the spreadsheet files

Real advice for planning trips you won't second-guess.
what's worth it, what's not, and what to know before you go.

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Accountant by day and the person behind SH Travel Designs. Here you’ll find honest hotel comparisons, destination guidance, planning advice, and the small details that can change how a trip feels. Think of it as the practical travel advice I’d give a friend, backed by plenty of research and probably a spreadsheet.
Hi, I'm Samantha
Destination ideas, hotels worth knowing about, smart planning tips, and the little travel details that make a difference — sent straight to your inbox.
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Choosing where to go can be surprisingly hard when every destination looks good online. Instead of starting with a list of places, start with the kind of trip you actually want. Here’s how to narrow the options and choose a destination that fits your time, travel style, and priorities.

How to Choose Your Next Vacation Destination: 5 Questions That Cut Through the Overwhelm

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You probably don’t need a travel advisor for every trip. But when the research, logistics, and decision-making start to feel like a second job, having someone in your corner can make a big difference. Here’s how to know when DIY makes sense—and when getting help might be worth it.

Do You Really Need a Travel Advisor?

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There are usually one or two parts of a trip you start looking forward to long before you board the plane. For me, this one had two: drinking wine in Piedmont and hiking in the Dolomites. I’d spent months watching the Seceda ridgeline pop up on Instagram, and every video made me more impatient. We’ve […]

Northern Italy Itinerary: Turin, Piedmont & the Dolomites