Asogno Travel

10/11/2026

5 things I’d do in Budapest before a river cruise

Budapest is one of my favorite cities to recommend adding to a Danube River cruise, and I always encourage clients to arrive a few days early. You’re already making the trip to Europe, so why rush straight to the ship?

Here’s how I’d spend my pre-cruise time:

1. See the city from the Danube. Take in the Parliament Building, bridges, and Buda and Pest skylines from the water. An evening cruise is easy to grab.

2. Visit Fisherman’s Bastion. The views over the city are fantastic, and Matthias Church next door is worth a look, too. Bring your camera!

3. Explore the Great Market Hall. Browse Hungarian paprika, local specialties, and souvenirs. It’s a fun way to get a taste of the local culture.

4. Soak in a thermal bath. Budapest is famous for its thermal baths. It’s a uniquely Hungarian experience and a pretty great way to recover from a long flight.

5. Try a chimney cake and visit a ruin bar. You’ll probably smell chimney cakes before you see them! These sweet, spiral-shaped pastries are a Budapest favorite, and you can even take a class to make your own. Later, head to the Jewish Quarter to check out a ruin bar. These quirky spots are set inside old buildings, and Szimpla Kert is the original.

My tip: Arrive at least two nights before your river cruise if your schedule allows. It gives you time to adjust to the time change, explore without rushing, and helps protect your cruise from flight delays.

Which would you choose first: the thermal baths, a chimney cake, or exploring a ruin bar?

09/27/2026

Early arrival in Venice, with the afternoon check-in doesn't mean you have to waste half the day sitting around with your luggage.

Drop your bags at the hotel, grab some breakfast or coffee and start walking.

Venice is one of those places where getting lost can actually be part of the plan.

I wouldn't try to knock out every major site right away.

A few easy places to wonder while you wait:
Rialto bridge- It's a great photo spot and you can browse the surrounding shops.
Cannaregio- you'll find quieter streets and plenty of spots to stop for cicchetti & a drink.
St. Marks Square- you can simply wander around and take in this famous site without needing a ticket.

Would you rather have your first morning planned out? Or just wander?

09/20/2026

I just realized it’s been ONE YEAR since I was in Montreal, so I thought I'd share the things I still remember about the trip. 😂

Montreal surprised me with it's European feel. I loved the beautiful architecture, walkable neighborhoods, great food and plenty to explore. The best part is you don't need an overnight flight to get there from the U.S.

A few things I’d recommend if you’re planning a visit:
🇨🇦 Give yourself 3–4 nights.
You can hit the highlights in a weekend, but a few extra days give you time to explore beyond Old Montreal.

Don’t stay only in Old Montreal.
It’s beautiful and definitely worth seeing, but neighborhoods like the Plateau, Mile End, Little Italy and Little Burgundy are where you really get a feel for the city.

Come hungry.
Montreal is a FOOD city. Bagels, smoked meat, poutine, pastries, coffee, markets…and some seriously good restaurants. Build some flexibility into your schedule so you can actually stop and eat when something looks good.

Wear comfortable shoes.
You’re going to walk. A lot.

And leave some time with no plans.
One of my favorite things about Montreal is that you don't have to schedule every minute. Simply wander a neighborhood, browse a market find a restaurant and see where the afternoon takes you.

If I were planning a Montreal trip now, I’d probably combine Old Montreal and the Old Port with time in the Plateau/Mile End, Mount Royal, Jean-Talon Market and plenty of time devoted to eating. Maybe even a walking food tour.

Want the full details? I put together a simple travel guide from my trip. You can find it on my blog. Link in the comments. 👇 See less

09/16/2026

🎉 Asogno Travel is turning TWO!

Two years ago, I had a crazy idea to start this wild ride of a business, and somehow here we are.

I’ve had the opportunity to plan amazing European trips, river cruises, and small group trips, but of course my favorite has been Italy.

And now I want to celebrate.

Over the next week, I’ll be doing several travel giveaways inside my private Facebook group!

If you’re not already a member, come join us. I share travel tips, destination inspiration, recipes, cocktails and plenty of things I think travelers will find useful.

Join the group using the link in the comments 👇

And if you’re following me here, thank you.

Cheers to 2 years and lots more travel to go! 🥂

09/15/2026

A great mornnig meeting local businesses and enjoying some great coffee and snacks!

Great turnout at our Chamber Coffee Hour this morning! ☕️💚

A huge thank you to Asogno Travel for hosting and bringing our local business community together! And thank you Basehor Nutrition for keeping us fueled with delicious refreshments this morning!

Coffee Hours are such a great way to connect, network, support local businesses, and start the day with some familiar faces. We appreciate everyone who joined us!

Want to join us at our next Coffee Hour or Chamber event? ☕️ Check out our website to see upcoming events and meetups. We’d love to see you there!

09/09/2026

This is one of my favorite ways to extend a European trip.

Start with a few days in a city.
Take a river cruise through the heart of Europe.
Then keep going.

Add an ocean cruise through the Mediterranean.

Budapest → Danube → Rome → Mediterranean

Or...

Paris → Seine → Barcelona → Mediterranean

The same trip with more destinations. It can be a great alternative to simply adding a few pre- or post-cruise nights.

I like to think about cruising as the backbone of a really great European trip, and not just the entire vacation.

Would you combine a river and ocean cruise, or would you rather add more time on land?

08/28/2026

Would Hungary make your European travel list?

It absolutely should.

Hungary gives you a little bit of everything, and Budapest is a pretty spectacular place to start.

You’ve got grand architecture, fascinating history, traditional culture, and an incredible food scene. Goulash, local specialties, pastries, and w**e all give you plenty of reasons to plan your day around your next meal.

And once you get beyond Budapest, you'll find w**e regions, charming countryside, historic towns, and plenty of opportunities to experience the traditions that make Hungary unique.

Budapest may get the spotlight, but there’s so much more to discover throughout the country.

Have you been to Hungary, or is it still on your list?

08/17/2026

There’s a lot that happens between “I want to go somewhere” and actually being there.

The inspiration.
The research.
The planning.
The little details that make it come together.

And then… the result.

A trip that feels effortless because someone took the time to make sure it all made sense.

That’s the part of travel planning I love most. Taking an idea and turning it into “I can’t believe we’re actually here.”

08/07/2026

Not every vacation is meant to be spent at a resort.

Before you click book, I'd ask you these three questions:

⛱️ Do you want to relax or explore?

If your dream vacation is pool side with a drink in hand ,an all inclusive might be perfect.
If you're dreaming of wandering cobblestone streets, eating at local restaurants, and experiencing local culture, there may be a better fit.

🍛 What kind of memories do you want to bring home?

Unlimited buffets and beach days? Or enjoying homemade pasta in a family run trattoria, drinking local w**e and getting lost in a beautiful European city?

🌎 Is the destination the experience, or just the backdrop?

In places like Mexico and the Caribbean, the resort is often the destination. In Italy and much of Europe, the magic happens beyond the hotel.

There isn't a right or wrong answer.The best vacation is the one that matches your travel style.

That's exactly what I help my clients figure out.

And if you're not sure which type of trip is right for you, let's chat.