With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I know that there are so many of us who won’t be able to celebrate our mother’s, mother figures, and the outstanding father’s who’ve played both Mom and Dad to us, in quite the same way this year.

With travel restrictions slowly lifting however, we can give the Gift of Reconnection in the form of a future travel certificate – and start thinking about the kind of travel that we can safely embark on as we enter our new normal way of life.
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For those of us wanting to get back into the world and see new places or different scenery, but who are still wary of jumping right back into the fray of extensive multi-destination trips or mega-resorts, there are a number of smaller boutique and secluded style options available that are ideal to start. Let's explore a few of those today... ​

With all that in mind, I wanted to point out a few of the styles and benefits of different tour experience opportunities...

Tour Benefits:

• Your trip is under the umbrella of ONE vendor - keep payments simple, rebook with ease should another crisis arise, and ensure all travel plans are consistent and organized from start to finish.
• You don’t need to try to source accommodations on your own - take the guess work out from the thousands of options, plus you have someone in destination to take care of things right away. 
• Local guides are included - personal knowledge, recommendations, and stories providing an authentic cultural experience you will miss on your own. 
• Depending on the tour, some activities, entrance fees, and meals will be included - including access to “skip-the-line” tickets and activities that the general public won't be able to enjoy! You don't know what you don't know - let the professionals show you what you may have missed. 
• Transportation and luggage handling are usually included - no more lugging your own bags over cobblestone streets, between trains, taxis, buses, etc... Arrive care free and maximize your time IN destination instead of figuring out how to get around during your trip.

Tour Experiences:

1. Private
   Private touring is very hard to differentiate from independent travel, as it is just yourself and your traveling companions. Private tours tend to be completely customizable so you can essentially do the trip you always wanted – but without the stress. These usually include private transportation so you’ll have your own driver and they often include a local guide who can share insights about the hidden gems of the city that you’re visiting.
   
   
2. Escorted
   This kind of touring can range quite significantly from the standard tour bus kind of experience, to being barely more than just transportation and hotels provided for a small group where you share the luxury shuttle or same hotel, but everyone can do their own thing during the days and evenings. Many will have included half-day tours should you want to join, and leave you the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure. Think of it as everyone chipping in for a group rate at a hotel or a group discount on a charter for transportation – all the benefits of group travel without having to actually travel with a group.
   
   
3. Family Touring
   This is a game changer in my opinion. I have planned so many lengthy itineraries for families who are traveling together, often as multi-generational with an older family member, in addition to small children. Multi-destination travel is often very complex between different airports, train terminals, ferry’s, sights and attractions, restaurants, hotel options – and those are just a few. When you add small children into the mix and have to logistically figure out how to carry luggage, backpacks, as well the children themselves - things can get stressful so quickly! The family tour experiences erase ALL that stress and allows you and your family to enjoy transportation between activities, someone else taking care of logistics and entertainment – as well as someone else to handle luggage! I can’t tell you how many clients rave about how successful and fun the vacation was when they return after they tried a tour over going it alone.
   
   
4. Undiscovered
   These are a relatively new kind of tour catering to those who have traveled more or just don’t really care about seeing the major “sights”. This kind of small group or private tour will take you to quaint picturesque towns and villages that are otherwise difficult to get to on your own. You’ll have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself with the locals and culture! Find beauty in these less-traveled areas and return with a unique story that will make others envious.  
   
   

Honestly, I could go on and on about the benefits related to touring, but the best way to really go into the nuts and bolts about the different kind of options and benefits offered, is to schedule an appointment with me! Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195! 
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Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 
 Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd

I've been seeing Halloween decorations in the stores lately and it brings a smile to my face. Fall is around the corner and I love this season! It has comfortable temperatures, lovely colors, outdoor fires and my list goes on and on. It's also one of the best times to travel to many destinations! You can typically find less crowds and lines, lower hotel rates, enjoyable weather and see some stunning scenery. One place to add to your list of Fall travels is the charming Greek Isles...

There is something so magical about the Greek Isles. When you visit them it's like slipping away to a true vacation destination. This is not to say that every vacation isn't magical, but there is something extra special about this part of the world. Some would say that the wine is sweeter, the food tastes richer and the quality of life somehow feels, well, more lively. With this in mind I thought I would share seven exciting adventures you could have if you choose to book a trip to Santorini, Mykonos or Paros for your next getaway.

1. Visit Donkey Brewery in Santorini:
For centuries the island of Santorini has been a notable wine producer, but that didn't stop the success of the little beer engine that could, the Donkey Brewer. Their three brews, Red, Yellow, and Crazy are each unique and guarantee to please a variety of palates. Stop by for a brewery tour and then stick around to try all of their products.

2. Explore Santorini's Oia Village:
The amazing village of Oia has many historical landmarks that tourists the world over have enjoyed. In fact, it's Santorini's most famous village. Here you will enjoy charming houses on narrow streets, see the famous blue domed churches and take in the breathtaking ocean views over the volcano of Pailia and Nea Kameni. You'll also find plenty of shops, taverns and cafes.

3. Sunbathe on Kamari Beach:
Kamari Beach is a black pebble beach framed by the Profitis Ilias Mountains and jagged cliffs of the Mesa Vouno with crystalline waters of Aegean. Kamari Beach seafront features a plethora of dining and shopping options to keep you occupied all day and late into the evening.

4. Spend the Day Beaching it in Mykonos:
The main attraction of Mykonos are its beaches. Here you can relax, sunbathe or snorkel. Two must see beaches include the aptly named Paradise Beach, Psarou Beach and Elia Beach. Keep an eye on signs at the beaches however, as some of them allow nudity.

5. Get a Sun Reprieve While Getting Cultured:
If you tire of being on the beach, head to Little Venice for art galleries and discotheques. Additional options for going Greek education wise include visits to the Archeological Museum, the Aegean Maritime Museum or even the Mykonos Folklore Museum.

6. Head to Church:
Some of the prettiest churches you'll ever see are found in Paros. There's the impressive Church of Agia Triada and the traditional Church of Agios Antonios. While exploring the religious aspects of the island, be sure not to miss the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and Monastery of Jesus of the Woods!

7. Set Sail Around Paros:
Paros features a unique landscape and a great way to see as much of the island as possible is to go on a sailing tour. On your sail you'll discover the multi-hued rock formations, incredible views of whitewashed town’s perched and stunning private beaches high on caldera, as well as, the amazing views of the architecture of the buildings on the coast.