Trin's Weekly Wander

Let’s be honest: travel insurance isn’t the most exciting part of planning a trip. But when things go sideways—delayed flights, lost bags, sudden illness—you’ll be glad you didn’t skip it. Photo credit: Kenneth Surillo / Pexels That said, not all travel insurance is created equal. Some policies are packed with unnecessary extras, while others don’t cover the basics you actually need. Here’s how I help my clients choose the right coverage (and avoid overpaying or missing key protection). First, Do You Even Need It? In my opinion? Yes. If you’re investing time and money into a trip, insurance is your backup plan. Especially for: International travel (emergency medical care can get expensive!) Cruises and tours (cancellations = stricter terms) Trips during hurricane season or winter storm months Trips involving kids, elderly travelers, or complex logistics Even if you never file a claim, the peace of mind is often worth the cost alone. Know What You Want Cover...

Santorini is the kind of destination that doesn’t need a filter. Whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, dramatic cliffs, and sunsets so surreal you’ll want to pause time. If you’re looking for a romantic escape, honeymoon, or European dream trip, Santorini is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. Photo credit: Pixabay / Pexels It’s luxury, culture, and relaxation all wrapped up in one island—with enough charm and wow factor to make every moment feel unforgettable. Why I Love It Santorini isn’t just beautiful—it’s special . It’s that place where time slows down, where every meal feels like a scene from a movie, and where the views are so perfect they feel fake. But it’s also easy to navigate, full of kind locals, and surprisingly flexible depending on your budget and travel style. It’s the perfect blend of breathtaking and laid-back. You’ll eat well, sleep well, and walk everywhere with a permanent “is this real?” look on your face. Best Time to Go ...

We all know to pack the basics: toothbrush, charger, maybe an extra pair of socks. But there are a few unexpected items that have completely changed the way I travel—things that save time, fix problems, or just make my trip way more comfortable. Photo credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels Here are 10 underrated, non-obvious items I always throw in my suitcase (or carry-on), whether I’m going on a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure. They’re all tested, loved, and travel advisor-approved! 1. A Flat Lay Packing Mat This one’s part organizer, part aesthetic moment. I use it to plan outfits before packing, but it also comes in handy at your destination—especially in hotels with limited space. Bonus: it makes packing back up way easier. 2. Foldable Travel Hangers Yes, hotels have hangers… but usually not enough, and definitely not for things like swimsuits or delicates. I pack 2–3 lightweight foldable ones and use them for drip-drying or hanging outfits I want wrinkle-free. ...

If you're dreaming of mountain views, fresh air, and a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cozy luxury, Park City, Utah is one of my absolute favorite picks. It’s a rare gem that shines in every season—snow-covered slopes in winter, wildflower hikes in summer, golden leaves in fall, and charming main street vibes year-round. Photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo recharge, Park City delivers beauty, charm, and comfort in every detail. Why I Love It Park City gives you the best of both worlds. You can wake up in a luxurious hotel, spend your day skiing, hiking, or exploring local shops, and end with a five-star dinner or hot tub under the stars. It's upscale but never snobby, adventurous but totally accessible. And it’s just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City airport—so you get the mountain magic without the stress of getting there. Best Time to Go Winter (Dec–Feb): World-class s...

Planning a trip can feel like playing a game of Tetris: flights, hotels, transfers, activities, dining… all moving pieces that need to fit together just right. And if you’re anything like most travelers, you’ve probably wondered: “What should I book first so I don’t mess anything up?” Photo credit: Boris K. / Pexels Let me take the stress out of it. As a travel advisor, I build trip timelines for clients every day. Here's the order I recommend booking your travel in—and what you can safely hold off on without risking sold-out frustration or extra fees. Step 1: Lock In the Big Picture (Flights + Dates) Flights are the foundation of most trips. Once you know your travel window, the first thing you should do is check airfare. Flight prices are dynamic and often rise as you get closer to the travel date, especially during peak seasons or holidays. 💡 My tip: Even if you’re not ready to book, set up flight alerts or work with a travel advisor (👋🏼 hi!) to monitor pricing ...

Let’s be real: we don’t always have time for a 10-day escape. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing, memory-filled vacation in just three days. Weekend trips are one of my favorite things to plan for clients—especially busy moms, couples, or friend groups who just need a break without using PTO or pulling kids from school. Photo credit: Mizuno K / Pexels If you’re working with a Friday–Sunday (or maybe Monday) window, here’s how to make the most of it—without feeling like you're racing the clock. 1. Pick a Destination That’s Easy to Get To This is rule #1. If it takes 7 hours to get there, you’ve already lost your weekend. Look for places you can fly to in under 3 hours or drive to in under 5. My go-to weekend trip picks include: Coastal towns (like Charleston or Santa Barbara) Nature getaways (like Sedona or Asheville) City breaks with walkable downtowns (think Austin, Nashville, or Chicago) Pro tip: If your Friday is flexible, take a late-night ...