Layover in Houston The countdown has officially begun for the next Total solar Eclipse across North America. After years of planning, upheaval due to natural disasters, and many other unforeseen twists, I am headed to Ixtapa for the first leg of the exclusive chartered cruise program for Paul Maley’s Eclipse Tours. The hotel crew at… Continue reading Countdown to Eclipse – Ixtapa touchdown

A couple of expiring flight certificates on Delta were the impetus for a spontaneous long weekend in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires over the US Presidents Holiday. We landed at EZE after uneventful connecting flights via Atlanta and then endured a two hour line at immigration. With tge weather clear and smooth, all five… Continue reading Buenos Aires – Weekend Jaunt

Having spent 3 nights in San Miguel, I can wholeheartedly endorse its reputation as a “perfect weekend” getaway that offers relaxation for all the senses. Of course, there is always the option to relocate permanently as our friends Al and Jackie have done. View over San Miguel While my flight on United via Houston was… Continue reading March in San Miguel – Perfect weekend

It took half a day to get to Leon from San Francisco by plane and a further 1.5 hours by car to reach the “corrazon” of Mexico - the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende. A group of about fifty gathered here for a long celebratory weekend to commemorate Albert Garcia’s round birthday. Colorful… Continue reading March in San Miguel – Worth a celebration

Brightline train in Orlando As our time on Icon of the Seas ended, my colleague Michelle and I had to make our way to Orlando for our Virtuoso conference. This gave us the opportunity to try the newest mass transit mode - the privately funded Brightline East high speed train. Miami downtown station A short… Continue reading Bonus Blog – Brightline Miami to Orlando

Icon of the Seas in port at Perfect Day As promised in yesterday’s blog, here is the update on the fantastic water show at the aqua theater. This groundbreaking show with 22 athletes performing unimaginable feats in, on, and above the water is setting a new level for creativity and execution. It is in my… Continue reading 24 starts with a bang – Private island and more

Splash zone at night Our tour of this innovative ship continued today with lots of nooks and crannies (hidden gems) to discover. From a speakeasy supper club (8 course meal and cocktail pairing with live music) to an adults only private hideaway with the world’s first suspended edgeless pool, there is something for everyone. Super… Continue reading 24 starts with a bang – Sailaway and day at sea

Red-eye flight behind me, I am sitting at the Royal Caribbean transfer desk at MIA airport with anticipation for the 3-nights that lie ahead. The geek in me is looking forward to seeing how this newest ship elevates the game and how it all functions. One thing is clear even before I board, Royal Caribbean… Continue reading 24 starts with a bang – Anticipation for Icon

Happy New Year to all my readers. I am excited to start another exciting year in travel with a bang. While my first trip ended up falling through as my new passport didn’t arrive in time, I am now kicking the year off with a 3-day Icon of the Seas inaugural out of Miami next… Continue reading 24 starts with a bang – Icon of the Seas

Team farewell toast One defining feature colors all Antarctica cruises - the famed Drake’s passage. This open ocean section presents some of the most challenging navigable waters on the planet. Treacherous winds, massive swells, and storm after storm passing through this natural funnel make it the most feared passage on the planet. Drake’s passage from… Continue reading Antarctica – What about the Drake?

Best ever chocolate desert at La Dame There are many options for expedition cruising in the polar regions these days. So it comes down to preferences in style and substance (I.e. soft vs full on adventure). While not the newest ship, Silver Cloud punched a big hole in comfort, quality, and overall amenities that set… Continue reading Antarctica – Silversea Cruises sets the bar high

Icy Cathedral Reflecting back on a life in tourism, from my early days guiding rail traffic in tiny Swiss stations, my early 30s TransAmerican VW Vanagon days, to the past extraordinary 6 years at Direct Travel, one place stood unwaveringinfly at the top of my aspirational list - Antarctica. Adelie Penguins on an iceberg I… Continue reading Antarctica reached – Speechless & Emotional

Having made it back to a balmy 85 degree Santiago de Chile and then home for the holidays, it is time for final reflections on this “life-changing” trip. Our cabin with all the goodies While overall a great success, I admit right away that I underestimated a few areas of preparation for this “once-in-a-lifetime” trip.… Continue reading Antarctica left behind – Final Reflections

My personal determination to make it down here to Antarctica started with a squirt back in March of 1980. In fact, it was a humiliating squirt straight onto my new Sunday dress pant legs purchased for the Protestant Confirmation service that day. Before the ceremony scheduled for 1pm, our family and attending relatives gathered at… Continue reading Antarctica reached – 7th Continent checked (a squirty reason revealed)

Elephant island emerges from fog Our first few hours down here at the edge of Earth’s southernmost continent were of the foggy and windy mind. As with everything in life, good things come to those who wait and sure enough, by early afternoon, the sun broke through and showered us with endless light across these… Continue reading Antarctica reached – Whales, Icebergs, and Penguins