Trail Spice Travel - Travel Designer

Trail Spice Travel - Travel Designer A bespoke travel agency designing curated journeys for open-minded travelers.

Happy July šŸŒž James, Ella, and I are gearing up for an exciting month ahead as we prepare to move to Kansas City next wee...
07/03/2025

Happy July šŸŒž

James, Ella, and I are gearing up for an exciting month ahead as we prepare to move to Kansas City next week!

We will be saying goodbye to Springfield and beginning a new chapter as we make our home in Kansas City. It is such a bittersweet feeling. We truly love the life we’ve created here. From cozy nights by the fire and taking turns holding down the fort while the other traveled for work, to exploring endless hiking trails and rivers in the Ozarks, we’ve shared so many special moments.

We’ve laughed at our favorite local restaurants, supported each other through big and small milestones, and built two businesses we’re incredibly proud of. Trail Spice Travel for Haley and Sound Mind Recording Co. for James.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our businesses over the years. We are so thankful to have businesses that we are passionate about and that allow us to stay connected with our friends, colleagues, and clients in Springfield, even as we grow and expand in a new city.

The Ozarks will always feel like home, but we are beyond excited for this next step in life and cannot wait to see what new adventures Kansas City has in store for us!

Happy Canada Day! šŸ‡ØšŸ‡¦Some say Canadians are the nicest people on Earth. G Adventures, proudly Canadian since 1990, wouldn...
07/01/2025

Happy Canada Day! šŸ‡ØšŸ‡¦

Some say Canadians are the nicest people on Earth. G Adventures, proudly Canadian since 1990, wouldn’t disagree. Their kindness doesn’t stop at the people, either. It extends to wild landscapes, vibrant culture, and a deep respect for the communities that make up this country.

And now, they’ve launched nine new trips that take travelers deeper into Canada.

One that stands out?

šŸ”ļø Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
9 days | From $3,099

This winter adventure begins in Calgary and winds through Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Smoky Lake with stops for snowshoeing, ice walks, frozen waterfalls, and a stay at a MƩtis-operated lodge. Highlights include:

āœ”ļø Johnston Canyon frozen waterfalls
āœ”ļø Icefield Parkway drive and Abraham Lake
āœ”ļø A traditional sleigh ride at Lake Louise
āœ”ļø Northern Lights viewing (if nature cooperates!)
āœ”ļø Indigenous-led cultural experiences at MĆ©tis Crossing

It’s everything you’d hope to find in a Canadian winter plus a meaningful connection to the land and the communities who call it home.

Want the full itinerary or have questions? I’m here to help. Happy Canada Day from Trail Spice Travel!

Attention solo travelers!If you’re looking for quality and comfort without the ultra-luxury price tag, this offer from C...
06/24/2025

Attention solo travelers!

If you’re looking for quality and comfort without the ultra-luxury price tag, this offer from Cosmos is made for you. It’s ideal for mid-range travelers aged 40 and up who want a well-balanced tour experience — plenty of opportunities to socialize, but also downtime to relax.

Travelers under 40? I have other fantastic guided tour options that might suit your style better — just ask!

Right now, Cosmos is offering 50% off the single supplement on select 2025 tours. For solo travelers, this fee usually covers the extra cost of having your own room, so this deal can really help your budget.

Cosmos tours generally include 15 to 30 guests depending on the trip, creating a comfortable group size for connection and exploration.

Here are a few options with this great offer:

šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ The Splendors of Italy
September 21, 2025 | 9 days from $2,079

šŸ‡®šŸ‡Ŗ Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
October 4, 2025 | 12 days from $2,779

…and more.

If you want more details about what’s included or need help finding the perfect tour for you, let’s chat!

First day of summer, and honestly? This might just be the best time of the year.It’s the season where all the dreaming, ...
06/20/2025

First day of summer, and honestly? This might just be the best time of the year.

It’s the season where all the dreaming, planning, and preparing comes to life—and I’m here for it.

This week alone, I’ve had clients cruising the open seas, exploring the wild beauty of Glacier National Park, and making memories with family in Italy.

There’s something so special about watching these journeys unfold—and knowing each one was built with care, curiosity, and connection 🌼

Let’s talk about overtourism.It’s something I’m always learning more about—not just as a travel advisor but as a travele...
06/18/2025

Let’s talk about overtourism.

It’s something I’m always learning more about—not just as a travel advisor but as a traveler too.

Just this past weekend, thousands of people took to the streets to protest overtourism. The Louvre even shut down temporarily. Recently, I read a book that touched on this very topic, and it’s only reinforced what these communities are saying—overtourism is a real issue, and they have every reason to speak up.

Overtourism can damage ecosystems, pollute sacred spaces, and overwhelm towns and cities that real people call home.

But the answer isn’t less tourism. It’s tourism that’s more thoughtful, more equitable, and better spread out.

Travel has the power to support local economies, protect culture, and create real connection when done correctly.

There are solutions that can help. Swipe through to explore some of them.

Travel really can be a force for good when we do it thoughtfully and respectfully.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you seen overtourism in action? What solutions stand out to you? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments ā¬‡ļø

Trail Spice Travel: Pura Vida Diaries – Part 3 šŸ‡ØšŸ‡· After my homestay with Rita, it was time to head to the first stop on ...
06/12/2025

Trail Spice Travel: Pura Vida Diaries – Part 3 šŸ‡ØšŸ‡·

After my homestay with Rita, it was time to head to the first stop on my G Adventures journey. The Ocean Waves & Sunsets adventure kicked off in San JosĆ© with a ā€œget to know youā€ meeting, followed by a welcome dinner and drinks.

Each G Adventures trip has a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) who’s with you every step of the journey. It’s a huge plus when you’re traveling somewhere new and may not feel totally comfortable going it alone the first time. Our CEO, Suyen, also shared some important things to know about Costa Rican culture and travel.

My favorite moment of the night? When Suyen explained that a soda is a budget-friendly local restaurant serving traditional Costa Rican food. Picture a casual, open-air setup with plastic chairs, checkered tablecloths, and the aroma of simmering rice and beans wafting from the kitchen. One of the girls on the trip exclaimed she had been searching all over town for soda shops, thinking everyone must be raving about the best soft drink ever (yes, gang, if you’re reading this, I’m talking about Shannon šŸ˜‚).

This particular tour was part of G Adventures’ ā€œ18-to-Thirtysomethingsā€ travel style—designed for younger travelers who love high-energy trips with a fun, community vibe. These tours are all about group bonding, flexibility, and memorable local experiences.

Not in your 30s? No worries! G Adventures offers a wide range of travel styles for every kind of traveler.

This was our first group photo. At the time, we were still learning each other’s names and starting out as strangers. But that feeling didn’t last long šŸ’›

Two of my clients just returned from a quick trip to Portugal. They only had about a week and knew Lisbon was a must, bu...
06/10/2025

Two of my clients just returned from a quick trip to Portugal. They only had about a week and knew Lisbon was a must, but they were debating whether to add Porto. We talked through the pros and cons, and they decided to go for it. After returning, they told me they left their heart in Porto. And to think—they almost skipped it! They were so glad they took the time to think through the decision with an expert.

That’s the magic of working with a travel advisor—someone who asks the right questions and helps you find what’s truly right for your travel style šŸ‡µšŸ‡¹

Calling all ocean lovers and adventure seekers... It’s whale shark season! If swimming alongside a creature the size of ...
06/05/2025

Calling all ocean lovers and adventure seekers... It’s whale shark season!

If swimming alongside a creature the size of a school bus is on your bucket list — you’re in luck. The waters off the YucatĆ”n Peninsula, are home to these gentle giants during their seasonal migration (typically May through September).

šŸ‹ Whale sharks are filter feeders — more into plankton than people — making this a peaceful, awe-inspiring encounter with nature at its finest.

Reputable tour operators like Living Dreams ensure safe, respectful experiences that protect both you and the whales.

I already have clients booked for this epic adventure in 2025 — and it’s high on my personal bucket list too!

Thinking about a summer trip to the Mexican Caribbean? Let’s talk about how we can make this once-in-a-lifetime experience part of your itinerary!

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Collette to learn all about their exciting new and upcoming tours! šŸŒ Co...
06/03/2025

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Collette to learn all about their exciting new and upcoming tours! šŸŒ

Collette is known for its thoughtfully curated guided vacations that combine rich cultural experiences with seamless travel planning.

I’m so grateful for our amazing Business Development Manager, Haley D., for keeping Trail Spice Travel in the know — and now it’s our turn to pass that knowledge on to you! šŸ—ŗļø

Stay tuned as we share videos, maps, and insider tips on where Collette is headed next. When you book with Trail Spice Travel, you’re not just getting a vacation — you’re gaining access to a small business that’s always learning, always growing, and always ready to guide you with the most up-to-date travel insights.

✨ Let’s plan your next adventure — with confidence!

Today we are debunking travel advisor mythsā€¼ļø Myth: ā€œTravel advisors are too expensive.ā€I often hear the assumption that...
05/27/2025

Today we are debunking travel advisor mythsā€¼ļø

Myth: ā€œTravel advisors are too expensive.ā€

I often hear the assumption that working with a travel advisor just adds to the cost.

But here’s the truth:

When working with Trail Spice Travel, think of me as your personal travel concierge—delivering expert planning, insider access, and dedicated support before, during, and after your trip.

Need emergency assistance mid-journey? Looking for upgrades or special perks you didn’t even know were possible? That kind of peace of mind doesn’t come from a booking engine.

Here’s what does come with working with a professional travel advisor:

āž”ļø Custom itineraries tailored to your unique style and interests
āž”ļø Curated recommendations rooted in real-world experience
āž”ļø Access to VIP treatment
āž”ļø A smooth, stress-free travel experience from start to finish

When you invest in a trip, you’re investing in memories, meaning, and moments that last. Working with a travel advisor helps protect that investment—enhancing every detail along the way.

Still think a travel advisor is just a luxury? Let Trail Spice Travel show you how it’s actually one of the smartest investments you can make.

Trail Spice Travel: Pura Vida Diaries – Part 2 šŸ‡ØšŸ‡· I’m incredibly grateful for people like Rita who open their homes to t...
05/21/2025

Trail Spice Travel: Pura Vida Diaries – Part 2 šŸ‡ØšŸ‡·

I’m incredibly grateful for people like Rita who open their homes to travelers through homestays. I’ve done several now, and I’ve never left disappointed. It’s a rare and generous act to welcome strangers into your home with the hope of connecting and sharing your way of life and community.

When I stayed with Rita, it was during Holy Week, and much of her family had time off work. They kindly invited me to join them for a day at the park, where we explored with her grandkids, played games, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Park culture in Latin America is one of my favorite things. Go to a local park, and you’ll often find it full of large families spending time together — laughing, relaxing, connecting. It’s something so simple, yet increasingly rare in today’s busy world. It serves as a reminder of what really matters. I feel honored when a family invites me into that experience.

I know homestays aren’t for everyone, especially when you only have a few precious weeks of vacation. A lot of my clients are juggling limited time off and want to maximize every moment in a way that works best for them and their families. Whether that means a relaxing resort, an adventurous itinerary, or simply unplugging completely, I truly understand the value of that time. That said, I’m grateful that working remotely gives me the opportunity to experience travel more slowly and immerse myself in local life when I can.

As a travel advisor, my goal isn’t to talk anyone into traveling exactly like I do. It’s to help people discover their travel style — what excites them, restores them, connects them. Experiences like these help me be a better advisor by keeping an open mind and learning from the people who know their home better than anyone.

I’m thankful for people like Rita who make the world feel a little more connected. Her generosity is a quiet reminder of the beauty in sharing, welcoming, and making space for others.

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Springfield, MO

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