STORIES

These are the places that stay with us. Stories shaped by personal journeys, quiet discoveries, extraordinary hotels, and the people who bring destinations to life. Part reflection, part guide, each piece offers insight beyond the itinerary—meant to inspire, inform, and deepen the way we see the world.

Asia, Bucket List Trips, China TESA TOTENGCO Asia, Bucket List Trips, China TESA TOTENGCO

Three Nights in Beijing

In the Forbidden City, people kept whispering to my guide while looking at me. When I asked what they were saying, he replied, “They’re asking if you’re Chinese.”
That moment set the tone for three unforgettable nights in Beijing—where private lunches on the Great Wall, brutal shopping honesty, unexpected ancestry revelations, and a forced digital detox reshaped how I saw China, and myself.

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Bucket List Trips, Adventure, Europe, Nordic TESA TOTENGCO Bucket List Trips, Adventure, Europe, Nordic TESA TOTENGCO

The Northern Lights

The morning we arrived in Honningsvåg, the weather forecast read: sunrise at 12:00 a.m., sunset at 12:00 a.m. High above the Arctic Circle, the sun neither rises nor sets — a fitting introduction to a journey where the Northern Lights didn’t need chasing. From polar nights and whale-filled fjords to quiet meals of king crab and unexpected detours, this was an Arctic experience shaped as much by timing and place as by preparation.

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Asia, South America, Bhutan, Bucket List Trips TESA TOTENGCO Asia, South America, Bhutan, Bucket List Trips TESA TOTENGCO

Iconic UNESCO World Heritage Adventures of 2024

In 2024, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to three of the world's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Each destination offered unique challenges, breathtaking views, and deep cultural significance. From having a private lunch on the Great Wall, to navigating the altitude at Machu Picchu, and hiking to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest, these experiences reminded me of humanity’s incredible perseverance and ingenuity.

Looking to explore these wonders for yourself? Let me guide you with insider tips and VIP access to make your adventure truly unforgettable! 🌍✨

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Beyond Machu Picchu: Discovering the True Magic of Peru

Peru was one of the first places I booked when I started my travel business, relying on trusted Virtuoso partners on the ground. Years later, I set off on my own 8-night adventure through Peru, starting solo in Lima, exploring the Sacred Valley, and ending in Cusco. While Machu Picchu is the headline act, Peru’s real charm lies in its unexpected gems: incredible food, stunning landscapes, and rich Incan culture. Just a heads up—Machu Picchu can be crowded, especially during peak season, and Cusco's altitude hits hard at over 11,000 feet. Hydrate, eat light, and sip coca tea to adjust. Peru isn’t just about the iconic sights; it’s the journey that makes it truly unforgettable.

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Africa, Adventure, Bucket List Trips TESA TOTENGCO Africa, Adventure, Bucket List Trips TESA TOTENGCO

On the road from Namibia

Michael and I, together with two friends, have been in Africa since May 6. We started our trip in Cape Town for 11 days and flew to Windhoek on May 17 for our 23-day self-drive journey in Namibia.

The seed of this trip sprouted three years ago when I started my business and one of my first clients asked me to help her plan a Namibia self-drive. Often, it is the wanderlust of my clients that inspires me.

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Africa, Adventure, Bucket List Trips TESA TOTENGCO Africa, Adventure, Bucket List Trips TESA TOTENGCO

10 Day Tanzania Safari - The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Greatest Show on Earth

High up on my bucket list was the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Mara River in Tanzania. We were fortunate to witness this not once, but twice. In the vastness of the Serengeti, there were only a handful of tourists and only a smattering of safari vehicles on the river banks. In a normal year, hundreds of jeeps line the Mara River jockeying for the best viewing position.

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