🐝 A Note from Darcy
Welcome to the very first edition of The Sweet Journey from Honeycomb Hollow Travel Co.
As summer begins and Alaska cruise season is officially underway, I’ve spent the past several weeks immersed in itinerary building, hotel scouting, tour planning, and helping clients prepare for some truly meaningful journeys. From pre-cruise stays in Vancouver to glacier adventures in Alaska and milestone celebrations abroad, this season already feels full of excitement, connection, and memorable moments in the making.
May happens to be my birthday month, which always leaves me reflecting on how quickly time moves and how important it is to make space for the experiences that matter most. The trips we remember rarely come from rushing. They come from slowing down, being present, and sharing moments with the people we love.
That’s exactly what I hope this newsletter becomes: a thoughtful place for inspiration, ideas, practical travel insights, and a few sweet little discoveries along the way.
I’m so happy you’re here.
Destination Spotlight
VANCOUVER
If you're sailing to Alaska, consider arriving a few days early and spending time in Vancouver. It offers that perfect balance of natural beauty, incredible food, walkable neighborhoods, and a relaxed West Coast energy that helps travelers ease into vacation mode before stepping onboard.
Recently I've been planning custom Vancouver stays that include everything from Chinatown food experiences and city boat tours to waterfront strolls and memorable meals before boarding an Alaska cruise.
One of my favorite travel tips is simple: don't rush through great destinations.
Vancouver deserves more than a quick overnight stay. Build in extra time to truly enjoy the destination instead of simply passing through it.
Darcy's Recommendation: Arrive early.
Adding even one or two nights before a cruise creates breathing room, helps reduce travel stress, and allows the trip to begin intentionally rather than feeling rushed from the start.
If Alaska is calling your name, Vancouver deserves to be part of the experience too.
📍Mark Your Map
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS DARCY?
ANCHORAGE, AK
It’s not hard to fall in love with Alaska in any season. Don’t get me wrong, this Florida girl was cold, but there is so much to see and do that I almost forgot how frozen my hands were. First thing I did when I got home was buy REAL gloves - not Florida gloves.
CELEBRITY CRUISING
My first Celebrity cruise and Perfect Day at Coco Cay stop. I took to the sea (with mom in tow) for a Seminar at Sea to learn even more about what Celebrity has to offer.
BOSTON, MA
A conference in the heart of the city with a little bit of play time. My days and nights were packed meeting with suppliers as well as fellow advisors within my host company. There is a reason it is called CONNECT!
MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA
Live music, casual beach theme and umbrella drinks. This was the finale to my busy Spring travels with another learning opportunity right in my backyard. It’s five o’clock somewhere!
Sweet Find
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA IN LONDON
Vanessa Williams captivates on West End
The Devil Wears Prada musical in London.
With all the buzz surrounding the sequel release, interest around the production has surged again and for good reason. It’s stylish, funny, nostalgic, and feels tailor-made for a girls getaway or mother-daughter trip abroad.
Even better? Vanessa Williams is currently scheduled to remain with the production through October 17, 2026, making now an especially fun time to plan around the show.
Personally, this feels like the perfect excuse to book a London escape. I’ve got my tickets!
A Bit ‘O Honey
ON MY RADAR
Get a taste of what it is like to be a part of The Hive.
🛳️ Travel Tip
Give yourself a buffer day - I’ve personally missed two cruise departures due to delayed flights and ever since, I rarely recommend flying in the same day for major trips.
Arriving at least one day early creates flexibility, reduces stress, and gives you the chance to actually begin your vacation rested instead of rushing from airport to port.
Especially for cruises, milestone trips, and international travel, that extra night is almost always worth it.
🛂 Entry into Europe
ETIAS entry requirement - Beginning in late 2026, many travelers visiting Europe will need to complete a new ETIAS travel authorization before departure.
It is not a visa
It applies to U.S. travelers visiting participating European countries
Applications will be completed online before travel
There will be a fee
Keeping this on your radar for future Europe planning.
☀️ Summer is Calling
Get it on the calendar! Summer has a way of reminding us not to put off the experiences we've been dreaming about.
Whether it's Alaska, London, Europe, or a simple weekend getaway closer to home, I hope you make time for something memorable this season.
Thinking about your next getaway, celebration, or bucket-list trip?
Simply email me. I'd love to help.
A Final Note
DARCY’S MATCHMAKING CORNER
Maybe it’s because my own birthday falls around this time, but I’ve been especially inspired lately by milestone celebration travel.
Right now, I’m currently designing several 50th birthday getaways that blend meaningful experiences with a little indulgence, the kind of trips that feel personal, intentional, and unforgettable.
The best celebration trips are never just about the destination. They’re about creating moments that reflect the people you’re traveling with - Think:
private tours
memorable dinners
slower mornings
meaningful experiences
unforgettable scenery
thoughtful little surprises along the way
Those are the details that turn a vacation into a memory people carry forever.
If a milestone celebration is on your horizon, now is the perfect time to start dreaming and planning.
Until next time, keep gathering moments worth remembering. 🐝