Dreams Do Come True

Years ago when Michael and I started to envision our lives as empty nesters, he shared with me his dream of traveling through Argentina once he retired, in Che Guevara fashion. I too have been inspired to choose destinations from books or movies and in M’s case, it was “The Motorcycle Diaries.”

Today, we are making his dream come true not on a motorbike like Che did, but in Travels with Tesa’s way. Yes, dreams do come true.

where we’re going

Buenos Aires - for art, culture history and tango

Mendoza - for Malbec

Patagonia - starting in Bariloche to Ushuaia

Bariloche - the Lake District

El Calafate - trekking the Glacier

El Chalten - Trekking Capital of Argentina

Ushuaia - The End of the World

Follow our travels on my IG @travelswithtesa where I plan to share our trip with regularity.

Most travelers from the United States with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination can enter Argentina, but there are restrictions.

• Proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result - Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test result. The test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure to Argentina.

• Mandatory COVID-19 test after arrival for vaccinated travelers - Fully vaccinated travelers are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test between the 3rd and 5th day after arrival in Argentina.

• Mandatory proof of vaccination

• Travelers must fill out a declaration form a maximum of 48 hours before travel. This form should be presented in digital or printed form to the airline during check-in.

• Travelers must wear masks in public places and on public transportation.

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.

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.

I hit a wall in Namibia

We were touring on the Skeleton Coast, named for the wooden ships that once ran aground here. In this spectacular part of southern Africa, driving an all-terrain vehicle on the towering dunes is one of the highlights for travelers.

Our guide Shiimi assured us the ride would be smooth and easy. It was my friend Teresa’s first time driving any kind of motorized vehicle. But I watched her just GO. She climbed on her ATV and drove fearlessly behind Shiimi for two hours.

Me, not so much. It was my first time driving an ATV (my excuse) and I drove like an old Asian lady (I’m pretty sure I’m allowed to say that because I fit the description sometimes). My husband Michael literally drove circles around me, entreating me to shift out of first gear so I’d go a little faster.

Suddenly, in the distance, I saw Teresa and Shiimi at the base of what appeared a very high wall, of Game of Thrones proportions. Had I forgotten to tell Shiimi about my fear of heights? If I followed them to the top, would I have the nerve to go down?

Again, I watched Teresa just GO. If she could do it, so could I.

I decided not to look too far ahead and to just focus on what was directly in front of me. I drove like this until I reached the top. And then I stopped to look around.

BREATHTAKING, right?

And so WORTH IT.

I’d like to share a few takeaways from this experience with you: Be present. Trust your guide. Open yourself to new experiences (why we travel). Travel with people who can set the pace, lead the way and be by your side. I hope your travels result in equally breathtaking moments.