I know. The holidays haven't even happened yet.

You may currently be figuring out who's hosting what and wondering how it's almost the end of the year.

So naturally, I'm here to talk about... spring break.

March and April feel very far away right now, but here's the problem with spring break: everyone has the same week off.

And everyone wants the same great hotels, villas, flights, guides and beaches.

So instead of waiting until February and asking me, "Where can we still go?" let's figure out where you actually WANT to go while we still have options.

And I've got a few ideas.

When to Book Spring Break 2027

Spring break dates aren't exactly known for their flexibility, so waiting doesn't magically create more great options.

Easter falls on March 28 in 2027, so check your school calendar early. If you're thinking about traveling in March or April, now is when I'd start.

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Spring Break in Ireland: For the Family That Doesn't Need a Beach

Hear me out. Everyone immediately thinks sunshine for spring break, but I actually love the idea of doing something completely different.

Ireland in March isn't going to give you swimsuit weather. Pack a rain jacket, embrace the possibility of four seasons in one day, and go anyway.

Spend a few nights in Dublin, head west through the countryside, stay in an incredible castle or country estate, stop at tiny pubs, drive the coast, and come home with approximately 4,000 photos of sheep.

And if you have enough time, you could even combine Ireland and Scotland for a bigger adventure.

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Spring Break in the Riviera Maya: For Easy Sunshine

Okay, okay. You want sunshine. Mexico makes spring break EASY. And there are so many ways to do it.

Want a beautiful all-inclusive where everyone can disappear to their preferred pool and meet back up for dinner? Done. Want something smaller, quieter and more luxurious? We can do that too.

And when you've had enough pool time, you can add cenotes, snorkeling, ruins, boating or a day trip.

It's one of my favorite options when the assignment is basically: please give us a really good vacation without making this complicated.

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Spring Break in New Zealand: For the BIG Adventure

Now we're talking. I've been to New Zealand twice, and I would go back tomorrow.

March is actually early autumn there, which means you can still have beautiful weather while moving out of the peak summer season.

This isn't really a sit-by-the-pool spring break. You're road-tripping through ridiculous scenery, hiking, drinking wine, taking boats through fjords, and potentially throwing yourself off something in Queenstown if that's your idea of fun.

My only caveat? You need time. I wouldn't fly all the way to New Zealand for a five-night spring break. But if you have 10 days or can stretch your school calendar a little, now we're having a different conversation.

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Spring Break in Hawaii: No Passport Required

Sometimes easy wins. No passport. Beautiful resorts. Beaches. Hiking. Snorkeling. Great restaurants. And several islands that can give you completely different vacations.

I love Hawaii for families because you can make the trip as active or as lazy as you want. Spend the morning hiking and the afternoon at the pool. Take a helicopter ride one day and do absolutely nothing the next.

And if you have enough time, split the trip between two islands.

Spring Break in South Africa: Where I'm Going

And then there's the trip I'm apparently incapable of staying away from.

I'm going back to South Africa for spring break. Yes, again.

After taking Charlie to Africa, I'm even more convinced that safari can be an incredible family trip. You can spend a few days in Cape Town exploring, eating extremely well, visiting the coast and wine country, and then completely change gears and head into the bush.

City, wine, penguins and lions? I don't know what else you need.

And if you're wondering whether I'm really taking Charlie back to Africa this soon... Yes. She loved it that much, and so did we.

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So... Where Should You Go for Spring Break?

This is the part where I give you my favorite travel-advisor answer: it depends.

• Want easy sunshine? Mexico or Hawaii.

• Want cozy pubs, castles and something different? Ireland.

• Want a BIG adventure? New Zealand.

• Want wildlife, incredible hotels, great food and a trip your family will probably talk about forever? South Africa.

Thinking About Spring Break?

You don't have to come to me knowing the answer. Tell me who is going, how much time you have, what you want to spend, and what you want the trip to feel like. That's where we start.

Beach, Europe or BIG adventure? Tell me what you're feeling and I'll tell you where I'd send you.

Want a trip like this planned around your family? Learn more about my personalized luxury travel planning.

Let's get started

Here's one of the fun parts of working with a travel advisor: sometimes you get more for booking the exact same trip.

As of October 15, 2026, when you book The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection through me, you get onboard credit on your voyage. That's thanks to the partnership between the yacht line and Departure Lounge, the agency I'm affiliated with.

How Much Onboard Credit You Get

• $500 per suite on standard suites

• $1,000 per suite on the top three suite categories on each yacht

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Which Suites Get $1,000

The top three categories are different depending on the yacht:

• Luminara: Owner's Suite, Concierge Suite, Residential Suite

• Ilma: Owner's Suite, Concierge Suite, View Suite

• Evrima: Owner's Suite, View Suite, Loft Suite

So if you've been deciding between suite categories, this is one more thing to weigh. I can help you figure out whether moving up actually makes sense for your trip.

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What I'd Spend It On

This is where the credit is actually useful, because so much of the yacht is already included in your fare. Your suite, most of the dining, drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi are all covered.

So the credit goes toward the things that aren't. Think spa treatments, shore excursions, and specialty dining.

In other words, the things you were probably going to want anyway.

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Which Yacht Is Right for You?

Evrima is the smallest of the three, with 149 suites. Ilma and Luminara are larger, with more restaurants to choose from.

Each one sails different itineraries, so the right answer usually comes down to where you want to go and when.

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Yacht or Small Luxury Ship?

If you're still deciding between a yacht and a small luxury ship, here's how Ritz-Carlton compares to Explora Journeys.

Ready to Look at Sailings?

Tell me where you're dreaming of going and when, and I'll narrow down the yacht, the voyage and the suite.

Let's plan your voyage

Photos: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

If a Rosewood stay has been on your list, this is your week.

Rosewood just launched an offer called Rosewood Beyond across its hotels and resorts, and the booking window is only November 3-10, 2026. It’s only available through travel advisors like me, so you won’t get it booking on your own. The good news is that you don't have to travel anytime soon. It's good for stays through June 30, 2027.

The Rosewood Beyond Offer

Here's what's included when you book in the window:

• Up to 30% off the best available rate

• A credit to use at the hotel, which varies by hotel and room type

• No minimum stay

It's subject to availability and blackout dates do apply, and houses, penthouses, villas and apartments are excluded. If you have specific dates in mind, don't wait until November 10 to ask.

Which Hotels Are Included

Cities: Rosewood Hong Kong, The Carlyle in New York, Rosewood Bangkok, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, Rosewood Guangzhou, Rosewood London, Rosewood Amsterdam, Rosewood São Paulo, Rosewood Washington, D.C., Rosewood Beijing, Rosewood Jeddah, Rosewood Doha, Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid and Rosewood Munich.

Beaches and islands: Kona Village on Hawai’i Island, Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos, Rosewood Baha Mar, Rosewood Bermuda, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Rosewood Mandarina, Rosewood Mayakoba, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Rosewood Phuket, Rosewood Sanya and Rosewood Miyakojima.

Countryside and small cities: Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park.

Somewhere new: Rosewood Vienna, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Austria, Rosewood AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, Rosewood Luang Prabang and Rosewood Phnom Penh.

The credit depends on where you stay. At Las Ventanas it’s $125. At Rosewood Baha Mar it’s $150 for a room and $250 for a suite. At The Carlyle it’s $100 for a room and $150 for a suite. Tell me where you’re looking and I’ll give you the exact amount.

A few Rosewood hotels aren’t part of it: Le Jardin Alpin in Courchevel, Rosewood Calistoga, The Chancery Rosewood in London, Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs and Matakauri.

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Where I’d Start: Kona Village

If Hawaii is on your list, this is the one I’d look at first. The credit here is one of the biggest in the collection: $250 per hale and $500 per kauhale. A hale is one of the resort's individual bungalows. A kauhale is the larger option, with more bedrooms, and is the one I'd look at for families or friends traveling together.

There are about 150 of them spread across the property, ranging from one to four bedrooms. This is why Kona Village feels more like its own little village than one big hotel building.

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What Kona Village Is Like

Kona Village sits on Kahuwai Bay on Hawai'i Island, on black lava fields next to a protected crescent-shaped bay. The original resort opened in 1965, and it has a long history with the people who have been coming back for years.

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What There Is to Do

You've got four outdoor pools, Asaya Spa, canoe sails and snorkeling in the bay. It's the kind of place where you could plan a lot or absolutely nothing at all.

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Where You'll Eat

There's a mix of restaurants and bars on property, including Moana for Pacific Rim cooking, Kahuwai Cookhouse for wood-fired food at communal tables, and the Shipwreck Bar.

Who I'd Send to Kona Village

This is for the couple or family who wants Hawaii to actually feel like Hawaii. Think outdoor time, the water right there, and a bungalow to come back to at the end of the day.

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When to Go

With stays open through June 30, 2027, this could work for a winter escape, spring break, or an early summer trip. You'd just need to book it during the window.

Want Me to Check Your Dates?

The window closes November 10, so send me the hotel you have in mind, your rough dates and who's traveling, and I'll see what's available.

Ask me about Rosewood Beyond

Photos: Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

A week after I got home from Alaska, I booked another Lindblad expedition.

(If you read my Lindblad Alaska review, you already know why.)

Well... we went.

In October, I took my daughter Charlie, who is five, to the Galápagos on Lindblad's Galápagos Escape: eight days, Saturday to Saturday, with five nights aboard National Geographic Islander II.

And I have thoughts.

Some of them might surprise you.

Snorkeling With Sea Lions on Charlie's First Try

It was Charlie's very first time snorkeling.

Her first time.

And two sea lions decided to come see what we were up to.

They circled us. Over and over. Curious, playful and completely unbothered.

I'm honestly not sure who was more excited, Charlie or me.

(Okay, it was me.)

That one moment was worth the whole trip.

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What Surprised Me About the Galápagos

I expected wildlife everywhere. On every rock, every beach, around every corner.

There was wildlife, but fewer animals than I expected. And the giant tortoises? We only saw them on one island.

We stopped at all seven islands on our itinerary: North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, San Cristóbal, Española and Floreana.

They're remote and beautiful. No towns, no crowds, and most of the time, no other people at all.

So if you love wandering a cute little town between excursions... this isn't that trip.

A Typical Day: Adult Science Camp, the Sequel

If you read my Alaska review, you know I nicknamed Lindblad "Adult Science Camp."

The Galápagos is that, with the volume turned all the way up.

A typical day looked like this: a 6am kayak, then a Zodiac or glass-bottom boat ride, snorkeling, a hike, and an afternoon presentation from the naturalists.

Back to back to back.

Some days it honestly felt a little rushed. The national park has strict rules: every group needs a certified naturalist guide, and visitors have to stay at least two meters from the wildlife. So the schedule runs tight.

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National Geographic Islander II: The Ship and Our Suite

The good news? The ship made it easy to recharge.

Islander II was even nicer than our Alaska ship. Our Islander Suite was a true one-bedroom, and the shower had great water pressure and plenty of hot water, which you will appreciate after a day in the salt water.

One thing to know if you're looking at 2027: Lindblad lists the new National Geographic Gemini for this itinerary starting next year, so ask which ship your departure uses.

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What I'd Tell a Friend Before Booking

It's not a typical cruise. Think expedition, not pool deck.

The water and the air can be cold. The ship provides shorty wetsuits, masks, snorkels and fins.

The hikes are rocky, hot and humid. Bring good shoes.

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Can Young Children Do a Galápagos Cruise?

Charlie was five, so yes, it can be done, but the details matter. I'd think about:

• Early mornings and back-to-back activities

• Rocky, hot and humid hikes

• Cold water and whether your child is comfortable snorkeling

• Long days with no towns or shops to break things up

• Age requirements, which can differ by ship and activity

Lindblad also offers a family program called National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, so ask what's available on your departure.

It's a great fit for a curious kid. And if you're weighing up big family trips, here's what I learned taking Charlie on safari.

Would I Recommend the Galápagos Escape?

For the right traveler, absolutely.

The Galápagos Escape is perfect if you want a great overview of the islands, or if you're looking for a one-week fall break.

It's ideal for curious kids, nature lovers and anyone who would rather snorkel than shop.

If you want slow mornings and charming towns, I'd point you somewhere else.

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Why Book Through a Travel Advisor?

As a luxury travel advisor affiliated with Departure Lounge, a Virtuoso member agency, I can often provide additional value on Lindblad Expeditions, including exclusive offers and added amenities on select departures.

More importantly, I've now done this firsthand, so I can help you decide whether an expedition cruise is actually the right fit for you.

Thinking About the Galápagos?

If the Galápagos is on your list, I'd love to help you figure out the right itinerary, ship and time of year for you.

Torn between the Galápagos and Alaska for your first expedition cruise? Tell me who's traveling and when, and I'll tell you which one I'd pick for you.

Want a trip like this planned around you? Learn more about my personalized luxury travel planning.

Start planning your Galápagos trip

Photos courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions.

If you've been thinking about a river cruise through Europe, an ocean voyage to Scandinavia, or even an expedition to Antarctica, now is a great time to take a look at Viking.

Through July 31, 2026, Viking's Spirit of Independence offer is available on select river, ocean, and expedition sailings through 2028, making it one of the best promotions I've seen from them in quite a while.

What's Included

When you reserve by July 31, 2026, eligible sailings can include:

• Complimentary international airfare*

• $500 shipboard credit per couple

• A complimentary beverage package

• Just a $25 deposit to reserve your sailing

• Available on select departures through 2028

For travelers who like to plan ahead, this makes locking in a future trip much easier.

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Why I Like Viking

Viking has carved out a unique space in the cruise industry.

Their ships are adults-only, destination-focused, and intentionally designed without casinos, waterslides, or constant onboard entertainment. Instead, the emphasis is on immersive itineraries, included excursions, and exploring the places you're visiting.

Whether you're sailing the Rhine, exploring the Norwegian Fjords, cruising the Mediterranean, or venturing to Antarctica, the destination is always the main event.

It's a great fit for travelers who appreciate thoughtful itineraries, cultural experiences, and a more relaxed style of cruising.

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Is This the Right Cruise for You?

Not every cruise line is the right fit for every traveler, and that's exactly why I spend time getting to know my clients before making recommendations.

If you're looking for Broadway-style shows, nightlife, and a packed schedule of onboard activities, I'd probably point you elsewhere.

But if you're looking for a refined, destination-focused experience where you unpack once and spend your days exploring incredible places, Viking is hard to beat.

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Planning Your Viking Voyage

Promotions like this don't come around every day, and the most popular itineraries and stateroom categories tend to sell quickly.

As a Viking VIP Partner, I can also offer additional onboard credit on top of Viking's current promotion:

• $200 onboard credit per person on itineraries of 10 nights or longer

• $100 onboard credit per person on itineraries of fewer than 10 nights

That means even more to enjoy onboard, whether it's a shore excursion, a spa treatment, or a special dining experience.

If you've been considering a Viking river, ocean, or expedition cruise, I'd be happy to help you determine whether it's the right fit, choose the best itinerary, and coordinate any pre- or post-cruise hotels and transfers for a seamless vacation.

To start planning your Viking voyage, reach out through the inquiry form at thatblondetravels.com/contact or email me directly at Lauren@thatblondetravels.com.

Lauren: Why did you choose a destination wedding?

Ryleigh and Sage: we wanted something that was intimate, so just our closest friends and family which is how it turned out! we also wanted it to feel like a big family vacation, which it definitely did and that was super special. 

Lauren: How many attendees did you have? What kind of experience did you envision your guests having?

Ryleigh and Sage: we had 50 attendees, we wanted them to have the true all-inclusive vacation experience. our goal was for them to have just as much fun as we were having!

Lauren: What was one part of planning your wedding that you knew you couldn't have done alone? How did having a Destination Wedding Specialist help with that?

Ryleigh and Sage: I knew I would need help with the people that don't normally travel out of the country. I knew I wouldn't want to be able to help them with booking and travel coordination. Having Lauren helped keep everyone accountable for booking on time, having their flights booked on time, and she was able to get everyone the rooms they wanted. She also booked all the transportation which was perfect and everyone really enjoyed that added perk. We also all ended up being in the same building at the hotel, which was super fun. 

Lauren: What piece of advice would you give to couples who are just starting the planning process?

Ryleigh and Sage: I would start early, about 1 year out, and I would make sure you have good details on your invitations you send out! 

Lauren: What’s one “extra” you’re super glad you splurged on?  What surprised you the most about your wedding?

Ryleigh and Sage: I am happy we splurged on an outside vendor for our wedding, they helped us have the most beautiful decor and flowers! We are also happy we splurged on a "boat day" which we did the day after our wedding and everyone was invited, it also had an open bar. The "boat day" was everyone's favorite day for the whole trip. 

Lauren: If you could choose three words to describe your wedding, what would they be?

Ryleigh and Sage: fun, beautiful, and special

Lauren: What is your favorite memory from your big day?

Ryleigh and Sage: walking into the reception and seeing all the hard work the hotel and vendors did! and hearing from everyone how beautiful everything was. i was very proud of all my planning!!!

A Note from Lauren:
Riley and Sage thank you for trusting me to help bring your vision to life. Your wedding was the perfect reflection of who you are as a couple, thoughtful, joyful, and full of love. It was such a privilege to be part of this beautiful chapter in your story, and I’m so glad your guests walked away feeling the magic too. Wishing you a lifetime of adventure, laughter, and moments as unforgettable as your wedding day.

With love,
Lauren
Your Destination Wedding Specialist 💛

Wave Season runs from January through March each year and is widely considered the best time to book a cruise. Cruise lines release their strongest offers of the year; often combining fare discounts, onboard credit, reduced deposits, and limited-time perks.

If you’ve been thinking about cruising in 2026 or 2027, this is when you should book.

Below are some of the standout Wave Season offers currently available across luxury, expedition, and adults-only cruise lines.

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Quark Expeditions — Arctic & Polar Voyages

Quark’s Wave Season promotions focus on future Arctic sailings, making this an ideal moment for travelers planning far ahead.

Current Wave Season highlights:

• Up to $3,000 USD off select Arctic 2027 expeditions

• Additional 10% savings on select voyages

• Applies to popular itineraries including Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage

• Early booking bonuses available while inventory lasts

These itineraries sell out well in advance; Wave Season pricing offers meaningful savings on trips that rarely discount later.

Best for: Adventure travelers, wildlife lovers, clients planning once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experiences.

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Virgin Voyages — Adults-Only Caribbean Cruises

Virgin Voyages’ Wave Season offers are particularly strong for couples, friends’ trips, and honeymoon-style travel.

Current Wave Season highlights:

• 80% off the second sailor

• Up to $300 onboard credit on select Caribbean sailings

• Up to $400 in free drinks

• Sailings across Eastern, Western, and Deep Caribbean itineraries from Miami

These offers stack well and significantly reduce total trip cost compared to booking outside Wave Season.

Best for: Couples, adults-only groups, travelers who want a modern, lively cruise without kids.

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Seabourn — Ultra-Luxury Cruising

Seabourn’s Wave Season promotions are subtle but valuable, especially for travelers who prioritize space, service, and destination-focused itineraries.

Current Wave Season highlights:

• Up to 15% savings on select sailings

• 15% reduced deposits

• Up to $1,000 shipboard credit per suite

• Applicable to Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic, Mediterranean, Japan, Caribbean, and Northern Europe sailings

• Enhanced solo traveler pricing on select voyages

Luxury cruise pricing rarely drops; these incentives are most attractive during Wave Season.

Best for: Luxury travelers; solo travelers; clients who want small ships and refined onboard experiences.

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Aurora Expeditions — Expedition & Small-Ship Cruising

Aurora is celebrating its 35th anniversary with one of the strongest Wave Season campaigns in the expedition space.

Current Wave Season highlights:

• Up to 35% off select voyages

• Applies to Antarctica 2026–27, Arctic & Beyond 2026, and Small Ship Cruises 2026

• Booking window: December 22, 2025 – March 31, 2026

• Includes Antarctica, Iceland, Scotland, Northwest Passage, Mediterranean small-ship itineraries, and more

These are substantial savings on trips that normally sell out without incentives.

Best for: Expedition travelers; photographers; active travelers; those seeking remote destinations with expert guides.

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Why Booking During Wave Season Matters

Wave Season is not just about discounts, it’s about availability and flexibility.

Booking during this period often means:

• Lower upfront deposits

• Better cabin and sailing selection

• Added onboard credits or inclusions

• Protection against future price increases

Waiting usually means paying more for fewer choices.

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Ready to Book or Compare Options?

Wave Season offers are capacity-controlled and can disappear quickly, especially on expedition and luxury sailings.

If you’re considering a cruise for 2026 or 2027, now is the time to lock in pricing and perks.

📩 Reach out via thatblondetravels.com/contact to review current offers, compare itineraries, and book with the best available Wave Season advantages.

Quark Expeditions has released its updated Black Friday offer for the upcoming polar seasons, with significant savings on select Antarctica 2025/26 and Arctic 2026 voyages. This is one of the best opportunities of the year to secure preferred cabins on their most in-demand itineraries.

The sale runs Monday, November 18 – Monday, December 2, 2025.

What’s Included in This Year’s Sale

Up to 40% off select Antarctica 2025/26 departures
Up to 40% off select Arctic 2026 departures

Please note;
• No Antarctica 2026/27 or 2027/28 voyages are included
• No Arctic 2027 voyages are included

This Black Friday sale applies only to specific sailings within the 2025/26 Antarctica season and the 2026 Arctic season.

Available Voyages at a Glance

Below is the updated voyage list based solely on the newly provided 2025/26 and 2026 promotional parameters.
(Your previously listed 2024/25 & 2025 Arctic sailings are no longer part of the Black Friday program and should be removed entirely.)

Since Quark has not provided ship-by-ship or date-by-date voyage lists in the updated document, here is how to present it accurately without overpromising;

Antarctica 2025/26 – Up to 40% Off

Applicable to select departures only.
Typical eligible itineraries include;
• Antarctic Explorer; Discovering the 7th Continent (11–12 days)
• Crossing the Circle; Southern Expedition (14 days)
• South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula; Penguin Safari (16–18 days)
• Epic Antarctica; Falklands, South Georgia & the Peninsula (20+ days) – availability varies

Important; The updated offer notes do not include ship names or date lists. Final availability must be confirmed at time of booking.

Arctic 2026 – Up to 40% Off

Applicable to select departures only.
Typical eligible itineraries include;
• Svalbard Explorer; Best of High Arctic Norway (10–12 days)
• Ultimate Arctic Voyage; Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland (13 days)
• Greenland cruises; Northeast Greenland or South Greenland
• Northwest Passage expeditions (length varies)

Again, exact sailing dates and ship availability must be confirmed at inquiry.

Terms & Conditions (Updated)

• Valid for new bookings made November 18 – December 2, 2024.
• Discounts apply to select Antarctica 2025/26 and Arctic 2026 voyages only.
• Not valid on any 2026/27 or 2027/28 Antarctica or 2027 Arctic sailings.
• Savings apply to all cabin types unless otherwise noted; availability varies.
• 48-hour holds permitted; full passenger names required.
• Not combinable with other promotions, except shipboard credit where applicable.
• Not applicable to transfer packages, adventure options, additional hotel nights, pre/post tours, flights, or insurance.
• Quark may modify or discontinue the promotion without notice.
• No cash value; name changes not permitted.
• If Quark cancels the voyage, they will provide a future travel credit or refund of the amount paid; voyage-for-voyage match does not apply.
• 15-day free cancellation does not apply to Black Friday bookings.

Need help choosing the right expedition?

I help clients compare itineraries, understand the real differences between ships, cabins, routes, and seasons, and make sure the voyage you select aligns with wildlife expectations, weather windows, and value.

If you’d like guidance or would like me to check which sailings are actually eligible for the 40% savings, just let me know!