June 2025 Newsletter
Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Aruba on a familiarization trip hosted by the Aruba Tourism Authority. This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a week packed with resort tours, island exploration, and hands-on experiences designed to help me better serve you, my clients.
I toured a dozen different resorts ranging from well-known names like Divi Aruba and the Hilton Caribbean to boutique hideaways like Boardwalk Boutique Hotel and Aruba Ocean Villas. Each resort offered something unique, from adults-only tranquility to family-friendly fun, and now I have firsthand knowledge of which properties truly match different travel styles and budgets.
Beyond the hotel visits, I immersed myself in the island’s culture and experiences—sampling delicious local cuisine, snorkeling in Aruba’s crystal-clear waters, and even hopping on the famous Kukoo Kunuku bus for their “Wine Down the Road” tour (a fun, festive way to see Aruba after dark!). These kinds of excursions help me recommend the best activities for your trip—not just what looks good online, but what feels right in person.
Trips like these are one of the ways I stay current and connected in the travel industry. When I recommend a resort or excursion, it’s because I’ve seen it, experienced it, and thought about how it might suit you. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, I can now say with more confidence that Aruba has something for everyone—and I’m here to help you find your perfect piece of paradise.
July is another busy travel month for me. This is also my last big travel month for a while until we approach my Christmas Markets river cruise in December.
I will be out of the office from June 28- July 9, 2025 with the Travel with Anne Scotland trip. We will be exploring Edinburgh, Inverness, the Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan, and even a bit of Galway. Some of us will also be extending our travels with a stop in London.
Following that, I’ll be out of the office from July 15-21, 2025 in Antigua and Barbuda on a travel professional familiarization trip. I’ll be visiting resorts, sampling local cuisine, and experiencing excursions to gather firsthand knowledge to better serve you with future travel plans!
While I won't be completing new quotes during these dates, I will be available to my traveling clients and will be wrapping up any existing quotes.
I will be posting as much as possible to the Visas and Vistas Travel Facebook page for both trips. Follow along!
Destination Highlight: Scotland – Wild Beauty and Timeless Charm
Scotland is a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and rich cultural traditions that captivate travelers from the moment they arrive. From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town to the misty moors of the Highlands, Scotland offers a journey through both history and nature. Explore iconic sites like Stirling Castle, the Isle of Skye, and Loch Ness, or take a scenic drive along the North Coast 500. For whisky lovers, a visit to a Highland or Speyside distillery adds a flavorful layer to the adventure. Whether it’s tracing ancestry, enjoying traditional ceilidh music, or marveling at rugged coastal cliffs, Scotland is a destination that stirs the soul.
Scotland also delivers warm hospitality and modern comforts, with charming inns, boutique hotels, and luxury countryside estates. Foodies can savor fresh seafood, hearty pub fare, and farm-to-table dining, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike, golf, or take a leisurely boat cruise on one of Scotland’s many lochs. Easy to combine with trips to England or Ireland, Scotland is perfect for couples, families, and small groups seeking rich experiences and unforgettable scenery. Uncover the magic of Scotland, where every turn reveals a story waiting to be told.
December 2025- Europe Christmas Markets- 7-night European Christmas Markets River Cruise on the AmaMagna December 14-21, 2025. Reserve your spot on this cruise here.
May 2026- Africa- WAITLIST Join me on an adventure to South Africa and Zimbabwe where we will explore Cape Town’s stunning coastline, witness wildlife in Kruger National Park, and marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls. Join the Waitlist here
July 2026- Alaska Land and Sea Tour- LIMITED CABINS LEFT IN THE GROUP - Join me on an adventure to Alaska exploring Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Reserve your spot here.
Potential Trips TBD:
Costa Rica - Fall 2026/Spring 2027
Egypt and Jordan - Spring 2027
Croatia Coastline Yacht Cruise - TBD
If you are interested in joining me on one or all of these trips, please reply to this email.