There's nothing like hearing about a destination from someone who's just returned with fresh memories and insider insights. Travel advisor Anna Maria recently visited Hawaii, staying at Outrigger properties on both Maui and the Big Island's Kona coast. From watching whales breach off Maui's shores to exploring the volcanic wonders of Kona, she experienced firsthand what makes Hawaii such a captivating destination—and why Outrigger's authentic Hawaiian hospitality creates the perfect home base for island exploration. Whether you're dreaming of your first Hawaiian getaway or planning a return visit to the islands, her insights will help you make the most of every moment in paradise. In this Q&A-style blog post, she shares everything from must-see attractions and hidden gems to practical packing tips and the cultural experiences that made her trip truly unforgettable. Get ready to start planning your own Hawaiian escape!

Leisure travel advisor, Maria Kazanas , recently welcomed back a honeymoon couple from their dream stay at Baglioni Maldives. They provided us with glowing five-star reviews and shared stunning photos from their two-week tropical escape, which took them from a private Beach Villa with direct sand access to an Overwater Villa Bungalow with panoramic ocean views and direct lagoon access. As first-time visitors to the Maldives, our clients' enthusiastic feedback has us eager to share the highlights of their luxurious island honeymoon. Maria's thoughtful planning and attention to detail helped craft the perfect all-inclusive experience for her clients, complete with romantic touches like private honeymoon dinners and daily villa decorations. In this Q&A style blog, our honeymooners will give you a look inside their luxury Maldives experience at Baglioni Maldives. Whether you're planning your first honeymoon or dreaming of an anniversary getaway, this guide will help you determine if Baglioni's indulgent tropical paradise is the perfect fit for your romantic escape!

My mom and I went on our first ever river cruise with AmaWaterways this past fall, and we had an amazing time. It was unlike any trip to Europe I had ever done, and now I can’t imagine travelling in Europe any other way. The convenience and ease of travel was unmatched compared to doing it on your own. We were a little hesitant and unsure of what the experience would be like, but it truly exceeded our expectations, and we have already booked our next Rhine river cruise in 2026! Even if you’re not cruising with Ama, river cruising is its own category of travel that most don’t fully understand until you experience it for yourself. Keep reading to learn all the details you might not have thought or heard of when river cruising for the first time.

Dark Sky Week is held every year during the week of the new moon in April, and in 2025, it will be held from April 21-28. This week was created to see the true beauty of the night sky by turning off all unnecessary lights worldwide and raising awareness about light pollution. Dark Sky Week was created by highschooler Jennifer Barlow back in 2003, and is recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League, and Sky & Telescope. Barlow wanted to create this week of observance, because she thought it was important to preserve the way that our ancestors saw the night sky and to get rid of any unnecessary lighting that is preventing us from having the same experience.

The critically acclaimed HBO Max series "The White Lotus" has captivated audiences not only with its sharp social satire and compelling characters but also with its stunning filming locations. Each season transports viewers to a different exotic paradise, showcasing some of the world's most luxurious resorts against breathtaking natural backdrops. If you've found yourself daydreaming about visiting these picturesque destinations, you're not alone. Let's explore the magnificent filming locations from all three seasons and how you can experience the White Lotus magic for yourself.

In the world of travel, where you rest your head at night can be just as memorable as the destinations you explore during the day. At Brentwood Travel, we believe that extraordinary accommodations transform good vacations into unforgettable journeys. From sleeping under the dancing northern lights to sharing breakfast with giraffes, these seven remarkable places to sleep around the world promise experiences that transcend the ordinary hotel stay.

For travelers seeking nature's most breathtaking displays, spring brings a variety of blooms from the cherry blossoms of Japan to the tulip fields of the Netherlands and the lavender valleys of Provence. Whether you prefer river cruising through Europe's waterways, the immersive experience of guided land tours, or the luxury of curated cultural journeys, there's a perfect flower-focused adventure waiting for you!

We challenged our travelers to share the most incredible snapshots from their journeys booked through Brentwood Travel in 2024. At our annual holiday party, our staff was each given three votes to cast on their favorite photos. With one 1st place winner, and two tied for 2nd place, it was a great turnout, and we hope to do another competition in the future. Check out the final results and honorable mentions below!

Lufthansa now offers nonstop flights on select days from St. Louis to Frankfurt. Check out the difference between their premium economy and business class fares!

Our travel advisors have been all over the world in 2024! Check out some of their favorite travel pictures from the year.

When you work in the travel industry your resolution list doesn't always include just diet and exercise; instead, it's where to travel next! Some of our staff members have shared where they have planned to travel and hope to travel in 2025. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and we hope you complete your travel resolutions, too!

Are you struggling to find a holiday gift for the travel lover in your life? Check out our 2024 gift guide!

Brentwood Travel advisor, Anna Maria Andaloro, recently traveled to India with G Adventures. Check out her

Allie Edelman and Rachel Peters traveled to Ecuador with South American Tours and Ensemble Travel. Check out their adventures!

For travelers who believe that music makes every journey better, today's cruise lines and hotels are orchestrating experiences that combine wanderlust with musical passion. From blues on the high seas to classical concerts along the Danube, here's your comprehensive guide to music-themed travel experiences that hit all the right notes.

For many, the Galapagos Islands conjure images of remote, untamed landscapes best explored by cruising. However, the main hub of Santa Cruz Island also offers a robust selection of premier hotels, allowing you to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site by land. Beyond Puerto Ayora's picturesque port, Santa Cruz's lush highlands, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife await. Whether you seek boutique luxury, eco-focused sustainability, or family-friendly adventures, this island delivers an immersive Galápagos experience. For those wanting a more intimate nautical experience, we've also included details on two exclusive small-ship cruises around the archipelago. Carrying just 16 passengers each, these private yachts provide an exclusive window into the Galapagos' wonders. Ready to chart your own course through the Enchanted Isles? Explore some of our top hotel and cruise recommendations on Santa Cruz Island.

Whether you're embarking on a Galápagos adventure or journeying to the Middle of the World, Quito offers exceptional accommodations worthy of your stay. As Ecuador's capital and the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Site (alongside the Galápagos), this cultural and political center boasts some of South America's finest hotels. From art-filled boutique properties to historic mansions, we've curated a list of some of Quito's most prestigious hotels where luxury and heritage create unforgettable experiences. Keep reading to check them out!

Clients of Maria Kazanas recently returned from a custom France and Greece trip. Read their great reviews and view their travel photos here!

Clients of Cathy Robinson's recently sailed with AmaWaterways on their Europe's Rivers & Castles itinerary. Check out their five-star review here!

​Are you seeking a truly elevated cruise experience? Look no further than the exclusive Yacht Club aboard select MSC Cruises ships. Last summer, Leisure Travel Advisor Allie Edelman had the privilege of sailing in this premium enclave on the Meraviglia, and she’s still dreaming about the premium amenities and out-of-this-world service! From private accommodations and dedicated dining venues to an indulgent private pool and 24/7 butler service, the Yacht Club promises a pampering escape at sea. But is it worth the splurge? And is this lavish “ship-within-a-ship” concept right for your next cruise? In this Q&A style blog, Allie will give you an all-access pass inside the Yacht Club during her recent MSC voyage. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or an eager first-timer, this guide will help you determine if the Yacht Club’s indulgent experience is the perfect fit for you.

Europe has become one of the hottest tourist destinations, especially over the summer. Post pandemic travel has made trips to Europe even busier with what we like to call “Revenge Travel”. Revenge Travel is the result of all of 2020’s travel plans being delayed or canceled until years later, which is what we have seen since 2022 and now even into 2024. Since there is such an uptick in travel to popular destinations like Italy, France and Greece, (specifically in major cities like Rome, Paris and Santorini) and with the upcoming Olympics being held in Paris, tourists will be coming from all over the world to visit Europe this summer. Of course going off season in the fall will help with crowds, but also traveling to some of the less-touristy places in Europe will be a much more relaxing experience. In this blog post, we will be going over some of the hidden gems in Europe that are the perfect vacation destination that you may have never heard of!

Travel advisor, Wendy Mills , recently sent her clients Susie H. and Dennis N. on a Viking Rhine Getaway river cruise. Their voyage began in the charming canals of Amsterdam, traversing iconic destinations like Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg and more, before concluding in the Swiss city of Basel. ​In their own words, Susie and Dennis share the highlights of their remarkable journey, providing a firsthand account of the experiences, flavors, and wonders that made this river cruise truly exceptional. Join us as we retrace their steps along the legendary Rhine. "We had a wonderful time. I would go back and do it again in a heart beat. I would love to do the Danube trip next. The boat was beautiful, [the] room plenty big. It is 2 double beds pushed together and we had a sliding door that opened to the water. The bathroom is small but worked for us and the floor is heated which was perfect for putting damp shoes etc. there to dry. Closet had hanging on one side and shelves and a safe on the other. [It] included a blow dryer with detachable narrow tip (concentrator) on the end. Beds are on the firm side which is fine with me. Also suitcases fit underneath bed. There is a dining room and also a casual place with glass roof off of the lounge (Aquavit Terrace) where you can get meals too or you can go to the main dining room. The terrace is the only place where they have two 2 topper tables. The dining room has large tables so you eat with other people. I'm kind of an introvert so that was a bit stress inducing for me but I got over it and we made friends. Also the food was great with something different every night along with a regular repeating menu. The lounge area had a piano with a guy playing music every evening. We had a night where a trio came and played 60's thru 80's music and people danced and had a great time. One night we had a violinist and classical guitarist who were fantastic and another night our tour director sang with the piano guy . He was super fun. He did a great job organizing all the tours etc. Staff were very attentive and helpful. They work really hard."

One of our travel advisors, Anna Maria Andaloro, had the opportunity to visit multiple resorts in Cancun & Riviera Maya alongside another 150 travel advisors! While she was there with the other advisors, they were able to get an in-depth look into the different resorts and what they have to offer. We set up an interview with Anna Maria after her trip to give our clients a better look into which resorts and amenities stood out to her personally. Keep reading to learn more about her trip, and inspire your next one!

Choosing the right cruise line can make a big difference in your vacation experience. Two popular options, Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages, deliver distinct experiences according to Wendy Curry - who sailed both lines back-to-back. Her daughter Ashley, one of our travel agents, joined Wendy for the Virgin Voyages cruise first. Then Wendy continued on to a Celebrity cruise right after. She compared the overall age of fellow passengers, service standards, stateroom accommodations, entertainment options, and food/beverage scenes across the two cruise atmospheres. Her firsthand perspective offers valuable insights for travelers considering which line's ambiance and amenities best suit their preferences. By contrasting the demographics, service levels, accommodations, activities, and dining between Celebrity Cruises and Virgin Voyages, Wendy's assessment highlights the key distinctions separating these two major cruise brands.

​Travel advisor, Cathy Robinson recently sent her clients, Russ and Barb Vanderbeek on an Explora Journeys cruise to the Caribbean. They experienced ultimate luxury onboard while visiting the following ports: Basse-Terre, Nevis & St. Kitts, Samana, Dominican Republic, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, San Juan, and MSC’s private island, Ocean Caye. Russ and Barb spent their time taking photos, playing trivia and relaxing in the luxurious accommodations. They couldn’t have said more great things about working with Cathy and cruising with Explora. Keep reading to see his glowing review and to see some of the pictures he captured on his trip!

Food is an integral part of the travel experience. This blog post will highlight tours from various travel companies that incorporate culinary activities, offering travelers the chance to indulge in local flavors, learn regional recipes, and connect with locals over delicious shared meals. Read on for a mouthwatering preview of these gastronomic adventures!

Royal Caribbean's largest ship ever, Icon of the Seas, introduced a handful of new staterooms to the brand. Check out all the staterooms the ship has to offer!

Clients of Ashley Curry experienced the inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas! Check out their experience on the largest cruise ship in the world.

Best Spring Break Destinations for Families in 2024

Check out this review from clients of Maria Kazanas who traveled to NYC experienced all the wintertime festivities!

​Leisure travel advisor, Allison Roth, recently sent some of her clients to Dreams Royal Beach in Punta Cana. They had a wonderful trip and couldn't say enough positive things about working with Allison to plan their family vacation! From raving about the sparkling pools and delicious dining to the private beachside cabana that made their trip, it's clear this family found their slice of paradise. Her clients call the resort "beautiful" with "comfy" rooms, "friendly staff," and an overall amazing vacation they "would go back to in a heartbeat." Curious what exactly made this trip so magical for the family? Keep reading this rave review to find out!

Brentwood Travel staff went all over the world in 2024! Check out our favorite pictures from our travels.

Brentwood Travel staff has been to a lot of places, but we haven't been everywhere! Check out where we want to travel to next in 2024!

Leisure travel advisor, Anna Maria Andaloro, recently came back from the Best of Britain tour with Trafalgar. She was able to explore iconic destinations in the UK including London, Bath, Stonehenge, Cardiff, Liverpool, Edinburgh and more!

Rave Reviews - Cathy Robinson, The Long White Cloud New Zealand Trip with Luxury Gold

Check out this review from Wendy Mill's clients who traveled to South Korea with Kensington Tours.

Clients of Ashley Curry traveled to Canada and New England with Holland America Line. Check out their review!

From haunted houses, strange museums, unique city tours and more, these locations will cater to the enthusiasts who are obsessed with all things spooky.

​Leisure Travel Advisor, Christine Wolff, had some clients visit Australia for their honeymoon! The two went all throughout Australia, visiting a variety of different destinations within the continent. The couple went last December, and are still raving about how amazing their trip was and what it was like working with Christine.

Leisure travel advisor, Wendy Mills, sent some of her clients on a trip to Canada with Entreé Destinations. They visited iconic destinations including Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper and took some breathtaking photos along the way. Check out what they had to say about visiting Canada and working with Wendy!

Christine Wolff's clients just returned from a family trip to Europe onboard Viking’s Rhine Getaway itinerary. The group sailed from Amsterdam to Basel stopping everywhere from Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz & Rüdesheim, Speyer, Paris, Strasbourg and Breisach in-between. With such a diverse itinerary, the group had an amazing time together exploring four different counties along the Rhine. They loved working with Christine, and couldn’t say enough about how unforgettable she made their trip!

​With social media being so important in connecting with family and friends, taking good travel photos is a must nowadays. Photography is so accessible in today’s world, because we all have cameras on our smartphones. But, maybe you don’t know anything about photography, and you want to know some simple tips on how to improve your pictures before you go on that big trip. In this blog post, we will be going over some basic tips and tricks to get great photos that you can share with your friends and family!

Traveling with someone who has a disability, and who may have mobility issues can be difficult. Unfortunately, not everywhere is accessible, excluding many from traveling the world. In this blog post, we will share some of the cities you might have not known were accessible, and entirely possible to travel to even if you or someone you’re traveling with has mobility issues. ​

​Traveling is popular for young adults who are looking to explore new places, experience different cultures, and make memories that will last a lifetime. For many, travel is a way to break free from the routine of daily life and to gain a fresh perspective on the world around them. Whether it's backpacking through Europe, exploring the beaches of Southeast Asia, or taking a train across the United States, young adults are constantly seeking out new adventures and ways to expand their horizons. Listed below are some of the suppliers that Brentwood Travel works with to bring young adults the best travel accommodations. Whether you’re looking for group tours, cruises or rail, there's no shortage of ways for young adults to see the world!

​If you're looking for a cruise that combines stunning scenery, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Holland America Line's Canada and New England cruises are the perfect choice! These cruises take you on a journey through the picturesque ports of call along the east coast of North America, from the quaint fishing villages of Maine to the bustling cities of Quebec City and Montreal. In this blog post, we will be taking you through Holland America Line’s 7 Day Canada & New England Discovery cruise itinerary, so keep reading to learn more!

Stacey Acree went on a spring break trip to Las Vegas with two under-21 adult kids. They wanted an adventure and found that Vegas had a lot to offer for young adults. Instead of the usual high roller activities, they explored the city with a different perspective and found endless activities to do, including roller coasters, museums, gaming centers, shopping, pools, and spas. There were also great day trips outside of Vegas to see the natural beauty of the west. Keep reading to learn more about their trip, and to get some travel inspiration for yourself!​

​The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is a phenomenon that many people want to see at least once in their lifetime. The blue green and purple hues that light up the sky are something you can’t miss if given the chance! So planning a trip with all of the changing conditions in mind is probably your best bet to see them.

Allie Edelman recently sent two of her clients, Norm and Ellen on the Inspiring Indochina trip with Luxury Gold. The two had a truly immersive experience, and took some amazing photos! They traveled to various locations in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos over the span of 16 days. They did everything from riding in tuk tuks to sweet potato farming. Ellen did a great job of documenting their trip, so here are some of the highlights!​

Spring break is normally associated with going to the beach, but maybe you want something different this year. A beach vacation is great, but they draw in a lot of spring breakers around this time. Not everyone is a college student looking to celebrate spring break either, maybe you’re traveling with family. In fact there are a lot of locations that go overlooked for spring break. Whatever your reasoning is, here are some ideas on where to go to have a unique spring break vacation!