Tokay Travels

09/25/2026

When I moved to California from North Carolina in 2020, we spent zero time agonizing over how we'd move our 9-year-old Miniature Schnauzer Oliver all the way across the country.

He was family, and we travel together. So, we sent our car on a transport service, rented the largest SUV ever and piled everything we could inside, including . It was an epic road trip with stops in New Orleans, Austin, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, Phoenix and LA. When we moved back later that year, we did it (mostly the same), in reverse.

What made all the difference? The pet-friendly hotels we stayed at along the way: .

Every time we go on vacation, it can be hard (and expensive!) to leave our furry children behind.

Luckily, hotels are really stepping up their pet-friendly perks. This goes way beyond just allowing them to stay or providing a water bowl at check-in. Think custom dog beds, beach access, dog-walking concierges, room service steak dinners and, at the (newly reopened!) , even a tiny branded bathrobe. Your pups get to experience new smells, people and adventures, and you get the peace of mind of traveling with your best friend(s).

When you need to plan a trip and don’t want to leave your dog behind, let me help find a stay that’ll spoil both of you.

09/23/2026

A PEEK INSIDE: A few weeks ago I stayed at The Cooper, the newest (and only waterfront!) hotel in Charleston, SC.

It was every bit as dreamy as I’d hoped. The interiors are beautifully designed with lush fabrics and soft, stylish Visual Comfort & Co. lighting. The effect is somehow both calming and luxe. (The rug in my room was so soft that walking on it barefoot rewired my brain chemistry.)

Though you are right downtown, a block from the Pineapple Fountain and walkable to all the sites and restaurants, it feels like a peaceful cocoon. You can have the best of both worlds, or whichever you need — a restful reset or a southern city adventure.

And, whew, that pool!

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO STAY: I can offer not only preferred rates but extra amenities like breakfast (a delicious Mediterranean delight!), resort credit, room upgrades and more.

Reach out for a quote or book here: https://trips.foratravel.com/whitney-kendall/book

(Please register as a new client for access if you are not already in my system.)

09/20/2026

While I love staying in hotels, sometimes it’s just not the best choice for the travelers or the destination. In that case, I can also book private homes & villas in the US and all over the world.

This family group of 16 wanted to be beachfront and have resort amenities for their weeklong trip during Spring Break 2027.

They initially wanted to stay within a resort on Turks & Caicos, but I redirected them to this amazing private home with room for everyone, the beach and pool, a personal chef and attached resort amenities — the absolute best of both worlds! (Plus they saved $50k!)

09/16/2026

A cruise in Alaska is a voyage through raw wilderness and some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see.

But if you want to travel during the peak summer months (July / August), you need to book 12-18 months in advance. If you're targeting the shoulder seasons (May / September), you'll need 6-12 months. This ensures you get the best itinerary, pricing, cabin choices and bucket-list shore experiences.

Swipe for a few of my suggested ways to see Alaska, in a range of categories and providers. I certainly have my favorites, and I'll help you find the right fit, whether for your travel style and budget, the best itinerary and ports of call, the shore excursions you can't miss and how to make the most of your pre- and post-cruise travel options.

A cruise to ‘The Last Frontier’ state is a must for any lifetime. It delivers a balance of rugged wilderness adventure with peaceful days at sea and is one of the most memorable ways to experience Alaska.

09/10/2026

September, where did you come from? I feel like the lull of summer has broken, with full calendars, kids back in school and just the tiniest glint that cooler weather is coming.

My clients are taking advantage of early shoulder season travel this month: better weather, prices and crowds but still a fantastic time to visit these incredible locations. Here's where everyone is going in September:

💍 Wedding season: Destination weddings in Greece and Italy beget extended trips to explore more of these countries
🐃 National Parks: Retired couple friends are visiting the three national parks in Wyoming & Montana for an epic three-week trip.
👭 Girls weekends: Friends are gathering to celebrate bachelorettes and attend special events in San Antonio and Hilton Head Island.
🍷 And, a friends group is just getting away together to enjoy w**e and friendship in Sonoma and Napa, California

As for me, I'm looking forward to a few days away at in Bluffton, my home away from home. Happy (almost) Fall, ya'll.

08/30/2026

08/18/2026

I think The Swag is having a moment. We visited for my birthday in early June, then it was suddenly ALL over my feed and email. The marketing team is working overtime on those Charlotte influencers.

Deservedly so. The Swag may be the most peaceful place I’ve been in a while. It’s quiet, in every way that matters. It’s atop a mountain for one (a harrowing drive that climbs 1,000 feet) and there are only 19 rooms. The price is not casual ($1,500 per night on some dates), but meals are included. The spa is small but stellar.

It’s the details that really sing. Helping yourself to homemade ice cream and local sodas from the old-timey Coke cooler. Being summoned every evening by the clang of the dinner bell. Choosing your own walking stick, which you can take home and bring back for your subsequent stays. Special touches that are decidedly their own.

But nothing beats rocking on the porch or in a swing on the lawn with a calm breeze and that stunning blue ridge view. The Swag is a definitive oasis, an excuse to unplug and a cure for what ails us.

Call me when you need to book a getaway, and let these mountains restore your soul. I’ll even sweeten the pot with insider rates, welcome goodies, resort credit and a room upgrade (if available).

07/21/2026

Pour yourself a glass, because your next group vacation just found you. 🍷

Picture this: Sun-drenched vineyards, private cellar tastings with master w**emakers and golden hour dinners overlooking rolling hills with your best friends.

If you have a group of w**e lovers, foodies or people who just desperately need a real unwind, let me guide you to the best properties in the top w**e regions in the world. I've put together a few I'd recommend for couples or groups.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

🍇 Private vineyard tours & behind-the-scenes tastings
🍾 Hand-picked boutique accommodations
🍴Curated multi-course pairing dinners
✨ Zero travel planning stress on your part

I'll handle the logistics and you can avoid the endless group chat debates. All you do is go: on a seamlessly planned getaway with incredible people, luxury accommodations and top-tier pours.

Drop "W**E" in the comments or send me a DM to get started.

07/13/2026

Travel ... it's rough out there right now. Crowded airports, dangerous heat, new visa systems and unrest in the Middle East. It’s been an uncomfortable year for travel.

If you still want to get away but are hesitant, I have a list of alternative destinations you could consider when the world is on fire. These are beautiful, historic places with easy travel from the U.S. that avoid a flight route through a place you don’t want to be.

This is Part 1: Places that are not Europe

Read more on my Substack (signup is free!): https://tokaytravels.substack.com (link will also be in my bio and Stories)

07/09/2026

I have packing for a trip down to a science. I can be out of the house in 10 minutes flat whether we're going for the day or a month.

I went to Europe last summer for three weeks with only one (albeit very heavy) bag. (Alright, I did buy a new suitcase in Florence, but for the souvenirs. Don't shame me.) I was proud of my efficiency in rewears, cruise/sink laundry and capsule wardrobe planning. I really used everything I brought.

We all have great intent when we leave on a trip not to overdo it. I'm an "I want outfit options" person too, but here are a few tips for how to pack for any type of trip and not regret it.

For a full list of the tried and true travel items I take on every trip, comment PACK below and I'll send it to you.

Or visit the link in my bio: https://tokaytravels.com/my-packing-list/