I’m a girl that dreams of traveling the world.
With it nearing Valentine’s Day I began reminiscing about my vacation to Italy a few years ago.
Fifteen days traveling through the Italian countryside from Rome, Sorrento, Florence, and Venice, I finally experienced the trip I had only dreamed of and it was everything I had wanted it to be minus cooking my own pasta in my own piazza on the Tuscan hillside or purchasing the Chanel necklace I eyed walking through Florence.
But that journey didn’t come without a huge amount of research and a lot of recommendations from friends of where to go and where not to go. (I’m pretty sure I spent more time on planning that trip than I did planning my wedding…) And while I was sublimely happy most the time, there were many times I was very frustrated learning the train system, reading maps and after a long day, just figuring out what I wanted to eat.
Since then I’ve really yearned to travel to more places to see the world, taste new cuisines and appreciate cultures other than my own. However, I haven’t really had the time to do the research and don’t envy the frustration that comes with traveling to a new place to “figure out” how things work. I really need to clone me to just go plan my trip and another one to go check out the destination before the real me gets there.
And let’s not even talk about the anxiety I get when I think about a trip with my kids out of the country!
A tour package makes a lot of sense, but I don’t just want the same trip as everyone else or to board a bus and to only semi-experience a destination. Trafalgar, a worldwide travel planner, has hundreds and hundreds of vacation packages to destinations around the world. All packages are categorized by “trip styles” something for everyone– and a particular favorite of many moms is the Family Experiences—designed to appeal to every generation from children to grandparents.
Trafalgar’s award-winning vacation collection includes 10 unique travel styles—covering every traveler:
- Country Explorer: in-depth experiences taking travelers to the heart of a country
- Regional Explorer: an in-depth look at two or more countries
- Discoveries: faster-paced, multi-country trips popular with first-time travelers
- [NEW for 2015] Hidden Journeys: less-visited destinations with groups of 26 or fewer guests
- At Leisure: relaxed trips with lengthier stays in each destination, later starts and more free time
- Family Experiences: action-packed trips for the whole family to share, from children (aged 5+)
- Special Interest: for a look at Italian food, English country gardens and World War II battlefields
- CostSaver: budget-friendly Europe trips with more experiences as optional
- Cruise, Rail & Combinations: trips featuring alternative transportation along with the luxury coach
- City Breaks: independent packages in select European cities
And it’s all hassle-free: All guided vacations also include high-quality hotels, VIP entry to iconic sights, daily breakfasts and many local meals, luxury coach transportation, airport transfers and luggage handling.
You could go on a Castles and Kilts trip where a local specialist will take you to the must-see sights and make sure the children enjoy it with tales of mystery and madness of monarchs and interesting historical characters. They also have a trip style called CostSaver Europe (budget-friendly Europe trips with more experiences that are optional), worldwide At Leisure (relaxed trips with lengthier stays), and Hidden Journeys (tours with smaller groups that get to visit unique off the beaten path destinations). All of the Trafalgar vacations offer unique Insider Experiences like getting to dine with a local family in their home.
Or you could keep the kids at home and run off to Paris. Definitely on the top of my bucket list, Trafalgar is hosting a giveaway for a trip to see the Eiffel Tower in person – as well as all the other specials details that go with a Trafalgar-led vacation.
What destination experience is on your bucket list?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That sounds like a great way to travel. I will have to look more into this when I am ready to not go to Disney World every year.
Daisy says
We are planning a summer vacation. It’s all over the place as we haven’t fully committed, but you’ve given me some awesome ideas. I’m going to head over to check out Trafalgar.
Deborah A. says
Oh my goodness. That’s a dream trip of a lifetime! I laughed when you said you spent more time planning that trip than you did your wedding. 🙂
Maria says
I have never heard of Trafalgar travel service before. I will definitely consider them for my next Euro adventure!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
A package is SO much easier. I love traveling alone (or as a couple), but with kids I know it is NOT easy to find what you’re looking for in the best of circumstances. I want to start saving for a family vacation so I”ll have to check these out. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
Paris is still my number one on my bucket list. I want to go back to Costa Rica though. Love it there.
Aubrey says
Sounds like a great way to plan a trip. I would love to travel someday soon, but your right, traveling to other countries and with kids is nerve racking, Knowing what your doing with a company that knows what their doing sounds a lot better.
lisa says
This sounds great. What I wouldn’t give to go back to Italy!!
Dawn McAlexander says
Those are some beautiful pics! Like you, I want to travel the world! I just booked myself my 2nd cruise today, so I am getting a nice start.
Brittany @ Mom. Wife. Busy Life. says
Hi! This looks like such a fun place to travel to! I love the Texas A&M hat! Class of 2004 here! Whoop! (and Gig ‘Em!)
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
I’ve never used them but have noticed they create some awesome adventures! Perhaps when the kids are older and we venture farther.
Lisa Bristol says
This looks like an amazing way to travel. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Traveling to Europe is on my travel bucket list. France is a must, sounds lovely.
Kristin says
This is so awesome!! I would love to travel the world. I would say Paris is a bucket list for me.
Meagan says
Oh man, I’d love to see the Eiffle Tower in person! Sounds like the way to travel.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
This looks like soo much fun! Thanks for sharing.