One of my favorite parts of being a travel advisor is catching up with clients after they return home. I love hearing about the big highlights, but it’s often the little moments that stay with them the longest—a favorite meal, a meaningful conversation, a place they didn’t expect to love, or a memory shared with someone special.
This summer, my clients have explored everything from the stunning fjords of Norway to the beaches of Hawaii. Each trip was completely different, but they all had one thing in common: the opportunity to spend meaningful time with the people they care about while experiencing places that inspired them.
Ireland: Family Time in the Emerald Isle
For this trip, an adult family of four spent part of the early summer exploring Ireland together, winding through the countryside and taking in the incredible scenery along the way. From Dublin’s historic streets to the lively pubs in Galway to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, every stop offered something memorable.
Some of the highlights included visiting the villages their family called home generations ago, driving the scenic Ring of Kerry, exploring Blarney Castle, and enjoying fascinating tours at both the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery in Dublin. It was a wonderful blend of family history, iconic sights, and unforgettable experiences.
My Tip: Ireland is one of those destinations where having a car gives you the freedom to discover the small towns and hidden corners that often become the highlight of the trip. If driving isn’t for you, a private driver is another fantastic way to explore the Ireland comfortably and at your own pace.
Norway: A Heritage Journey Home
For another family, Norway wasn’t just a vacation—it was also a personal journey. A father and his two adult daughters traveled together to explore the country that is connected to their family’s history.
They experienced the beauty of Oslo, Stavanger and Bodø, cruised through stunning fjords, traversed the country by train admiring beautiful waterfalls along the way, climbed to the top of Pulpit Rock, and witnessed the midnight sun.
One of the most memorable days of their trip was a private excursion to the island where their family roots began. Alongside a local guide and private boat captain, they were able to explore the island at their own pace. What made the day so special was the opportunity to step inside a home that is believed to have been where my client’s grandfather lived as a child. After hearing family stories for years, being able to stand in that very place was something they’ll never forget.
These heritage trips are so special because they turn history into something you can see, feel, and experience firsthand. They create connections across generations and leave travelers with memories that extend far beyond the typical vacation.
My Tip: If you’re traveling to a destination connected to your family history, consider adding a local guide who specializes in genealogy or regional history. It can bring an entirely new layer of meaning to your experience.
Oahu, Hawaii: Returning to a Happy Place
Not every unforgettable trip is about discovering somewhere new.
One of my empty-nester couples returned to the perfectly pink Royal Hawaiian Resort in Waikiki, a place filled with wonderful memories for them. Their days were spent relaxing oceanside, walking the beach, and enjoying sunset cocktails.
There’s something special about returning to a destination that feels familiar. Sometimes travel is about adventure, and sometimes it’s about reconnecting with a place that simply makes you happy.
My Tip: When returning to a favorite destination, keep a few beloved traditions but add one or two new experiences. It keeps the trip feeling both comfortable and fresh.
England: Sisters’ Getaway Filled with Afternoon Tea and Charm
Two sisters set off on an English adventure filled with history, shopping, art, beautiful scenery, and plenty of memorable experiences.
They enjoyed afternoon tea (many times!), toured Highclere Castle, admired the White Cliffs of Dover, and explored the charming town of Canterbury. Between the exceptional tours, great dining, and an evening spent at a Broadway show in London, they created exactly the kind of trip they had hoped for—one filled with shared experiences, plenty of laughter, and quality time together. In fact, they are already talking about a return visit.
One of my favorite stories from their trip was something wonderfully simple. One of the sisters was so excited to find a box filled with different teas and a kettle in her hotel room, allowing her to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea whenever she wanted. Sometimes it’s the little touches that become some of the most cherished memories.
My Tip: If visiting iconic sites like Highclere Castle is on your wish list, it’s always a good idea to secure tickets well in advance. Some of England’s most popular attractions can sell out surprisingly early.
What I’m Seeing in Travel Right Now
If there’s one thing this summer’s trips have reminded me, it’s that the destination is only part of the story.
The memories my clients talk about most aren’t always the famous landmarks. They’re the conversations shared over dinner, the family stories uncovered along the way, the favorite hotel they couldn’t wait to return to, or even a simple cup of tea enjoyed in a cozy hotel room.
More and more, I’m seeing travelers choose experiences that feel personal and meaningful—and those are often the trips that become the most treasured.
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure With a Travel Advisor?
The stories above may have taken place in Ireland, Norway, Hawaii, and England, but what really stands out to me isn’t the destinations—it’s the connections, memories, and experiences my clients brought home with them.
If you’re ready to create a few unforgettable memories of your own, I’d love to help you plan a trip that’s designed around you and the people traveling with you.
The ship is 5 levels and has 15 sea-facing suites.
Onboard kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are provided.
Expert-led excursions are provided that explore the most bio-diverse marine habitats, witness rare native bird species, and embrace centuries old history and culture.
Ships Decks have Outdoor Seating and Dining, Barbecue,Jacuzzi, Spa and Exercise Zone, Indoor Lounge Bar,Library and TV Room.
Best time to travel is October-February.
Highlights:
Visit the Ambon and Spice Islands: Go trekking Gunung Banda Api volcano, go snorkeling and diving, visit a local market, watch a kora-kora war canoe display, and see Pulau Manuk, a lone volcanic crater island.
Visit the Raja Ampat Islands where deep blue waters turn to turquoise and mushroom-shaped islets right before your eyes.The calm waters are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.Or take a tender boat tour to discover magnificent limestone formations and find a private beach to call your own. You could also climb the stairs to Pindito summit to capture the unforgettable and iconic vista of the island cluster.
Visit Cape Kri to witness nature in full motion in a single dive or snorkel, with species such as whales trying to feed on smaller fish, or see manta ray cleaning stations, where these massive creatures queue up to get their skin, gills and teeth cleaned by parasitic copepods and a variety of small cleaner wrasse species — an amazing sight to behold.
They offer an authentic, lifetime experience, both on board and on shore.
Offer 5 or 7 might cruises.
All-inclusive experience. Including, all meals onboard, unlimited drinks packages, select excursions, onboard entertainment, and gratuities.
Highlights:
Corfu is the mythical home of the Olympian God, Poseidon, and the island on which Odysseus was shipwrecked in Homer’s epic,The Odyssey. Tour the Vlacherna Monastery and catch a breathtaking sunset here.
Visit Paleokastritsa and see endless olive groves,rolling hills and secluded coves.
Visit Katakolon which is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. While here, explore the bayside area and picturesque streets before heading into one of the many tavernas and cafes to meet the locals and sample exquisite Greek cuisine.
Patras has attractive squares, fun-filled streets, a lively nightlife and plenty of great restaurants and bars.
Experience romantic Venice and ride a gondola, stroll around St Mark’s Square, visit the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco, cross the Rialto Bridge, explore the maze of winding alleys and hidden narrow backstreets and have lunch by the Grand Canal.
Visit awe-inspiring Dubrovnik and tour the ancient city walls, ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car, enjoy homemade cuisine,and visit the Game of Thrones filming locations.
Visit Split, where its coastal mountains are the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic. Visit Diocletian’s Palace which is home to world’s most impressive Roman Monuments.
Kotor is a medieval maze of stunning architecture, lovely churches,& squares, sprinkled with cafes and Venetian Palaces. Think blue seas and rolling mountains drenched in the heavenly scent of lemons, oranges, mimosas, and camellias.
