Taking the proper clothing when you travel is not only practical and on the lighter side, but it also helps keep you organized. Over-packing can be such a burden when traveling. You have to deal with the overweight fees, trying to get your suitcase in and out of the airport, hotel, etc. It is just a hassle. Also, we as travelers tend to pack for the "what if." What if I need four outfit changes in a day, or what if it rains? The list goes on.

Being a native Floridian makes me appreciate and love cold weather. I love snow, the cold, and every activity that comes with it. Especially towards the end of Summer, experiencing the non-stop hot days. As the kids are starting to go back to school, and look forward to cooling off in the fall, it is now time to start planning and booking a ski trip. I love to ski and Europe has great ski resorts (Zermatt in Switzerland, Courchevel, Chamonix, Val D’Isere in France, to name a few), but to many skiers, the Western United States has the most and the best places to ski in the world

Wine Country is home to some of the most amazing wines in this country. Fun fact: The Willamette Valley in Oregon is home to 70 percent of Oregon’s wineries and vineyards. The Willamette Valley is known for its pinot noir with more than 230 wineries and vineyards. It also offers the opportunity for many outdoor activities. One of my favorite areas to visit is Napa County, California, which has more than 1,700 wineries and more than 400 tasting rooms.

Whether painting tiles, touring the old quarter of Santiago, or walking into the magnificent cathedral, the trip was truly magical, and one of those trips that truly touches the soul.

Whether painting tiles, touring the old quarter of Santiago, or walking into the magnificent cathedral, the trip was truly magical, and one of those trips that truly touches the soul.

Rocky Mountaineer offers unparalleled daytime views, by rail, through the Canadian Rockies and across Western Canada. Rocky Mountaineer recently provided Avondale Travel Travel Advisor, Leigh Elizabeth Israel, a “familiarization trip" which is the opportunity to experience firsthand everything that Rocky Mountaineer has to offer.

Our president Leigh visited Germany. Here she shares all the details, from biking tours and rich history lessons to the energizing chaos of Oktoberfest celebrations. Here’s her itinerary: