Welcome to Part 3 of Where the Flag Flies Proudest! If you are just joining us, welcome — and if you missed Parts 1 and 2, simply click the arrows below to start at the beginning. For those of you who have been following along, welcome back! In Part 2, we traveled from the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg and Arlington to the shores of New York Harbor and the peaks of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Now we move forward into what many consider the most emotionally powerful chapter of American history. In Part 3, we honor the brave men and women of World War II and beyond, visiting the sacred places that stand as eternal tributes to their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to freedom.

Welcome to Part 2 of our patriotic travel series, Where the Flag Flies Proudest! If you are just joining us, welcome — and if you missed Part 1, simply click the arrow below to start at the beginning. For those of you who have been following along, welcome back! In Part 1, we explored the cobblestone streets of colonial Philadelphia and the shores of Baltimore, visiting the very places where our flag and national anthem were born. Now we pick up where history left us — moving into one of the most turbulent and defining chapters in American history. In Part 2, we travel to the hallowed grounds of the Civil War era and beyond, visiting the places where the nation was tested, torn apart, and ultimately proven stronger for it.

Sunday was Flag Day and that got me to thinking. Since 1916 when Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring June 14 as Flag Day, Americans have been proudly displaying and honoring our country’s symbol of freedom, democracy, and liberty.

What better way to honor the flag than to visit the very places that made it mean something? From the cobblestone streets of colonial Philadelphia to the shores of Normandy, France, join me for a four-part travel series exploring the most patriotic and historically significant destinations in the world. We’ll journey through them just the way history unfolded — starting at the very beginning.

Want to plan the perfect long weekend trip? Call your favorite travel agent.

Okay, maybe I’m a little biased — but honestly, having someone take the stress out of planning can make all the difference when you only have a few days to escape.

Long weekend trips are the perfect way to recharge without needing to take a full vacation. Whether you’re craving a beach getaway, a city adventure, or a peaceful mountain retreat, proper planning helps you make the most of every moment.

Here’s how to plan the perfect long weekend trip without the overwhelm.

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and smart decision-making, you can explore new destinations, create unforgettable memories, and still stay within your budget.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big adventure, these budget travel tips will help you make the most of your trip—without overspending.

For animal lovers, travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the unforgettable encounters with wildlife along the way. From spotting majestic predators in the wild to swimming alongside gentle marine giants, these experiences offer a deeper connection to nature and a chance to witness animals in their natural habitats.

Whether you're seeking adventure, education, or pure awe, here are some of the top wildlife experiences around the world.

Easter is celebrated around the world in beautifully diverse ways—far beyond egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. If you’re looking to make your spring travels more meaningful (and unforgettable), experiencing Easter in another culture can be truly magical. From water fights to candlelit processions, here are some of the most unique Easter traditions you can witness around the globe.

Traveling internationally for the first time is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially navigating customs and foreign transportation systems. Simple mistakes can lead to unnecessary challenges. The good news is that with a little preparation, international travel can be much smoother and far less stressful. Here are 10 common mistakes first-time international travelers make—and how you can avoid them.

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about wearing green—it’s a celebration of culture, history, and, for travelers, a chance to experience some incredible festivities around the globe. Whether you’re Irish at heart or just looking for a fun spring getaway, these destinations bring St. Patrick’s Day to life like nowhere else.

When it comes to cruising, there’s more than one way to explore the world. River cruises and ocean cruises each offer unique experiences, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right style for your next adventure.

If you love cruising but hate the hassle of packing and unpacking, back-to-back cruising might just be your new favorite way to travel. It’s exactly what it sounds like: booking two or more cruises in a row on the same ship, creating an extended vacation without ever leaving your stateroom.

Passports might not be the most exciting part of travel planning, but they’re one of the most important. Whether you’re dreaming about your first international trip or planning your next adventure abroad, understanding how passports work can save you from major stress later. From knowing when you need one to avoiding costly mistakes, here’s your complete guide to passports — with a few insider tips from a travel advisor along the way.

In a world where you can book almost anything online in seconds, you might wonder — do people still use travel advisors?

The answer is yes. And more than ever.

Because while booking a trip has become easier, planning the right trip has become more complicated.

Here’s why working with a travel advisor adds real value to your travel experience.

In December 2025, I took my very first cruise ever—a three-day adventure on the Norwegian Joy—and it was unforgettable. I went with my team from Travelmation, the company I contract with as a travel advisor, which made the experience even more special. I stayed in a balcony room, and waking up to the ocean views every morning was absolutely magical. This first cruise has me definitely looking forward to many more!It All Begins Here

Hi! I’m Elizabeth—wife, mom, former teacher, homeschool mom, Christian, and travel advisor. Travel has always been a passion for me, but helping people plan trips that fit their lives and their dreams? That’s my calling.

Welcome—I’m Elizabeth, a travel advisor who believes great trips don’t happen by accident—they are thoughtfully planned, well-matched to your travel style, and grounded in real-world knowledge. This space is where I share destination inspiration, practical travel tips, cruise insights, and planning advice to help you travel smarter and with more confidence.