This year, I’ve seen more people waiting until the last minute to plan their vacations. Sadly, this often leads to higher prices, fewer options, or missing out on the hotels and experiences they really wanted. The best trips usually aren’t booked on a whim. They’re carefully planned, letting you pick where you want to stay, […]

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, […]

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 — […]

I’ll be honest: India wasn’t on my bucket list. For years, I had filed it under someday, maybe. Too remote. Too vast. Too chaotic. Too far outside my comfort zone. I was convinced I wouldn’t find anything to eat. I’m not a fan of Indian food. Curry isn’t my thing. I genuinely pictured myself picking at […]

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 — […]

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 […]

Even the most seasoned travelers are adjusting how they experience the world. Flight routes change without warning, boutique hotels sell out months ahead, and private experiences once available to anyone with a Platinum card now require the right connections. In 2026, the true luxury will belong to those who plan thoughtfully and travel deliberately. Here’s […]

(A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog about the criteria UNESCO uses to designate its World Heritage sites.  If you missed it, you can find it here.) During my recent familiarization trip to Eastern Australia, I didn’t just revisit those ideas—I experienced them firsthand. There’s something very different about reading that a place is “universally […]

Picture this:  You’re settling into your exclusive VIP seat at one of the world’s most electrifying events, surrounded by excitement and anticipation. You can:

Hear the roar of Formula 1 engines echoing through the narrow, winding streets of Monaco, the very heart of glamour and motorsport.

Feel the anticipation building as Taylor Swift hits the first note at a sold-out Wembley Stadium,

Or visualize the breathtaking sight of the Olympic flame illuminating the Parisian night sky, casting a warm glow over the faces filled with hope and global unity.

I’ve often written about the benefits of booking hotels through a travel advisor with preferred luxury brand relationships. As we approach the holiday season, I want to update this information for those planning trips, even last-minute ones.