TRAVEL INSPIRATION

By Lori Crittenden, Owner of Saltwater Travel Company Your vacation time is valuable. Planning it shouldn’t require weeks of research, dozens of browser tabs, and evenings spent figuring out how to get from one place to the next. I’m Lori Crittenden, owner of Saltwater Travel Company, a boutique travel agency based in Lincoln, California. I help busy professionals, couples, and groups plan custom European vacations, ocean and river cruises, all-inclusive getaways, and shared

SMF - Sacramento International Airport, currently advertises 51 nonstop destinations. That means plenty of opportunities to spend less time changing planes and more time enjoying your vacation.

When should I book my vacation? Gone are the days when travelers could count on scoring amazing last-minute deals. Today's travel industry works very differently. Airlines, cruise lines, and hotels use dynamic pricing, meaning prices fluctuate based on demand. As cabins, rooms, and flights fill up, prices usually increase—not decrease.

Gen X Group Tours—a new approach to group travel built specifically for travelers who want great destinations, memorable experiences, and plenty of fun without feeling like they’re on a retirement bus tour.

All-inclusive resorts can offer tremendous value with accommodations, meals, drinks, basic activities, and entertainment included in one price, but it’s essential to understand what’s actually covered versus what you may pay extra for when you arrive. Not all all-inclusive packages are created equal, so knowing the typical inclusions and common exclusions—like premium dining, spa services, airport transfers, and excursions—helps you avoid surprises and choose the best vacatio

If you’re like most Americans, you probably start every new year promising to finally use all your paid time off… yet somehow those days slip away. Let’s change that in 2026. With a little strategic planning, you can turn a few PTO days into long weekends — and even week-long escapes — just by aligning with U.S. federal holidays and weekends.

The One Question I Always Ask Hotels Before I Book for a Client

The luxury traveler is unlike any other. You seek the unique, the sublime, the opulent, and most importantly, the unparalleled.