Dreamy days and secret nights come together at Playa Esmeralda, home to one of the Dominican Republic’s most exciting new resort complexes. Nestled along a pristine stretch of coastline, Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda offer two distinct vacation experiences in one stunning destination: luxury and romance for adults, and effortless, upscale fun for families. But… Continue reading Dreamy Days, Secret Nights: Inside Playa Esmeralda’s Hottest Resort Complex
Author: Ebony Aelterman
Live Well at Live Aqua Punta Cana
Earlier this month, work bestie T and I retreated to Live Aqua Punta Cana for a relaxing girls' getaway. Live Aqua is an adults-only, all-inclusive brand with resorts in Cancun and Punta Cana. It's a favorite to recommend to clients looking for an elevated vacation experience at an affordable price point. For this trip, this… Continue reading Live Well at Live Aqua Punta Cana
Fall in Love with Mexico All Over Again… in Puerto Vallarta
If you’ve only seen Mexico’s Caribbean side, you’re missing half the story. I recently returned from an immersive travel-agent training in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Punta de Mita, and let me tell you, this region is a different kind of beautiful than the Mexican Caribbean. Picture this: emerald mountains rushing straight into the Pacific,… Continue reading Fall in Love with Mexico All Over Again… in Puerto Vallarta
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
When you stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, it's like stepping into a lush, island-inspired getaway that puts the best of Universal Orlando right at your doorstep. I love the way this resort strikes the perfect balance between relaxation, convenience, and theme-park magic. Royal Pacific is one of Universal’s coveted Signature Resorts, and that title… Continue reading Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Why Universal Orlando’s Two Iconic Parks Still Deliver – Even After Epic Universe
Over Fall Break, the teens and I visited Universal Orlando Resort. Our tickets gave us access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. As you already know from my May 2025 visit, Epic Universe is phenomenal! But here's the thing, the two parks that made this destination famous - Universal Studios Florida… Continue reading Why Universal Orlando’s Two Iconic Parks Still Deliver – Even After Epic Universe
The Room Where It Happens
When it was announced that Leslie Odom Jr. would return to Broadway for six weeks to reprise his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton’s 10th Anniversary run, Mr. FamTrav and I secured tickets straightaway for one of the first performances! We’d planned to see the show back in 2020, but of course, that didn’t happen,… Continue reading The Room Where It Happens
Beyond the Riverbanks: Immersive Cultural Excursions with AmaCerto
The guest experience is at the core of every AmaWaterways itinerary. And a valuable part of that experience is having a variety of shore excursions included. On my recent Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle sailing, that meant I could fully immerse myself in each destination without ever worrying about planning, logistics, or surprise costs.… Continue reading Beyond the Riverbanks: Immersive Cultural Excursions with AmaCerto
My New Favorite Way to See Europe? Cruising with AmaWaterways
Last month, Mr. FamTrav and I had the opportunity to sail on AmaWaterways' AmaCerto. The sailing was a 7-night Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle itinerary from Amsterdam to Wasserbillig (Luxemburg). This was an absolutely stellar experience and I'm so excited to finally share the details with you! AmaWaterways stands out as a premier European… Continue reading My New Favorite Way to See Europe? Cruising with AmaWaterways
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, isn’t your typical beach stop. It’s a full-blown island playground designed to make your vacation unforgettable. What you make of your day on the island is completely up to you. It can be a relaxing beach day with the family, an adults-only retreat,… Continue reading Perfect Day at CocoCay
First Look at Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
The FamTrav Grammy and I just returned from an incredible industry preview sailing of Royal Caribbean's brand new Star of the Seas. This iconic megaship combines everything travelers love about cruising: bold design, endless activities, and world-class dining, all wrapped up in an experience that feels both exciting and effortless. Let me walk you through… Continue reading First Look at Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
