Somewhere along the way, travel became a performance.

Perfect itineraries. Packed park days. Highlight reels that make it seem like everyone else is doing it better. They’re seeing more, riding more, maximizing every second.

And quietly, a lot of travelers started wondering: Why does planning a trip feel so stressful… and why don’t my vacations always feel as magical as I hoped?

The answer usually isn’t the destination.
It’s that the trip wasn’t designed around how you actually like to travel.

Have you ever thought, “I went to Walt Disney World when I was younger. How different could it be now?” The answer to that question is VERY different. From new lands opening, favorite attractions closing, festivals, special events and promotions, Walt Disney World is ever evolving. With the evolution of rides, parks and systems to reserve ride times, guests can often feel overwhelmed, may not know where to start with the planning process, receive mixed messages in online groups and may even start to feel like with all the things, Walt Disney World is just “too much”. 

If you are a guest who is used to going to Walt Disney World but are going to be visiting Disneyland, there are some differences that you will need to know about. The first difference is the number of parks. In Walt Disney World there are 4 parks, 2 water parks and Disney Springs. Disneyland has 2 parks and Downtown Disney.

Exploration is an investment—of time, intention, and yes, money. The experiences I choose to explore absolutely cost something. But the memories they create, the connections they deepen, and the way they stay with you long after the trip is over? Completely priceless.

Meeting Disney characters at Disneyland is one of the most magical experiences you can have — whether you’re hugging Mickey, chatting with a favorite princess, or spotting a rare character wandering by. These moments bring your favorite stories to life, and with a little planning, you can make each one extra special.

Some years call for upgrades. Some years call for bold choices.
And then there are the years that whisper, “Make memories that last.”
2026 is shaping up to be that kind of year. The year where you don’t just take a trip… you create a moment your people will talk about over dinner tables, graduation parties, and family group chats for years to come.

You know that feeling when life starts to feel a little too full?
When every day asks a little more from you, and all you want is one place where you don’t have to think, plan, or make a hundred tiny decisions?

A cruise can be that place.

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.