Hi, I'm Lesley Thompson— your personal travel expert and the voice behind The Traveling Yenta! I'm a full-service travel advisor based in St. Johns, Florida, just two hours from the magic of Disney, which means I know a thing or two about making the most of a great vacation!
When I'm not planning dream trips for my amazing clients, I'm home with my husband Chris — coming up on 25 years of marriage and still adventuring together! We have two incredible kids — our daughter is studying at the University of Miami (Go Canes) and our son is cheering on the Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama. And of course, no family is complete without fur babies — meet Allie Bama and Isla Belle, our two goldendoodles who make every day an adventure of their own.
I know firsthand how precious family time is, and I believe every vacation should be nothing short of unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of a Disney getaway, a Caribbean cruise, a European adventure, or a relaxing all-inclusive resort — I'm here to handle every detail so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to start planning? Let's go somewhere amazing together!
Sail to magical destinations with your favorite Disney characters!
Get ready for a vacation full of new discoveries, adventures and cultures, with exciting destinations across Alaska, Europe, the Bahamas and the Caribbean just begging to be explored! Expect more from Disney Cruise Line, like
- State-of-the-Art Ships
- Spacious State Rooms
- Disney’s Magical Private’s Island
- Variety of Dining Options
- Imaginative Youth Clubs
- Character meet n greets
- Specially themed cruises (Star Wars, Marvel)
- Enchanting Entertainment
- Lounges
- Pool & Recreation Options
- Adult only amenities
Experience the world through the magic of Disney
Adventures by Disney provides culturally immersive, guided family vacations in dozens of locations on six continents across the globe. You will experience the world like never before; participate in local activities, enjoy local cuisine, find the hidden treasures of local landscapes, and learn about the culture through the stories of those you meet along the way.
You will be amazed at the knowledge and expertise of your two personal adventure tour guides, and you won’t have to worry about any of the details. Just sit back and enjoy the breathtaking magic of Adventures by Disney.
Your experience will include:
- Hassle-Free Travel
- Exclusive Access and VIP Treatment
- Exceptional Service and Accommodations
- Award-Winning Itineraries
- Authentic Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with a little Disney magic.
Inspired by local artisans and cultural experts, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, was developed to bring you the ultimate family destination. You’ll be captivated by natural wonders and rich traditions of Hawaii.
You will experience unprecedented amenities and features, including:
- Over 350 hotel rooms & suites
- Over 480 Villa
- Exceptional Dining at 2 Restaurants and 3 Lounges
- Laniwai Spa
- Aunty’s Beach House Kids Club
- Pools, Waterslides, Lazy River, Beach Activities and more!
- KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au
- Disney Character Experiences
- Menehune Adventure Trail, a high-tech scavenger hunt
Walt Disney World Resort—known as The Most Magical Place on Earth—is the ultimate vacation destination. Spanning nearly 40 square miles, it offers world‑class entertainment, dining, and recreation with something for every type of traveler.
Four iconic theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Two themed water parks:
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
41 resort hotels, including 12 Disney Vacation Club properties, each offering immersive theming and unique amenities
Four championship golf courses
Two full‑service luxury spas
Disney’s Wedding Pavilion for fairytale celebrations
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney Springs, a vibrant district filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment
Experience the Enchantment of the Happiest Place on Earth
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is one of the most beloved vacation destinations in the world—where charm, nostalgia, and modern magic come together to create unforgettable memories.
Two iconic theme parks:
- Disneyland Park – Walt Disney’s original masterpiece filled with timeless attractions
- Disney California Adventure Park – Thrilling rides, immersive lands, and cinematic storytelling
Three on‑site resort hotels:
- Downtown Disney District just outside the gates featuring:
- Unique dining and signature snacks
- Live entertainment
- Upscale shopping and specialty stores
Two incredible destinations, one legendary brand — Universal delivers world-class thrills and immersive experiences for the whole family.
Universal Orlando Resort Three epic theme parks, resort hotels with exclusive perks, and CityWalk for dining and entertainment — all in one destination.
- Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure & the brand-new Epic Universe
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World & more
Universal Studios Hollywood Where movie magic comes to life in the heart of Los Angeles.
- The iconic behind-the-scenes Studio Tour
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World & blockbuster rides
- Universal CityWalk for dining, shopping & entertainment
With more than 20 included restaurants—no buffets, no dining upcharges, and no fixed seating—you’ll enjoy chef‑driven meals throughout your sailing. Basic beverages, fitness classes, and entertainment are all built into the fare, delivering exceptional value.
- Adults‑Only Atmosphere (18+) – Sophisticated, relaxed, and designed for connection and freedom
- Chef‑Driven Dining Included – Over 20 unique restaurants with no extra fees or set schedules
- Boutique‑Style Ships – Stylish cabins, intimate lounges, rooftop‑inspired decks, and immersive entertainment
- Wellness at Sea – Yoga, cycling, HIIT classes, and a full luxury spa to balance activity and relaxation
With no dress codes, no formal nights, and no rigid schedules, Virgin Voyages gives you the freedom to vacation your way.
From family fun to refined luxury, I book all the major lines — so you get the perfect match for your travel style.
Carnival — Fun, casual, and budget-friendly. Great for families and groups who want lively entertainment and easygoing vibes.
Royal Caribbean — The thrill-seeker's choice. Surf simulators, ice rinks, Broadway shows, and programs for every age.
Norwegian (NCL) — Freestyle cruising your way. Flexible dining, relaxed dress codes, and no set schedule.
MSC Cruises — European flair meets affordable luxury, with standout perks like the exclusive MSC Yacht Club suite experience.
Princess Cruises — Refined and destination-focused. Ideal for couples and travelers who want a classic, elevated cruise experience.
River cruising is the most immersive way to explore the world — smaller ships, historic city centers, and cultural experiences you simply can't get on a large ocean vessel. I book all the top lines:
Viking — Scandinavian elegance with a focus on culture, history, and destination enrichment across Europe and Asia.
AmaWaterways — Premium service, award-winning dining, and active excursions like biking and hiking for on-the-go travelers.
Uniworld — Boutique, art-inspired ships with all-inclusive luxury and highly personalized service.
Avalon Waterways — Famous for panoramic "Suite Ships" with wall-to-wall windows and flexible excursion choices.
Tauck — All-inclusive and high-end, with exclusive shore events and small-group touring.
Celebrity River Cruises — Modern style, elevated dining, and Celebrity's signature service on iconic European waterways.
For travelers who want exceptional service, spacious suites, and extraordinary itineraries, luxury lines deliver an unmatched experience at sea.
Regent Seven Seas — Truly all-inclusive luxury: unlimited shore excursions, butler service, and spacious suites on every sailing.
Silversea — Intimate small ships, butler service fleet-wide, and spectacular expedition options to remote destinations.
Seabourn — Understated, contemporary luxury with gourmet dining and signature experiences like Caviar in the Surf.
Oceania — Beloved for culinary excellence and destination-rich itineraries with a relaxed, country club feel.
Viking Ocean — Sleek Scandinavian design, cultural immersion, and elegant adult-oriented travel worldwide.
Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic offers small‑ship journeys designed for true exploration. With expert naturalists, scientists, and National Geographic photographers on every voyage, guests experience remote destinations—like Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos—up close and in meaningful ways.
Travelers enjoy hands‑on learning through guided hikes, Zodiac excursions, wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and onboard presentations. Their purpose‑built ships provide comfort while allowing access to places larger vessels can’t reach. With a strong focus on conservation and responsible travel, Lindblad–National Geographic delivers immersive, educational adventures ideal for curious travelers and families alike.
All‑inclusive vacations make travel easy, relaxing, and stress‑free by bundling accommodations, dining, drinks, entertainment, and activities into one simple price. From the Caribbean and Mexico to Europe and beyond, there are all‑inclusive options for every travel style.
I proudly offer:
- Sandals Resorts – Luxury adults‑only all‑inclusive resorts, ideal for couples, honeymoons, and romantic getaways.
- Beaches Resorts – Family‑friendly, all‑inclusive resorts with exceptional kids programs and Autism Certified services to support neurodiverse travelers and their families.
- Other All‑Inclusive Resorts Worldwide – Including top brands such as AMR Collection (Secrets, Dreams, Breathless), Iberostar, Hyatt Zilara & Ziva, Riu, Club Med, Excellence Resorts, and more—ranging from family‑friendly escapes to luxury adults‑only retreats.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a stress‑free group getaway, I’ll help you find the perfect all‑inclusive experience tailored just for you.
Welcome to Travel Smarter with The Traveling Yenta — your ultimate resource for expert travel tips, tried-and-true advice, and the products I personally love and use on every trip!
Every article in this section is packed with real, practical tips to help you pack better, travel easier, and make the most of every adventure. From must-have packing essentials to gear that has saved me on more than one trip, I only share products I truly believe in and use myself.
🔗 Some links in my articles are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you!
A Disney Cruise is one of the most magical ways to travel—but knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming, especially for first‑time cruisers. Between themed nights, onboard activities, port days, and limited cabin space, it’s easy to forget the little things that make a big difference
The dream: one compact bag, endless outfit combinations, and zero stress at the airport. Whether you're island-hopping in Greece, exploring coastal Portugal, or road-tripping along the California coast, the secret isn't packing more — it's packing smarter.
When you’re traveling or spending long days touring, comfort is key—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
What Makes a Great Travel Outfit?
As a travel advisor who has helped countless families, couples, and multi-generational groups set sail with Disney Cruise Line, I can tell you firsthand that there is nothing quite like it on the water. Here's why a Disney Cruise belongs at the top of your travel bucket list.
Why book with me instead of doing it yourself?
Booking travel online feels easy — until it isn't.
Sold-out rooms, confusing upgrade options, missing perks, and zero support when something goes wrong. Here's what you get when you work with me:
✦ My services cost you nothing extra. I'm paid by the travel suppliers, not you — so you get expert advice at no additional charge.
✦ Insider knowledge. I've done the research, visited the resorts, and know which cabin categories are worth the upgrade (and which aren't).
✦ Someone in your corner. If a flight gets cancelled or something goes sideways, you call me — not a 1-800 number.
✦ Time back in your life. Planning a Disney trip alone can take 40+ hours. I handle it all, from dining reservations to Lightning Lane strategy.
✦ Perks you can't get on your own. Exclusive amenity packages, onboard credits, and added value available only through travel advisors.
Ready to travel smarter?