As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our travel adventures.

This year has been one of learning, growth, and discovery. A Simple Life Travel has welcomed a steady stream of new clients, each trusting me to craft and guide them through their ideal vacation experiences. Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing the agency at a thoughtful pace, with plans to expand our presence through trade shows, local events, and active participation in the Chamber of Commerce. My goal is to raise awareness about the unique value a personal Travel Advisor brings to the planning process.

I’ve also had the privilege of traveling to new destinations, revisiting familiar places, and creating fresh experiences along the way. I’m eager to see where 2025 takes us, and I look forward to more adventures and continued connections with travelers near and far.

Our travels started off with a Family Cruise on the Norwegian Epic in January for a 7 day Eastern Caribbean Cruise. We enjoyed the Bahamas, San Juan Puerto Rico, St. Thomas US Virgin Islands and Amber Cove Dominican Republic. We did a very similar trip in 2023 with both of our children, their spouse’s, and all four of our Grand children and we enjoyed it so much we decided to do it again! A new tradition that I can get behind! 

In April, we set off to Seattle, Washington, to board the Norwegian Bliss for another unforgettable 7-day Alaska cruise with some amazing friends. Our journey took us through vibrant Seattle, the charming town of Sitka, the stunning Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and the scenic Alaskan ports of Hoonah and Ketchikan. We also enjoyed a brief stop in Victoria, British Columbia. This was our second Alaska adventure, and it was even more special since we shared it with the same wonderful friends who joined us on our first trip. The NCL Bliss was the perfect ship for relaxing and soaking in the breathtaking views along the way.

In early July, we took a much-needed getaway with a relaxing cabin rental in the picturesque town of Cherokee, NC. Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, our cabin provided the perfect escape, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. We spent our time unwinding while also taking advantage of the local attractions—hitting the casino for some excitement and exploring the nearby town of Gatlinburg, TN. In Gatlinburg, we love to explore the downtown strip, discovering unique shops, and visiting the renowned aquarium, which was a highlight of our trip. It was a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, making for a memorable escape.

Just like the previous year, we kicked off the end of July with another unforgettable adventure in Barcelona, Spain. After a few days of exploring and visiting the sights we missed the first time around, we boarded the Norwegian Escape for an exciting 10-day Mediterranean cruise. While some of the ports were familiar from our last trip, the real highlight this year was a stop in Valletta, Malta, which had been my main motivation for the journey.

The Mediterranean in July and August is scorching hot, and after last year’s cruise, we learned valuable lessons about pacing ourselves in the heat. With many of the “must-see” landmarks like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Pompeii already checked off, this year’s focus was a more laid-back approach, with an emphasis on wine and vineyard tours—a perfect way to savor the region at a slower pace.

Our itinerary included stops in some stunning destinations: Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; Livorno, Italy; Civitavecchia, Italy; Naples, Italy; Sorrento, Italy; Messina, Sicily; Valletta, Malta; Cagliari, Sardinia; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. It was a perfect mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and relaxation.

And this year, I’m happy to report that my amazing wife kept herself alert and stayed on her feet with no tripping and falling this time………. so no black eye to worry about! (Although I’ll admit, I was relieved not to get any of those ‘side-eye’ glances this time around.)

A highlight of our July cruise itinerary was definitely the stop in Valletta, Malta. This city is absolutely breathtaking, with its entire layout resembling a massive medieval castle. But the real gem was St. John’s Co-Cathedral. From the outside, it appears plain and almost unremarkable, but once you step inside, you’re met with a breathtaking display of Baroque artistry—truly one of the most stunning interiors I’ve ever seen.

In November, it was time for another family cruise, and this year’s destination was Bermuda. After a vote, we settled on a sailing from New York City. To make things easier, we decided to meet up the night before at a hotel in Edison, NJ, just about an hour and a half from the Manhattan cruise terminal. This helped keep the pre-cruise stress to a minimum, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the city. The next day, we boarded the Norwegian Breakaway for a 7-day Bermuda cruise, with an amazing three-day stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, giving us plenty of time to explore the island.

To cap off the year’s adventures, we headed to London, England. For this unforgettable trip, we opted for a Transatlantic cruise, arriving five days early to fully immerse ourselves in the city. London had always been on our bucket list, and we were fortunate enough to experience it with close friends. We stayed at the Tower Hotel, just steps from the iconic Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The location couldn’t have been better—offering breathtaking views and easy access to all the landmarks and attractions London is famous for.

We timed our visit perfectly, catching the magical Christmas Markets in full swing. And, I’ll admit, I may have indulged a little too much in Fish and Chips, hearty Pub meals, and savory Meat Pies. But no regrets—it was absolutely fantastic!

Next, we made our way from London to Southampton to board the stunning Norwegian Encore. The ship had just completed a two-week refit, which brought a host of updates and improvements, making it even more spectacular. This was our first Transatlantic cruise, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect in terms of weather or how we’d enjoy the extended sea days. With only three port stops—Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Ponta Delgada in the Azores—the majority of the journey was a leisurely, direct sail across the Atlantic to Miami, Florida. The experience turned out to be so enjoyable that I’m already planning another Transatlantic cruise for Thanksgiving this year!

And, of course, I’m always focused on learning and improving, which means staying engaged with certification courses, supplier training sessions, and travel industry seminars throughout the year.

As 2024 draws to a close, the exciting adventures of 2025 are just around the corner. I’ll admit, I still manage to drive my amazing wife absolutely crazy with my constant travel planning. A heartfelt thank you to my incredible spouse for her endless support and patience. And a special thank you to everyone who has entrusted me with planning and booking their travel adventures—I’m truly grateful for your trust.

Travel often and travel well my friends…….