Sandals Resorts Travel Agent

After experiencing Morocco with Globus, I finally understand why they’re one of the most trusted guided tour companies in the world. And while my trip was in Morocco, the things I loved — and the things to keep in mind — apply across all of Globus’s tours, whether you're exploring Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, or beyond.

If you’re curious about what it’s really like to travel with Globus, here’s everything you should know.

What I Loved About Traveling With Globus

✨ Group Size Options for Every Style of Traveler

Globus offers different group sizes depending on the itinerary you choose:

• 
  

  Small Group Discovery tours: usually 15–24 travelers

  
  


• 
  

  Classic/Standard tours: generally mid-30s up to around 40 travelers

  
  

So whether you prefer a more intimate group or a fun, social atmosphere, there's an option for everyone.

---

✨ Knowledgeable Local Guides & Skilled Drivers

One of the biggest highlights of any Globus tour is the guide.
On my trip, our guide brought the entire journey to life — sharing history, culture, personal experiences, and insider tips you’d never get traveling on your own.

Your guide not only keeps the group organized, but also:

• 
  

  Knows the best times to avoid crowds

  
  


• 
  

  Helps with local customs

  
  


• 
  

  Adds context to everything you see

  
  


• 
  

  Keeps the itinerary running smoothly

  
  


• 
  

  Often becomes everyone’s favorite part of the trip

  
  

And the drivers? They’re pros — navigating busy cities, mountain roads, and long travel days with ease.

This level of support is consistent across Globus itineraries worldwide.

---

✨ Authentic Cultural Experiences (Local Favorites)

No matter where you go, Globus includes “Local Favorite” experiences designed to connect you more deeply to the culture.
In Morocco, ours was a visit to a local’s home for tea and freshly baked Moroccan bread (khobz) — a memory I’ll carry forever.

Other itineraries might include:

• 
  

  Wine tastings

  
  


• 
  

  Artisan demonstrations

  
  


• 
  

  Home-hosted meals

  
  


• 
  

  Cultural workshops

  
  


• 
  

  Special early-access or after-hours sightseeing

  
  

These experiences help you feel the destination, not just see it.

---

✨ Included Daily Excursions + Optional Add-Ons

Globus tours include a daily excursion — often a city walk or panoramic tour — plus optional add-on activities. I found the extras to be very reasonably priced.

If you prefer more downtime, stick with the included excursion.
If you want a deeper dive, the optional ones are a great way to elevate your experience.

---

✨ Handpicked, Vetted Hotels on Every Itinerary

Globus takes the guesswork out of accommodations. Every hotel is pre-vetted for comfort, convenience, and safety. On my trip, we overnighted in multiple cities, typically two nights each, and every hotel met the standard Globus is known for worldwide.

---

✨ Stress-Free Luggage Handling

On transfer days, your luggage is collected (usually around 6:30 AM) and delivered straight to your next room. Globus handles:

• 
  

  Loading

  
  


• 
  

  Unloading

  
  


• 
  

  Transportation

  
  


• 
  

  Room delivery

  
  

It’s true vacation-mode travel.

---

✨ New Friendships That Last

One of the best parts of a guided tour is the people.
Our group bonded quickly, and weeks after returning home, our group chat is still active — checking in, sharing photos, and reliving our favorite moments.

---

Things to Keep in Mind for Any Globus Itinerary

⏰ Early Mornings & Structured Days

Tours often begin around 8 AM. Transfer days include early luggage pickup. The structure keeps the itinerary smooth and ensures you see everything promised.

---

🚌 Multi-City Tours = Travel Days

Most Globus itineraries cover several cities or regions, which means travel days by coach, train, ferry, or boat. Globus includes plenty of bathroom breaks, rest stops, and lunch opportunities along the way — but be prepared for some longer days depending on your itinerary.

---

👥 Group Dynamics: Something to Keep in Mind

One thing to remember with any group tour — not just Globus — is that you’ll be traveling with a mix of personalities from different backgrounds. Most people get along wonderfully, and many travelers walk away with lifelong friends (we still talk in our group chat weeks later!). There may be small moments when certain personalities don’t mesh perfectly — that’s normal any time you put a group together — but it never took away from the experience. If you come in with patience, kindness, and an open mind, group travel can be incredibly rewarding — and you might even leave with new friends you never expected.

---

🗺 Optional Excursions Add Flexibility

If you want deeper exploration, the optional excursions are wonderful.
If you prefer downtime, simply enjoy the included excursion of the day and explore independently. You can customize each day to your own travel style.

---

Who Globus Is Best For

Globus is a great fit if you want:

• 
  

  Stress-free travel

  
  


• 
  

  A mix of planned activities + independent time

  
  


• 
  

  Rich cultural experiences

  
  


• 
  

  Local guides who bring destinations to life

  
  


• 
  

  Multi-city trips without managing logistics

  
  


• 
  

  Vetted hotels and reliable transportation

  
  


• 
  

  A social travel experience, or the option for smaller groups

  
  


• 
  

  A high level of convenience without sacrificing authenticity

  
  

---

Ready to Explore the World With Globus?

Although my personal experience was in Morocco, the quality, care, and cultural immersion Globus provides is consistent throughout all their itineraries — from Europe to Asia, South America to Australia, and everywhere in between.

If you're dreaming of a seamless, culturally rich, fully supported travel experience…
📩 Let’s chat! I’d love to help you choose the perfect Globus itinerary for your next adventure. Travelform Travel Agent Near Me-Chelsea McDonell

Morocco had been on my bucket list for years, and this past trip absolutely delivered. It’s beautiful, vibrant, and full of life—but also a destination where having a guided experience makes everything smoother, especially with the language barrier. Exploring with a structured itinerary allowed me to relax, learn, and truly take in all the magic around me.

Highlights of the Journey

Out of all the incredible places we visited, Fez completely stole my heart. Its winding medina, ancient crafts, and warm people made it feel like stepping into living history. We also spent time in Rabat, and I found myself wishing for just one more day there. It has this calm sophistication that balances perfectly with Morocco’s more bustling cities.

Cultural Comfort & Respect

One thing I loved about Morocco is how welcoming and laid-back the culture feels, even around religion. Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, but the atmosphere is relaxed, open, and very visitor-friendly. As long as you’re respectful, you’ll feel comfortable and at ease.

Another thing to keep in mind: Morocco isn’t a destination for nightly cocktails. Bars aren’t very common, and many restaurants don’t serve alcohol. I found it difficult to get a glass of wine with dinner, so go in with those expectations and you’ll enjoy it just fine.

Shopping & Haggling in the Medinas

If you love shopping, the medinas are an adventure all their own! Haggling is expected—and honestly, it’s fun. You’ll be approached often, especially in the busy markets, but don’t feel pressured to settle on the first price. I was able to negotiate about 30% off almost everything I bought. Take your time, enjoy the back-and-forth, and walk away with handmade treasures you’ll adore.

Food in Morocco: Warm, Earthy & Comforting

A big misconception is that Moroccan food is spicy—but it’s actually the opposite. The flavors are earthy, warm, and aromatic, with ingredients like saffron, cumin, and preserved lemon. I also noticed dishes tend to be light on salt, so if you prefer more seasoning, you may want to bring a little with you.

Two dishes you’ll find everywhere:

• 
  

  Couscous: Traditionally eaten on Fridays, Morocco’s main religious day.

  
  


• 
  

  Tagine: Slow-cooked, flavorful stews served in iconic clay pots.

  
  

Both are delicious staples throughout the country.

Unique Experiences I’ll Never Forget

Some of my favorite moments included:

• 
  

  A hands-on cooking class in a local’s home, learning family recipes

  
  


• 
  

  A private sunset tea overlooking Fez, with the city glowing below

  
  


• 
  

  Exploring ancient medinas, artisan workshops, and historic sites

  
  


• 
  

  Driving through cities, mountains, countryside, and desert landscapes

  
  

If you plan to visit multiple cities, be prepared for a LOT of driving—Morocco is spread out, but each stop has its own charm.

A Fun (and Furry!) Surprise

If you love cats… you’re in luck.
If you don’t love cats… consider yourself warned.

Morocco has cats everywhere. This is genuinely the most cats I’ve ever seen in one destination—even more than Greece. They roam the medinas, sunbathe near markets, and lounge in alleyways like they own the place. They add so much character and charm to the atmosphere.

Fun Facts About Morocco

• 
  

  Home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university—founded by a woman in 859 AD

  
  


• 
  

  Chefchaouen’s iconic blue color dates back to the 1400s

  
  


• 
  

  Moroccan mint tea is playfully nicknamed “Moroccan whiskey” (nonalcoholic!)

  
  


• 
  

  Fez’s ancient tanneries still use centuries-old leather-dying techniques

  
  


• 
  

  Morocco blends African, Arab, and European influences, giving it a uniquely layered culture

  
  

Final Thoughts

If Morocco is on your list, go with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Between the warm people, rich culture, earthy flavors, surprising number of cats, and unforgettable experiences, it’s a destination unlike anywhere else. I came home with new memories, new favorite foods, and a promise to return—especially to Fez.

---

✨ Ready to Plan Your Moroccan Adventure?

If Morocco is calling your name, I’d love to help you plan the perfect trip—whether you want culture, food, adventure, or a little of everything.

📩 Let’s chat and start creating your Morocco itinerary. Travelform Travel Agent Near Me-Chelsea McDonell

I was invited to the Epic Universe preview ahead of its official opening on May 22, 2025, and I wanted to share what I took away from the experience.

Universal describes it like this:

“Explore worlds unlike anything experienced before. Step through amazing portals transporting you to the thrills of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and more. Five immersive worlds. One amazing theme park.”

After getting a first-hand look, I can tell you—they’re not wrong.

🏨 Starting Off at Helios Hotel
I kicked off my trip with a stay at the brand-new Helios Hotel, which is located right inside the park. It has its own private entrance into Epic Universe, and in my opinion, that’s one of the biggest perks. I highly recommend upgrading to a theme park view room—the views of Epic Universe are incredible and absolutely worth it.

Helios has:

A great on-site restaurant

A rooftop bar with amazing views

A Mediterranean theme throughout, which flows into the food, drinks, and decor

A gym, pool, and game room

And again, its own private, secured park entrance

All Universal resort guests get early park entry, which is a huge advantage, and that applies to all three Universal Orlando parks.

However, it’s important to note that Helios is the only Premier-level hotel that does not include Express Pass with your stay. So if you’re planning to visit Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, I recommend doing a split stay—start at one of the Premier resorts to take advantage of Express Pass for those two parks, then switch to Helios for your Epic Universe days.

Just keep in mind that Universal does not transfer luggage between resorts, so you’ll need to handle that part yourself.

The location of Helios makes it super convenient for midday breaks, grabbing a snack or drink, or dropping off souvenirs you don’t want to carry around all day. That convenience really makes a difference.

🌍 The Portals & The Worlds
Epic Universe is made up of several distinct lands, each entered through a giant themed portal. Most of the lands are relatively small and typically have 1–2 rides, possibly a show, and some character experiences. But what they may lack in size, they make up for in immersion.

The character meet and greets were absolutely top-notch, and the theming in every portal was so well done.

From my experience, I’d say the ride quality here is better than what you find at the other two parks. I usually get a little sick on the Harry Potter rides at Universal and Islands of Adventure, but the new Ministry of Magic ride didn’t bother me nearly as much.

My favorite ride? Monsters Unchained. It was beautiful, smooth, and truly felt like you were stepping into a horror movie. Definitely a must-do.

🎢 Coaster Vibes: Thrilling but More Family-Friendly
The roller coasters in Epic Universe are smaller and more approachable than the major coasters at the other two parks. If you’ve got kids who are starting to enjoy coasters but aren’t quite ready for intense loops or big drops, this park is perfect.

The most intense ride in the park is probably Stardust Racers. All the other coasters felt very doable, even for younger or more cautious riders (like me).

🍴 Food & Dining: Wholesome & Delicious
The food at Epic Universe impressed me. There aren’t many reservation-based restaurants instead the focus is on a hybrid of quick service and table service: you walk in, sit down, scan a QR code to order, and they bring the food to you.

The meals were fresh, flavorful, and filling—a step above typical theme park food. It wasn’t just burgers and pizza buts some really wholesome meals.

🌀 Queues & Ride Flow: Smart Design
One thing that stood out to me was how massive and well-themed the ride queues are. These are some of the biggest I’ve ever seen.

I think this setup is a smart way to keep crowds inside and out of the Florida heat. Hopefully, it will also help the lands feel less overcrowded, giving you more space to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and fully experience each world when you’re not waiting in line.

⏱️ How Much Time Do You Need?
In my opinion, Epic Universe is a 1–2 day park, especially if you have Express Pass and can skip most of the lines. It pairs really well with the other Universal parks and makes a great addition to a longer trip.

Unless you're a diehard Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, or Wizarding World fan and plan to spend extra time diving deep into those areas, I don’t think you need more than two full days here.

✨ Ready for Your Own Epic Adventure?
If you're thinking about visiting Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, or Islands of Adventure, I'd love to help you plan the perfect trip.

I specialize in Universal Vacations, and I’ll take care of the details—from the best hotels and park strategies to food recommendations and crowd tips—so you can focus on the fun.

📩 Message me today to start planning your epic escape!

 

1. Pack Light and Wear Comfortable Shoes

2. Use Public Transportation

3. Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language

4. Embrace the Local Cuisine (But Watch Your Portions)

5. Be Mindful of Tourist Scams

6. Plan Your Itinerary in Advance (But Leave Room for Spontaneity)

7. Take Your Time and Enjoy the Journey

As a travel agent, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing various types of travel, but nothing quite compares to the unique charm of river cruising. I recently embarked on an unforgettable 8-day journey on the Amadeus River Cruises' Classic Danube, which took me from the vibrant city of Budapest to the picturesque town of Passau. This trip not only showcased stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also provided an exceptional onboard experience that I can't wait to share.

A Journey Through History and Beauty

Longer Stays in Port: A Deeper Connection

River Cruising vs. Ocean Cruising

Book Your Own Amadeus River Cruise