This year, I had the opportunity to embark on an 11-day journey through Vietnam with G Adventures on a small group tour, part of their newer "Geluxe" product collection—and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the bustling streets of Hanoi in the north, to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, the lush landscapes of Pu Luong, and the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh City in the south, this trip was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, history, and relaxation. Hanoi: An Energetic Start Our journey began in Hanoi, where I met the 11 other travelers in our group—two from Canada, three from England, two from Ireland, and the rest from the U.S. The diverse mix of people made for fantastic conversations and new friendships. Hanoi offered an exciting introduction to Vietnam’s rich history and lively street culture. Some of the highlights included: Riding on the back of motorbikes, weaving through the chaotic traffic. Visiting the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi ...

When I travel internationally, I literally never buy foreign currency at home before my trip as I find the exchange rates typically aren't great and I don't want to pay the bank fees. Instead, I wait until I arrive at my destination and withdraw cash from a local ATM. Let me add, these are not the airport ATMs and currency exchange counters, which typically offer poor conversion rates. While this approach may not feel comfortable for everyone, the truth is that at some point, you’ll likely need local currency while abroad. With a little planning, you can make sure you’re getting the best exchange rates and paying the lowest possible fees.  The Reality of ATM Fees Abroad ATMs are the most convenient way to get local currency, but they’re rarely free when you’re outside your home country. Here are the typical charges: International Transaction Fee: Often a percentage of the amount withdrawn. ATM Usage Fee: A flat charge per withdrawal at foreign ATMs. ATM Operator Fee: Extra char...

A few girlfriends and I were discussing going on a girls' trip, and we wanted something active. Enter Zion National Park!  We packed up last May for an unforgettable road trip from Phoenix to Zion. The drive itself was part of the adventure, with a coffee and donut stop in Payson (yum!) and a scenic stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center, where we stretched our legs and admired the views before continuing north. Our Home Base in Orderville We stayed just east of Zion in Orderville, UT, in a spacious 3500 sf rental home tucked away in the Ponderosa Ranch gated community—a beautiful house that can be rented at Argo Vacations . The house had everything we needed: a huge, fully-stocked kitchen, indoor and outdoor spaces to gather, a hot tub under the stars, tennis courts, a grill, plus more—the perfect balance of comfort and rustic luxury. Plus, it was close to the park and nestled in the forest for nice, after-dinner hikes complete with deer and wild turkeys. Day 1 – Hiking Observ...

  On a recent trip to California wine country with friends, I was in charge of booking transportation for two days of wine tasting. I expected limo prices to be steep—but over $1,200 for two days plus tip? Ouch! While searching, I stumbled across something intriguing: designated driver services. These pros will drive you in your own car  for about a third less than limo services. The company we hired charged by the hour, carried their own insurance (a must!), and made the experience just as safe and smooth—without the limo price tag. Next time you’re planning a day of tasting, think outside the box. A designated driver service can save you hundreds—leaving more in your glass and your wallet. #juliyarnalltravel #creatingstandoutadventures #designateddriver

Just off Washington’s coast lies a collection of islands where time slows down and nature takes center stage. From the whale-rich waters of the San Juans to the quiet charm of Whidbey and Bainbridge, these islands offer a peaceful escape filled with scenic views, local flavor, and coastal adventures. This summer, we were happy to be invited by friends to their beautiful beachfront residence on Whidbey Island. Years ago, we had a wonderful visit to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, so we were excited to explore a different island this time—with great company. Our trip started with a flight into Seattle, followed by the ever-classic battle with Seattle traffic. But once we boarded the ferry, things shifted. There’s something about gliding across water that immediately puts you in a slower, calmer state of mind—and that's exactly what Whidbey delivered. Whidbey Island is the largest island in Washington State, stretching about 37 miles and home to Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whid...

Originally published on July 3, 2024; updated on August 5, 2025 As a travel advisor, I’m often asked how I make money. Many people really aren't sure.  Let me tell you how it works. Commission Structure Almost every facet of travel has commissions already built in. Hotels, cruises, tour companies, car rentals, etc., include commissions for travel advisors or in-house agents. Even companies like Expedia, Viator, and VRBO have agent fees included in the rates.  For example, when you book a cruise for $4000 through an advisor, a percentage of that amount is paid to the advisor as commission by the cruise line. Importantly, the guest would pay the same $4000 regardless of whether they book directly or through an advisor.  As an added bonus, an advisor can often access sold-out categories for clients that are not available to the public and/or offer extra amenities such as shipboard credits. Hotels and other travel providers often prefer direct client bookings—they retain...

Last summer, I faced a dilemma—I wanted to extend a trip in Europe to escape the Arizona heat for an extra week without the steep price tag of boarding my dog and paying for lodging. I’m lucky to have a wonderful neighborhood pet caretaker, but asking them to care for my pup and stay at my house that long felt like too big of an ask. Enter Pet Sitting! I’d heard about a couple who spent three weeks living in Wales for free in exchange for watching someone’s pets. It sounded too good to be true—but it turns out, it’s absolutely a thing. Where to Start? There are several reputable pet-sitting platforms out there that connect pet owners with travelers who are happy to exchange pet care for free accommodations . I came across a blog that compared the various services and found it super helpful in choosing the one that was right for me. I ultimately went with TrustedHousesitters.com , a platform known for its thorough background checks and professional approach. They do charge an annual fee...

Over Easter weekend, I took my first trip to Mexico City, eager to experience its celebrated food scene and vibrant culture. It is an easy, 3-hour direct flight from Phoenix, so why not? I thought Easter may be crowded and that many attractions might be closed due to the holiday, but to my surprise, the opposite was true. Many locals actually leave the city to vacation during Easter, making this sprawling metropolis feel unexpectedly relaxed and manageable. Better still, all the major attractions we wanted to visit were open and running on regular hours. Where We Stayed We spent five nights in the charming and walkable Roma Norte neighborhood, staying at La Valise , a Small Luxury Hotel. The area felt safe, stylish, and full of character. Just next door is Condesa, another great neighborhood option if you're planning your visit—both are filled with leafy streets, cafes, and easy access to restaurants and attractions. One of my favorites a short Uber ride away was the artisan market...