Hi, I'm Carla. I'm a Virtuoso travel advisor based in Tampa, Florida. I absolutely love and enjoy research and planning travel for people who are in seek of a more personalized travel experience. Off-the-beaten path experiences, private touring, and hidden gems are all a part of what I do! My passion is planning first-time trips to Italy and working with clients who appreciate travel as an essential life experience. I help manage the finer details to avoid hiccups along the way. I'm with you as your advocate from the planning stages, during travel, and until you walk back through your front door. All you need to do is pack! Subscribe to my monthly travel newsletter to discover wanderlust, learn about destinations worldwide, hear about featured tours and cruises and maybe even a little about me!
As the holiday season fills the air with joy and togetherness, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a happy, prosperous New Year🪩! Whether you're staying cozy at home or embarking on a winter getaway, may this time be filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your travel adventures this year. Here's to even more exciting journeys in 2025—let’s make it a year to remember! ✨
🎄 Christmas Markets 🎄
A Christmas market in Cologne, Germany
Europe's Christmas markets are a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, with Munich's Christkindlmarkt among the most iconic. Held in the heart of the city at Marienplatz, this festive market sparkles with twinkling lights, handcrafted ornaments, and the aroma of roasted nuts and mulled wine.
Visitors shop for unique gifts, sample traditional Bavarian treats, and enjoy live holiday music that fills the air with cheer.
Many towns along Europe’s rivers, from Strasbourg to Vienna, host their own enchanting holiday markets, each offering its unique cultural flair!
A river cruise is an exceptional way to experience these magical markets. Imagine unpacking once and waking up in a new festive destination each day, with guided tours bringing the rich history and traditions of each town to life.
Onboard, you'll enjoy gourmet cuisine, festive activities, and luxurious accommodations that make the journey as special as the destinations. Keep in mind that popular Christmas market river cruises book out more than a year in advance. Booking early ensures you secure the perfect cabin and itinerary to celebrate the season in style! Cruising the Danube is just one example of a sailing through Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia during the holiday season!
Travel Industry Updates
✈️
DOT proposes required compensation for airline delays and cancellations...
when the delay or cancellation is the fault of the airline and not caused by external factors such as weather. If pushed through, it would put the US in line with Canada, the UK, Brazil and the EU who are already required to provide compensation.
Virgin Voyages is offering a limited number of annual cruise passes for 2
It allows guests to sail on any ship on any voyage, valid for one year from the start date. All sailings will include premium WiFi, laundry service, priority boarding, $100 bar tab credit, two speciality coffees per day, and more.
Travel to London beginning 1/1/2025 will require an Electronic Travel Authorization
All US citizens traveling through the UK for 6 months or less will need to have an Elecronic Travel Authorization "ETA" prior to travel. You can apply now - the cost is £10.
A big question many people probably have but don't necessarily ask is, "What do you do as a travel agent? Why would I even need you?"
Many think they can handle travel planning all on their own with the internet accessible to nearly everyone! Well, just because you CANdoesn't mean that you SHOULD.
Lets address a few misconceptions...
I'm not just price quoting and booking trips
Gone are the days of a travel agent order taking and just booking a flight or a hotel. Today it is mostly navigating complex logistics and providing support when things go awry (as they will do in travel, unfortuantely). Using a consultative approach, I ask questions and conduct research that help me provide advice and guidance to ensure that the final itinerary is what is best for you.
Earlier this year, I planned a 14-day trip for a couple hesitant to travel overseas alone. With my support coordinating every detail, they returned home confident and thrilled with their experience. Hearing stories like theirs is what I love most about what I do! 🫶
I provide an important human touch
Unlike Expedia or Costco, I offer personalized care, attention, and customization every step of the way. From planning to your return, I’m here to ensure your trip runs smoothly and to step in if it doesn’t. My trusted relationships with travel partners mean I can quickly adapt plans if needed, saving you time, stress, and money. If you aren't working with a professional, who do you call and how much money might you need to spend to get out of your situation?
A group of mine traveling this June in Rome decided they wanted to travel from Rome to Naples via a private transfer instead of first-class rail. I was able to execute this change within hours. If you booked this on your own, you would probably have been out of luck, as summer is peak season in Italy and can be a challenge when you don't have someone to lean on.
There is so much value beyond just the booking
Many people incorrectly assume that using a travel advisor will cost more. Oftentimes though, it saves time, money, and stress in the long run. I think this is especially important when planning trips to destinations unfamiliar to you, milestone events, and bucketlist vacations.
A client of mine once considered booking a trip online but was unaware of the undisclosed additional costs for things like tours, & gratuties, poorly timed flight connections, and missed opportunities for upgrades. With my expertise, I secured a better flight schedule, upgraded their accommodations, including breakfast and other amenties at no additional cost. I also provided insider tips and mapped directions for tour meet ups for seamless travel.
As a travel advisor, I do so much more than just take orders and book trips. I'm your trusted guide, problem-solver, and experience curator!
Trusty Travel Tip
After a long flight listening to music or watching movies on your phone, your battery could end up dead. And if the plane did not have a charging port and you didn’t write down the address of where you’re staying, how will you tell/show your taxi driver?
Always make your information available offline or if necessary, print a copy before you leave. I’d also recommend writing down your hotel room number somewhere after you check in, just in case you forget!
Know a friend who loves to travel and appreciates the value a travel advisor can bring - especially one who is all in to the details, provides top-tier service, and can offer amenities not available when booking direct?
Hi, I'm Carla. I'm a Virtuoso travel advisor based in Tampa, Florida. I absolutely love and enjoy research and planning travel for people who are in seek of a more personalized travel experience. Off-the-beaten path experiences, private touring, and hidden gems are all a part of what I do! My passion is planning first-time trips to Italy and working with clients who appreciate travel as an essential life experience. I help manage the finer details to avoid hiccups along the way. I'm with you as your advocate from the planning stages, during travel, and until you walk back through your front door. All you need to do is pack! Subscribe to my monthly travel newsletter to discover wanderlust, learn about destinations worldwide, hear about featured tours and cruises and maybe even a little about me!
Monthly Travel NewsletterAugust 2025 Hi Reader, August in Northern Europe is a dream—mild weather, long daylight hours, and vibrant cultural experiences. This month, I’m sharing some of the to dos and where to stay of a favorite Nordic capital: Copenhagen. With its effortless blend of historic charm and modern design, it is not to be overlooked! 📍Destination Spotlight: Copenhangen, Denmark But Why Copenhagen? Known for its fairy‑tale architecture, Michelin‑starred dining, and bike-friendly...
Monthly Travel E-NewsletterJuly 2025 Reader, Toronto permiates a feeling of being welcomed warmly — It is a big city with small-town friendliness. It’s the perfect mix of urban energy and relaxed charm, and I’m excited to share some of its highlights this month and hopefully inspire you a little to plan your next adventure! Toronto, Canada Toronto is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city where world-class culture meets warm Canadian hospitality. From Michelin-starred dining to architectural marvels...
Monthly Travel E-NewsletterJune 2025 Hi Reader! Kids are out of school and summer has arrived. That means travel season is underway. This summer, my clients are traveling to a variety of locations - with a lot of cruisers: An anniversary trip to explore the US National Parks (and another couple doing the same!) Grandparents cruising to the Bahamas with their grandsons A family's first trip to Europe to experience Rome followed by a cruise through the Greek Isles A travel loving couple...
