Amsterdam in Spring Time…Not to Be Missed!

I somehow missed visiting Amsterdam when I studied abroad in Austria during my sophomore year at the University of Notre Dame. I only went as an adult, many years later, when I was selling financial data with Morningstar, the investment data company. Morningstar’s office was (and still is) on the outskirts of the city, but I would stay in the center and try out different hotels each stay. Amsterdam gets a bad rap from Americans because of marijuana and the red light district but it truly is such an amazingly beautiful and unique place. I’ve really fallen in love with the “9 Streets” part of town and made it my mission to try all the restaurants there and visit all the shops. Still working on it!

I have Amsterdam on my mind at the moment because it’s spring time — yes, even here in Florida — and I want all the tulips, all the time. Keukenhof, the famous tulip garden, is in FULL BLOOM right now. There’s a short flower report on the Keukenhof website if you want all the details. AmaWaterways has an amazing Tulip Time cruise that I can highly recommend for anyone who loves flowers. This cruise is SUPER popular so I strongly recommend booking it now for next year. Mid-April is probably the best time to visit. Contact me for more information and for special discounts.

Beautiful and Bountiful Budapest

I spent the summer of 2003 living and working in Munich, Germany. During one long weekend, I decided to take the night train to Budapest. Yes, I was quite adventurous in my 20s. I probably wouldn’t do this again but at the time, it was an adventure.

So too was my time in Budapest. I remember walking up to the Buda Castle all those years ago and being pulled in by a sign referencing a wine museum. I paid something like $2 USD to enter the museum and then it was all you could drink Hungarian wine! I learned a lot about Hungarian wine that day. Plus it was so inexpensive, I had a hard time leaving!

I was just back in Budapest last month with my AmaWaterways cruise on the Danube and loved exploring the city’s old bathhouses and history. There are a number of cruises that start and stop in Budapest, helping you explore this amazing — and wonderfully affordable — city. (Can I just say…Christmas Market Cruise???) You know I love a train journey so there are some great train itineraries in this part of Europe too. Definitely book a consultation if this is the year you have to explore Budapest!

Captivating Cape Town

Cape Town is on my list of MUST SEE destinations. (Who doesn’t love a little South African pinotage?) Lucky for me, two of my good friends from my former life at Morningstar are South African and have all the tips for us. Here is a quick list of their top three things to do/see in Cape Town, along with food to try…

1. Table Mountain - Take a cable car or hike to the top of this iconic mountain for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.

2. Robben Island - Learn about the history of South Africa by visiting the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.

3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - Explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy a picnic while taking in the stunning views of Table Mountain.

When it comes to food, be sure to try the local delicacies such as bobotie (a flavorful meat dish), boerewors (a delicious sausage), and biltong (a type of cured meat). And don't forget to sample the delicious wines from the nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions.

Cape Town is an amazing destination to add to the front or end of an African safari. I have a fanastic partner in Africa who has helped me put together some amazing safaris for my clients. If a safari is on your bucket list, let’s talk!

How to Maximize the Rest of Your Vacation Days in 2023

Here are some handy hacks for maximizing the rest of your vacation days this year…

May: Take off May 30th, May 31st, June 1st and June 2nd for 9 days off in a row.

June/July: Take 9 days off for a 16 day vacation, Saturday June 24th through Sunday July 9th.

September: Take Friday September 1st off for a four day break from September 1st through September 4th.

November: Take 5 days off after Veterans Day and 3 days off before Thanksgiving for 17 days off!

December: Take 4 workdays off between Christmas and New Year’s for 10 days off in a row.

That’s it for this week! Tomorrow, I’m heading out with Princess Cruises for an epic Caribbean escape, a treat from my host agency Gifted Travel Network for being such a valuable member of the team. (Thanks to you, my lovely clients and friends!) My dad is coming along with me so we can properly celebrate both my birthday and his delayed 80th birthday, something we had to put off during the pandemic. I’ll have more to report next week from the Caribbean! This will be countries 77, 78, and 79 for me! Very exciting.

In the meantime, definitely reach out if you have any questions or need any help planning your travels. The world is your oyster — and mine!