(37 Reviews)
97% Recommended

Debbie Linder

Nashville, TN
About me

I was born in Chicago and eventually moved to the western suburbs. We traveled quite extensively as a family and I was always looking forward to the next trip. So I was hooked at a very young age. I started in travel and worked for a leisure agenc...
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The Camino and the Celebrity Beyond

 


Hiking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela.  It is several destinations in one and can include several different countries throughout the world. The most popular is the Norte which was made popular by the move The Way with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.


We have known about this many years before the movie. It was always on the list, just find the time was key. Post covid, changed our accommodation plans a little, so we really planned day by day to ensure we had local hotels with amenities on our arrival each evening. The most popular accommodation are Albergues which are more of a dorm style arrangement, while that seemed perfect for the route - it was safety first so we opted on small hotels. 


We did the Coasta/Central route which was Porto, Portugal to Santiago, started on the coastal route and moved inland. With all the side hikes we went about 235 miles in 14 days. Its a very spiritual walk and we met people from all over the world. Started in Porto where we spent a few nights - beautiful city with so much to see.


We tagged on a another few days out to Muxia. Which was pouring rain and so windy we could barely stand up to get the last pictures of the journey!


As in the movie, they all needed a little pampering at the end. So we planned the hike and our "Pamper" was going to be our 5th River Cruise with Viking. But the water gods had different. Plans at the last minute we cancelled since the water was so low a ship swap was inevitable. We had done that before and it was fine but we had other friends joining us and they were 1st timers. A week before we left we changed to a cruise on the brand new Celebrity Beyond from Barcelona.This was a testament that being proactive about what lies ahead is key. We made the change to the ocean cruise and it was perfect. When you travel you have to prepare for the unexpected and embrace the change. Its all about destiny!


Viking offered no refund but a full travel credit, so we took it and re booked another Christmas market. More to come on that in another BIO.


The Beyond had just started sailing and the ship is just fabulous.The ship offers various amenities, including multiple dining options, bars and lounges, a spa and fitness center, entertainment venues, pools and hot tubs, and retail shops.


The Beyond has the first female as the Caption. Captain Kate is spectacular and she travels with her hairless cat, "Bugs" who you see in a stroller with the captain through tout the ship. 


Our itinerary was one was from Barcelona to Rome. We added a few nights pre and post cruise to visit all the sites. Night owls will love Barcelona, the city starts at 11pm and continues the the early morning hours. Sagrada Familia is not to be missed. We suggest all clients visit. Our Italy stops included Florence, Naples and Rome. Several optional shore trips from Florence  include Cinque Terre - the 5 villages seen by foot, Portofino,  Pisa of course, bike tours, cooking classes or even a visit to the top of the Duomo in Florence.  We had an overnight so we could do so much more. We have been to Italy many times, so Naples we opted for a private driver to Positano - one four favorite places. But a visit to Pompeii is a must for 1st times. Many choose a day to Capri which is a beautiful visit with the Blue Grotto by ferry.


When in Rome, well the Vatican is just amazing to see, the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Forum can all be done in a busy day. I always suggest a few days pre and post on these cruises, no reason to rush through a city. My suggestion is always 3 nights - enough time to see everything and time to feel familiar with each city. 


Nothing worse than to come home from the trip of a lifetime and someone says "did you see..." and you say no I didn't have enough time. I had to get home.


 

My Reviews

7 of 10 people found this review helpful
An Experienced Travel Agent
Debbie has been our travel agent for over 20 years with more than 20 trips. She has an outstanding knowledge of the various rules and regulations of the travel industry. She is eager to please and never disappoints.
By  Bob T.  from  Downers Grove, IL
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Debbie Linder responded:
Thank you so much! Its clients like you that keep my job so interesting. I'm looking forward to the next adventure(s)!

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10 of 16 people found this review helpful
Best trip ever!
We were looking for something out of the ordinary having booked several trips to Europe, Australia and Mexico with Debbie in the past 25 years. We were 2 couples and that is always a little more difficult to make decisions. We conferenced with Debbie and after lots of questions from all sides, Debbie suggested the Galapagos.. Not a place that was on our radar. Once we were booked and set with dates, the anticipation grew daily. She suggested every detail of the trip and we really followed her suggestions. A few days in Lima before and that was perfect. An easy city to navigate and wonderful weather. We did the northern loop which was a 7 day trip on Celebrity Cruises and saw more marine life that we could imagine. Everything was included so we had an amazing time with friends and no decisions to be made while travelling. The touring was with highly qualified guides. We swam with sharks which was never part of our life goal!

Cant wait to see what Debbie suggests next for u
By  Maggie  from  Chicago, IL
Traveled to  Galapagos Islands ~ Ecuador ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Debbie Linder responded:
Well thank you so much. There isn't a part of my job that is more fulfilling than to suggest a trip a lifetime that is the trip of a lifetime!. Glad you took the time to check things of the bucket list that we never knew should have been there from day 1

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fabulous trip
I have worked with Debbie before and she continues to be a true professional. Debbie is always prompt, knowledgeable, accessible and flexible. She had some great recommendations and insight.
By  Linda B  from  St. Paul, MN
Traveled to  Amsterdam ~ Netherlands ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Debbie Linder responded:
Thank you so much - loved planning this trip with you. A little bit of everything and you saw so much! Debbie

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best family trip ever
Fantastic from planning to cruising. All details handled professionally
By  MV  from  Scottsdale Az
Traveled to  Greece ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Debbie Linder responded:
Thanks Mike, You have an amazing family that really does love to travel together! Until next time! Debbie

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9 of 16 people found this review helpful
Skiing in Telluride was awesome!
Debbie was outstanding - responsive to questions and quick to address concerns.
By  Derek   from  Bentonville, Arkansas
Traveled to  Telluride ~ Colorado ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Debbie Linder responded:
Thank you Derek! I am so happy you had such a great time and the "girls" got on the slopes too! We appreciate your business!

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Destination Expert:

  • Europe

Travel Specialist:

  • Adventure
  • Luxury Cruises
  • European Culture
  • Food & Wine
  • Independent Travel

Top Travel Partners:

  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Viking

Industry Affiliations:

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