Julie's Journal
november notes
Hi Friends,
As the leaves turn—thanks to lovely Midwest hometown family visits—and the air gets chilly, even here in South Florida, I’m feeling extra thankful for a season filled with travel, learning, and connection. It’s been a whirlwind few months filled with ship visits, learning opportunities, and new discoveries—each one helping me fine-tune and personalize your future dreams and journeys.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
From Disney's magic onboard Disney Wish to Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and a week long adventure aboard MSC’s new World America while attending Avoya Travel’s annual conference, they have all sparked and shaped how I curate your dreams. I am also still reeling from the beauty of Norway from the rolling fairylike hills and waterfalls to the mama and baby polar bears frolicking on the ice shelves in Svalbard.
One last journey for us this season with one of our favorites, Explora Journeys, exploring many southern Caribbean islands—our vacation!
Many of you have been exploring, too—traversing all over Europe, from Mediterranean sailings, to in-depth land exploration in Italy, Rhine and Danube River itineraries, expeditions from the Netherlands to France to Ireland, Quebec and New England journeys, Cabo beach gatherings, and many transatlantic crossings! Your stories and photos bring me so much joy. Thank you for letting me be a part of your love of travel. The highlight of my job is seeing your photos, hearing your stories, and sharing in your joy—it’s contagious and reminds me daily why I love what I do.
I’m grateful that with such a busy travel season, and worldwide concerns, the biggest mishaps have been delayed bags, a torn suitcase (clothes and treasures returned!), a few delayed flights-however no missed embarkations—your flexibility and positive attitudes and patience make all the difference. Thank you for continuing to travel with such patience, preparedness, and kindness—toward our airport staff, cruise crews, and the many countries that so graciously welcome us. It’s your positivity and understanding that makes travel better for everyone.
And as we look ahead, final touches are being made for your Thanksgiving family reunions onboard your favorite ships, Canary Island adventures, warm weather sailings and for my clients at the start of the Antarctica expedition season.
Planning Ahead
I returned from our Avoya Travel Conference energized and full ideas for 2026–2027 adventures—Every moment of this busy season reminds me why I love to help curate your travels and make your dreams come true—because every cruise, every itinerary, every partnership helps me match you with the best fit. I took your wish lists directly to our preferred partners to find your curated travel plan to find the best options to fit how you wish to experience each destination. I attended workshops, met one-on-one in appointments and dinners with our supplier partners to learn what each opportunity offers you. Meeting face to face and renewing connections and friendships allows me to have direct access to our suppliers for extra assistance or when issues arise.
To name a few, we are planning your next adventures from Tahiti (imagine volcanic peaks, lush valleys, marine life and overwater bungalows), Australia & New Zealand to luxury rail journeys (imagine gently rolling hills and surprise waterfalls and the soothing click-clack) and intimate river cruise experiences.…I am continually inspired buy your wanderlust. Thank you for reaching out to me to plan your next experience.
As you plan for 2026–2027—think winter sunshine, spring celebrations, or big milestone trips. Reserving early means your choice of dates, cabins, and fares and thoughtful consideration to ensure your experience is curated.
Cheers to You
Cheers to a season of gratitude and journeys yet to come. Thank you for trusting me with your travel dreams and for sharing my name with your friends and family—it’s the greatest compliment:) I have so very much enjoyed meeting your friends, family and traveling companions.
And as always, please reach out anytime:) And, if you’d like, follow along with me on Instagram. Sign up for my monthly email newsletter too which shares a glimpse of what’s new—travel updates, timely reminders, and inspiration for your upcoming adventures. I also share my current favorites—from new travel apps and destination finds to must-have travel things and a good book for your next flight—only found here.
I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to continue listening to your dreams and bringing them to life. Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a bright year of adventures ahead.
With warm wishes and endless gratitude,
Julie
About Water & Salt Travels
Julie Parker,
your travel advisor
Welcome...thank you so much for joining me here.
I look forward to crafting your dream journeys, so you can focus on the adventure ahead—it's what I love to do! Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing escape swirling in ocean blues, lounging on pink sands, or craving an exhilarating adventure exploring hillsides, icebergs, or vibrant city centers, I've got your travel plans covered! With my efficient service and meticulous care, you can trust every detail will be handled with precision. I can't wait to organize these unforgettable experiences for you, your family, and your friends. Sit back, relax, and get ready to create lifelong memories together!
Our travel experiences are so diverse, we can’t pick a favorite! From kayaking among the sea ice with porpoising penguins in Antarctica — the most surreal experience, soaking up the sun on the stunning sands of Bimini in the Bahamas, or reaching the top of the world - the most northernmost ice edge in the Arctic. Hiking in and out of the Grand Canyon to camping on the beach at Dry Tortugas National Park, or snorkeling with sea turtles in Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Exploring castles and quaint European villages, strolling through cobblestone alleyways that lead to breathtaking Mediterranean overlooks are always mesmerizing. How about soaring above the turquoise Caribbean in a helicopter or bouncing across the sand dunes of Utah? Or the epic skylines of iconic cities! We have loved them all and have more adventures on the horizon.
With over 40 U.S. National Parks, plus Alaska, Antarctica, Cancun, Belize, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Barths, Aruba, St. Croix, Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia and so many more Caribbean islands in our travel log, there's no limit to what we can explore. We’ve also wandered through Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Tangier and Norway by rail, land and cruise expedition.
As a Preferred and Certified Advisor, I work with top-tier travel partners such as Atlas Ocean Voyages, Oceania Cruises, Explora Journeys, Silversea, Scenic, Celebrity, Viking and Virgin Voyages, Micato Safaris, Railbookers, Europe independent travel expanding into even more land and tour experiences. My credentials include national certification from the Travel Institute, along with accreditation from IATA, IATAN, CLIA, and ASTA. I am honored to be a part of the Best of the Best within Avoya 2023, 2024 and 2025.
I’ve had the incredible honor of joining the Order of the Red Nose by crossing the Antarctic Circle below the 66th parallel. I’ve earned a Certificate of Achievement for taking the Polar Plunge into the Southern Ocean and adding dipping into the frigid Arctic Ocean as well!
A few other favs include my traveling partner! You will see him featured on my instagram! I have new found loves for pickleball, Majhong. Diet Coke and my newest sparkling obsession – Moet & Chandon Ice – are always welcomed. Always love family time and games and dinners too. Flowers are a favorite and we have revisited seeking out more botanical gardens during our upcoming adventures!
Thank you for supporting my small business! Your trust allows me to dive into new experiences, expanding my knowledge and growing in this field I’m so passionate about. I look forward to connecting with you soon to assist in crafting your next unforgettable adventure!