Reviews

Oslo, Norway – June 2019 (Updated)
June 1, 2019

I have a great job and love what I do, but there are some times when you just need a little change in scenery. So, imagine my surprise when the opportunity popped up to head to Norway for a week. Quite a scenery change, huh? I had never been to Norway, nor had I ever been that far north. I also had just returned from New Zealand, where I was just the furthest south I had ever been! Cramming both trips in within a month’s time was a challenge, but I was certainly up to the task! I’m even more blessed that I now spend a significant amount of time is such a gorgeous country.

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Le Meridien Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom – November 2018
November 21, 2018

We just got back from yet another trip to London! When planning our first trip in 2011, we originally planned to go over Christmas, but the family objected and we decided to take time off at Thanksgiving instead. This actually worked out well since most attractions are closed for 3 days at Christmas, but the holiday light displays were up, and we were able to do a lot of Christmas shopping while we were there! So, when we planned a trip to go back, we knew that heading there around the Thanksgiving holiday would be the best option for the type of trip we wanted. From that point forward, our tradition was set and we now set aside time every late November/early December to travel to our favorite city. Sometimes we stray ever so slightly to accommodate other interests, but no matter when we go, it never disappoints.

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Stavanger, Norway – May 2018
May 15, 2018

It’s becoming a regular occurrence that I spend a lot of time in Norway. While I go there for business, I try to explore the country on a personal level. I’ve done the Hurtigruten Cruise along the fjords, which was fantastic, but it was time to do some exploring on the ground. So, at the end of my latest business trip, I enjoyed a hike in the fjordland just outside of Stavanger. The mission: hike Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in the DARK to be able to enjoy the sunrise overlooking the stunning Lysefjorden.

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Marlborough, New Zealand and The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia – March 2018
May 11, 2018

I was beyond excited to visit two of my favorite South Pacific destinations, and now that the trip is over, I can confidently say it lived up to all expectations. I spent time hiking and wine tasting in the Marlborough region of New Zealand followed by some rest and relaxation at The Brando, an exclusive resort on the island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia. I had been wanting to personally visit and share my review of The Brando for quite some time, so this was truly a dream bucket list-type trip and it just continued my love affair with each of these destinations.

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Stockholm, Sweden – January 2018
February 11, 2018

2018 got off to a grand start for me – a two week trip around Northern Europe. With 1 night in London, 2 nights in Stockholm, 2 nights in Amsterdam, and the remaining time in Trondheim, Noway, I took advantage of flight connections and weekends to explore as much as possible. It’s true that I specialize in South Pacific travel, but Europe holds a special place in my heart and I never pass up the chance for a visit to some of my favorite cities and some new ones along the way.

Note: Any notes of interest for London, Amsterdam, or Trondheim have been made in previous posts on these destinations.

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Denali National Park, Alaska – September 2017
September 28, 2017

On a quest to explore and learn a bit more about myself, I took advantage of an opportunity to visit Denali National Park. I had only been to Alaska once before and felt I needed to take advantage of this opportunity to see more of the state, especially while it was above freezing. I had a tough time deciding where I wanted to focus my adventure, as Alaska offers so many exciting National Parks and scenic towns. However, I felt as a single traveler, it was in my best interest to contact the professionals. I reached out to Explore Fairbanks to get the low down on my options that would allow me to experience Alaska while keeping safety in mind. Tyler, a representative at Explore Fairbanks, recommended Denali National Park. I admit I was a bit hesitant to hike on my own, but I trusted his recommendation.

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Norwegian Adventure on Hurtigruten – May 2017
May 26, 2017

Another year and another opportunity to visit Norway! My visit in 2016 seemed so rushed with only four days on the ground in Oslo, so I was not about to let the chance to explore the country pass me by this time. I had nine days to see everything Norway has to offer before needing to make an appearance in Oslo, but it didn’t take me long to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my time. I felt the best way to see as much of Norway as possible and experience what Norway is really known for (that amazing coastline!) is to do a Fjord cruise. I personally do not like larger ships and I also wanted to be able to see as much on land as I would on the water, so I felt Hurtigruten Cruises was the best option for my trip.

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New Zealand – March 2016
April 11, 2016

I’ve been to Tahiti, Fiji, the Cook Islands, and Australia. So, it’s only natural that I head to New Zealand on my next South Pacific Adventure! I admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of New Zealand. Afterall, I primarily focus on luxury tropical travel. Even my trip to Australia was focused on the Great Barrier Reef, so beaches, snorkeling, etc. However, as a South Pacific Specialist (working toward my New Zealand Specialist certification), I always want to be able to share my personal experience with my clients. So, I set off for New Zealand with an open mind and the desire to experience as much as the country can offer in two weeks’ time. Upon my return, I’m speechless. It was a magical, amazing, and incredible trip!

I recommend grabbing a beverage and snack of your choice before reading, as this is a long review!

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Southampton, Portsmouth and Wool, United Kingdom – November 2015
December 7, 2015

In supplement to our annual visit to London (see separate review), we decided to add on 3 nights to our stay in England. For this portion of our stay, we decided to head Southwest of the city to cities of Southampton, Portsmouth. Why Southampton, Portsmouth, and Wool? Well, if you are a military history buff, you probably know the answer. For those that aren’t (for example, me!), you’ll find the Historic Dockyards in Portsmouth and the Tank Museum in Wool/Bovington. Southampton just happens to be in between!

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St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Punta de Mita, Mexico – August 2015
August 26, 2015

I was VERY excited about this trip from the moment I knew I could book it. The St. Regis Punta Mita is consistently rated as one of the top resorts in Mexico and I had never traveled to the Riviera Nayarit area of the country, so it seemed like an obvious choice to “kill a few birds with one stone” (I promise- no birds were harmed during our trip!) I’d travel to a new destination, experience a resort I have always wanted to visit, check out a highly rated luxury property for you, my clients, and celebrate my wedding anniversary on the opposite end of the Pacific Ocean from where we were married.

Photo Courtesy of St. Regis Punta Mita

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