Graduating from College, Growing My Travel Business, and Launching a New Etsy Shop
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share an important life update with you all.
Next week, I will officially graduate from college with my Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Behavior, twenty-seven years after I began this journey! Balancing school, family, and building my business has been a long road, and I’m incredibly proud (and relieved) to finally be here.
The blog has been a bit quiet lately as I’ve focused on completing final projects and preparing for graduation. Thank you for your patience; it means the world to me. I promise that once the cap and gown are put away, I will return to sharing travel tips, destination guides, and all the helpful advice you’ve come to expect.
Graduating feels like a full-circle moment. I initially put my education on hold to raise my children. I still homeschool my boys, who are now teenagers, and witnessing their classes has reignited my passion for knowledge. My family’s unwavering support has been a guiding light throughout this adventure.
I have always believed in the power of learning and growth, and now I get to bring that into my work as a travel agent. My mission is about more than just planning trips; it’s about helping you find peace, excitement, and joy through travel, while minimizing stress. With graduation on the horizon, I’m eager to focus even more on growing Save Your Nichols and creating meaningful travel experiences for you.
In even more exciting news, I’ve launched a brand new Etsy shop alongside Save Your Nichols, called Effortless Indulgence. It features printable tools, calming affirmations, and beautiful designs to help you cultivate peace and joy in your everyday life, whether you’re traveling or at home. Please check it out if you’re looking for something uplifting or a thoughtful gift.
Thank you for sticking with me through this busy season. I can’t wait to get back to regular blogging, sharing new resources, and building both my travel business and my Etsy shop to better serve you.
Big adventures and exciting opportunities are on the horizon!
Wishing you a fantastic day!
Talk soon,
Kimberly Wheatley
Owner & Travel Agent
Save Your Nichols — Leave Your Stress Behind for Effortless Indulgence
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share an important life update with you all.
Next week, I will officially graduate from college with my Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Behavior, twenty-seven years after I began this journey! Balancing school, family, and building my business has been a long road, and I’m incredibly proud (and relieved) to finally be here.
The blog has been a bit quiet lately as I’ve focused on completing final projects and preparing for graduation. Thank you for your patience; it means the world to me. I promise that once the cap and gown are put away, I will return to sharing travel tips, destination guides, and all the helpful advice you’ve come to expect.
Graduating feels like a full-circle moment. I initially put my education on hold to raise my children. I still homeschool my boys, who are now teenagers, and witnessing their classes has reignited my passion for knowledge. My family’s unwavering support has been a guiding light throughout this adventure.
I have always believed in the power of learning and growth, and now I get to bring that into my work as a travel agent. My mission is about more than just planning trips; it’s about helping you find peace, excitement, and joy through travel, while minimizing stress. With graduation on the horizon, I’m eager to focus even more on growing Save Your Nichols and creating meaningful travel experiences for you.
In even more exciting news, I’ve launched a brand new Etsy shop alongside Save Your Nichols, called Effortless Indulgence. It features printable tools, calming affirmations, and beautiful designs to help you cultivate peace and joy in your everyday life, whether you’re traveling or at home. Please check it out if you’re looking for something uplifting or a thoughtful gift.
Thank you for sticking with me through this busy season. I can’t wait to get back to regular blogging, sharing new resources, and building both my travel business and my Etsy shop to better serve you.
Big adventures and exciting opportunities are on the horizon!
Talk soon,
Kimberly Wheatley
Owner & Travel Agent
Save Your Nichols — Leave Your Stress Behind for Effortless Indulgence
Exploring Europe: A Journey Through Timeless Beauty and Hidden Gems
Discover the best European travel destinations, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. Plan your perfect European adventure with these expert tips!
Why Travel to Europe?
Europe is a dream destination, offering everything from medieval castles and stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a budget-friendly backpacking trip, or a luxury vacation, Europe has something for everyone.
Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Europe
Skip the crowded tourist spots and explore these hidden European gems:
• Český Krumlov, Czech Republic – A fairy-tale town with a historic castle, charming cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views along the Vltava River.
• Hallstatt, Austria – One of Europe’s most beautiful villages, known for its mirror-like lake and picturesque alpine backdrop.
• Matera, Italy – A UNESCO-listed city with ancient cave dwellings and stunning sunset views over its rocky landscape.
• Albarracín, Spain – A medieval town with terracotta-colored houses, winding streets, and fortress walls offering spectacular panoramas.
Top Unique Experiences in Europe
Make your trip unforgettable with these must-try activities:
Discover the best European travel destinations, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. Plan your perfect European adventure with these expert tips!
Why Travel to Europe?
Europe is a dream destination, offering everything from medieval castles and stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a budget-friendly backpacking trip, or a luxury vacation, Europe has something for everyone.
Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Europe
Skip the crowded tourist spots and explore these hidden European gems:
• Český Krumlov, Czech Republic – A fairy-tale town with a historic castle, charming cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views along the Vltava River.
• Hallstatt, Austria – One of Europe’s most beautiful villages, known for its mirror-like lake and picturesque alpine backdrop.
• Matera, Italy – A UNESCO-listed city with ancient cave dwellings and stunning sunset views over its rocky landscape.
• Albarracín, Spain – A medieval town with terracotta-colored houses, winding streets, and fortress walls offering spectacular panoramas.
Top Unique Experiences in Europe
Make your trip unforgettable with these must-try activities:
• Sail the Norwegian Fjords – Cruise past towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls in one of the world’s most scenic landscapes.
• Stay in a French Château – Live like royalty in a stunning countryside castle in the Loire Valley.
• Chase the Northern Lights – Witness the magical Aurora Borealis in Iceland, Norway, or Finland.
• Explore Europe’s Best Markets – Visit Budapest’s Great Market Hall, Barcelona’s La Boqueria, or Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar for authentic local flavors and souvenirs.
European Food You Must Try
Europe is a paradise for food lovers. Don’t miss these iconic dishes:
• France – Enjoy buttery croissants, rich coq au vin, and world-class cheeses.
• Italy – Indulge in authentic pasta, pizza, and creamy gelato.
• Spain – Try tapas, paella, and churros with hot chocolate.
• Portugal – Savor pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and freshly grilled sardines.
• Germany – Feast on bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel with a cold beer.
Essential Travel Tips for Europe
To make the most of your European vacation, keep these expert tips in mind:
• Travel by train – The European rail system is efficient, scenic, and budget-friendly. Consider passes like the Eurail for multiple-country trips.
• Visit during shoulder seasons – Travel between April–June and September–November for mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Use local transportation – Metro systems and trams are the easiest way to explore cities like Paris, Berlin, and Prague.
• Learn basic phrases – A few words in French, Italian, or German can go a long way in connecting with locals.
• Stay flexible – Some of the best experiences come from spontaneous detours and unexpected discoveries.
Final Thoughts
Europe is more than just famous landmarks—it’s a continent full of surprises, adventure, and cultural treasures. Whether you’re sipping espresso in a quiet Italian piazza, hiking the Scottish Highlands, or exploring the hidden alleys of Prague, every trip is a story waiting to be told.
Ready to plan your European adventure? Let us know your dream destination in the comments below!
Because Parents Need a Break: Let a Travel Advisor Handle the Planning
The Chaos of Parenting & Travel Planning
Parenting is a beautiful mess—equal parts love, exhaustion, and the occasional attempt to drink cold coffee before noon. Whether you're juggling toddler tantrums or negotiating screen time with a teenager, life is already overwhelming. Now throw vacation planning into the mix, and suddenly, that dream getaway feels like another never-ending to-do list.
Between choosing a destination, booking flights, finding family-friendly hotels, and making sure no one has a meltdown at 30,000 feet, planning a trip can feel more stressful than your daily routine. And let’s be honest—you don’t want a vacation that just swaps one type of chaos for another.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Parenting is already a full-time job—planning a vacation shouldn’t feel like one too. Here’s how a travel advisor can take the stress off your plate so you can actually enjoy your time away.
The Chaos of Parenting & Travel Planning
Parenting is a beautiful mess—equal parts love, exhaustion, and the occasional attempt to drink cold coffee before noon. Whether you're juggling toddler tantrums or negotiating screen time with a teenager, life is already overwhelming. Now throw vacation planning into the mix, and suddenly, that dream getaway feels like another never-ending to-do list.
Between choosing a destination, booking flights, finding family-friendly hotels, and making sure no one has a meltdown at 30,000 feet, planning a trip can feel more stressful than your daily routine. And let’s be honest—you don’t want a vacation that just swaps one type of chaos for another.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Why Planning Family Travel Feels Like an Olympic Event
1. Too Many Decisions, Not Enough Time
Flights, hotels, car rentals, kid-friendly restaurants, nap schedules, emergency plans—the list goes on. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, someone’s snack preference changes overnight.
2. Keeping Everyone Happy = Mission Impossible
Your toddler wants playgrounds. Your teen wants WiFi. You just want five minutes of peace. Finding a destination that works for everyone feels like solving a riddle from an escape room—without any clues.
3. The “Surprises” No One Wants
Flight delays? Lost luggage? Your kid suddenly refusing to eat anything that isn’t shaped like a dinosaur? No itinerary is meltdown-proof, and the unexpected always finds a way to sneak in.
Enter the Travel Advisor: Your Secret Weapon for a Stress-Free Trip
If the thought of planning a family vacation makes your head spin, it’s time to call in an expert. A travel advisor doesn’t just book flights—they take the entire load off your plate so you can actually enjoy your vacation.
What a Travel Advisor Does (Spoiler: It’s a Lot!)
✅ Custom Itineraries – Every family is different. Your trip should be, too.
✅ Kid-Friendly Recommendations – Resorts, activities, and restaurants that are actually family-friendly (not just claiming to be).
✅ Logistics & Backup Plans – Transportation, stroller rentals, emergency contacts—handled.
✅ Time-Saving Hacks – No more late-night Google rabbit holes.
✅ 24/7 Support – If something goes wrong, they fix it. Fast.
Travel Advisors = VIP Perks You Didn’t Know Existed
Did you know that working with a travel advisor can get you upgrades and special perks you wouldn’t get on your own? Think:
✨ Free hotel upgrades (because a suite > a cramped room with two beds).
✨ Early check-in & late check-out (so you’re not stuck waiting in a lobby with tired kids).
✨ Exclusive discounts (because saving money is always a win).
✨ Special experiences (private tours, fast passes, stress-free dining reservations).
In short? They handle the headaches—you just show up and make memories.
Parents, You Deserve a Vacation—Without the Stress
Let’s be real: You already do enough. Planning a vacation shouldn’t feel like another overwhelming job.
With a travel advisor, every little detail—flights, accommodations, activities—is taken care of, so you can actually enjoy the trip instead of managing it. No stress, no endless decisions, just quality time with your family.
So go ahead—hand off the planning. The only decision you should have to make is whether to hit the beach or the pool first.