Go n-éirí an bóthar leat (Gaelic)

May the road rise up to meet you

And indeed it did, for the two weeks that I spent on the island that is Ireland, both the Republic and Northern (UK) side.

The first half of my trip was hosted by a luxury DMC (Destination Management Company) and their rep company. DMC’s are local experts in a country and are my go-to when planning a client’s trip.

Adare Manor, The KClub, Lough Eske Castle

We experienced Luxury Ireland, stayed at beautiful castles, manor houses, and were enthralled with a wide variety of experiences — from a humbling visit to a tenement house, to uncasking a 50-year-old Jameson whiskey, to a helicopter ride to the Aran Islands, to foraging in the forest, to Michelin dinners, to a horse and hound welcome, to ax-throwing and falconry.

Horse and Hound Welcome at Mount Juliet Estate, Falconry at The KClub, Helicopter to the Aran Islands

The second half of my trip was more personal. Michael met me in Dublin and we spent the next week exploring Northern Ireland with Kieran, our private chauffeur and guide. We started in at the Titanic Museum in Belfast, then drove the Northern Antrim to the Giant’s Causeway, explored Derry and Donegal, and returned to Dublin for our flight home

Gleniff Horseshoe, The Dark Hedges aka King’s Road, Glenveagh National Park

There are so many reasons to visit, explore and experience Ireland. Here are some of mine:

• Over 90% of the adult population are vaccinated.

• Dublin is only 6 ½ hours from the East Coast. Clearing customs and immigration in Dublin makes it a very easy trip back to the US.

• The Aran Islands, Giant’s Causeway, Slieve Liag, Cliffs of Mohr, Wild Atlantic Way, Northern Antrim, Gleniff Horsehoe, and Glenveagh National Park are some of the most scenic and inspiring places I’ve ever been to.

• There is greater value for luxury accommodations in Ireland than in most European countries and even the US.

• There are 494 golf courses on the island!!!

• Irish butter, bread, and potatoes are a cut above the rest. Trust the weight I gained.

• Fans of Game of Thrones, rejoice. Northern Ireland boasts 25 filming locations in addition to the Game of Thrones Studio in Belfast.

• The TITANIC museum in Belfast is a must experience. I’ve since watched the movie again and see it now through a very different lens.

• Learn about The Troubles, the violent, three-decade-long conflict between Protestants and Catholics/Republicans and Unionists. 

• Celebrate the 23-year old peace treaty by signing your name on the Peace Wall (it’s encouraged).

• And lastly, the Irish. As Michael always says, “Every place is only as good as its people.”  

Visit Ireland and let me plan your trip.

Can you believe we only have two more months remaining in 2021? Stay safe and healthy.

High Times in Low Country

Earlier this month, I participated in Travel + Leisure’s Travel Advisory Board Meeting held in-person at the Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head SC. As you know, I was invited to join T+L’s Travel Advisory Board in 2020. It’s such an honor and privilege to be part of this group which shares its industry knowledge with the editors of T+L and oversees tens of thousands of individual trips annually.

It was my first time in Hilton Head, South Carolina and now know why it was voted the best island in the continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards. There is so much to see and do in HH. Biking is a way of life here, as is golf and the beach. The food was exceptional, from grilled steaks, to shrimp and grits, to peach cobbler.

We met with valued partners from Outrigger Resorts, Four Seasons Lanai, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Thailand Tourism, Destination Canada, BodyHoliday St Lucia, and T+L Co. The hospitality and generosity was above and beyond, but my “pinch-me” high moment was coming back to my room and finding an autographed Stan Smith Adidas sneaker. Should I wear or memorialize it? Do weigh in.

At a Low Country Fond Farewell Lunch hosted by the Mitchelville Preservation Project, we experienced the best of Gullah food, music, art and culture.

From Septemer 20-23, I’ll be in Mayakoba, Mexico, attending ILTM North America as a hosted buyer. ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) is an invitation-only event, where the best travel agents and advisors from across the USA, Canada and Mexico meet the world’s best luxury travel experience professionals. I am extremely honored and excited to be attending this much awaited in-person industry event.

I have 57 meetings scheduled over three days, four cocktail parties, two luncheons, and three dinners. I’ve been training for this and am ready to take my travel business to the next level.

I am officially ready for Fall. How about you? Stay safe and healthy.

Greece and Egypt Tested Us

Photos by @michaelgirman

Michael and I just came back from a three-week trip that brought us to Greece for the nth time, and to Egypt for the first. It was our first ever cruise aboard the World Navigator of Atlas Ocean Voyages on its maiden voyage from Athens to Cairo. 

We had six COVID tests throughout this trip: one before flying to Greece, another before boarding the boat, three during the cruise, and the last before flying home. Both of us tested negative throughout.

Unfortunately, one passenger on board the Navigator tested positive en route to Cairo. We were two among many passengers who had been exposed to this guest (on the same shore excursion bus, dinner table, etc.), and we were asked to isolate in our cabins. Our ship returned to Crete where the passenger and family disembarked. He was quarantined in a COVID hotel for eight days while his family members stayed in a separate hotel and explored Crete until he tested negative and was cleared to fly back to the US.

The rest of us were flown in two private charter flights from Crete to Cairo, put up at the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton, and treated to a private dinner and show at the Giza pyramids. Today I received a $250 per person check as recompense and a $500 future cruise credit. Despite the initial confusion and uncertainty, Atlas Ocean Voyages did everything they could to make the trip worthwhile for the passengers. I wholeheartedly support suppliers who stand behind their products, promises, and clients.

photos by @michaelgirman

Egypt took my breath away, and not just because it was the height of summer (107°F 42°C). The scope, expanse, and enormity of their/our ancient history is too great and important to squeeze in a box. We explored Cairo, entered an active archeological site in Saqqara, flew to Luxor and visited Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, cruised up the Nile River (biblical scenery), stopping at Edfu and Aswan, and on our last day drove south to Abu Simbel (40km from Sudan). We also visited a carpet school, alabaster factory, essential oils shop, markets in Old Cairo, and a Nubian village. All throughout we were privately guided by Aziz, an Egyptologist and now friend and business partner. We rode in our private minivan/camel/horse carriage/motor boat/felucca. We felt secure throughout our trip. When there were unavoidable crowds, we masked up, sanitized, and maintained a safe distance. 

When you are ready to breathe in Egypt, allow me to plan your trip for you.

Do you choose the familiar or unfamiliar?

Michael and I just came back from a week-long stay at Martha’s Vineyard, MA. It wasn’t our first time but it’s been nine years since we last visited our friends who have a home there. We flew out of JFK and in an hour arrived at the island. In Massachusetts, masks are optional for fully vaccinated people except in certain locations.

We had a bounty of fresh seafood, local produce, and were spoiled by the culinary prowess of my friends. We explored several beaches, fairs, and markets. We also met some of their friends who are local, summer renters, and even my neighbor from NYC.

Usually, I like the novelty of the unfamiliar when traveling. But in this instance, it was an absolute pleasure to be in the familiar embrace and company of friends we love. This visit even had some of the elements I look for while traveling: great food, local artisans, and hidden gems.

Discovery is at the core of why I travel and this trip was full of delights and surprises.

Next week, I’ll be in unfamiliar territory. Michael and I are taking our first ever cruise aboard the World Navigator of Atlas Ocean Voyages on their maiden voyage from Athens to Cairo. It’ll also be our first time in Egypt. We’re spending nine days post-cruise to explore Cairo and sail on the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. There is WiFi on board so please follow our adventure on @travelswithtesa.

At the end of August, I’ll be in Hilton Head, SC (also a first) at the Sea Pines Resort for my second in-person T+L Board Meeting. Judging from our last meeting at Montage Healdsburg & Pendry West Hollywood, this promises to be as productive, informative, inspiring, and fun.

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer. Stay safe and healthy.