Vacation Daze by Sarah Tansel

05/21/2026

My husband and I took a Danube River cruise in November 2021 from Vilshofen to Budapest, and to this day, it was one of the most magical trips we have ever taken.

There is just something special about river cruising. Waking up in a new city each morning, sailing through beautiful scenery, walking right into the heart of these historic towns, visiting Christmas markets, and experiencing Europe at a slower pace made the trip unforgettable.

That’s why I’m excited to share that AmaWaterways just announced a Memorial Day offer that includes complimentary land packages plus savings up to $2,500 per stateroom on select 2026 and 2027 river cruises.

The land packages can include hotel stays, breakfast daily, guided tours, transfers, luggage service, and support from a Cruise Manager, making the experience even more seamless.

This offer runs May 20 through May 27.

If a river cruise has ever been on your bucket list, I truly cannot recommend the experience enough. I’d love to help you find the right itinerary.

05/19/2026

Lillie and Bryar are home from their Virgin Voyages cruise and I had them give me all the honest details because I know people like REAL reviews before booking trips.

Their biggest takeaway?
The food was SO good. They said the staff was incredibly friendly and there was always something going on around the ship.

A few things they didn’t love were the pools being crowded and not always being able to find pool chairs, but overall they had an amazing trip.

They also stayed at InterContinental Miami before the cruise and loved the area because it was easy to walk around with lots of restaurants nearby.

After the cruise they stayed in Fort Lauderdale and really liked the amenities at their resort, but said that area definitely felt much busier and more touristy.

Honestly, I think this is such a good option for couples wanting a fun adults-only cruise with really good food and entertainment.

Safe to say this probably won’t be their last Virgin Voyages cruise.

05/15/2026

First cruise success.

My clients just returned from their first cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, and their feedback was so helpful.

They loved that a 4-night cruise was a great way to try cruising for the first time, but they enjoyed it enough to say next time they want a longer sailing.

The highlights:
Beautiful beginning-of-May weather.
Phenomenal food.
Turks and Caicos was absolutely stunning.

Their takeaways:
Four people in the lowest-category inside cabin felt tight.
The ship felt a little older.
The pool deck was crowded at times.
They noticed quite a bit of upselling onboard.

And honestly, this is why choosing the right ship, cabin, and itinerary matters.

They also did a resort pass after the cruise at Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport and highly recommended it for a pre-cruise stay or post-cruise pool day.

Thinking about trying your first cruise? A shorter sailing can be a great start, but let’s make sure it is the right fit for you.

05/15/2026

I have to admit, Virgin Voyages has really caught my attention lately.

My daughter is actually on a Virgin cruise right now, and I just completed my Virgin Voyages training, so I’ve been getting a closer look at what makes this cruise line so different.

Adults only.
No traditional buffets.
No assigned dining times.
Incredible food.
Fun entertainment.
A fresh, modern cruise vibe.

And right now, their Spring Savings offer is a really good one:

Up to $1,000 in instant savings
Plus up to 70% off the second sailor

Virgin Voyages is a great fit for couples, friends’ trips, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, girls’ trips, or anyone who wants a cruise that feels a little more elevated, relaxed, and fun.

Honestly, these cruises look amazing.

If Virgin Voyages has been on your radar, now is a great time to take a look. I’d be happy to help you find the right sailing and see what this offer could look like for you.

05/10/2026

Dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky? Iceland might just be calling your name.

I’m so excited to share this incredible guided journey with Globus: Gems of Iceland with Northern Lights. This 6-day adventure takes you through some of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, from roaring waterfalls and massive glaciers to black sand beaches and geothermal wonders.

Highlights include:
• Northern Lights excursion
• Thingvellir National Park
• Geysir geothermal area
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Skafafell National Park
• Glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón
• Geothermal bread tasting experience

Starting from $2,769 per person

If Iceland has been sitting on your bucket list, this is such an amazing way to experience it without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Message me for available dates, pricing, and all the details. I’d love to help you plan your Iceland adventure!

04/30/2026

What if you could experience a river-style cruise… without flying to Europe?
American Cruise Lines offers small-ship cruising right here in the U.S., and their Great Lakes itineraries have been on my list for a while.
It’s the same relaxed, scenic feel people love about European river cruises, but closer to home and easier to get to.
They also sail:
• Mississippi River
• Columbia River & Snake River
• New England
• Alaska & Puget Sound
If a European river cruise has been on your list but the travel feels like a lot right now, this is such a great alternative.
Ready to explore options?

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

JUST BOOKED: Seattle Birthday Getaway
Two friends are celebrating their 40th in Seattle with the perfect mix of city and nature!
Think:
Pikes Place market light, hiking and waterfalls a cozy place to stay maybe a spa day plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed Honestly, this is exactly the kind of trip that creates the best memories. If you’re thinking about planning something special there’s still time to make it happen. Book a quick travel call.

04/25/2026

Be honest…have you booked your summer vacation yet? If not, you’re not alone and there is still time. Beach trips, cruises, family getaways, and quick escapes are still possible, but availability is shrinking fast. If you’ve been meaning to plan something, this is your sign. Message me your dates and budget and let’s see what we can do.

01/31/2026

Cruising from Fort Lauderdale? This is a solid, budget friendly hotel option. Free airport shuttle. Free, cruise port shuttle. Clean, easy and organized. We stayed at the Red Carpet Inn and I would 100% book it again.