Versailles, The Sun King, and All Things Golden

Last fall, my mom and I spent a glorious day exploring all things Louis. It was Mama's first time in France (really the first time anywhere in Europe) and I was looking forward to delighting in the...

Cruising 201 – Luxury Cruising

Ya know - I love it when my travel tips garner further discussion and more suggestions of how to navigate the ever-changing world of cruising. When I posted my Cruising 101 tips a few days ago, my...

Cruising 101 – Bella’s Cruise Tips

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about cruising and those little nuggets of advice that makes your cruise adventure go more smoothly. I’ve been asking my colleagues for their best cruise tips,...

The Best of 2018

Wow 2018 just flew by—like at warp speed!!! Here at Bella, we are already in full planning mode for 2019 travels and beyond—but I wanted to take a moment this morning, sit by the fire, sip some...

What does Luxury travel mean to you?

At Bella Travel Planning, we create custom, luxury travel experiences. When you hear the word "Luxury," what comes to mind?  What picture do you see?  What does luxury mean? More importantly, what...

Travel Insurance and Summer Travel

June first marks the start of hurricane season.   No one wants to experience a hurricane season like that of last summer and fall.  And no one wants to think that possibly it could happen...

Summer Beach Reads!

Is there anything better than a day at the beach with a great book?  We love a good beach read!  Thick, thin, heavy subjects, light-hearted reads--a great beach read just has to take us away and...

Halfway Around the Globe and Back, 2017

We had a busy (and fun!) year traveling halfway around the globe in 2017.   We like to travel independently, and our first trip was to Mexico.  In the Spring, we flew to Japan where we spent five...

From My Terrace along the Indian Ocean

Good morning Seychelles and Indian Ocean!! As I sit here on my private terrace this morning in front of the Indian Ocean hearing the resort wake up and the rich sounds of nature surrounds me, my...

Updated Cuba Travel Regulations

Cuba is hot Hot HOT!  With the appearance of cruise ships this past year, travel to Cuba has been easier than ever.  However, travel to Cuba is a fluid thing with requirements changing year to year....
The Art of Being a Travel Advisor

The Art of Being a Travel Advisor

I am asked often, “Oh so you are a travel agent, do you get to travel a lot?” Until recently, I would minimize the amount of travel I do.  I wanted people to understand that being a travel advisor is more than just visiting destinations, it is about researching the...

read more

A DiVa’s Guide for Packing Light

A client once asked me why he had to pack light when he had a driver pick him up from the airport and take him to the hotel.  At first, the question took me aback – EVERYONE knows you should pack light…..what a crazy question!!  After I thought about it for a while,...

read more

Five Things to Do Before You Depart

I know, you’ve read packing guide after packing guide—they all sound the same….toothbrush, toiletries, extra socks, a poncho (who really wears a poncho on vacation??)…..you’ve read about the “must sees” and the “not worth your times.” You are ready for your...

read more

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Traveling can be stressful---heck traveling IS stressful…..even for the expert traveler.  There is something about airports, train stations, and car rental companies that rachet up you blood pressure, your anxiousness, and your need to learn the art of patience. ...

read more