Vacations by Elizabeth - Cruises, Caribbean, Hawaii, and European Travel

06/17/2026

One of my favorite trips I've ever taken with my family was to Italy. I'm excited to pass along the opportunity of this private Cosmos small group opportunity arranged by Straight Away Travel! Eat your way through Rome to Sorrento to Capri to Naples and back to Rome, and you never have to worry about the arrangements. Enjoy cooking classes and unique experiences, including lunch in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

This is a great trip for couples, friend groups, or families with older kids. Click the link below for pricing and more information. And you can always ask me, too!

Dates: October 9 - 16, 2027

Eat Your Way Around Italy on a small group tour just for Straight Away Travel Clients! Travel dates: October 9 - 16, 2027 Only 13 double rooms remain! Two ro...

06/15/2026

📍 Port Spotlight: Lisbon, Portugal

❓ If you had one day in Lisbon, what's the one thing you absolutely wouldn't miss?

Lisbon is one of Europe's most colorful and charming cruise ports. Built across seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, it's known for historic neighborhoods, yellow trams, incredible viewpoints, and delicious food around every corner.

⭐ Best Known For:
Historic districts like Alfama and Belém, iconic yellow streetcars, and stunning views throughout the city.

🚢 Perfect For:
History lovers, foodies, photographers, and anyone who enjoys exploring on foot.

🍴 Don't Leave Without Trying:
A pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart). Many visitors make a stop at Pastéis de Belém, where the famous recipe has been served for generations.

📸 Photo Worth Taking:
The view from one of Lisbon's many miradouros (viewpoints), especially overlooking the red rooftops and river.

💡 Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes. Lisbon is beautiful, but those hills are no joke! The city's trams, funiculars, and tuk-tuks can help save your legs while exploring.

Have you visited Lisbon? Share your favorite sights, restaurants, tips, or hidden gems in the comments!

06/14/2026

What made you smile today? Doesn't have to be travel related - just spreading joy!

06/14/2026

You drop your bags, take a breath, and realize something is off. Maybe the beds aren’t split, or a light is flickering. Before you trudge back to the Guest Services line, find your Room Steward.

The biggest thing to know? They are the CEOs of your deck.

Most guests don't realize how much authority they actually have. Cleanliness, extra pillows, or bedding swaps can usually be handled in minutes. They want you to have a perfect week and prefer fixing small issues now rather than seeing them on a post-cruise survey.

If it’s a mechanical failure or a room location issue beyond their scope, that’s when you head to Guest Services. Be kind, but firm. They are managing a floating city but have the power to make things right if you approach them with a clear, calm request.

For me, I always suggest a "stateroom sweep" in the first hour. Check the plumbing, lights, and layout immediately. It’s easier for the crew to pivot while the ship is still in port or before the first night dinner rush.

Have you had a stateroom surprise fixed on the spot, or did you wait it out? What’s the most unusual fix you’ve seen?

06/08/2026

It’s World Ocean Day - tell me your favorite ocean/beach destination in the comments 👇🏽

Let's celebrate the stunning waters of the Mexican Caribbean! Did you know that the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is the second longest reef system in the world? It starts at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and runs south all the way down to the Bay Islands of Honduras. Our family has been lucky enough to explore this reef off the coasts of both Cozumel, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.

06/03/2026

Would You Rather Wednesday: Would you rather explore a tropical island or a bustling city this weekend?

06/01/2026

Fill in the blank in the comments - A perfect travel morning starts with ________.

For me, it's a cup of coffee on my stateroom balcony!

05/31/2026

It’s National Smile Day! 😊 What’s a travel moment that brought a smile to your face? I'll share mine in the comments!

Travel has a way of bringing out the biggest, most genuine smiles. Whether it's spotting a sea turtle while snorkeling, getting upgraded at check-in, or watching your kids experience the ocean for the first time.

Here’s to more memories that make you smile!

05/29/2026

Travel Tip Thursday: Did you know that many countries require a minimum of 3 to 6 months of validity past your dates of travel on your passport?

Don't get caught flat on this! I start thinking about my passport renewal when I get around the 12 month mark.

Current processing times:
Routine: 4 to 6 weeks
Expedited: 2 to 3 weeks

And y'all. Even when birth certificates are fine to use (like a cruise), I ALWAYS recommend getting a passport. No questions about if it's the right kind of document or problems if you have to fly home from abroad.

US State Department link in comments.

05/27/2026

Happy National Flip Flop Day to the unofficial shoe of vacation mode. ☀️ What's your go-to brand of flip flops?

Nothing says “I’m officially off duty” quite like hearing flip flops on the way to the pool, beach, cruise deck, or coffee run at the resort.

If I’m traveling somewhere warm, they’re probably the first thing packed and the last thing taken off.

Comment below! 👇