Travel Observations - Thoughtful Trips for Discerning Travelers

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Travel Observations - Thoughtful Trips for Discerning Travelers I help curious travelers sift through the online noise by using my expertise to present you with the best options for your special trip.

As seen in The New York Times & The Washington Post. Thoughtfully crafted trips for travelers who want premium value and expertise. As seen in the New York Times & the Washington Post.

I built my business on a love of Portugal, and it's still my most-booked destination.I was raised there, I've lived ther...
09/23/2026

I built my business on a love of Portugal, and it's still my most-booked destination.

I was raised there, I've lived there twice as an adult, and I hold dual US/Portuguese citizenship. So when travelers tell me they want to see more than Lisbon and Porto, I get genuinely excited, because that's the Portugal I fell in love with. The castles and Templar towns, the mountains of the North, the hot springs in the Azores, the long lunches in the Alentejo, and w**e that very few people outside the country ever get to taste.

My job isn't to hand you the standard itinerary. It's to listen to what you love, match you to the region (or regions) that fit, and design a trip that has you saying "we have to go back" before you've even left. Ready to chat? I'm already working on 2027 trips and would love to get you on my calendar.

PS If you're starting to think about Portugal, I wrote a 12-page guide to the country beyond Lisbon and Porto, and it's been downloaded more than 5,500 times. Comment PORTUGAL and I'll send you the link.

08/18/2026

Earlier this summer I had a wonderful visit at Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa, just two hours’ drive from Pittsburgh. It was just after Mother’s Day and I confess, if you are the type of person to want a trip AWAY for Mother’s Day, Omni Bedford Springs did not disappoint! It’s perfect for either a solo getaway or a girls’ trip.

Although I definitely want to come back and bring my family, this particular weekend was so relaxing and refreshing to come by myself along with a select group of other travel advisors. We started out with cocktails on the beautiful lawn, followed by a wonderful dinner and bonfires at night! In the morning we took UTVs out to explore the grounds, followed by the most divine afternoon in their famous spa (my facial was lovely!). The Chef’s Dinner that evening was sublime, it was a small group around the kitchen talking and laughing with our chef Mustafa who created the most amazing food right before our eyes.

Finally, we had a lesson and demonstration with Omni Bedford Spring’s golf pro and explored the property one last time before heading home.

If you’re a busy mom who needs a break and can only get away for 2 nights, this is the perfect spot for you! Luxury without pretentiousness, an easy drive on the turnpike from the city, fantastic food, delicious cocktails, plenty of nooks and crannies to read a book or miles of outdoors to hike in, along with the beautiful indoor springs pool and the personable fantastic service by all the staff. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that girls’ trip, consider this your sign!

Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa

There’s nothing better than hearing that every detail came together exactly as planned. This trip to Italy brought toget...
06/16/2026

There’s nothing better than hearing that every detail came together exactly as planned. This trip to Italy brought together extended family and friends who wanted lots of quality time together and plenty of opportunities for hiking, scenery, and delicious food. Thank you to my wonderful clients for trusting me with their journey and for sharing such kind words!

The best synergy happens when my travelers are open to creative itineraries to capture all the essence of their wishlist...
05/07/2026

The best synergy happens when my travelers are open to creative itineraries to capture all the essence of their wishlist! This lovely couple wanted to be in France to celebrate a special birthday but didn't quite know how to stay true to their itinerary goals without being overwhelmed. It was the wife's dream to go to the annual flea market in Amiens and the husband's dream to see the Lascaux caves. They called me and the rest was history! We started in Paris with some key highlights (and a free day for the flea market adventure) - they said their bike tour and picnic in the gardens of Versailles "was the best day ever". Then they took the train to the charming town of Sarlat and stayed in a divine historic hotel (with a spiral staircase leading to their bedroom!). They fell in love with their guide Benoit who became a fast friend, visiting the Lascaux IV cave site and exploring all the little villages of the Dordogne region. As my client put it, "We felt like we were vacationing right where the French vacation too!" Then, I arranged them a private driver from Sarlat to Avignon with a stop at the fortified fairytale city of Carcassonne, a true highlight for both of them. They enjoyed leisure time in Avignon on their own, visiting the Palace of the Popes and indulging in delicious lunches, and took one last day trip to explore the beautiful villages of the Luberon, which she described as "each one more beautiful and charming than the last." Finally, they returned home from Marseille Airport, an easy logistic choice to avoid backtracking. Getting to hear all about their trip on a phone call after my travelers return home is one of my own personal highlights! I loved this itinerary and the curated experiences matched to their personalities. This birthday trip was fantastic and I can't wait to plan their next trip. 🥰
Tell me, what regions of France outside of Paris would you want to visit next?

05/04/2026

Yes, you should absolutely shop in Dublin but don’t stop there.

One of the most meaningful things you can do is make something of your own. I did a Claddagh ring workshop and left with a piece that has a story behind it, not just a price tag.

When I plan trips for clients, I start with the must-see places, then build in time to slow down. Not everything needs to be fast or packed. Some of the best parts of a trip come from having time to actually enjoy where you are, instead of moving from one thing to the next.

That is how you turn a trip into something you remember clearly when you are home!

Some highlights of my favorite things I did in Ireland and Northern Ireland! Claddagh ring making workshop - fun, immers...
04/25/2026

Some highlights of my favorite things I did in Ireland and Northern Ireland! 

Claddagh ring making workshop - fun, immersive, and you leave with an actual souvenir you can wear forever! 

Private guides at the Guinness Storehouse and at the Giant’s Causeway - wow!  The Irish love of storytelling was on full display.  They’re your instant friends who have a passion to help you fall in love with the region.  Sure, you could do it on your own - but you’d miss out on some amazing insights.  

Wh***ey cocktail class - I don’t like wh***ey, so when I say these were the most delicious cocktails ever, you know it’s true!  This was so much fun to do in a group - perfect for a girls’ trip too. 

I can’t even begin to describe the food - from homemade scones at a farm served with love, to an elegant cellar restaurant at a 5 star hotel.  Food shapes our memories and travel experiences so much,  and you won’t be disappointed.  And of course, don’t forget about fish and chips for lunch too! 

One very special stay was two nights in an amazing eco-resort on the western side of Northern Ireland - star-gazing before falling asleep in my igloo dome was one of the most unique overnight experiences I’ve had. 

There’s so much more to share about my Ireland trip, but these are some of my standouts.   Have you been?  What’s your favorite memory?

It's not too late to plan for Ireland for 2026, but we should get started soon. Let's work together to make your trip extra memorable!

This trip was packed in the best way— history, food, culture, and real local experiences across Vietnam and Cambodia. I’...
02/06/2026

This trip was packed in the best way— history, food, culture, and real local experiences across Vietnam and Cambodia. I’m so grateful to help create journeys that feel meaningful, not rushed 🤍

So many exciting trips are departing soon after months of planning, and this one is amazing! This itinerary was designed...
01/22/2026

So many exciting trips are departing soon after months of planning, and this one is amazing! This itinerary was designed to flow south, gradually trading cities for wilderness. It begins in Santiago for context and culture, then moves through Punta Arenas for access to Magdalena Island — a true bucket-list moment with thousands of Magellanic penguins, which was a must for this couple. From there, the trip shifts fully into Patagonia, starting at The Singular in Puerto Natales for guided excursions and recovery time, before ending inside Torres del Paine at Patagonia Camp, where their focus was hiking and being fully immersed in the park. Penguins, big landscapes, serious hiking, and well-placed lodges — different priorities, one cohesive trip.

As someone who has also traveled on her own many times throughout all the years, I have a special spot in my heart for s...
01/21/2026

As someone who has also traveled on her own many times throughout all the years, I have a special spot in my heart for solo travelers! This client asked for "Hawaii" but wasn't sure what to do next. What I gave her: Pearl Harbor, Waikiki trolley tours, luaus, hikes, waterfalls, and more! An epic birthday trip to remember. Can't wait to help her with her next one!

I have clients departing soon for Patagonia and I'm so excited for their trip! Patagonia is a destination I recommend ...
01/20/2026

I have clients departing soon for Patagonia and I'm so excited for their trip!

Patagonia is a destination I recommend when travelers want a true outdoor experience, but don’t want to manage the complexity themselves. Distances are long, weather is unpredictable, and access to the best areas — especially in Torres del Paine — is controlled. That’s why Patagonia works best when it’s planned carefully rather than loosely.

The experience is built around guided days. That’s not a downside here — it’s the reason most travelers get so much out of the region. Guides adjust routes based on conditions, manage timing inside the park, and handle logistics that would be difficult to coordinate independently. You spend your time hiking, wildlife spotting, and learning about the landscape instead of navigating permits or road closures.

Lodge selection matters more here than in many destinations. Where you stay determines what you can realistically do each day and how much time you spend in transit. Planning enough nights in each location — rather than trying to “see it all” — makes the trip far more enjoyable and far less tiring.

Patagonia is a strong fit for travelers who like to be active, value good organization, and appreciate coming back to a comfortable place at the end of the day. When the planning is done well, the experience feels focused and efficient, not overwhelming.

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