Planning your first trip to Paris? In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim talk about Kim’s first visit to the City of Light — and what first-time visitors need to know before they go. From choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in and navigating the arrondissements to tips for visiting top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame, this episode is filled with practical advice and insider tips for making the most of your Paris experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or a mother-daughter adventure, this conversation will help you fall in love with Paris from the very start.

Episode Highlights:

• Kim shares her first impressions of Paris and what surprised her most about the city

• Why five days is the ideal length for a first visit to Paris

• Tips for understanding Paris’s arrondissements and how to choose the best neighborhood for your stay

• Favorite areas for first-time visitors, including Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, and the Latin Quarter

• Why staying near the Seine makes exploring Paris so much easier

• French pharmacy finds — what to buy and why La Roche-Posay products in France are different from what’s sold in the U.S.

• Eiffel Tower advice: when to book tickets, how to choose between levels, and the best viewpoints to see the tower sparkle at night

• River cruises in Paris — from budget-friendly sightseeing options to the luxurious Alain Ducasse dinner cruise experience

• Why Tamara and Kim both recommend skipping the large public boat tours and opting for a smaller or more premium experience

• Visiting the Louvre: how much time to plan, ticket and tour advice, and why a guided tour helps make the most of your visit

• Kim’s favorite galleries and sculptures in the Louvre and tips for avoiding crowds around the Mona Lisa

• Other museum recommendations for art lovers, including the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Rodin Museum

• Updates on Notre Dame’s reopening and how to reserve a free timed-entry ticket

• Tips for visiting Notre Dame, including how to use the free app for an audio-guided tour

• Why Paris lives up to its bucket-list reputation and how to balance sightseeing with time to simply enjoy being in the city

Traveling with kids, parents, and grandparents can be one of the most rewarding experiences—but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of Vacation Mavens, Tamara and Kim are joined by travel expert Kirsten Maxwell, founder of Kids Are a Trip and Groups Are a Trip. With over 40 countries under her belt, Kirsten shares her best advice for planning stress-free multi-generational vacations, from cruises and resorts to vacation rentals and group tours.

Kirsten Maxwell is a travel expert and founder of Kids Are A Trip and Groups Are A Trip, who has turned her adventures across 40+ countries into inspiring travel resources. The best adventures happen when you travel with the people you love the most! You can follow Kirsten on Instagram and Facebook.

Whether you’re dreaming of a big family trip or just starting to plan, this episode is packed with tips on how to balance budgets, expectations, and activities so everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—has a memorable experience.

• What “multi-generational travel” really means and the different ways families are making it work: "skip gen" (aka grandparents and grandchildren), grandparents, parents and kids, extended family with cousins, aunts and uncles
• Popular multi-gen trip types: cruises, vacation rentals, dude ranches, all-inclusive resorts, and group tours
• Family meetings (and honest conversations about budget and expectations) are key before you book
• Tips for managing food, chores, and shared expenses without stress
• How to balance mobility needs, activity levels, and different interests across age groups
• Favorite destinations for all-ages trips, including Lake Tahoe, Orlando, New York City, and all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
• Why cruises and resorts with strong kids’ clubs make trips easier for parents and grandparents
• The benefits of guided family tours like Adventures by Disney, Tauck, and Backroads
• Money-saving tip: ask about group rates when booking cruises, resorts, or tours
• Practical advice for delegating trip planning (or hiring a travel advisor to take the pressure off)
• Travel gear pick: crossbody phone case with strap for safety and convenience

In this episode of Vacation Mavens, we are joined by adventure traveler and blogger Sherry Ott of OttsWorld. We dive into what it takes to plan a successful cycling vacation — everything from choosing destinations and tour types, to picking the right gear, training beforehand, and recovering well. Whether you're a biking newbie or looking to level up your next bike‐based trip, this one’s packed with insights and practical advice.

Sherry Ott is a long-time travel blogger (since 2006) specializing in adventure travel, especially for women. She started leading small group trips in 2018, including unique “cat lady tours” in Japan. Sherry began serious biking during the pandemic, upgrading to gravel bikes and exploring both domestic (U.S.) and international routes (Chile, France, Prince Edward Island). She is passionate about making bike travel accessible, safe, and fun for all skill levels.

• Decide between guided and self-guided tours — guided trips offer support and community, while self-guided give you more flexibility.
• Research destinations with strong bike infrastructure (trail networks, signage, support).
• Check elevation, distance, and trail type (paved vs. gravel) to match your comfort level.
• Look for tour companies that provide e-bike options if you want extra support.
• Read reviews, ask about group size, and confirm whether you can bring your own gear (seat, mirror, pedals).

• Start riding regularly at home to build saddle time and comfort.
• Practice on terrain similar to your trip (gravel, hills, road).
• Work on balance, confidence, and endurance.
• Don’t underestimate elevation — even moderate climbs can feel tough over multiple days.

• Always bring your own helmet for the best fit and safety.
• Pack a rear-view mirror (handlebar or helmet mount) for traffic awareness.
• Wear bright, high-visibility clothing so drivers and riders can see you.
• Bring rain gear and layers — weather can shift quickly.
• Prioritize comfort over style on the bike.

• Use compression socks or leggings (e.g. Vim & Vigor) to reduce muscle fatigue.
• Hydrate often and refuel with snacks during rides.
• Allow time for rest and stretching after long days.
• Be mindful of long flights post-trip — keep circulation flowing with compression wear and movement.

• Adventure Cycling Association – maps, routes, and trip planning tools.
• Tour operators like Experience Plus, Biketours.com, and Backroads.
• Tourism boards for bike-friendly regions with trail networks and infrastructure.