March 2026

4/2/2026

Hello Friends,

I hope this email finds you well. February flew by, as it always does. My kids keep asking about leap years, and when the next one will be. I explain every four years, but they have a tough time grasping why!

Peter's hockey season is beginning to end. I say beginning, because even though our Sunday games are done, we still have a parent-kid game and tournament in March. Peter's really progressed this season in skating and stickhandling. Last year, he scored a handful of goals. This year, it's been too many to count.

Sarah finished up her winter swim season with a few meets. She keeps dropping time and enjoying herself, which is all we want to see as parents. Sarah also started her yearly Girl Scout Cookie sale. Here is her video. If you live in the Madison area, we're happy to deliver to your house. Or there is the option to ship them if you live farther away. Sarah set the ambitious goal of 500 boxes to sell. Any support you can give is greatly appreciated.

One Saturday, we went bowling for the first time as a family. We made a wager - kids vs. parents. Whoever had the top combined score won and could pick where we went for dinner. It ended up being a tie, and the tie went to the kids. They picked Culver's (not a surprise).

Over the past few weeks, I've fielded a great deal of questions related to safety in Mexico. For those unaware, there was a government-led event that took place in the Puerto Vallarta region of Mexico. Unfortunately, tthe region was placed on a short lockdown. I did not have any clients in that region at the time. Nor do I have any clients going in the near future. My response to everyone has been that I believe most areas of Mexico are safe to visit. The media exaggerates the safety of travelers, and AI has produced images that aren't real. As with any travel, you must be aware of your surroundings and make intelligent decisions.

March kicks off Spring Break time, and this is typically one of my busiest times of year for travel. 2026 is no different, with clients traveling to Europe, Mexico, the DR, Costa Rica, and Caribbean Cruises. I can't wait to hear back about your incredible journeys!

Looking ahead, if you want to get away later this spring or summer, do not delay in contacting me! For those looking to travel in the autumn, or even for the holidays next December, now is a great time to begin planning. If you want to talk, here is my calendar. And if you can't find a time, let me know, and we'll find a time that does. I'm always happy to help.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to "spring ahead" Saturday night,

Brian

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See previous monthly emails here.

February 2026

4/2/2026

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Hello Friends,

February is here, and I hope you are doing well. January started with Peter turning 7. He is by far the funniest person in our family, and his energy level is unmatched. He wakes up by 6:30 am every day and doesn’t stop until he goes to sleep.

Sarah swam in three swim meets and made great improvements with her times. That is one of the things that I always loved about swimming: seeing my times drop. It's nice to see the progress happening!

And for those who have been reading for a few years, we finally got out on the pond at the beginning of the month and ice-skated.

At the end of the month, my wonderful grandmother, whom I called "Mema" died. She was 100 years old and a beacon of light. Mema was one of the most unique and amazing people I've ever known. Her love and consistent presence will not be forgotten. Sandy said it best, "She was the easiest person in the world to love."

When I was considering starting Blue Sea Vacations in 2013, Mema encouraged me. She even booked my first group trip with "Mema's New Year's cruise 2013-2014". I will miss her immensely, but feel nothing but gratitude for having her in my life for so long.

2026 began as many years do, with people ready to travel. As it happens, demand to travel to Europe often peaks at the beginning of the year for those who want to escape this coming summer. However, it's worth noting that Europe can be particularly great during the shoulder seasons - Spring and Fall. Over the past five years or so, more people have taken advantage of those seasons.

And as always, Mexico and the Caribbean are the perennial favorites for so many of you. I'm trying to get down there soon to see the resorts. There's always something new to experience, and I want to make sure I'm doing my part as your travel agent.

Feel free to reach out here if you'd like to set up a time to talk. I'm always happy to help.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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See previous monthly emails here.

January 2026

1/19/2026

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Happy New Year!

I hope you had a wonderful December and holiday season. December started busy for our family. Swimming and hockey filled up nights and weekends. I volunteered multiple times at the ice arena concession stand. Sandy did a great job keeping us all organized!

The weekend of 12/19, we took a family trip to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. With our family (well, Peter and I) enjoying hockey more, we planned the weekend around seeing the Minnesota Wild take on the Edmonton Oilers. The game was awesome. Everyone enjoyed it, even Sarah, who said beforehand that she didn't really like hockey. We visited some great museums, especially the Minnesota Science Museum. There was a wonderful Italian food euphorium, with an authentic bakery and gelato cafe. Overall, a great trip!

The holidays were quiet for us this year. We went to church on Christmas Eve, where our family lit the Advent candle. On Christmas morning, we opened gifts and then hung out most of the day. By the 26th, we were all going a little stir-crazy. We had a full weekend of going to museums in Illinois and visiting friends in Milwaukee.

For New Year's Eve, Sandy and I attended a party at a friend's house. It was a nice way to ring in the New Year.

From the travel side, 2026 has started as many years do, with people eager to get away! The first three months of the year are known as "Wave Season" among travel agents. It tends to be our busiest time of year.

If you are even considering going to Europe this coming summer, please let me know soon. You can use the "Contact Today" button below or use the link here. If you can't find a time that works for you, please let me know, and we'll figure out a time that does.

As we begin the new year, I am again reminded and grateful for your support. Many new businesses fail within the first five years. To be still doing this in 2026 is amazing. As a reminder, even if you aren't able to travel, your referrals mean the world to me. I'm never too busy to speak with your friends and family.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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See previous monthly emails here.

December 2025

12/5/2025

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Greetings Friends,

I hope this December finds you happy and healthy.

My family had a nice November, where things slowed down a little. It started with Sarah and me running in her Girls on the Run 5K. She did awesome! I was so proud of her!

Peter’s hockey season began and got up to speed quickly. He’s had mostly practices, and then the first tournament was last weekend. Peter loves being on the ice and is having a blast. He also loves to run his mouth, so I have to remind him from time to time to be a good sport.

We snuck in a trip to Chicago, where Sandy and other moms went out to an "Early Dance Party" that ended at 10 pm. When I asked why it ended so early, I was told, "Because moms have stuff to do in the morning!"

Thanksgiving was a low-key holiday. Sandy and I actually went out for a nice dinner on Thanksgiving Eve - our first time out that night in 17 years! I took the kids swimming in the morning. In the afternoon, Sandy's parents drove in from Michigan, and we made a nice ham. On Saturday, we were hit with our first big snowstorm of the year. It made for a good weekend between hockey games and playing outside.

I want to highlight one other resort from my time in the Dominican Republic this past October. Actually, it's two resorts that are next to each other: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. A refresher - Ziva has four letters like the word "kids". Ziva is a family resort. Zilara has six letters, like the word "adults". Zilara is adults only.

Every time I have clients return from these resorts, they rave about the experience, especially the food. When I take tours of resorts, I typically don't see many restaurants. This time, the tour guide insisted we check them out. And I'm glad we did! They were some of the most unique restaurants I've seen at an all-inclusive resort. Even the buffet looked great.

The resort and grounds were beautiful, with nice pools. And a small detail I noticed was that there was a sunscreen station by the pool. I always advise clients going to a warm destination to bring their own sunscreen, as it's often overpriced when you arrive. To have it provided by the resort was a shock!

Looking into 2026, if you want to go on a spring break trip, we’re pushing it, but I can still help. Or feel free to come on a spring break cruise. Now is the perfect time to look into traveling in the late spring or summer. And it isn’t too early to plan a nice trip in autumn 2026.

As 2025 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment and express my gratitude as your travel agent. Whether you’ve booked one trip or many, I appreciate your trust and support. Here’s to a fantastic 2026!

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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See previous monthly emails here.

November 2025

12/5/2025

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Greetings Friends,

How are we already in November?! I hope you are doing well and enjoying the autumn weather.

I can't remember a fall season as busy as we've had this year. There are too many events that happened, so here are some highlights.

For activities, Peter did soccer this fall. This was the first time I wasn't his coach. It was nice to be on the other side as a regular parent. Although Blue Sea Vacations did sponsor his team again.

I didn't make it out of the fall without coaching, though. I was Sarah's Girls on the Run coach. It was a learning experience for me, coaching 10 girls through a season of running, team building, and self-discovery.

In mid-October, Sarah turned nine. How is my Peanut nine?! She's really turning into a wonderful person. Sarah had five girls sleep over for her birthday, so I took Peter to a Wiscnosin Badgers football game. They aren't having a good year, so we were able to get great seats for cheap a few hours before kick-off. They didn't win, but we had fun.

A highlight from the fall was going to Gleam. This is a nighttime light show at Olbrich Gardens, one of our favorite places. Sandy and I have been in the past years, but this was the first year we took the kids. Both kids loved the experience.

Another highlight was volunteering. In early September, Sarah and I volunteered, handing out drinks at Ironman Wisconsin. One Sunday afternoon in October, our whole family measured dry ingredients and put them in bags for an organization called Food for Kidz. As our kids get a little older, volunteering our time and energy is something I hope we can keep doing.

And last, but certainly not least, we celebrated Halloween last weekend. Sarah went as a witch that lit up, and Peter was a Creeper (from Minecraft). Of course, we ended up with too much candy!

I hope this message finds you happy and healthy. April came and went in a flash for our family. When I sit down to write these monthly emails, I like to look back at our family calendar. I don't think I've seen one as packed as April in a long time!

The spring soccer season began, and I'm coaching Peter's team. Even though Blue Sea Vacations sponsors the team, I always like the players to agree on a team name. This season, we are known as the "Pickle Dogs". The team has a ton of energy, and most importantly, we're having fun.

The big news from Sarah is that she had braces put on her teeth at the beginning of April. So far, Sarah's had wires pop out and brackets fall off, but she's put on a good face (no pun intended) and taken it all in stride.

Our family spent a Sunday afternoon in April seeing the "Elephant and Piggie" musical. We've spent the past 8 years reading these books to the kids, so it was a unique experience seeing the characters come to life on the stage. Sandy and I also got away (on a school night!) to see an organ concert by the Madison Symphony's organist. The show featured the organist, a brass quintet, and a drummer. Sandy and I agreed that it was amazing and we had a wonderful time.

Easter was a nice holiday. We had an early morning Easter egg hunt outside. Followed by church and a wonderful brunch with friends. My mom visited for the weekend. We all enjoyed having company.

From the travel side, I'm noticing many people are planning last-minute trips for this summer. Please be aware that the longer you wait, the less is available and prices go up. If you are interested in going away next fall or winter, this is the perfect time to begin planning. For next spring break, we're still a little too early, but it doesn't hurt to begin the conversation.

I haven't mentioned it in a while, but a friendly reminder that I always recommend purchasing travel insurance for your vacations. This covers you for situations like cancelled flights or lost luggage. But it can also provide medical coverage if you are out of the country.

Lastly, I tend to get a little sentimental in May, as it was this month 12 years ago that I started Blue Sea Vacations. I'm nothing but grateful for the experience of being able to help you plan your trips. Thank you for supporting Blue Sea Vacations.

Have a Great Weekend,

Brian

PS - in case you missed it last month, I'm planning a 2026 Spring Break Cruise. Let me know if you are interested!

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March 2026

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February 2026

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January 2026

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December 2025

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November 2025

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September 2025

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August 2025

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