September 11th, 2026
There’s just something about fall in the Northeast.
The crisp air, colorful leaves, apple orchards, cozy farm stands and those perfect little weekend adventures make it one of my favorite times of year for a family getaway.
And while the foliage is absolutely beautiful, I think the best part is what you get to DO while you’re there.
🍎 Pick Apples and Eat the Cider Donuts
Let’s be honest. A fall trip to New England without apple picking and cider donuts feels a little incomplete!
Spend the morning wandering through an orchard, letting the kids pick way more apples than you could possibly eat, and then reward yourselves with a warm cider donut and a cup of fresh cider.
It’s simple, but these are the kinds of experiences that become family traditions.
🍂 Get Outside
You don’t have to tackle a strenuous mountain hike to enjoy fall foliage.
Look for short nature trails, easy walks around a lake, or scenic overlooks that allow everyone to enjoy the scenery at their own pace. Older kids and teens might love a hike with a waterfall or viewpoint at the end, while younger children and grandparents may prefer something a little more relaxed.
And if hiking isn’t your family’s thing? A scenic drive through the countryside can be just as beautiful.
🎃 Find a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze
Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are another fall favorite that works for just about every age.
Little ones can pick out their pumpkins while older kids and teens race through the maze. Add in a hayride, farm animals, games and, of course, more cider donuts, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect fall afternoon.
🐴 Stay on a Farm
Want to slow things down a little?
Consider a farm stay.
There’s something really special about waking up in the countryside, meeting the animals, exploring the farm and enjoying a meal made with local ingredients. Kids get a chance to experience something completely different from their everyday routine, while parents and grandparents can enjoy a slower pace.
It’s a great way to combine adventure with a little relaxation.
🌉 Go Covered Bridge Hopping
Covered bridges are such an iconic part of the Northeast, and they are especially beautiful when surrounded by fall color.
Pick a few bridges to visit, turn on some music and make the drive part of the adventure. Stop along the way for photos, explore a small town or grab something delicious from a local bakery.
Sometimes the best family travel days are the ones where you don’t have every minute planned.
❤️ Make It Work for Everyone
One of the things I love most about a fall foliage trip is how easy it is to make it work for different ages.
Toddlers can enjoy farms and pumpkin patches. School aged kids can tackle corn mazes and easy hikes. Teens may want something a little more adventurous, while grandparents might prefer a scenic drive or a leisurely afternoon enjoying the views.
You don't have to do everything.
Pick a few things your family will genuinely enjoy, leave some room to wander, and don't underestimate the magic of simply sitting together with a warm cider and enjoying the view.
Because at the end of the day, the leaves are beautiful, but the memories you make together are what you’ll remember.
What would be on your perfect fall family getaway?
September 4th, 2026
If you’re getting ready for your first cruise, you probably have a LOT of questions. Rest assured, that’s completely normal!
Cruising is a little different from other types of vacations, especially when it comes to getting on the ship, getting off in port, and making sure you’re back onboard in time.
As a travel advisor, one of my favorite things is helping first-time cruisers feel confident before they ever step foot on the ship. So let’s talk about a few simple things you can do to make embarkation and port days feel much less overwhelming!
🚢 Embarkation: Getting on the Ship
Check in early
As soon as your cruise line allows online check-in, go ahead and do it! You’ll typically select an arrival window, and earlier check-in can often mean an earlier arrival time.
And trust me, getting onboard early is a great thing! You’ll have more time to explore the ship, grab lunch, find the pool, and get your bearings before everything gets busy.
Fly in the day before
This is one of my BIGGEST recommendations for anyone cruising from a port that requires flying.
Flights get delayed. Flights get cancelled. Traffic happens. And cruise ships are not going to wait for you.
Flying in the day before gives you a little breathing room and lets you start your cruise feeling relaxed instead of frantically watching the clock.
Do what you can before you arrive
Take advantage of online check-in, health questionnaires, and any portion of the safety briefing your cruise line allows you to complete ahead of time.
The less you have to do at the terminal, the sooner you can start enjoying your vacation!
Arrive during your scheduled window
I know it can be tempting to show up super early “just in case,” but your arrival window exists for a reason.
Especially on larger ships, arriving too early can create unnecessary bottlenecks. Give yourself enough time to park, drop your luggage, and get through the terminal, but aim for your scheduled arrival window.
Think carefully about your carry-on
Your checked luggage may not make it to your stateroom right away, so keep the things you’ll need during those first few hours with you.
Think:
Passport/ID
Medications
Swimsuit and cover-up
Sunscreen
Phone/chargers
Anything else you absolutely don’t want packed away
And don't forget to label your checked luggage with your cruise line's luggage tags. Your bags will typically be dropped with a porter before you board, and a small tip per bag is customary.
🌴 Port Days: Getting Off & Back On the Ship
One of the BEST parts of cruising is waking up somewhere completely new!
But port days do require a little extra awareness.
Take your SeaPass + photo ID
Your cruise card (or whatever your cruise line calls it) is your room key and your way of getting on and off the ship.
Take it with you every time you leave the ship, and bring a photo ID, too.
Forgetting your photo ID can mean extra security checks when you return. It’s much easier to take two seconds and double-check before walking off the ship!
Keep an eye on your belongings
Just like anywhere you travel, be aware of your surroundings.
I love a good crossbody bag or belt bag that stays close to you, especially in crowded areas.
Traveling with kids? Make sure the adults in your group know who is keeping an eye on which kiddos. New places are exciting, and little ones can wander surprisingly quickly!
Give yourself plenty of time to get back
Please, please, please don't cut it close when returning to the ship.
The ship will have a designated all-aboard time, and you want to be back with plenty of time to spare.
And while I know independent excursions can be tempting, I generally recommend booking cruise-line excursions, especially for first-time cruisers. If a cruise-line excursion runs late, the ship knows where those guests are and can communicate with the tour operator.
If you're on your own and miss the ship? That's a VERY different situation.
❤️ My Best Advice for First-Time Cruisers
Cruising can feel a little overwhelming when you don't know what to expect—but once you understand the process, it really is pretty simple.
My job as your travel advisor isn't just to help you choose the right ship. It's to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited about your trip before you ever leave home.
So if you're cruise curious but aren't quite sure where to start, that's exactly what I'm here for!
Ready to start planning your cruise? Let's make it smooth sailing from the very beginning.
October 7th, 2025
Planning Flights to Europe: What to Know Before You Book
Dreaming of Europe? Whether it’s a river cruise through France, a week in Italy, or a multi-country adventure, getting the flights right is one of the most important steps in the planning process. With airfare costs fluctuating daily and countless fare types available, it can feel overwhelming to know when and how to book.
As a travel advisor who helps clients travel to Europe regularly, I’ve seen how the right flight strategy can make or break your trip, not only for your comfort, but also for your budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to consider before booking, and how I can help you navigate it all.
1. Start Early… But Not Too Early
Airfare to Europe tends to follow patterns. For most international trips, booking about 6–9 months out often hits the sweet spot between price and availability. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll likely see higher fares, especially for premium economy or lie-flat business class seats.
That said, I constantly monitor fare trends for my clients, so if there’s a drop or sale, I’m ready to take advantage of it on their behalf.
2. Understand the Fare Types
Airlines offer a wide range of ticket options, from non-refundable economy to fully refundable business class, and the differences go far beyond just price.
When comparing options, I always help clients weigh:
Flexibility (Can you change or cancel?)
Comfort (Standard seat vs. extra legroom vs. lie-flat)
Inclusions (Baggage, meals, seat selection, lounge access)
Sometimes a slightly higher fare is worth it for the peace of mind and comfort you’ll gain.
3. Know That Aircraft Matters
Not all business or first-class cabins are created equal. For instance, Icelandair offers “Saga Premium,” which provides extra comfort, priority check-in, lounge access, and elevated dining, but their transatlantic aircraft are narrow-body planes, meaning the seats are not fully lie-flat.
By contrast, airlines like British Airways or Lufthansa operate wide-body aircraft with true lie-flat business class seats. These come at a higher cost but make all the difference on an overnight flight.
This is where working with a travel advisor truly helps! I’ll research which aircraft are operating your route, so you know exactly what kind of experience you’re booking.
4. Plan for Connections Wisely
Nonstop flights are convenient, but not always budget-friendly. Sometimes connecting through London, Amsterdam, or Reykjavik can save thousands of dollars or open up opportunities to explore another city en route.
When I build itineraries, I look for connections that are realistic, efficient, and minimize travel fatigue, because no one wants to sprint across Heathrow after an overnight flight.
5. Balance Comfort and Budget
For many travelers, the ideal European trip blends comfort with smart value. That might mean flying premium economy on the way over (for a little extra rest) and standard economy home, or mixing a lower-cost carrier one way with a full-service airline the other.
The best strategy depends on your travel goals, budget, and personal preferences, and that’s where my expertise comes in.
6. Let Me Take the Guesswork Out of It
Airfare pricing is unpredictable, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. I can monitor routes, track fare changes, and find the right balance between value and experience all while ensuring your flights fit seamlessly with your overall trip itinerary.
When you work with Enchanted Adventures by Laura, you get more than just a flight booking — you get a partner who cares about every detail from takeoff to landing.
Ready to plan your European getaway?
Let’s make your dream trip both enriching and effortless. Reach out today to start planning.
Europe is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Colosseum, but it's also brimming with lesser-known treasures. If you're looking to escape the crowds, here are five hidden gems you must visit:
- Hallstatt, Austria: A picturesque village nestled between a serene lake and soaring mountains, perfect for a tranquil retreat.
- Giethoorn, Netherlands: Known as the "Venice of the North," this car-free village offers charming canals and thatched-roof cottages.
- Alberobello, Italy: Famous for its unique trulli houses, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see in Puglia.
- Ronda, Spain: Perched on a dramatic cliff, this Andalusian town offers stunning views and a rich history.
- Sintra, Portugal: A fairy-tale town with palaces, castles, and lush gardens, just a short drive from Lisbon.
These off-the-beaten-path destinations will make your European adventure truly unforgettable.
P.S. Need help booking these trips? Let me know!
Packing light for a two-week vacation may seem impossible, but with the right strategy, you can travel with just a carry-on. Here's how:
- Plan Your Outfits: Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Stick to a color palette to make it easier.
- Pack Multi-Purpose Items: Bring clothing that serves more than one purpose, like a scarf that can double as a blanket or a dress that can be dressed up or down.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling not only saves space but also helps reduce wrinkles.
- Use Packing Cubes: These help organize your suitcase and compress your clothes.
- Limit Shoes: Bring just two or three pairs that are comfortable and versatile.
With these tips, you'll breeze through airports and have everything you need for a fantastic vacation.
Japan's cherry blossom season is a magical time when the country is blanketed in pink and white flowers. But timing your visit can be tricky. Here's when to go:
- Tokyo and Kyoto: The blossoms usually peak between late March and early April. Check local forecasts as they can vary slightly each year.
- Hokkaido: If you miss the main season, head north to Hokkaido, where the cherry blossoms bloom in late April to early May.
- Night Viewing: Experience the blossoms illuminated at night, a practice known as "yozakura," in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Book your trip early, as this is one of the busiest times in Japan, but the breathtaking beauty of the cherry blossoms is worth the effort.