erika for travel

ERIKA COYES TRAVEL & EVENT COORDINATOR

Erika is an outgoing, people-oriented, independent Travel Advisor, who is passionate about planning outstanding experiences, cultivating joy and creating lifetime memories.

Erika’s love for travel began many years ago, while studying abroad in the UK and Australia. Since then, Erika has continued to travel widely and has mastered the art of family travel, group travel and adult luxury vacations. As mom of one, and stepmom of two, she is a master planner and has a keen ability to create itineraries that incorporate everyone’s interests and needs.  

Motivated by her dream of starting her own business, Erika completed extensive training with Travel Professionals International (TPI) in 2021.  With a focus on excellence, Erika demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning through annual conferences, workshops, and certification programs, ensuring her knowledge is current for today's market.

TPI, recently rebranded to Trevello Travel Group, has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and has cultivated trusted partnerships with industry-leading travel partners.  Erika’s affiliation with Trevello and Virtuoso provides her with unique connections to tour operators and suppliers around the world, which ultimately offers her clients endless choices for the best price.

Understanding that everyone’s travel goals are unique, Erika will work with you to design your perfect trip. Her creative and fun-loving spirit make for easy collaboration and her excellent organization and planning skills will ensure you have the best time. Erika strongly believes that travel is more than just the destination and she would love to be a part of your journey. 

"Erika planned the absolute perfect vacation for our honeymoon. Every detail was considered and we were able to truly just relax and enjoy!"

Beach Vacations and Ocean Cruises

Soak up some sunshine, sand or sea.  Boutique hotels, private villas, all-inclusive resorts, luxury ocean and river cruises.

River Cruises

Immerse yourself in the Old World as you sail Europe's most iconic rivers

Group Travel

Family reunions, wine tours, wellness retreats, culinary trips, ladies weekends or graduation celebrations.

Family Travel

Find time to reconnect with the people you love the most.

Land Tours and Custom Travel Packages

Explore restaurants, music venues, museums, culture and history.

Golf Excursions

Breathtaking courses in the mountains, beside the ocean, or in the desert. Customize any trip with accommodation and transportation.

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Latest Blog Posts

Let's Explore the World!

Travel Planning Starts Here

Let's Explore the World!

Welcome to Erika's Travelventures!

I’m Erika, the writer and creator of Erika’s Travelventures. I’m from the beautiful state of Wyoming, in the U.S.A.

I’m passionate about experiencing new cultures, making friends in different countries, trying new (vegetarian) foods, and finding the best viewpoints and trekking spots around the globe.

I hope this blog will inspire you to grab a backpack, hit the hiking trails, book that flight, and plan your best travelventures yet.

Travel blogging since October, 2018

Plan Your Next Travelventures

Start here with some of my favorites:.

Newest Blog Posts

12 Best Capsule Hotels in Tokyo

Japanese Ryokan with Vegetarian Options

25 Tokyo Restaurants with Vegetarian Options

Most popular posts.

40 Weird and Unique Things To Do In Tokyo

20 Hakone Ryokan with Private Onsen

15 Mt. Fuji Hotels with Private Onsen

Where to next.

All about Journey with erika

We match travelers to the right small ship cruise experience

At Journey with Erika, we offer custom travel planning, working with couples across the US and abroad! Our passion is culinary & adventure travel (usually both)! We believe travel brings us all closer – experiencing local customs, tasting new cuisine & spirits and getting outside to really see the area you are visiting is all part of the custom vacation packages we develop for our clients.

Join US on a Group Adventure

We host sailings throughout the year & around the globe. Our voyages are hand-selected during the best time year to experience the destination with our preferred suppliers. The sailings include all sorts of adventure options, wildlife and scenery, and you better know that the food will be spectacular! We reserve space at special group rates and have extra amenities included as well. Have confidence we are there if something comes up and you need assistance or if you want a few couples pictures taken… but we are happy to keep our distance and let you have that memorable vacation too.

Custom Travel Planning

Individual vacations on land, at sea or in the air for couples. We help plan as much of the journey as you prefer. Some are looking for air, car rental and resort reservations while others prefer a complete package that includes details such as restaurant reservations, luggage delivery service and private tours. Either way we will ensure your getaway is everything you have dreamed of, and more. Not only will we prepare unique, tailor-made itineraries for you, we will serve as your point-of-contact before and during journey to ensure that everything is seamless.

Popular with businesses, non-profit organizations, and clubs, group travel is the ideal choice for those wishing to deepen customer and donor loyalty. Give us a call or send an email today to learn how group travel can benefit you and be the perfect way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Group travel is highly customizable and we will perfectly tailor your itinerary to reflect your organization’s goals and the interests of your members.  H ere are just a few examples of the types of groups we work with:   Yoga & Wellness – Culinary – Social – Golf – Garden – Alumnae – Family Reunions – Hiking – Wine & Spirit – Family Heritage – Art  – History – Brewery – Sports and so much more!

Personal Concierge

Our personal Travel Concierge Service is offered to an exclusive group of clients who seek the very best in personalized travel and unique experiences. We will get to know and understand you and your travel style on a deeper level and will evaluate your long-term goals and will develop a plan of action over the course of the year to bring these dreams to life. If you are interested in this service please reach out to us and we can schedule a time to speak and evaluate if you would be a good fit.

Contact us today to get started!

Erika Commisso

Luxury travel planner & agency owner.

Erika specializes in creating custom travel itineraries for couples. Some of her favorite travel moments include getting Married on Maui with a Destination Wedding; visiting the Spice Markets in Istanbul; sipping Wine in a small Pizzeria in Pompeii, Snorkeling with Sea Turtles, Octopi and shimmering Cuddle Fish; and walking the Great Wall of China just to name a few. With almost 40 cruises to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, New England, Norway, Europe and Asia; Erika can help match you to the right cruise line and ship.

[email protected]

Let's Connect

So what are you waiting for?   No matter if it is your first or fiftieth cruise – schedule your free 20-minute consultation with me to get started on your own amazing adventure.  

Not sure where you want to go yet? No problem, a short chat with me and I’ll give you my honest opinion of what itinerary, ship, cabin category, and land package combination I think is best for you.

Hooked at a young age!

Norwegian Cruise Line – The S.S. Norway to be specific – was the very first cruise I ever took! My grandparents took us on this cruise back when I was 8. My favorite memories were of the kids club, wearing fancy matching dresses to dinner with my sister, playing in the pool & beach, the evening dessert buffet with giant ice sculptures… just to name a few! And even back then, the muster drill was mandatory!!

Looking for new Small Ship Cruise Itinerary inspiration??

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Why travel insurance?

Some people think their regular insurance might cover them abroad, but they don’t know for sure, and they certainly don’t know the details. They might think that paying for a trip with a credit card gives them insurance coverage. Sometimes they’re right, but only up to a point. These policies aren´t created by travel experts, and the holes in them are often too big for comfort.

Without real travel insurance coverage, you can find yourself in the position of owing a lot of money for medical expenses abroad. With Erika Travel Insurance, you don't have to worry. Where other insurance companies try to avoid compensating travelers, we make a point of helping out – even with smaller things like lost luggage, missed flights and pickpockets.

Service & Safety

For more than 27 years, Erika has offered tailor-made coverage to students and au pairs abroad. Local staff members at the destinations are familiar with our coverage and procedures. Should something happen, someone on the spot can hopefully direct you to the right place or make that urgent call to our assistance team.

Protect your investment

This insurance coverage is unique. Not only does it cover medical expenses abroad and travel costs, it can also refund the missed part of the course or program due to a medical issue.

Without insurance coverage, you can find yourself in the position of owing a lot of money for medical expenses abroad.

Coverage details

Medical coverage

Family emergency - program interruption

Theft of personal property

Liability and legal coverage

Assistance around the clock

When you’re abroad, things are not like they are at home. The climate and the food can be different, and, although you might think nothing will happen, you can be sick or have an accident. A simple doctor’s visit, which you normally wouldn’t pay a lot for at home, can suddenly cost you $500. It’s always better to be well protected.

As long as you are abroad and on the program, you are covered for any new illness or accident. We cover a doctor’s visit and also medicine the doctor has prescribed. Hospitalization and physical therapy are covered as well. Should you need to be flown home due to a very serious medical condition, we will organize the flight back and pay all costs related to the evacuation. Should you be hospitalized and in a life-threatening condition, we will cover flight and hotel costs for two family members to come stay with you.

We do not differentiate between public or private care. In the US, we have access to one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals. When visiting a doctor who is part of the Aetna network, you won’t have to pay for the entire visit yourself and then do the paperwork to claim back the cost.

Should an immediate family member become critically ill or pass away, there is a possibility that Erika will cover the cost for you to fly home. If you interrupt the program for this reason and don’t go back to your destination, then the unused part of the program fee is also covered.

Some of our policies also refund missed days during the course if you’re sick or have had an accident and can’t go to school. A medical report is required, and you need to have been sick for at least 3 days. Should you miss more than half of the course due to medical reasons, you can get a whole new course. Just book the same type of course again with EF, and we cover the cost.

Our policies include coverage in case of theft of or damage to your personal belongings. If you’ve been careful but something is stolen anyway, you can make a claim on your Erika insurance coverage. Just make sure to get a police report and make a list of the stolen items. We cover not only clothes and personal items but also valuable property and cash. If your passport is stolen, Erika will cover the cost to get a new one. Not only do we cover the fee to issue a new one, we also cover your travel costs, such as a taxi ride, a train ticket or a flight, to get to the nearest embassy or consulate.

The most common type of delay we come across is when your baggage is delayed upon arrival. This is covered on the outbound flight, and we cover expenses incurred if your bag is delayed more than 24 hours. There are maximum coverage limits, but the important thing is to keep receipts of clothes and other necessities purchased while waiting for your bag to arrive. You can also claim some costs related to delays due to weather or technical issues.

Should you happen to damage someone’s property or injure another person and be held liable, you can also file a claim. Depending on the circumstances and how the incident took place, it is possible that we will cover the costs you have paid to a third party. There is also coverage to cover lawyer fees in case you need legal assistance.

Help is never more than a phone call away. We have assistance partners in different locations who are available 24 hours per day, every day of the year.

Erika's Travels

Adventures in Destinations Unknown

Africa Travel

Europe travel, asia travel, south america travel, oceania travel.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

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3 Days in Cappadocia Turkey: An Itinerary

Cappadocia Turkey is a whimsical fairytale destination like no other. The outstanding region sprawls out over the stark Anatolian plains. It is a one-of-a-kind open air museum that features weather-eroded valleys, lush river canyons, rock-hewn dwellings, underground cities, and painted…

Incredible Things to Do in Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities. Historically known as Byzantium and then Constantinople, Istanbul straddles two continents and embraces multiple worlds—both geographically and culturally. The city is vibrant and cosmopolitan, and teeming with humanity. Minarets stud the sky,…

Things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau Alaska is arguably the most beautifully-situated city in America. Positioned along the scenic Gastineau Channel, it boasts some of Southeast Alaska’s best offerings at its fingertips. Within Juneau’s reach, you’ll find a massive 1,500-square-mile ice field, craggy snowcapped mountains,…

Best Beaches in Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita may have once been a tiny fishing village, but today the Mexican seaside town buzzes with surfers, beach-goers and vacationing gringos. Located in Nayarit, just one hour north of Puerta Vallarta, the pleasant beachfront town maintains a relaxed hippie…

Visiting Antelope Canyon in Arizona

Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in the world. Located in the Navajo Nation near Page Arizona, the narrow sandstone wonderland has captured the imaginations of nature-lovers and photographers worldwide. Wind and water have sculpted the area’s sandstone…

Grand Canyon South Rim: A Complete Guide

Few places on the planet inspire more awe than Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park. The cavernous river gorge—277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 5,000 ft deep—slices through the vast Colorado Plateau in dramatic fashion. The Grand Canyon is the…

Travel Advisor

Erika Hamilton

• North America ,
• Luxury Travel ,
• Boutique Travel

Nashville, TN

Get in touch with Erika

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Erika within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Your message has been sent to Erika !

Learn more about what to expect when working with an advisor.

Profile details

Passionate about customizing travel for each person or family to ensure an unforgettable trip. The small things make a vacation, I stress over them so you don't have to!

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Travel style.

I love variety- luxury, adventure, local culture, fantastic food and effortlessly hidden gems. It's the details and memorable moments that make a vacation for me!

Favorite hotels

Pieve aldina.

At this dreamy retreat in the Chianti countryside, guests can indulge in traditional Italian cuisine (locally sourced, of course), meander through rolling olive groves, do yoga amid birdsong and even take an art-history course.

Complimentary experience.

Welcome note & amenities.

One-way airport transfer.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Downtown Tokyo hotel that begins on the 45th level of Midtown Tower with floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly frame the skyline — from the Tokyo bay area to National Stadium to Mount Fuji.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

The Westin Paris - Vendôme

Sophisticated property in the heart of Paris with upscale rooms offering views of the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre.

Welcome amenity.

Blackberry Farm

Beautiful Tennessee farm resort wedged within a serene property of rolling hills offering wellness sessions and wine and food experiences.

Erika 's travel photos

Travel insurance: all EF students arrive with coverage

Students are required to have insurance that meets certain minimum standards to travel on our program. Most EF students have travel insurance coverage through Erika and the following guidelines apply. Students with other insurance should refer to their policy documentation for details or contact their parents. If you are not sure what insurance coverage your student has, please contact the EF office at 1-800-447-4273.

Erika vs. Aetna Student Health

Erika Insurance Ltd. (or an alternative insurance company as defined in the applicable insurance policy) and Aetna are separate companies. Erika works with Aetna Student Health and the students have access to the Aetna provider network.

When contacting the doctor’s office, say your student has “Aetna Student Health” as it is widely known and accepted across the nation. US medical providers will not recognize a European company.

Please reference the policy booklet for complete details. It can be found at erikainsurance.com .

Finding a provider

You can find an Aetna network provider at aetna.com/docfind/erika . This website will show all in-network hospitals and physicians in your area, as well mental health professionals, urgent cares and retail clinics. With an in-network provider the copayment is lower, and it is less likely that the doctor’s office will require your student to pay for the entire bill up front.

In most cases, visits to clinics at retailers such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart are often covered as well. These will show as in-network providers through Aetna’s website, though it’s recommended to give a quick call to the clinic to confirm coverage. Treatment at these clinics is often the most affordable and convenient option.

Important resources:

Ef high school exchange year.

24/7 support line:

1-800-447-4273

Erika Insurance Ltd.

Download claim forms, the policy booklet and find emergency contact details.

Visit erikainsurance.com

Aetna Student Health

Aetna Student Health PO Box 14101

Lexington, KY 40512 1-800-783-7447

Support line: 1-800-783-7447

Find a provider or access Aetna ID cards

Visit aetna.com/docfind/erika

Insurance card

EF distributes insurance cards to students in their home country before they leave for the exchange. This includes an overview of coverage and lists contact information for Aetna Student Health and respective claims agents. EF suggests host families carry a copy of their student's insurance card as well.

Each student's unique Aetna ID number is generated one to two weeks after their arrival in the US. Soon after arriving in the states, students will need to obtain an updated Aetna ID card with their unique number. To find your student’s Aetna ID number, visit aetna.com/docfind/erika .

The Aetna ID number is what you should give to the doctor's office as the policy number. If your student needs to receive medical care before their Aetna ID has generated, use their EF student ID in its place. If your student has lost their insurance card, contact EF at 1-800-447-4273 or print off a new one at aetna.com/docfind/erika .

Below are general guidelines on the coverage. Without specific medical information, Aetna Student Health or Erika will not be able to verify coverage and will ultimately make all final decisions on a case by case basis.

Routine care

Routine care, such as physicals, check-ups and inoculations, is NOT covered. Students who visit the doctor when they aren’t feeling well should remind the doctor’s office that routine visits are not covered, and tell them to send Aetna Student Health a bill explaining why treatment was required.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions must be paid for up front by students. Afterwards, students can send in a claim form to Aetna Student Health for reimbursement. Both the cash register receipt and the medication information label attached to the prescription must be included. Students will be reimbursed for most prescribed medications except for acne, birth control or medication they take for a pre-existing condition. Over the counter medication is not covered.

Dental coverage is provided up to $200 for non-accidental treatment. Wisdom tooth treatment is covered up to $500. Temporary treatment for an injury as a result of an accident is usually covered in full.

Erika Sport

Please note that students are covered during all activities that are organized by their local high school. Erika Sport allows students to participate in risky sports and activities outside of their high school curriculum (i.e., on their own, or with their host family) that would otherwise not be covered should injury occur, including: skiing, alpine sports, lacrosse, wrestling, martial arts, four wheeling, bungee jumping, skydiving, parachuting, white water rafting, jet skiing, snowmobiling, etc.

If your student is going to be participating in any of the above activities, or any organized sports outside of school, please confirm that they do have Erika Sport. For those who don't, encourage them to add this coverage otherwise they will not have coverage for these types of activities.

Students are granted three weeks after their arrival in the United States to pay for the additional Erika Sport. For specific questions, please reach out to Erika or your EF Program Advisor.

Going home for an emergency

The insurance may cover a round-trip flight in case of death or grave illness of an immediate family member. The policy defines immediate family members as parents, legal guardians and siblings of the exchange student. Grandparents do not fall under the definition of immediate family.

If your student has a family emergency and wishes to return home, contact your IEC, EF support staff and the appropriate assistance company listed on your student's insurance card.

Medical treatment

Find a provider at aetna.com/docfind/erika

Contact your IEC whenever your student receives medical care.

Routine illness

In case of a routine illness (e.g., stomach flu, cough, cold, sore throat, etc.), students should see a doctor in the Aetna network or visit an in-network clinic at a retailer like CVS, Walgreens or Walmart. An in-network provider will charge a lower copayment ($20 versus $70).

Please do not go to the emergency room for routine medical care as students will be charged an additional ER copayment per visit. ER visits typically have a longer wait time and a more complicated billing process.

Acute illness or injury

Use your best judgement when acute injuries occur to assess whether an ER visit is necessary. Many broken bones, lacerations or sports injuries can normally be treated at your local urgent care facility. Your wait time will likely be shorter, and billing will be easier at an in-network urgent care center.

We recommend you visit the website listed above to proactively determine the closest in-network urgent care center in your community. If there is not an urgent care facility close by, a visit to the ER may be necessary.

For any serious mental instability, injury, trauma or illness (e.g., possible appendicitis, seizure, etc.), please take your student to the nearest emergency room and contact EF’s emergency line at 1-800-447-4273. Research local ER facilities and their hours of operation. If your student has Erika coverage, you can contact the appropriate assistant helpline, as well.

If your student is in grave condition, please call EF immediately. It is important that EF contact the consulate, who will pass this information on to the parents. Please do not call their family abroad directly.

Find the right exchange student for your family

Does your family have any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share with an exchange student? Are you looking to learn more about a particular region of the world? Consider some of these topics and start browsing student profiles today.

No students found.

Before your student arrives

Preparation is key: how to make sure your family is ready

When will my student arrive?

How to start building your relationship before your student arrives

Add a personal touch to your student's room

How to prepare your exchange student for school

Using family mealtimes to get to know each

The advantages of hosting two exchange students

Student & Host family expenses: who pays for what?

The first days

Making your student feel at home

Rocky start? Try active listening if you're struggling to communicate

Overcoming a language barrier: how you can help

Top tips for supporting your homesick student

Family relationships: helping your student create balance

6 stages of culture shock

Life with your student

Who to talk to if you have a question

Participation is important: help your student get involved locally

Overcoming challenges and misunderstandings with your student

Navigating religious differences and expectations

My student is struggling academically: how can I help?

What if it doesn't work out?

American traditions every exchange student wants to try

5 ways to enjoy fall as a family

10 ways to get in the Halloween spirit

5 ways to give back in November

The holiday season

Other topics

Frequently asked questions

Does your student want to apply for a local drivers license?

Important information when taking your student to the doctor

Health insurance: all EF students arrive with coverage

Student visa information and guidelines on travel

More trips with EF

Custodial guardianship

Saying goodbye and keeping in touch

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[email protected]

• Sandals Resorts
• Tours/Activities/Etc
• Career Opportunities
• Booking with me
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should i use a travel agent.

Even in the age of online booking, travel agents are a great source of information and discounts. A travel agent can make sure that your trip is tailored to you, assist you in case of unexpected problems, and help you anticipate potential issues in advance.

Will I pay more if I book through an agent?

Our fees are transparent. In many cases, you save more than you spend. We can work within your budget, and we always focus on making sure that you get a solid value in return for our fees. 

Do you book group travel?

Yes! Do you have an upcoming conference for your business or a student trip? We can handle the details and ensure that you have access to group seating, entrances, and discounts. 

HOW DO TRAVEL AGENTS GET PAID? WILL I BE CHARGED EXTRA OR WILL MY ACCOMMODATIONS HAVE AN EXTRA FEE?

We are paid by the resorts, we do not charge a service fee.  

Many resorts have price parity, the cost is same whether you book through us, direct with the resort, or with an online booking engine.  

The difference between using a travel agent is that we help you plan a stress-free vacation without the hassle of going it alone. 

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DMW closes travel agency in Bulacan for illegal recruitment

Photo courtesy: DMW/ Facebook

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ordered the closure of a travel agency in Malolos City, Bulacan, for illegal recruitment.

The High Dreamer Travel and Tours Services located at No. 0106 Paseo del Congreso, Catmon, Malolos, Bulacan, was reported for illegally recruiting Filipino workers for fraudulent jobs in Europe, DMW said in a press release.

“Initial investigation revealed that the agency offers jobs such as production workers, agricultural workers, cleaners, restaurant workers, construction workers, and cleaners in various European countries, particularly Croatia, with monthly salaries between P70,000 and P80,000,” DMW said.

The High Dreamer also collected P100,000 worth of processing fees and P300,000 worth of placement fees per applicant that can be paid in three installments and nonrefundable.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the closure of the travel agency came after being reported by a Filipino community in Poland.

“Once again, the Filipino Community in Poland proved to be a valuable ally in stopping these illegal activities. We thank them for their vigilance in reporting the illegal activities of High Dreamer to our Migrant Workers Office in Prague (MWO-Prague),” Cacdac said.

The investigation showed that the High Dreamer had no valid license and offered overseas jobs to Filipinos via Facebook.

The DMW urged the victims of High Dreamer to contact DMW-MWPB through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip and their email at [email protected] . to file cases against the travel agency.

Kristine Erika Agustin

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Passing Thru

Discover Miami: From the Glitz of South Beach to the Soul of Little Havana

Posted: June 14, 2024 | Last updated: June 14, 2024

Looking to soak up some sun and culture in Miami without falling into the typical tourist traps? Ever wonder where the locals hang out to get the true flavor of Miami?

1. South Beach: Not Just a Sunbathing Spot

Image Credit: Shutterstock / True Touch Lifestyle

South Beach is iconic for its vibrant atmosphere and Art Deco buildings. Beyond the sand, check out the local eaterie and shops that give this neighborhood its charm.

2. Wynwood Walls: Street Art Galore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Erika Cristina Manno

Wynwood Walls is a canvas of urban masterpieces, featuring works from some of the world’s greatest graffiti artists. Stroll through, camera in hand, and maybe catch a street performance or two.

3. Little Havana: More Than Just Cuban Coffee

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pheelings media

Dive into the heart of Cuban culture in Miami at Little Havana. Here, the air is thick with the aroma of cigars and strong coffee, and salsa music fills the streets.

4. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Step Back in Time

Image Credit: Pexels / Jensen R

Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to see how Miami’s wealthy lived during the Jazz Age. The architecture and the gardens are breathtaking and provide a tranquil escape from the city buzz.

5. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Beyond the Beach

Image Credit: Pexels / Jan Tang

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers more than just a typical beach day with its historic lighthouse and quiet, less crowded shores. It’s a great spot for kayaking or a leisurely picnic.

6. The Pérez Art Museum: Modern Meets Culture

Image Credit: Shutterstock / guruXOX

Explore contemporary art with a Miami twist at the Pérez Art Museum. The architecture alone is worth the visit, and the hanging gardens are a must-see.

7. The Design District: Luxury Shopping and Dining

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Shopping King Louie

For a taste of luxury, wander through Miami’s Design District. High-end shops, galleries, and gourmet restaurants make this neighborhood a hotspot for fashion and foodies.

8. The Adrienne Arsht Center: Catch a Show

Image Credit: Shutterstock / aerogondo2

Experience Miami’s performing arts at the Adrienne Arsht Center. From Broadway shows to classical music, this venue always has something exciting on the calendar.

9. Oleta River State Park: Outdoor Adventures

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Corepics VOF

Escape the city and get back to nature at Oleta River State Park. It’s ideal for mountain biking, kayaking, and even has cozy cabins for overnight stays.

10. Key Biscayne: Island Serenity

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rido

Just a bridge away from the mainland, Key Biscine offers quiet beaches, beautiful parks, and the Miami Seaquarium. It’s a peaceful retreat from city life.

11. Calle Ocho: Heart of Little Havana

Image Credit: Pexels / Vishnu R Nair

Calle Ocho is bustling with Latin music, mural-covered buildings, and the best mojitos in town. Don’t miss the lively street festivals if you’re around in March.

12. The Holocaust Memorial: Reflective History

Image Credit: Pexels / OG Productionz

Take a moment to reflect at the powerful Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach. It’s a poignant tribute and a beautifully designed space.

13. Lincoln Road Mall: Shop and Stroll

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Willowtreehouse

Lincoln Road Mall isn’t just for shopping; it’s an experience. Enjoy outdoor dining, watch street performers, and browse the Sunday farmer’s market.

14. Coconut Grove: Old Florida Charm

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maridav

Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood. Its lush streets and bohemian vibe make it a delightful place to explore.

15. Miami Beach Botanical Garden: Urban Oasis

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund

Find a green retreat at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. It’s small but stunning, with native plants and tranquil ponds.

16. Bayside Marketplace: Waterfront Shopping

Image Credit: Pexels / Luis Negron

Bayside Marketplace combines shopping with spectacular waterfront views. Grab a bite, enjoy live music, and take a boat tour—all in one place.

17. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Botanical Beauty

Image Credit: Pexels / Wendy Wei

Wander through the extensive collections of tropical plants at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Their butterfly garden is particularly enchanting.

18. Miami Riverwalk: Scenic Pathways

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Local News | Winnetka nonprofit Erika’s Lighthouse…

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Local News | Winnetka nonprofit Erika’s Lighthouse celebrates 20 years of work in youth suicide prevention

‘every student deserves good mental health’.

Erika’s Lighthouse, which has a lighthouse and rays of light in its logo as beacons of hope, provides free depression education and suicide prevention programming to schools nationwide.

Tom and Ginny Neuckranz of Glenview, formerly of Winnetka, lost their middle school aged-daughter Erika to depression in 2004 and founded Erika’s Lighthouse in her honor as a not-for-profit organization.

In providing free resources for educators, families and school staff, Erika’s Lighthouse promotes, “Get Depression Out of the Dark.”

This message of positivity has touched more than 2.6 million students, ideally saving lives as part of that estimate.

“Of course, that’s a number we’ll never know,” said Ginny Neuckranz, president and co-founder of Erika’s Lighthouse. “I get some anecdotal things like the kid saying to his mom, ‘I was in college, I didn’t feel good but I knew what to do from Erika’s Lighthouse,’ but honestly nothing will bring Erika back.”

Despite having lost her daughter, Ginny Neuckranz said knowing the organization she began in the wake of tragedy has helped save others brings her “great joy.”

“And it’s a bittersweet time to be at 20 years of not having her, she would have been 34,” Erika’s mother added.

Erika’s father and organization co-founder Tom Neuckranz said he loves the organization but wishes it didn’t have to exist.

“But unfortunately, the need seems like it keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger than us,” Erika’s father said. “We’re growing all the time.”

Ginny Neuckranz, who grew up in Wilmette, discussed the stigma Erika’s Lighthouse works to dispel about suicide attempts.

“If you have made an attempt, there’s a lot of shame around that,” Ginny Neuckranz said. “That also has to be put in perspective that you’re not a loser, this is an illness, and you can get through this.

She said another way to break down that shame is to openly discuss the issue in classrooms through a common vocabulary.

“Our goals are now so lofty that not only do we want to get in schools, we want to help them change their school culture and Brandon (Combs) has developed programming to do this and it’s absolutely amazing,” she said. “It really helps to put the curriculum in.”

Erika’s mother added that there are educational opportunities and pockets all over the country.

Erika’s Lighthouse’s Executive Director Brandon Combs said, “Within young people today in particular, when we’re talking about technology, we’re talking about stressors, how difficult it is to get into college, what do next steps look like for young people that are making these really challenging decisions in their life and…may not be in that position to have had a lot of experience in kind of training that resilience.”

Combs said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “has been very clear about this and we recognize it and really push it within our programming, it’s all about connectedness, it’s about school connectedness, it’s about young people having trusted adults and trusted peers and people that they can go to and talk to.

“And what we’re seeing in our own data,” Combs said, “…is that the program is doing that. It’s helping students.”

The Tuesday evening itinerary featured Sally Lou Loveman of Northfield, speaker, author, coach and audience engagement personality, serving as emcee and storyteller.

“Every student deserves good mental health,” Loveman told the audience. “And Erika’s Lighthouse is working tirelessly (to make that possible).”

Jason Dane of Northbrook, kinetic wellness instructor at New Trier Township High School, was among presenters. New Trier utilizes Erika’s Lighthouse’s Empowerment Clubs model for teens in all grades at the high school.

Erika’s Lighthouse helps to instill, “hope and really just hit home this having a trusted adult, and whoever that trusted adult might be,” Dane said.

“It may not be a classroom teacher, it could be a coach, it could be a club sponsor, it could be a security guard in the building,” Dane said, “but just really impressing upon adolescence that there is hope and that there is somebody out there for them if they’re struggling.”

Dr. Michelle Sircy from Louisville, Kentucky wrote a dissertation on suicide prevention for her educational leadership doctorate.

“The needs are continuing to rise,” Sircy said. “But we are becoming more aware and having better tools like Erika’s Lighthouse to where we can provide educators, provide folks that are working with kids on a daily basis, the resources they need to provide the support that our students need.”

The evening included a toast at the end of the dinner by Erika’s parents.

“From our kitchen table to classrooms around the country, and in this room filled with so many passionate supporters and volunteers,” Ginny Neuckranz said, “this journey is also your journey.”

Tom Neuckranz told the crowd they can help promote the organization’s message.

“We can impact one million students a year by 2025 and over 2.5 million by 2030,” Erika’s father added. “All we need is the same determination, resilience and resources we have had in the first 20 years.”

Educators can learn about free Erika’s Lighthouse school programming at https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/educators/.

Visit https://www.erikaslighthouse.org.

Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.

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