May 2025
Summer is just around the corner, and I can’t believe my oldest son, Quin, will graduate from high school in less than three weeks! Time is flying by too quickly. I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit, spending more time with my family, and fitting in some fun travel along the way.
📷 © G Adventures Inc.
🌍 Bucket List Destination of the Month: Cappadocia
Nestled in the mountains of central Turkey, Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and rich history. The weather is pleasantly mild in May, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, ideal for exploring the region's unique rock formations and centuries-old underground cities. Exciting activities abound, including hot air balloon rides at dawn, horseback riding, and four-wheel drive adventures past the iconic fairy chimneys.
Join a 7-day small group exploration of "Turkey: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia" with G Adventures! I'd love to help you plan the perfect, once-in-a-lifetime trip!
👣 20 Most Walkable Cities in the World
If you enjoy exploring on foot, you're in good company. According to Forbes Magazine, these 20 cities rank at the top for walkability, thanks to their compact layouts, clean air, and high safety ratings. From medieval streets to seaside promenades, these destinations encourage you to slow down and take in the sights, step by step.
🇮🇹 Florence, Italy
🇱🇻 Riga, Latvia
🇩🇪 Hamburg, Germany
🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal
🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain
🏴 Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.
🇪🇪 Tallinn, Estonia
🇸🇪 Stockholm, Sweden
🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia
🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts
🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands
🏴 Liverpool, England, U.K.
🇫🇷 Bordeaux, France
🇩🇰 Copenhagen, Denmark
🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey
🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia
🇨🇿 Prague, Czech Republic
🇭🇺 Budapest, Hungary
🇨🇦 Vancouver, Canada
🏴 Bristol, England, U.K.
✨ Check out the “Best of Florence Walking Tour” through Viato, a small-group experience that’s the perfect way to explore one of the world’s most walkable cities on foot!
✈️ Travel Tip of the Month
🛳 25 Things to Do Before a Cruise (About 30 Days Out)
Planning ahead ensures smooth sailing! Use this checklist to stay organized and stress-free in the final month before your cruise.
Check your passport (valid for 6+ months) and any required visas for your destinations.
Verify your cruise reservation for accuracy—names, room, dining, and perks.
Print your important travel documents (cruise, hotel, insurance, excursions). Keep copies in a folder and on your phone.
Print luggage tags and use cruise-specific holders to protect them.
Print a list of your medications with dosages for emergencies or customs.
Book a pre-cruise hotel stay near the port with a shuttle and breakfast if possible.
Reserve a post-cruise hotel if you’ll need one after your sailing.
Arrange any medical equipment rentals (scooters, wheelchairs, etc.). I partner with Special Needs Group and can help arrange your rental.
Notify your bank and credit cards to avoid fraud alerts or card freezes.
Order foreign currency from your bank for better exchange rates.
Save small bills ($1s and $5s) for tips and port expenses.
Download the cruise line’s app and complete online check-in.
Set up an international phone plan or eSIM and plan to use airplane mode onboard with ship Wi-Fi.
Start a cruise packing list and add to it gradually.
Create an Amazon cruise shopping list for easy ordering of cruise must-haves.
Book your cruise check-in/arrival time to avoid long waits.
Reserve shore excursions early—popular ones fill fast.
Make dining and show reservations via your cruise line’s website or app.
Book spa appointments and check for discounts on port days.
Watch for upgrade offers—you may be able to bid or pay for a better room.
Submit any special requests (dietary needs, allergies, CPAP, etc.).
Research your ship—watch videos, read reviews, and check the layout.
Join a roll call group on Facebook or Cruise Critic to connect with fellow passengers.
Research your destinations—look up local tips, food, and top attractions.
Set a budget for onboard spending, excursions, souvenirs, and travel extras.
📝 To find my printable checklist, click here.
UTC Connect 2025 Gala - Seattle, Washington
🏙️ Tales from the Emerald City: Elevating My Travel Game
At the end of April, I spent three days in Seattle for Uniglobe Travel Center's annual conference. It was a whirlwind—overwhelming at times with all the information—but so much fun! I had one-on-one meetings with suppliers, listened to inspiring guest speakers, and enjoyed plenty of networking. I walked away with valuable insights into the travel industry. One highlight was a fun night out playing ping pong with BDMs from Carnival, Princess, Holland America, and Cunard. We wrapped up the conference in style with the Emerald City Gala, where I glammed up in an emerald green dress and a tiara!
Planning a stay in Seattle? The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a standout choice, blending historic charm with modern luxury.
Discovery Princess Cruise and Alaska - May 2025
🚢 Cruising to my 50th State: Alaska with Discovery Princess
Right after the conference, my mom met me in Seattle, and we set sail on a 4-day Alaska Sampler cruise aboard the beautiful Discovery Princess! The food and service were fantastic, but the views from our balcony were even better. We absolutely loved our cozy little cabin. The itinerary was the perfect mix: two relaxing sea days, one adventure-filled day in Ketchikan, and the best part - I finally checked off my 50th state: Alaska!
Click here to learn more about Alaska Princess Cruise itineraries and more. Book with me today!
📘 From Travel Fails to Travel Tales
The Best Memories Start with “Remember That Time…?”
This month's travel tale comes from my best friend, Danielle, recalling her first trip to Europe with her husband, Chris, way back in 1999.
Danielle's Story:
So, there we were—wide-eyed newbies on our first European adventure, staying in a classic Dublin hostel. You know the type: shared dorms, bunk beds, and a collection of international travelers all trying to be polite in the world's tiniest shared bathroom.
Chris had the bottom bunk and, like many cautious travelers, tucked his passport and important documents safely under his pillow. Then we went out to explore Dublin, and at some point during our gallivanting, Chris realized… no passport. Cue panic.
We rushed back to the hostel, only to discover the beds had been stripped for laundry while we were out. The passport? Gone. Possibly swallowed by a mountain of dirty sheets headed for a commercial washer.
Our day quickly turned into an impromptu scavenger hunt:
Step 1: Talk to the hostel front desk.
Step 2: Consult our dog-eared travel guidebook and the Irish version of a phone book.
Step 3: Try to figure out Dublin's bus routes to the U.S. Embassy (without smartphones, mind you—this was the era of prepaid calling cards).
At the embassy, Chris had to prove his American-ness. Now, here's where it gets funny: one of the "screening" questions was reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. And yes, I 100% got in trouble for feeding him the lines over the shoulder of the poor guy interviewing him. Not my finest stealth moment.
Eventually, Chris's mom had to fax copies of his ID, birth certificate, and original passport to Ireland. (Kids, ask your parents what a fax machine is.)
Thanks to a generous helping of paperwork and the power of Mom, he was issued a new passport that afternoon.
Then, (because, of course,) the original passport turned up the next day in the freshly laundered hostel sheets.
Moral of the Story:
Keep your passport somewhere other than under your pillow. Also, brush up on the Pledge of Allegiance… just in case you're ever quizzed under embassy pressure.
And wow, imagine how much quicker it all would've been if we'd just had a smartphone.
Got a funny travel story? Email me, and I’d love to share it in my newsletter!
Danielle and Chris - Ireland 1999
Thank you for reading!
Erin
April 2025
Spring is finally here, and I look forward to the upcoming summer vacation! The longer days, blooming flowers, and warm sunshine put me in full travel-planning mode. Whether you're dreaming of a beach escape, a European adventure, or a quick weekend getaway, this is the perfect time to start mapping out your next adventure.
📷 Robert Lukeman
🌍 Bucket List Destination of the Month: Iceland
If you're seeking an unforgettable adventure, consider visiting Iceland in April! This stunning island blends fire and ice, beautifully balancing day and night.
April offers 16 to 18 hours of daylight, giving you more time to explore. It's also your last chance to see the Northern Lights until next winter!
Start your journey in Reykjavik, Iceland's quirky and colorful capital, then hit the road on a self-drive adventure along the iconic Golden Circle.
Along the way, you can:
Hike across breathtaking glaciers
Wander through mysterious lava caves
Marvel at erupting geysers and cascading waterfalls
Soak in soothing hot springs
Spot adorable puffins and go whale-watching
Plus, with fewer tourists and lower costs, April is a fantastic time to visit.
Join a 10-day “Best of Iceland” small group exploration with Collette! I’d love to help you plan the perfect Icelandic escape!
✈️ 2024's Busiest Airports in the World
According to Airports Council International, these are the top 10 airports with the most global aircraft movements—takeoffs and landings—in 2024.
Proud moment: my hometown airport, Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), moved up a spot this year, edging past Los Angeles (LAX)! Go, CLT! 🎉
Here’s the full list:
Atlanta, USA (ATL)
Chicago O'Hare, USA (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (DFW)
Denver, USA (DEN)
Las Vegas, USA (LAS)
Charlotte, USA (CLT)
Los Angeles, USA (LAX)
Shanghai, China (PVG)
Istanbul, Turkey (IST)
Guangzhou, China (CAN)
Whether you're flying through a mega-hub or a regional gem, make sure your travel plans are smooth and stress-free! I'm here to help with that! ✈️🌍
📷 Mantas Hesthaven
✈️ Travel Tip of the Month
17 Things to Do Before You Leave for an International Trip
Planning an international getaway? Here’s a handy checklist to help you travel smarter, safer, and stress-free. Take care of these 17 things before you leave - and thank yourself later!
1. Check Passport & Visa Requirements
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Research visa requirements for your destination using official government websites, not third-party blogs or social media. If you would like more passport information, please click here.
2. Notify Your Bank
Let your bank know you’ll be traveling abroad so they don’t flag your purchases as suspicious.
3. Get Local Currency Before You Go
A week or two before departure, visit your bank to order foreign currency. Ask for a mix of small and large bills for flexibility. You’ll likely get a better rate than at the airport or foreign ATMs. Keep a few U.S. dollars with you too - just in case.
4. Bring Multiple Payment Options
Pick at least two credit cards and one debit card, ideally ones with no foreign transaction fees. That way, you have backups if one gets lost or declined.
5. Back Up Your Important Documents
Take photos of your passport, visas, credit cards, ID, and travel confirmations. Save them on your phone and bring a printed copy, too.
6. Enroll in STEP
Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy can contact you in an emergency.
7. Buy Travel Insurance & Save to your Phone
U.S. health insurance often doesn’t cover you overseas. Get a comprehensive plan and save your policy number and emergency contact info on your phone.
8. Know Emergency Numbers
Look up your destination’s equivalent of “911” and save it in your contacts. CLICK HERE
9. Get an International Phone Plan or eSIM
Avoid roaming charges. Consider a temporary international plan or a digital eSIM via Airalo, Holafly, or Saily by NordVPN.
10. Charge Devices & Bring a Portable Charger
Fully charge all electronics and pack a power bank for long flights or layovers.
11. Make Room for Memories
Free up space on your phone, and consider bringing an external SSD, like the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD, if you’ll be taking lots of photos and videos.
12. Pack the Right Power Adaptors & Converters
Double-check the voltage in your destination and get adaptors or converters as needed. (Don’t be like me—I’ve fried a few hair dryers this way!). I use the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter.
13. Download Offline Maps
Use apps like Google Maps to download maps in advance so you can still navigate without Wi-Fi.
14. Download Entertainment
Movies, audiobooks, or games can be lifesavers during long waits or transit without internet access.
15. Check Driver’s License Requirements
Some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP)—do your homework if you’re renting a car.
16. Share Your Travel Plans
Send your itinerary, flight info, and lodging details to a trusted friend or family member. If traveling solo, check in daily and consider using location-sharing apps like Find My or Google Maps.
17. Learn the Local Culture
A little language goes a long way. Learn a few basics like “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” in the local language. You’ll connect more deeply and show respect for the culture you’re visiting.
📝 To find my printable checklist, click here.
Arcos de la Frontera, Spain - 📷 Wirestock from Getty Images
From Travel Fails to Travel Tales
The Best Memories Start with “Remember That Time…?”
Back in 2006, my husband David and I were traveling through southern Spain, armed with nothing but a tiny rental car, a questionable sense of direction, and our trusty sidekick - Rick Steves. At the time, Rick was our travel guru. He had never let us down... until that day.
Our destination? The charming hilltop town of Arcos de la Frontera, where we’d be staying for five lovely nights. According to Rick, we could simply “park in the main square of the old town at the top of the hill.” Easy peasy, right?
Spoiler alert: it was not.
We didn’t have GPS—this was 2006, after all—just a rental car and a vague map. Following the signs toward the city center seemed like a good idea - until we found ourselves in what can only be described as a medieval alleyway. I’m pretty sure it was built for donkeys, not Fiats. We were going the wrong way, uphill, on a street so narrow I could have high-fived the locals from inside the car.
And oh yes, the locals. They were all out - kids, old men, maybe even a priest - waving wildly and shouting at us in a flurry of Spanish we absolutely did not understand, but which we translated as, “TURN AROUND, CRAZY TOURISTS!” We couldn't because we were too busy sanding the right side of our car and side mirror (which we had pulled in) against a centuries-old stone wall.
After 45 excruciating minutes of three-point turns, and mild marriage counseling, we surrendered and found a parking garage in the new part of town. From there, we hiked up to the old town, luggage in tow, to finally reach our hotel.
To this day, we still don’t know how anyone actually parks in that old town square. Maybe you have to parachute in. Or be born there. Either way, we eventually found it... on foot... five days later.
And the best part? When we finally returned the poor, scraped-up Fiat to the rental agency, bracing for a lecture or a bill, they barely looked up. Not a word. Not a glance. Just handed us our receipt and said, “Gracias.”
Apparently, it wasn’t their first rodeo either.
Got a funny travel story? Email me, and I might share it in my blog!
Arcos de la Frontera, Spain - May 2006
Thank you for reading!
Until next time, keep dreaming, exploring, and making memories!
Erin
March 2025
Welcome to The 4 Winds Travel Company’s First Blog! I’m excited to have you join me on this travel adventure! Each month, I’ll share inspiring destinations, travel tips, safety hacks, and highlights of the best destinations, resorts, and hidden gems. So grab your passport (or just a coffee) and let’s explore the world of travel inspiration!
Welcome to The 4 Winds Travel Company’s first blog post! I’m excited to have you join me on this travel adventure! Each month, I’ll share inspiring destinations, travel tips, safety hacks, and highlights of the best destinations, resorts, and hidden gems. So grab your passport (or just a coffee) and let’s explore the world of travel inspiration!
Machu Pichu - 📷 Fabien Moliné
🌍 Bucket List Destination of the Month: Machu Picchu, Peru
March is an excellent time to visit this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World's New Seven Wonders.
During this shoulder season (between a destination’s busiest and off-peak season), you'll encounter fewer crowds and enjoy pleasant weather—ideal for exploring the ancient Incan city and taking in its breathtaking views. Hike the legendary Inca Trail, discover the mysteries of this once-thriving civilization, and admire the stunning landscapes of the Andes.
Experience the magic of Peru with the 7-Day “Peru Escape” from Globus. I'd love to help you plan your trip!
Passports - 📷 Spencer Davis
Travel Tip of the Month
Passports - Know Before You Go!
Check Passport Validity: Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Apply Early: Submit applications for new passports or renewals well in advance. Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks, and expedited service takes 2-3 weeks for an extra $60 (as of March 2025).
Apply Online: U.S. citizens can renew their passports online for routine service; expedited service must be done by mail.
Children Under 16: Passport renewals for children under 16 must be done in person and are good for five years.
Make and Store Copies: Make copies of your passport and essential documents and save digital photos on your phone or cloud storage.
Register with STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for travel and safety updates and allow the embassy to contact you in an emergency.
Research Your Destination: Learn about visa requirements, local laws, and safety conditions before traveling.
If you would like more passport information, please click here.
Prague - June 2019
🇨🇿 Off the Beaten Path in Prague: Ride the Paternoster Elevator!
Tucked inside Prague's City Hall, this vintage wooden "infinity" elevator is a rare find! Unlike modern lifts, the paternoster never stops; it keeps moving, making for a quirky (slightly nerve-wracking) ride.
Once a hidden gem, its growing popularity led to temporary closures due to disruptions and damage. But good news! As of June 2024, it has reopened to tourists - for a fee.
Want more adventure? There are over 20 other paternoster elevators hidden throughout Prague. Can you find them?
Watch the video below for more on Prague’s paternoster elevators.
From Travel Fails to Travel Tales
The Best Memories Start with “Remember That Time…?”
Back in 2002, my husband, David, and I were on our first European vacation together. We headed to the Paris metro, and as the train pulled up, David said, “Wait, no seats in there,” and headed for the next car. I disagreed and hopped on. The doors slammed shut, and David yelled, “Erin!” I looked back to see him waving from the platform as the train pulled away. This was pre-cell phone days, so I got off at the next stop, figuring I’d wait for him and play it cool. When the next train rolled in, there he was, poking his head out, calling my name. I joined him, and we laughed our way to the next stop. He thought I was ditching him, and I said, “Drat, it almost worked!”
Got a funny travel story? Email me, and I might share it in my blog!
Flying to Paris - October 2002
Thank you for reading!
Until next time, keep dreaming, exploring, and making memories!
Erin