Welcome!
Welcome to the October Edition of Worth the Trip!
I wanted to create a place where I could share some of the things I come across while planning travel, from what's new in the travel world to destinations I'm excited about, trips I'm recommending, and little tips that can make your next vacation easier.
Each month, I'll bring you a mix of travel news, destination inspiration, Frederick's Finds, and things I think are worth knowing, considering, or putting on your travel calendar.
Whether you're already dreaming about your next trip or just looking for some inspiration, I hope you'll find something here that makes you want to start planning!
Thanks for coming along for the journey!
Vendor Spotlight: Delta Vacations!
Delta Vacations: More than Just a Flight and a Hotel
Delta Air Lines, AAA’s #1 Preferred Airline Partner
When you think about Delta Vacations, you might assume it's simply a Delta flight bundled with a hotel. But vacation packages can sometimes offer pricing and promotions that aren't available when booking each part of your trip separately.
Delta Vacations works with hotels and resorts around the world to offer package rates, and they regularly run promotions that can provide additional savings or vacation credits.
That means it's worth comparing the total cost of the package with what you'd pay booking your flight and hotel separately.
And there's another benefit for Delta loyalists: eligible Delta Vacations spending earns 1 MQD for every $1 of eligible spend, which can help toward Medallion Status.
Frederick's Take: If you're already loyal to Delta, this is one of the reasons I'd at least compare a Delta Vacations package before booking everything separately. The value isn't always just the price of the package. You also want to consider what you're earning and what's included.
DELTA VACATIONS AT A GLANCE
Eligible package spend: 1 MQD per $1
Earn SkyMiles on eligible purchases
Flights + hotels/resorts
Rental cars available
Transfers and activities available on select trips
Particularly useful for Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe
Frederick’s Finds!
Guided Europe Tours Are on Sale
Real Italy with Trafalgar!
I've been looking at some of the current promotions on Trafalgar and Insight Vacations, and there are some pretty good values right now if you've ever considered taking a guided tour through Europe.
For example, Trafalgar's 10-day Real Italy is currently showing from $2,900 per person, down from $3,295, with savings of up to $465 on select dates.
Even more interesting, Highlights of Spain and Portugal, a 13-day Trafalgar tour visiting destinations including Madrid, Granada, Seville and Lisbon, is currently showing from $3,018 per person, down from $3,550, with savings of up to $812 on select dates.
Insight Vacations also has some notable offers, including Country Roads of Central Europe, currently from $2,813 per person, down from $3,125, with savings of up to $704.
Frederick's Take: I've always thought guided tours could be a great option for travelers who want to see a lot without having to figure out every hotel, transfer, train, sightseeing reservation, and day-to-day detail themselves. When you add in the current savings, some of these are worth a serious look.
One thing to keep in mind: these are advertised "from" prices, and availability, dates, room categories, and promotions can affect the actual price of your trip.
Destination Spotlight!
Mexico: Sun, Sand, and All inclusive Resorts!
Dreams Tulum Beach, an All Inclusive Resort Near Cancun!
Mexico is one of my favorite places to look when clients want a warm-weather getaway without having to plan every little detail. With all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches, great food, and plenty of options at different price points, there’s a reason Mexico continues to be so popular.
But not every Mexican resort destination is the same. Here’s a quick look at four of the most popular areas:
Cabo San Lucas (SJD)
Cabo is a great choice for travelers looking for a mix of beautiful resorts, ocean views, great restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. It’s particularly convenient from the West Coast, making it an easy option for a shorter getaway.
Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Puerto Vallarta offers a little more of a traditional Mexican feel, with a charming downtown, excellent restaurants, beaches, and a strong mix of all-inclusive and traditional hotels. It’s a great option if you want a resort vacation but also want to get out and explore.
Tulum (TUL)
Tulum has become especially popular for its beautiful beaches, boutique-style resorts, wellness scene, and proximity to the famous Mayan ruins. I’ve personally stayed at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, and it’s a great example of the relaxed all-inclusive experience you can find in the Riviera Maya.
Cancún (CUN)
Cancún is one of the easiest places to find a huge variety of all-inclusive resorts, from affordable options to luxury properties. Its location also makes it a convenient home base for exploring places like Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, and the rest of the Riviera Maya.
Frederick’s Take:
If you’re looking for a winter escape, Mexico is worth putting on the list. The biggest question isn't necessarily “Which resort?” but “Which destination is right for me?” Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, and Cancún all offer something different.
If you tell me what you’re looking for, I can help narrow down the destination and then find the resort that gives you the best combination of location, amenities, and value!
Worth the trip? In my opinion, absolutely.
Book it Now!
Last-Minute Fall Foliage in the East Coast
Fall Foliage View from a Cruise!
Fall foliage season is here, and there is still time to plan a last-minute getaway to see some of the best colors in the Northeast. One of my favorite ways to experience it is by combining time on land with a fall foliage cruise.
Spend a few days exploring destinations like Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire, or the Berkshires, then board a cruise and continue through New England and Eastern Canada. From the ship, you can enjoy the scenery while visiting multiple destinations such as Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Québec City, or Montréal, depending on your itinerary.
It gives you the best of both worlds: time to actually explore on land, plus the opportunity to see several destinations by sea without constantly packing and unpacking.
The catch? There is very limited space remaining on many fall sailings, especially as we get closer to peak foliage. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, now is the time to start looking.
Frederick’s Take: I’d recommend doing more than just a quick weekend trip. A few nights on land followed by a cruise gives you the chance to slow down, experience the foliage from different perspectives, and see much more of the region in one vacation. If you’re interested, I can check what’s still available for this fall and build the land and cruise portions around each other.
Upcoming Travel Events!
AAA Olympia Fall Travel Show
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Olympia, WA
AAA Everett Fall Travel Show
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Everett, WA
AAA Tacoma Winter Travel Show
Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 8:00 AM
Tacoma, WA
Interested in attending? Contact me for location and RSVP details. I'd be happy to help you get the information you need!
Website Updates!
We have started with the first few cruise line deep dives! You can find the ones that are published here!
Ready to Go?
Do you have questions about something I mentioned? Maybe a destination caught your attention, you're curious about a cruise, or you're wondering if a trip you've been dreaming about is right for you. I'd love to help!
As a Travel Advisor, I can help turn your travel ideas into a personalized trip, from finding the right flights, hotels, and cruises to planning transportation, activities, and all the details in between.
Have a trip in mind? Let's start planning!
Need more travel inspiration?
Have a quick question? Feel free to email me at [email protected]