My recent trip to Morocco was an unforgettable adventure through vibrant cities, ancient history, and warm hospitality. Starting in Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa, we journeyed to Tetouan, known for its blend of Andalusian and Moroccan influences, followed by the breathtaking blue-washed town of Chefchaouen.
In Rabat, Morocco’s capital, we marveled at the blend of modernity and tradition. We stepped back in time at Volubilis, home to ancient Roman ruins. The Fes Medina, with over 9,000 alleyways and 300 mosques, was full of surprises, where we discovered centuries-old traditions—from fava bean soup to leatherwork, and a new love of cumin. It turns out, cumin is good on just about everything!
One of the highlights was the Sahara Desert, where we watched the sunset atop the dunes and glamped under the stars. Traveling through an ever-changing landscape dotted with date farms and villages, we experienced the authentic charm of rural Morocco. In Marrakech, the lively souks were buzzing with snake charmers and food vendors serving delicious Moroccan fare like meloui and mint tea.
Our journey ended peacefully in the coastal town of Essaouira, a perfect close to an incredible adventure.
Throughout, we were met with warmth and hospitality. Everywhere we went, locals expressed their genuine appreciation for our visit. This trip reminded me that travel is more than just seeing new places—it's about connecting with the people and stories that make each destination special.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a luxurious voyage aboard Crystal Cruises with a close friend. Our journey through Europe was nothing short of spectacular, beginning with a memorable night in Marseille before we set sail. As we arrived at the embarkation point, the first of many glasses of champagne awaited us, marking the start of an unforgettable experience.
The cruise took us through some of Europe's most enchanting destinations over the course of about a week. From bustling Rome to the charming coastal town of Sorrento, and the historic streets of Dubrovnik, each port offered its own unique charm and allure. Despite the summer heat, we made the most of our explorations with refreshing breaks and delightful Aperol spritzes.
One of the highlights of our trip was a private wine excursion in Sicily's Etna region, meticulously arranged through Windering. Visiting three vineyards, we immersed ourselves in the local culture and savored some of Italy's finest wines. Another standout was our time in Dubrovnik, where we were captivated by its ancient walls and picturesque setting.
Crystal Cruises provided an intimate experience despite accommodating around 500 passengers. The impeccable service, gourmet meals, and serene saltwater pool made every moment onboard a pleasure. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply seeking a luxurious escape, Crystal Cruises ensures you feel pampered and special throughout your journey.
Embarking on the journey of a lifetime, Machu Picchu was a distant dream that suddenly became a reality. It all started when my daughter accepted a study abroad opportunity in southern Chile. As we pondered the idea of exploring South America, a friend suggested Peru. Coincidentally, on the same day, an email arrived from a Peruvian guide promoting an enticing trip. Without hesitation, we found ourselves on a remarkable adventure from Lima to the shores of Lake Titikaka, immersing ourselves in Incan ruins and the vibrant culture of Peru. But the true highlight was Machu Picchu itself. Nestled amidst the Andean mountains, its beauty was beyond words. Our pilgrimage to this ancient wonder left an everlasting impression, reminding us of the profound impact of travel on the soul. As we bid farewell to Peru, we carried with us cherished memories and a renewed sense of wonder for the world around us.
My recent trip to Cabo for a travel industry conference was an absolute whirlwind of experiences! From touring a variety of top-notch hotels to networking with fellow agents and suppliers, every moment was filled with excitement and learning.
During our stay, we had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in the beautiful surroundings of the Grand Fiesta Americana and the Hyatt Ziva. These properties not only offered unparalleled comfort but also showcased the epitome of hospitality.
Unsurprisingly, the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal was stunning yet exuded a charmingly quaint atmosphere. The attention to detail and personalized service truly set it apart.
Among the other properties we explored, there were several that left a lasting impression. From the sophisticated ambiance of Le Blanc to the indulgent experience at Grand Velas and the culinary delights of Nobu, each hotel offered a unique perspective on luxury.
Of course, Cabo's beauty extended beyond the walls of these resorts. We were treated to stunning views and pristine beaches at properties like Sandos, Breathless, Hard Rock, and Paradisus, each offering its own brand of relaxation and adventure.
Overall, my time in Cabo was a perfect blend of professional development and leisure. The destination not only provided invaluable insights into the travel industry but also served as a reminder of the allure of world-class hospitality in a breathtaking setting.
My family celebrated the new year from Isla Holbox in Mexico. Isla Holbox is a beautiful island located off the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
The island is known for its pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Holbox has a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to some of the more developed tourist areas in the region, and we can vouch for that.
The are no paved roads, only sand and crushed shell streets that don't handle rain well. They were pretty rutted and flooded, making getting around challenging. However, the lack of cars means you usually walk or take an ATV-style taxi. But since it is only a few blocks to get anywhere, we tip-toed our way around the mini-lakes, and enjoyed glimpses of daily life as we passed women making tortillas, kids playing soccer, and people enjoying the holiday with family and friends.
Getting here, and getting around, is a bit of an adventure, but I'd come back if I was visiting the Yucatán again, perhaps to visit Chichén Itzá some day.
My sister and I embarked on a 4-day Rhine River cruise with Avalon Waterways from Frankfurt, Germany. We sailed the Rhine Gorge, filled with castles, and floated our way to Strasbourg, France.
In Ottrot, we enjoyed a wine tasting and also visited the picturesque village of Obernai. While docked in Beisach, Germany, we ventured to the charming village of Colmar, France, and the more modern city of Freiberg, Germany.
We disembarked in Basel, Switzerland, and walked the city highlights, shopping for chocolate and Christmas ornaments. We had a dinner of cheese fondue that was crazy delicious.
We returned by train to Strasbourg, where we enjoyed a slower pace of shopping, taking cafe breaks, and exploring this adorable town. Finally, we returned to Frankfurt, where we loved the cute area of Romerberg, the Staedel Museum, and the Aplelwein restaurants.
Highlights:
Sailing the Rhine Gorge, filled with castles
Wine tasting in Ottrot, France
Exploring the charming village of Colmar, France
Shopping for chocolate and Christmas ornaments in Basel, Switzerland
Enjoying cheese fondue in Basel, Switzerland
Exploring the adorable town of Strasbourg, France
Walking through Romerberg, visiting the Staedel Museum, and eating and drinking at the Aplelwein restaurants in Frankfurt, Germany
My husband and I are fans of traditional and contemporary Irish music, so we were thrilled to finally make our first trip to Ireland. We didn't want to do the driving, so we found a local tour company that offered small group tours (Irish Experience Tours).
Our 7-day tour took us from Dublin to Galway, to the Aran Islands, and to Doolin. We visited the Cliffs of Moher, took a working sheep farm tour, went whale watching in Dingle, drove the Ring of Kerry, and explored Blarney Castel, Cahir Castle, and the Rock of Cashel. We enjoyed the pub culture: chatting with locals, listening to music, and sipping a few Guinness along the way.
On our own in Dublin, we visited the Book of Kells, EPIC museum, Dubilina, and the National Museum of Ireland-Archaeology. We also did whiskey tastings (Jameson and Teeling), learned to pour a perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse, and took a vintage bus tea-time tour.
We ventured out of the city on a rural pub crawl through the Wicklow Mountains and spent a day in the seaside town of Howth.
We can't wait to go back and see more of this heartwarming country!
Travel with Me
Another one off my bucket list! This time I lead a group of nine women on a 9-day tour of Greece. Starting in Athens, we visited the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which were true marvels. We ventured to Mykonos with its windmills and twisty old town and partook in a wonderful wine-tasting experience with a small family-run vintner. Next was the charming island of Santorini, where the vistas were stunning with cliffs, blue domes, and sunshine. Upon our return to Athens we did a cooking class that became a highlight of the trip. We had so much fun and I am looking forward to planning my next “Travel with Me” adventure — Morocco September 2024 (message me to be updated).
What a wonderful way to travel! We sailed on the Avalon View, which was a lovely ship. This was a relaxing way to tour through Europe (unpack once yet visit Germany, Austria and Hungary). Our cruise was classified as an Active & Discovery cruise, meaning in addition to the traditional types of excursions, we had options that included such things as biking, hiking, or paddling (Active) or smaller walking tours that used public transit and tried local treats at a small cafe (Discovery). We were surprised by how tranquil it was along much of the Danube as we floated by quaint villages, flanked by autumn-tinted trees and swans. I'm already booked for my next river cruise. Next time with my sister on the Rhine!
Not a trip I actually ever expected to happen, but it was truly one of the most amazing experiences ever. I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I have been there. I had my worries about crossing the Drake Passage but was proactive and took a combination of herbal and over-the-counter sea-sickness remedies, and was able to "enjoy" the several days of sailing through these turbulent waters. It is hard to capture this stunning landscape. It is so vast, harsh, and beautiful. I went with low expectations as it was late in the season, but we were treated to unseasonably nice weather and great wildlife encounters. My top experiences included everything penguin, kayaking with juvenile seals, hearing humpback whales as they glide by, and the overall non-stop gorgeous glaciers, mountains, and icebergs. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And I traveled on the World Navigator from Atlas Voyages, and they were outstanding from the luxurious accommodations, great food, lovely staff, and amazing expedition team.
Before we flew to Ushuaia for our cruise, we enjoyed exploring the very European feeling city of Buenos Aires. Our city tour with Santiago was so fun and informative, helping us to appreciate the rich and turbulent history of this beautiful nation.
Wow! What a stunning country filled with incredible people, history, and culture. From the ancient ruins in Jerash to the "lost city" of Petra, and the martian landscape of Wadi Rum, this is truly a small but mighty country. I was very fortunate to be able to visit Jordan with TTC Brands as part of a trip just for travel agents, focused on how to "Make Travel Matter." Some of the cool ways we got to connect with the local people and their culture included
Dinner with a local family
A workshop and lunch with an area co-op supporting women
Visiting a mosaic studio whose artists are primarily disabled, and are being taught this once-almost-lost craft
Two evenings of special Bedouin meals filled with tradition and hospitality