're dreaming of a romantic getaway where every detail is thoughtfully curated, this stunning resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Nestled along a secluded stretch of palm-lined coastline, you'll find breathtaking accommodations, rooftop infinity pools with incredible ocean views, impeccable service, and an atmosphere designed for complete relaxation.

Spend your days:
☀️ Lounging by rooftop infinity pools
⛵ Sailing into unforgettable Caribbean sunsets
🍽️ Indulging in world-class cuisine crafted by renowned chefs
🌊 Relaxing on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach

The dining experience alone is worth the trip. Enjoy everything from regional Mexican flavors and international specialties to an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu at the resort's AAA Five Diamond restaurant, Teodoro, all while overlooking the ocean. Prefer something more casual? Their exclusive beach club serves fresh, locally inspired dishes that are just as memorable.

One of my favorite things about this destination? Since it's located in Playa del Carmen, you'll fly into Cancún International Airport, which often has some of the most affordable international airfare from the U.S. That means you can enjoy a luxury vacation without necessarily paying luxury airfare.

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, birthday, or simply want to reconnect with the one you love, this resort offers the perfect blend of romance, relaxation, and elevated luxury.

❤️ If you're looking for an unforgettable adults-only escape, I'd love to help you plan it. I have a feeling this one will leave you counting down the days until you can return.

**Recently priced this out for 5 nights in November at $6,110.05 total for 2!

07/09/2026

🌎 Question of the Day 🌎

You can only choose ONE. Which vacation are you booking?

❤️ Mediterranean Cruise
💙 Alaska Cruise
💚 Italy
💛 Disney at Christmas

Tell me your pick in the comments!! 👇

07/08/2026

There are so many people who dismiss guided tours when planning a European vacation. In their minds, they picture themselves wandering charming streets, discovering hidden cafés, and exploring each destination entirely on their own. And honestly, there is so much value in that type of travel.

But it also takes a certain kind of traveler. Knowing what kind of traveler you are is one of the most important parts of planning a vacation you'll truly enjoy.

A custom itinerary—whether created by me or another travel advisor—can absolutely provide the flexibility you're looking for. However, it also relies on your comfort level with navigating airports, arranging transportation, finding train stations, managing hotel check-ins, coordinating tours, and handling all of the logistics along the way. If you're visiting multiple cities or multiple countries, those moving pieces can become overwhelming.

The other option—and the one I would personally choose—is a guided tour through a company like Globus, which happens to be my favorite tour partner.

With a guided tour, the logistics are handled for you. Your hotels, transportation, sightseeing, and many meals are already arranged, allowing you to simply enjoy the experience. The best part? You still have built-in free time to explore on your own, so you get the perfect balance of independence and convenience.

Many guided tours also include experiences that are difficult to arrange on your own—from taking a cooking class in Italy to riding a dog sled in Alaska or enjoying exclusive cultural experiences with local guides.

Whether you're traveling through Europe, Alaska, Africa, or even exploring destinations within the United States, there's incredible value in having an expert tour director with you every step of the way.

Take a look at the two vacation styles highlighted in this video. It's a great comparison of independent travel versus guided touring, and why the right choice really comes down to your travel style. Neither option is wrong—but choosing the one that fits you can make all the difference in your vacation experience.

07/07/2026

Travel Tip Tuesday: Protect Your Vacation Investment!

Travel insurance can seem like an unnecessary expense... until you need it.

I'll be honest—I used to be someone who never purchased travel insurance myself. But since becoming a travel advisor, I've seen firsthand just how valuable it can be when the unexpected happens.

The goal isn't to expect something to go wrong. It's to plan for the unexpected and hope you never need it.

I've seen situations like:
• A hospitalization while traveling overseas
• A death in the family that forced a trip cancellation
• A traveler becoming ill and needing to end their vacation early

These are circumstances no one wants to face, but they do happen. When they do, having travel insurance can help protect the financial investment you've made in your vacation and provide support during an already stressful time.

A vacation is something many families save for months—or even years—to enjoy. Protecting that investment is something I always encourage my clients to consider.

Have you ever purchased travel insurance, or is it something you've always skipped?

I chose this picture because my kids are giving you the side eye if you don't get travel insurance ;)

07/06/2026

Not all Alaska cruises are created equal. 🏔️🚢

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, "An Alaska cruise is an Alaska cruise." The truth is...the itinerary and cruise line you choose can completely change your experience.

One of the biggest things I encourage my clients to look for is an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park.

Only a handful of cruise lines are permitted to sail through this protected national park, and trust me—it is worth prioritizing. Imagine standing on deck as towering glaciers calve into the sea, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. It's one of those places that photos simply can't capture.

But if you really want to experience Alaska, I recommend taking it one step further.

Instead of just cruising the coastline, consider a CruiseTour that combines your voyage with several days on land. You'll venture into Alaska's breathtaking interior, where you can visit Denali National Park, ride scenic railways, stay at beautiful wilderness lodges, and experience a completely different side of the Last Frontier.

This year, I've sent more clients on Princess Cruises CruiseTours than ever before, and the feedback has been incredible. They loved that everything was thoughtfully planned—from transportation and hotels to excursions—so they could simply enjoy the journey. Add in Princess's excellent service and dining, and it's easy to see why these trips have become such a favorite.

If Alaska is on your bucket list, don't settle for just any itinerary. Choosing the right cruise line and the right route can make all the difference between a great vacation and a truly unforgettable one.

📍If you're dreaming about Alaska, I'd love to help you find the itinerary that's the perfect fit for you.

07/05/2026

One suitcase. Seven countries and cultures. Countless unforgettable moments. Mediterranean cruises are one of my favorite vacations to plan because every port has its own personality. If you're dreaming about Europe but don't know where to start, cruising lets you experience so many incredible destinations in one seamless trip—and this itinerary is one I'd book in a heartbeat (especially since I've been to most of these ports - take me back!)

Imagine waking up to a new view almost every morning...

🇬🇷 Explore the ancient streets of Athens
🇲🇪 Wander the charming Old Town of Bar, Montenegro
🇬🇷 Fall in love with the pastel buildings of Corfu
🇮🇹 Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine in Messina
🤍 Watch the sunset over the whitewashed cliffs of Santorini
🌊 Stroll the famous waterfront in Mykonos
🇹🇷 Walk through the incredible ruins of Ephesus from Kusadasi
🏖️ Relax on the beaches of Crete
..all without unpacking more than once.

This is exactly why Mediterranean cruising is one of my favorite ways to experience Europe. Instead of worrying about trains, ferries, hotels, and moving luggage every few days, your hotel travels with you while you spend your days exploring some of the world's most beautiful destinations. Plus at night you enjoy a relaxing gourmet dinner on the ship and fun entertainment

✨ Which stop would be at the top of your list? For me, it was Mykonos! While that day was incredible, Montenegro was the country that surprised me the most!

07/04/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions I've heard recently is that it's too late to plan a Christmas trip to Disney for 2026.

That couldn't be further from the truth!

In fact, if you wanted to plan a trip for next month, it's still possible. I recently helped a mom and her son book a last-minute getaway to Walt Disney World to experience Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and take advantage of some fantastic summer promotions—and they leave in just one month!

While I always recommend booking holiday trips as early as possible to get the best resort availability and pricing, don't assume you've missed your chance if you haven't planned yet.

So if you've been dreaming of spending Christmas at the Most Magical Place on Earth, there's still time to make it happen.

I'd love to help you create a Christmas vacation your family will never forget.

Share The Magic Travel - Rachel Baldridge

08/19/2026

07/24/2026

07/22/2026

07/10/2026

07/09/2026

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