ABOUT

My first big travel adventure occurred the year I celebrated my 11th birthday in Ireland. That summer, my family drove through the Irish countryside in a VW bus, visiting relatives on their farms, in small towns, and in big city Dublin. That trip is memorable because, in addition to seeing all the sights, we befriended our cousins, helped our uncle’s herd dog round up the cows, watched various aunts make soda bread, measuring out flour by the handful. We had a front-row seat to life in Ireland that I will never forget.

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In many ways, that trip represents what is important to me today in a travel experience: immersive, experiential, and full of wonder. Whether I’m passing through a small town or traveling to a faraway destination, I like to wrap the place around me like it’s a coat that I will wear until it’s time to leave. Often, the best way to do this is by engaging with local history, heritage, arts, and cuisine. These moments really make a trip shine. 

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Over the years, I’ve been able to set aside six weeks each year for vacation time with my husband and six children, so I have learned first-hand how to plan a successful travel experience at home and abroad. Being away from the concerns of daily life enables us to turn our full attention to each other and the world we are visiting. Getting under the skin of our destination by exploring its cultural offerings makes for a richer, more memorable trip. Adding touches of luxury boosts everyone’s enjoyment and sense of renewal.