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\nOnly 7 days until the presents under the tree get unwrapped, I'm betting the race is on to get those last minute stocking stuffers and presents in place.
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\nOne of the fun things for me at Christmas is pulling out all the bits and baubles I've picked up on my travels. To me it is always nice to see some small markers which reminds me of my journeys around this globe. As I write, I'm drinking my coffee from a cute creamy colored mug I bought in Tallinn. I can picture the artists shop where I picked it up; sitting right between the upper and lower city, about halfway up the cobblestoned path on the right. I was tempted by the black walnut earrings but decided on this little hand thrown mug.
\n\n | \n Behind me on the wall is this beautiful small watercolor, by a local artist Rita Talalaev (@rita.talalaev) from the island of Saaremaa in Estonia, above it is a triplet of finches by an artist in Fishguard, Wales. \nAll around my home are travel memories but there are always more at the holidays as I pull out my ornaments and hang them on the tree. Each has a story - the little wooden skier from Vienna, an angel from Paris, reindeer from Sweden, and the little glass balls from the UK. \n | \n
This year all Christmas decorations are on hold as two kittens, Steele and Magnolia, now reside in my home. I needn't mention kittens and Christmas trees don't mix well, typically ending in a very large crash. So this year I have foregone all things Christmas to save them from being batted about the floor.
\nI do miss seeing the ornaments and Christmasy things sitting around my apartment. I love remembering the stories of where each is from, who gave it to me, and thoughts on the joy of traveling.
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\nSo what's the biggest mistake to avoid in travel for 2025?
\nDON'T WAIT to plan your travel. Waiting is the mistake too many people are making.
\nStart NOW and get that trip on the books.
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\nLast minute travel planning is really going to be a challenge in 2025, it's become more difficult here at the end of 2024. Across the industry prices are higher for everything from hotels to tours to flights, added to that is the reality that availability is increasingly limited. More countries are requiring pre-arrival paperwork and e-visa's, and the process for most everything is simply taking longer.
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\nWe have entered a season where planning your trip in advance is the smartest way to find the best value for your travel dollars (and by advance planning I mean 4-6 months at. minimum, best pricing will be 9-12 months out).
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\nTravel is simply more complicated at the moment and it looks like 2025 will continue to see this trend while we wait for the world to find its center once again. We should be talking NOW about Summer and Fall 2025 travel. For anything this coming Winter and Spring - time to get on that now!
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\nMaking some changes in response to the current challenges:
\nI know planning fees can be a barrier to working with a travel advisor and I really want you to have the value and expertise I can add to your trip. So, for 2025 I will not be charging a planning/booking fee when you know exactly where you'd like to book. Yay! Free is such a great price - and that free includes all my services.
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\nFor all custom trips, I am offering for a limited time 50% off my planning fee. I want you to be able to get on that trip you've been dreaming about. Purchase between now and February 1, 2025 and you'll get my fee at a discounted price for a future trip, and it'll be good for travel through June 2026, giving you time to make plans. This offer is good for current and future clients.
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\nIf you know you're going to be traveling in 2025, this discount is a great opportunity to save yourself some money and get a fully customized trip. For those of you who have been wanting to use a travel advisor, this is a way to see what all the fuss is about at a great value. I'd be pleased to work with you
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\nUse these links to purchase - feel free to forward to friends or colleagues.
\n\n Choose Your Travel Fee Gift ๐ \n
~ Let's get travel on your calendar ~\nFor more information about my fees, \nhere's a link to my Welcome Guide. โ \n | \n\n |
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\n๐Some inspiration from clients who have already booked for 2025...
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\nIf you're thinking about a trip of any kind, email me - I'd love to help make it easy to get out of town.
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\nThank you for allowing me to pop into your email. I look forward to helping you fill your passport with stamps from journeys that create memories for a lifetime.
\n\n Here is a photo of the two new kittens. Meet Steele and Magnolia - also known as Batty and Nola. and yes, Batty lives up to his name. His midnight attacks are not cool or sanctioned. \nโ \nNot sure what I was thinking when I got them, but they're here now and it's a little bit of serious mayhem at the moment. \n | \n\n |
Be sure to check out my website at www.opalandfinch.com for updates. And I appreciate your sharing with your friends and family.
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\nHave a beautiful week.
\nIf you aren't following @opalandfinch๐ here are the links ๐ and I always love it when you tag me on your trips with @opalandfinch or #opalandfinch
\n\n\n | \n Need to book a quick HOTEL? Use this link to book on your own and still get all those Virtuoso Amenities because of our partnership with Virtuoso. \nโTravel INSURANCE - Use the link to purchase a travel insurance policy with Travel Insured, my preferred travel insurance partner. \n | \n
-> Some other Land Based Travel ideas <-
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| \n\n | \n Martha Day\nOwner | Senior Designer \n+1 469-818-4864 (mobile / WhatsApp) \nโwww.opalandfinch.comโ \n\nLive Beautifully and with intention \n | \n
Hello. Iโm Martha Day, owner and head travel designer at Opal&Finch, a boutique luxury travel company based in Dallas, TX, and (spoiler alert)
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\nI LOVE travel. It is a joy to assist others with their travel needs.
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\nMy design goal is simple: that you return from your journey refreshed. Whether you head to a far-flung exotic destination, choose to relax deck side on a ship, or need your feet in the sand kicking back by the sea, whatever you choose, my desire is for you return home rejuvenated with great stories that bring smiles.
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\nOpal&Finch exists to inspire connections through travel. We provide effortless travel planning, management, and concierge services to busy people so they can take memory-filled vacations even when schedules are packed and it seems impossible to get away.
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\nIf youโre looking to travel, Iโd love to help bring your travel dreams to life.
\n#ImagineWhatCanBe #SoVirtuoso #BringingTravelToLife
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\nProud Member of the following Virtuoso Communities: Wellness, Adventure, Culinary, Cruise, Sustainability
\n*Proud to be a certified Virtuoso Voyages Host* (ask me what this means for you!)
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Opal&Finch is an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network - a Virtuosoยฎ Member Agency | Gifted Travel Network, Inc is registered with the following state licenses: California - Seller of Travel Registration No. 2113317-40, Washington - Seller of Travel Unified Business ID (UBI) # 603 308 394, Florida - Seller of Travel Registration No. ST39093.
\n\n\n | 2633 McKinney Avenue 130-381, Dallas, TX 75204 | \n\n |
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I'm a coach, author, and entrepreneur who loves to talk about travel, culture & entertainment, and lifestyle. Subscribe to my newsletter.
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