Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

Ann’s Tuscany Adventure

June 7, 2022 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

I’ve been to Tuscany before, but always with Florence as my home base. Doing day trips to Siena or Lucca, or heading out into the countryside for a day of winetasting before retreating back to the city. When the opportunity arose to spend a whole week in Tuscany, I jumped at it!

The focus for this trip was romance travel (destination weddings and honeymoons). We had the opportunity to tour some gorgeous properties and meet some fantastic local business owners (florists, caterers, event planners, and photographers). And, of course, eat and drink some amazing local food and wine.

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married in Tuscany, we can absolutely hook you up!

[Photo: The dining hall of Corte dei Papi villa in Cortona]

But I am really excited about Tuscany in general, and what a different experience it offers vacationers when compared to the big cities.

Accommodations

We stayed at the Buccelletti Casali and Cantina, in Castiglion Fiorentina. It’s a charming property that has been in the Buccelletti family since 1625. They’ve been growing olives and making olive oil for generations, and they now make wine as well.

They have converted the old farm workers’ houses into clusters of villas and apartments. Plus, they’ve turned the olive oil mill into a stunning event space. It was the perfect home base for a week spent exploring the surrounding countryside.

[Photo: Buccelletti Casale and Cantina]

The accommodations themselves were the first big difference from previous trips to Italy. I was in a cute little house with two bedrooms and bathrooms, a living/dining area and small kitchen, and a private yard/garden.

We could prepare our own breakfasts of farm-fresh eggs, homemade bread, and locally produced yogurt, jams, honey, and fruit. We had bottles of wine and olive oil produced right there on site. And the cuisine could not have been more “farm to table”. So different from staying in a hotel!

When you’re out in the country at an agriturismo like this, it does help to have a car, so that you can get out to the local shops and markets. But at the Buccelletti Casali, we had a basket of provisions (replenished mid-week) and it was more than enough for breakfasts and snacks.

The Countryside

We were a group, with a very organized itinerary (and drivers/guides), but I would highly encourage clients to rent a car and enjoy a more independent stay in Tuscany. The roads are great, the traffic is light, and they drive on the right side of the road. It’s very manageable for American drivers.

[Photo Credit: MIP Studios via Shared Adventures – a road in Cortona]

While we were there, we had a busy itinerary filled with site inspections at hotels/inns/B&Bs, guided tours of Tuscan hill towns, tastings at local vineyards, and many lengthy multi-course meals with wine pairings. Brutal, I know.

We learned how cheese is made. We met mayors, hoteliers, restauranteurs, and the fascinating couple who purchased and renovated the villa featured in “Under the Tuscan Sun”.

[Photo: Ann & Kristy at Villa Laura]

Highlights

Some of the highlights, for me, included:

Cortona – a town of steep streets, gorgeous views, Etruscan history, and tempting shops.
Pici – traditional hand-rolled Tuscan pasta, made from just the “poorest” of ingredients (flour and water).

Podere il Casale – a pecorino cheese producer, organic farm, and farm-to-table restaurant outside of Pienza, where we enjoyed a fabulous meal completely sourced from right there onsite. (So delicious that I purchased and carried home their very heavy hardbound cookbook in the hopes of recreating that magic)
Brunello di Montalcino wines – made with 100% Sangiovese, bold and fruity, one of the best Italian reds!

The Tuscany Takeaway

Tuscany is all about the slow food movement, slowing down to take it all in, and enjoying the views.

There’s no long list of “must-sees”. You can while away an afternoon (guilt-free) sitting by the pool sipping wine and snacking on prosciutto. Or riding an e-bike through the countryside. Or rolling up your sleeves for a cooking class.

I realize now that I was doing it all wrong when I visited Tuscany as a quick side trip from Florence. Tuscany invites you to stop, linger, indulge, experience, and enjoy. And I can’t wait to come back and do it all again!

[Photo: Villa Le Prata in Montalcino]

How to Approach Your Honeymoon Budget

May 24, 2022 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation! So it should be unique to you as a couple and should create special memories that you’ll be talking about for years to come. Whether you’re dreaming of an overwater bungalow, a fairytale town, or a cabin in mountains, you’re also planning for a wedding, and you probably don’t want to break the bank along the way. So, how do you even begin to put a price on your trip of a lifetime and plan your honeymoon budget?

Where you want to go, what you want to do, and what level of luxury you want to experience will all factor into the overall cost. And there are a few simple steps to figure out what is realistic and what you can afford. We’ve created a fun worksheet to get you started with the steps outlined below. Download our free Honeymoon Budget Worksheet here!

STEP 1: COMMUNICATION & THE BIG PICTURE

The foundation of every good relationship is communication. And budgeting for the perfect honeymoon requires a lot of it! You want to ensure that you’re both on the same page in terms of expectations.

honeymoon couple sitting on a log in a rainbow in hawaii

Start with the big picture. You don’t have to decide where you’re going or what exactly you’ll do when you get there, yet. Instead, talk about what kinds of things you imagine doing and in what kinds of environments.

Are you walking hand-in-hand along a white sandy beach with ocean waves as your soundtrack? Wandering the cobblestone streets of Europe and feeling like you’ve stepped into a fairytale? Spending your days lounging in your luxury honeymoon suite with an awe-inspiring view? Did you travel far to get there or was it a quick flight to paradise?

[Photo Credit: Molly & Matt via Shared Adventures. Read about their Hawaiian Honeymoon here!]

Try starting the conversation by telling the story of your honeymoon. “I imagine we spend our honeymoon… sipping cocktails in lounge chairs on the beach…”

Once you agree on the general big picture, take some time to write down things you love to do together to give the trip a focus on who you are as a couple. Then write out your non-negotiables. Do you want to leave right after the wedding? Does the accommodation need to have a pool? Do you want to have an immersive local experience? Make sure you’re both clear on what your partner expects from this amazing vacation.

STEP 2: TIMING & LOCATION

Timing

Once you have the big picture, you can get into the details and the budget. First, consider how much time you have for the honeymoon. Most people have a certain amount of PTO and you will probably take some of that for the wedding. So, consider how many days you can realistically be away.

If your dates are flexible and the destination is more important than the timing, you can skip the following step.

Now, it’s time to consider the all-important seasonality. Many couples still travel right after the wedding, meaning a fixed time frame for their honeymoon. Consider which destinations are best at different times of the year, and look at whether your specific travel dates exclude any destinations because of poor weather conditions or too-high prices.

[Photo Credit: Shannon & Lou via Shared Adventures. Read about their winter honeymoon to Northern Italy here!]

Region

If you have a specific destination in mind then you can skip this step. However, if you’re still not sure exactly where you want to go, the next step is to figure out a general region. Ask yourself the following:

Do you want to stay close to home or travel farther abroad?
Are you looking for warm or cool weather?
Do you want somewhere on the coast with a beach? Or a big city?

Take a look at a map and talk about the different areas these questions bring to mind in connection with your dates. For example: if you’re looking to stay close to home, with warm weather, on a beach in early June, then you’ll stay in the northern hemisphere and might head to places like Mexico, the Caribbean, or the Bahamas.

STEP 3: COST ESTIMATES

Flights

Airfare costs are generally fixed with very little wiggle room and can take up a good chunk of your budget. This makes them the best starting place. Even if you’re not set on a particular destination yet, look back at your time frame, and potential regions. Then start looking at average flight prices for those options. Finding the average flight cost will give you a good starting point for your budget.

Remember to be realistic when you’re looking at flights. You’ll only want one connection and not the super-restrictive basic economy fares that involve all sorts of added fees for seats and bags. Looking at the average economy class fare will give you a better idea of what to build into your budget. And if you’re thinking about splurging on Business or First class for this trip of a lifetime, take a look at those prices too.

The Rest

Once the estimated airfare is taken into account, it’s time to work out the details. The rest of your budget can fall into roughly three categories: Activities, Accommodations, and Meals. Put these in order of priority (for you) to figure out where you want to splurge and where you can save a little. Are you set on being awe-struck during a hot-air balloon ride? Does your mouth water at the thought of eating at a Michelin star restaurant? Do you want only the finest luxury resort? Whatever is most important, allocate more of your budget towards that key thing. You can make compromises on the pieces that aren’t as important to you.

Pro Tip: If accommodations are important but the full trip in a high-end hotel is stretching your budget, try splitting the accommodations. Stay in a slightly cheaper hotel first and end the last few days on a high note at the luxury property!

[Photo Credit: Katey & Oliver via Shared Adventures. Read about their split-accommodation Costa Rican honeymoon here!]

After deciding which is most important, you can do a little research as to average costs. It doesn’t have to be exact, just a quick search to get a general idea.

Honeymoon budget worksheet filled out with examples

STEP 4: SAVING

The final step, once you have a ballpark cost is to add 20%. This is your honeymoon and there are going to be many “treat-yourself-moments”! It’s best to build those into the budget early on.

Finally, decide how you want to start saving! Consider a honeymoon registry to help fund all the extras. After establishing the basic framework for the trip, you can set up a wish list for guests to contribute to tours, activities, spa treatments, dinner on the beach, etc. Set aside a certain amount each month and start saving!

Remember, this method only gives you an estimate, not a hard and fast exact cost. There is always some wiggle room.

WAYS TO SAVE

If you’re finding it hard to get everything on your wish list AND stay within your ideal budget there are a few things you can do to save money:

Consider cutting a night (or two) to make it work. No one ever remembers how many nights they spent at a destination. It’s better to have exactly the experience you’re dreaming about, but for one less night. If you cut back on the overall experience just to stay longer, you’ll regret it.
Keeping your dates flexible lets you take advantage of low-season travel and lower prices. Or head to a less-expensive and popular but no-less-amazing destination.
Talk with a travel agent! Travel agents have years of experience and know-how. If your final budget is just a little more than you want to spend, a travel agent can help. We might know a unique destination that has everything you’re looking for with a slightly lower price tag. We might be able to get you special rates and perks on accommodations. We have connections with tour guides, private drivers, and hoteliers all over the world, giving us the inside scoop on the best destinations for every size budget.

Even in money matters, travel planning should be fun and inspiring. After you fill out the worksheet, let us know what you discover about your dream honeymoon and we can get started!

Planning a Theme Park Vacation

May 10, 2022 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Every type of trip has its own set of requirements that need to be thought through in advance. Theme Parks offer many adventures, so there’s definitely some planning and research that needs to be done beforehand. Unlike a tropical beach vacation or roaming in a European city, theme parks serve a unique, particular interest. So, what are some of these things you need to consider before you go?

Attractions

The first and most important thing to check with any theme park is the number of attractions that your family can participate in. Rides and attractions come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and types — which makes their height restrictions as unique as they are. It’s important to confirm that your chosen park has enough attractions for your family. This information is typically on the theme parks website. And checking it in advance can ensure your kids are tall enough to ride the attractions they are most excited about.

Height is not the only consideration. It’s also important to take a preview of the rides and discover the ones that your family will enjoy the most. Some people love intense roller coasters and spinning attractions. But, if you have family members who are afraid of specific ride types or get motion sickness in 3D theaters, it’s important to check in advance.

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures Travel]

Special Dates

The next thing to check is if there are any special events or holiday functions during your preferred travel dates. Many parks now feature special events year-round. You can celebrate the seasons, holidays, and special park events with them, and enjoy the added excitement. Or choose a quieter time to visit.

Whether you visit Disney World in the fall for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival or Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, these events change the theme park experience. Some events, especially the holiday ones, tend to close the parks early unless you have pre-booked a special ticket. This makes the exciting experience more exclusive but requires a little more advanced planning.

[Photo Credit: Brian Mcgowan via Unsplash]

Whether or not you plan to participate in these special events, it’s very important to know when they will impact the park schedules. If you aren’t familiar with a specific event, make sure to check the park website. Or ask your travel advisor who can explain the potential changes in the park and experience.

Location

Once you have a feel for the park’s attractions, entertainment, and special events, the next step is to consider the park’s geographic location. Some parks are open year-round while others are only open during the summer season. In addition to those general opening dates, the time of year can also affect the availability of specific experiences and attractions.

For example, many people do not want to ride a river rapids attraction in early May at Hershey Park due to the colder temperatures. However, most people will gladly ride the same attraction at Disney World since it’s much warmer in Florida. Take a look at the geography and general weather averages. Consider how this may affect the parks and attractions, and how you can best enjoy your downtime together.

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures Travel]

Don’t forget to consider how you might fill the extra time other than the resort/hotel pool, particularly if it’s cold. Not everyone is comfortable swimming in a heated outdoor pool when it’s only 60 degrees outside.

Talk to an Advisor

Given the large amount of planning and research that goes into a theme park vacation, we are here to help you navigate through it all. If you like, you can do some basic research on your own prior to planning with your advisor. Or you can call us right at the starting point, and let us guide you through it.

Remember, theme parks are an exhilarating, unique type of vacation. And they require much more planning before, leading up to, and even during travel. The good news is we will be by your side every step during the booking process. We will review the various amenities, offerings, and perks at each theme park destination, and will always make sure you are well-prepared for the trip. Are you ready to plan your next theme park vacation?

A Guide to River Cruises

April 26, 2022 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Intro Guide to River Cruises Pin — *Pin it for Later!*

Imagine sailing dreamily past landscapes dotted with castles, fairy-tale villages, and vineyards. Sitting on the sundeck, drinking in new scenery every day. Docking right in the heart of a city, making it easy to explore by just strolling off the gangway. Enjoy a quiet, intimate setting with delicious local food and wine each night. River cruises are a unique way to travel, with a focus on the destination and the local culture. They offer you an almost- or all-inclusive luxury vacation, combined with easy-to-access sightseeing in the most incredible towns and cities. If you’re intrigued, here’s our mini guide to river cruising.

River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise

Ocean cruises and river cruises share a few traits. They are an easy way to see multiple destinations without having to worry about how you’re getting from place to place or having to unpack each time. You get to enjoy the gentle sense of travel on a body of water. And you can easily sign up for shore excursions and guided tours at each destination. But that is where the similarities stop.

River cruises are smaller so you don’t have such long lines or big crowds. They are far from the “floating cities” that describe the larger ocean liners. Their size contributes to many of the key differences. There’s a greater since of intimacy with only around 150 – 200 passengers. You also won’t have as many amenities and onboard activities as the ocean cruises, because the focus of a river cruise is on the destination.

Generally, this means there won’t be any casinos or large-scale production shows. But they might have a small spa, some live music, a small pool, and some onboard lectures.

Typically, they dock right in the middle of a city/ town. You’ll have no long transfers to get to the places you want to see – just stroll off the boat!

River cruises also offer more included in the upfront price. Shore excursions, drinks with dinner, and sometimes even gratuities will be included in the price.

[Photo Credit: Dima Fedorov via Unsplash]

a group of teens and kids in traditional Bulgarian dress kneel for a photo after performing a local folk dance

Because of their close connection to the ports they visit, river cruises celebrate the local culture. The lectures and live entertainment will be local experts and performers.

Each day the ingredients, wines, and beers for dinner are sourced locally. River cruises give you an in-depth experience, ensuring you get a real sense of the destination. They are a great way to explore multiple countries with local guides to give you the context and history.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

Where Do River Cruises Go?

You can find great river cruises all over the world. Europe, Asia, Africa, and the USA all boast incredible itineraries. Choosing to do a river cruise won’t limit your destinations and might even expand them.

The Budapest parliment building lit up at night from the view of the river cruise

One of the most popular first-timer itineraries is the Upper Danube through Germany and Austria. This itinerary is a great starting place because it has a little bit of everything. You’ll get to visit famous cities like Nuremberg, Vienna, and Budapest. And also a few small fairy-tale villages, outdoorsy adventures, and UNESCO sites. It’s a great introduction to all that river cruises can offer in one trip.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel read about her Danube Adventure Here!]

Other popular routes include Amsterdam to Basel, Paris to Normandy, along the Nile in Egypt, and the Douro River in Portugal.

Who Would Love A River Cruise?

Anyone who doesn’t consider themselves a “cruiser” or who dislikes the big ocean vessels. River cruises are a more intimate experience with less than 200 passengers. So they still allow you to have authentic experiences in a destination.

Someone looking for the ease/ convenience of a guided motorcoach tour, but without having to pack and unpack every day or two.

An independent traveler who typically does their own thing and enjoys multi-city trips. Someone who likes the idea of docking in a new place every day and heading out to explore.

How to Choose the Right Cruise?

There are two things to consider when selecting the perfect river cruise — Cruise lines and Destinations.

Cruise Lines

Like ocean cruise lines, each river cruise line has a slightly different “personality”. An experienced travel agent can help you find the right match. Our top three lines are:

The sun deck with pool of an AMA waterways river cruise

Ama Waterways – aimed at slightly younger, more active working professionals. They have more included excursions, more “active” excursion choices like hiking and biking, as well a small gym on board. They usually include drinks not just at dinner but for happy hour each evening as well.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel read about her Danube Adventure Here!]

Viking Cruises – a popular entry-level option. Viking has a lower price point, with just the basics included. (i.e. beer/wine only at dinner; just one shore excursion included and the others are optional with added cost; etc) They’re a great starter line to test out the river cruise waters, and they do a lot of promotions and sales, so you can often catch a great rate.

the entrance staircase and chandelier of a Uniworld River Cruise

Uniworld– a slightly more upscale line. Their ships are all very uniquely decorated to emulate a boutique European hotel. The cruise fare includes all alcohol and gratuities, so there’s very little you have to add to the upfront price.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

Destinations

River cruises are destination-focused, so make sure to choose an itinerary that plays into your interests! Are you a history buff? A wine lover? Do you dream of seeing fields of tulips or picturesque castles? Each itinerary offers something a little bit different and depending on what you’re most interested in experiencing, the destinations will have a starring role.

As with any trip, you should be mindful of seasonality. European rivers can have water level issues at certain times of the year.

Some months are colder than others and whether you’d like to wear a jacket or a swimsuit on the sundeck will affect when and where you go.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

Finally, you’ll find there are often promotions/specials for 2-for-1 cruise fares or discounted airfare. You can search the internet for these deals, or keep an eye out for them in our newsletter!

Does the adventure of visiting many ports without the hassle of re-packing, plus the intimate connection with the destinations and local customs appeal to you? Let us know! We’d love to help you find the perfect itinerary and cruise line!

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