19/06/2026
Before this week, I thought I had seen just about every travel curveball.
Then summer travel said, “Hold my Aperol Spritz.”
In the span of 36 hours, I navigated tornado warnings, flash flooding, flight delays, a reroute through a completely different airport, a 5-hour layover with a three-year-old, a sprint between terminals, assigned seats scattered across three rows on a 9-hour flight, and a 3-hour tarmac delay before we even made it to Europe.
And honestly? It reinforced exactly why firsthand travel experience matters.
Because when travel plans start unraveling, the difference isn’t just having someone to book the trip, it’s having someone who knows what can go wrong, how to pivot quickly, and what advice actually works in real life.
After surviving the chaos that kicked off our European summer, here are 3 things I’ll be recommending to every client traveling to Europe this season ⬇️
1. Arrive in your international departure city the night before.
When severe weather started moving toward New Orleans, my immediate thought was, “We should already be in Philly.” Removing one domestic flight from the equation can dramatically reduce the risk of missing your long-haul international departure.
2. Always have a backup arrival plan.
Flight delays can impact airport greeters, transfers, and pre-arranged services. Even if everything is confirmed, it’s worth knowing how to navigate your arrival airport independently just in case your plans need to pivot.
3. Know the family travel shortcuts before you land.
With European airports experiencing longer processing times this summer, understanding family lanes, EES procedures, and arrival logistics can save valuable time and stress after a long flight.
The biggest takeaway?
Every delayed flight, missed connection, airport sprint, and unexpected detour makes me a better advisor for my clients.
Because the best travel advice doesn’t come from an online thread, it comes from being in the middle of the chaos and knowing exactly how to navigate it.
Stay tuned for more from my month in Italy & drop your summer travel questions in the comments