I hope your spring is off to a beautiful start! My family enjoyed a relaxing spring break and a beautiful Easter Sunday! What we've loved
the most is spending as much time as possible outside enjoying the gorgeous weather (when the West Texas wind isn't blowing, that is). We cannot wait for summer around here!
SPEAKING OF SUMMER.....
I have to tell you about the most hilarious conversation I just had! A sweet client (and friend) of mine called to chat about making plans for her family’s summer vacation—a beach trip somewhere in the Caribbean. As we discussed the items on her wish list, I noticed she was getting progressively less excited. When I asked if there was something on her mind, she responded, “We really wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast this summer, but I guess we can’t pull it off this late (sigh). So I was just looking for something tropical and blue that you could handle on short notice.” Say what?!?!?!?!?!? Late notice? It’s not even April!!!
First of all, this sweet friend did exactly what I hope you would do, which is to call me for help! The only bummer here was that she should have come right out and asked if I had time to get an Italy itinerary together for her this summer (you know…instead of talking about St. Lucia for 30 minutes). I seriously can’t believe that she was going to take a completely different vacation than the one she wanted! Yikes!!!
The good news that I shared with her (and will now share with you) is that I can plan a fantastic European vacation for you in a matter of weeks! Of course, the more lead time, the better...but if you need to get away in a hurry, I have a few secret weapons:
1. I have actual friends who frequently travel to or live in the destinations you want to visit. In most cases, these are people who work in some sector of the travel industry or that I’ve met through my own travels. Maybe they lead small group tours in Rome and offer me their apartment for my next visit. Perhaps they scope out agriturismos so that I don’t accidentally send you to a dump. They could be Irish ex-pats who know the perfect place for my clients to eat breakfast on their upcoming trip to Dublin. These are people with whom I share wine, trade parenting stories, and {you better believe} talk shop. These are relationships that I cultivate, in part, because they enhance your travel experience to an astounding degree. These are the people to whom I can only hope I give as much as I take.
2. This one is boring, but true. I have fantastic suppliers who pull rabbits out of hats! I am so blessed to have a network of professionals who can make seats appear on airplanes, suites appear in 5 star hotels, and chef's tables open up at Paul Bocuse. They are the true magicians behind last-minute luxury vacations! (#topthatTravelocity).
3. Because this is what I do every.single.day. I specialize in unique vacations to Europe. I know the ins and outs of most European destinations that you want to visit and have a finely-tuned process for preparing your customized itinerary. This is my passion in life!
I have the best job in the world--not because I take free trips (I don't)--because I have the privilege of planning your memories. I can pull off your last-minute or year-in-advance Europe trip because I genuinely care about how much fun you’re going to have…how many selfies you’re going to take…how many lines you’ll avoid…what kind of weird foods you’ll try. I make myself an expert in the place you want to visit so that I can walk in your shoes and protect you from missteps…so that I can coordinate your Tuscan wedding…so I can indulge you on your Parisian honeymoon.
So there you have it. Call it a shameless plug if you want, but I hope it helps to know just a few personal reasons why I am qualified to handle your European vacation—at the very last minute or a year in advance.
Ciao Chow!
Autumn
P.S. If you still don't think you're ready for a Europe trip this summer, St. Lucia is not a bad alternative!!
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