Start of Summer & Postcard from Morocco
Monthly Recap
I just returned from a week-long familiarization trip in Morocco, and wow, I have so much to share with you! I’m also gearing up for several exciting events this summer.
On Thursday, I’m headed down to NYC for a Disney workshop to learn about updates, offerings, and summer highlights across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. I’m extra excited that I’ll get a sneak peek of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 5!! (If you know anything about me: I’m obsessed with the aliens…and I always end up getting teary-eyed when I watch a Toy Story movie, so I better bring some tissues!)
On Saturday, July 11, I am hosting Christmas (Markets) in July: Sip & Sail at the gorgeous Adirondack Winery in Queensbury. The event is free, but registration is required as we’re providing wine and light snacks for all who attend! My friend Becky Daniels (former matchmaker, turned travel advisor) will be joining me on this presentation of Christmas Markets and AmaWaterways river cruises!
The following weekend, my best friend and I are headed down to Mexico to celebrate my birthday for a long weekend. We’ll be staying at Secrets Playa Blanca which is an adult-only all-inclusive resort in the Costa Mujeres area, just north of Cancun.
The weekend after that, I’m taking my daughter on a cruise. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to join our family trip to Jamaica in April, so I wanted to give her an equally special vacation. We’ll be sailing with Princess and visiting Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico! It will be her first time on a cruise and out of the country. It will be my first time to all 3 of these ports.
And the day after we get back from our cruise, I’m attending GTM West in Palm Springs, CA as an ambassador! I attended this 3-day travel conference for the first time last year, and have now been invited back to guide the next round of advisors as they make the most of this amazing networking opportunity. Last year I loved discovering new suppliers, deepening relationships with suppliers I frequently use, and gaining inspiration from the vastly talented advisors around me. At the end of the day, this benefits you to having a better travel experience. The more I know; the more you enjoy!
Once I get back from conference, I will be resting (and catching up on work) at my favorite spot in the world - Heart Bay on Lake George. Year after year, we’ve spent August with family friends, slowing down, enjoying nature, cooking big family meals, playing card games, and taking evening boat rides on the lake. My favorite part has always been the late night bonfires and staring up at the stars.
Destination Spotlight: Northern Morocco
I was so honored to be invited by Audley Travels on their first US familiarization trip for travel advisors. Northern Morocco is often overlooked for the southern hotspots like Marrakesh, but it is a magical, breezy, and deeply historical region.
Rabat - The Polished Capital: After touching down in Casablanca, we made the drive to Rabat. The city was elegant and calm with breathtaking coastal views. It is the perfect, gentle introduction to the country where you can see the stunning Royal Palace, Kasbah of the Oudayas and Mohammed V Mausoleum (current king’s grandfather) without experiencing total culture shock. (Pro-tip: save your market shopping for Fes!)
Fes - The Medieval Soul: If you want to step directly back into the Middle Ages, Fes is where you do it. This UNESCO city is a completely different animal - overwhelming in the best way possible. Every turn in the ancient medina is a surprise of local snacks, handicrafts, and incredibly kind people. It is a maze of 10,000 alleyways, so having a private guide here is a non-negotiable, especially if you want to find the Chouara Tannery where traditional leather dyeing methods have been used for a millennia, or the Al-Qarawiyyin, which is recognized as the oldest continually operating university in the world (859 BC)! (Pro-tip: If you go to the tannery, you will be offered mint leaves. Take them. The smell of the tannery is horrendous, but what they do is fascinating!)
Volubilis - The Ancient Roman Outpost: This ancient archeological site marks the remote southwestern edge of the Roman Empire. While the mosaic floors, triumphal arches, and ruins are truly something to behold, it was so stinking hot. There is absolutely no shade cover. I would recommend this in cooler months if you’re looking for an excursion to fill your time, or are deeply interested in Roman history.
Chefchaouen - The Blue City: This dreamlike city is located high in the Rif Mountains and famous for its blue-washed buildings. It requires a bit of an out-of-the-way day trip, but it is worth every single mile. Words don’t do it justice. Every street is a photo-opportunity. I wish we had more time here as I was dying to explore more! (Pro-tip: Spend the night here and enjoy the magic of this remote village.)
Tangier - The Bohemian Gateway: Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar and has served as the physical bridge between Africa and Europe for centuries. You’ll often see Tangier included as a port in cruises around Spain and Portugal. Unfortunately, I was very ill after leaving Chefchaouen and wasn’t able to enjoy the tour of the city or the cooking class, but the Fairmont Tazi was OUT OF THIS WORLD. Next time I plan on visiting Cafe Hafa (where the Rolling Stones and Beatles used to hangout)!
Casablanca - Of All the Gin Joints: Though it’s often associated with the romantic Hollywood film noir, it’s a fast paced city with a blend of skyscrapers and French Art Deco. The oceanside Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa (holding up to 100,000 people), sits dramatically over the cliff, and is open to non-Muslim visitors. I highly recommend swinging by to admire the woodwork and mosaics. After seeing the mosque, we enjoyed a final dinner together as a group at none other than Rick’s Cafe. Although not actually used for filming, the restaurant is a tribute to the film. The decorations and live music really make this quite the experience!
The Audley Travel Difference
Audley pieces together bespoke, tailor-made itineraries where you are at the forefront of everything. While they do price out slightly higher than standard tour operators, the level of care you receive is unmatched. Not only during the planning process, but during travel as well.
When I wanted to explore the massive Fes market on my own one evening, our private guide, Moustafa, walked me to the main gate, mapped out exactly how to avoid getting lost, and even gave me his personal cell number in case I needed help.
Even more amazing: when another agent on our trip lost her luggage, Moustafa personally took her to a local mall at 9:30pm so she could get clothes and toiletries. THAT is the difference between a premier vacation experience and trying to piece together an itinerary on your own via a generic booking website.
Is Morocco Right for You?
Morocco is a beautiful welcoming, multilingual country (nearly everyone speaks Moroccan Arabic, French and English fluently) that embraces all nationalities, religions, and ways of life.
It is an absolute dream destination if you are looking to tack a unique experience onto a trip to Spain or Portugal, if you love architecture and history, or if you love the thrill of market bargaining.
Note: Because of the historic, steep nature of the ancient medinas, this specific region has many uneven streets and does require a lot of stair-climbing. It is not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Looking Ahead: Let’s Celebrate “Christmas in July!”
I know summer just barely started, but experienced travelers know that right now is the sweet spot to start planning for winter vacations. Holiday travel, school breaks, Caribbean escapes, and luxury ski trips are the most popular between end of November and March.
But I have an even bigger winter adventure on the horizon - and I want you to come with me! I am so excited to host a special, curated 2027 group cruise through Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations. To celebrate, fellow travel advisor Becky Daniels and I are hosting a “Christmas (Markets) in July” Sip & Sail info session next month. Come grab a complimentary glass of wine, enjoy some light snacks, and learn why an AmaWaterways river cruise is the absolute best way to experience the magic of the European Christmas Markets!
When: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Where: Adirondack Winery (395 Big Bay Rd, Queensbury, NY)
Perk: Registration includes a glass of wine on us!
RSVP Required: Space is limited, so you must register by June 30th.
Can’t make the event, but already know you want in? Check out the itinerary details below!
Featured Group Departure: Christmas Markets on the Rhine (December 2027)
Join me for a 7-night luxury river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the brand new AmaFiora. Experience the magic of twinkling lights, seasonal treats (can anyone say: gluwhein?), and charming historic settings along the Rhine river.
Dates: December 11 - 18, 2027
Exclusive Group Offer: Save $250 per person, with cruise fares starting at $5024 per person (including gratuities)
Itinerary Highlights: Strasbourg’s world-famous holiday markets (this is also the city that inspired the village from Beauty & the Beast); wine tasting in Rudesheim; cruising through the castle-laden Rhine Gorge; visits to Cologne (where the Three Wisemen are buried); and gliding through Amsterdam’s canals.
What’s Included: 7-night luxury river cruise accommodations, fine dining with wine / beer / soft drinks included, small-group guided excursions, onboard entertainment and wellness activities, complimentary WiFi, and prepaid gratuities
Want to extend your stay? Optional pre- and post-cruise land packages are available in Zurich/Lucerne as well as Amsterdam.
This curated group departure is perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a hassle-free, bucket-list holiday experience. Space is limited, so let’s lock in your cabin before the best categories fill up.
