In case you’ve missed it, we’ve dubbed this the year of quick overnight trips close to us. It started with a deck of “Missouri Adventure” cards from my in-laws for Christmas and continues, but on a bit of a side quest, because we have family living near us for the first time EVER! Ever. Wild.

Two weekends ago, we took a 3-hour jaunt to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to meet up with one of Jason’s cousins. His cousin is in Tulsa for work for the next few months and is taking full advantage of all the cultural differences from NYC (we keep asking if she’s bought a truck, boots, and a cowboy hat yet). Her sister flew in for the weekend, so we obviously had to join them. Cousin meetup! Let’s just say there’s a slight generational gap between us, and they tried their best to get us to relive our younger days.

Our boutique days had previously taken us to Tulsa. In the past, we’d participated in massive shopping shows at the fairgrounds, but hadn’t spent much time in the inner workings of the city – work and all. But this time, in true-ish go-get ‘em attitude, we found ourselves in some unexpected places.

We dropped our stuff at the hotel upon our arrival – Residence Inn Midtown by Marriott, definitely recommend for the space/location. After a quick change of costume, we picked the gals up for dinner at 3 Tequilas in Brookside to get the party started. Let me just say, we had absolutely no idea what we were in for. The margaritas at this place were literally as big as your head! I’m not joking. The food was also great. I’d say there was a risk it was the margaritas talking, but I managed to get a “tiny” one, so I wasn’t hunting down the facilities all night. Ha!

Once properly fortified, they BEGGED, literally begged us to go dancing with them. Let me just say, neither one of us dances without much “encouragement.” Since we were in charge of transportation services, we agreed to go observe what the kids call dancing these days. Enter Whiskey 918 Dance Hall & Saloon in the Blue Dome District. A bona fide country dancing night club. Line dancing, two-stepping, the whole deal. We had a phenomenal time watching all the people who knew what they were doing, those who didn’t, and the brave cousins trying their best to keep up. Well done. Did I know ANY of the music they were playing? One song. One. And I grew up on country music. What in the world?? It was truly the best time, and I would recommend it for legit dancing AND some great people watching. It was very tempting to give it a shot…maybe next time, after I do extensive YouTube research. Why does every song have its OWN dance!?

We collapsed into bed in the wee hours with plans to meet again at a museum later in the morning. Somehow, that turned into coffee and tea before the museum. These DeBodes (not this one, gentle reader) have an unworldly ability to function on no sleep. We were off again before I had my eyes open. Much more to pack in on this short adventure!

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Philbrook Museum of Art. This turned out to be such a fun bit of culture from around the world, right in the middle of Tulsa. The main part of the museum was an Italian Renaissance-style mansion built and owned by the Phillips family of Phillips 66. Yep, that Phillips 66. I believe they lived there for 9 years during the oil boom in Oklahoma before they gave it to the city and moved on in 1938. The art museum opened in 1939 and added an enormous wing in 1990, turning it into a massive complex. The beautiful gardens were renovated in 2004, and I hear they do movies on the lawn periodically. How fun!

We were able to enjoy a short tour with a docent that mostly covered information about the house itself and not so much about the art. But no worries, I was still able to hang back and enjoy some of my favorite art pieces. The museum is full of paintings, sculptures, photography, native art, and decorative arts. It’s such an interesting mix of art from all over the world, right in little ole Tulsa.

By now, we were starving, so we headed downtown for lunch at Misfit Kitchen in the Arts District. Let me just say, they make a mean BLT (and now that’s all I can think about – yum). Great, fresh food, vegetarian friendly, another highly recommended restaurant on our short trip.

After lunch, we needed to head back home to get there in time for chores (no extra farm help on these short trips), but we had one more stop on the list of fascinating things to experience. We walked around the block to the Center of the Universe. Did you know the center of the Universe is in Tulsa, Oklahoma? Us either. Actually, it’s this unique architectural phenomenon that allows you to hear your own voice echoed back to you when standing exactly at the center of it. BUT, no one else can hear that echo. It’s crazy! Take one step away from the center, and the echo is gone. Wild. It’s not the ACTUAL center of the Universe – obviously – but it definitely was other worldly.

We had to leave the cousins after that and head back to our home duties, but somehow, I think there are plans for more DeBodes to gather at our house this summer for Chickolympics. We’re letting that one work itself out. City cousins are hilarious. Just tell me when I need to make beds for the basement slumber party. There was also mention of tent camping in the yard. You’ve been warned – maybe stand by for a hilarious tale in a few months, but also probably don’t hold your breath.

So there you have it, not quite 24 hours in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A whirlwind of experiences, all of which we recommend for a step outside of your daily routine and a quick little getaway from Springfield, MO.

Next month, I think we’ll be back to our Missouri Adventures, but who knows, life is funny.

See you out there!

The post An Unexpectedly Unique Weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma first appeared on The DeBode Way.

This time in London, we spent loads of time walking and just seeing where our feet would take us. At the last minute, we decided to visit Westminster Abbey in Westminster (fun to search for famous tombs and effigies), Saint Paul’s Cathedral on Ludgate Hill (what an absolutely stunning building!), and walked across the Millennium Bridge to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank on Thursday. On Friday, we took on the Victoria and Albert Museum and Harrods before our show. We stayed at the Lost Property Saint Paul’s Curio by Hilton (on points!) and had a lovely time being within walking distance of so many things to do. We even walked to our show on Friday night. We were also able to meet up with Jason’s cousin on the DeBode side for dinner at The Ned one night before she moved back to the US. Lots of things checked off our list this time!

By Saturday morning, we were ready to get out of the city. It’s a good thing we had a 6 am train out of Euston Station to do just that – time to head to Scotland! On our way North, we had to take the Avanti West service up the west coast of England due to maintenance on the east coast lines. This meant the journey took 6.5 hours rather than our usual 4.5 hours, but it was a good opportunity to catch up on some sleep.

Once we reached Waverley Station in Edinburgh, we hit the ground running. We checked in at the Hilton Carlton (which is finishing up a stunning renovation) and met up with the rest of the group that was there that day. Once we had a plan, they headed off to a comedy whisky tasting and we headed off to find some local friends (it’s so cool to have ‘local’ friends around the world). We spent the evening with our friends and their kids at the Christmas Market – what a busy place! It reminded me of the Iowa State Fair with the mounds of people, rides, foods, and things for purchase. We had a great time checking out all the stalls and watching the kids do some of the rides. Afterwards, we headed to The Dome on George Street for drinks and a gander at the Christmas decorations – they were phenomenal. 

Later we found ourselves at the Inn on the Mile for dinner (always a top choice for us) and then we met up with the rest of our group at Whistle Binkies next door for live music and a pint. That was a great time! It’s always great to rub elbows with locals and learn about each other.

On Sunday we all did our own things all day. The Palace of Holyrood, shopping, ghost tours, etc. Jason scored TWO great coats while we were shopping – he’ll be very stylish this winter. I may have found one for myself as well. We all met up for dinner at Howies (always a favorite) and then went to the rooftop lounge at the W Hotel for drinks before bed. What a great view of the Christmas Market and all of Edinburgh!

Monday morning, we had a train to catch to Stirling, so we walked the group down to the train station with our luggage and headed there for one quick night. After checking into King Street Aparthotel (which was amazing), we had the BEST tour of a castle we’ve ever encountered. Our tour guide, Joanie, was phenomenal and knew darn near everything about Stirling Castle. It’s always such a bonus when someone can make some dry history exciting – that’s the entire reason I studied history in college, I had great teachers. We all agreed that, if only we’d had history teachers more like Joanie, we’d probably like history more now. After we poked our heads into all the grand spaces preserved and original, and inquired about the price to rent the great hall for a wedding (haha), we had a bit of a surprise on our way out of the castle. Cousin Ashley’s boyfriend got down on one knee in front of the castle, and she said yes! How absolutely magical! I guess there was a reason he was asking about the price to rent the great hall (starts at £10,000 by the way)!

After a very exciting lunch at No. 2 Baker Street, we split up for a bit before dinner. Some went for naps, but J & I went with the excited couple to Church of the Holy Rude only to find it closed for the season. Bummer. So instead, we wandered the surrounding graveyard and got some fun photos of it and the castle beyond. I love a good cemetery wander – I’m so weird. We decided to tour the Old Town Jail and learned quite a lot about the penal system in Scotland and its advances throughout the years. Let’s just say I wouldn’t have wanted to be in trouble before the prison reform came through!

A quick dram with most of the group at Nicky-Tams followed by dinner at Maharaja Indian Restaurant rounded out our evening – we were so tired. But the rest of the group went back to Nicky-Tams for the live folk music and had a great time. We crashed in our King Street Aparthotel (which was fantastic) to prepare for the next day. We were catching another train in the morning for Inverness.

If you’ve never taken the train through Scotland from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Inverness, I highly suggest you do. The views are stunning as you go through the Cairngorms National Park. So many snowcapped munros (mountains), streams, sheep, and quaint villages keep you staring out the window the entire time. I often find myself saying I’m just getting off at the next station and staying. Scotland is just so dreamy.

We arrived in Inverness early in the afternoon and got moved into our apartments at Mansley Highland Apartments – right on the River Ness. We had fantastic views of Inverness up and down the river. After we threw a few things into the washing machine quickly, we headed to a late lunch with the group at Johnny Foxes. We had just a couple of hours to spare before dinner, so we wandered through some shops, and I got lost in Leakey’s Bookshop for a few hours while Jason went to get some cough drops and ibuprofen. Uh oh.

Dinner was at Hou Hou Mei across the river and it was excellent, even if Jason didn’t touch his dinner [Jason says: not because it wasn’t good…keep reading for the details]. I knew then we were in trouble. As we were trying to leave, he started shaking uncontrollably with cold and I had to drag him back to the apartment and put him to bed [Jason says: except remember we stopped halfway AT THE RIVER to take a family picture. Never miss a good photo opp!], where he remained for the next 2 days. Usually when he’s sick, he can rally, but this knocked him out flat, as it did for me 3 weeks prior. Nasty thing. The group went in search of live music and found some fantastic musicians. I was glad they sent me some videos. How fun!

While Jason was catching some serious zzs on Wednesday, I went to catch a train to Huntly with the rest of the group for a daytrip. This was the day the entire trip was built for! Jason’s Huntley family (his mom’s family) hails from the area of Scotland in Aberdeenshire called Huntly. There is a very cute village also called Huntly where there is a castle ruin that is always great fun to visit.

Do we know if they have any connection to those who once resided in the castle? Mmmm…not 100% sure [Jason says: pfft, lies! It’s ours.]. Lots of people have spent more time researching the connection than I have (I have piles of Huntley research books from them), but we at least know they’re from the area and I know when they came to the United States, they were coopers (barrel makers) in Lyme, Connecticut. The Huntley last name most likely came from the area where they lived since it wasn’t common to have a last name in those times. I have more research to do. Surely all this DNA work can help me out in a big way one of these days.

We had lunch in Huntly at The Bank Cafe and it was great! There aren’t a ton of options in that small town, but that one is definitely at the top. After lunch, we walked to Huntly Castle for a self-guided tour and poked around the castle grounds for over an hour. Once we were thoroughly chilled, we headed back into the village to warm up with a pint at the Crown Bar. But first, I stopped at Orb’s Book Shop to find a book to help me with that further Huntley research –  The History of Strathbogie, The Story of the Lords of Strathbogie, Their Castle and the Town of Huntly Which Grew Up in its Shadow by Patrick W. Scott (who may be an ancestor of mine – wild!). I’ve been waiting to grab the new edition for 2 years. Nerd.

Six of us headed back to Inverness and the other two stayed behind to meet a cousin from Aberdeen for dinner. Jason was no better when I got back (worse, actually), so I headed to dinner with the group to River House Restaurant – the best food we had on the entire trip! It was a tiny restaurant, but they had the freshest seafood, the best staff, and we got a table right next to the kitchen so it was fun to watch them prepare everything…including the half pound of butter that went into each steak and shrimp dish! Wowsa.

The next morning we had to move to a hotel due to a scheduling snafoo. I packed everything up and hauled it and Jason a couple of blocks down the road to the River Ness Radisson Hotel. I tucked him in bed and set off to locate a cake for an engagement party and some buns to feed Jason with medication. Tour and wife duties.

Once I had those things found and dropped off back at the hotel I decided I was going on a long walk.  Everyone else was off on adventures to Ullapool and Culloden Battlefield and had a fabulous time. So jealous. So instead, I set off down the river towards the Ness Islands for a bit of nature in the city. It was very windy, but so nice to walk amongst the trees for awhile. I was back just in time for everyone else to start reappearing and get ready for dinner.

By now it was Thursday and Thanksgiving Day! We had Thanksgiving dinner in an old church called The Mustard Seed. It was such a fun building, complete with a wood burning fire, a vaulted ceiling-height bar and Christmas trees. Very festive. We surprised the newly engaged couple with a Victorian Sponge cake with a firecracker candle on top – so fun! I pulled the sick husband card after dinner and went to check on him while the rest of the group went looking for live music again for their last night in Inverness.

Friday morning we packed up and headed back to the train station for our journey back South to Edinburgh. Our trip back was a little more eventful than it otherwise would have been as we’d all coordinated before to bring Adidas track suits. Each couple chose a different color, and of course we were the only ones on the train in track suits [Jason says: they were all jealous!]. The ScotRail staff member found it as entertaining as we did, and seemed to make repeated stops to our car. Our photo opp at the station in Stirling brought equal confusion and laughter from the other travelers. We’ll call this a win, and one heck of a good fashion statement! We stayed at the Norton House Hotel & Spa just a few minutes from the airport. This gave everyone a chance to relax before their trips home or on to Ireland. I booked myself a massage and facial, which I never do on trips. It was nice to have a moment to try to clear my mind. Some others had massages, spent time in the pool, or went back into Edinburgh city center to find some more adventures.

We met in the hotel Brasserie for our final dinner (Jason included this time!), group photos, and lots of hugs and goodbyes. In the morning we parted ways for Glasgow, Dublin, and London. It turns out there is a whopper of a snowstorm blowing across the northern United States, so it could be a interested trip home for most of us. I’m just hoping we make it state-side. I can figure it out easier from there.

So here we are, on a train to back to London to catch our plane home tomorrow morning. The plan for tonight is to repack more intelligently so we can check a bag or two and hopefully call it an early night. Jason has been a trooper with moving around the past couple of days, but he still feels pretty poorly and has a wicked cough. I’m hoping that the snowstorm doesn’t hold us up too much and we can sleep in our bed Sunday night (spoiler: we didn’t make it until late Monday night).

There you have it, a wee glance inside what a group trip to Scotland with us looks like (ok, maybe a long one). We like to have a good mix of group activities we schedule to do together, and also leave you lots of time to explore on your own to make sure you see all the things you want to on your trip. I also hope many of the activities, hotels, and restaurants I mentioned could be options to add to your own trip – either with us or on your own.

We don’t currently have any further group trips scheduled for sign-up, but we are taking inquiries about private trips (gather your people), and I will be working on setting up preplanned itineraries this winter that you can book yourself. We want to help you find the courage and support to get out there!

The post The Huntleys Take on Scotland – A Look into a Group Trip first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Is it acting like autumn where you are yet? It’s not here. I’m staring at a deck refinishing project (x2) and wishing it would quit being 90˚+ every day! Come on, winter! I have a massive pile of books to read, sipping tea while it gently snows. A girl can dream.

This blog is going to be a bit different. At the beginning of the year, you may remember us mentioning that Jason took on a new position at the University that put him in charge of his whole department in the business school. Plus, he somehow landed on the strategic planning committee for the entire University. What!? Well, that means he was suddenly very NOT available for group travel, only work travel. Womp, womp. For reasons I’m not going to get into, I can’t really do our big group travel trips without him, currently.

So.

As is the usual course in our household, I have been talking with folks and brainstorming for months. I have concluded:

1. Y’all want some help planning your trips!
2. I happen to LOVE planning trips.
3. So, I’m going to begin creating custom itineraries this winter for trips that you can book yourself. I’ll plan out all the details and make all the recommendations for you to choose from; you just need to do the booking from an easy little checklist!

Isn’t this what a travel agent is for?

This is a little different than relying on a travel agent. We are not licensed travel agents; therefore, I cannot do the booking FOR you without us being physically present on a group trip. But that’s no problem, you’ve got this!

Why would you want to go this route instead of hiring a travel agent to do ALL the work for you?

Personally, I believe the more involved you are in your trip planning, the more you will get out of your trip. In a house full of academics and knowledge seekers, we’re always looking for ways to expand our minds. This is a simple way to build confidence (anxiety sufferers unite!), problem solve, and just learn a ton about where you’re going.

Some benefits to booking yourself:

• You can pick and choose what you want to do without being stuck with a pre-set package.
• You have control of your budget. We’ll share our tips and tricks for getting the best price.
• You can make last-minute changes and spontaneous decisions as you go.
• You’ll build confidence in yourself while developing skills.
• You get to read all the reviews before you make your choices.
• You’ll be able to choose from a much wider range of options for your trip.
• You’ll have us throughout the planning process. We’re always happy to answer questions.
• Plus, a HUGE bonus: you get to keep all your points and miles so you can benefit from the massive savings through the brand’s booking portals!

Ya, that sounds like a lot of work…

What if you just want to sit on the beach or ride on a boat for a week to decompress? Great! Get with a travel agent and go do that! That’s not what we’re doing here. *wink*

We all travel for different reasons, but if you’re looking for a deep dive into another portion of the world, let’s talk. We’ll ALWAYS tell you we have the most fun learning new things, trying to speak phrases in new languages (badly), and feeling really accomplished when we catch the correct train going the right direction when you really can’t read the signs. Ha!

Going forward

Be on the lookout for more details in the future. I’m currently thinking I won’t be able to set this up or give it the needed attention until after Christmas. I have a massive to-do list for home while the weather is still cooperating (kinda), a family trip to Scotland (woohoo!), and a few trips to Iowa to squeeze in before the end of the year. Plus, Jason lives on campus, so this little project is all me!

If you are interested in being one of the very first, send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or email thedebodeway@gmail.com. We will first focus on locations we have visited, so check out our trip journals for ideas. We’re VERY familiar with the US, Scotland, and Spain, but also have a lot of knowledge in France, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Wales, and Ireland.

I’m so excited, guys. Let’s get you out there!

The post Our Secrets for Travel and Adventure at Your Fingertips first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Passport

Does your passport have at least 6 months from the end of your trip before it expires? Are there at least 2-3 blank pages left in your passport for stamps (not including the last 3 Endorsement pages)? Have you applied for visas where they are required?

REAL ID

Maybe you aren’t leaving the country but are considering a little trip within the States. Take a good, hard look at your driver’s license (or non-driver ID). Does it have the little star in the top corner signifying it as a REAL ID?

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is requiredto fly domestically in the United States. Our IDs were automatically updated the last time we had to renew our licenses back in 2017, but if it’s been a minute since you did yours, you’d better double-check.

I know, I know, I can hear you groaning from here. Nobody likes to sit at the DMV all day waiting for them to call your number. Before you head there, ensure you have all the necessary documents to renew your license, especially if it has expired – there will be some extra hoops to jump through. You can find all the info you need on your state’s website. Just click the link below, then click on your state on the map to be directed to your state’s DMV.

• https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

If your ID isn’t REAL ID compliant, make sure to take your passport with you.

Even if you don’t have any travel plans this summer, it’s always a good idea to make sure your IDs are up to date. Letting them expire is one of my worst nightmares. I just checked, I’m good until 2027. Whew!

One more thing!

Another friendly reminder to check which countries require the new Travel Authorizations. I believe Europe has now pushed theirs off until 2026, but others are still being implemented this year. We highlighted them in this post in February.

Short and sweet this month, it’s been very busy around here as we gear up for travel, and I start everything rolling again at the acreage. Baby chicks are coming soon, my plant starts are thriving, it’s about time to plant outside, and our lawn is in full bloom for the bees. Spring is such a happy, hopeful time…we won’t talk about my allergies.

Have a great month! We’ll see you in May with a little trip tale!

The post Traveling Soon? Make sure you have your REAL ID! first appeared on The DeBode Way.

In the hopes of saving a little of your hard-earned cash, you might have noticed a relatively new seating class called Basic Economy popping up with some airlines and others completely devoted to it…but what’s the deal here? Is it actually going to save you some cash?

Take a little trip with me

Let’s plan a quick trip to use as an example (because I haven’t been anywhere since the broken leg trip to Scotland in October and I’m getting stir crazy).

To avoid ski season in Denver, let’s say we’re taking a trip for my birthday weekend in May (Happy Birthday to me!). This also puts us there before school is out for the summer, so it’s technically a low season and prices should be lower. We’re going from Friday to Monday (because who wants to work on Monday anyway?) around 5 PM both ways. Here is a look at our three main domestic airlines flying out of Springfield, MO – a regional airport, because most of us in the Midwest are not blessed to live near a major international airport.

I like to use Google Flights for a quick comparison of flight prices across all the major airlines. Once you see the prices and pick an airline, you can jump to that airline’s website to book (don’t forget to log in and add your miles number). There you will also see what is included in your ticket price and what you will have to pay even MORE for.

A quick note: each airline has its own name for each fare class and not ALL of them are included in this domestic example. That ALONE is extremely confusing. So behold – our fancy color-coded chart created by chart wizard Jason!

A few more notes

When shopping around for flights, take note of where your layover is happening, because it might not make sense. In this example, the United flight is direct from Springfield to Denver, but American takes us to Dallas, an hour and a half flight to our South which also means a longer flight from Dallas to Denver. Similarly, Delta makes us head to Atlanta first, which is just over two hours in almost the exact opposite direction we want to go before heading to Denver (and, probably, right over Springfield!).

There are also a few more details for the different airlines. Note that in almost all cases, a Basic Economy class ticket will put you in the last boarding group, which means overhead bin space will almost certainly be full by the time you board, so your carry-on is going to be under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, they’re going to charge you to check it. Also, keep in mind that while some flights are refundable, sometimes that means you get a travel credit, while other times you can get your money back.

American Airlines

Different ticket classes board the plane in different seating groups. For example, Main Economy boards with Groups 6-8, Main Plus and Main Select board with Group 5, and Business/First boards with Group 1.

Delta Airlines

Like American, different ticket classes will board with different groups. Beyond that, while most of the ticket classes will help you earn frequent flier miles, Basic Economy tickets usually don’t, and some ticket classes will gain you entry into some of the airline’s lounges or clubs (again, Basic Economy almost never does).

Choices, people!

Why are there so many choices?! Gathering all that info made me cross-eyed.

What this all boils down to is personal preference. Do you like to board first to get situated and be sure you can stow your carry-on above you? Can you handle being crammed into a little seat? How much luggage do you have? Do you need lounge access? Is there a chance you will have to cancel?

If you’re headed out with a backpack, can sit in tight spaces for a bit, don’t mind meeting new people from the middle seat, and filled your water bottle on the way to your gate, you might consider Basic Economy.  

Or maybe you don’t care what the price is as long as you travel in comfort. Get comfy in that Business Class seat and make the most of it!

Me? I can handle a tight spot for a little bit if it’s on the aisle (aka, I can pick my seat) and I can board early enough to have space to put my backpack above me. But I’m totally cool bringing my own snacks and listening to a good book for a couple of hours. This typically lands me in an Economy class, but not Basic.

In the end, if you want flexibility or extra amenities, you’ll likely have to pay for them. But if you’re okay with a more spartan travel experience, Basic Economy might be the way to go.

The Final Bill

What this also points to is the Basic Economy ticket might not be the most cost-effective option for you. Looking at the American options in our table, that $299 price tag for the Basic Economy ticket might look appealing, but if you end up wanting to pick your seat (add up to $25), check a bag ($40), and possibly pick a slightly larger seating row (this can easily set you back $50-$80), the additional charges might end up making your ticket more expensive than a Main Economy ticket. So, knowing your preferences can help you sort through the many, many options and settle on the ticket that’s the best option for you.

Here’s another curve ball: if you have a co-branded credit card (like the one we have with United), it can score you all kinds of goodies including points AND miles, lounge access, free checked bags, upgrades, and other premium experiences. Jason wrote about this back in 2023 and told how we offset the price of the card in a SINGLE international trip.

Whatever you choose, we hope this helped a little. Prices are soaring and it’s always good to know EXACTLY what you’re paying for.

See you out there soon!

The post Travel Prices are Soaring – Is Basic Economy Worth it? first appeared on The DeBode Way.

This rapid rise in tourism has resulted in over-tourism across the globe. Places like Scotland’s once pristine North Coast-500 remote driving route and cruise ports across the world are completely crammed daily. Plus there are environmental pollution issues like the stench in Venice’s waterways, noise pollution in residents’ day-to-day lives, and air pollution from airplanes, cars, and buses worldwide.

While it doesn’t look like tourism has any plans to slow down, something had to be done to help fund the upkeep of these areas and control the crowds. This is where the new tourist taxes and border control measures are coming in. Let’s talk about some of them.

Travel Authorizations:

UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Starting in 2025, you can no longer enter the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The good news: it’s super simple to apply for. The authorisation (European spelling) is attached to your passport so you don’t have to carry extra documentation and costs £10 (roughly $13). Ready to apply? Go to the gov.uk website; it takes a few minutes to complete the form and we were approved in 5 minutes by email. Your travel authorisation lasts for 2 years, and you can use it to travel to the UK as many times as you want in that period for up to 6 months at a time. Don’t forget to do this if you’re headed out on a trip with us!

Entry/Exit System for Europe

Europe has plans to roll out its Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals in 2025. Each time you enter a new country in the EU, you’ll be tracked via an automated biometric scan. This system will help identify over-stayers and combat identity fraud at the borders. Sadly, this will replace passport stamps at border crossings (womp womp), though it’ll make your entry a much faster process. We have already encountered the beginning stages of this program with passport scans rather than seeing an agent to stamp your passport in airports.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

An electronic visa waiver for short-term travelers will soon be required to enter the European Union (delayed to last quarter of 2026). This applies to non-EU countries that don’t currently need a visa to enter the EU, which includes the US. Like the UK’s ETA, this is a simple application process and the approval will be connected to your passport. This European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be valid for three years or until your passport expires (whichever is first). You can remain in the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The cost of an application is €7 (roughly $8).

United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Did you know the United States also has a travel authorization? If you aren’t a US citizen or aren’t from an approved Visa Waiver Program Country, you’ll need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The ESTA works similarly to the UK’s ETA and the EU’s ETIAS. The application can be filled out online for $21 (the costliest of all) for travel in the US of up to 90 days.

Taxes:

Tourist Tax

Many tourist destinations have a love-hate relationship with tourism in their areas. They love the notoriety and money being brought to the area, but it comes at a cost to their infrastructure, environment, peace, way of life, and anonymity. Many cities have already started implementing tourist taxes to help with the upkeep of their cities. You will see these taxes in the form of hotel taxes, resort taxes/fees, environmental taxes, tourist development fees, etc. that are typically attached to your accommodation bill. They can be quite creative with what they are called and what specifically the funds raised can be used for.

The reason this article came into being in the first place is because I saw a news article highlighting the new tourist tax being implemented in Edinburgh starting July 24, 2026. This tax will be another example of a tourist tax. The council for the City of Edinburgh is the first to approve this type of visitor levy in Scotland and there could be more to come. You will see this as a 5% fee added to the cost of your accommodation bill, but it will be capped at 5 nights, meaning if you stay somewhere longer than 5 nights, the 5% fee won’t be applied to additional nights at a single accommodation. They estimate this will raise up to £50,000,000 per year in transformative funds for the city.

Source: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/business/visitor-levy-edinburgh

Day & Port Tax

Some places have had to be more creative with their tourist taxes in locations where guests visit for the day but stay outside the city each night. Port taxes are an example. These taxes help cover the wear and tear on a city from cruise visitors who spend very little money in port because they’re mostly catered to onboard their ship. These taxes also apply to island-hopping vessels in places like Greece where a tourist may explore for a day, but go back to their boat for dinner and sleeping. These taxes are typically included in the fee you pay to your cruise company and they have to pay the port authority to dock in their city.

Another example is an Access Tax. In Venice, Italy an experimental program was introduced in 2024 to charge visitors entering the city €5 to be there for the day, but not stay for the night. This daily access fee has continued for the 2025 high season, beginning April 18th. Tourists entering the city but not staying for the night will be charged €5 via an application process. However, if you do not pay this fee within 4 days of your visit, the fee doubles to €10.

Source: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee

Responsible Travel

I know this is off-putting because who wants to do more paperwork? I sure don’t! The harsh reality is, that these taxes are needed, but travelers also need to do better. Tourism can be fantastic for an area: travel can open our minds. At the same time, it can cause irreparable damage that taxes sometimes can’t fix. While these new taxes and travel authorizations are intended to help repair and manage the damage being done, it would be great if the need wasn’t there in the first place, or at least was reduced.

Are we going to stop traveling? No. Instead, we ask you to travel responsibly. You can do things as simple as using public transport instead of grabbing an Uber or taxi – the trains and buses in Europe are phenomenal. Or you know…walk (or roll). Often it’s faster to walk than to wait for a car to navigate tiny, tricky city streets anyway.

Pay attention to your food and water consumption – only order what you know you’ll eat and carry a refillable water bottle. Food waste (and the containers it comes in) is another enormous issue across the globe.

Until someone figures out how to teleport or fly on air alone, air travel will always be problematic, so do your best to plan intelligent routes. Pack light, bring reusable items, look for flights using biofuels, fly as directly as possible, and leave yourself plenty of time between flights for any mishaps.

When you’re in those wild spaces, leave no trace. A picnic, hiking, or camping is great, but only if you can’t tell you’ve been there afterward. Leave the rocks where they are and pack out EVERYTHING you brought with you. And please, for the love, don’t camp in someone’s yard or use it as your bathroom (there are SO many stories about this in Scotland).

Most of all, do your part to help when you’re visiting and pay these fees to help support the area you are visiting. We have to start somewhere to preserve what we have so it can continue to be shared with future generations. You can do it.

See you out there!

The post Over-Tourism & How We’re Paying for it: New Tourist Taxes & Travel Authorizations Are Rolling Out Soon in Europe first appeared on The DeBode Way.

In the spirit of setting goals and intentions for 2025, I wanted to talk about something I never expected to share, but have been encouraged to bring up by multiple friends (thanks guys). Actually, after thinking about it a bit more, it’s kinda silly I haven’t talked about it, because it’s the whole reason The DeBode Way guided trips were created. Travel anxiety. Specifically, mine…and yours.

After years of research and various types of therapy, I have a fairly functional level of day-to-day anxiety. As long as I’m in a familiar environment and have a decent amount of control over and/or know how to deal with issues that arise, I can take on the world. Stepping outside those rules, things get tricky. I think most people suffer from some level of anxiety in their lives, but for some, like me, it’s a bit more extreme. Honestly, it’s why I quit an office job back in 2013 and have never returned. Since then, I’ve been working on myself and creating a litany of home businesses in the process. It’s a journey, friends. And then…there’s my travel anxiety.

So what is travel anxiety, specifically? The trouble with anxiety is that it looks different for each person. For example, you might experience it as a complete panic when you think of leaving the house. Someone else may have zero interest in exploring the world beyond what they know right now. Still others might be afraid of flying, driving a car, or navigating a train station or airport. It could manifest as two enormous checked bags for a weekend of casual travel because you never know or can’t imagine wearing something twice! You may be claustrophobic and not able to sit in a window seat on an airplane or be able to think about getting in a pressurized metal tube flying at hundreds of miles per hour high in the sky. Crowds are terrifying. What if you lose your ticket? Are you wearing the right clothes? What if your phone dies? Or perhaps a constant need to know EXACTLY where the nearest toilet is. Sound familiar? I feel ya.

To varying degrees, all of those examples of travel anxiety are things I deal with. But here’s the thing: those things that cause anxiety have also created something positive. I am an amazing map reader and memorizer of directions and landmarks because I can’t handle a GPS talking to me while I’m driving and trying to read road signs. I am the first to help a fellow passenger put a heavy bag in an overhead bin because you’ll always find me in the aisle seat. I am VERY aware of my surroundings in crowds and know where all the exits are (and bathrooms – haha). I’ve become an avid “reader” of audiobooks to keep my mind off flying, tight spaces, and not being allowed to leave your seat. And I have curated an AMAZING capsule travel wardrobe to help deal with overpacking. All that’s to say, we usually look at anxiety as a negative thing, and for sure it can cause challenges. But finding ways to help overcome those challenges is an important win.

So, what does any of this have to do with our guided trips? It means we’ve been there (literally!), we get it, and we’ve got you. Taking a trip with us helps put your mind at ease. You’re not paying a travel agent to only handle the arrangements, leaving you to muddle through them on your own in an unknown place. We are with you every step of the way – if you want. Or, if not, we give you the freedom to explore on your own. How much involvement you want from us is totally up to you! Either way, we’re with you if you change your mind.

In 2025 and beyond we’re taking a different approach to our trips. Instead of us picking dates, creating a trip, and relying on folks to sign up for it, we’re leaving the destination and timeline up to you. You can choose from a handful of destinations that we are intimately familiar with and a length of time that works for you, and we create a trip for you! This means you’ll get at least one of us (and sometimes both) guiding you along the way. Prices will vary depending on your destination, time of year, travel class, length of trip, etc, etc.

I’m excited (and super anxious, always). But! Let’s take 2025 by the horns and show it who is boss. Squash your travel anxiety (or…at least tell it to be quiet(er) for a while) and travel with someone who gets it. Over the next couple of months, I will be creating a calendar of our availability. Plus, we’re adding new destinations! Gasp! We still specialize in Scotland and the UK, but we’re adding Ireland, France, Spain, and yes, the United States. So gather your friends and family, coordinate your calendars, and get ready to create your out-of-office email automation. This year, we’re taking on the world.

See ya out there!

The post Dealing with Travel Anxiety, from a Lifetime Expert first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Panic

As I stepped backward into thin air, my only thought was “Scotlaaaaaand!” Sigh. As someone very independent and used to doing most things myself, suddenly needing disabled travel advice was a whole new ballgame.

Don’t Panic, Research

Today, I’m looking on the bright side: I now know how to get around the UK with a busted leg. Fortunately, a previous student trip left us with a severely sprained ankle in the group on day one, so we knew where many of the lifts are located in Edinburgh and Oban, how to avoid some of the stairs and cobbles, and where to get ice. Disabled travel is not for the faint of heart, but it can be done and is 100% worth the trouble.

Once the orthopedist told me I could fly (or rather didn’t say I couldn’t fly, a major sigh of relief), I immediately went into research mode to figure out how to get around. At home, I had painful crutches (they were too tall) and a knee scooter borrowed from a friend. Neither were great options for the cobbles and stairs I knew I would encounter, so I went hunting.

Equip Yourself

After an extensive search of medical supply stores in Springfield came up short in the disabled travel category (it’s like they want you to stay home or something), I headed to Amazon as time was running out. There I encountered the iWalk and a set of folding crutches made for travel – brilliant! I ordered both, but later decided the iWalk was probably not the safest option for all the cobbles of Edinburgh (it has since become my farm chores tool, along with a good walking stick – Jason calls me Gandolf). So the iWalk stayed home.

Initially, I planned only to take my crutches, but didn’t feel good about that choice given the potential for slick cobbles and sore armpits. Then I stumbled upon someone asking about a mobility scooter for disabled travelers in a Facebook Group for Scotland Travel. What!? Genius! A quick search gave me a list of power scooters for rent in Edinburgh – who knew? The company I went with delivered and picked up the scooter from the hotel. Such an amazing service! In the end, we brought my knee scooter too, knowing the power scooter would be quite large, and many places in Scotland are small and involve at least a step or two to enter buildings. Surely I could get around on a knee scooter much easier?

So there I was, armed with my folding crutches, knee scooter, and the promise of a power scooter meeting me in Edinburgh. I also tried to find a power scooter in Oban but had no luck. This solidified my decision to bring the knee scooter, and I’m SO glad I did. Off we went! You can’t keep this girl down!

Getting to Europe: Planes

I was immediately discouraged at the Springfield Airport. I hadn’t considered they would make me remove my boot to go through security – ouch. However, they were very kind and pulled me aside to sit down and go through a personal screening with a female agent. That took maybe 20 minutes and with our TSA Precheck, we didn’t have to remove anything from our bags. Jason gathered my bags (the first of many, many times) while I got my royal pat down and then we were off to wait on our (delayed) flight to Chicago.

I requested assistance getting on and off the plane through our airline’s app but never saw anyone to help. Since I had my scooter, I didn’t push the issue because it’s such a small airport. Instead, I assumed I could easily roll to the gate and down the ramp to the door, and then awkwardly crutch my way onto the plane while they stowed my scooter below. I just needed a little extra time to do it. In theory, this shouldn’t be a problem if they let us board first, and let us get settled.

They did let us board first, but we were quickly followed by everyone else, because of the flight delay and hurry to get going. Plus they made me leave my scooter at the top of the ramp, so I had to use my crutches down the incline. As I hadn’t practiced with the crutches yet, this was terrifying and less-than-graceful. To get to my seat, I tossed my crutches ahead of me and used the ramp rails and seat arms to swing across the bridge and down the narrow aisles. I collapsed into my seat while the flight attendant watched. Nice. I was unimpressed and immediately nervous about the rest of the trip.

No one met us in Chicago with the wheelchair either – what the heck? Luckily my scooter appeared outside the plane’s door, so I folded my crutches, hung them on the handlebars, and took off up the ramp…and across the entirety of O’Hare, all on my scooter. This was a long, painful journey, but we made it to our gate as our flight to London started boarding. It took a little convincing, but since it was a larger plane, the flight attendants let me keep my scooter so I could get to the bathroom on our 8-hour flight. They stored it in a closet near the galley for me, so I only had to push my call button or send Jason to grab it when I needed to get up.

In London, I was met by a buggy! So apparently my online assistance request did work, just not in the States for some reason. The porter loaded my crutches, bags, AND scooter and whisked me to Border Control; I handed over my passport and sailed right through. Meanwhile, Jason walked the entire length of Heathrow because he’d been sitting for 8 hours and wanted to walk (they offered him a ride too). Unfortunately, my chariot ride ended at baggage claim, so once reassembled, we continued to the train into London.

Getting Around Europe: Trains

I hadn’t thought much about getting on and off the trains. It turns out, I should have requested assistance for that as well – mind the gap and all! We got lucky with the Underground, as all the stations we used had a lift or a ramp down to the trains. From there it was easy to roll onto the train. Once we made it to King’s Cross and had to get on the overland train there was much tsk-tsking from the station staff as I tossed my scooter up the step into the train, grabbed the handrails, and hopped one-legged up to the train. Was it safe? No. Did they like it? Also no, as they take Health & Safety very seriously in the UK. But I made it, so bonus points, right?

When we arrived at York station, I tossed my scooter off the train and hopped back down the same way. More tsk-tsking (also, some gentle applause and “Well done, you!” from others waiting to board that train). Once at our hotel, which was mercifully across the street, I requested assistance for the rest of our journey on the LNER train app. It worked! They had the ramp ready for me the next day and even moved our reserved seats into the disabled area so I had a place to store my scooter and put my leg up. It was glorious – and easy. As we arrived at Waverley Station in Edinburgh, they put the ramp down and I rolled off the train – easy peasy.

We arrived in Edinburgh a day ahead of our group so we could make the last few arrangements. Even though it was nearby, because of all the roadwork and sidewalk closures, we took a taxi to our hotel. The man at the taxi stand was so delightful; having never seen a knee scooter (nor had much of the UK as it turned out), he asked all manner of questions.

Getting Around Europe: Automobiles?

Lo and behold! My power scooter awaited us at the hotel! Amazing! I could have had it delivered to the station, but you had to arrange a specific time, pay an extra fee, and you never know if the trains will be on time (they usually are). Instead, they delivered it to the hotel, which seemed a better option. We didn’t immediately take it out since we had errands to run in tiny shops.

The next day, I used the power scooter to fetch folks from the train station and take them to breakfast while Jason met folks at the airport. I also took it on several “walks” throughout our stay and anywhere I knew we would have the space to accommodate it. Overall, it was bulky and a bit of a burden, so I learned to use my knee scooter on the cobbles for most of our expeditions. The key is to lean back, not forward on the knee scooter, so you don’t fly over the handlebars. I’m still glad I had the power scooter for some of our longer outings and recommend our rental company (listed below).

While in Edinburgh, we ventured to the countryside one day for professional photos, where I quickly learned my scooter does not do rocks or grass. I had to use it like a walker to get down the path to our shooting location where I spent two hours teetering on one leg or crutches in the tall grass on the side of a mountain. It must have been a sight; we have some funny photos of me trying to get around. But! I did it and the rest of the pictures are fabulous. We’re thankful our photographer was such a good sport.

By the time we boarded the train for Oban, I was a pro. I didn’t bother booking assistance with ScotRail because I had figured out how to get on and off myself. Our hotel in Oban was again right across from the train station (whoever planned this was brilliant – pats on the back!), so we didn’t have far to go with our group and bags. By now Jason’s arms were threatening to come off from trying to manhandle our bags all over Scotland. I felt bad about it, so I booked him an appointment with my massage wizard back home. He had to wait a few more days, but she fixed him up nicely.

Jason had work to do while in Oban and our friends were out of town, so I spent time exploring on my own. I took my scooter down the walkway of the bay to take photos and enjoy the view. Then I went shopping for most of the day and visited with the locals. That was fun and they were very kind. Fortunately, many of the shops in Oban are at ground level or just one tiny step up, so I had no problem getting around on my own. I stumbled upon the Jetty Gallery, full of works by local artists, and found a gorgeous etching that I decided should come home with me. Thankfully, Jason agreed and we returned to get it about 5 minutes before they closed on our last day in Oban. Whew!

We also rented a car while in Oban. This allowed us to scout for upcoming trips and visit friends in the country. We originally planned to take the car to the Isle of Mull for some hiking, but because of my broken leg, we decided to hold off for now.

After Oban, we took the train back to Edinburgh and spent our final night at a countryside estate hotel (which was amazing!). The staff met me as I stepped out of the taxi, putting a ramp down to get inside the hotel. While they did have a lift, it didn’t access all the rooms, so I used my crutches quite a bit to get up and down stairs. Also, our hotel had a bathtub! It was glorious to sit on the side of the tub to shower with the handheld instead of standing precariously on one foot in the shower. Incidentally, showering was the biggest frustration the entire time in the UK: the bathrooms are SO small I could barely get in with my scooter or crutches, and there was always a step up into the shower. If I had known I would need an accessible bathroom when I was booking rooms, it would have been much easier, as they are available in some hotels.

More Trains

We decided to take the train back to London, thinking it would be easier than flying. Unfortunately, the train journey turned into quite the event, as there was a fire on the tracks just outside London, so they made us get off the train in York. Another couple from our group was on the train ahead of us and they were given the options to wait it out, walk back to York Station, or get an Uber to London. They chose the latter.

Since we were at York Station, we were given two route options: take the train to Sheffield or Manchester. We opted for Manchester hoping it would be less crowded. We had to wait for the second train, as the first was packed. Once in Manchester, we ran (scooted furiously!) to catch the next train to Euston Station in London. Naturally, this was all during rush hour on a Wednesday afternoon. Madness! Finally, we made it to London, though 7 hours later than planned, and after the show we planned to see at the Vaudeville Theatre. Feeling rather bummed, we headed for Euston Underground Station to call it a day and head for the airport hotel. Except, it turns out Euston has no lifts, so we had to take a taxi to our hotel instead – that was a frightening expense! In hindsight, we could have taken a taxi to Paddington Station and caught the train to the airport, but you live and learn and sometimes don’t make the best decisions when you’re tired. It almost makes one wonder if the flight would have been easier.

The Way Home

The flight out of London the next morning was as easy as the one to London. They let me keep my scooter in a closet onboard again. As soon as we landed in Houston I was immediately reminded that the US is not very kind to anyone with a mobility issue. There was no wheelchair, again, after I requested it and double-checked that I had, so I scooted across the airport to Customs and Border Control. After that, you have to go through security again. In London, security was much the same as it was in Springfield: they pulled me aside, removed my boot, I got a pat down, and they swabbed my scooter while asking me to tell my best version of how I broke my leg. Very easy and cordial. In Houston, they literally screamed at me when I asked where to go with my scooter because it obviously would set off a metal detector. I stood, stunned, at the side of the line waiting for some direction since Jason had already gone through and was frantically trying to repack our bags. About 10 minutes later someone pulled me aside, took my boot and scooter to be swabbed, and told me to walk through the metal detector. Excuse me? I have a broken leg, I will not be walking anywhere! So there I stood, on one leg, for at least another 10 minutes while they swabbed my scooter, eventually brought it back to me, and finally pulled me to the side for a pat down. I was flabbergasted, frustrated, and fighting tears; I’ve never been treated so poorly.

The flight from Houston to Springfield was just as stellar as the one leaving Springfield two weeks earlier. Sigh. We had to board our plane outside, so I had to leave my scooter behind, again, and crutch my way up the ramp and onto the tiny plane, tossing my crutches ahead of me as I swung down the aisle on the armrests. But, as a bonus, we saw the northern lights above Springfield as we landed that night. I was exhausted, happy to be home, and even happier to sleep in my bed. It was a wonderful trip and I learned so much, but holy moly was I tired from all that extra work!

Lessons Learned

Overall, the UK is relatively accommodating to folks with mobility issues. It may take a little planning on your end, but it’s entirely possible to navigate the disabled travel options and folks are super helpful. As a plus, we’re confident we can accommodate someone with mobility challenges on our trips! There’s nothing like a crash course or on-the-ground training to boost your confidence, right? Right. Sometimes it can be a hidden bonus to be an anxiety-ridden overthinker searching for all the available options on a tight deadline. Skills!

I hope my story gives you the confidence to travel even if you have trouble getting around. There are so many assistance options and SO much world to see! Obviously, do what your doctor says and always opt for travel insurance in case you have further issues while on your journey.

*fist bump* You’ve got this. See you out there!

Resources

• Scooter Rental in Edinburgh
• TFL Journey Planner for London Public Transit
• LNER Passenger Assist Request for the London North East Railway
• ScotRail Accessible Travel Request for the train in Scotland
• Euan’s Guide for excellent reviews on accessibility in venues across the UK
• List of public toilets in Edinburgh with accessibility toilets.

Notes

• Lifts (elevators). Many old buildings in the UK cannot be retrofitted with lifts. Be sure to research ahead of time so you know what is available and reach out to ask questions as needed. Sometimes stairs are the only option.
• Accessible Toilets. Places serving food must have accessible toilets or point you somewhere that does. If you don’t see them, ask. Public toilets can also be found in bus stations, train stations, shopping centers, and department stores. You can apply for and purchase a radar key for accessible toilets if you have mobility or bowel/bladder conditions.
• Email Hotels. Stay in contact with your hotel about any help you may need. Many have disabled rooms, access to lifts, and additional assistance if you need it. Private rentals and Air B&Bs do not have this requirement, so contact your host to ask questions before booking.

Helpful Travel Accessories

• Folding Crutches
• Crutch Pads
• iWalk
• Knee Scooter
• Sleeping Boot
• Water Resistant Walking Boot Covers
• Waterproof Shower Boot
• Reusable Waterproof Bags for Ice

The post Suddenly Figuring out Disabled Travel for Beginners first appeared on The DeBode Way.

Join The DeBode Way as we explore Edinburgh and Oban in Scotland by train.

We will personally meet you in Edinburgh for three days of exploring the city and the surrounding area. Then we will board the train as a group at Waverley Station and be whisked away into the Highlands! This scenic train journey will end in Oban on the west coast of Scotland. There you can indulge in the local whisky, the freshest seafood you’ve ever had, fairytale castles, the breathtaking landscape, and so much more! Once we’ve had our fill of Oban (which isn’t really a thing) we’ll hop back on the train for the journey back to Edinburgh. We’ll spend the remaining time catching our breath at a country estate in the Edinburgh area. On our final morning, we’ll board planes and trains for your journey home or to your next destination.

Included in your trip:

• Luxury Accommodations
• Three Indulgent Group Dinners
• All Breakfasts
• Small Group Tours in Each Location
• Private Transfers
• Train Tickets
• Extra Goodies from Us

We want to treat you like kings and queens while teaching you to travel sustainably. You will have access to Jason & Tasha at The DeBode Way to help answer any questions you may have.

We do not include airfare in your purchase so you can collect your points and miles! Please plan to meet us in the early morning of June 6th either at Waverley Station in Edinburgh or EDI Airport.

Following your purchase, you will receive an email from us with the trip itinerary and curated lists of additional tours, restaurants, and things to do that we recommend for your free time. Also included in that email will be a Disclaimer Form for you to sign and return to us so we can begin our journey together. You will be invited to download our trip app via a separate email as we get closer to our departure. You can use this app to keep track of every tiny detail of your trip in real-time. We’ll have one Zoom call before departure to answer last-minute questions and introduce everyone to each other.

We can’t wait to have you join us for this magical journey through Scotland!
See you soon!

The post A Small Group Summer of Luxury in Scotland – June 6-14, 2025 – CLOSED first appeared on The DeBode Way.

I Spy with My Little Eye

Let’s use an example: I’m scrolling through Instagram one evening and come upon a photo of a cobbled street with particularly colorful buildings. At this point in my life, I know what it is, but for this example, let’s suppose I didn’t. If there is no information in the description about what this place is or where to find it, I take a screenshot and do a Google image search. Boom! It’s Victoria Street in Edinburgh. Perfect. The inspiration for my DIY trip is born!

So we know what it is, but where is Victoria Street in Edinburgh and what is there to do nearby? For us, I do a regular Google search for Victoria Street businesses. That should be an instant burst of ideas from restaurants to shops and other points of interest.

Once I’m armed with things to do on Victoria Street, I use a similar search to branch out from the area. Or, I head straight to Google Maps to see what it can tell me about the area. Sometimes I even end up back on Instagram and search Victoria Street to see what other Insta-worthy things pop up. People can be very creative on that app and I love it!

A Retreat from the Ordinary

How do we find all these nifty out-of-the-way hotels? Here’s my biggest secret: I don’t use a third-party hotel search engine to book. What!? Most travel bloggers will tell you to use something like booking-dot-com or hotels-dot-com to book your hotels, mostly because they get a kickback for their recommendation. After befriending so many hotel owners over the years, it’s hard for us to share this perspective. The fees the hotels have to pay to be on those sites is something like 20% of their booking. As a small business owner, I find this criminal.

To avoid this fee, many independent hotels will often tell you they will match any price you find on a search engine by booking directly with them. Even by lowering their price, they are keeping money in their pocket by avoiding the search engine fee. This benefits you even more in the end because the hotel will most likely include more personal services, like champagne on arrival, or include a meal in your reservation by booking directly. To me, this feels like a little pat on the back for booking your own DIY trip and making those important people connections.

I’ll often use Trip Advisor, Google Hotels, or even Instagram to get an idea of what is in the area. The first two have great panning map features on their websites that help you see an area in detail. Instagram often has off-the-wall suggestions that you won’t find in a search engine, but you’ll still need to plug them into a map to make sure they line up with your plan. However, I never book through those sites. Not only for the reasons I listed above but also because there is no guarantee with the hotel when you use a third-party booking system. If that third party doesn’t properly communicate with the hotel and they don’t have a reservation for you when you arrive and the hotel is full, there’s nothing they can do. If you book directly, you always have direct contact with the hotel for confirmation and updates before check-in. I like to drop the hotel a little email a week or two before our arrival to make sure everything is squared away. That little email often gets you recognition and a nice reception upon arrival.

Adventure Awaits

With tours and activities, I use a very similar approach to hotels and image searches. I’ve found some of the most unique tours on Instagram completely by accident. Actually, we’ve had tour operators contact us via Instagram when we’ve tagged ourselves in the area (yes this can seem a little sketchy, so do lots of review research before you agree to join them). Another great resource for unique tours is Viator, another third-party search engine you can book through. If I can find the tour on the operator’s website, I book directly through them, for the same reasons as booking hotels directly. Make those connections!

Google Maps is also a great place to look for tours and activities and read reviews. Sometimes the strangest little things will pop up and lead you directly to an operator’s website to book.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

That I saved this to talk about last is a bit strange because this is always the FIRST thing I book when I’m planning a trip. If we need to fly, I start with plane tickets. If our dates are a bit flexible we can often save quite a bit of money by moving our dates around based on the lowest price of the tickets. I always use Google Flights to hunt down flights and then jump over to the airline to book directly when I find what I want. If we’re flying on points, I’ll often transfer credit card points to airline partners. This allows us to book directly with the airline instead of using the third-party portal through our credit card. We’ve booked through our credit card portal before, but I’ve heard too many horror stories about that going wrong to feel overly comfortable with it.

We LOVE to take the train! It removes so many logistical headaches from our trips like parking a car, parking fees, and transporting luggage. We often stay near the train stations so we can walk to/from our hotel and not worry about lining up more transportation. I’ve been using RailEurope lately to search for routes if I don’t know the name of the country’s rail lines. Once I learn what the rail lines are called and where the stations are located, I will typically book directly through the rail line. We have booked through RailEurope before when traveling on multiple rail lines for a single day trip and it was perfectly fine, but again, it’s a third party, so there’s no guarantee.

And cars. I always recommend booking cars out of the airport in the city you are visiting if possible. Airports are typically located outside of the cities, giving you more space to get used to the car and the road system before being thrown into heavy traffic. Car rental desks at airports also usually have longer open hours during the day. This often means catching a taxi or an Uber to get to the airport to pick up a car, but if that saves from driving an unfamiliar car, in an unfamiliar system, in the city center, it’s worth it. If you are comfortable driving in the city center wherever you are, look for car rental locations near the train station for less logistical nonsense. Google Maps is a good tool for finding the location of rental agencies. I’ve also used Kayak-dot-com to quickly compare prices and then head directly to a rental agency’s website to book. Also, if you frequently (or not) book cars, sign up for their rewards program. It’s free and it makes the rental process so much faster.

Those are the most important quick tips I can give you about planning and booking your own DIY trip. Remember to write out a rough itinerary and then create a logistical plan based on what you want to see/do and where you want to stay. It would be a major bummer to book a fabulous hotel in the mountains and then have no idea how to get there when you arrive! Think through your whole trip, create a spreadsheet if that’s your jam, and get to booking your DIY trip!

See you out there!

The post Our Quick Tips & Tricks to Booking Your DIY Trip first appeared on The DeBode Way.