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Discover Travel Inspiration and Planning Tips
Explore inspiring travel ideas and practical planning tips to make your journeys unforgettable. Foot in the Explore combines expert advice and immersive cultural insights to help you create meaningful travel experiences. Dive into travel inspiration and planning tips to explore the world with confidence and ease.
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14 Days in Europe: Canal Boats, Chocolate Shops, and Rooftop Views
This wasn’t our first time to Europe, but it was for our friends—so we crafted what I lovingly call the Europe Starter Pack : a little...
Shana Antonissen
Jul 3, 202512 min read


10 Days in Madeira: Coastal Rides, Island Thrills, and Snapper Straight from the Sea
From riverside rides in Porto to waterfall rappels in Madeira, our 9-day journey through Portugal blended laid-back coastal living with bold island adventure. With fresh seafood, e-bike escapes, and cultural gems tucked into every corner, this itinerary is proof that you can have it all—at your own pace.
Shana Antonissen
Jun 26, 20258 min read


Exploring the World Through Authentic Adventures
Traveling opens doors to new cultures, flavors, and landscapes. It's not just about sightseeing; it's about diving into experiences that...
Shana Antonissen
Jun 23, 20253 min read


9 Days in Inland Portugal: Cork Groves, Coastal Rides & Community Vibes
Tomar City Center This wasn’t our first time in Portugal—but it might’ve been our most quietly beautiful. Inland Portugal surprised us...
Shana Antonissen
Jun 19, 20255 min read


9 Days in Portugal: Algarve Drives, Castles, and Culinary Finds
From surf villages and sunset cocktails to bone chapels and medieval castles, our first trip to Portugal was packed with surprises. We road-tripped from the Algarve to Porto, catching fish in the Atlantic, sipping port in hidden bars, and stumbling into moments we’ll never forget. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, this 9-day itinerary blends coastal charm, rich culture, and a few unexpected detours.
Shana Antonissen
Jun 12, 20257 min read


What Does a Destination Specialist Do for Travelers?
Traveling should be an enjoyable and memorable experience, but planning a trip can often feel overwhelming. To make the process easier...
Shana Antonissen
Jun 9, 20253 min read


8 Days in Scotland: Ancient Isles, Wild Drives & Creepy Cairns
From misty mountains to Stone Age shores, this 8-day Scotland itinerary weaves through island ferries, coastal hikes, ancient ruins, and storybook stays—perfect for travelers seeking something a little wilder.
Shana Antonissen
Jun 5, 20257 min read


8 Days in Croatia: Seaside Ferries, Walled Cities, and Adriatic Charm
A week of island hopping through Croatia turned into something even better than planned—ferries rerouted by wind, surprise winery stops, cliffside bars, and quiet mornings by the sea. From Split to Dubrovnik, this trip was all about slowing down, staying flexible, and letting the Adriatic set the pace.
Shana Antonissen
May 29, 20257 min read


3 Days in the Netherlands: Urban Adventures, Hidden Mazes, and a Riot of Tulips
From biking Rotterdam’s bold riverfront to getting lost in an art maze in Utrecht and wandering through a sea of tulips at Keukenhof, this custom three-day itinerary blends local insight with unforgettable experiences. Join me and my husband Mike as we explore the Netherlands like part-time locals—with personal favorites, hidden gems, and plenty of tips to help you plan your own Dutch adventure.
Shana Antonissen
May 21, 20253 min read


Sicily, My Way: A Personal Journey Through Coastal Towns, Ancient Streets & Fresh-Caught Tuna
One of the best things about being a travel advisor is getting to explore the places I send my clients. Earlier this spring, I had the...
Shana Antonissen
May 15, 20255 min read


Exploring the Ports of Virgin Voyages' French Daze and Ibiza Nights Itinerary
Explore Barcelona, Ibiza, and more on Virgin Voyages' French Daze and Ibiza Nights cruise for the ultimate Mediterranean adventure.
Shana Antonissen
Sep 30, 20249 min read


Setting Sail: My Unforgettable First Sailing with Virgin Voyages
Join me as I recount my incredible journey aboard Virgin Voyages, setting sail from Barcelona's bustling and colorful city.
Shana Antonissen
Sep 28, 202411 min read


What I learned on my first bareboat charter
If you read my last post, it was all about how I prepped for my bareboat charter to the Dodecanese Islands in Greece. In this blog, I...
Shana Antonissen
Sep 27, 20236 min read


Planning a Bareboat Catamaran Charter - Greece Dodecanese Islands
When Mike and I decided to plan a trip to Greece, we wanted to try something completely new. This led us to book a bareboat catamaran to...
Shana Antonissen
Aug 21, 20236 min read


Madeira: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
Porto da Cruz Madeira, an autonomous chain of four islands, is a Portuguese archipelago renowned for its natural wonders and cultural...
Shana Antonissen
Aug 7, 20234 min read
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