Travel With Raelinn Blog

From Dreams to Destinations: How My Travels Shaped My Mission

3/7/2024

How it all started

I want to share something personal with you today—a bit of my own journey that led to the creation of Travel With Raelinn, LLC. This is more than a story about places; it's about what those travels instilled in me and how they paved the path for the work we do together. Growing up, my dreams were filled with distant lands and the call of unknown cultures. Life took me through various careers—food, hospitality, travel, and more. Each was fulfilling, but something was always drawing me further.

Raelinn and Mom in Paris with Eiffel Tower in background

Mom and Me in Paris 2018

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A taste of the italian riviera

12/7/2023

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Genoa, Portofino, cinque terre

Cinque Terre

Imagine waking up to the serene views of the sun-kissed Italian Riviera, where the azure waves of the sea embrace charming coastal villages, and the air carries whispers of centuries-old tales. Join me as we embark on a journey not just through places, but through the very heart of Italy's coast. While you can find the full itinerary here, allow me to take you on a picturesque stroll through some of the gems we'll discover together.

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Culinary & Wine Tours in Italy

7/27/2023

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My love affair with Italy began back in 2010 when I first had the chance to visit, thanks to my friend Sebastiano Ramello, whom I met at a wine trade show in Chicago. I had the incredible opportunity to spend three months living in Piemonte just outside Dogliani and worked wine harvest and then in the cantina (winery). I also got to tour around some as well, visiting other wineries in the area, EATING! This started the tradition of gaining at least a kilo every time I'm in Italy for more than a month! Even if you haven't visited Italy yet, you probably already love at least ONE Italian dish and you've probably at least heard of Prosecco and Barolo. Since then, I've gone back to live and work in the Dogliani area and then in Montalcino working with wineries. And in my travel business, I've attended annual trade fairs to develop relationships with wonderful travel partners and have completed many familiarization trips all over the country. This doesn't include my own personal vacations there! Suffice it to say, VIVA ITALIA! So let's talk about wine and food tours...

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Why work with a travel advisor?

4/26/2023

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As a frequent traveler, you may have often found yourself wondering whether you REALLY need to use a travel advisor. With the rise of online booking websites and travel apps, it’s no surprise that many people believe that they can plan a vacation on their own. However, the truth is that using a travel advisor can provide you with a number of benefits that you simply can't get when planning a trip by yourself.

Some of the top reasons why you might consider using a travel advisor for your next trip:

1. Expertise and Knowledge.

One of the most significant advantages of using a travel advisor is our wealth of expertise and knowledge. Travel advisors have years of experience helping clients plan experience, knowledge of destinations and personal relationships with professional partners on the ground where you visit. We have a deep understanding of unique places to visit, the best times to go, and the top things to see and do in each destination. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a luxury getaway, or a family vacation, travel advisors can provide you with insider tips and recommendations that you simply can’t find on Google. We can help you find hidden gems, avoid tourist traps, and personalize your trip to make it truly unique to your own travel needs and desires.

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Let's talk about tipping in Italy...

4/15/2023

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When traveling abroad, one of the most perplexing aspects of a new culture can be proper etiquette for tipping. In Italy, the rules are somewhat different from the USA or other Western countries. Here, I'll discuss the best practices for tipping in Italy and how to make sure you are showing proper respect and gratitude to those who provide you with excellent service.

First, it is important to note that tipping in Italy is not mandatory; however, it is greatly appreciated. In general, it is customary to round up to the nearest euro or two at restaurants, cafes, and bars. For example, if your bill comes to €25, it is perfectly acceptable to leave €27 on the table as a thank you for good service. It is not necessary to tip more than that, and large tips are not generally expected.

BUT... there are certain situations in which more generous tipping is both expected and appreciated. For example, it is customary to tip porters and maids a few euros per bag or per day, respectively. Similarly, taxi drivers expect a small tip of a few euros on top of the fare. If you are taking a private car service or using a chauffeur, it is appropriate to tip them more generously, perhaps 10% or 15%, especially if they have given you excellent service or gone out of their way to make your trip more enjoyable.

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