My Traveling Panda

09/06/2026

When in Rio, experiencing Carnaval in some form or another is a must! 🇧🇷

I visited the Cidade do Samba & learned about the different samba schools, the historical significance of the floats & the parade as well as the competition that takes place to crown the champion Samba school!

09/04/2026

A cooking class is always a fun way to have an authentic local experience! At this cooking class in Florence we made fresh pasta, bruschetta and tiramisu.

08/04/2026

When in Rome…

20/01/2026

Thank you to my lovely clients Lea, Drew & their children. It was so fun to meet them and to plan their festive holiday in Italy.

27/10/2025

08/09/2025

Is it time to renew your passport?

Don’t let this common mistake ruin your vacation! Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least SIX MONTHS beyond your travel dates.
Always check the passport validity requirements for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination to avoid getting turned around at the airport.

27/08/2025

Some of the trips I’m working on this week…Kenya, Sicily, Nordic cruise & Bali!

15/08/2025

Buon Ferragosto!

Today is a holiday across all of Italy and it is one reason why I do not recommend my clients visit in August, as the experience is simply not the same as any other month.

During this week, a myriad of businesses and shops close down for at least a week but often an entire month.

I’m talking about things like the dentist, the pharmacist, in the mechanic, the print and shipping spots, the hairdresser, general shops like hardware and drugstore and of course coffee shops & restaurants. All closed for 1-4 weeks at a time.

It makes planning a bit unusual as I had to make sure I spoke to my doctor about getting my prescription renewal printed from her before vacation. I also had to make sure I got that prescription refilled before the pharmacy closed and we pray that we have no dental or mechanical emergencies during this month! We even had to book a plumbing repair for after August because the plumber for the building is on a month long holiday.

Here are just a few of the closed signs in a 2 block radius of me.

12/08/2025

For all my Swifties, some TS12 color inspired travel photos 🧡🩵🧡🩵 #🧡🩵

17/07/2025

My clients recently returned from an epic Grandma/Granddaughter adventure to Paris & London. They visited countless museums, enjoyed iconic sites and made lifelong memories.

Thank you to Debbie & Rose for letting me a part of your holiday!