Travel planning gets easier when you can learn from what someone actually booked, paid for, and experienced. After 21 Disney cruises, four all-inclusive vacations, and trips built around everything from fan events to transatlantic sailings, I have learned that the “best” trip depends on how you want to spend your time.
These firsthand guides cover vacation-style comparisons, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Disney cruise planning, pre-cruise stays, event travel, and packing for a favorite hobby. Start with the comparison guide if you are still deciding what kind of vacation to take, or jump to the destination and planning section that matches your trip.
Start Here: Choose the Right Vacation
- After 21 Cruises and Four All-Inclusive Vacations — What years of taking both vacation styles have taught me about value, convenience, entertainment, relaxation, and who each option suits best.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun and All-Inclusive Resorts
- Our First Three Days at Hyatt Ziva Cancun — A firsthand look at our family-friendly all-inclusive stay, including how the resort experience felt once we arrived.
- Is an All-Inclusive Worth It for Non-Drinkers? — My honest assessment of the value when alcohol is not a major part of your vacation.
- Is the Hyatt Ziva Cancun Pier Cabana Worth It? — What we paid, what the rental included, and why the experience worked so well for us.
Disney Cruises and Pre-Cruise Planning
- Disney Cruise Line Concierge Perks Ranked After Sailing Concierge on Five Ships — My ranking of the perks that matter most, from the hosts and priority boarding to the lounge, sun deck and little extras.
- Disney Changed the Platinum & Pearl Palo Benefit. Am I the Only One Who Doesn't Care? — My take on the Palo benefit change and why dinner and à la carte ordering already suit the way I cruise.
- Disney Cruise Line Guides — My complete collection of firsthand guides to ships, Concierge, itineraries, excursions, repositioning cruises, and sea days.
- Disney Cruise Line Concierge: Who Should Pay—and Who Should Skip It? — A decision guide for determining whether the higher price matches the way you cruise.
- Two Days in London Before a Disney Dream Transatlantic Cruise — Our hotel and sightseeing plan for a short pre-cruise stay before embarkation.
- Disney Dream Transatlantic Cruise Wrap-Up: 13 Nights, 3 Ports and 7 Sea Days — What I loved and learned after 13 nights, three ports and seven sea days aboard the Disney Dream.
London Experiences
- Afternoon Tea and a Shopping Spree at Fortnum & Mason — My afternoon tea and shopping experience at Fortnum & Mason.
Planning My First Solo Trips
- I’ve Never Traveled Solo—So Naturally, I Booked Two Trips — How I decided to book Disneyland Paris and a transatlantic cruise as my first two solo adventures.
- Why I Booked a Solo Trip to Disneyland Paris — Why Disneyland Paris felt like the right place to try a trip entirely on my own.
- I Booked a Solo Transatlantic on a Ship I Didn’t Love — Why I chose a solo transatlantic despite my earlier mixed reaction to the ship.
Event Travel and What I Learned
- Planning for My First D23 Ultimate Fan Event — The uncertainty, advance choices, and last-minute planning pressure before my first D23.
- My First D23: What We Actually Did and What I’d Change — The post-trip reality, including which plans worked and what I would handle differently next time.
Packing for Specialty Trips
- How My Travel Mahjong Set Worked for Four Players on the Disney Dream — How my compact set handled group games and beginner lessons at sea, including tile readability, table space and our favorite onboard spots to play.
- How I Pack a Mahjong Set for a Trip Without Regretting It — How I balance weight, protection, and what I will realistically use when taking Mahjong on the road.
Where to Begin
If you are choosing between a cruise and a resort, begin with what I learned from 21 cruises and four all-inclusive vacations. For a resort stay, continue to the Hyatt Ziva Cancun guides. For cruising, use the Disney Cruise Line hub to find the advice that matches your ship, itinerary, and stateroom plans.
I will keep this page updated as I return from upcoming trips and publish new destination and planning guides.
These articles reflect my personal travel experiences. Prices, policies, schedules, and amenities can change, so confirm current details with the applicable destination or travel provider before booking.
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