Freedom To Roam Travel

11/08/2026

Check out my blog post about La Spezia.
http://freedomtoroamtravel.com/vacationbuzztravelblog/la-spezia-italy

11/01/2026

🌼💀 November 1st is All Saints' Day, and in Mexico, the celebration of Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is underway!

One of the things I love about travel is getting to experience the traditions and cultures that make each destination unique. In Mexico, Día de los Mu***os is a beautiful celebration of life and a way for families to honor loved ones who have passed. Families create colorful ofrendas (altars) decorated with photographs, candles, marigolds, favorite foods, and special mementos to welcome the spirits of loved ones back for a visit. November 1st traditionally honors children who have passed, while November 2nd honors adults. From the colorful sugar skulls and elaborate face painting to the music and family gatherings, it's a celebration filled with love, memories, and tradition. ❤️🌺

This is exactly why I encourage people to explore beyond the resort or cruise port when they travel. Seeing a destination is one thing, but experiencing its culture and traditions is what creates those stories and memories you'll share for years to come. Would experiencing Día de los Mu***os in Mexico be something you'd add to your travel bucket list? Let's make some memories!

✈️ Freedom to Roam Travel

10/31/2026

Clocks fall back tonight so enjoy that extra hour of sleep.

10/27/2026

🚢🏔️ Alaska belongs on your travel bucket list!

I've had the opportunity to cruise Alaska, and let me tell you, this is one destination that deserves a spot on your list!

Where else can you spend your vacation surrounded by towering mountains, breathtaking scenery, glaciers, and the possibility of spotting whales? And the best part? You get to enjoy it all while someone else handles the driving! 😂

Alaska is one of my favorite destinations, and I love helping people figure out how to experience it for themselves.

Whether you're dreaming of your first cruise or thinking about going back for another adventure, there are so many ways to plan an Alaska vacation.

Let's see a show of hands! 🙋

Have you cruised Alaska already, or is it still on your bucket list?

Drop a comment below! And if Alaska is calling your name, message me. Let's talk about making it happen!

10/24/2026

Carnival Cruise Line has announced changes in pricing for pre cruise purchases. Similar to Royal Caribbean, they will use Dynamic Pricing. This means, prices on excursions, drink packages, wifi and more can change day to day and by sailing. The new pricing will begin December 1, 2026.

In addition, Carnival has introduced new price fixed bundles that include a much smaller drink package and wifi.
For more information, email [email protected]

10/24/2026

Go beyond the shoreline with a Holland America Line Alaska cruisetour that reveals the 49th state from every perspective.

These one-of-a-kind itineraries blend the best of an Alaska cruise with an immersive land tour for a travel experience like no other. By the time you return home, you’ll have experienced far more than the coast, you’ll have discovered the heart of The Great Land.
https://sigtn.com/u/m1UCJx7c

10/01/2026

October is Plan a Cruise Month. This time of year, you should be thinking about your plans for 2027. If you are ready, message me or email me at [email protected] we can get started on your adventure.

09/29/2026

Happy National Coffee Day!!. Sit back and enjoy your favorite brew.
Where have you had the best cup of coffee. . .

09/22/2026

Travel tip Tuesday
I recently took my first trans-atlantic flight so I thought I would share some tips.
Airport Arrival

For international flights, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. You will need to check in at the counter and show your passport before moving on to security. Boarding also begins earlier, and the doors may close earlier than they do for a domestic flight.

Seats
The flight to Europe can be seven, eight, or even nine hours, depending on where you are departing from, so comfort is important. I upgraded my seat from Washington Dulles to Barcelona to Economy Extra, which gave me a few more inches of legroom. Consider adding an upgrade to your budget, whether that is Premium or First Class, as it can make your trip more comfortable.

Sleeping
About an hour into your flight, the crew will serve a meal, and soon after, the lights will go down. This is a good time to try to get some sleep. Bring a neck pillow or another type of pillow, because sleep will be important when you arrive in Europe early in the morning.
When you arrive, do not take a long nap right away. Try to stay awake as long as you can, take only a short afternoon nap if needed, and then sleep that night. This worked out for me but of course, everyone is different.

Arriving in Europe
I can only speak to the process in Barcelona, but European airports now collect biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, from first-time visitors.
In Barcelona, after arrival, we were directed down a hallway with different lines based on citizenship. Once you get to the front, you will visit a kiosk where you place your passport down so it can collect your photo and fingerprints. Follow the directions closely, as the process is not as intuitive as it appears. Once you clear that step, you will visit immigration, where you will either speak with someone and answer a few questions or, as I did, use facial recognition. After that, it is on to
baggage claim.

People often get intimidated at the airport and that is understandable. Just slow down and follow the signs and if you need to, ask for assistance. Most signs did have an english translation and most people at the airport spoke english.
If you are ready to plan your next vacation, drop me an email and lets get planning.

09/20/2026

My recent cruise started in Barcelona, Spain.

My trp began with my flight from Jacksonville to Barcelona, Spain with a layover at Washington Dulles. Mostly uneventful flight with everything being on time and smooth. I was concerned about the...