When people think of Barcelona, the same names usually come up first. La Sagrada Família. Park Güell. Casa Batlló. La Boqueria. Montserrat. I’ve been to all of them, and I wouldn’t tell anyone to skip them. They’re extraordinary for a reason. But on my recent trip to Barcelona, I found myself thinking less about the […]

Spain

July 12, 2026

Barcelona Beyond Gaudí: Five Places That Deserve a Spot on Your Itinerary (that first-time visitors overlook)

When I took my first cruise back in 1990, it was a belated honeymoon aboard Premier Cruise Lines’ Big Red Boat (remember them?). More than three years after our wedding, we finally had the chance to celebrate, and I was immediately hooked. Since then, I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, […]

Luxury Travel

July 4, 2026

My Best Cruise Ever

I use artificial intelligence every day. I use it to draft, research, organize, and brainstorm. It saves me real time. I’m not going to pretend otherwise, and I’m not threatened by it. But I’m not going to let it design my clients’ vacations, either. Here’s why AI is useful and where it falls short of […]

Luxury Travel

June 28, 2026

AI Can Plan Your Vacation. Here’s Why Affluent Travelers Still Call Me.

Most of my clients carry a mental list. Machu Picchu is usually on it. So is a safari. The Taj Mahal. The pyramids at Giza. Easter Island, for the adventurous ones who’ve seen the photos and wondered what it actually feels like to stand in front of those stone faces. The problem isn’t ambition — […]

Luxury Travel

May 24, 2026

One trip. Twelve bucket list destinations. Let’s do the math

Every client asks for Lake Como. I get it: name recognition, Instagram, Clooney, beauty. I’d never talk anyone out of it. But here’s what I tell my most discerning clients: if Como is the lake you know for its fame, Garda is the lake you’ve been missing for its variety and unique experiences that Como […]

Italy

May 17, 2026

The Italian Lake Your Itinerary is Missing

Twenty years from now, people might forget the candle and the flowers, but they’ll remember the trip. They remember the restaurant in Lyon where the waiter brought another bottle of wine without being asked, and suddenly two hours were gone. They remember seeing their mother tear up in front of Monet’s Water Lily Pond, a […]

Culinary Inspiration

May 9, 2026

Some Gifts Don’t Fit in a Box

I hear this a lot: “We’re excited, but we’re going to wait a few months and see how things look.” I get it. The world feels uncertain. Prices seem unpredictable. Waiting feels like the cautious move. Hint: It’s usually not. Let’s talk about why. What you’re actually doing when you wait. You’re not avoiding risk — […]

Africa

March 29, 2026

Should You Wait to Book That Trip? Here’s What I Tell My Clients

I recently attended the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam for the third time in four years, and one thing is clear: river cruising continues to evolve. New brands are entering the market, established lines are refining their offerings, and travelers are becoming more selective. With that in mind, I revisited and updated a blog […]

River Cruises

March 22, 2026

Best River Cruise Lines for 2026 (Compared): Find the Right One for Your Travel Style

The way people travel is changing—and it’s happening faster than ever. Across the travel industry, one message is becoming clear: travelers want more than just a vacation. They want experiences that feel meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable. After speaking with global travel suppliers at the Montecito Village Travel annual conference, one theme kept coming up again and again. […]

Travel Trends

March 8, 2026

Travel Trends for 2026 and Beyond: Why Travelers Are Chasing Deeper Experiences

Summer is just around the corner. If you’re dreaming of sunshine, five-star comfort, and unforgettable moments with your kids, now is the perfect time to start planning your luxury family vacation. The best suites, cruise cabins, and premium flights are booked months in advance. If you wait too long, you might end up settling for what’s […]

Caribbean Vacation

February 21, 2026

Top Tips for Unforgettable Summer Luxury Family Travel (Part 1)