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Carla | Discover Wanderlust Travel

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!

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Discover Wanderlust Travel | January 2026 Travel Compass

Carla’s Curated Compass Where culture, luxury, and adventure meet to spark your next unforgettable escape. Happy New Year! It's a new year and time to start thinking about what new destinations to explore this year and start planning if you haven't already. It's never a good idea to wait until the last minute to plan travel. To lock in the most desirable locations on a ship or to assure your spot on a popular tour during peak seasons, its best to plan ahead. Hotel availability can become...

Vienna's Christmas Markets

December 2025 Carla’s Curated CompassWhere culture, luxury, and adventure meet to spark your next unforgettable escape. Hi Reader, The holidays are here and we are in full gear! As I reflect on another spectacular year of travel planning, I am so very grateful to have and work with such wonderful clients. I am thankful for each of you who have trusted me with your investment in travel. There is no better way to experience life than to explore the world, and it brings me so much happiness to...

Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel

Monthly Travel E-NewsletterNovember 2025 Hi Reader, I recently spent a few nights enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation with my husband in Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. I stayed at the Secrets Resort & Spa, a Hyatt all-inclusive adults-only resort. All-inclusives are not my #1 preferred style of travel, but for a few days to relax and do just about nothing with the most genuinely pleasant and friendly staff attending to our every want and need, I can't honestly say I wouldn't go...

Nantipa Beachfront Bungalo in Costa Rica

Monthly Travel NewsletterOcctober 2025 Hi Reader, The leaves changing in autumn is my favorite, and I wanted to share a few places you can visit this time of year to take in that beauty (that aren't in New England of course! 😉) Columbia River Gorge, Oregon - More than 50 waterfalls cascade into the Columbia River Gorge, where vibrant autumn foliage can be enjoyed on nearby hikes, river cruises, or scenic flights from Portland through late October. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The...

The Galápagos

Monthly Travel NewsletterSeptember 2025 Hi Reader, Fall is getting closer now, and I am ready for some cooler weather. This summer in Florida has been absolutely brutal. Of course autumn is my favorite season and I'm eager for a trip north over the next few months to feel the cool breezes, listen to the falling leaves, sip pumpkin spice latte, and to watch some football. While I wait for the cold front (which may not arrive until 2026), I'm currently reading Brando's Smile by Susan Mizruchi....

Canal in colorful Copenhagen

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...

Toronto City Skyline

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...

White Night on Azamara

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...

Hotel Faena Buenos Aires in Argentina

Monthly Travel E-NewsletterMay 2025 Hi Reader, Recently, I spent a week in Seattle at the annual Uniglobe Travel Center conference. I met up with travel representatives that I've partnered with closely over the last few years to ensure my client's travels go as seamless as possible. They are the stars behind your experience. 🤩 I brought my family along with me to expore Seattle together -we brought nice clear weather with us! Our experiences included: 🗸 Seattle Harbour cruise🗸 Seattle...

An evening in Ephesus

Monthly Travel E-NewsletterApril 2025 Hi Reader, This time of year always gives me the travel bug. The longer days, the fresh blooms (pollen too)—everything feels like an invitation to explore. Lately, I’ve been inspired by places that blend history, culture, and a bit of mystery—like the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. From grand ruins to timeless stories, it’s the kind of destination that reminds you just how incredible our world truly is. I hope this month’s newsletter sparks a little...