Hey Frolic & Courage Family!
It’s been a minute since I’ve last posted…so I want to recap the last year, update you on what’s been happening, and share where Frolic & Courage is going in 2026. Given everything that happened in 2025, I feel it’s warranted. So let’s get into it!
Where We’ve Been
If you’re new here, my name is Antoinette, and I like to help you plan well, have fun, and travel the world!
We started the year with one of my favorite posts to create—and one of the most valuable for you all: everything you need to know before visiting Grand Cayman. From choosing which currency to use to the best places to stay, food to try, how to get around, and so much more. Then we hopped over the ocean to Marrakech, Morocco—our first trip to the continent of Africa! We explored the winding, lively souks, stayed at a traditional yet luxurious riad, hiked in the Atlas Mountains, and tried some of the best food in Marrakech. From a private small group dinner in the mountains to rooftop dining, we had a time in Marrakech! If you’re visiting Grand Cayman or Marrakech—or any of the places I’ll mention in this post—check out the destination guides on this blog to plan well for your next trip.
Our travels also took us to Arizona to explore the sunny city of Tucson and its tasty food scene, then to Europe to spend time in Lisbon, Portugal. From a bike tour around the city to an eye-opening experience learning about the slave trade, to the colorful Palacio de Peña, the westernmost part of Europe at Cabo da Roca, soulful Fado performances, and the glamorous Portuguese Riviera in Cascais—Lisbon showed up and showed out with plenty of culture and flavor.
From Lisbon, we took my parents on their first trip to London, but not without stopping by my favorite place in the world, Paris!
Last year we saw iconic sights like Buckingham Palace and wandered the souks of Marrakech. We tasted amazing food like bifanas, tajine, and delicate pastéis de nata. We frolicked in stunning castles in the Loire Valley, learned about the storied history of the Tower of London, and rode the iconic double-decker buses in London.
We saw great things last year! How was yours? Did you travel anywhere fun or keep it local? Let me know how your year went in the comments below.
It’s Been a Challenging Year
I want to be honest with you all because this community means so much to me, and transparency is important.
Health issues. I won’t get into the details, but I’ve had multiple doctor’s appointments, tests, a biopsy—it’s been rough. Thankfully, nothing serious like cancer, and I am on the up and up with a solid treatment plan.
Chaos and uncertainty with my full-time job. As the longtime readers know, I work a 9-to-5, and this year our sector has been—let’s just say “unhinged and unprecedented” to put it lightly. A lot of uncertainty, chaos, and changes. By God’s grace, we’ve been able to weather the storm and even advance, but I know it’s not over. Please keep in your thoughts those who are unemployed and searching for jobs.
Aging family members. They used to take care of us, and now we have to watch them more than we ever have. If you’re at that age where you have to start parenting your parents—especially for my husband—you know exactly what I mean and how that shift changes your perspective and priorities in life. Keep my husband in your prayers as we navigate this season together.
Despite the challenges, though…
It’s Also Been an Incredible Year
Through it all, God is good!
First off, our YouTube Channel amassed over half a million views! That means I’ve shared practical travel tips that truly helped half a million of you plan well, have fun, and travel the world. You were here for it all because we also reached 15,000 subscribers!
Because of your overwhelming positive support, in 2025 I launched My Tailored Escape—a premium travel agency that helps busy people and small groups plan meaningful travel without the stress of doing it themselves!
We took the time to do things right. We set up an official business recognized by state and federal authorities, obtained our legal seller of travel licenses and insurance, and became members of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) as well as Cruise Line International Association (CLIA)—two of the most professional travel associations in the U.S. In addition, I’ve forged partnerships with the top, most reliable suppliers in the industry, like Marriott, Delta, Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages, and AMAWaterways cruise lines. There’s also Hyatt’s All-Inclusive Resort Collection, Insight Vacations, Micato Safaris, Kensington Tours, and so many other premium operators around the globe. Of course, I’m not limited to these suppliers—it’s just an example of the standard of excellence I have for my agency to ensure we’re providing the best of the best to our clients.
Even with this new launch, I was scared about how it would be received. I just launched and am only able to help U.S. citizens at the moment. And there is a fee to use my service to weed out the creepy folks, trolls, and those who just want to waste time. But you all showed up and showed out!
We’ve Booked and Coordinated Over 70 Experiences Since Launching in July
Let me give you a glimpse of what we’ve been up to:
- We booked a 48th wedding anniversary trip to Catalina Island for two outdoor-loving fishing enthusiasts.
- We arranged a business trip flight and hotel, plus leisure add-on activities and restaurants for a single mom.
- We planned a high school graduation trip to Cyprus with a few days’ stopover in London for a family of four during summer break.
- We coordinated a group cruise with sea terrace cabins on Virgin Voyages out of Miami for a fun-loving, close-knit group of millennial-aged college friends looking to leave the kids behind, connect with their spouses, and have fun!
We’re booking so many fun destinations. The top five most popular destinations we’ve helped you experience are Athens, Greece; Dubai, UAE; Dublin, Ireland; Marrakech, Morocco; and Barcelona, Spain. We have truly sent you around the globe!
Whether it’s a hotel-only booking with special perks at no extra cost (like a $100 food and beverage credit, room upgrades, or early check-in and check-out), or a premium day trip experience to Delphi, Greece with an expert guide, transportation, and lunch included, or a seamlessly planned group trip—you trusted me with your time and resources. I am so honored that I could help each and every one of you get the escape you needed, exactly as you imagined. Thank you!
For those who are new (or who need a refresher), I can arrange anything as simple as a hotel stay to ocean and river cruises, family vacations, and group gatherings large and small, all over the world. I’m not a travel advisor who just sits at a computer and has never left her city. I travel all over the world so I can help you travel all over the world, too. As you can see, MTE is open for business and ready to be your personal travel advisor and expert trip designer of the best vacation experience you can have at the best value for your price point.
If you’re ready, fill out our quick inquiry form on My Tailored Escape so we can chat about bringing your next adventure to life in 2026 and beyond!
So Where Does That Leave Us Now? What About This Blog?
Well, I’m still here and don’t plan on going anywhere!
I’m ready to bring you along to new destinations, taste new food, and share practical tips and advice from my experience that will help you on your next adventure.
Expect to see new destinations and a comparison of two different premium cruise lines. I have some great information to share with you about visiting the Cotswolds and taking the Eurostar. There may also be a few new weekend adventures to places within the U.S. that I think will be really helpful coming soon!
The Cotswolds and Eurostar posts will be first, but before I start writing, I want to hear from you! Leave a comment below to tell me which content you want to see after that—Costa Rica (cloud forest, Arenal Volcano, zip-lining, waterfalls, white water rafting) or French Riviera (Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and all the pissaladière one can eat)? Let me know what you want to see!
Let’s Land the Plane
Overall, it’s been a challenging yet surprisingly productive year.
For my travel planners and DIY travel enthusiasts, this blog will always be your one-stop shop to help you plan well, have fun, and travel the world. And MTE is here for those who want me to use my expertise and love of travel planning to provide the escape you need, designed exactly as you imagine.
We look forward to a great, fun, successful 2026! I wish you and your family well in 2026, and thank you for coming along on the journey. Don’t forget to check out the links below. Let’s keep going in 2026! I’ll see you in the next post!
Enjoy,
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage
