Travel Advisor

Jen Barnes

Expertise

Italy,
Greece,
US National Parks,
Adventure Travel,
Family Travel

Travel Advisor

Jen Barnes

Profile details

About

I am passionate about helping families connect through travel and outdoor adventures. From US National Park travel to international destinations, I incorporate something for everyone and customize the details. My favorite trips include a short city stay with lots of outdoor adventure to get away from everyday noise.

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Travel style

With three teenagers of my own, I have found the magical balances between adventure and relaxation while traveling. I like to find the non-touristy/private experiences when traveling to a well-known destination. My preferred travel day includes outdoor activities like hiking, SUP, kayaking or biking but I also enjoy a good art museum in the mix. The best end to a travel day is a drop dead gorgeous sunset, a refined meal with wine and a stunning hotel to lay my head. I believe travel is the great family connector. Families create memories that last a lifetime and leave a legacy when they adventure together. It's my pleasure to help families curate those experiences!

Jen's travel guides & trip reports

Trip Report

Site Inspection at The Pinch, Charleston SC

Luxury Boutique Hotel in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, just off King Street in extremely close proximity to shopping, retail and tourist attractions.

Palm tree leaves, purple and white flowers, and a setting sun over the land and sea of Rancho Santana, Nicaragua.

Trip Report

Scouting Trip at Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

In April 2024 I did a scouting trip to Rancho Santana on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. I will be leading a group of mothers and teenage sons there and wanted to visit the property to get my...

green valley with colorful flowers during daytime

Guide

Active Long Weekend Getaway to Vail, Colorado

Vail is not just a ski destination! It's the perfect last hurrah of summer getaway for families or couples who want to be active. Vail has so much to offer for those who want to combine outdoor fun,...

A picture of a waterfall down steps in the middle of green plants during daytime.

Guide

Is Belize the Next Costa Rica? A 6-Day Itinerary to Find Out!

If you’re on a quest to find a destination full of outdoor adventure, tropical weather and culture mixed in… well, Belize may just be the perfect place. Belize is totally family-friendly and equally...

Guide

24 Hours in Doha, Qatar

Qatar may best be known as a World Cup host site. Many passengers on Qatar Airways pass through Doha every day on their way to Africa or Asia, but very few stay for an overnight layover. You can have ...

The views of a whitewashed Greek city from water.

Guide

Greek Island Hopping Via Sailboat Charter

Greece is a fabulous destination in itself, but island hopping via sailboat charter takes Greece to epic levels. This type of vacation gives you and your family an opportunity to see some of the...

Guide

A Family-Friendly Adventure to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for family adventures. If you want your teen to really get excited about a vacation, then Costa Rica is THE perfect spot. Costa Rica has incredible outdoor...

A aerial view of a mountain with steps leading to the top during the daytime

Guide

Culture Rich Itinerary to Vietnam & Cambodia

The long flight and time away from home made this destination unattractive to my family, but I was so curious about this part of the world and the differences in culture compared to how I live. So, I ...

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Favorite hotels

Casa Santo Domingo

Casa Santo Domingo is a historic boutique hotel in Antigua, Guatemala, set within a restored 16th-century convent, featuring charming colonial architecture, lush gardens, art galleries and an immersive cultural experience surrounded by ancient artifacts and candlelit ambiance.

Casa Palopó

High above Lake Atitlan, this boutique proeprty is the passion project of the owner and displays her extensive local art collection.

Sonnenalp Hotel

There’s an upscale but understated vibe to this Vail Village favorite, with a ski concierge, three restaurants and evening activities for kids.

Fora Perks

★
$100 food / beverage credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Neoclassical hotel in the heart of Hanoi with luxury rooms and suites.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Jen's reviews

So helpful to make our trip the best!!! Jen is a wonderful planner and communicator!

James G.
Booked travel by cruise
October 2024

Jen did a great job. She gave us a few options & let us choose. She understood we wanted a great hotel with a good location. We were very pleased. It was also a nice touch to have a note & chocolate waiting as a welcome. Nice touch.

Jennifer S.
Booked travel to Lyon
October 2024

Jen, Jen was great to work with & definitely took the stress off our back. Communication was 10/10, we were indecisive about a lot of things. Jen stepped in anytime we needed more assistance , provided more than enough information & detailed description. Her itinerary was impeccable! She was even on deck & call during our trip for any questions. Thank you Jen

Chrissy M.
Booked travel to Mexico
September 2024

Jen took care of all the booking for us at the Ritz and we were able to get Marriott rewards points and by using Jen, breakfast was included in our rate! We would not normally choose to get room service breakfast every day, but we fully enjoyed it!

Erin C.
Booked travel to Georgia
June 2024

Get in touch with Jen

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Jen within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).