My current personal item must-have contents. Can you think of anything more exhausting than long-haul travel? Yeah, me either. But I've picked up a few items over the years that really help, whether flying economy or premium. As much as I want to pack lightly, these comfort items always have a place in my bag. Here are some of my light packing tips! Trtl – This is the only flight pillow that works for me. The Trtl really supports my neck and head with its reinforced frame, a

You will enjoy your time abroad even more with these tips! Get Your Documents in Order Early Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Check if you need a visa for any of the countries you're visiting (most Americans don't for short stays in the Schengen Zone, but always double-check). Notify Your Bank & Bring Multiple Payment Options Let your bank know you’ll be abroad to avoid card blocks. Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction

Going on a trip and stumped by what to pack? Have the tendency to throw it all in just in case? You may regret that decision when you pay an overweight baggage fee or have to haul a huge suitcase off the conveyor at the airport, over cobblestones, and up steps to your destination. Over the years I have become adept at light packing and today I want to share that skill with you! Our personal bests - 16lb carry-ons and 5lb personal items for 3 weeks in Portugal and Scotland. Pa

I used to have severe ear pain from the pressure of descent and had bad hearing for a day or two after a flight. After trial, error, tears, and a few very uncomfortable flights, I have a system that keeps me out of pain and hearing clearly. Disclaimer: I have no medical training — this is simply what my doctor recommended years ago and what has consistently worked for me. When talking to my doctor, I was assured that my ears not popping for a day or two was not permanently da

You may be surprised to hear that I hate flying. Yes, I fly throughout the year for work, family, and vacation. But it doesn’t bring me joy and sometimes causes me anxiety. So what gets me through the flight? I start early to avoid preflight stress. I pack ahead, arrive to the airport on time, use TSA PreCheck, and give myself time to get to the gate. Remember flying is statistically safer than driving. We always hear about the accidents, but in reality they are very rare and

As a Travel Advisor, I am frequently asked for my luggage recommendations. There are so many amazing luggage brands out there these days! I have not been able to test them all, but here are some things to consider when choosing new bags and what I travel with personally. Durability – This might rate higher or lower on your list depending on how often you travel and whether or not you check baggage. I prefer to travel carry-on only, but sometimes end up having to check a bag a

The Nebrodi are for travelers who crave authenticity: misty hikes and vineyard tastings, rustic meals by a roaring fire, and that rare feeling that you’ve stumbled onto Sicily before it was discovered.

I know—travel insurance isn’t the most exciting part of planning a trip. It’s not a gorgeous hotel, a dreamy flight upgrade, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But as a travel advisor, it’s one of the things I care most about for my clients, because I know how even the best planned trips can be affected unexpectedly. Travel insurance can cover medical care, emergency transportation, and evacuation—things no one plans to need, but that can be incredibly expensive. Many domes

Why real travel advisors still matter in the age of AI AI can spit out a “perfect” plan. It just doesn’t know the difference between a scenic drive and a four-hour standstill with a view. Data ≠ judgment. Real AI Travel Fails 1) Airline chatbot gave false policy advice—and lost in court An Air Canada website chatbot told a grieving traveler he could buy a full-fare ticket and claim a bereavement discount after travel. Not true. A tribunal ruled the airline was responsible fo

Embarking on a journey to explore your ancestral roots in Sicily offers a profound and multi-faceted experience. As a travel advisor,...