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! 🌍✨
Relais & Châteaux, the epitome of boutique luxury and gastronomic excellence, took me on an unforgettable journey through Brittany and beyond. From the modern elegance of Les Lumière in Versailles to the coastal charm of Domaine de Rochevilaine, and the forest retreat of Domaine de Locguenole, each property offered a unique blend of heritage, comfort, and world-class hospitality. Along the way, I discovered hidden gems like Les Etangs de Corot, Saint James Paris, and Relais Christine—each steeped in charm and character. Whether you're craving Michelin-starred cuisine, serene spas, or unique accommodations (hello, hen house!), Relais & Châteaux delivers moments of unparalleled beauty and indulgence. Ready to explore?
Tucked away in the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are a remote paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. With more sheep than people, this rugged, green archipelago boasts dramatic cliffs, serene waterfalls, and unspoiled landscapes that feel straight out of a fairy tale. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude and breathtaking hikes, but don’t expect luxury—cozy B&Bs and self-catering cottages are the norm.
Between sampling local brews and savoring fresh salmon or lamb, you can explore the islands by car, boat, or even via impressive subsea tunnels. For a unique cultural experience, share a meal with a Faroese family or explore the capital, Tórshavn, home to Michelin-guide restaurants. If you crave the untouched and undiscovered, the Faroe Islands are calling.
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.
Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is a town where history, culture, and craftsmanship intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Imagine strolling through lantern-lit streets, where ancient wooden houses stand as silent witnesses to centuries of diverse cultural influences. Known as the "tailoring capital of Southeast Asia," Hoi An offers the unique opportunity to have a custom suit crafted in just a few days, blending tradition with modern convenience. As night falls, the town transforms into a vibrant spectacle of lights and colors, with lanterns floating on the Thu Bon River, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. Hoi An is more than a destination; it’s a place where every moment becomes a cherished memory.
Argentina’s Patagonia is the #1 reason to visit. There are lakes to kayak, horses to ride, rivers to raft, mountains to trek, forests to hike, glaciers to trek, and penguins to visit. If you love nature and adventure, this is the country for you. But there’s more to Argentina than its natural wonders.
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.
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.
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.
