Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Why You Shouldn't Use ChatGPT to Plan Your Vacation (And What to Do Instead)

So here’s the deal: I love ChatGPT. I really do. It helps me write cute packing lists, brainstorm emails, and occasionally trick my kid into doing her homework and come up with a new dinner when my brain is too fried to think. 🙃

But let me be very clear:
You should not be using ChatGPT (or Google or a random TikTok video or Facebook group) to plan your family’s entire vacation.

Especially not that dream spring break trip that you’ve been saving for — because that, my friend, is how you end up in the wrong room, at the wrong resort, with no clue where your dinner reservation went. And yes… I’ve heard every horror story.

What ChatGPT Can’t Do (No Offense, Bot)

Let’s just call it out:

  • It doesn’t know what’s actually open right now.

  • It doesn’t know that your toddler only eats beige food and melts down if you skip nap time.

  • It doesn’t know that the “family-friendly resort” it just listed is known for spring break ragers and shot-skis.

  • And when things go wrong? There’s no chatbot who’s gonna call the airline or track down your transfer.

ChatGPT is a tool. It’s not your travel agent. (That’s me, hi 👋.)

5 Real Reasons You Need a Human (a.k.a. Me)

1. I plan for your real life.

I’m not handing you a generic itinerary copied from Pinterest. I ask about your kid’s allergies, your vibe, your crowd-tolerance level, and your travel goals — and then I build your trip around all that.

2. I know what’s actually worth it.

Everyone online will swear their resort is the best. But I know which ones are walkable, where to get an amazing gluten-free breakfast, and which suites have space for your stroller. That’s what matters.

3. I save you HOURS of scrolling.

You could spend the next 3 weeks comparing cruises and Googling “best beach in Riviera Maya,” or you could hand it to me and go do literally anything else.

4. I solve problems like a boss.

Flight delays? I’m on it. Need a wheelchair for grandma at the port? Already requested. Resort messed up your view? Guess who’s making that phone call (spoiler: not you).

5. I actually care.

AI doesn’t care if you’re celebrating your anniversary, or your kid’s first Disney trip, or that you’re scared to fly. But I do. And AI won't make arrangements to have a little something something delivered to your room as a thank you or "yay we're celebrating". That’s the difference.

Real Travel Is Personal — Not Plug-and-Play

Planning a vacation is more than booking a flight and hoping for the best. You want ease. Joy. Memories. The kind of trip where everyone gets what they need, and you actually come home feeling refreshed — not like you need another vacation to recover from the one you just took.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you work with someone who gets you.

Ready to Make This Easy?

Let me do the hard stuff — the planning, the troubleshooting, the “should we stay here or here?” stress spiral.
You just show up, live your best vacation life, and look like a planning genius. (It’ll be our secret.)

📅 Book your free 30-minute vacation consult hereLets get planning 


Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya


Sunday, June 8, 2025

You Don’t Have to Do Excursions on Every Cruise (Or at All!) — And I’m Living Proof

When people first start planning their cruise, one of the biggest questions that Im asked is:
“How much extra do I need to spend on excursions?”

There’s this idea floating around that if you’re not ziplining through the jungle or taking a catamaran to snorkel every single day, you’re not doing it “right.” But I’m here to tell you — you absolutely can skip excursions and still have an amazing cruise. In fact, out of all the cruises I’ve been on (and it’s a lot), I’ve only booked two excursions. Ever.

The first? Snorkeling with sea turtles in St. Thomas on a girls’ trip — just me and a friend, floating in crystal-clear water and soaking up every second. The turtles were still coming back into the cove from the after the hurricane so there weren’t many, but I’ll never forget that huge one coming up to surface from under me. 
The second? Swimming with dolphins in Montego Bay during my daughter’s very first cruise — and yes, I cried. Totally worth it. They’re one of my favorite animals and they are so velvety smooth. 


But you know what? Some of my favorite cruise memories came from doing nothing but exploring on our own, relaxing on a nearly empty ship, or just grabbing a beach chair steps from the port. No tour buses, no strict schedules, no extra cost.

Here’s the deal: not every port calls for a big adventure. Sometimes wandering around the shops, enjoying a fresh coconut on the beach, or even heading back to the ship for a quiet pool day is exactly what your vacation needs. (And if you’re the type who loves peace and quiet? Port days are golden on board — the spa, hot tubs, and even waterslides are practically empty!)

Plus, skipping excursions means more room in your budget for other things — like specialty dining, souvenirs, or that massage you’ve been thinking about.

So if you’re planning a cruise and feeling overwhelmed by all the “must-dos,” let me remind you: this is your vacation. You get to do it your way. And I’m here to help you figure out exactly what that looks like.

Whether you want dolphins, down time, or a mix of both, I’ll help you plan a cruise that fits your family, your vibe, and your budget — no stress, no pressure.

📩 Ready to start dreaming up your perfect cruise? Let’s chat and make it happen!

Why You Shouldn't Use ChatGPT to Plan Your Vacation (And What to Do Instead)

So here’s the deal: I love ChatGPT. I really do. It helps me write cute packing lists, brainstorm emails, and occasionally trick my kid int...