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Dive into our collection of travel tales, tips, and experiences crafted by our passionate travel advisors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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My Top Travel Tips for Visiting South Korea 

I’m still reeling from my trip to Japan and Korea, and I’ve been getting lots of questions about Korea in particular. So I’m sharing my favorite practical tips to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your own South Korea adventure!   1. Use Local Map Apps (Skip Google Maps) Before you go, download […]

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I’m Samantha.
I started VS1 Travels to spread my love of travel with my clients and community. Our blog has travel tips, inspo, and personal experiences from our team. Happy reading!
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January was a whirlwind of holiday parties, client trips, and my own two‑week adventure in Japan and South Korea with my husband, Derick, but I’m finally back home (sadly, haha) and ready to share the good stuff with you. This month, I’m breaking down my top 10 Japan travel tips so your trip feels smoother, […]

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Spotify isn’t the only one who can round up the year in a tidy summary. But instead of sharing my musical tastes with you, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past 12 months of itinerary design here at VS1 Travels 🥂 2025 has been a whirlwind of wins and lessons, and […]

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Hope you had a great Happy Thanksgiving! I truly appreciate you and hope you had an amazing holiday with your loved ones.  And it is Black Friday! There are so many Black Friday deals out there, so wanted to share a couple from my fav travel suppliers in case you are interested in partaking! Virgin […]

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✨ Start Early and Stay Organized The best trips require thoughtful planning. Aim to start your preparations months ahead to secure the perfect accommodations, flights, and exclusive activities. Early planning means more choices and less stress. For my 40th birthday, I am thinking Egypt to see the pyramids and Nile River. But I am also […]

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Confused about river cruise lines? Discover how to match your travel personality with the perfect cruise experience. Expert insights from VS1 Travels to help you navigate your dream journey!

Choosing a river cruise line is like finding your soulmate—it’s all about compatibility. As a seasoned travel curator, I’m breaking down how to match your unique travel style with the perfect floating adventure. 🔍 Understanding Your Travel Personality Before we dive in, let’s unlock YOUR travel DNA: 🌍 Top River Cruise Lines Decoded: Onboard Experiences […]

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I recently returned from three weeks in Europe exploring the Danube River via river cruise and am excited to share my experience and new expertise in the world of river cruising. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the ASTA River Cruise Expo held in the romantic city of Vienna. This event opened a gateway […]

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Continuing to reflect on my amazing African safari group trip, I wanted to share some tidbits to help you in planning your safari adventure based on my experience! 1. Pick the Right Season The time of year you go can really shape your experience. 2. Know Which Animals You Want to See Different locations offer […]

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I recently returned back from one of the best trips of my life – an African safari adventure where I hosted a group of amazing clients around South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Having been on a safari before in Kenya at Masai Mara National Reserve, I thought I knew what to expect—but every safari is […]

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When Nicole & Ellie envisioned their wedding, they didn’t just see a ceremony. They dreamed of a weekend where their closest friends and family could relax, connect, and celebrate in paradise. Their destination wedding in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, turned that dream into a reality, and the memories they created will last a lifetime. Why a […]

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