Thankful for the Gift of Travel

Gratitude is something I think about every day, and it feels especially poignant when I consider the role travel has played in my life. Having the ability to explore the world—the sights, tastes, and perspectives—has been one of the greatest gifts of my life, and I never take for granted how lucky I am to have the time, resources, and support to make it happen. As a travel advisor and agent, I’ve seen firsthand how moments of discovery and connection can transform not just a trip but the way we experience life itself. Every journey, whether it’s to a nearby city or a far-flung country, reminds me just how much there is to be grateful for.

One of the things I’m most thankful for is the people I get to share these adventures with. Traveling with family and friends has created some of my most cherished memories, from inside jokes on road trips to shared awe at breathtaking landscapes. Even planning trips for others brings me joy—crafting itineraries through Here’s What I Would Do that I’d love to take myself and knowing I’m helping create experiences they’ll treasure. Gratitude is also in the little moments, like hearing someone’s travel story after they’ve returned and knowing I played a small part in making it happen. It also bears mentioning how grateful I am for the friends, family, and clients who have trusted me to plan their travel this past year after launching Here’s What I Would Do!

And then there’s the deep appreciation I have for home. No matter how exciting the trip, there’s nothing quite like returning to Maine — to the home I love, my beloved dogs, and the comfort of my own bed after a post-flight shower. I’m constantly reminded how gratitude for both the grand and the simple things can make life so much sweeter. Travel has a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary and the extraordinary feel more meaningful. For that I am deeply thankful, today and every day.

The Thrill of Anticipation: When the Journey Begins Before You Even Leave

The joy of a trip begins the moment you start dreaming about it! From the first spark of inspiration through the exploratory conversations to thrill of actually booking, the anticipation builds with each step. Once you have it on your calendar, everything from picturing yourself at each destination, packing the bags, and counting down the hours until takeoff can feel almost as wonderful as the trip itself. It’s that sweet spot of excitement, where every possibility lies ahead

Right now, I am buzzing with excitement about my upcoming safari! I am leaving in three weeks, and doing a lot of reflecting on how much the leadup to a trip is a way to draw out the experience of travel. The beauty of this pre-trip phase - distilled into an exciting mad dash for spur-of-the-moment trips, and spread over months for those long-planned escapes - is that it allows us to savor each part of the journey before it even begins. Whether it’s curating the perfect travel playlist, memorizing your “Here’s What I Would Do” itinerary, clicking through local recommendations, or imagining yourself in your dream destinations, it’s all part of the joy of travel. And let’s not forget the thrill of choosing just the right outfits and packing everything you’ll need for the adventures to come—there’s nothing like the feeling of zipping up that suitcase!

Of course, it’s even better when the planning process is free from stress. That’s where I come in! I handle all the logistics, from finding the best flights and searching for and securing the ideal accommodations, to arranging special activities and transportation - so you can focus on the fun parts and enjoy that pre-trip excitement. Let’s turn your travel dreams into a reality—and make every moment, from start to finish, as wonderful as possible!

All those carefully-packed bags arrive - by bike trolley! - in la digue, seychelles

Embrace the World: The Joy of Travel with Your Trusted Travel Advisor!

There’s something truly magical about stepping out into the world, ready to experience everything it has to offer! Travel of all kinds opens up opportunities to see new things, meet incredible people, and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, and places that feel worlds away from our daily routines. Each destination, whether it's a bustling city, a serene beach, or a hidden gem, brings its own flavor of excitement and wonder.

For me, travel has always been more than just visiting new places—it's it's one of the primary experiences that enriches and inspires my whole life. Every adventure - from stepping outside my comfort zone and into motorized canoe to buzz around the Mekong Delta (pictured below) to indulging in the luxury of a plush and sophisticated grande dame hotel - has added to my love of the remarkable world of travel. That's why I chose to become a certified travel advisor: I want to share this passion with others and help create unforgettable journeys that inspire and rejuvenate.

With years of experience and countless airline miles behind me (CO2 offset in other ways!), I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role as your travel agent. My expertise comes not only from extensive research but from real-world experience and strong industry connections. I know the value of an itinerary tailored to you—one that’s crafted with insider tips, the best local intel, and all the special touches that transform a trip into a memory for life.

Every aspect of planning a trip excites me, from designing seamless itineraries to uncovering hidden treasures that make a destination truly shine. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of adventure, the comfort of luxury, or something in between, with “Here’s What I Would Do,” I am dedicated to creating a travel experience that meets all your desires and exceeds your expectations.

So, are you ready to explore the world? Let’s start planning your next journey! Contact me today, and together, we’ll make your dream trip a reality. I can’t wait to see where we’ll go next!

The mighty Mekong (and just a little trepidation)