DoubleJ Destinations

Do you want to stay up to date on the most unique travel experiences?

You could sign up for emails from a dozen different tour companies. But you know most of them are going to get quickly glossed over among the emails from your kids' school, the credit card bill and the chain email from Aunt Peggy.

But if you partner with a Travel Advisor for your travel needs, we'll keep an eye out for the travel opportunities that fit your unique desires. Since the travel industry is our life, we are always watching for the latest tours, destinations and cruises as they become available.

One of those unique experiences is experiencing a total solar eclipse in Iceland in 2026 with Windstar Cruises. An amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What's a unique travel experience you've had?

Iceland's Golden Circle Route is a captivating loop that showcases some of the country's most stunning landscapes and natural wonders.

Walk between two continents at Thingvellir National Park, where the geological rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates creates a unique and breathtaking scenery.

Marvel at the magnificent waterfalls, such as Gulfoss where cascading waters plunge into the Hvítá river canyon, offering a mesmerizing display of nature's power.

Wonder around the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, providing a spectacular show for visitors.

Don’t miss a visit to the Friðheimar Tomato Farm, where you can savor delicious, fresh tomatoes grown in greenhouses powered by geothermal energy.

This remarkable route not only highlights the best of Iceland's waterfalls and landscapes but also offers a glimpse into the sustainable agricultural practices that thrive in this extraordinary environment. If you're short on time or if you have a family with young kids this is the route you need to take in Iceland.

If you want to learn more drop a 🇮🇸 in the comments!

You know that feeling when you're planning a European vacation and have been looking at hotels in London for 5 hours and still don't know which one to choose.

One is in the perfect location close to Picadilly Circus.

Another is a little outside of the city center but fits into your budget.

And there are two that have the bedroom set-up that your family needs.

You don't have to agonize over those choices when you partner with a travel advisor for your next travel adventure.

With the expertise that a travel advisor provides you'll easily choose between a few hotel options that fit your unique needs.

Want to spend less time planning and stressing about your next trip? Put a clock emoji in the comments.

If you've dreamed about traveling on a European River Cruise you're going to want to hear me out right now.

My inbox gets flooded with promotional offers, but I rarely post about them on social media.

What I prefer is to know your unique travel desires and needs. Such as taking your significant other on a romantic cruise through the French countryside.

Then when a promotion comes along, you'll be in the know for the offer that fits your travel style.

For instance, if you are dreaming of floating past the Eiffel Tower out of your stateroom window, this Amawaterways offer of up to $2000 off is perfect for you.

Want to make your European River Cruise happen in 2025? Comment "River Cruise" in the details and will start planning your trip.

This is the Heidelberg Castle from the Rhine River. It is just one of many European castles you can see along the banks of this historic river through Germany.

The Heidelberg Castle is one of the oldest castles along the river, dating back to as far as 1225. Throughout its history, it has been occupied by many families and rulers. With each adding their own touch. This castle is like walking through a time machine.

If you plan to travel through Germany on the Rhine River this is a must-stop attraction!

What city makes a great stop for the beginning or end of your European adventure?

Amsterdam of course!

With many direct flights to the US and its central location in Europe, planning a stay in Amsterdam is an excellent option.

There are a multitude of things to do while you are there.

- see the windmills
- experience the Heineken Experience
- eat a stroopwafel
- take canal cruise
- see how clogs are made (and even try a pair out for yourself)

Amsterdam also makes a great stop for pre and post river cruises throughout Europe. With options to explore the Rhine, Danube and Main through Germany, Austria and Hungary, the opportunities this magnificent region of the world are seemingly endless!

Have you been to Amsterdam?

Happy 4th of July!

Want to know one of the most magical ways to explore Europe?

It’s summer time and your friends are in Europe traveling around the continent.

You’re seeing their posts on social media of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Douro Valley and the magnificent German castles.

Which only increases your desire to be there yourself.

You want to plan that trip but need help finding the time to put all the pieces together to do the necessary research.

There is an efficient way to not only plan but also take your next trip to Europe.

When you partner with DoubleJ Destinations you’ll get back all that time and energy it takes to plan your trip.

And when you plan a European River Cruise you’ll only unpack one time and see numerous villages, both big and small.

If you want to know more about how to make the magic happen, put “River Cruise” in the comments below and I’ll send you more info.

Throwback Thursday to my time in Windsor, England.

Autumn in Windsor, England, is a magical time that promises an unforgettable Europe travel experience, perfect for your fall travel plans.

As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps up, Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, becomes even more enchanting, offering a glimpse into royal history amidst a backdrop of stunning autumnal hues.

If you go you won't want to miss a leisurely stroll through the Great Park, where you can marvel at the vibrant foliage and perhaps even spot some of the resident deer.

For a unique twist, hop on a riverboat cruise along the Thames, providing picturesque views of the town and countryside, all while sipping on a warm beverage.

Windsor in autumn is a must-add to your travel planning itinerary.

Traveling to Europe in the fall is incredible. And Porto, Portugal is no exception.

Here's why:

1. We'll start with the obvious. The temperatures are going to be cooler. This is especially beneficial since summers in Porto can get very hot. But don't forget an umbrella. By the end of November, it rains about every other day.

2. How would you like to stomp grapes at a vineyard in the Douro Valley? Fall is the perfect time to take a day trip from Porto to a vineyard and experience the harvest.

3. The Francesinha isn't just a local food dish, it's an experience. During the fall Porto holds the Francesinha festival, where you can try some of the best the city has to offer.

4. .Chocolate is a treat that has more recently become more popular in Portugal. And I can say from experience it is some of the best. So after dinner on a crisp fall evening, I would encourage you to find a sidewalk cafe where you sip a glass of this warm treat.

Are you thinking about planning a Europe adventure this fall? If you are, you should put Porto on your list.

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5 tips you need to know when planning your Europe adventure.

1. Purchase a local sim card or eSim. This is a much cheaper option than trying to use US carrier's international plan. And your data speeds will be much faster. I get mine from SimOptions.

2. Most public restrooms are not free to use. It's good to have some spare local currency in your pocket in case you are out and need to use the restroom. Although many are increasingly allowing the use of credit cards.

3. Bring a refillable water bottle with you to fill with water. Water at most restaurants is not free and may or may not come with ice. Bring a bottle of water with you everywhere. If you like it cold, make sure to fill it with ice if you can find some.

4. Get used to a 24-hour clock. In the US we call it military time. In Europe it's just the time.

5. Hotels don't use terms like 2 queens or 1 King to generally list hotel accommodations (unless it is a larger worldwide hotel chain). Most hotel rooms are listed as Single, Double, Triple or Quad, to indicate how many people can sleep in the room, not the size of beds. That means a double could mean two separated twin beds, two twin beds pushed together, a queen bed or a king bed. And a king and a queen bed are larger in Europe than they are in the US.

Do you have any Europe travel tips?

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Fall is the best time to travel to Europe for so many reasons.

I love planning fall trips to Europe since I can fit in so much more than I can in the summer.

When I went to England in October I was able to get all the highlights of London, including the Tower of London, Wimbledon, Globe Theater and Buckingham Palace all easily in one day.

There were only 3 other people on our tour of Wimbledon.

Doesn't that sound better than standing in a long line in the sweltering heat of August to get into the Vatican museums?

So if you missed planning your European adventure this summer you're in luck. There's still time to plan one for this fall!

Want more European travel advice?

Comment "I want in" to subscribe to my email list. Or check out my bio if you're serious about visiting the Eiffel Tower this fall. We'll chat!

Dreaming of a multi-country adventure in Europe but overwhelmed by the planning?

Do you take the train from Paris to Rome? Or is it easier to fly?

Do you want to see the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, but looked at the website and it is either sold out or tickets arent available?

Let me handle the details! From flights to accommodations and everything in between. I'll take the stress out of your travel planning experience.

Discover a Smarter Way to Travel!

Did you know that partnering with a travel advisor for your next European adventure allows you to pay in easy installments—even for flights?

That's right! If you’re not ready to pay the full amount upfront, you can secure your reservation with a deposit as low as $500. This flexible option lets you lock in your dream trip today and pay the rest over time.

As your departure date approaches, you can either pay the remaining balance in one go or opt for regular payments. The final payment deadline varies by provider, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days before your trip. With a travel advisor, you gain the freedom to manage your payments in a way that suits your budget.

Save this post for your next travel planning session and embark on your European journey with ease!

Throwback Tuesday to my travels to Oslo and the Viking Ship Museum.

This was honestly one of the highlights of my visit to Norway's capital and one of the most inspiring historic museums I have been to in Europe.

Unfortunately, others haven't been able to share in the splendor of this museum since 2021 and won't again until 2027 as it is closed for renovations.

Once it re-opens I will be once again recommending travelers plan to put this on their Oslo itinerary.

Do you think the renovations will be worth the wait?

Before you plan your next trip to Europe you'll want to have these insider tips with you.

1. Take a short city tour on your first day in any new destination. In most cities you can find a 1-2 hour tour that will give you a high-level overview of the town. You'll get some ideas about where you might want to check out later and a layout of the city. In Porto we took a Tuk-Tuk tour and were shown several markets we ended up going back to later.

2. Before you go out for the day pick 2-3 restaurants near the attractions you are going to see for the day and research the reviews on them, see what locals are saying. Then when you're hungry you aren't walking down the street wasting time looking at menus from half a dozen restaurants.

3. Late afternoons can be less crowded than first thing in the morning at many attractions. So many tips online tell you to get places first thing in the morning. So right now you'll see a crowd of people lined up before somewhere opens. However, walk back later in the day and it's practically empty. This isn't always the case, but you should do some research before deciding to get to an activity first thing in the morning.

Save these travel tips for your next trip to Europe.

Have you heard about the new Department of Transportation rules for airlines?

Airlines must now promptly provide cash refunds in the following situations.

- Canceled or significantly changed flights. Significant delays are those that are more than 3 hours for domestic flights or more than 6 hours for international flights.

- Significantly delayed baggage return. Checked bag fee will be refunded for bags not delivered within 12 hours of domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights.

- Extra Services Provided. If any airline does not provide a service paid for such as WiFi, seat selection, etc those fees will be refunded.

What do you think of the new rules?

If you're planning a European adventure that includes Norway, you have to put the city of Ålesund on your travel itinerary.

It's considered by many to the the most beautiful city not only in Norway but locals will tell you it's the most beautiful city in the world. I'll agree to some extent as it was my favorite city of all the ones I visited in Norway.

The moderately sized fishing village is small enough to walk pretty much anywhere within the city.

There are plenty of hiking options not only within Ålesund such as the Sukkeroppen trail, but more majestic hikes like Romsdalseggen are an easy day trip away.

Other easy day trips from Ålesund include a trip to the UNESCO heritage Geirangjerfjord, the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean Road or the engineering feat that is Trollstigen.

Opportunities on the water are abound in Ålesund where you can go kayaking, take a fishing charter or sit and enjoy the freshly caught cuisine at one of the many restaurants along the waters edge.

There's much more that makes this Norwegian city a must get to destination. If you want to know more just put a 🇳🇴 comments and we'll chat.

I just spent the last two weeks traveling with my family. Part of that trip was on Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas.

Cruising is such a great way to travel with family. There’s something for everyone to do.

No matter if you’re planning to travel to Europe, The Caribbean or somewhere else I highly recommend it. My family wasn’t cruisers before this trip. But we are now.

Have you ever thought about how much time it took to plan your last trip to Europe?

You probably spent several exhausting evenings searching the internet to determine the best time to visit the tower of London. And you likely got several different answers.

But what if you didn’t have to expend all that time and energy?

What if you could get your trip planned in as little as one hour of your time?

When you partner with a travel advisor for your trip you get your own personal travel google.

You’ll get back those evenings so you can spend more time dreaming of your trip, rather than worrying about the small details.

It all starts with a complimentary travel planning session where we map out your travel aspirations.

Want to know more? Send me a dm or put a suitcase emoji in the comments.

When you're planning your European vacation, are you looking beyond train travel?

Trains are a great way to get around Europe, but there are plenty of other modes of transportation.

Planes, cars, ferries or even cruises can be a fantastic way to get around. Depending on your destination they might be faster or more cost efficient.

Make sure when you're planning your next trip to Europe you have looked at all of your options and picked the one best suited for you.

If you are looking for more Europe travel tips put "guide" in the comments and I'll send you a free guide to make the most of your two weeks in Europe.

You don't want to make these mistakes when planning your travel adventure.

1. Your GPS is great and will get you around well most places. But if you're in a more remote area, like The Azores islands. Your GPS might try to lead you down a road that either isn't there or is meant for walking. Find a local source with updated directions.

2. In today's world you can purchase tickets in advance to almost everything. And you should since everyone else is. This means that tickets do sell out including on trains and even attractions that aren't popular.

3. Planning every minute of your trip is not only stressful, it probably won't end up working out exactly as you want to. Most cities, especially those in Europe, have many areas that should just be explored. You never know when you might stumble across an amazing tapas bar on the streets of Barcelona.

Have you made any of these mistakes?

Valentine's Day is all about the one you ❤️! How about celebrating your love by spending 9 nights in Paris, Barcelona, and Rome:?

Picture This:

Pastries, tapas, and spaghetti alla carbonara are waiting on this tantalizing nine-night journey to France, Spain, and Italy. You'll arrive in Paris, where they can stretch their legs in the Tuileries Garden, admire the interior of Sacré-Coeur, or take a day trip to the stunning Palace of Versailles.

From there, it’s on to Barcelona—home to the magnificent La Sagrada Familia and the bustling pedestrian thoroughfare of La Rambla. You can browse the artworks on display in the Picasso Museum or stroll through whimsical Park Güell before heading on to explore the ancient wonders of Rome.

After you’ve toured the Colosseum and marveled at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, you can sample street food at Testaccio Market or rent a bike and pedal along the Appia Antica—one of the oldest roads in the Roman Empire.

Land Only Price From $1599

INCLUSIONS

Accommodations:
Paris: 3 nights
Barcelona: 3 nights
Rome: 3 nigts
Private transfer Paris airport to Paris hotel.
Private transfer Paris hotel to Paris airport.
Private transfer Barcelona airport to Barcelona hotel.
Private transfer Barcelona hotel to Barcelona airport.
Private transfer Rome airport to Rome hotel
Private transfer Rome hotel to Rome airport
Continental breakfast daily
Hotel taxes and service charges

Like what you see? All of my Europe itineraries are customizable based on your preferences. Let this post inspire you, and let's get started on a custom trip built just for you!

Put "Europe Romance" in the comments and I'll send you the details on how to get started.

Do you have a backup plan for your flight?

Travel planning includes having backup options for your flights. Whether you are going to Europe or just across the country, you should be prepared for cancelations or delays.

Writing down two backup flight options to have on hand will save you time during that moment of panic when you get that notification on your phone that your flight has been canceled. Instead of scrambling to figure out what to do, you will be ready to rebook in an instant.

Let me know in the comments. Do you know your options if your flight plans change?

Planning a two-week trip to Europe can feel like a nightmare of a task.

You want to see the Eifel Tower, the Colosseum and the beautiful fjords of Norway.

But trying to fit that all in one trip will leave you with more time sitting in planes, trains and automobiles than enjoying the sites themselves.

That’s why you need to narrow your focus and prioritize what you want to experience.

Luckily there’s now a guide to help you get started.

It’s “How to Make the Most of Your Two Week Europe Trip”

Click the link to get your free guide!

Last year I had some clients come to me to plan a Europe trip for them. More specifically they wanted to tour Scandinavia. They were well-traveled and had done a lot of it on their own. But they had some pitfalls with their travel planning, like trying to cram in too much to their trips and they would always come back exhausted.

They came to me so that they could slow down a little bit and still get an amazing trip. So I helped them put together a plan that took into account their desire to be active but not so much so that they were too tired to enjoy the end of their adventure.

It's a problem I see a lot. Trying to cram too much into a two-week tour of Europe. That's why I created my free guide. "How to Make the Most of Your Two-week Europe Trip."

It will help you plan out your European adventure and understand how to narrow your focus so you don't end up sleepwalking through your 5th city tour in 5 days.

If you want your free copy click the link in the comments.

When travel planning, many people don’t make a backup plan.

You have little control over many of the variables involved in travel. A canceled flight, an overbooked hotel, a computer malfunction, a hurricane.

When one of these hits it can be a stressful experience. That vacation you’ve been anticipating for months to take might not happen.

However, with a little bit of planning ahead of time, you can ensure your trip still happens with a plan b.

Don’t have time to make a plan b? Thats where I can help. I’ll provide you with the tools and resources to make sure your vacation happens. Whether that’s Plan A, Plan b or even plan C.

Want to know more, send me a dm.

Here are the Ins and Outs to consider when planning your travel in 2024.

Ins:
Longer Trips - Taking more time to enjoy your destination and see more places in one trip

Solo Travel - This is especially popular with young people with approximately half of gen-z saying they will travel solo within the next year

Tourist Taxes - In Europe these are becoming the norm with cities like Venice and Amsterdam adding new taxes for those visiting

Eastern Europe is becoming more popular as Western Europe suffers from over tourism and high prices. Belgrade and Budapest are cities that should not be overlooked.

Pre and Post Cruise Add ons to lengthen your trip and immerse yourself more in your destination. Ask me about AmaWaterway included pre and post cruise packages.

Outs:

Large Group Tours - While you will still see these, it is more common to see group tours of 10-15 people. And places like Venice are not allowing group tours larger than 25.

Paris - Hear me out on this one. Paris will be a huge destination this year due to the Olympics. However, that means large crowds, high prices and limited availability. Paris would be best saved for another year.

Planning your trip on your own - Travel is complex and time-consuming to plan on your own. More and more people are partnering with travel advisors to help book their trip.

Comment below. Are you going along with any of the Ins? Do you have anything you would add?

One of the Europe trips I'm planning for a client to Norway right now includes a stop in Jotunheimen National Park. Otherwise known as the land of the Giants. It is filled with waterfalls, beautiful hiking trails and the highest mountain peaks in Norway.

The park is only a 4 hour drive from either Bergen or Oslo.

If you have kids, you'll want to take them to Galdhøpiggen High Rope Course within the park, which is open from mid June to mid August.

Want to know more about this majestic park in Norway? Let me know in the comments.