Global Entry: what it is and how to get it

Step-by-step instructions on how to apply for Global Entry.

Tips and Advice, Travel, Travels with a TotMarissa GradJuly 28, 2023travel, baby, vacationComment

Snacks, Toys, and Teethers: 5 Things You Need When Flying with a 6-12 Month Old Baby

The essentials: what you need to bring onboard for a flight with a 6-12 month old baby. Recommendations for food, toys, books, and teethers to keep your baby happy and calm on a long-haul flight.

Travel, Travels with a Tot, Tips and AdviceMarissaMay 6, 2022baby, flight, momlife, personal, travelComment

10 Travel Essentials for Flying with a Newborn | Mama Tips

10 must-haves for flying with a newborn baby, from swaddles to soft carriers.

Travels with a Tot, Travel, Tips and AdviceMarissaMay 2, 2022baby, flight, momlife, tips, travel, vacation Comment

Toddler Airplane Essentials: What to Bring Onboard for Your 2-3 Year Old

Essentials for flying long-haul with a toddler!

Travels with a Tot, Tips and Advice, TravelMarissaAugust 12, 2021baby, travel, tips Comments

Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: Luxury Accommodations and Five-Star Service in the Tallest Building in Tokyo

Review of our stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo with club level access and view current Marriott STARS and Virtuoso offerings at this five-star hotel.

Travel, Hotels, JapanMarissaJanuary 30, 2020marriott, stars, hotel, accommodations, review, japan, tokyo, travelComment

Why Do Japanese People Wear Surgical Masks?

Many Japanese people wear surgical masks out of politeness: if they’re sick, they don’t want to infect others with their germs and will wear a mask to keep others from getting sick. They also wear them because for fashion, to hide blemishes, and to keep from getting sick themselves.

Japan, TravelMarissaJanuary 28, 2020japan, japanese, Japan, travel, tipsComment

Crystal Serenity Luxury Ocean Cruise

Review of our 5-night cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity luxury cruise ship!
Crystal Cruises is one of the world’s premier luxury cruise lines and a natural choice for my first cruise ever. Here I review the ship, facilities, and programs on the Crystal Serenity.

TravelMarissaJanuary 7, 2020Virtuoso, cruise, travel, europeComment

4 Reasons to Hire a Me, a Travel Agent (Instead of Doing It Yourself on the Internet)

Hiring a Virtuoso advisor like Marissa means VIP treatment, stress-free planning, and hiring an expert to help guide you through the planning process! Plus, I can actually SAVE you money over booking direct, and you’ll be supporting a small business by booking through me.

Tips and Advice, TravelMarissaDecember 2, 2019accommodations, flight, momlife, travel, vacation, Virtuoso, marriott, stars, luminousComment

St. Regis New York: Old School Manhattan Glam

What do you get when you book a room at the St. Regis New York - the brand’s flagship hotel on Fifth Avenue? Butler service, an amazingly comfy bed, and daily credits for laundry and f&b.

Hotels, TravelMarissaOctober 7, 2019Virtuoso, accommodations, travel, hotel, new york, stars

Shopping and Eating in Bend, Oregon

The best places to eat, drink, and shop when you’re visiting Bend, Oregon on your family vacay. Loved this little town!

Food, Places, TravelMarissa GradJuly 25, 2019city guide, travel, food, restaurant, vacation, review, shopping

9 Travel Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

10 Travel Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Travel accessories and clothing.

#momlife, Tips and Advice, TravelMarissa GradJuly 14, 2019shopping, travel, saleComment

How to Get Your REAL ID-Compliant Hawai‘i ID

Starting in October 2020, TSA will be requiring you to have a gold star on your state identification card for domestic flights. This brief article explains how to apply for a duplicate Hawaii driver’s license online so that you have a REAL-ID compliant/gold star ID.

Tips and Advice, Travel, HawaiiMarissa GradJune 15, 2019hawaii, tips, travelComment