The first EPCOT Festival of 2026 begins this Friday with Festival of the Arts, and we’re here to sketch out all the details of this special event that celebrates food, art, and entertainment in the most magical place on earth. 

You know that spark you feel every time you imagine your family wandering down Main Street, racing toward a coaster, or stepping into a world you’ve only ever seen on screens?

That spark is trying to tell you something.

You know that trip you keep talking about “one day”?
The dream that pops up every time life feels a little too routine?
The vacation you save posts about, imagine yourself in, and swear you’ll finally make happen next year?

Well… what if next year becomes this year?

If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know that travel is so much more than a getaway for me — it’s how I recharge, reconnect, and rediscover wonder. Every destination tells a story, and on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise, Bermuda was the chapter that completely stole my heart. From pink sands and turquoise waves to underground caves and charming pastel streets, this island delivered beauty, culture, and adventure in perfect balance.

Recently, while on a trip to New York City, I had one of those moments that stopped me in my tracks. I was sitting outside a little Italian restaurant, glass of wine in hand, soaking in the sounds of the city—the sirens in the distance, the horns honking (because it wouldn’t be New York without them), and the view of towering buildings stretching into the sky. In the middle of all that chaos, I felt completely at peace. It reminded me that sometimes the magic of travel is found in the simplest moments—the ones that make you feel alive and present.

Travel isn’t just about planes, trains, and hotel check-ins. It’s about experiences, moments, and memories that become part of your life story. And while planning a trip might seem as simple as clicking “book now,” the truth is—who you book with matters.

When Virgin Voyages designed the Brilliant Lady, they didn’t just build a ship—they created a floating culinary playground. The best part? Every restaurant is included in your voyage fare. That means no up-charges, no awkward checks at the end of the night, just world-class dining experiences waiting to be explored. Make sure to get reservations as soon as your booking window opens, the popular restaurants tend to fill up very quickly.

When you set sail on Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, your evenings are anything but ordinary. From bold parties to laid-back fun, the ship’s themed nights create unforgettable moments at sea. Here’s a peek at what you can look forward to:

Each fall, EPCOT transforms into a food lover’s paradise during the International Food & Wine Festival—and 2025 is shaping up to be the most delicious year yet! From August 28 to November 22, guests can sip, savor, and sing their way around the World Showcase with more than 35 global marketplaces, live music, and family-friendly fun sprinkled with Disney magic.

Just about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, I visited recently for a work assignment my husband had, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. But from the moment we arrived, it felt easy.

I’ve stayed at nearly every Walt Disney World Resort over the years — from deluxe to value, big and small — and yet there’s one moderate resort I find myself returning to again and again:

This past July, something truly special happened. Goofy Getaways celebrated 13 incredible years during our bi-annual agency summit. We brought together our team from across the country for this year’s gathering — themed Pixie Dust and Possibilities: Elevating the Magic — and it was nothing short of transformative.

Epic Universe is full of intricate details and immersive entertainment. The park consists of five lands (Celestial Park, Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and Super Nintendo Land), each with tons of things to ride, watch, and eat. Match that with wait times and crowds that will hit it this summer, queues can easily eat up chunks of your day. 

Planning a Universal Studios Hollywood vacation? Get ready for more than just rides—this destination is packed with experiences both in and out of the park. From shows to behind-the-scenes movie magic, here’s a guide to making the most of your trip.

If you had told me that Epic Universe would become one of my favorite places to visit, I would have said, “Absolutely no way.” While I’ve always loved the theming that Universal Studios brings to the theme park world, I’m the person who skips most of the rides thanks to my not-so-thrill-friendly stomach. That means I spend most of my park time soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the details, and taste-testing my way through the menus.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (or, MNSSHP) is an annual ticketed special event that takes place at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; in 2025 you’ll find party nights on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

If you're looking to level up your cruise excursions, let me introduce you to one of the most epic, unexpected highlights of my trip—cave tubing in Belize. Yes, you read that right. Floating through ancient caves on a tube, surrounded by crystal-clear water, jungle vibes, and total Indiana Jones energy. It’s every bit as cool (and refreshing!) as it sounds.