Hey First name / there!

 

 Aiken was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and tornados that came right thru town.  Luckily we escaped damage, but our sweet historic town looks like a war zone.  We did not have power, internet or cell service, so if you did not hear back from me I likely did not receive the message, so ping me again.  Sam and I are very lucky to be staying with friends at their wonderful lake house in Georgia.  Saint Simons is without power, so we were doubly “blessed” .   Might be time to look into generators.    My heart breaks for the thousands of people that have lost everything, and are struggling for water and food.  Western North Carolina is total devastation and I can't imagine how some areas will ever recover.   

 

On to lighter topics, here is this month’s travel scoop.  

 

 A safari in Tanzania capped with chilling out on the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar.  Sailing Croatia. 

 

 

Here are a few things I am working on… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You all know that i am obsessed with a safari, so lets go to the Ngorongoro Crater,   A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Africa with a dense wildlife population, making it one of the best places to spot the Big Five in a single day.

The Tarangire National Park, another must-do on a trip to Tanzania, is known for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees.  Tarangire is also a bird watcher's paradise. 

 

  

 

 

The Spice Island, which is a slice of paradise just off the coast of Tanzania.  Zanzibar offers a magical blend of beaches, history, and vibrant culture.   Snorkel in turquoise waters teeming with marine life or relax on pristine beaches with powdery white sand.  Zanzibar enchants with its unique charm and beauty

Escape to the islands off the coast of Croatia, where crystal-clear waters meet stunning landscapes and centuries-old architecture. Island-hopping through a paradise of over 1,000 islands, each offering its own unique charm. From the  nightlife of Hvar to the beauty of Mljet's national parks, Croatia's islands are an incredible mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Swim or paddle board in secluded coves, wander through ancient villages, and enjoy chef prepared meals on board, it does not get any better than this!    

 

This trip is in the early planning stages for September 2025, and is a small group, ( max 10 people)  let me know if you are interested in the details.  

 

 

The Gifted Travel Network meeting last month in Charlotte was inspiring.  Over 70 of our preferred partners flew in, and it was great to finally meet so many in person.   They have been EVERYWHERE, are way too much fun, and full of great travel ideas.    I can't wait for the next meeting, which will be in March in France.    

 

I seem to run with a very well traveled bunch ( talking about you guys) so keeping up with what is wonderful is important stuff.  

 

Planning the perfect trip really does take a village.  Diving into destination research, picking just the right local partners that fit your dreams and budget, and comparing itineraries to nail exactly what you envision is all part of the job.   

 

 

Huge thanks to my awesome supplier partners and the Virtuoso Consortia, they are all top-notch pros, always ready to dive into even my smallest questions and come through every time.