AmandasTravels

06/01/2026

🚁 Hanging halfway out of a helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef probably wasn’t listed in my life insurance paperwork… but WOW was it worth it 😅🌎💙
June 1 is World Reef Awareness Day 🐠🌊

And after recently seeing reefs from Australia to Belize to French Polynesia… it’s honestly hard to put into words how incredible they are in real life.

That photo was taken over the Great Barrier Reef, one of those places that almost doesn’t look real from above. The colors, the patterns, the water… absolutely unreal.

So many of my clients come back LOVING Australia, especially the reef experiences:
🐢 snorkeling excursions
🐠 vibrant coral + marine life
🚁 scenic flights over Heart Reef
🏝 island stays that feel straight out of a movie

Belize surprises people too. The reef there is amazing, the water is crystal clear, and it’s one of my favorite options for travelers wanting something tropical and a little different.
Then there’s French Polynesia… which I just visited recently 🌺
The lagoons there are so calm and clear that you can spot fish, coral, and rays without even trying. It feels peaceful in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re there.

A few easy ways we can all help protect reefs while traveling:
✔️ Use reef-safe sunscreen
✔️ Don’t touch coral (even accidentally)
✔️ Avoid standing on reefs while snorkeling
✔️ Respect wildlife and marine areas
✔️ Support tour operators that care about conservation

The oceans and reefs are part of what make these destinations so magical ✨
Protecting them means future travelers, and future generations, get to experience that same “WOW” feeling too 💙

05/31/2026

If Amanda’s Travels has helped you plan an amazing trip, inspired your next vacation, or just entertained you with travel memes 😅✈️… we’d truly appreciate your vote!

🗳️ Vote DAILY from May 31 – June 7 (vote once a day 😮‍💨)

⚡ Be sure to vote for Amanda Storm / Amanda’s Travels in the Travel Agent category

Because apparently winning Best of Lawrence now requires the endurance of a marathon runner 😵😂 Thank you all so much for the support ❤️

Vote daily through June 7

05/30/2026

To Class of 2027 families 👀✈️

The final year is coming… all the “lasts” and one unforgettable first!
Just a little early heads up—graduation trips book way earlier than people think 😅
Like… the “good rooms go fast” kind of early.

Think:
🌍 Europe — plan now
🏝️ Caribbean — start by August
🏯 Asia — plan now
✨ those “we’ve always talked about it” bucket list spots

Start early = better options, better spots, and way less stress 🙌

05/29/2026

Spring Break 2027 might feel far away… but this is exactly when the best trips start coming together ✈️

Whether you’re looking for a quick Bahamas cruise that fits around busy schedules, a full Caribbean escape, a springtime Paris trip that’s easier than you think, or a Costa Rica adventure with a little bit of everything… there are some really good options right now.

The earlier you start, the more choices you have, and the better everything tends to be.

📩 Reach out and let’s map out a trip that actually fits your family (without the stress of scrambling later)

05/27/2026

Some places don’t need a caption… Bangkok is one of them. The pictures don’t do it justice.

In this pic, I'm across the Chao Phraya River, watching Wat Arun light up. It’s one of those rare moments where everything feels still. It’s called the Temple of Dawn, it feels even more magical at night ✨

The reflections are so cool. For a city that’s constantly buzzing, this spot feels relaxing, quiet, calm, with the river slowly moving while the energy of the city hums just behind you. Peaceful… without ever being boring.

A good reminder:
• 🧳 You don’t have to fill every second when you travel
• ✨ Sometimes the best memories come from just sitting there and taking it all in.

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom. Grateful. Always.

05/24/2026

Just a reminder… Portugal is so, so good 🇵🇹

Like, one of my biggest “wait, why don’t more people talk about this?!” surprises over the last few years. I loved it way more than I expected.

And since it’s National Wine Day 🍷… we have to talk about the wine + food situation over there.

The wine? Incredible. And yes, Portugal is famous for Port wine which is a whole experience on its own.

And then you’ve got the Island of Madeira, known for Madeira wine, a fortified wine that’s super unique and has this rich, slightly caramelized flavor.
The food? Fresh, simple, and you’ll start questioning why everything back home isn’t cooked in olive oil and paired with a glass of something local 😅

Also… you go in thinking “I’ll just have one glass with dinner” and suddenly you’re at your third like, “well it is part of the experience.” 😂

While we are talking wine, I also work closely with City Wine Market on wine trips… and let’s just say 👀🍷🦁 2027 might have something fun in the works.
If you’ve been sleeping on Portugal… let’s talk ✈️

05/24/2026

Yes, it’s May… and yes, we’re talking about the festive season, that magical time when school is out and before the New Year starts.🎄❄⛄

If you’ve ever tried to plan a last-minute holiday trip, you already know… it turns into “what’s left” instead of “what you actually wanted.”

Whether you’re dreaming of European Christmas markets or something warm and beachy like the Caribbean or Hawaii… now’s the time to start making it happen.

Or… skip the usual and go a little off the holiday playbook with temples glowing in Thailand or winter lights and incredible food in Japan.

Future you (sipping wine under twinkle lights or on a beach somewhere) will be very glad you did 🎅🎁✈

05/22/2026

You only get one life, and I’m so grateful that mine is filled with adventures, memories, and experiences around the world. ✈️🌍

I know it may look like I’m always on vacation, but the truth is — when I travel, I’m working hard behind the scenes to make your vacations unforgettable. I spend my time touring resorts, testing excursions, exploring destinations, tasting the food, and experiencing everything firsthand so I can confidently recommend the very best for my clients. 🏝️✨

Travel is more than a trip — it’s memories that last a lifetime. And helping others create those memories is truly one of the greatest joys. Ready to plan your next adventure? Let’s make it happen. 💙

05/21/2026

Happy International Tea Day ☕️🌿(Who knew?)
Fun fact… I recently tried harvesting tea leaves in Thailand. “Tried,” is the key word. I gave it my best shot and they very politely let me know… I was not so good at it 😅Made me wonder if they tell other tourists that or just me.

Apparently I was picking the wrong leaves, too slow, but you know what, I had a blast, I was just out there living my best life😂

Safe to say… I’ll stick to my day job. But getting to experience things like that, that’s the kind of travel you don’t forget.