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If I had a nickel for everyone who said that there is no need to use a travel agent. They can book their own travel. It’s so easy on the internet. If I had a dollar for everyone who after saying that, had an issue with a flight delay, missed connection, issue with their hotel, had to be on the phone for hours with an airline…and then said they now see the value in a travel agent. The internet makes it so easy for people to book their own travel. The value of a travel agent is so much more than booking a trip for a client. We travel. Many times we have been to resorts or hotels, we have done site visits or stayed at the hotel. The first thing we do when we work with a client is to talk to them, find out their wants and needs. We may know that Hotel A is a party hotel and that is not what a client wants. Or that Hotel B is a spread out resort and our client with mobility issues may have issues at that hotel. If we haven’t been to hotels ourselves, many times we have fellow travel agents who have that we can bounce ideas off of them. We handle any issues. If there aren’t any issues, fantastic! But if there are any issues, do you want to spend your vacation trying to rectify them? Do you want to be on hold for hours with an airline? Or do you want to call/text/email your travel agent and let them handle the issues for you? We build a package for you. We can get you the rail tickets in Europe, the private transfers, the excursions. Due to our travels, in many locations we know private reputable tour guides. Sometimes your package will have some of your party flying from one airport and others from another but staying at the same hotel. We have no issues building that package for you.

The ultimate vacation experience awaits in St. Thomas, the most cosmopolitan of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This 32-square-mile island still retains the distinctive atmosphere of a secluded Caribbean paradise, beckoning visitors with its turquoise waters, sun-kissed beaches, championship golf, spectacular nightlife and one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. The shopping capital of the Caribbean, the island is renowned for its duty-free shops. What makes St. Thomas even more attractive is that access to it all is passport-free for U.S. citizens. Rated among the world’s best beaches, Magens Bay Beach, with its soft white sand and calm, clear waters, is perfect for swimming and watersports. Head east to snorkel or dive into the underwater world at Coral World Ocean Park, where vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish await. Water Bay on the eastern side of the island offers more stunning beaches ideal for watersports like snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing and windsurfing. Boat tours to nearby Virgin Gorda and the famous baths allow travelers to explore stunning rock formations and hidden coves. In Charlotte Amalie, the charming capital city, travelers can explore the bustling marketplaces and historic sites like Fort Christian and Blackbeard's Castle. For an incomparable view of the Caribbean, take the Skyride 700 feet above the city or climb the famous 99 Steps. Delectable dining options across the island await, from fresh seafood shacks to upscale restaurants where foodies can enjoy breathtaking ocean views while dining al fresco on local and international specialties.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I’d not visited the island in several years, so I was excited to return to one of my favorite islands! The week did not disappoint. Hyatt Ziva even welcomed me before I left the airport when I stopped by the lounge and was greeted with my choice of a Red Stripe or rum punch. The Vibe Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall has a laid-back Caribbean vibe and is welcoming to guests of all ages. I felt right at home and was happy to be surrounded by the property’s tropical landscaping with gorgeous ocean views. How I Felt I really enjoyed being back in Jamaica and appreciated that the property incorporated some touches of local flavor with Jamaican photo op locations by the ocean and a jerk shack. It’s always nice to stay at a resort with some local appeal, rather than feel like you’re visiting a cookie cutter property that could be anywhere in the world.

Technology is the foundation of day-to-day life, and as a result, many of us are connected to it for most of the time we’re awake — laptops and desktop monitors hold our attention during the workday, and cell phones, tablets and TVs pass the time after clocking out. No matter the purpose, the need to be accessible is an all-consuming habit, even if we don’t always realize it. Our reliance on technology wasn’t always this strong though, so let’s rewind it back a couple of years and explore one of the major causes. A Change to the Digital Landscape It’s no secret there have been growing concerns regarding the addictive nature of technology for quite some time now, but the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this elevated attachment. As employees turned to a remote environment and began working out of their makeshift office spaces at home, technology filled in the missing gaps of human interaction. What started as workers taking face-to-face meetings, stopping to chat with their neighbors and having lunch with colleagues in the breakroom shifted to a more isolated experience — video calls were reduced to little squares on the computer; brain breaks were spent scrolling on social media, and meals were consumed in front of the TV or phone. Every aspect of daily life quickly became tied to various screens, and now, as employees either head back into the office or embrace the work-from-home era, a heavy reliance on technology lingers, but not without a cost. In fact, a 2023 study from the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center linked high volumes of screen time to symptoms such as dry eyes, poor sleep quality and mental health concerns. Feelings of anxiety, stress and depression are exacerbated, and cognitive functions like memory and mood regulation suffer as a result.

From Brooklyn to the Bronx , New York City offers dozens of unique neighborhoods that all have their own story to tell. From the artistic soul of Chelsea to the glittering skyline views in Dumbo to the cultural richness of Harlem to the creative spirit of Williamsburg , NYC’s distinct districts are as dynamic as the people who call them home—or who travel great lengths to experience them first-hand. And they’re more than just tourist attractions: They reveal the true essence of New York life, in which something new can be discovered around every corner. Curious about how to visit NYC’s best neighborhoods? Read on for the top things to see and do at each of our hand-selected hot spots.

If you’re dreading seasonal affective disorder and the post-holiday lull as January approaches, you’re not alone—but investing in a light-therapy lamp isn’t the only way to forestall the season’s worst effects. To truly escape the dark nights and deep-freeze, seek out the winter sun. From the volcanic topography of the Canary Islands to the unspoiled beaches of the Maldives, these warm and sunny locales provide a much-needed bit of July in the cold, dark depths of January.

Whether you're seeking a serene retreat or an exhilarating adventure, I've got you covered. Today, I'm thrilled to share my top five destinations for luxury travel. These places are not just about high-end accommodations and fine dining; they offer unique experiences that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So, grab a glass of champagne, sit back, and let's dive into the world of indulgent travel experiences.

A Magical Disneyland Experience!