Planning a vacation can go from exciting to daunting very quickly. Once you start researching and realize there are so many options out there, you quickly get decision fatigue. Before choosing the details of your trip like hotels and tours, deciding how to book your vacation will be your most important decision. 

Whether it’s a fun impromptu vacation or an important life event like a honeymoon or a big birthday, how and who you book with has a great impact on the quality of experience you have. You want this decision to reflect your travel style, experience, budget, and most importantly memories that you can’t place value on. 

Recently, my feed has been filled with images and videos of gorgeous Spanish women in black, white and red polka dot dresses with shawls and flowers in their hair. 

Every year, the city of Seville in southern Spain comes alive with the vibrant and colorful Feria de Abril, a week-long festival celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Andalusia. From the stunning array of traditional flamenco dresses and horse-drawn carriages to the lively music and delicious food, the Feria de Abril is a feast for the senses and a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant culture of Spain.

Before I moved to Portugal, I was visiting the country for work. I was traveling all around, inspecting hotels, vineyards and restaurants. One of these visit impacted me in a way that ultimately  solidified  my decision to move here.  

One afternoon, after an already full morning, I drove out to a family-owned vineyard. Feeling hot and tired, I was instantly mesmerized by the landscape. It felt like I jumped through a portal and found myself in Tuscany with its rolling hills speckled with olive trees and white houses. 

I believe that festivals and holidays are a great way to experience a country, understand the local culture and surprisingly get a better understanding of ourselves as travelers too. You may have seen pictures of people in pointy caps doing solemn processions in Seville. The sartorial attire certainly brings ominous images in the minds of many Americans. 

If you’re traveling to Spain – especially Seville – during Easter, it’s important to understand what Semana Santa is and why it’s such an important part of Andalusian culture. 

Your friends suggest a summer trip to Spain and Portugal, amazing right? You’re already thinking about the tapas, the art, the cathedrals and glasses of great wine. It sounds like an incredible time and yet you can’t help but think – is it safe to travel to Europe? 

Planning a trip is much more than the sum of its parts.The selection of accommodations, tours, transportation, expert knowledge and support come together to create a trip of a lifetime and one of the most important investments you can make. 

With so many moving parts it can be hard to keep track of what is included in a tour and what expenses you will have while traveling. So, before making your travel plans or choosing who to work with, you will need to find out what is offered and what you will pay for on the ground.