Dreaming of a bucket list vacation but overwhelmed by planning? I get it because I’ve been there! Let's chat! [email protected]
With 10+ years of expertise, I help empty nesters & families plan memorable journeys stress-free & hassle-free. Where are your travel dreams taking you? What are your "bucket list" vacations? The time may be right to start planning for those trips you've always wanted to take but never got around to....but where to start? I get it - because I am one of you. I know how much you’ve looked forward to
this time in your lives and that you have a list of places to explore - my husband and I also have our “travel bucket list” dreams! I know how important those once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences are to you - and I know how to make your vacation dreams come true. My expertise as a travel planner for over 10 years helps me keep up with it all. It allows me to find the best options for what my clients need. It helps me to get them the best price and the most value. It helps me to make sure that they are up to date on all that they need to know to travel. My expertise means that my clients make the best possible vacation investment, and have the best possible vacation of their dreams. The internet is filled with sites offering “cheap vacations”, but the reality is many of these seemingly great deals are anything but. And a great deal isn’t so great when it turns into a vacation nightmare. Especially when you're planning that "once in a lifetime" bucket list vacation. When you're ready to start planning for those vacations you've always dreamed of, reach out to me here on Facebook, at [email protected], or head over to my website: https://theaffordablemouse.com. I can't wait to help you plan your bucket list vacation. Your memorable journey starts here!
28/04/2025
Some cruises are too big... some are too quiet... but the right one? It’s just right for YOU. 🚢✨
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy river cruise through Europe, a luxury ship where every detail feels five-star, or a relaxing voyage with a little sunshine and a lot of pampering — there’s a cruise that fits you perfectly.
The trick? Knowing which one to pick. (That’s where I come in! 😉)
Let’s find your "just right" cruise — and make your next vacation as easy, fun, and unforgettable as it should be. 🌎❤️
Drop a comment or message me to start planning!
27/04/2025
Awww, how could you leave that sweet face behind? 🥹🧳🐶
26/04/2025
Some inspiration for your Saturday - have you visited Niagara Falls? What was your experience like?
25/04/2025
🧐 TIPS FOR CRUISE TIPPING
🤔 Knowing when to tip while traveling can be confusing - and even more so when it comes to tipping on a cruise!
It may seem straightforward - gratuities are typically automatic: each day of your cruise, a gratuity per person will be charged to your stateroom account. This is a pre-set amount and will be distributed among your servers and stateroom attendants.
😵 Beyond this things can get a bit challenging.
✅ You can Prepay in Advance or Use Envelopes: Many cruisers opt for prepaid gratuities which is a convenient option if you prefer to have as much as possible pre-paid in advance. You can also use envelopes for gratuities - typically provided to your stateroom on the last day of your cruise - so you can distribute tips to various crew members at the end of your trip, rather than having the amount billed to your onboard account.
✅ Make Adjustments Before the Last Day: If you didn't prepay gratuities, and won't be using envelopes, gratuities will be charged to your stateroom account and your credit card on file at the end of your cruise. If you want to make adjustments to your gratuity amount – or wish settle your charges with cash - be sure to visit the ship’s guest services before the end of your cruise.
✅ Recognize Exceptional Service: Exceptional service deserves recognition beyond the standard gratuity. If a crew member goes above and beyond to make your experience memorable, consider leaving an additional tip (ideally in person) as a token of your appreciation.
✅ Be Mindful of Who to Tip: While tipping is typically associated with waitstaff and cabin stewards, don't forget about other crew members such as bartenders, spa therapists, and excursion guides as gratuities for them may - or may not - be already included. Other services are often at your discretion, such as gratuities for room service or concierge services, so be sure to take note of the services provided throughout your journey and express your thanks accordingly.
❗️ ABOVE ALL: Remember that tipping is a gesture of appreciation and kindness so be sure to show gratitude for the hardworking crew who make your journey possible! 🥰
24/04/2025
✨Who's ready to sail to charming cities & villages - AND with a great deal? 🙋♀️
On this Viking River Cruise "Romantic Danube" itinerary, you'll do just that! 💙
🏰 Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge.
⛪ Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers.
🌷 Visit historic Salzburg.
🎶 Spend two days in Vienna and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss.
🌟 And so much more!
With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this eight-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love. 💙
💰 And with 2-for-1 airfare included, PLUS reduced rates, PLUS just a $25 deposit - for sailings through 2027 - you can book, save money, and have up to a couple of years before final payment! 🥳
Sound like the bucket-list trip you've been waiting for? Don't delay - this Spring Sale ends April 30! Send me a message and let's chat! 💬
22/04/2025
Happy Earth Day! Today, as we celebrate this incredible planet we call home, let's take a moment to appreciate the natural symphony that surrounds us. Earth's beauty knows no bounds, so let's continue to cherish and protect these breathtaking destinations for generations to come! 💚🌎💙
21/04/2025
Hey cruisers! 🚢🎒
Let’s talk packing smart for your cruise—because showing up in flip-flops for a glacier walk (or with a parka in the Caribbean) is a rookie mistake we’re not going to make. 😅
Whether you're soaking up the sun in the Caribbean or spotting whales in Alaska, here are some must-pack essentials:
👕 Layer-friendly clothing – breathable for the heat, cozy for the chill (think t-shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket)
🧴 Sun protection – yes, even in Alaska you can get sunburned! Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
👟 Comfortable shoes – for walking tours, nature trails, or just deck strolling
🎒 Day bag or backpack – perfect for excursions and keeping your hands free for photos or snacks
⚓ Pro tip – Toss a swimsuit in your carry-on—you never know when you’ll spot a hot tub with your name on it. 💦
What’s your go-to cruise item that you never leave home without? Share below! 👇
20/04/2025
Happy Easter! Wishing you love and a joyous celebration with family and friends! ✝🙏🏻🌷🩷
19/04/2025
🌸 Not Your Average Easter Egg... 🥚✨
Did you know there's an ancient Ukrainian tradition where decorating Easter eggs is more than just fun—it’s a way to protect the world from evil?
In Ukraine, these intricate eggs are called pysanky (pronounced PIH-san-kih), and they're created using a wax-resist method that results in stunning, colorful designs—each filled with meaning. 🌿🌞🐦
And the folklore? It’s magical!
According to legend, there's a giant evil serpent chained in the Carpathian mountains... and every pysanka made strengthens the chain that keeps it from escaping. The more eggs we create, the safer the world becomes.
So yes—decorating eggs can literally save the world. 😉
Whether you try making a simple version at home or just admire their beauty, pysanky are a gorgeous reminder of how art, culture, tradition - and travel - connect us all.
From my Ukrainian heart to yours—wishing you a joyful and colorful Easter. 💙💛
18/04/2025
Spring is calling… and it’s saying “pack your bags!” 🌷✈️
Where will your next adventure take you? Let us know in the comments!
17/04/2025
These are the very best kinds of emails to receive! 🩷 Thank you Dee for the very kind words - it was a pleasure to help you and your family!
16/04/2025
☀️ Why Summer is the Perfect Time for a River Cruise 🚢🌿
Thinking about taking a river cruise? Let me let you in on a little secret: summer is an absolutely magical time to do it.
Here’s why:
🌞 Longer daylight hours mean more time for sightseeing, wine sipping, castle spotting, and soaking in those storybook landscapes from your balcony. Sunsets over the water? Yes, please.
🌺 Europe’s countryside is in full bloom—rolling vineyards, colorful flower boxes in every village, and lush green hills as far as the eye can see. It’s like cruising through a painting.
🎉 And let’s not forget the vibrant cultural festivals happening all summer long! From music and food festivals to historic celebrations, you might just find yourself dancing in a town square with locals. (And possibly holding a pretzel or a glass of vinho verde while doing it.)
If you’ve ever dreamed of a laid-back, scenic adventure with history, culture, and comfort all rolled into one—summer river cruising is calling your name. Take a look at some favorite river cruise destinations ⬇ and then let's chat about picking your perfect itinerary! 💬🌍
14/04/2025
🌊✨Why is a cruise the ultimate multigenerational vacation? Three words:
Fun. For. Everyone. 😎👵🧒🛳
Whether you're chasing grandkids around the splash pad, enjoying a quiet dinner with your grown-up kids, or sneaking off to the spa (because you’ve earned it), a cruise makes it easy for the whole family to be together—but not too together. 😉👌
✅ Kids and teens have their own spaces (translation: no eye rolls at dinner).
✅ Adults can relax, reconnect, and actually enjoy the trip.
✅ Grandparents get quality time without the stress of planning every minute.
But here's the secret sauce: not every cruise line is created equal when it comes to family-friendly vibes. Some are better for little ones, others shine with tweens and teens in tow. That’s where I come in! I’ll help match your crew with the perfect ship for your kind of fun.
So… who’s ready to plan a family reunion at sea instead of in the backyard? (Bonus: No one has to do dishes. 🥳) 👇Drop a 🛳️ if you’re dreaming of a multigenerational getaway, or tag the family members who need to be on this ship with you!
13/04/2025
So, you’ve been thinking about taking a cruise but haven’t quite taken the plunge yet. Maybe you’re worried about seasickness. Or wondering if it’s really worth the cost. Or trying to figure out if an inside cabin feels like a cozy retreat or a floating closet. (Fair questions, all of them.)
Let’s break it down so you can decide if cruising is the right fit for you!
So, you’ve been thinking about taking a cruise but haven’t quite taken the plunge yet. Let’s break down your questions so you can decide if cruising is the right fit for you.
12/04/2025
Have you heard of Burano?
Many folks haven't - but it was one of the loveliest surprises when we visited Italy! One of 118 islands around Venice, Burano is known for the lace and embroidery work that is still created by hand - in many cases right in the back of the shops where the beautiful items are sold. (Fun Travel Fact: Burano is not be confused with its neighbor Murano, famous for Murano glass.)
Charming in every way, Burano was a truly delightful place to visit!
11/04/2025
⚠ Having a passport for your cruise is super important - and here's why! ⚠
10/04/2025
🚢 Ready to make everyone in the family happy on vacation? Even your picky cousin and snuggle-loving grandma? 🙃
Right now, with Royal Caribbean’s AMAZING deal it’s the perfect time to plan that multigenerational cruise you've been dreaming about. 🧳✨
Cruising takes the stress out of family vacations:
✔️ Everyone gets their own space
✔️ Activities for every age and energy level
✔️ No one has to cook, clean, or argue over what to do next
✔️ Memories that last forever (and WiFi for the teens 🫣)
Let’s turn “family vacation chaos” into “family vacation bliss.” Message me to find the right ship and itinerary for your crew! ⚓💙
*** The fine print: Offer applies to all sailings departing on or after April 2, 2025. Booking must be made and under deposit by April 30, 2025. Kids 12 and under sail free on sailings 3 nights or longer. Some sailings are excluded. Additional restrictions may apply. Availability is limited.
09/04/2025
A vacation shouldn't be stressful - especially a long-awaited bucket-list vacation! Why make travel more stressful than it needs to be?
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Explore. Dream. Discover. Create memories for a lifetime.
From America’s amazing national parks, to relaxing days in a Caribbean paradise, to theme park thrills, to seeing the world on a cruise, memories to last a lifetime are just a vacation away.
Finding the best places to visit - and the right vacation for YOU - can be a challenge however. The internet is filled with sites offering “cheap vacations”, but the reality is many of these seemingly great deals are anything but. And a great deal isn’t so great when it turns into a vacation nightmare.
So how do you know the difference?
Vacations are an investment and like any investment, expert advice and reliable information can mean the difference between a good investment or a bad one. This is where a travel planner - an experienced professional - can truly be your best friend!
Whether you’re planning a vacation just for your family or a multi-family reunion….
Whether you’re traveling with small children, teens, adult children, or grandparents – or all of the above…
Whether you’re celebrating your child’s birthday, graduation, or your own special anniversary….
……when you’re ready to make those vacation dreams come true, my help is here for you. From helping you decide on the perfect destination, to making sure you get the best price combined with the greatest value, to providing you with everything you need to know for your trip, to being there to help if something goes wrong - I’m with you every step of the way.
A carefully planned vacation with the help of a travel expert can save you money and time both before you leave and while you are there, and is the single best thing you can do to make the most of your vacation dollars and insure that your vacation is truly magical from beginning to end.
Vacations can create memories that last a lifetime, and I can’t think of anything more precious than that. Those precious memories deserve the best planning possible!
Here’s to planning your vacation memories!
Affiliated with Modern Travel Professionals, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST39802
Dreaming of a bucket list vacation but overwhelmed by planning? I get it because I’ve been there! Let's chat! 
