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The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method for Travel
Let's just say it. Overpacking is such a bad habit, and most of us just keep doing it mindlessly. We have such grand plans for every stitch of clothing. But I really need to bring this... Every, Single, Time. You bring twelve tops, six pairs of shoes, and three "just in case" outfits. But then you wear the same three things the entire trip. Sound familiar? I've been so guilty, too! Here's a little secret though, you do not need 10 pairs of doodles for a 5 day trip! Okay...w

Shauna Damboise
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Big Mac Index: What It Tells You About Travel
When you think about budgeting for a trip, your mind probably jumps to flights, hotels, and exchange rates. But there is a surprisingly simple tool that economists use to compare global prices. It is called the Big Mac Index. And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. The Big Mac Index was dreamed up by The Economist back in 1986 as a clever way to compare what your money is really worth around the world. It's not perfect, but it gives a fun and surprisingly helpful snaps

Shauna Damboise
Sep 24, 20253 min read


10 Unexpected Packing Essentials | Fancy Fox Travel
Because no one wants to buy scratchy tissues at a British chemist at midnight You already know to pack your passport and your charger. But after years of travel, I have developed a list of items I never leave behind. These little lifesavers make each trip smoother, more comfortable, and way less stressful. Some might surprise you, but once you bring them, you will never travel without them again. Black Electrical Tape There is nothing worse than settling in after a long trav

Shauna Damboise
Aug 31, 20253 min read


7 Booking Mistakes Smart Travelers Still Make
Why working with the right travel advisor changes everything Planning a trip online looks sooo easy. Pick your flights, choose a hotel, read some reviews, and book. But what looks easy on the screen often turns into a chain of missteps that can derail even the most well-intentioned vacation. Booking travel online can feel like ordering takeout. A few taps here, a couple of clicks there, and you've got flights and hotels confirmed. Feels satisfying in the moment. But just li

Shauna Damboise
Aug 31, 20253 min read


Travel Trends: What Is Hot and What Is Not
Let’s be honest. The way we travel is changing. We’re no longer checking boxes or racing through cities with a guidebook in hand. These days, we want more meaning, less stress, and the kind of moments that stay with us long after we’re home. Here’s what travelers like us are loving right now. And what we’re gladly leaving behind. In: Cool weather escapes Europe in July is chaos. Europe in October or April? Pure gold. Crisp mornings. Fewer crowds. Easy breathing. Whether you’

Shauna Damboise
Aug 4, 20252 min read


15 Insider Travel Tips You Will Actually Use
Let's face it—travel is more fun when you know what you're doing. You don't need to be a frequent flyer or seasoned cruiser to move through airports like a pro, score a better room, or get treated like a VIP. That's what Being Fancy Foxer is all about. I'm your go-to for real-world travel advice that I've picked up through years of planning dream vacations and taking them myself. No fluff. No guilt. Just smarter, smoother travel...exactly how you want it! Here are 15 of my f

Shauna Damboise
Aug 4, 20253 min read


Travel Myths Debunked by a Travel Advisor
Travel Myths: What’s Actually True You’ve probably heard some of these in line at the airport, from a friend who “knows someone at Delta,” or in one of those reels with dramatic music. But let’s break down what’s actually true and what’s just travel lore that needs to go. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who takes one trip a year, knowing what’s real (and what’s nonsense) can help you plan smarter and travel better. 1. If you dress nicely, you’ll get upgraded. Fi

Shauna Damboise
Apr 9, 20253 min read


Latest Travel Industry Trends & Updates 2025
Let's start off strong with seeing what the travel trends for the upcoming year as well as the meh-places that are not recommended due to waaayyy over-tourism. From music tourism (Thanks Taylor!), set-jetting to your favorite show's destination, to more cultural exploration and quaint cities, things for 2024 are looking strong for the traveler that is looking to expand their horizons and do something completely different. As we ALL know, Taylor Swift has shook up the travel

Shauna Damboise
Apr 9, 20242 min read


Path of Totality: Why 98% Is Not Enough
Who thought 2% would make such a difference!? After hearing about the 'path of totality' for what seems like years (living here in Maine) I rolled my eyes at the thought of driving 2 hours to watch the eclipse while I could do the same right here on my deck…well.. Surprise! It really does makes a HUGE difference. I assumed that we would experience darkness here in Yarmouth, Maine- it was more like one of the 10 recessed lights in my kitchen was out. Smidge darker, noticeably

Shauna Damboise
Apr 9, 20242 min read


Viking River Cruise Review: What I Learned Sailing Viking
Ahoy from Budapest! When I stepped onto a Viking Longship for the first time in Budapest, I was not expecting the ship to feel that calm. I had sailed other kinds of cruise lines before, and there is always a buzz of activity when you board. People figuring out their cabins, lines forming at the bar, the inevitable crowd in the restaurant. Viking was different. It was quiet, organized, and felt more like checking into a well run boutique hotel than boarding a cruise ship. Tha

Shauna Damboise
9 min read


Solo River Cruising: What the Single Supplement Really Costs on Viking, Tauck, and AmaWaterways
The first time I priced a Viking river cruise for a solo client, I checked my math three times because the number looked wrong. It was not wrong. Solo pricing is just the one corner of river cruising where the internet cannot get its story straight. One site says the supplement is 50 percent, another says 75, another swears you pay double the fare. So which is it? None of them, exactly. Viking does not publish a fixed percentage. The supplement moves with the itinerary, the s

Shauna Damboise
6 min read


Viking vs Tauck River Cruise | Honest Comparison
Viking or Tauck? As a Certified Tauck Specialist who has sailed Viking, here is my straight comparison of what each line delivers, what is included, and who should book which.

Shauna Damboise
4 min read


How to Book a European River Cruise | Agent Tips
Most people book a river cruise based on price or a sale. Here is what a certified agent who has sailed Viking and Tauck looks for before making a recommendation.

Shauna Damboise
4 min read
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Privacy Policy Last Updated: April 1, 2026 Fancy Fox Travel LLC ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website fancyfoxtravel.com and use our travel planning services, including Disney vacations, river cruises, destination weddings, honeymoons, and other luxury travel experiences. Information We Collect We may collect the following types of pe

Shauna Damboise
3 min read
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