Summer 2025 eNewsletter / My Best Advice

Out of Office: Wed July 23 – Fri Aug 8

Let’s Chat
In recent conversations, some of you have been curious about My Big Move and of course, you’ve had the usual travel questions. So this edition is a little more informal & conversational with a review of some key travel points. If you have worked with me, you know I’m very straightforward. I speak plainly. Ask me a question. I’ll answer honestly. Most people appreciate that. (Well, most).

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did you MOVE?
A: Yes, from California to Hawaii. Living & working in Hawaii as a resident is quite different from being here on a vacation as a visitor. It’s remote & it’s expensive, living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, in the state with the highest cost of living. Islands are small & resources are limited. Many things have to be shipped in. I had not realized the impact of the time zone change. 9 am in California is 6 am in Hawaii. Working West Coast hours is a challenge for me.

 

Q: Did you RETIRE?
No, I did NOT. (Not old enough). Partly because I have acquired a depth of knowledge, a wealth of experience & a rolodex of contacts over decades that can benefit you, the traveler.

I’m still offering the same professional services:

• Information tailored to the specific inquiry
• Expert travel recommendations & advice
• Custom designing travel itineraries
• Arranging & managing travel plans
• Support as changes can & do occur
• Follow up after travel on any issues
• Assistance with filing insurance claims

 

Information Overload
We’re ALL being bombarded with advertising. You know, those pop up ads in the sidebar. They know what you’ve been looking at & send you suggestions. I expect that you’re all doing some form of research. Everything looks & sounds great. Filtering the results is the challenge. Remember I’ve worked with travel information on a daily basis for years.

Expert Advice is Priceless
Tired of scrolling on your phone looking for the perfect trip, the perfect experience, or the perfect price? It can be overwhelming & exhausting. If you want to stop chasing the elusive deal, there is another way. Savvy travelers understand the value of expert recommendations & advice. Travel is 100% details & the devil is in those details. You can have a custom itinerary planned & managed for you. Then all you have to do is “Show up & go enjoy”.

The Sweet Spot
Q: Have any DEALS?
A: Yes, all the time. My inbox is always full. Too many to advertise in this small newsletter. Yes, I can save you time & money. I seek the intersection of high quality & high value travel. I’m very skilled at stacking promotions, bonuses, & upgrades for the maximum value. Recently, I saved several travelers over $3000 per couple on 2026 travel.

 

 

Q: Doing any TRAVELING?
A: No, due to my complicated move that took months to complete. However, I haven’t been grounded. I still have a Travel Wish List of my own. In fact, many of my favorite places are closer now – the other Pacific Islands – Tahiti, Fiji, Cooks; Australia, Japan. While I have not been traveling, I have been following my clients’ worldwide travels. Some of them are the STARS of this newsletter!

 

Bon Voyage in France
Sandra & Steven shared her beautiful photo collages from their river cruise through the south of France last month (May) with me. I asked them & their friends Kathleen & Jim for permission to share with all of you via the newsletter.

 

Seamless Travel
Almost everything is included so no extra costs, no “nickel & dining”.
Air, transfers, accommodations, meals & beverages, tours & activities.
Your ship is your floating boutique hotel & home base for touring,
transporting you directly through the countryside on the rivers.

 

 

Daily Excursions
Your choice of small group sightseeing tours & activities:
guided walking, hiking, biking, food & wine excursions.
Did you know? Golf tee times are available in some areas.

 

My Top 3 River Recommendations
1) The South of France
This cruise tour includes Paris + Burgundy & Provence + Geneva
See video: the Essence of Burgundy & Provence, South of France

 

2) The Danube River
From Prague to Budapest with stops in Austria, Germany & Bratislava.
See my September 2022 newsletter for my first hand experiences.
Email me to request a copy: JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
See video: Ama Magna on the Danube

3) The Rhine River
Amsterdam + France, Germany, Switzerland + Lake Como, Italy
See video: Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps with an extension to Lake Como

 

Themed Travel
Enhanced sailings focused on Wine, Beer, History, Music, Wellness.
Ask me about these special interest cruise tours offering even more.
See video on the NEW Smithsonian Journeys Collection

Memorable Moments
Creating the times of your life. What it’s all about.
What are you waiting for? Plan ahead for 2026!

 

It Pays to Plan Ahead . . .
Q: How far ahead should we plan?
A: I recommend 9- 11 months to take advantage of the best promotions & availability.
Last minute = ideal arrangements at the highest prices or the least desirable leftovers.
18-24 months (2027) is too far in advance. Circumstances can/do change unexpectedly.

Behind the Scenes
While my response time is usually fast, there may be an occasional delay. Of course, you are focused on your specific travel needs. Please be aware that I have other clients. I have responsibilities & work with deadlines. I work on a stack of travel files every day in different phases. I may be focused on someone’s complex itinerary. I may be making payments or be in a zoom meeting. And I may be out of office traveling . . .

 

Home Again
This Island Girl is happy to be living on an island again. Yes, IMO. The Perfect Weather. Sunny & warm with breezy tradewinds that I can see & feel through my open office window. Occasional scattered showers. We need the rain here too. No, I’m not at the beach every day. I have to make time for that.

Out of Office: Wed July 23 – Fri Aug 8
FYI: I’ll be on the move in remote areas with limited internet access.