The Gilded Horizon
a travel blog
Discover The Gilded Horizon, Sunkissed Bliss Travel's blog offering expert travel tips, industry insights, and captivating stories from around the globe. Whether you're seeking trending destinations for 2025, family-friendly adventures, or luxury group travel ideas, our articles provide inspiration and guidance to elevate your journeys. Join us as we explore the world, sharing experiences and advice to make your travels unforgettable.
Why Los Cabos Belongs on Your 2026 Travel List
If you are craving an escape that blends luxury, natural beauty, world class dining, and unforgettable coastal scenery, Los Cabos should be at the top of your 2026 travel list. I recently returned from a stay in this stunning corner of Mexico, and it reaffirmed why travelers consistently rank it among the most captivating destinations in North America.
Why Multi-Generational Travel Feels Overwhelming and How a Travel Advisor Makes It Effortless
Thinking about planning a big family trip? Take a deep breath. Multi-generational travel brings some of life’s most meaningful moments, but it is rarely as simple as picking a destination and going. Families come to me every week feeling stressed, unsure where to begin, and worried about making a mistake that affects everyone else. There is a reason this type of trip has become one of my specialties. When multiple generations travel together, the logistics are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the opportunities for unforgettable memories are even greater.
What No One Tells You About Multi-Generational Travel
Multigenerational travel isn’t just “pick a destination and go.” It’s multiple origin cities, mismatched flights, strollers and wheelchairs, and mountains of luggage. It’s a toddler who needs snacks every 90 minutes and a grandma who’s more comfortable navigating the airport in a wheelchair. It’s balancing budgets, opinions, allergies, health needs, and motion sickness—all while trying to keep the peace between the museum lovers and the museum avoiders.
Where Time Stands Still: Falling in Love with Croatia
From the foggy mountains of Zagreb, with its strong Central European influences, to the sun-drenched terraces of Dubrovnik, every day in Croatia feels like walking through time. Each turn reveals another layer of history: Roman ruins transformed into lively squares, medieval walls framing Adriatic views, austere communist-era buildings, and fishing villages that still move to the rhythm of the tides.
The Local Moms Network of the Chicago North Shore: Meet a Mom
How to Experience a Destination Like an Insider
Have you ever come home from a trip and realized you spent more time in gift shops than in actual conversations with locals? It happens to even the most seasoned travelers. You go somewhere incredible, tick off the “must-sees,” eat at the places everyone talks about, and then wonder why it didn’t feel as magical as you’d imagined.
The truth is, a destination reveals its best side to the curious traveler who’s willing to wander a little off script. That doesn’t mean skipping the icons entirely. It means pairing them with experiences that are personal, unexpected, and deeply connected to the place.
Our Favorite River Cruise Itineraries and Which One Is Right for You
River cruising is one of the most elegant and immersive ways to explore a destination. Unpack once, sail straight into the heart of historic towns, and enjoy curated excursions and fine dining every step of the way. But not all river itineraries are created equal. Whether you're brand new to river cruising or ready to branch out, here’s how to choose the right fit.
Discover Costa Rica: A Family Adventure from Rainforest to Coast
Planning an adventurous international trip for your family can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re busy juggling work, school calendars, and the daily chaos of family life. That’s why I’ve partnered with G Adventures and National Geographic Family Journeys to create something truly special: a fully-guided, community-based, expertly curated family group trip through Costa Rica that you can simply show up and enjoy.
Where to Go for Holiday Travel That Doesn’t Feel Like Everyone Else’s Vacation
The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us. One moment it’s the end of summer, and the next you’re scrambling to find flights and a place to stay that isn’t booked or wildly overpriced. If you’re already dreaming of where to escape this winter, now’s the time to start planning. And if you’re craving something more meaningful than the usual holiday shuffle, here are a few destinations that deliver awe, comfort, and a real change of pace.
Family Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Chaos: My Sanity-Saving Tips + Packing List
Let’s be honest. Traveling with kids is less “rest and recharge” and more “snacks and strategy.” But that doesn’t mean it can’t be wonderful, memorable, and dare I say—fun. You just need the right plan.
As a luxury family travel advisor (and a parent who’s packed for more long-haul flights than I can count), I’ve learned what actually works when you’re navigating airports, time zones, and tiny humans who suddenly hate their shoes mid-boarding.
Fall Weekend Getaways That Are Actually Worth Your Time
Luxury Isn’t About Price. It’s How a Trip FEELS.
These Travel Activities Hit the Spot E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.M.E.
There are a few experiences that my travelers consistently rave about. The kind of things that don’t just fill a day. They make the trip.
They’re not about doing more. They’re about doing it well. These activities create the moments that stick long after your suitcase is unpacked and the laundry’s folded.
They’re simple, intentional, and expertly chosen to match the destination and the traveler. And every single time, they’re worth it.
Curating the Perfect Trip for You and Your People
Kyoto's Timeless Elegance: A Journey Through Japan's Cultural Heart
If Tokyo pulses with energy, Kyoto breathes with quiet grace. This former imperial capital invites you to slow down and experience Japan at its most refined. Think centuries-old temples tucked into wooded hillsides, moss gardens raked with intention, and misty mornings that begin with matcha and stillness.
How to Pack for a Luxury Cruise (without Bringing Your Entire Closet)
Let’s be honest—packing for a luxury cruise can feel like prepping for a floating fashion show that also doubles as a beach resort, a five-star restaurant, and your grandmother’s living room. The good news? You don’t need to bring five pairs of heels or a suitcase full of “just in case” outfits.
What Does a Travel Advisor Actually Do?
As a travel advisor, my job is to take the weight of planning off your shoulders and replace it with excitement, confidence, and that “someone’s-got-this-for-me” peace of mind. The moment we start working together, I’m not just crafting a dreamy itinerary—I’m your travel strategist, personal concierge, logistics wizard, and trip bodyguard.
Luxury Escapes in Maui: Indulge in Hawaii's Premier Resorts and Experiences
Maui isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. And if you're seeking an unforgettable luxury vacation in Hawaii, Wailea is where you’ll find sun-drenched beaches, five-star pampering, and experiences that linger long after the tan fades. These three resorts define the best of Maui's premium hospitality and are absolute standouts for travelers who want service, style, and serenity.
Discover the Magic of Family Travel in Portugal
Experience the magic of Porto through the eyes of young travelers. This breathtaking view of the Duoro River from a charming Porto balcony captures the essence of family adventure—where vibrant city life meets serene river views. Perfect for families seeking unforgettable moments in Portugal, Porto offers both relaxation and exploration in every corner.
Explore These Destinations Best Seen by Water
Some places are simply meant to be explored by boat, where the journey is just as breathtaking as the destination itself. From the sun-drenched islands of the Mediterranean to the dramatic fjords of Norway, cruising allows you to effortlessly visit stunning ports, all while unpacking once and skipping the airport shuffle. Sunkissed Bliss Travel can guide you to the perfect cruise line, itinerary, and even the ideal stateroom for your needs — plus, we’ll help you book at just the right time for the best value.