I was 39 the first time I flew overseas. I had heard the expression “the world is your oyster” but I don’t think I really knew what it meant until that day . . . when I stepped out of my comfort zone and became a part of the world around me.

. . .

. . .

So many years spent wondering, daydreaming . . . and back-burnering . . .  until one day, my mother in law’s constant insistence to my husband that “you need to get that girl to Europe!” finally sunk it and we planned an epic 15th anniversary adventure.

. . .

. . .

A world traveler was born.

­And so was a world travel advisor.

. . .

. . .

I found that I experienced almost as much thrill planning our adventure as I did actually traveling . . . ok, that’s an exaggeration, but the point is I was invigorated and inspired by the entire process . . .  we all have our hobbies. But unlike some hobbies I’d attempted over the years (SINGER sewing machine, I’m talking to you) my hours of determination and effort really paid off. Our trip was seamless and special, and no one would have guessed we were European rookies.

♦

What was my secret?

♦

I simply applied the same attention to detail and appreciation for the “extra” that earned me the reputation of Disney travel expert . . . and then took it up a notch!

. . .

This meant not settling for the first hotel that was in a good location and a good value . . . because there usually are quite a few that meet that criteria.  It meant sorting through reviews and digging up “boots on the ground” reports so we could live like the locals, or at least dine and play like them. It also meant determining when the money was justified and when it was wasted, so that we could make the most of our travel dollar. And it meant finding the unique – anything but “typical”- tourist experiences to ensure our adventure was magical and unlike anyone else’s.

. . .

. . .

Fortunately for me, that adventure was only the beginning of my love affair outside the U.S. and both my travel journal and passport are now overflowing, but that’s why they make extra pages.

. . .

. . .

I’ve also had the fortune to experience some of the most amazing resorts and travel opportunities worldwide, and now that I have affiliated with a Virtuoso Member agency, I have access to even more of an elite network of destination specialists, luxury hotels and resorts, as well as distinguished cruise lines. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on all of them here.

. . .

. . .

While I am not limited to booking Virtuoso properties – and truly can arrange any travel destination or adventure you can dream – I have found in my own travels that the Virtuoso difference is in a league all its own.

Stay tuned to this GLOBAL DESTINATIONS section of FLYING THE COOP on FILLING THE NEST where I’ll be discussing my top strategies for making the most when you travel stateside or abroad, along with reviews and recommendations for worldwide hot spots.

Looking for more about making the most of your Disney adventures? Click here to DO DISNEY DIFFERENTLY.

Need help making the most of your next adventure? I’m here to help…

marla@glassslipperconcierge.com