Arden Adventures

Costa Rica is calling your name!

Okay, it’s actually calling MY name to go back to this beautiful country all thanks to an itinerary I just finished for my clients🤩

I’m booking them a trip to Costa Rica, and the itinerary includes a stay at Parador Resort in Manuel Antonio🌸

What I love about this resort is that it is absolutely stunning with the ocean views mixed with the jungle planets and wildlife🐒 And I also love all the different pools and private areas around the property, it is such a romantic location💕

Just imagine: 8 days in paradise🌴 my clients are getting a fully customized itinerary so that they can explore all the different areas of Costa Rica. Getting to wake up with breathtaking views, experience the amazing wildlife, and getting immersed in the amazing Pura Vida lifestyle🦋

I can SO imagine it, do you think my clients would let me tag along? Ha!
Just kidding, I’ll just be over here living vicariously😅

So many great things coming up for my clients💚💙

Unpopular opinion: Waikiki is NOT the best place to stay on Oʻahu😳

Hear me out.

Waikiki is iconic but it’s also crowded, commercialized, and honestly? It feels more like a resort strip than Hawaii.

The North Shore is a different world entirely!

-Waimea Bay instead of packed beach chairs
-Shrimp trucks and açaí bowls instead of tourist menus
-Sunsets with actual breathing room
-Waking up to the sound of waves, not traffic
-The legendary Banzai Pipeline in your backyard

It’s the more slower and raw side of Oahu. More Hawaii than anything you’ll find in Honolulu.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to actually FEEL a place instead of just hitting the popular spots, the North Shore is calling.

What’s your opinion on North Shore vs Waikiki beach area? Let me know in the comments!!🤗

Hidden in plain sight along Oahu’s coast is something most people drive right past without ever realizing it’s there👀

This natural lava tube sits just off Kalaniana’ole Hwy near Hanauma Bay. It was formed thousands of years ago when molten lava flowed underground, cooled, and left behind a hollow tunnel.

Location: Kalaniana’ole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825
Parking: Use the scenic pullout just up the road. Please don’t stop on the highway.

Important safety note: you do have to carefully climb over the guardrail to access this spot. It’s undeveloped and unmarked, so definitely proceed at your own risk. Wear sturdy shoes, watch your footing on sharp lava rock, and stay aware of traffic nearby. Always respect the land and leave no trace.

Follow along for more travel tips and adventures 🌴

Hawaii isn’t one destination. It’s FOUR completely different adventures!! 👇🏻

Oʻahu: History, nightlife, iconic surfing, and the energy of Honolulu

Maui: Road to Hana, sunrise at Haleakalā, whale season magic

Kauaʻi: Nā Pali Coast, jungle waterfalls, the most dramatic landscapes on earth

Big Island: Active lava flows, black sand beaches, manta ray night dives

Every island deserves its own trip. But if you only get one, let’s make sure it’s the right one for you.

Tell me which one sounds appealing to you!! I think Kauai and the Big Island sounds like my kind of adventure😋☺️

6 months into 2026. Are you thinking about fall and winter travel yet?

You should be! Think about how good that sun on your face feels and then think about the impending winter head… if your anything like me, you’ll want to break up the winter with some sunshine☀️

Now is the time to get those winter plans made!! Reach out and let’s chat🤗

One of my guilty pleasures?

Donuts!! I love me a good chocolate frosted donut and today gives me the perfect excuse to go get one because it’s National Donut Day🍩

Livingston County has some great local spots to pick one up and I’m hoping to stop at Dough Creations in Howell before they close today!

Anytime I travel, I seem to seek out the best donut shops😅 because there are absolutely no rules on vacations🤫

So tell me, what is your guilty pleasure when it comes to desserts🤐

I know there are some serious misconceptions floating around about working with a travel advisor!

So let’s set the record straight and debunk some of the most common myths I see online.

➡️ Myth #1: Travel advisors are for luxury travelers

Reality: I've worked with people from all walks of life. I’m talking everyone from solo travelers to honeymooners. It doesn't matter if you have a strict budget or you’re planning to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip - I'll help you make the most of your travel dollars.

➡️ Myth #2: Booking online is cheaper, quicker and easier

Not quite! Travel advisors actually have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and upgrades that you won't find online. And with endless options, booking online takes way more time and effort than most people think.

➡️ Myth #3: Why bother with a travel advisor when I can just Google everything myself?

Here's the thing- the internet is overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in the ads and deals. There are thousands of hotels with thousands of reviews- where do you even begin?

As your travel advisor, I'll cut through the clutter and help you make the best choices. Plus, I'll also take care of all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.

Want to experience the difference a travel advisor can make on your next trip?

Comment READY below and let's chat about your next adventure!

My sister is getting married this month and I am absolutely ecstatic🤩

I can not wait for everything to come together and celebrate her and her soon to be husband❤️

And even more exciting is that they are going to Hawaii for their honeymoon!! You know that’s really the most exciting part of all this😋😆 haha

I actually have a few couples heading to Hawaii soon so it seems to be the perfect romantic destination for the upcoming year🥰

Anyone else have Hawaii on their radar? Let me know in the comments 🙋🏼‍♀️

White Pass Railroad in Skagway, Alaska🚂

Which Side of the Train Is Best?

Train: The left side is best when ascending to the Summit. If your trip includes the loop in the track, the left side on the way up becomes the right side on the return to Skagway.

If the train isn’t fully booked, you’re welcome to move to open seats within your own car. Moving between cars while the train is in motion is discouraged for safety reasons. Ask your car attendant or conductor, and ideally do this before departure.

Motor Coach Bus: Right side ascending to the Summit, left side on the return.

For all my upcoming Alaska travelers next month and any people heading up there in the future, make sure to save this post!!