I remember my very first trip “across the pond”—it was August 2017, and I was heading to Rome to embark on a Mediterranean cruise. I was excited to visit places I’d only ever seen on TV or in movies. I pored over excursion ideas, hotel options, and calculated how many activities I could cram into each day. I didn’t want to miss a single moment.

After a long 12-hour flight, a 6-hour time change, and a 45-minute private car ride from the airport, we finally arrived at our hotel. The hotel felt like stepping back in time. Built in the 19th century and nestled among ancient streets, I realized this was OLD Rome. Though beautifully renovated, the hotel had no elevator. So there we were—jetlagged and weighed down with luggage—lugging our suitcases up two flights of stairs to our room. Welcome to Europe.

As tempting as a nap sounded, we pushed through. This day was packed with an incredible number of sites to see. Within our first 12 hours in Rome, we grabbed some American fast food (because that’s all I knew at the time), and off we went! Our adventures included walking everywhere to see the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and more. Next was my first international subway ride to visit the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. We stopped for ice cream, then continued by crossing the Tiber River on the Angel Bridge, and headed for the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Forum of Augustus, and the Statue dei Dioscuri, before attending a magical night tour of the Colosseum’s main sections, plus exploring the Hypogeum tunnels beneath the arena floor.

By the time we walked the two miles back from the Colosseum toward our hotel, our feet were aching, we were hungry, tired, and sweaty—but so full of awe and thankfulness. We began the day in a crowded McDonald’s eating a hamburger and ended it with fresh-baked pizza at 11 pm on a quiet side street, restaurant doors open to the elements, surrounded by the charm of Rome.

5 Things You Must Know About Planning a Trip to Europe (And How I Help!)

 What Does This Story Have to Do with Planning a Trip to Europe with a Travel Agent?

Hiring a travel agent means more than just booking your flights and hotel accommodations. You want an agent who has real-life experience—or, since none of us can go everywhere, access to trusted colleagues who’ve explored your desired destinations. Someone who truly understands the nuances of the journey firsthand. We are that agent.

We provide real-world knowledge, work with you to avoid common pitfalls, share practical tips, and curate a trip that fits your style, pace, and interests. We listen closely to what you want to achieve and craft an experience filled with memories for a lifetime.

When you’re ready to turn your travel dreams into unforgettable adventures, we are here. Schedule a personalized travel consultation and start crafting the journey that’s uniquely yours.

Now, on to "5 Things You Must Know About Planning a Trip to Europe (And How I Help!)"

Traveling overseas is an adventure that requires significant preparation. Before you can stroll the cobbled streets of Lisbon, watch the gondolas float by in Venice, or sip wine at a café in Paris, you need to put some initial thought and effort into your travel plans.

1.) Make sure your documents/identification are in order.

Before we even begin to discuss travel details, look at your passports. Are they in pristine condition with intact pages? When do they expire? Some countries require a certain timeframe for validity, and you don't want to face issues boarding an aircraft due to a passport problem.

When we begin discussing your travel plans, we talk about requirements for travel and I will remind you about passport applications, renewals, and other documents necessary for your destination.

2.) You need a realistic budget (and an ample amount of time!) to accommodate your wish list.

The demand for travel has exploded within the past couple of years, and rates reflect this. All aspects of travel arrangements have increased in price, so if you haven't planned a vacation for a long time, prepare yourself.

Further, just because countries are near one another on the world map doesn’t mean it makes sense logistically to include them on the same itinerary.

We'll talk about where you want to travel, the number of days you'd like to travel for, and the types of activities you want to do. Are you interested in fully guided tours? River cruising? A completely independent and custom trip? We can walk you through options and what you get for your dollar.

3.) I strongly recommend travel protection.

Life presents us with challenges outside of our control, whether it's health-related, work emergencies, or travel snafus. Purchasing travel protection to cover your vacation gives you peace of mind and can help when the unexpected catches you by surprise.

I offer travel protection through the suppliers I partner with and can provide you with options to choose from that suit your needs.

4. ) Packing appropriate clothing and shoes can make or break your day-to-day experience.

Don't overpack - pack smart! Buy and break in shoes that allow you to walk comfortably throughout the day while navigating stairs, uneven roads, cobblestones, and slippery walkways. Plan your clothing in layers, choosing items you can piece together to create multiple looks. Consider rain gear, winter-weight clothing, and activity-specific items you might need for your destination or planned excursions.

Closer to your departure date, I can assist with recommendations for your cruise, tour, and destinations.

5.) Booking excursions and activities in advance truly allows you to immerse yourself in the destination.

Leisurely exploring a new city can be romantic and exciting, albeit a bit intimidating for some travelers. While there is something to be said about wandering, planning destination-specific excursions in advance allows you to maximize your time and learn from locals with a passion for sharing their love of art, history, architecture, and culinary pursuits. Make sure to budget for these activities.

Europe is an incredible destination, and some of my clients' favorite countries to visit are just an ocean away. The intricacies of planning a Europe trip are best organized with the guidance of an experienced professional, and I am happy to help both seasoned travelers and newbies alike.

Let’s make the next 10 years a story worth telling.

Adventure Awaits - It's Travel Time

DeAnn Hittinger

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

— Eleanor Roosevelt