May You Travel
Monthly Recap
As many of you know, I recently returned from a weeklong family vacation at Beaches Negril in Jamaica (more on that below!).
I’m also gearing up for an exciting work trip to Morocco with Audley Travels in less than a month, and I cannot wait to experience this incredible destination firsthand. If Morocco is on your travel wish list, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
And just in time for my birthday on July 17, my daughter and I will be setting sail on a short Celebrity cruise to the Bahamas. I’m curious—how do you like to celebrate your birthday?
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Travel With Me: Christmas Markets on the Rhine 🎄
There are still a few cabins available for our December 2027 Christmas Markets on the Rhine group trip, and this is truly a bucket-list experience.
Picture yourself strolling through charming European villages, finding one-of-a-kind gifts, sipping mulled wine, and soaking in festive traditions as you sail past castle-lined riverbanks.
Cruise Details
Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Ship: AmaFiora (brand new in 2027)
Dates: December 11–18, 2027
Route: Basel → Amsterdam (including Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, and more)
Pricing
Starting at $6,298 per person
Payment plans as low as approximately $394/month
Optional Extensions
Pre-cruise: Zurich / Lucerne / Basel — $2,160 per person
Post-cruise: Amsterdam — $1,060 per person
What’s Included
✔️ Cabin accommodations
✔️ All meals + nonalcoholic beverages
✔️ Beer & wine at lunch and dinner
✔️ All shore excursions
✔️ Exclusive group activities
Important Dates
Deposit: $400 per person
Final Payment Due: August 13, 2027
Ready to reserve your cabin?
Email kmajor@travelistatravels.com
Want to learn more first?
Join us for our Christmas Markets in July: Sip & Sail at Adirondack Winery
Saturday, July 11 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Space is limited, and registration is required:
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Destination Spotlight: Beaches Negril & Jamaica 🇯🇲
I’ll admit it—I didn’t always think of myself as a “beach vacation” person.
I’ve always loved trips packed with adventure, exploration, and nonstop activity. But when I visited Jamaica for the first time last year, something clicked.
There’s something about the warm Caribbean breeze, soft white sand, and a Miami Vice in hand that makes it impossible not to slow down. It took me a little time to adjust to “island time,” but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.
So when my in-laws began planning a family vacation to celebrate their 40th anniversary, I immediately suggested Beaches Negril—and it was the perfect choice.
If you’re considering a Jamaican family vacation, here are my biggest takeaways:
My Top Tips for a Jamaican Family Vacation
✈️ Book the earliest flight possible
An early morning flight feels rough, but it maximizes your time in destination. I always use that first afternoon/evening to recover from traveling, take it easy, and catch up on sleep. Additionally, if you have a layover, aim for at least two hours to give little ones enough time to eat, move around, as well as make it to your next gate. Everything takes longer with little legs, curious eyes, small bladders, and extra luggage.
🥨 Pack travel snacks
Travel delays happen. Having familiar favorites in your carry-on can help avoid hangry moments brought on by odd schedules and stress.
🍽️ Don’t order room service if you’re already hungry
It sounds convenient, but it often takes 45–90 minutes to arrive. You’re usually better off grabbing food yourself and bringing it back to the room. When I order room service, I order at least one meal in advance - so if it’s the evening, order room service for breakfast the next day. If I was leaving for snorkeling in the morning, I’d order lunch for when I got back.
🌊 Encourage your kids to try something new
Some of my son’s favorite moments included chatting with staff, snorkeling for the first time, and trying a new food every day.
🤿 Don’t skip the excursions
Several of us joined the complimentary morning snorkel and loved it so much that we booked the night snorkel ($60 pp). It was equal parts terrifying and incredible. We saw lobster, crabs, puffer fish, rock fish, palm starfish, moray eels, and even bioluminescent jellyfish.
Sandford and I also spent one morning visiting a local school for kids (3-5yo). It was about 95* in those classrooms, but those kids were so excited to see us and listen to us read books. It’s not an easy “fun” excursion, but it is eye-opening and highly impactful.
💆 Make time for the adults, too
Whether it’s a private beach dinner, a massage, or simply relaxing on the beach without making sure no one is eating sand—it matters.
It’s a family vacation, but it’s your vacation too.
