Adventures with Sarah

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Do you wish you were traveling in India with me? Well, I’ve got some vicarious travel for your weekend.

In this free post, we will tell you where to go to recreate movie magic and which movie probably inspired me to become a travel writer.

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The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to India Let's demystify an intimidating destination

I’m in India for a few weeks on our Royal Rajastan tour. Over on the Substack today, I wrote a little persuasive guide to India. It’s so worthwhile to visit, and it’s not only for advanced travelers

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Be still my travel writing heart, I’m number 2 this week on Substack!
Woohoooooo! Come on over to Substack for my weekly (mostly free) travel dispatches! substack.com/@adventuresw...

The Grand Alpine Immersion: A Guide to the Italian Dolomites (2026) A Post-Olympics Alpine Adventure

Have the Milano Cortina Olympics inspired you to see the Italian Dolomites? I’ve put my best intel from years as a guidebook writer into this guide:

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I Dated Around the World This is Not a Love Song

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The Travel Happy Hour Podcast · The Travel Happy Hour · Three travel professionals talking all things travel: tips, destinations, news, tech, food, drinks and more

Are you ready for a happy hour? Join us tonight for the launch of our new podcast, The Travel Happy Hour 🍻
We’ve created a new weekly podcast on travel topics, from news to tips to interviews with interesting people we’ve met on the road.
Follow us on Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/4oCCiWU...

I had a lovely conversation today with travel journalist Susan Van Allen over on FB. She’s a great advocate for women’s travel and exploring Italy off the beaten path. Check it out here:
fb.watch/yA6VrgUEDX/?

This is extremely relatable

Hey friends!
Ive been missing Rome and thinking of adding a weeklong Staycation to my schedule. It would be all new, and a “Trust Me” itinerary, with surprise activities and sights.
Dates Nov 16-22
Comment if you’re interested or email sarah@adventureswithsarah.net Grazie!

I have never understood the fascination with Southwest. It always seemed like a rubbish airline with goofy service. But there were hard core fans! Way to alienate your base. I cannot understand the way airlines are undermining their fan bases lately.

Happy international women’s day!
It’s strange to think that a business like mine would have been impossible a generation ago. Women have made huge strides in travel, let’s keep it up!

To Travel or Not to Travel 🗺️ Navigating the Ethics, Challenges, and Joys of Travel

To Travel or Not to Travel

In my 25 years working in travel, I’ve seen many ups and downs. It’s a cyclical business, very sensitive to world events, economics, and trends.
All of these factors may have you wondering if travel is a good idea.
adventureswithsarah.substack.com/p/to-travel-...

Just a data point to share.
I was in Phnom Penh for dinner the other night and there was a tour group next to us. The guide asked where I was from and the man actually sneered when I said USA. Like as if I was something he found on the bottom of his shoe. So that’s the international temperature.

I have a feeling nobody workshopped this soda name with an English speaker.

Day off in Thailand

I regret to inform you that it’s just better in Thailand.

Early morning start took us to Phuket and on to Koh Yao Noi, a majority Muslim Thai island. We ate a wonderful lunch, painted batik, and drank fresh coconut juice, all with a local family hosting us.

Bangkok is best seen from the water, and preferably at sunset. Wat Arun is such a beauty that the whole riverbank across from it is packed with sunset lovers.

Where to next? ✈️

We are working on our 2026 tour offerings this week and are looking for your input!

Where shall we go in 2026? Shout out tours already in our schedule that you’d like to see, and places you’re dreaming of.

I’ll start! I’d like to go to India for Holi, the festival of colors.

I feel ya. I’m in travel and…same.

We’ve kicked off our guest appreciation weekend here in Seattle! Today we took a group from around the US to taste our local WA wines. Good times with great travelers!

Anyone who feels this way about Bob’s Big Boy is cool in my book.

Me, leaving Kauai and heading back to work on Monday.

Next Friday, January 17, I’ll be presenting another packing talk at Title Nine in Bellevue, WA and you’re invited!

Space is limited so please rsvp:

Friday, January 17, 6-8pm

RSVP: bellevue@titlenine.com or 425-451-9167

Hey Marti! Nice to see you too! Excellent profile pic :)

4) Don’t count on airline loyalty programs, they are not what they used to be. Try a new airline if the price and schedule are better for you.
5) Try airports near your home city. Every city has different direct flights. Vancouver as an example, has direct flights to SE Asia, Seattle doesn’t.

3) Buy as far in advance as possible and buy a ticket with no change penalty. Check the price from time to time. If it drops, change the ticket for a refund or apply the difference to upgrade to a better seat. Sometimes you’ll get a better class of service AND a credit if the price drops.
Cont’d…

Was interviewed this morning for a TV show called “Smart Money” this morning and was asked my best advice for buying an international flight.
1) Do not buy a basic economy ticket. Your comfort and peace of mind are not worth a small savings.
2) Wednesday is the cheapest travel day
Cont’d…

Aww, thanks! Glad to see you here too ☺️