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.

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.