The Greatest Gift You Can Give? A Shared Travel Experience
In a world dominated by screens and endless scrolling, what do we truly crave? Real experiences. Meaningful connection. Time together that feels different from everyday life. That’s why Celebration Travel has become one of the most powerful ways to mark life’s biggest moments — from milestone birthdays and anniversaries to family reunions and multigenerational gatherings. […]
Overseas Travel with Mobility Needs: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
The villa in Tuscany was stunning. Rolling hills. Cypress trees. Golden light across vineyards. It was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for three generations. That all changed when they arrived. The driveway sat 53 stone steps below the front door. No ramp. No handrail. No alternate entrance. The family matriarch — 87 years old […]
Second Time in Ortigia: Hidden Gems, Best Things to Do & Where to Stay in Siracusa, Sicily
TL;DR In this Ortigia travel guide I share discoveries from a return visit to Ortigia, the historic island district of Syracuse, Sicily (Siracusa) — including hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path experiences, where to eat, and why its compact size makes it perfect for small Sicily celebration vacations such as couples’ trips, friends’ getaways, and intimate family gatherings. […]
WARNING: Our villas have no hormetic stressors (Viewer discretion advised)
Have you noticed the latest wellness craze? There’s a strange new trend taking root. Apparently, our lives have gotten too comfortable. So now people are intentionally making themselves uncomfortable and doing hard things as part of their daily routines. “Hormetic stressors” I believe is what the cool kids call it. Fasting is an example – […]
Top 10 Best Places for a Family Reunion in Europe
It usually starts with a group text: “Europe this year?” Heads nod, calendars open… and then the big question lands: Where can three generations actually relax together? With less pinballing between sights, more easy mornings, long tables, walkable neighborhoods, and a home base that feels like yours. I’ve spent 25+ years helping families do exactly […]
First Impressions of Malta: Top 5 Best Things to Do
TL;DR Planning your first Malta trip? Here’s a practical, reader-first guide: a 5–day itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and the top sites that actually deliver. Malta is low-stress, high-payoff for celebration travel—especially for multi-gen groups, friends’ trips, and milestone birthdays where shared time and easy togetherness matter. What worked on this trip: […]
Instagram vs Reality: What Really Happens at Family Reunions (and How to Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes)
TL;DR In this article I share five mistakes from planning a Nova Scotia family reunion via Airbnb—including budget property choices and trusting sparse reviews—which reinforced why vetted properties and professional planning create better family memories. What worked on this trip: Finally made it to Nova Scotia after 20 years of dreaming. Amazing nature and scenery. […]
How to Plan a Family Heritage Trip: 10 Days, 3 Generations, and 2 Donkeys in Sicily
In this article, I share how my family’s 10-day, three-generation heritage trip to Sicily blended history, serendipity, and heartfelt connections—from front-page news in Cammarata to simple joys on an olive farm—while offering tips to help you plan a meaningful heritage journey of your own. It’s rush hour in Palermo. I’m in a rental car, gunning […]
Beyond the Backyard BBQ: Planning a Family Reunion Vacation That Creates Lasting Memories
In this article, I share hard-earned lessons from 25 years of planning family reunions, showing how to turn what feels like a stressful assignment into a joyful, memory-making adventure. From picking the right destination to keeping peace across generations, I offer tips to help you plan a reunion vacation that’s fun for everyone. So, you’ve […]
Finding Your Family’s Kefi: The Best Multi-Generation Vacations in Greece
In this article, I share how Greece offers multi-generational families the chance to discover their own “kefi”—that spirit of joy—through simple, meaningful moments. From Athens to Crete to hidden islands, I highlight how grandparents, parents, and kids can each find their rhythm while weaving a shared family story. “Papou, tell us about the octopus again!” […]
Costa del Sol
Costa del Soul A family haven above the Mediterranean First, you see Africa . . . floating like a mirage across the strait. A reminder that some views haven’t changed since the Moors ruled these hills. Then the sweep of coastline unfolds before you – the precise spot where three worlds collide: Europe, Africa, and […]
Provence
Under the Provençal Sun Living like the Masters in the heart of Provence First, you smell it. Lavender and wild thyme, carried on the breeze that whispers through ancient olive branches. Then the warmth of sunbaked stone welcomes you home – the magnetic pull that drew Van Gogh, Renoir, and Matisse to this light-blessed corner […]
