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Spooktacular Halloween Destinations

10/19/2022

Cross-posting this blog from my friends at KHM...

For many people, traveling for the holidays sparks images of crowded airports and last-minute flights to be home in time to carve the turkey or unwrap a gift. But, with so many wonderfully wicked destinations around the globe, Halloween is one holiday you may want to consider traveling for.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you to plan your costume and pack your bags!

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

While Hawaiian Islands may not be the first place you think of for a Halloween haunt, there are many opportunities to get into the spooky spirit. There are festivities for all ages, like the pumpkin patches and fall festivals on Oahu, the Lahaina Halloween Party on Maui, and Ohana Halloween Paina in Kona, a family-friendly event with costume contests, food, and live entertainment. Next year, why not check this stunning destination off your bucket list and say “aloha-lloween!”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Home to over-the-top entertainment all year ‘round, Vegas does Halloween like nowhere else on the planet! The haunted houses are known for their adrenaline-pumping frights, while world-famous DJs rock costume parties in some of the hottest night clubs around the city. In true Vegas fashion, the town is set to celebrate the holiday with concerts, magic shows, costumes, and plenty of drinks wherever you turn.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Orlando is home to some of the world’s top theme parks, and they go all-out for this holiday. Walt Disney World hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which runs September through October. The decorations and Halloween-themed treats are sure to get even young travelers into the holiday spirit without too many spooks. In true Disney fashion, the event is fun for the whole family.
For genuine scares, Universal Studios Orlando really gets into the spirit with its elaborately themed haunted houses. Visitors are transported to the worlds of their favorite tv shows and films, like The Haunting of Hill House, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Beetlejuice. Uniquely themed haunted houses weave storytelling and terror with imaginative stories like Revenge of the Tooth Fairy and The Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin. The Halloween Horror Nights event is not for the faint-of-heart!

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3 Destinations For Fall Fun (That Aren't New England)

10/12/2022

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Cross-posting this blog from my friends at KHM...

Each year, New England’s glorious fall colors beckon tourists to visit its quaint towns and scenic parks. But other regions of the United States also boast a beautiful autumn season.

If you yearn for crisp air, crunchy leaves underfoot, and dazzling displays of nature at its best, plan your getaway to one of these 3 destinations for fall fun!

ASPEN, COLORADO

Aspen draws skiers and snowboarders to its snowy peaks in the winter, but it’s also one of the USA’s most beautiful destinations for fall colors. With fewer tourists, reduced lodging rates, and awe-inspiring pops of color against the blue sky and snow-capped mountains, this mountain city is worthy of an autumn visit.

Stay: Aspen is full of luxury hotels, so consider splurging on either The Little Nell or The St. Regis Aspen for a memorable five-star experience. For a more budget-friendly stay, nearby Snowmass has several options, from Pokolodi Lodge to Stonebridge Inn.

See: Drive the scenic twelve miles of Castle Creek Road, stopping at its numerous lookout points to ooh and aah at the leaves. Hike along Hunter Creek Trail to a lovely meadow, spotting old miner cabins along the way. Get up close and personal with the fall foliage as you fly along the zipline or conquer the challenging ropes course at Lost Forest.
Eat: Chefs Club, located in the St. Regis hotel, was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Restaurants by Time Magazine. It features a rotation of visiting chefs who take over the space for several months at a time and serve changing menus. For a more casual meal, The Stew Pot ladles out a variety of stews and soups alongside hearty salads and sandwiches—perfect after a long morning of hiking!

TAOS, NEW MEXICO

An artist’s haven in northern New Mexico, Taos welcomes visitors with its thriving music scene, delicious local cuisine, and world-class skiing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Stay: For a boutique experience, book a stay at Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast or Blue Sky Retreat at San Geronimo. A quaint, cozy stay pairs perfectly with the charm of the town.
See: Hop in the car and explore one of two famous routes for stunning scenery, The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway or The High Road to Taos from Santa Fe. If you prefer for someone else to do the driving, The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad chugs through canyons and desert, snaking between the borders of Colorado and New Mexico. In town, festival season draws visitors who want to take in the art scene or nosh on delicious food.
Eat: Small local eateries are where it’s at when visiting Taos. La Cueva Café dishes up tasty Mexican dishes, including huevos rancheros and enchiladas. A hearty, homestyle platter of eggs, potatoes, and meats pairs nicely with a cup of steaming coffee at the Farmhouse Café. For a unique combination of Latin-French cuisine, Gutiz offers crepes, tartines, and croque madames alongside New Mexican staples topped with a variety of chile sauces.

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

Cape May has long been associated with the bustle of summer tourism, but when crowds return home and the temperature cools, fall provides a delightful backdrop for a new season of fun.

See: Guided trolley tours give visitors a glimpse into the maritime and cultural history of Cape May, known as America’s first seaside resort. Spend a relaxing, romantic weekend exploring the grounds of local wineries or breweries, sipping wine or beer, and nibbling on cheese and fruit with your sweetheart. For a bit of spooky fun, ghost and mystery tours help get tourists into the spirit of fall and Halloween.
Stay: Victorian bed-and-breakfasts are abundant in Cape May, and guests at properties like The Mason Cottage or The Harrison are immersed in the décor and history of the town. Quaint hotel accommodations like those at Heritage Inn or Carroll Villa Hotel provide traditional hotel amenities while preserving the feel of historic Cape May.
Eat: Serving up seafood caught from its own fleet of fishing boats, The Lobster House serves lunch and dinner to hungry patrons in five dining rooms overlooking Cape May Harbor. For creative farm-to-table cuisine, reservations at the swanky Ebbitt House restaurant in The Virginia Hotel are a must. Stuffed sandwiches, boardwalk fries, salads, and mac and cheese are served at Cape May’s surfer beachside café, The Rusty Nail, affectionately nicknamed “The Nail” by locals.

While New England has deservedly earned its status as the premier fall destination for leaf-peeping, these 3 destinations for fun also offer travelers a special seasonal experience.

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Bucket List Dreams: Why You Need A Travel Advisor

10/1/2022

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Matt in Perast, June 2021

Are you a planner or do you prefer spontaneity? Do you make to-do lists to tackle each day or do you take things as they come? Does having a color-coded calendar system bring you joy or make you anxious? Many of us rely on itineraries and plans to bring order to our daily lives. Others see planning as too much work and not enough fun.

When it comes to travel, a little planning goes a long way. That’s why the professional expertise and experience of a Travel Advisor is a must.

I’ve worked with both types of clients, the planners and the spontaneous types. They both want a vacation that checks all of their boxes, and it usually starts with what’s on their bucket list.

Speaking of which, when was the last time you revisited your travel bucket list? If it’s been a while or you don’t yet have a bucket list, ask yourself these questions to get started:

Which destinations have you always wanted to see?
What experiences have you dreamed of?
Which places have you been that you want to revisit?

Your bucket list can be as long as you want. Once you’ve put all your ideas down, go back and star or circle the top three to five items on it that are your top priorities. Then, set a goal for when you’d like to cross off that experience!

Click here for a handy worksheet to help you create your bucket list!

I’d love to see what you come up with. Maybe you’ve always wanted to do a sunset horseback ride along the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to take a river cruise through Burgundy & Provence and taste local wines. The options are endless and as a certified travel advisor, I’m here to help make them happen.

Let’s start planning now, so you can make it a reality in the future! I’m currently planning trips for 2022 and 2023! Not sure which of your bucket list items are doable right now, or when you want to travel? I can help you understand your options so that you can feel safe, comfortable and prepared with your future travel plans.

Here’s to shortening your bucket list so you can add even more to it later!

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Spooktacular Halloween Destinations

3 Destinations For Fall Fun (That Aren't New England)

Bucket List Dreams: Why You Need A Travel Advisor

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