(A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog about the criteria UNESCO uses to designate its World Heritage sites.  If you missed it, you can find it here.) During my recent familiarization trip to Eastern Australia, I didn’t just revisit those ideas—I experienced them firsthand. There’s something very different about reading that a place is “universally […]

Morocco represents an intriguing blend of ancient traditions and modern luxury, where centuries of multicultural influences have created a fascinating destination. Culturally, Morocco is a mosaic of Berber, Arab, African, and French traditions, which are reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and rhythm of daily life. Islamic heritage profoundly shapes its social fabric, evident in its […]

When I visited Puerto Rico on a cruise back in 2019, I’ll admit—I wasn’t expecting much. I’d been to plenty of Caribbean islands before, and I thought Puerto Rico might feel like more of the same. Instead, I stepped off the ship in San Juan and quickly realized how wrong I was. Puerto Rico turned […]

I just returned from a transformational week at Virtuoso Travel Week, a global gathering of the most respected luxury travel advisors, hoteliers, cruise lines, tour operators, and destination experts from around the world. After six full days and over 160 meetings, three travel trends became very clear: 1. Multigenerational Travel Memories Over Material Gifts Grandparents […]

There’s something grounding about standing on soil your ancestors once called home. Maybe it’s the air—cooler, somehow, or charged with recognition. Or perhaps it’s just the realization that their choices shaped your path, whether they came over on a ship in the 1800s (like my ancestors did) or fled hardship with little more than a […]

There are some places where the best way to understand the culture is through a museum. Vietnam isn’t one of them. To truly understand Vietnam, follow your appetite. From street stalls to century-old royal recipes, this country shares its story through bowls of comforting broth, sizzling snacks fresh off carts, and vibrant herbs that practically […]

You’ve checked off Paris, sipped your way through Napa, and skied every inch of the Matterhorn. If your passport is full of the usual heavy hitters, it’s time to widen the viewfinder. Below are ten destination “trade-ups” that maintain the high quality of lodging, guiding, and cuisine while sidestepping crowds, overexposure, and sticker shock. Each […]

Japan has been named the “best country in the world” by Condé Nast readers in 2023, and my recent trip confirmed why it deserves a top spot on your luxury travel list. Here’s a brief guide to visiting this captivating country. Best Time to Visit Spring (March to May): Enjoy cherry blossoms in perfect weather, but […]

When I travel to Spain, one of my favorite things to do is a Tapas tour.  I love trying different small bites to get to know the culture of the places I visit.  When I travel to Italy, it makes me so happy that Venice’s culinary scene offers a delightful tradition that rivals Spain’s tapas: cicchetti. These […]

As a luxury travel advisor with a deep passion for Africa, I recently had the privilege of exploring Kenya’s most exquisite lodges and wildlife sanctuaries. This journey didn’t just reinforce my love for this land—it reminded me why every traveler deserves to experience the heart-stopping beauty, vibrant cultures, and soul-stirring encounters that only Kenya can offer. Hemingways Nairobi: Where Your Adventure Begins in Style Your Kenyan journey starts in the suburb of […]