Start a 2026 Travel Jar: A Simple Tradition to Make Big Memories Possible

There’s something about the end of the year that makes all of us dream a little bigger. Maybe it’s the glow of the holidays, maybe it’s the slower pace, or maybe it’s the feeling that we want more memories and fewer moments that slip by too quickly.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a special trip in 2026, whether it’s a cruise from Galveston, a family getaway, or a bucket list adventure, here’s a simple and meaningful tradition to start this week.

🎁 The 2026 Travel Jar

It’s exactly what it sounds like. A jar, box, or container you dedicate to future travel. But it becomes much more than that. It’s a reminder that the best trips don’t start with a booking. They start with a dream your whole family can share.

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💛 Why the Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Start One

Christmas week brings everyone together. It’s one of the rare times when families gather around the same table, swap stories, and talk about life. A Travel Jar becomes a fun and memorable way to ask a simple question.

Where should we go next year

It sparks conversation. It invites ideas from every generation. It lets grandparents share their favorites, kids share their wish lists, and everyone else dream a little. It’s easy, joyful, and a great way to start planning something meaningful together.

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🏡 How to Start Your 2026 Travel Jar

It doesn’t need to be fancy. Here’s a simple way to begin.

1. Choose any container you love

A mason jar, a candle jar, a vase, or a small box. Anything works.

2. Pick a trip everyone can get excited about

It can be specific or just a general idea.
• A cruise out of Galveston
• A milestone celebration
• A friends and family getaway
• A warm weather escape next winter
• Or simply your next adventure together

3. Add to it little by little

Some ideas.
• Spare change
• Round up savings
• Dollar bills you might have spent on a treat
• Notes about destinations and ideas if you prefer not to add money yet
• Kids can draw pictures of the places they want to visit and drop them in the jar

4. Make it fun

Decorate it. Name it something playful. Put it somewhere the whole family can see.

Some fun jar label examples:
• The Hawthorn Adventure Fund
• 2026 Travel Ideas
• Our Next Cruise

There’s no pressure. The joy comes from dreaming together!

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What a Travel Jar Really Creates

Yes, the savings help. But the real magic is what it inspires.

Hope

Travel gives you something bright to look forward to.

Connection

Families get to talk about what matters most. Shared time, shared experiences, and shared memories.

Intentionality

You’re choosing to make quality time a priority in the new year.

Momentum

By the time January arrives, you’re already thinking about where your next adventure might take you.

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🚢 When You’re Ready, I’m Here to Help

Whether your 2026 Travel Jar leads you to
• A relaxing cruise
• A family celebration
• A weekend getaway
• Or early planning for the 2027 eclipse at sea
I’d love to help you make it real!

For now, enjoy your Christmas celebrations and let the conversation begin. Pass the jar around, hear everyone’s ideas, and start dreaming together. Your next adventure might take shape right at the holiday table!

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🎄 Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Beautiful Year Ahead

May your home feel warm and joyful, may your Travel Jar fill with ideas and hope, and may your 2026 adventures begin with excitement and intention.

When you’re ready to turn your ideas into a real plan, I’m here to help!

Holiday Travel Trends I’m Seeing This Season

How travelers are celebrating, reconnecting, and making memories this year

The holiday travel season is in full swing, and I’m seeing some beautiful themes emerge from the way my clients are choosing to celebrate this year. If you’ve been dreaming of a trip, whether it’s for this winter or a future holiday, these trends might spark an idea or two.

Group Travel Is Having Its Big Moment

This year, more clients are choosing to travel with their favorite people. Group trips are becoming one of the most meaningful ways families and friends are reconnecting, celebrating, and taking a break from the everyday.

Here are a few of the group trips I’m planning right now:

• A Friends Getaway After a Big Life Season – A friend group I’m working with is wondering if they should postpone their cruise next year because they’re all having babies. I encouraged them to keep dreaming. Sometimes a five day getaway is exactly what you need to reset and remember who you are outside of diapers and schedules. A short break can help you return home refreshed and reconnected.

• A Multigenerational 21st Birthday Cruise – Another family is planning a nephew’s 21st birthday cruise in January 2027. It’s turning into a fun, meaningful trip where everyone can celebrate together without the stress of hosting or planning activities.

• A Spring Escape to Warmer Weather – I’m also planning a group sailing on the Carnival Vista for March 21, 2026. It’s a great option for travelers who want to shake off late winter and enjoy sunshine before the busy summer season.

• A Thanksgiving Spent Relaxing Instead of Cooking – One of my favorite holiday trends is families choosing to spend Thanksgiving on the Mariner of the Seas in 2026. Instead of worrying about cooking or hosting, they’ll be enjoying ocean views, great meals, and stress free time together.

What I’m noticing most is that people want shared experiences. Whether it’s friends, family, or a mix of both, group trips are becoming a powerful way to slow down, make memories, and reconnect.

 

Holiday Cruising Is Expanding Beyond the Usual Season

Cruising isn’t just a summer activity anymore. I’m booking clients, and even taking a trip myself, on some incredible holiday time sailings.

This December, I’ll be on the Norwegian Viva, visiting ports like Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Costa Maya. These aren’t your typical December destinations, and that’s exactly why holiday cruising has become so popular.

More travelers are discovering that November and December cruises offer festive atmospheres, milder weather, unique itineraries, and a relaxed way to celebrate the season.

 

New Local Flight Routes Are Opening Doors

For my Central Arkansas travelers, the growth at Little Rock airport is creating exciting possibilities.

With new nonstop flights to Salt Lake City and Nashville launching in March, I’m seeing a surge in clients exploring destinations that once felt inconvenient or out of reach. These flights make weekend getaways, ski trips, and family visits easier and far more appealing than ever before.

Sometimes all it takes is one new route to unlock a whole world of options.

 

Holiday Travel Is About Heart More Than Anything Else

The biggest trend I’m noticing isn’t about destinations or deals. It’s about the reason behind the trip.

People are choosing experiences that help them:

• Reconnect with loved ones

• Celebrate milestones

• Step away from the noise

• Create traditions that feel meaningful

• Gift themselves or their families unforgettable experiences

Travel has become one of the most emotional and intentional gifts you can give to yourself or someone you love.

What Holiday Travel Dreams Are You Considering?

Whether you’re imagining a winter escape this year or planning years ahead, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Send me a message and let’s start creating something memorable.

🎄 Destination Spotlight: A Cozy Mountain Christmas

If your idea of the perfect Christmas includes a crackling fire, twinkling lights, and snow gently falling outside your window, then a mountain getaway might be just what you need this holiday season. Imagine waking up to the quiet hush of fresh snow, sipping coffee in your pajamas while the fireplace glows, and spending the day surrounded by the beauty of nature – far away from the holiday rush. 

There’s something truly special about celebrating Christmas in the mountains. Picture a cozy cabin decked with garland and a small tree, stockings hung by the fire, and a peaceful stillness that only comes when you’ve escaped the noise of everyday life. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or simply taking time for yourself, a mountain retreat offers space to slow down and savor the season. 

Spend your days exploring small mountain towns that look straight out of a Hallmark movie – where local shops are filled with handmade gifts, lights sparkle along the main street, and the scent of hot cocoa and cinnamon drifts through the air. Take a scenic drive to see snow-covered vistas, go for a gentle winter hike, or build a snowman outside your cabin. Then, as evening settles in, curl up by the fire with a cozy blanket, a favorite holiday movie, and maybe even a mug of peppermint cocoa (or something a little stronger). 

✨ Jennifer’s Travel Tip: Book your Christmas getaway early – cabins and lodges fill up fast during the holidays! Look for places that offer a fully stocked kitchen so you can prepare your favorite holiday meal, or choose a resort-style property where someone else does the cooking for you. Either way, don’t forget to pack your favorite cozy socks and a few small decorations to make your cabin feel just like home. 

A Christmas in the mountains isn’t about having the biggest tree or the fanciest gifts — it’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and making memories that last long after the snow melts. 

📩 Contact me today to start planning your cozy Christmas mountain escape!

🚢👨‍👩‍👧 Family Travel Made Easy: Cruise & Vacation Tips for Kids 🛳️

Planning a family vacation can feel overwhelming, especially when traveling with children. But with the right strategies, your trip can be smooth, memorable, and fun for everyone. As a travel agent who specializes in family vacation planning, I’ve put together my best family travel tips to help parents feel confident and relaxed while exploring the world with their kids.

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1. Choosing Kid-Friendly Airlines & Resorts

One of the most important family travel tips is choosing the right airline and resort.

✈️ Best family-friendly airlines offer:

• Guaranteed seating together for families.

• Kids’ meals and in-flight entertainment.

• Pre-boarding for families with young children.

🏨 Kid-friendly resorts to consider:

• On-site kids’ clubs and teen programs.

• Pools with slides or splash zones.

• Spacious suites or connecting rooms.

• All-inclusive dining that caters to picky eaters.

💡 Pro tip: As a travel agent, I can match you with the best family resorts and airlines that take the stress out of travel.

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2. Packing Hacks for Traveling with Kids

Smart packing makes family vacations so much easier. Here are some family packing tips:

• Snacks: Pack healthy, mess-free snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and crackers. Always bring more than you think you’ll need.

• Activities: Tablets with pre-downloaded movies, coloring books, sticker packs, and small toys keep kids occupied.

• Travel medicine kit: Include children’s pain relievers, motion sickness remedies, and any prescriptions.

• Comfort items: Don’t forget blankets, stuffed animals, or pacifiers to help kids feel secure.

💼 Keep essentials in your carry-on so they’re handy during flights and layovers.

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3. Best Plane Seating for Families

Where you sit matters! Here’s how to make flights with kids easier:

• Aisle + window combo: For a family of three, book window and aisle seats—many times, the middle seat stays open.

• Bulkhead seats: Extra legroom and space for bassinets (perfect for infants).

• Back of the plane: Easy access to restrooms and less stress if kids get restless.

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4. How to Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling

Entertainment is the secret to stress-free flights with kids.

• Download movies, audiobooks, and games before you leave.

• Rotate activities every 30–60 minutes to avoid boredom.

• Use airport layovers as a chance for kids to move around and explore play areas.

• Play simple games like “I Spy,” or create a small travel scavenger hunt.

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5. Best Family-Friendly Destinations & Cruises

Some destinations and cruises are especially designed with families in mind:

🌴 Top Family Vacation Spots

• Orlando, Florida – theme parks and kid-focused fun.

• Costa Rica – eco-adventures and wildlife.

• Hawaii – family resorts with beaches and cultural experiences.

• Italy – history, food, and family-friendly tours.

🛳 Best Family Cruises

• Disney Cruise Line: Magical entertainment for all ages.

• Royal Caribbean: Waterslides, rock climbing, and kids’ clubs.

• Carnival Cruise Line: Affordable family cruises with endless activities.

Cruises make family vacations stress-free since everything is included—meals, lodging, and entertainment.

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Final Thoughts on Family Travel Tips

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing kid-friendly airlines and resorts, packing smart, and picking destinations designed for families, your vacation can be enjoyable for both parents and kids.

👉 Ready to plan your next family getaway? Contact me today for personalized family vacation planning and stress-free travel arrangements!

Gobble ‘Til You Wobble: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Thrill-Seeker’s Travel Guide

Skip the turkey coma and dive into these heart-pumping holiday adventures!

Forget the Couch – It’s Time for Some Turkey Day Thrills!

While your family argues over football games and who ate the last dinner roll, why not trade stuffing for adrenaline? This Thanksgiving, ditch the traditional feast-and-nap routine and embark on adventures that’ll give you stories worth sharing for years to come.

The Great Thanksgiving Gobbler Coasters

1. Holiday Horror Heights at Six Flags Magic Mountain 🎢

Valencia, California

Nothing says “thankful” like screaming at 128 mph! Magic Mountain’s twisted holiday makeover turns their world-class coasters into turkey-themed terror machines. Ride “The Gobbler” (formerly Goliath) while dodging oversized inflatable turkeys, or brave “Stuffing Stampede” where the cars are decorated like giant dinner plates. Pro tip: Eat AFTER the rides, not before!

Thrill Factor: 🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃 Funny Factor: Those turkey sound effects during the drops are absolutely ridiculous

2. The Cranberry Bog Zipline Experience

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Zip through actual cranberry bogs at 45 mph while farmers below harvest the ruby-red berries. The best part? You’ll occasionally get pelted with cranberries (they provide helmets), making this the only zipline where you might leave fruitier than when you started. The grand finale? A splash landing in a pool filled with floating cranberries!

Thrill Factor: 🦃🦃🦃 Funny Factor: Instagram-worthy moments of cranberry chaos

Weird & Wonderful Thanksgiving Adventures

3. The Turkey Trot Bungee Jump

New River Gorge, West Virginia

Take the traditional Turkey Trot to new heights – literally! This 876-foot bungee jump requires participants to wear a full turkey costume while plummeting toward the river below. Bonus points if you can gobble the entire way down. Don’t worry about the costume – they’ve reinforced all the feathers for maximum aerodynamics.

Thrill Factor: 🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃 Funny Factor: The costume rentals alone are worth the trip

4. Macy’s Parade Balloon Piloting Experience

New Jersey Training Facility

Ever wondered what it’s like to wrestle a 40-foot Snoopy in 30 mph winds? This exclusive behind-the-scenes experience lets you train with the actual Macy’s Parade balloon handlers. You’ll learn to navigate giant inflatable characters through obstacle courses designed to simulate Manhattan’s wind tunnels. Fair warning: Snoopy fights back!

Thrill Factor: 🦃🦃🦃 Funny Factor: Watching grown adults get owned by cartoon characters

International Turkey Day Madness

5. The Running of the Turkeys

Yellville, Arkansas

Think Pamplona, but with poultry! This small Arkansas town hosts an annual “Running of the Turkeys” where participants sprint through downtown while being chased by actual turkeys. These birds are surprisingly fast and have zero sense of humor about the holiday. Participants receive turkey-proof shin guards and a crash course in “fowl evasion techniques.”

Thrill Factor: 🦃🦃🦃🦃 Funny Factor: The turkeys take this very seriously, you should too

6. Thanksgiving Skydiving with Pie Delivery

Various Locations Nationwide

Nothing says “gratitude” like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane at 15,000 feet while clutching a pumpkin pie. This unique experience combines extreme sports with holiday tradition – you’ll parachute to a designated landing zone where a Thanksgiving feast awaits. The catch? You must successfully deliver an intact pie to earn your dinner. Splat = no dessert!

Thrill Factor: 🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃 Funny Factor: Pie-related mishaps are 90% of the fun

Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Thrill Seekers

🍗 Pack Smart: Elastic waistbands aren’t just for dinner anymore – they’re perfect for harnesses too!

🦃 Time It Right: Book early! These experiences fill up faster than Uncle Bob’s plate at the buffet.

📱 Document Everything: These stories are too good not to share. Just secure your phone properly!

🏥 Know Your Limits: If you can’t handle spicy stuffing, maybe skip the extreme sports.

🎬 Bring Friends: Someone needs to hold your turkey costume while you sign those liability waivers.

The Bottom Line

This Thanksgiving, give thanks for gravity, aerodynamics, and really good insurance policies. These experiences prove that the best family stories come from the most ridiculous adventures. Sure, you might miss Aunt Martha’s famous green bean casserole, but you’ll gain epic tales that’ll make every future Thanksgiving dinner infinitely more entertaining.

Remember: Life’s too short for boring holidays. Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith… preferably from a very high place while wearing a turkey costume.

Ready to book your Thanksgiving thrill adventure? Contact us today and let’s turn your holiday weekend into an unforgettable adrenaline rush! Because nothing says “thankful” quite like surviving something completely unnecessary and utterly amazing.

Happy Thanksgiving, Thrill Seekers! 🦃🎢🪂

Call (870) 33 JENNI or (870-335-3664) now

🗽 NYC + Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady: 2 Must-Try Foods + 3 Epic Spots You Can’t Miss

Get ready to taste and experience the soul of the Big Apple before or after your Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady sailing!

Why September 2025 is Pure NYC Magic ✨

Picture this: Virgin Voyages’ stunning new ship, Brilliant Lady, makes her spectacular debut in September 2025, sailing from Manhattan Cruise Terminal with perfect 77°F days and crisp 61°F evenings. While the ship features incredible Michelin-inspired dining and adults-only luxury, NYC offers flavors and experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else on Earth.

Whether you’re building anticipation before boarding this revolutionary ship or savoring final moments after your Caribbean adventure, these two iconic food experiences and three must-visit spots will create memories that last a lifetime.

🍽️ THE TWO MUST-TRY FOOD EXPERIENCES

🍕 Must-Try #1: The Ultimate NYC Pizza Pilgrimage

The Experience: Forget everything you think you know about pizza – NYC’s legendary slices are a religious experience. We’re talking paper-thin crust that folds perfectly, bubbling cheese that stretches for days, and that perfect grease-to-sauce ratio that somehow defies physics.

Where to Get Your Life Changed:

• Joe’s Pizza (Multiple locations): The classic New York slice that locals swear by
• Prince Street Pizza: Their pepperoni cups create little pools of spicy oil perfection
• Di Fara (Brooklyn): Watch Dom DeMarco hand-craft each pie like edible art
• Lucali (Brooklyn): Thin-crust masterpieces in a candlelit atmosphere

Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Travelers: After days of sophisticated ship dining, sink your teeth into NYC’s most democratic food – amazing pizza that costs under $3 and delivers more satisfaction than meals 10 times the price. Plus, you can grab a slice and eat it while walking, giving you more time to explore before your ship departs.

Pro Insider Tip: Get your slice “regular” (cheese) first to taste the foundation, then go wild with toppings. And yes, you MUST fold it – that’s not optional in NYC!

🇮🇹 Must-Try #2: Feast of San Gennaro Street Food Extravaganza

The Experience: September 11-21 transforms Mulberry Street into an Italian food paradise that’ll make your Virgin Voyages Italian dining pale in comparison (and that’s saying something!). This isn’t just eating – it’s a full-sensory cultural immersion where the aroma of sausage and peppers mingles with fresh cannoli cream and powdered sugar clouds.

What Your Taste Buds Are Craving:

• Sausage & Peppers: Grilled Italian sausages with sweet bell peppers on fresh Italian bread – pure street food perfection
• Fresh Cannoli: Made-to-order shells filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate chips, and pistachios that’ll ruin you for all other desserts
• Zeppole: Warm, pillowy fried dough dusted with powdered sugar – basically Italian donuts that dreams are made of
• Arancini: Crispy fried rice balls stuffed with cheese that ooze molten goodness
• Italian Ices: Rainbow-colored shaved ice that’s been cooling down New Yorkers for generations

Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Travelers: The festival’s timing perfectly aligns with Brilliant Lady’s debut sailings, and the street party atmosphere gives you authentic Italian culture before you experience Virgin Voyages’ elevated Italian-inspired venues like their new Rojo by Razzle Dazzle tapas experience.

Pro Insider Tip: Come hungry and pace yourself – there are over 100 food vendors. Start with savory (sausage & peppers), work through the carbs (zeppole), and finish with sweet (cannoli). The cannoli cream is made fresh, so those shells should be crispy when you bite down!

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🌟 THE THREE MUST-SEE NYC SPOTS

🌳 Must-Visit #1: Central Park’s September Splendor

The Experience: September is when Central Park transforms into pure magic – early fall foliage creates golden canopies, temperatures are perfect for long walks, and you’ll spot maples turning russet along the Mall while it’s still T-shirt weather. From Bethesda Fountain’s movie-scene beauty to the hidden Shakespeare Garden, every path leads to Instagram-worthy moments.

What Makes It Special:

• Strawberry Fields: John Lennon memorial that draws music lovers worldwide
• Bow Bridge: The most photographed bridge in the park with stunning lake reflections
• The Mall: Tree-lined promenade perfect for people-watching and street performers
• Bethesda Terrace: The Grand staircase and fountain that has appeared in countless movies

Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Travelers: After intimate ship spaces, stretch your legs through 843 acres of green oasis. The park’s energy mirrors cruise ports – bustling yet peaceful, with surprises around every corner. Plus, September’s perfect weather means you can relax without summer’s sticky heat.

Pro Insider Tip: Enter at 59th & 5th (near the Plaza Hotel), walk to Bethesda Fountain, then explore based on your energy level. Early morning (7-9 am) gives you magical golden light and fewer crowds.

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🌉 Must-Visit #2: The High Line’s Elevated Experience

The Experience: This elevated park built on former railway tracks offers a unique perspective of NYC – you’re literally walking above the city through art installations, wild gardens, and industrial-chic architecture. It’s like discovering a secret floating garden that only New Yorkers know about.

What Makes It Special:

• Chelsea Market Passage: Walk above the famous food hall
• 10th Avenue Square: Stadium-style seating overlooking street life below
• Vessel Views: See the dramatic honeycomb structure from perfect angles
• Whitney Museum: End your walk at this stunning contemporary art museum

Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Travelers: The High Line gives you that “floating above the world” feeling, similar to being on a cruise ship’s upper decks. You’ll see NYC from angles impossible anywhere else, and the 1.45-mile walk is perfectly manageable with stunning photo ops every few steps.

Pro Insider Tip: Start at the Gansevoort Street entrance (southern end) and walk north. September’s cooler weather makes this walk absolutely perfect, and you’ll end near great restaurants for dinner.

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🏙️ Must-Visit #3: Top of the Rock – Skyline That’ll Stop Your Heart

The Experience: While everyone goes to the Empire State Building, savvy travelers choose Top of the Rock for the ultimate NYC skyline experience. From the 70th floor, you’ll see the Empire State Building, Central Park’s green rectangle, and endless urban landscape stretching to every horizon – especially magical at sunset.

What Makes It Special:

• 360-degree views: See Manhattan from every angle
• Empire State Building: Perfect photo op with the iconic building in frame
• Central Park views: The rectangular green oasis looks incredible from above
• Sunset timing: September sunsets around 6:45pm create golden hour magic

Why It’s Perfect for Cruise Travelers: You’ll get that same breathtaking perspective you love from cruise ship observation decks, but instead of endless ocean, you’re seeing the most famous skyline on Earth. The views rival any Caribbean sunset and give you bragging rights forever.

Pro Insider Tip: Book the 6:45pm time slot for sunset magic, arrive 20 minutes early to secure prime photo spots, and bring a light jacket – it gets breezy up there!

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🌟 Bonus: Katz’s Delicatessen Legacy

Since you’re doing the ultimate NYC experience, you can’t leave without the legendary pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen (since 1888). This isn’t just a sandwich – it’s 1 pound of hand-carved pastrami piled impossibly high on rye bread with spicy mustard.

Pro Insider Tip: Save your ticket stub (they give you one when you enter), tip the carver a few bucks for extra-thick slices, and don’t even think about asking for lean meat – the fat is where the flavor lives!

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🚢 Your Brilliant Lady Adventure Continues

After experiencing NYC’s most iconic flavors and breathtaking views, you’ll board Brilliant Lady knowing you’ve truly tasted and seen the city’s soul. The ship continues your adventure with:

• Rojo by Razzle Dazzle: Bold Spanish-inspired dining with tapas and cava
• 20+ dining venues: All included, no upcharges, Michelin-inspired excellence
• Exclusive MerMaiden experiences: Special debut voyage perks and tastings
• Adults-only luxury: No nickel-and-diming, just pure indulgence

September sailing highlights:

• 🗽 September 5: Maiden voyage to Bermuda
• 🍂 September 15: Stunning 8-night Fall Colors cruise to Canada
• 🌊 Multiple Bermuda getaways with perfect weather

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Ready to Experience NYC Like Never Before?

These aren’t just tourist stops – they’re transformative experiences that connect you to the heartbeat of the greatest city on Earth. From street corner pizza to sky-high views, from peaceful park walks to elevated garden strolls, you’ll experience NYC like a true insider.

September 2025 isn’t just a cruise – it’s a complete sensory journey from NYC’s streets to Virgin Voyages’ sophisticated decks. You’ll board the Brilliant Lady with authentic New York flavors still dancing on your tongue, breathtaking skyline views burned into your memory, and stories to share at every meal.

Contact me today to design your perfect NYC + Brilliant Lady adventure. Let’s make this September absolutely unforgettable!

Call (870) 33 JENNI or (870-335-3664) now

Family Vacation Planning: 7 Essential Tips from Central Arkansas Travel Experts

After helping hundreds of families create unforgettable vacation memories, we’ve learned that successful family trips aren’t just about picking the right destination – they’re about smart planning that considers every family member’s needs and interests.

1. Start Planning 3-6 Months Ahead

Popular family destinations and resorts fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Early planning also allows you to secure better rates and gives children something exciting to anticipate. Create a family calendar specifically for vacation planning, marking important booking deadlines and preparation milestones.

2. Involve Everyone in Destination Selection

Hold a family meeting where each member shares their “must-do” vacation activity. Maybe Dad wants to fish, Mom craves spa time, teenagers want adventure parks, and younger kids dream of meeting Mickey Mouse. The key is finding destinations that offer variety or planning itineraries that give everyone their moment to shine.

3. Budget Realistically (Including the Unexpected)

Beyond obvious costs like flights and hotels, factor in meals, activities, souvenirs, tips, and a 20% buffer for unexpected expenses. Consider vacation rental properties with kitchens to save on dining costs, especially for families with young children who eat frequently.

4. Pack Smart, Not Just More

Create packing lists for each family member and include backup entertainment for travel days. Pack one complete outfit for each person in your carry-on luggage – flight delays happen, and having clean clothes can save a vacation’s first day.

5. Plan for Downtime

Overscheduled vacations lead to meltdowns (both kids and adults!). Build in pool time, naps, and flexible hours where family members can pursue individual interests. Some of the best vacation memories happen during unplanned moments.

6. Prepare for Different Ages and Interests

Traveling with a toddler and a teenager? Pack activities for both. Download age-appropriate apps, bring coloring books, pack snacks that appeal to different palates, and research destinations with multi-generational appeal.

7. Document the Journey, Not Just the Destinations

Encourage kids to keep travel journals or create photo albums. These keepsakes become treasured family memories and help children process and remember their experiences long after returning home.

Why Professional Planning Makes a Difference

Family vacation planning involves juggling numerous details while trying to satisfy multiple preferences and needs. Professional vacation planners understand family travel dynamics and can suggest solutions you might not consider, from family-friendly airlines to resorts with kids’ clubs that give parents relaxation time.

Let Vacation Planners of Central Arkansas handle the logistics while you focus on creating memories with your loved ones.

Call (870) 33 JENNI or (870-335-3664) now

Hidden Gems of the Arkansas River Valley: Your Ultimate Weekend Getaway Guide

When most people think of Arkansas vacations, they immediately picture Hot Springs or the Ozark Mountains. But here in Central Arkansas, we’re sitting on some of the state’s best-kept secrets that make for perfect weekend escapes without the crowds.

Petit Jean State Park: More Than Just a Mountain

Just an hour west of Little Rock, Petit Jean State Park offers breathtaking overlooks, serene hiking trails, and the famous Cedar Falls. What many visitors don’t know is that the park’s CCC-built lodge serves some of the best comfort food in the region. Pro tip: book a cabin in the fall when the foliage creates a natural kaleidoscope around every bend.

Downtown Conway: Small Town Charm with Big City Amenities

Conway’s downtown district has transformed into a foodie haven. Start your morning at Rocket Brothers Coffee, then explore the unique boutiques along Oak Street. Don’t miss dinner at Table Mesa Bistro – their farm-to-table approach showcases the best of Arkansas agriculture.

Lake Conway: Arkansas’s Largest Man-Made Lake

Perfect for families who love water activities, Lake Conway offers excellent fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The lake’s shallow areas make it ideal for children, while serious anglers can pursue bass, crappie, and catfish in the deeper channels.

Planning Your River Valley Adventure

The beauty of Central Arkansas getaways is their accessibility. Most destinations are within a two-hour drive, making them perfect for spontaneous weekend trips. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, culinary experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, the Arkansas River Valley delivers without the need for extensive travel.

Ready to explore your backyard? Contact Vacation Planners of Central Arkansas to customize your perfect local getaway.

 Call (870) 33 JENNI or (870-335-3664) now

Family Adventures in Galveston: Must-Visit Attractions Before and After Your Cruise

When planning a family cruise from Galveston, adding an extra day or two to explore this charming island city can transform your vacation into an unforgettable adventure. Two attractions stand out as must-visit destinations for families: Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Moody Gardens: A World of Discovery Under Glass Pyramids

As we drove toward Moody Gardens, my kids couldn’t contain their excitement at the sight of the three massive glass pyramids rising from the landscape. This nonprofit educational destination welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.

The Rainforest Pyramid

Stepping inside the Rainforest Pyramid, we were immediately transported to a lush tropical environment. You explore both the forest floor and the treetop canopy via elevated walkways. My children were thrilled to spot sloths hanging from branches, while the free-roaming saki monkeys swung through the trees nearby.

The Giant Amazon River Otters were our family favorite. We spent nearly 30 minutes watching their playful antics, completely captivated by these charismatic creatures.

The Aquarium Pyramid

[IMAGE: Large shark tank in the Aquarium Pyramid]

The impressive Aquarium Pyramid takes you on a journey through the oceans of the world. The penguin exhibit was an instant hit with the kids, while the massive shark tanks had all of us pressed against the glass in awe. The Jellyfish Gallery offered a more serene experience with its ethereally illuminated tanks.

Interactive touch pools allowed the kids to gently handle stingrays and other marine life, while informative displays explained ocean conservation in kid-friendly terms.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Thrills Over the Gulf

After our cruise, we spent our final day at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, extending 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico. This colorful amusement park stands where the original Pleasure Pier entertained visitors from 1943 until 1961.

Heart-Pounding Rides

The undisputed star attraction is the Iron Shark roller coaster featuring a 100-foot vertical lift followed by a beyond-vertical drop. With four inversions and speeds reaching 52 miles per hour, it’s not for the faint of heart.

For spectacular views of the Gulf and Galveston shoreline, ride the Texas Star Flyer, a swing ride that suspends you 230 feet above the water’s surface. Watching the sunset from this vantage point was a magical way to end our vacation.

Family-Friendly Fun

For younger children or those who prefer gentler thrills, the pier offers plenty of options including a beautiful carousel, bumper cars, and the classic Galaxy Wheel (Ferris wheel).

The midway games provide old-school carnival fun, and don’t miss the festive atmosphere with colorful lights, cheerful music, and classic treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes.

Planning Tips for Families

1. Allow adequate time: Each attraction deserves at least half a day, if not a full day.
2. Consider the weather: The pyramids at Moody Gardens provide a perfect rainy-day activity, while the Pleasure Pier may close rides during high winds or storms.
3. Buy tickets online: Both attractions offer online tickets that can save you money and time in line.
4. Check height requirements: The Iron Shark roller coaster requires riders to be at least 48 inches tall.

Why These Attractions Make Perfect Bookends

These attractions are conveniently located relative to the cruise terminal and offer experiences different from those on the ship. Moody Gardens provides educational value with its focus on conservation and wildlife, while the Pleasure Pier delivers high-energy thrills and classic amusement park fun.

By adding just two extra days to our trip, we transformed a simple cruise into a multi-faceted family adventure that created lasting memories.

Anchors Away! Set Sail on Your Galveston Adventure Today!

The perfect family getaway is just a phone call away! Our cruise specialists are standing by to transform your travel dreams into unforgettable memories. From glass pyramids to thrilling pier rides, we’ll handle all the details while you focus on the fun.

⚓ Wave goodbye to planning stress! Call (870) 33 JENNI or (870-335-3664) now or schedule a time cruise to unlock exclusive cruise packages! ⚓