Jen Barnes

Sonoma is the perfect destination for groups of friends and couples, specifically wine lovers of Rhone Varietals, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. You can learn, explore, and enjoy the towns and countryside while you wine and dine.

London is the perfect destination for mothers and daughters to shop, eat, drink cocktails, catch a West End show and wander the parks and gardens. I like to add in a little history too and a day trip outside the city if we have the time. This is an unforgettable experience for mothers and daughters!

Morocco is a country rich in culture and tradition and full of vibrant sites, sounds and tastes. Grab your girlfriends for a 10-day adventure through this beautiful country. This itinerary gives you a purpose-driven trip with lots of local connections and memories to last a lifetime.

In January 2025, I did a site inspection and stayed for two nights at Southall. This special family-owned property is just 30 minutes outside of Nashville near Franklin, TN and is a refreshing and fantastic getaway. The sustainable intentionality is highlighted throughout your entire stay. The accommodations, the spa, the dining experiences and the way this property functions is just as much a delight to learn about as it is to experience it.

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.

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 bearings. The staff arranged for an incredible, yet quick, 3 night stay at the Inn. This resort is barefoot luxury and perfect for families, couples, multi-generational gatherings and friend groups. It ticks the box on so many things including a fabulous staff, great guides, delicious food, lovely accommodations, and tons of fun activities.

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, shopping, some spa time and great food. Add in a luxury hotel and you're sure to return to reality ready for anything.

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 suited for couples who want to combine adventure with romance. For a comprehensive trip, definitely include 3 nights in the jungle/interior and 3-4 nights on the coast. It won’t take much to fill your time with fun and relaxation, making Belize the perfect Caribbean/Central American getaway. And it just might become the next Costa Rica!

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 a unique experience by just staying one night before heading on to your final destination. Doha is HOT, so the city is best experienced at night!

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 smaller islands with less crowds. A typical summer sailing charter from Paros will entail 6-7 nights on the sailboat where you will sleep under the stars in a cozy berth. Charters are also available for up to 14 nights. Days will be spent on different islands exploring and enjoying. You will also have ample time on the water with some adventurous sailing. You can flex your skills, or sit back and let your captain take care of it all. Either way, you'll enjoy the beauty of the Aegean Sea along the way. Routes will vary depending upon your preferences, but also the winds. No two sailing charters are exactly alike, which adds to the adventure!

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 activities that include zip lining, swinging bridges, kayaking, surfing, wildlife tours, deep sea fishing, canyoning, hot springs and more. It's imperative that you experience both the interior of the country as well as the coast to get the most out of your "pura vida" trip.

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 scooped up a friend and we were off to tour and explore. This is a difficult destination to piece things together and we felt we definitely needed the help of “on the ground” support, especially for transportation. We saw some beautiful places, met some amazing people and had incredible learning experiences. It was all worth it!