Fun & Sun with Marsha

05/29/2026

The most fascinating part about travel that nobody talks about?
The vacation starts LONG before you ever leave home. ✈️

This week in travel has me fully in my “mentally packed already” era 😂

Here’s what’s happening right now:

🎢 Universal is officially bringing a brand-new kids theme park to Texas (see my stories on Instagram!) and families are ready to go! Universal Kids Resort is designed specifically for younger kids/families, which is great for parents who want theme park fun without surviving 14 straight hours of “my feet hurt.”

☀️ Also: Universal Orlando is still one of the BEST summer vacation values happening right now.

Their current promo is wild:
➡️ Buy 3 days of tickets, get 5 days
➡️ Select onsite resorts are also offering up to a $300 dining credit

And yes… there’s STILL time to plan a summer trip.

Universal has become one of my favorite recommendations for families who want:
✔️ BIG vacation energy
✔️ Incredible hotels
✔️ Easy transportation
✔️ Amazing rides
✔️ Vacation excitement before you even leave home

Which brings me to this week’s newsletter 💌

I talked about something I think we all need more of lately:
having something to look forward to.

Because the joy of travel doesn’t start at the airport.
It starts with the countdown.
The planning.
The Target runs.
The “we’re really doing this” feeling.

And apparently… the 47 mental packing sessions 😅

This week’s newsletter is called:
“The Trip Starts Before the Trip” ✨

If you’re not on my email list yet, this is your sign. I share the real side of travel, destination updates, deals worth paying attention to, and the kind of stories that make you want to finally book the trip.

Link to join in comments!

05/22/2026

✈️ What’s Happening in Travel This Week ✈️

First of all… if May is completely steamrolling you too, welcome 😂

Between travel, end-of-school events, kids’ activities, and trying to function like a normal adult, I looked up and somehow three Fridays disappeared. Apparently there’s a term for this now ,“Maycember”, and it fits.

I just returned from a fantastic trip to Secrets Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, where I also had the chance to tour several other resorts and explore a new area of the country that I can’t wait to share more about soon. These trips are always such a great reminder of how important it is for me to personally experience destinations and resorts so I can make better recommendations for my clients.

And speaking of travel…

One of the things I’m MOST excited about right now is a truly incredible 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line sailing aboard Norwegian Prima in June 2027.

This itinerary sails from Reykjavik, Iceland to Southampton, England with stops throughout Iceland, Norway, Belgium, and near Amsterdam — basically a dream trip packed into one sailing.

Think:
✨ glaciers
✨ waterfalls
✨ volcanoes
✨ Norwegian fjords
✨ colorful coastal towns
✨ bucket-list scenery everywhere you look

And despite it technically being a “group cruise,” it’s designed to be very relaxed and flexible. No forced activities, no awkward group expectations, just optional opportunities to connect while still traveling independently.

This is one of the most exciting itineraries (I've included a pic of the itinerary on this post)I’ve seen in a long time AND on a fantastic ship.

If Iceland, Norway, or Northern Europe are on your travel wish list, send me a message and I’d be happy to share pricing and details!

04/24/2026

✨ What’s Happening in Travel This Week ✨

A couple things happening in travel right now that are worth paying attention to 👀

✈️ First… I’m heading out this week for a quick stay in the Disney "bubble" and then sailing on Utopia of the Seas.

Trips like this are a big part of how I stay current: seeing what’s working, what’s changed, and what actually makes a difference once you’re there.

I’ll be sharing along the way, but I’m especially paying attention to embarkation day, onboard flow, and a few new experiences I haven’t seen yet.

🚢 Also… Disney Cruise Line just released a new offer that’s actually a good one.

On select sailings, kids are 50% off when sailing with two full-fare guests, which can make a pretty big difference for families who’ve had a Disney Cruise on their list.

Those tend to go quickly once people start pricing things out, so if it’s something you’ve been thinking about, it’s worth looking at sooner rather than later.

I always like sharing these kinds of updates because travel changes constantly, and knowing what matters (and what doesn’t) can make planning feel a lot easier.

↓ What’s one trip you’ve been thinking about lately?

04/17/2026

✨ What’s Happening in Travel This Week ✨

I’ve been predicting this for a few weeks now… and it finally happened.

Walt Disney World just released 2027 vacation packages, and yes, it’s as early as it sounds.

This includes resort stays, park tickets, updated pricing, and some changes to dining plan options (Deluxe Dining Plan is returning), along with a few returning perks for guests.

If you’ve been thinking about a future Disney trip, this is one of those moments where planning ahead really pays off. More availability, more options, and a better chance to build the trip you actually want (instead of piecing together what’s left later). Send me a message, I'd love to help you get a head start!

04/10/2026

✈️ What’s Happening in Travel This Week

Travel insurance. Just get it. That's what's happening.

A story from a fellow travel advisor made the rounds this week, and it’s one that stuck with me.

A family vacation abroad quickly turned into a medical emergency, and without travel insurance, they were facing overwhelming out-of-pocket costs and complicated logistics just to get home.

It was also a reminder of something I experienced myself last year. A fall while traveling had me realizing, very quickly, how unprepared I would have been without coverage.

Travel insurance is often the most overlooked part of a trip, but it’s also one of the most important.

I include options with every trip I plan, and I’m always happy to walk through what makes sense for you.

Photo is from my trip to Hotel Xcaret and also know, I was nursing a bruised tail-bone but thankful that's all it was!

04/03/2026

✨What’s Happening in Travel This Week ✈️
First: a new summer promo for Walt Disney World☀
Disney+ subscribers can score special discounted rates at select Disney Resort hotels!
Travel dates: June 21 – August 15, 2026
2-night minimum stay required
Sample starting prices (per night + tax):
• $99 – All-Star Sports Resort
• $169 – Port Orleans Riverside (5th Sleeper)
• $249 – Art of Animation (Cars Family Suite)
• $279 – Saratoga Springs (Deluxe Studio)
• $369 – Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna View)

One thing I’m watching closely right now…

✨ Walt Disney World 2027 packages are on the horizon (think anytime between now and June).

If you’ve ever thought about a Disney trip—even as a “maybe someday”—this is actually when planning begins.

Over the last few years, Disney planning has changed. You don’t have to plan quite as far in advance for dining and experiences, but the best resorts, room types, and promotional availability still go early.

The families who get the best options?

👉 They’re the ones already thinking about it now.

I’ve opened my 2027 Walt Disney World VIP List so you’re the first to know when packages are released, and so I’m ready to start working on your trip right away.

✨ Best availability
✨ Best starting pricing
✨ A clear, easy plan from the beginning

Whether you’re thinking Disney, Europe, cruising, or just starting to dream about your next trip, I’m always happy to help you figure out what makes the most sense.

This list is for families who are starting to think about a 2027 Walt Disney World vacation, even if you’re still in the “just dreaming” phase.

03/27/2026

✨What’s Happening in Travel This Week ✨

Spring Break is officially underway, and my clients are heading off on some incredible trips this week…

✨ A 40th birthday celebration in Rome
🌴 Punta Cana getaways at Dreams Royal Beach & Royalton Bavaro
🏰 And Walt Disney World looking extra magical in the springtime

I love seeing the mix, from milestone celebrations in Europe to easy, sunshine-filled all-inclusive escapes and classic family vacations. There’s no one “right” way to travel… just what fits you best.

🎃 And in travel news…

Universal Orlando has officially announced Halloween Horror Nights 2026. And this one is BIG as they celebrate their 35th year!

🗓️ Select nights August 28 – November 1

Tickets and packages are now on sale, including:
• Single-night event tickets
• Express Passes
• R.I.P. & Private Tours
• Behind the Screams Tours
• Vacation packages with hotel stays + park admission

💥 Premium Scream Nights are also back:
📅 August 27 & October 19
(Limited capacity + lower crowds)

Now… I’ll be honest, this event is not for me 😄
But it is extremely popular with many of my clients, and it sells out every year. And that it is in it's 35th year is a testament to how popular it is.

If you’re thinking about fall travel, whether that’s something spooky, sunny, or somewhere across the world, now is a great time to start planning.

As always, I’m here to help you figure out what fits you best. 💛

03/20/2026

✨What’s Happening in Travel This Week✨

It’s been a busy week of vacation planning, and the variety of trips people are booking right now has been so fun to see.

Right now I’m working on trips that include:

• European itineraries through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Greece
• cruises
• all-inclusive getaways in Punta Cana, Cancun & Montego Bay
• multigenerational trips to Walt Disney World
• honeymoons and anniversary trips

This is actually the mix I love most, when no two trips look the same.

What I’m seeing more and more is that there’s no one “right” trip anymore. It really depends on your travel style, who you’re traveling with, and what kind of experience you want to have.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’re not alone. That’s exactly where I come in.

In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing a little more behind the scenes of what travel looks like right now and how to think through your own plans.

The link to join my newsletter (which is really the best place to interact with me) is in the comments. I would love for you to join me there!

03/13/2026

✨What’s Happening in Travel This Week✨
It has been a busy week of vacation planning around here, and the variety of trips people are dreaming about right now has been so fun to see.

I’m currently working on everything from European adventures in Greece, England, Scotland, and Ireland, to family cruises, multigenerational Disney trips, Caribbean escapes to Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic, and even anniversary celebrations in Jamaica and St. Vincent.

Helping travelers sort through all the options and find the right fit for their trip is one of my favorite parts!

Speaking of travel opportunities, one of Disney’s most popular promotions has also returned this week FOR EVERYONE!

Free Dining is now available to book for select Walt Disney World vacations in 2026.

Eligible travel dates include:
📅 June 28 – October 3, 2026
📅 October 19 – October 31, 2026
📅 December 6 – December 21, 2026

As always, promotions like this are a great reminder that timing matters when planning a trip, and the best value often depends on the details of your travel dates and resort.

In this week’s newsletter, I’m also sharing a Spring Break Reality Check: what types of trips are still feasible to plan at the last minute and what options are likely already booked for this year.

If you'd like to take a look, you can read it here:
https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/692889/emails/181781826957739463
The link to join my Weekly Newsletter list is linked in the comments.

And if you're dreaming about a future trip and want help sorting through the options, I'm always happy to help.

Spring Break is coming up quickly here injust about three weeks (more or less) for many families in my area, and it always sparks the same question:

02/27/2026

✨ What’s Happening in Travel This Week ✨

Last weekend, my daughter and I celebrated her 24th birthday at Walt Disney World. Which feels especially meaningful because 20 years ago we took our very first Disney trip together for her birthday.

This time we saw the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether, revisited some old favorites, and yes… ate at one of our favorite restaurants twice. No regrets. 😉

Recent news out of Mexico has understandably raised questions for some travelers. My heart is with those directly affected, and as always, my role is to provide accurate information and support so clients can make decisions that feel right for them. Travel decisions are personal, and I’m here to help you navigate yours thoughtfully. If you want more of my thoughts and assistance about this situation, you'll need to subscribe to my email newsletter. Link to join will be in the comments.

🚢 Still Need a Summer Vacation?

We have 4 cabins left on our Utopia of the Seas Group Cruise
📅 June 1–5, 2025

Here’s what’s available (based on 2 guests):

✨ 1 Boardwalk View Balcony – $1,773.10
(Current Royal rate: $2,598.10)

🌊 3 Ocean View Balcony Cabins – $1,853.10
(Current Royal rate: $2,858.10)

These are huge savings on balcony cabins, and once they’re claimed, that’s it.

We also offer financing through UpLift if you’d like to spread payments out.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us on Utopia, this might be your sign. 🚢✨