I’m passionate about adventure travel, naturally seeking out exotic and otherworldly destinations, and New Zealand has been near the top of my personal list for ages. When the time came to embark on my adventure, I chose our American Express preferred partner, Swain Destinations, as they are known for offering incredible vacation experiences with a special emphasis in the South Pacific as the founder, Ian Swain, is Australian. My personal adventure was incredibly educational. I learned first-hand all of the amazing itinerary options available to craft for any of my clients, from adventure-seeker to luxury cosmopolitan tourist. Read on to follow my winding journey through one of the most amazing countries in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand.
Read MoreTopics: Hotels + Resorts, Travel Advisor, Leisure Travel, Vacations
Last September, I set off for the amazing city of lights again, this time to attend the wedding of a very close friend. My previous visit to Paris was in 2015, which included all the big tourist spots over a long weekend. Having already visited the Eiffel Tower, relaxed on a Seine boat cruise, spent hours in the Louvre, and enjoyed Versailles, this time I had a full week and was determined to truly explore Paris and immerse myself deeper into French culture. Here are a few pro tips for a weeklong visit to Paris...
Read MoreTopics: New, Europe, Food + Culture, Leisure Travel, Vacations
Gadgets and technology seem to rule the land of holiday gift giving. After all, everyone wants the latest phones, newest smart home widgets, and best video game consoles. Don't they?
Read MoreTopics: Leisure Travel, Custom Travel, Vacations
The mere mention of Transylvania conjures images of vampires, werewolves, and haunted forests. Lying in wait for your arrival, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, you'll find the home of many myths and legends in Transylvania. My husband and I toured this region before embarking on an AmaWaterways Danube River cruise. This bucket list experience was my birthday present and was truly magical. With all the dark lore surrounding this region, I was surprised at the magnificent beauty and authentic hospitality of the local people and I look forward to returning to central Romania.
Read MoreTopics: Leisure Travel, Vacations
Patagonia, the southern edge of South America, is so wild and vast a single country can’t contain it. Shared by both Chile and Argentina, this majestic land of enormous glaciers, wide-open skies, and magical fjords is adventure incarnate. I’m sharing a very adventurous itinerary this month in the hopes you’ll want to discover Patagonia’s savage beauty by land and sea on a tour I will customize for you, bookended with unforgettable moments in bustling Buenos Aires and enchanting Santiago.
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