Day: May 7, 2025

Travel By Ronda

Family Travel Planning: Tips for Balancing Different Travel Personalities

Ronda PergolaUncategorized

Planning a family trip can be both exciting and challenging, especially when our family members have different travel personalities. Some people love adventure and exploration, while others prefer relaxation and luxury. As a travel advisor, I understand how to cater to different travel personalities and I’m here to share some tips to help you plan the perfect family trip!

Start by Communicating With Your Family Members

The first step in planning a successful family trip is to understand each family member’s travel personality. Talk to each family member and find out what they’re looking for in a vacation. Some might want to go hiking or exploring, while others might prefer a spa day or lounging by the pool. By understanding each person’s preferences, you can design an itinerary that includes activities and experiences that everyone will enjoy.

Choose a Destination That Offers Variety

When planning a family trip, it’s important that you choose a destination that offers a variety of activities and experiences. Look for destinations that offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. For example, a destination like Hawaii offers a range of activities like hiking, surfing, and snorkeling, as well as luxurious resorts where you can relax and unwind. A destination like Europe offers rich history, art, and culture, as well as scenic countryside for those who love nature.

Book Accommodations That Cater to Everyone’s Preferences

When traveling with family members with different travel personalities, it’s important to choose accommodations that cater to everyone’s needs. For example, if some family members prefer luxury and relaxation, look for a resort with a spa and high-end amenities. If some family members prefer adventure and exploration, look for that luxurious resort that’s near hiking trails or historic sites. By choosing accommodations that have a little of everything for everyone, you’ll ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

Plan Activities That Cater to Different Interests

When you’re planning activities, it’s important to cater to different interests. If some travelers prefer adventure, be sure to include activities like hiking, zip-lining, or water sports. And if others are looking for some rest and relaxation, spa treatments, poolside lounging, or beach days may be more appealing. If culture is what some of your family members are after, museum visits, historical tours, and culinary experiences are the perfect fit. The important thing to remember is, if family members are old enough, it can be totally fine to split up during the day and reconvene at night so everyone gets the travel experience they want while still spending quality time with one another.

Hire a Professional Travel Advisor

If accommodating all of the different travel personalities in your family seems daunting, consider working with a travel advisor. We have the expertise and experience to design a customized itinerary that caters to everyone in your crew! We can also provide insider tips and recommendations for activities, accommodations, and destinations that you may not have considered. With a professional travel expert on your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your family trip will be planned to perfection.

Planning a trip with family members who have different travel personalities can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to stop you from seeing the world with the ones you love most! By communicating expectations, booking strategic accommodations, planning activities that cater to the different preferences of your group, and working with a travel advisor, you can create a memorable and enjoyable family vacation for all!


Southern Utah National Park Road Trip

Ronda PergolaUncategorized

Southern Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States, each offering unique landscapes and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Why not venture out and take a road-trip to all 5 parks while doing it in style? Keep reading for an overview of the sights you can see on your trip and a few luxury stays along the way. 

Zion National Park 

Start your trip out at Zion National Park, where you’ll see towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and explore scenic hiking trails. Zion is best known for the narrow gorge that stretches about 15 miles through the middle of the park.

The park also features the famous Angel’s Landing hike, where you’ll gain 1,488 ft in elevation over 5.4 miles, and the Narrows hike through a stunning narrow canyon carved by the Virgin River. Whether you’d like to spend your day hiking, sightseeing, or relaxing in the Emerald Pools, this park is one you don’t want to miss. End your day with a stay right on the bank of the Virgin River. The Desert Pearl Inn is one of the top rated resorts in the area with views of the highest point in Zion Canyon. The Desert Pearl Inn is made for relaxation and pampering after a day of hiking and taking in the Utah beauty. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Next stop on your road trip is Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is famous for its tall, thin spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor, which creates very unique geological formations, also known as hoodoos. These hoodoos are found across all continents, but Bryce Canyon is home to the largest concentration of these formations in the world. View Sunset Point, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point from the Rim Trail, with best viewing times being sunrise and sunset.

If you want to stay in the park, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only hotel in the actual park. A stay at The Lodge gives guests direct access to hiking trails. No need to leave the park during your stay as there is an onsite Pizzeria where you can grab lunch or dinner.

Capitol Reef National Park

This third stop marks just over halfway through your national park road trip. Capitol Reef is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs, towering monoliths, and unique rock formations. Capitol Reef National Park lies within the Waterpocket Fold, a “wrinkle in the earth,” which spans almost 100 miles. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the park’s stunning landscapes. Capitol Reef offers a more unique stay option than you may expect to find. Capitol Reef Resort is a luxurious camping site, also known as “glamping.” Choose your perfect version of glamping with cabins, teepees, and wagons, with each accommodation style including a relaxing atmosphere and incredible mountain views. 

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is the fourth park on your journey through southern Utah. Located on the Colorado Plateau, Arches is famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Take a 3 mile round trip hike to the Delicate Arch and experience the stunning red and orange hues.

Much like Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park is home to the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Visitors can hike, bike, and drive or take a Jeep toured ride through the park’s stunning red rock landscapes. Of course, you are welcome to camp out in one of many campgrounds the park has to offer. For those looking for a higher end stay, can look to the Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa. This resort backs up to the river while also overlooking the red landscape of Southern Utah. 

Canyonlands National Park

Last but definitely not least on the voyage, is Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands is known for its rugged canyons, towering mesas, and stunning vistas. Hiding among the formations in this canyon is a story from long ago. Petroglyphs and ancient wall art can be seen all around, but keep an eye out for the hidden gems as well. Visitors can explore the park’s unique geology on hiking and biking trails, enjoy a scenic drive along the park’s main road, or embark on a ranger led program. The dark of the night makes it easy to stargaze while visiting Canyonlands. Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are fairly close in distance, so your lodging options for both of these parks are similar. The Castle Valley Inn is another great option in the area and comes highly recommended for those traveling with their family. 

Whether you are trying to make a quick week-long trip or wanting to extend your stay, these National Parks will not disappoint. With towering monoliths, ancient art, hoodoos and gorges, you can expect nothing less than an experience of a lifetime. Contact us today if we can help plan a Southern Utah vacation catered to your desires. 

Photo Credit:

Map – https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/utah-road-trip/ 

Zion – https://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/angelslanding.php 

Capitol Reef – https://peapix.com/bing/35651 

Arches – https://www.sunoutdoors.com/blog/arches 

Discovering Madeira: An Unforgettable Island Escape in Portugal

Ronda PergolaUncategorized

Madeira, a Portuguese island off the coast of Africa, is a great option for travelers looking for dramatic landscapes, great food, and a slower pace. It’s known for its lush mountains, coastal views, and warm hospitality—plus a few surprises if you’re into food, wine, or local culture.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Madeira is especially popular with hikers. Trails like the Levada do Caldeirão Verde take you past waterfalls, dense greenery, and quiet mountain paths. For bigger views, head to Cabo Girão. It’s one of Europe’s tallest sea cliffs and has a glass platform that juts out over the edge. There’s also a cable car that takes you down to the coast below.

Garden lovers will enjoy the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Madeira Botanical Garden, both overlooking Funchal. You can even take a cable car from Monte into the city for lunch after exploring.

What to Eat and Drink

Madeira’s food is simple, hearty, and full of local flavor. Try espetada (grilled beef skewers), bolo do caco (sweet potato flatbread with garlic butter), and lapas (grilled limpets with lemon and garlic).

For dessert, grab a queijada, a small sweet cheese pastry. And of course, Madeira is famous for its wine—visit a few vineyards or tasting rooms if you have time.

Another local favorite is poncha, a strong citrusy drink made from sugarcane rum. It was originally mixed by fishermen in the town of Câmara de Lobos to warm up after a day at sea.

Culture and City Life

In Funchal’s old town (Zona Velha), you’ll find narrow streets, outdoor cafes, and painted doors—a local art project that’s now a big draw for visitors. The Mercado dos Lavradores is also worth a stop if you want to sample fruit, meet local vendors, or pick up a few souvenirs.

If you’re visiting in spring, the Flower Festival fills the city with color, music, and parades.

Madeira is an easy place to settle into—laid back but full of things to explore. Whether you’re hiking, sipping wine, or just walking through town, it’s a place that feels relaxed and welcoming.

— Ronda