Over time, client feedback starts to sound familiar in the best way. The same themes come up again and again, and they tell us a lot about what actually makes a trip feel different when someone works with our team.

Here are a few things our clients consistently point out, and what that means for future travelers.

A Planning Process That Feels Easy

Many clients mention how smooth and stress free the process feels. From flights and transportation to hotel views and timing, everything is handled thoughtfully so plans come together seamlessly.

One couple shared how everything on their Maui trip “just went according to plan,” while another said they did not have to do anything except show up and enjoy.

What this means for you: fewer decisions, less stress, and the confidence that the details are covered.

Relationships That Go Beyond the Booking

This past Christmas, we sent handwritten cards to our clients simply to say thank you. The response we received was overwhelming. Clients shared how meaningful it felt to be remembered and appreciated.

One review noted that even outside of travel planning, our team is “incredibly kind, helpful, and considerate,” and that genuine care is what sets us apart.

What this means for you: you are not just a reservation. You are someone we truly value working with.

Most trips are fine.

You get there. The hotel is nice. You do the things. You come home thinking, that was good.

An effortless trip feels different.

Not flashier. Not more expensive. Just smoother. Like the trip is quietly working in the background so you don’t have to.

Fine trips work. Effortless trips flow.

A fine trip follows the itinerary.

Flights are booked. Transfers exist. If something goes sideways, you deal with it.

An effortless trip feels intuitive.

You are not double-checking pickup times. You are not wondering if you misunderstood the plan. You are not troubleshooting logistics while trying to relax.

Things simply happen when they should.

That ease is not accidental

It comes from dozens of small, unglamorous decisions most travelers never see.

Arrival times that actually work in real life.

Room categories chosen for light, layout, or quiet, not just the name.

Buffers built in so one delay does not unravel the whole trip.

When those details are handled well, they disappear. All you notice is how calm everything feels.

Pace is where trips quietly succeed or fail

Too much packed into one day. Too many early mornings. No breathing room after long travel days.

An effortless trip respects energy.

It understands that how you arrive somewhere affects everything that follows. You do not need a vacation to recover from your vacation.

Effortless trips are personal by design

They reflect how you travel.

Slow mornings or early starts. Structure or flexibility. Quiet corners or being in the middle of everything.

Those preferences rarely show up in search results, but they shape the entire experience.

This is why the right travel advisor really matters

Effortless trips are rarely the result of an algorithm.

They come from experience, pattern recognition, and relationships built over time. From knowing how destinations work beyond the brochure and how different travelers experience the same place very differently.

Our Virtuoso affiliation supports this behind the scenes by giving us access, context, and the right contacts to smooth the edges before clients ever notice them.

Work, research, rest, and one very special honeymoon

One of the questions we hear most often is, “Where are you traveling this year?”
The short answer is a lot of places, for very different reasons.

Some trips are focused on property visits and partner meetings. Others are about family time, personal travel, or celebrating big life moments. All of them inform how we advise our clients.

Here’s a look at where our team will be traveling this year and why.

Cancun, Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

We’re heading to Cancun for the Virtuoso Forum, an invitation-only gathering designed to foster meaningful, in-person conversations between agency leaders, preferred partners, and hoteliers. Unlike larger industry conferences, the Forum is intentionally intimate, allowing for deeper relationship-building, thoughtful collaboration, and honest dialogue about how we can better serve our clients.

We’re honored to be hosted at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a Virtuoso property known for its exceptional service, thoughtful design, and consistently high standards across every touchpoint. From its oceanfront setting to its culinary program and renowned spa, the resort exemplifies the level of care and attention we seek out for our clients. Experiencing the property firsthand during an event like this allows us to gain valuable insight into how it truly operates behind the scenes, not just how it photographs.

Ireland, Norway & the Midnight Sun Itinerary with Seabourn

The Europe Hotel, The K Club, Seabourn Ovation, Rosewood London

This journey blends land and sea, beginning in Ireland with stays at The Europe Hotel in Killarney and The K Club near Dublin, before continuing aboard Seabourn Ovation on the “In Search of the Midnight Sun” itinerary. The experience concludes in London at Rosewood London, creating a thoughtfully paced, multi-country itinerary from start to finish.

Every hotel and the cruise line are Virtuoso partners, allowing us to experience firsthand how preferred benefits, service standards, and seamless transitions come together across destinations. From pre- and post-cruise hotel stays to life onboard and shore experiences, this trip provides valuable insight into how complex itineraries can feel effortless when the right relationships, planning, and pacing are in place.

Idaho & Yellowstone

Family Cabin Stay

Not every trip is about luxury resorts, and this one is centered on family time, wide-open spaces, and reconnecting with nature. Staying in a cabin and exploring Yellowstone offers a reminder of how meaningful these slower, experience-driven trips can be, especially when shared across generations.

Experiencing the region firsthand helps us better advise clients who want to explore national parks while still prioritizing comfort, smart locations, and realistic pacing. Understanding distances, access points, and the rhythm of days on the ground allows us to plan trips that feel immersive without feeling overwhelming.

Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora

McKenzie’s Honeymoon

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey and an especially meaningful one. French Polynesia offers a rare combination of dramatic natural beauty, calm lagoons, and an unhurried pace that makes it one of the most requested destinations for honeymoons and milestone celebrations.

Staying at Sofitel Moorea, The Westin Bora Bora, and the St. Regis Bora Bora allows us to experience how each island and resort offers a distinct atmosphere, from the laid-back elegance of Moorea to the iconic overwater bungalows of Bora Bora. Both Sofitel Moorea and the St. Regis Bora Bora are Virtuoso properties and among the most frequently requested by honeymoon clients, making this trip an invaluable opportunity to compare locations, service styles, and experiences firsthand.

Coronado, California

Hotel del Coronado

A classic for a reason, Hotel del Coronado offers a relaxed coastal escape rooted in history, character, and an unbeatable beachfront location. Its walkable setting, iconic architecture, and sense of place continue to resonate with travelers who value charm as much as comfort.

As a Virtuoso property, it delivers thoughtful service and added value that enhance the overall stay. Spending time here allows us to better understand how the resort works for different travel styles, whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a laid-back extension to a Southern California itinerary.

Why This Matters

Traveling ourselves allows us to advise from experience, not assumptions. From luxury resorts to cruises, villas, and family travel, every trip sharpens how we guide our clients and helps us match the right trip to the right traveler.

The details matter more than most people realize, and the right fit can completely change the experience. If you are curious to explore what options align best with how you travel, we are always happy to talk.

From holiday proposals and Christmas engagements to New Year’s Eve celebrations and sparkling engagement rings, this is the busiest engagement season of the year. If you recently said yes to your fiancé or are celebrating a holiday or New Year’s proposal, congratulations. Along with wedding planning often comes an equally exciting question: how do you plan the perfect honeymoon?

With so many honeymoon destinations trending online, it can be tempting to start with what is popular. But the most memorable honeymoons are not built around trends. They are designed around the couple.

Start With Your Personalities, Not Just Popular Honeymoon Destinations

One of the biggest mistakes newly engaged couples make is choosing a honeymoon destination based solely on what they see on social media or what friends recommend. While destinations like Bora Bora, Italy, the Maldives, and Greece remain popular honeymoon destinations for good reason, they are not the right fit for every couple.

When planning a honeymoon, it is important to consider how you and your fiancé actually like to travel.

Do you picture quiet mornings, privacy, and uninterrupted relaxation, or do you thrive on exploration, food, culture, and activity? Are you looking for adventure, romance, luxury, or a mix of everything? Do you prefer a single destination or a multi stop itinerary?

A honeymoon should reflect your relationship and your shared travel style, not just what is trending during engagement season.

Popular Honeymoon Destinations and Who They Are Best For

Some honeymoon destinations remain popular year after year because they truly deliver unforgettable experiences when matched with the right couple.

Tropical destinations such as the Maldives, Bora Bora, and the Caribbean are ideal for couples who want relaxation, beautiful beaches, and privacy after the stress of wedding planning.

European honeymoons in Italy, France, or Greece are perfect for couples who enjoy food, history, charming cities, and a balance of romance and sightseeing.

Safari and adventure honeymoons in Africa or Costa Rica appeal to couples who want something unique, immersive, and unforgettable.

Island hopping and multi destination honeymoons are wonderful for couples who want variety and a sense of discovery while still celebrating their engagement in style.

The key is understanding which destination aligns with your personalities, expectations, and budget.

Why Engagement Season Is the Best Time to Work With a Travel Advisor

Engagement season is exciting, but it is also overwhelming. Between wedding venues, guest lists, engagement parties, and coordinating details with your fiancé, honeymoon planning can quickly feel like one more major task on an already full plate.

Working with a travel advisor allows you to enjoy this season without adding stress.

A professional travel advisor helps you narrow down the right honeymoon destination, designs a personalized itinerary, and handles all logistics from flights and hotels to transfers and special experiences. This removes guesswork, endless online searches, and second guessing every decision.

Instead of spending late nights comparing reviews and policies, you can focus on wedding planning and enjoying your engagement.

More Than Booking: Why Travel Advisors Are Essential for Honeymoons

A honeymoon is not just another vacation. It is a once in a lifetime trip that deserves extra care and expertise.

Travel advisors offer insider knowledge, vetted properties, and relationships with hotels and suppliers that online booking sites cannot provide. This often results in better room placement, added perks, honeymoon amenities, and on the ground support if anything changes.

More importantly, if an issue arises before or during your trip, you have a real professional advocating for you. That peace of mind is invaluable, especially on a honeymoon.

The Best Way to Begin Planning Your Honeymoon

If you recently got engaged during the holidays, received an engagement ring over Christmas, or celebrated a New Year’s proposal, the best first step is a conversation. Talk about how you want your honeymoon to feel and what matters most to you as a couple.

From there, working with a travel advisor ensures your honeymoon is thoughtfully planned, seamlessly executed, and truly reflective of your relationship.

Your engagement season should be joyful, not stressful. Your honeymoon planning should be the same.

Packing for Tahiti should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With dozens of trips to French Polynesia under our belt, our team at Susan’s Travel Services knows exactly what travelers wish they had brought to Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This guide gathers our firsthand expertise and covers the most searched questions like what to pack for Tahiti, what to wear in Bora Bora, and the essential Tahiti packing list for overwater bungalows, lagoon excursions, and luxury island stays.

Whether it is your first time visiting French Polynesia or you are returning to your favorite island getaway, these packing recommendations will help you feel prepared, comfortable, and stress free.

Bring The Correct Power Adapter For Tahiti

French Polynesia uses Type E and Type C electrical outlets, which are standard throughout Europe. The voltage is 220V. If you are traveling from the United States or Canada, you will need a European Type E or Type C adapter to charge your devices safely.

We always pack at least two adapters so that phones, eReaders, cameras, and watches can stay charged throughout a long travel day or while relaxing in an overwater bungalow.

Pack A Small Extension Cord

Outlet placement in Tahiti resort rooms can be unpredictable. A lightweight extension cord makes it much easier to charge your devices from the bedside or on the terrace while you enjoy the lagoon. This is one of those items travelers consistently forget, and they always tell us they wish they had brought it.

Use Wet Bags For Swimsuits And Snorkel Gear

Wet bags are a simple but incredibly helpful addition to any Tahiti packing list. They keep damp swimsuits separate from the rest of your clothing, especially on transfer days between Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. If you plan to take lagoon tours or dive excursions, having a few waterproof bags is a game changer.

Bring Your Preferred Pain Medication And Motion Sickness Essentials

While French Polynesia has pharmacies, your preferred brands are not always available. We recommend packing pain relievers, allergy medication, stomach comfort tablets, and motion sickness remedies such as Dramamine, especially if you plan to take small boat tours or ferries between islands. It is always easier to have your essentials on hand.

Bug Spray Is A Must

Depending on the season and the island, mosquitos can be active around sunset. A gentle, effective insect repellent will make dinners on the beach and sunset cruises far more comfortable. It also helps for hikes, ATV adventures, and waterfall excursions.

Additional Essentials Travelers Often Forget

Even though we travel to Tahiti often, these are the items we still catch ourselves triple checking before we leave. They consistently save space, time, or frustration for our clients.

• Reef safe sunscreen
• After sun lotion or aloe
• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Reusable water bottles for island excursions
• A small first aid kit
• Extra memory cards or portable chargers for capturing lagoon photos
• Sand friendly beach shoes or water shoes for coral areas
• A rash guard for sun protection during snorkeling
• Copies of travel documents stored separately from your passport

These additions create a complete, practical, and highly searched packing list for Tahiti, helping future travelers find exactly what they need.

What To Wear In Tahiti And Bora Bora

French Polynesia is relaxed, warm, and very comfortable. You will want breathable fabrics, quick drying swimwear, sandals or flip flops, and one or two resort casual outfits for nicer dinners. Most travelers pack far too much. The islands are barefoot friendly and casual by nature, which is part of their charm.

Final Thoughts From Advisors Who Know The Islands Well

Our team has spent years traveling through Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, touring resorts, exploring lagoons, and building deep partnerships throughout French Polynesia. When we guide clients on what to pack for Tahiti, we draw from firsthand experience. We know which details make a trip seamless, which items save time, and what travelers consistently wish they had brought.

A thoughtful packing list can make your vacation smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable from the moment you step onto the island.

Travel demand continues to rise, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years yet. Travelers are planning earlier, inventory is tightening, and rates are increasing as departure dates get closer. For anyone wishing to secure the best properties, preferred flight schedules, and competitive pricing, booking well in advance is no longer a suggestion. It is a necessity.

At Susans Travel Services, we recommend booking no less than six months before your departure. This window provides the best access to availability and helps protect you from the pricing surges that often occur when hotels and flights begin to fill. The closer you get to your travel dates, the fewer choices remain, and the more likely it becomes that preferred rooms, experiences, and flights are already taken or offered at significantly higher rates. Early planning gives you both value and peace of mind.

Popular Destinations That Sell Out Quickly in 2026

Certain destinations are already pacing far ahead of previous years and will reach capacity faster than many travelers expect. Hawaii continues to see strong demand thanks to its blend of luxury resorts, outdoor adventure, and ease of access. Properties on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island in particular tend to sell out many months in advance, especially during school breaks and holiday seasons.

The islands of Tahiti and Fiji remain top choices for travelers seeking overwater bungalows, secluded beaches, and world-class hospitality. These destinations offer a limited number of boutique, in-demand properties, which means availability becomes scarce long before the desired travel season arrives.

Japan continues to experience overwhelming popularity. Whether clients are drawn to cherry blossom season, fall foliage, Michelin-star dining, or traditional ryokan stays, space fills quickly across all major regions. Travelers hoping to visit need to secure arrangements well ahead of time to avoid missing peak-season opportunities.

Ireland and Scotland are also surging for 2026. Castle stays, countryside manors, and highly sought-after driver-guided experiences often book out a full year or more in advance. With limited room categories at historic properties and high interest in curated cultural itineraries, early planning is essential.

Across all these destinations, travelers who wait until the last minute often face higher prices, reduced availability, and fewer options for flights, accommodations, and activities. Booking early ensures that you are selecting from the full range of premium offerings rather than settling for what is left.

Why Working With a Travel Advisor Matters More Than Ever

Navigating increasingly competitive travel landscapes requires expertise, relationships, and real-time insight into changing availability and pricing. This is where a professional travel advisor becomes essential. A skilled advisor can monitor trends, secure preferred access before properties open inventory to the general public, and help you understand when to book to maximize both value and experience.

At Susan’s Travel Services, our team brings more than four decades of combined industry experience. We invest in ongoing education, personal site inspections, and strong relationships with hoteliers, property managers, and global partners. This allows us to advocate for our clients, uncover opportunities others may miss, and secure elevated treatment throughout your stay. As a boutique four-person agency, we intentionally take on fewer clients so we can offer the level of personalized care that mass-market travel companies cannot replicate.

Our affiliation with Virtuoso gives us access to exclusive upgrades, added amenities, VIP recognition, and highly vetted properties. At the same time, our Tern CRM system allows us to manage every detail of your trip seamlessly. Your itinerary, documents, payments, and messages appear in one intuitive portal, making collaboration effortless and ensuring nothing is overlooked.

When issues arise during travel, our team is available to intervene immediately. Whether a flight is delayed, a transfer is missed, or a room category is not honored, you have an advocate who knows the right contacts to resolve the problem quickly. This level of support is invaluable and often the difference between a stressful situation and a smooth recovery.

Why Now Is the Time to Start Planning Your 2026 Travels

The strongest itineraries, the most memorable experiences, and the greatest value come from planning early. With demand continuing to rise and many destinations already pacing ahead, securing your 2026 travel now ensures access to the accommodations and experiences you truly want. Early planning also provides flexibility for customizing your trip, managing flights strategically, and taking advantage of the best promotional opportunities.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you are considering travel in 2026, now is the ideal time to begin the process. Susan’s Travel Services is here to curate, plan, and manage every detail so you can travel confidently and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish. Reach out today to begin designing your next journey and secure the best availability while space still remains.

Planning an Alaska cruise is exciting, but with so many cruise lines, itineraries, and ship styles, it can also feel overwhelming. Alaska is not a one-size-fits-all destination. The experience you have can look dramatically different depending on the ship you choose, the route you take, and the kind of traveler you are. The right cruise can feel transformative, while the wrong one can leave you wishing you had asked more questions before booking.

This is where a professional travel advisor makes all the difference. Alaska is one of those destinations where the details matter: the time of season, the size of the ship, the type of excursions offered, even which side of the ship your stateroom faces on certain routes. When you work with someone who understands these nuances, you get a cruise perfectly matched to your personality, your expectations, and your budget.

Matching the Cruise to Your Personality

Every cruise line approaches Alaska differently, and the ship you choose shapes everything from the crowd onboard to the pace of the itinerary.

Some travelers want a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of activity options and dining variety. Others prefer a quieter sailing with a more mature crowd where the focus is on scenery, lectures, wildlife viewing, and personalized service. There are travelers who want a large ship filled with entertainment, and others who crave the intimacy of a small vessel that can slip into hidden coves and get closer to the glaciers.

If luxury is a priority, certain cruise lines offer spacious suites, elevated dining, and high-touch service. If adventure is more your style, there are expedition ships that carry naturalists, smaller groups, and Zodiac boats that take you right up to the action. Understanding what matters most to you ensures that your ship becomes part of the experience, rather than something you tolerate between ports.

A travel advisor helps you define those preferences and then aligns you with the cruise line that fits. This saves you from guesswork and from relying on generic online reviews that don’t reflect what you personally want from your trip.

Why Ship Size Shapes the Experience

Ship size is one of the most important factors in choosing an Alaska cruise. Large ships offer more dining venues, entertainment, and children’s programs. They can be a great fit for families or multigenerational vacations where everyone wants something different.

Smaller ships, on the other hand, often feel more immersive. They can navigate narrow fjords, get closer to glaciers, and anchor in less-visited bays where wildlife sightings are common. The overall atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, and the service feels more personalized simply because there are fewer guests on board.

There’s no single “best” ship size. The key is choosing the size that aligns with the type of Alaska experience you want. A travel advisor who knows the differences between each line can steer you toward the right fit instead of leaving you to compare hundreds of features on your own.

Luxury vs. Adventure vs. Classic Cruising

An Alaska cruise can be rugged and adventurous or indulgent and luxurious. It can also be something comfortably in between.

If you love the idea of a glass of wine while watching glaciers calve from your private balcony, a luxury cruise line may be the right match. These ships tend to offer larger staterooms, elevated cuisine, and a higher level of service both on board and on shore.

For travelers who want a deeper, more educational experience, expedition ships provide guided hikes, kayaking, wildlife lectures, and plenty of time outdoors. You trade the Broadway-style shows for a more intimate, nature-driven atmosphere.

And if you’re looking for classic, easygoing cruising with good value and familiar comforts, several mainstream lines sail Alaska with itineraries that hit the major highlights.

Understanding which style matches your travel personality ensures you board the ship that actually fits your expectations rather than hoping it will.

Round Trip vs. One Way: What You Need to Know

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing between a round trip cruise and a one way cruise. Both options have unique advantages.

A round trip cruise (usually from Seattle or Vancouver) is easy, convenient, and often more cost-effective. It simplifies flights and logistics, and it’s an especially good choice for families or travelers who prefer a straightforward itinerary. You’ll still experience iconic Alaska moments like glacier viewing, whale watching, and charming port towns.

A one way cruise (typically between Vancouver and either Seward or Whittier) allows you to explore much deeper into Alaska. Since the ship doesn’t have to turn around, the itinerary covers more remote areas and often includes Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. It also opens the door to adding land tours before or after your cruise, including Denali National Park, the Alaska Railroad, or time in Fairbanks. If you want a more immersive Alaska experience, this is often the best route.

The right choice depends on your time, budget, and how far into Alaska you want to go. A travel advisor helps you weigh the differences so you don’t miss out on something that would have been perfect for your style of travel.

Why a Travel Advisor Matters for Alaska Cruises

Alaska is a destination where insider knowledge saves you time, money, and stress. Cruise lines release promotions throughout the season, but understanding which upgrades or perks actually matter is important. Knowing which departure dates have the best weather patterns, wildlife opportunities, or lower crowds makes a noticeable difference. And if something goes wrong during travel, having someone who can call the right partners on your behalf is invaluable.

A travel advisor also keeps track of each cruise line’s strengths, the layout of the ships, and the flow of the different itineraries. You aren’t left reading endless online opinions from people whose priorities may be completely different from yours. Instead, you get guidance tailored to your travel style so you can feel confident that your Alaska cruise will be exactly what you’re envisioning.

Planning Your Alaska Cruise

Alaska is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, and choosing the right cruise is the key to truly experiencing it. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, glaciers, culture, small-ship intimacy, or big-ship amenities, there’s a perfect match out there. When you work with a travel advisor who understands the nuances of this region, you get a curated experience designed specifically for you.

If you’re dreaming about an Alaska cruise and want help sorting through the options, I’m here to guide you to the ship and itinerary that aligns with your personality, your travel goals, and the memories you want to create.