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.
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.
The Timeless Charm of Old San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a destination that effortlessly blends history, culture, and tropical beauty. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a fun-filled girls’ getaway, or an unforgettable family vacation, this vibrant city offers something for everyone.
5 Summer 2025 Destinations to Explore in 10 Days or Less
If you’re already overwhelmed by the idea of summer planning, relax—I’ve got you covered with five destinations that are perfect for a 10-day (or less!) escape with children or without them. The best part? You won’t need a car to explore them. Whether you prefer land, river, or sea, these spots are easy to navigate, family-friendly, and packed with adventure.
What’s Wave Season and Why You Should Care
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a travel insider, here’s your moment: let’s talk about Wave Season.
It sounds like something surfers dream about, but in the travel world, it’s all about scoring the best deals on cruises and other vacations. Think of it as the Black Friday of travel, only longer, calmer, and way more fun.
Trending Destinations to Explore in 2025: Beyond the Usual Favorites
With 2025 on the horizon, travel trends are shifting towards destinations that offer both richness of culture and authenticity of experience. This year, Sunkissed Bliss Travel has handpicked some top spots that are set to enchant travelers. While Italy remains a beloved classic, it's wise to avoid it in 2025 due to the Pope's Jubilee—a significant event expected to draw millions to Rome and nearby regions. Instead, consider these alluring alternatives that promise captivating journeys without the crowds.
From Oaxaca to Mexico City: A Women’s Trip for the Memory Books
I share all this to say that I am an experienced group traveler and a recovering summer camp kid. There’s nothing like forced proximity, new experiences, and exploring a destination that nurtures new friendships, increases empathy, and fosters an environment that is ripe for meaningful connections.
That’s why I’m incredibly excited about Come TogetHER IL’s spring trip to Central Mexico and grateful that they asked me to plan it for them. It doesn’t hurt that Central Mexico is a vibrant place, bursting with flavor, history, personality, art, and natural beauty.
A Day Onboard Icon of the Seas
At the end of last month, I accepted an invitation to experience a day aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Famous for being the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon can carry over 5,500 passengers, it’s nearly 1,200 feet long, 159 feet wide, and it debuted the Ultimate Family Townhouse Suite, a 3-story suite that sleeps up to 8 and includes state-of-the-art interactive features. Icon sails out of Miami on 7-night sailings alternating between an itinerary with stops in Honduras, Mexico, and another itinerary with stops in St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Thomas. Both itineraries spend a day at CoCoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
A Hack for Multi-City Itineraries
If you're anything like me, you hear the words “group travel” or “organized tour” and you cringe. The phrases conjure images of giant tour buses laden with octogenarians and a peppy guide in uniform. But having recently experienced a 9-day escorted itinerary, I can personally attest that those stereotypes no longer apply to all tours. Better yet, there's a way to make this mode of travel work for you that you may have never considered before.
Adventure Travel for Families
As a parent of two elementary school aged children, I like to take active vacations to keep them busy, but not so adventurous that I’m risking their safety or surpassing their capabilities.
Here are soft adventure travel experiences that are exciting yet suitable for younger ages: