Travel by Marcia

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Travel by Marcia

As a MVP I specialize in providing professional, concierge level travel planning services at no cost.

10/15/2026

Traveling to Europe and love your soda?

Here are 3 things that might surprise you.

I swear Coke tastes better with lemon. Sometimes when I’m home and missing Europe, I’ll add a slice of lemon to my Coke just to feel like I’m back.

Diet Coke is called Coco-Cola Light. Pepsi is available but not as common.

This bottle was $7 with lunch at a restaurant. It’s not as expensive in the stores but it’s still expensive.

In most restaurants if you order a ‘refill’ you will pay another $7. Unlimited refills is not a ‘thing’ in Europe.

When my kids were in Europe they learned that they only got one soda with dinner. Sip and savor was the theme.

Save foe your visit to Europe
Send to a friend who is visiting soon.
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09/26/2026

This one is simple: Yelp.

And finding local restaurants while we travel is actually my husband’s superpower. I put him in charge, and he rarely disappoints.

In Germany, he found us an amazing little off-the-beaten-path Biergarten. There were no English menus, and while I know a little German, apparently acting out animal sounds to figure out what we wanted to eat was much more entertaining.

We still talk about that meal. Not just because the food was good, but because the entire experience became one of our favorite travel memories.

Then there was the little pizza place he found on Yelp in Rome, just a block or two from the Trevi Fountain. Nothing fancy. Just a small local spot and another fantastic meal.

That’s one of the things I love about traveling. Sometimes the meal you remember most isn’t the restaurant everyone tells you to visit. It’s the little place you find along the way.

So when we’re looking for somewhere local to eat, Yelp is usually our first stop. I like that you can dig beyond the star rating and look at reviews, photos, location, price and other details before deciding. Even directions because without them we would NEVER have found that Biergarten in Germany.

Now I want to know: How do YOU find great places to eat when you’re traveling?
Yelp? Google? TikTok? Ask a local? Or do you just wander until something looks good?

09/24/2026

5 places where traveling solo can feel easier.

And if are traveling without a partner but don’t want to do the whole trip on your own, ask me about guided group tours designed just for women. You can arrive solo and share the experience with other travelers.

Which of these places would you choose for your first solo trip?

Portugal
Join a group outing when you want company, then explore at your own pace. Try a surf lesson in Ericeira or a w**e tour in the Douro Valley.

Japan
High-speed trains connect major cities, and eating alone feels natural in many restaurants. Choose the energy of Tokyo and Osaka or a slower day in Kyoto. Portugal and Japan were both named among the world’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026.

Croatia
Walk Dubrovnik’s walls, spend a quieter day at Krka National Park, or head to Hvar when you want a livelier atmosphere. Croatia is currently at Level 1 on the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory scale.

Scotland
There’s no language barrier for English speakers, and Edinburgh is lovely to explore on foot. A walking tour or a pub gives you an easy way to meet people. If you rent a car, remember that you’ll drive on the left.

Thailand
Build a trip around Bangkok, northern Thailand, and the beaches. Thailand is currently Level 1 overall, though some areas near the Cambodian border and in the far south carry a higher advisory.

09/22/2026

Every client asks me this before a big trip, and I never give a one-word answer. 🧳

Carry-on or checked bag?

First, let’s clear up something that confuses a lot of travelers.

Your personal item (purse or small backpack) and your carry-on are TWO different things. Depending on your airline and ticket, that carry-on might cost extra.

Carry-on only sounds great… until you’re traveling through three countries with completely different climates. Or you have a wedding to attend and need to pack a dress and heels.

Checking a bag gives you more packing flexibility, but there’s always the possibility of a delayed or lost bag.

Here’s my non-negotiable travel rule:

If you check a bag, your medications, valuables, important documents, and maybe one change of clothes stay WITH YOU in your personal item or carry-on.

Never put something you absolutely need in a bag that might not arrive with you.

Now, I’m curious…

👇 Are you Team Carry-On or Team Checked Bag?

09/19/2026

A whole year of saving, dreaming, and counting down… and now it’s finally time to relax and enjoy every moment. 🌴☀️🍹

Tag someone you’re taking on this vacation! ✈️💕

09/17/2026

🚢 River cruise or ocean cruise? Which one is right for YOU?

If you’ve never cruised before, you might think they’re all pretty much the same.

But the experience can be completely different!

🌍 RIVER CRUISING: Smaller ships, a relaxed atmosphere, and more time exploring charming towns and cities. Many fares even include excursions!

🌊 OCEAN CRUISING: Bigger ships, more entertainment, restaurants, pools, and activities. The ship itself can be part of the adventure!

So, which one is better?

The one that fits the way YOU love to vacation. ❤️

And that’s where I come in! I help you navigate the options so you can choose a cruise that fits your travel style, interests, and budget.

👇 Comment CRUISE and I’ll send you my FREE Cruise Comparison Guide!

It breaks down the different types of cruises so you can stop guessing and start figuring out which experience is right for YOU. 🚢

09/16/2026

This is my favorite part of traveling.

09/15/2026

Drawing Olaf… WITH Olaf?! ☃️✏️

This might be one of the cutest experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

At **Olaf Draws!** inside The Magic of Disney Animation, you can learn how to sketch Disney characters while an Audio-Animatronics Olaf draws right alongside you. 🎨

You’ll even get recorded tips, techniques, and stories from Disney Animation artists as you create your own Disney masterpiece.

Definitely adding this one to the must-do list for your next park day! ✨

Would you add Olaf Draws! to your Hollywood Studios must-do list? ☃️👇

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Altoona, PA
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Website

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