As the curtains close on 2023, we stand in the warm afterglow of thoughtful journeys and shared wonder. From Italy's ancient streets to the bucolic landscape of the English Countryside, we explored with wide eyes and open hearts, united by a sense of adventure and a longing for faraway places.
But the map of our adventure unfolds further still, for the coming year promises even wider horizons, with more uncharted paths and a kaleidoscope of evocative experiences set before us.
Until then, let us raise a glass to the memories etched in 2023, a testament to the beauty, goodness, and new friendships found.
Thank you for being part of the journey. Together.
London, England & The English Countryside, Wiltshire
Oh The Places We Went!
In 2023, I sent you – over 281 of my fellow travelers – all over Europe and the UK. Whether you joined a tour, booked a travel consultation or we planned your travels together, what a year of travels we had!
Where did wanderlust take us most?
England, Scotland, Italy, and France topped the charts as the most traveled destination.
The picturesque English Countryside and always vibrant London sharing the number one spot for desired destinations.
You traveled to 17 individual countries and 23 country combinations.
You mostly traveled as immediate families celebrating milestones, a newlywed on their honeymoon and many multigenerational families on epic adventures across several countries and weeks. Impressive!
Your average trip length was 10 days.
Number one asked question after “can you help me?!” – “where should we stay? ” London was the number one requested city for accommodations.
This year I stayed in more than 70 hotels researching new places to offer you and to my groups.
Hands down my most memorable meal was unexpected. This intimate restaurant in the market town of Bruton, UK hit all the right spots: atmosphere, menu, drinks, food, music and staff. The best salmon I have ever tasted?here along the water front in Oslo, Norway. And I can't not mention the most indulgent breakfast spread was here in Scotland. Best Old Fashioned here (Norway) and best cocktails here (Scotland).
Stunning scenic rail journey here and lastly, do you want to feel as you've traveled back in time? This is a must when in London.
My own insatiable curiosity never sleeps. I embarked on countless research trips, reconnecting with forever favorites, discovering new experiences, and mapping out thrilling possibilities for the journeys we'll explore together.
My student group from Chicago, IL enjoying their final gelato in Rome, Italy
testimonial
“Kyle put together a beautiful week that I will never forget. Her attention to detail was remarkable. She created an experience that left me changed. I met people I hope to stay in touch with forever! Book a tour with Kyle, I assure you it will be amazing.” Jenny | Denver, CO
Studying and preparing for a tour at my favorite coffee spot in East London, Nagare
My Journal Always Within Reach
Upon my return from various adventures, my reflections and revelations transform into what I call Notes from Afar. This year you, the reader, responded most to the conversations on flaneur and the joy of wandering city streets with no plan, train travel over flying, and permissions to not “do it all” when planning travels. These personal reflections on places – and people – are just one of the ways I hope to spark your travel inspiration. So put the kettle on, brew yourself a cuppa and dive in.
Here's to first-time international solo trips for these brave women! Proud of each of them!
How You Traveled This Year
Find Yourself in the World
When we step out of our comfort zone, we embark on a dual journey: physical exploration and profound self-discovery. Beyond the allure of distant lands, travel calls to a deeper invitation: a chance to shed familiar skins and embark on a transformative odyssey. Amidst vibrant tapestries of landscapes and cultures, we glimpse ourselves anew. Such experience leaves us empowered and further fuels our wanderlust.
Come Together
Quick coffees and fleeting catchups. Rainchecks and missed connections. Ships that pass in the night. Kids, bills, careers, and all the daily demands. Our days can pass us by. Between life's riptides, our cherished relationships - the ones who map our scars and read our laughter lines - can start to feel distant. When we leave the rhythms of the familiar, traveling together is an opportunity to deepen relationships by sharing new experiences and creating memories together.
Traveling – solo or together – leaves an indelible mark. We return home, with a renewed connection to ourselves and our loved ones, shattered cultural biases, and a newfound perspective on our place in the universe.
You traveled as couples, life-long friends and families
testimonial
“I think about the trip almost everyday! I loved the place we stayed, the amazing dinners, and all the thoughtful touches you provided down to the ambiance of the most charming inn… they all set the tone for each of our days. My heart was truly overwhelmed by the experiences and exquisite attention to detail you painstakingly went through to constantly provide us with a magical trip! I will never forget my time with you and the most magnificent trip ever!” Danette | Cincinnati, OH
Oundle, UK. The English Countryside Tour group. Lingering outside, not wanting to part ways after we closed down the restaurant.
WHAT IT MEANS TO JOURNEY TOGETHER
As I look back on 2023, my heart brims with gratitude for each one of you who embarked on this journey with me or entrusted me with your travel plans. Serving you is a privilege as I contribute to turning your travel dreams into reality. At the core of my endeavors lies a passion for bringing strangers together, instilling a sense of wonder and delight in the world around you, and providing a soft place to land. Amidst some of the most intricate and evocative experiences orchestrated, the essence lies in sharing cherished and meaningful moments with your closest companions and forging new friendships in unforgettable landscapes. Thank you with all my heart.
