About
Welcome to Optimized Trips
Plan Smart. Travel Easy.
Hi, I’m Angelica Marino—and if you’re the one who always ends up planning the trip, we’re probably a lot alike.
I genuinely enjoy the process of researching and figuring out how to make a trip work. I love traveling, but like most people, I don’t do it constantly. With limited time off and real-life responsibilities, I want to make every trip count—and I know how much pressure that can bring.
It wasn’t always easy. As life got busier, it became harder to plan a vacation that felt worth the effort. Between the endless opinions online, the hidden costs, and unexpected curveballs, it started to feel like I needed a full-time job just to organize a weekend getaway.
So I started keeping better notes, building simple itineraries, and making smarter decisions ahead of time. Not to over-schedule the trip, just enough to keep it flexible and fun without the chaos.
Eventually I realized: I can’t be the only one who wants this. Someone who doesn’t need a full minute-by-minute plan but does want to know what to expect, how to prepare, and what actually matters.
That’s why I started Optimized Trips: to share the kind of travel advice I was always looking for myself. Not dreamy bucket lists or vague tips, but specific, experience-backed suggestions that help you:
Book the right hotel (not just the one with nice photos)
Decide if that drink package is really worth it
Know when to splurge and when to skip
Build a plan that works whether your family is up at 7 am or 10:30 am.
I specialize in cruises, New England getaways, and family travel—especially if you’re balancing different personalities, energy levels, and trip goals. My teenage son sometimes contributes his own honest takes (yes, he’s opinionated, and yes, I let him write his own posts, so don’t expect too many).
This blog isn’t about being perfect. I’ll tell you what worked, what flopped, and what I’d do differently next time. Because even great trips have frustrating moments, but with a little prep, you can skip most of them.
Thanks for being here. If you’re ready to plan smart and travel easy, let’s get going.
Want to know more about how this blog started? Read the full story here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Are you a travel agent or trip planner?
A: Nope—I’m not a licensed travel agent. I’m a just organized, sometimes traveler who researches extensively and shares practical advice. I don’t book trips for readers, but I’ll always try to point you to helpful post or resources.
Q: What kind of trips do you cover?
A: Not always. I write with families in mind, but that doesn’t mean every trip involves kids. Many of my tips also work well for couples or getaways with friends. I focus on what’s genuinely worth doing, especially for mixed age groups or anyone juggling real world schedules and limited time off.
Q: Do you only focus on kid or teen activities?
A: Not always. I do write with families in mind since. Whether it’s a couples’ getaway or a trip with cousins, I include what’s worth doing, especially when traveling with limited time or mixed-age groups.
Q. Can I suggest a topic?
A: Absolutely! I love researching new things, and I’d be happy to hear what you’re curious about. Reach out via the contact form or leave a comment—your question might even turn into a future blog post.