Need some travel inspiration? Take a look at blog posts from some of Laura's favorite itineraries:
UGANDA + RWANDA: GORILLAS + CHIMPS
Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife activities in Africa. The experience differs from a game drive in the Serengeti of Tanzania, the Mara, Kenya, or Kruger National Park in South Africa. Intrepid travelers who have been on a safari before often yearn for that next African wildlife adventure of Gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas are only found in three places on earth: the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. This opportunity is extraordinary because lucky trekkers hike into this region’s hilly, forested mountains to find gorillas in their natural habitat. Continue reading on my Gorilla encounter here…
ICELAnd: the land of fire and ice
Iceland is one of the most geologically active areas on Earth. It offers lucky visitors the opportunity to be a first-hand witness to the creative forces of nature at work. With over thirty active volcanoes—and an abundance of glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls— one feels that everything around them is constantly in motion. Lucky travelers feel as though they have the country to themselves to horseback ride, glacier-walk, explore waterfalls and lava tubes, snowmobile, and soak in the natural hot thermal spas found throughout the country. With a mix of authentic countryside retreats and over-the-top five-star hotels, the experiences go way beyond the activities themselves. Continue on my Iceland adventure here…
VINO: Spain’s priorat, ribera del duero, and la rioja wine regions
Here is a fun fact – Spain is the second most mountainous country (after Switzerland) and has more land planted with grapes than any other nation in the world. Italy and France produce more wine, however, as Spain’s old vines grow in rugged, in-fertile, arid lands that produce low yields of highly concentrated and revered juice! Many think of Spain’s wines being born in the sun and heat, which of course influence its’ grapes. Yet the greatest Spanish vineyards are often located well above 1000 feet above sea level, where weather conditions are considerably cooler. While Tempranillo is king in Spain, there are multiple top-quality and very exciting black and white grapes produced in their famous wine regions and in lesser-known up-and-coming areas. On this trip, we traveled with dear friends and fellow wine lovers and met up with some of the most passionate winemakers I have ever known in Priorat, Ribera del Duero, and La Rioja. Continue on our wine tour around Spain here..
MENORCA: GEM OF sPain’s balearic islands
Menorca is the most laid-back and tranquil of Spain’s popular Balearic Islands — less clubby than Ibiza, less touristed than neighboring Mallorca. Authentic towns filled with locals and Spanish, unreal beaches, nature, active adventures, and wonderful little restaurants make this a paradise for those lucky enough to holiday on this “hidden gem”! Continue reading about all Menorca has to offer here…
ON safari with friends & family: south aFRICa and botswana
Safari Life is like no other experience in the world. It is raw, remote, heavenly, luxurious, mind-blowing, awe-inspiring, emotional, terrifying, hopeful, indulgent, carnal, sensual, simplistic, rugged, and moving all in one. On the other hand safari life can leave you simply speechless and for certain it does change you. What you experience deep in the bush stays with you for a life time, and most often brings you back for more. Continue on the Safari adventure here…
thailand: A mother-son adventure
We took off on New Year’s Eve from Altanta on Delta/Korean Air’s new flagship Airbus 350 and were happy to toast the New Year from the new Delta One Suites which were quite comfortable. The food was tasty and the wine selection was decent – I enjoy long haul flights to Asia because there is actually enough time to have dinner, enjoy a movie and still get a full nights sleep. By the time I awake for breakfast, I see that we are nearly there! Read on to see more…
LAOS, AUTHENTIC & WONDERFUL SE ASIA
For many of our clients touring SE Asia, the common feedback is that Luang Prabang in Laos is often their favorite stop. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage designated city in 1995, Luang Prabang has unique and remarkably well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage from several centuries, including its French Colonial influences from the 19th and 20th centuries. Continue to my blog to take a trip to the past…
SWISS WINTER WONDERLAND
Europe is incredibly busy during the summer and certain places are simply magical in the winter, minus the crowds. Switzerland is a country I have visited several times during the winter and it is truly a wonderland of alpine freshness and city buzz throughout the season. Check out my blog for more on this wonderful winter adventure...
URUGUAY: SOUTH AMERICA’S BEST KEPT SECRET
Uruguay is a virtually unexplored destination for traditional tourism. This small, peaceful country referred to as the “Switzerland of South America” is proud of its 200 years of democracy with the lowest corruption rate, fairest wealth distribution, and highest literacy rate on the continent. Boasting over 400 miles of coastline on the River Plate and the Atlantic, travelers delight in Uruguay’s historical and cultural cities, posh beach resorts, small fishing villages, Winelands, native forests, and horse country. With a mix of strong Spanish and Portuguese, indigenous, and gaucho cultures, Uruguay is a hospitable and fascinating country. Head over to my blog to check out the amazing views…
Mas vino: an argentine wine extravaganza
Malbec is Argentina’s signature grape. Nowhere else in the world does malbec rise to such heights of quality and richness as it does here. Our fun-loving group of wine enthusiasts based ourselves at the Cavas Wine Lodge in the Lujan de Cuyo wine region of Mendoza, where the majority of the country’s top wines are produced in the high-altitude desert-like conditions surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains. Grab your wine and click here to read more…
ATACAMA: ADVENTURE TO THE HIGHEST & DRIEST DESERT IN THE WORLD
The San Pedro de Atacama oasis, in the middle of the driest desert in the world, has an altitudinal peculiarity: it is situated at 8,200 feet above sea level, making the Atacama not only the driest, but also the highest desert on earth. For this reason, the year-round climate is pleasant and the transparency of light is unique. The outlandish geography of volcanoes, salt flats and high-altitude wetlands, has an unparalleled appeal. But the oasis of San Pedro is simply an introduction. It is the last area where human life is possible; where a visitor can still be harbored. Grab your water and boots, then head over to my blog to learn more…
FABULOUS FLORENCE: FROM FIESOLE TO THE OLTRARNO
Florence always makes me happy! I lived here for a year in the late 80's and have been back at least a dozen times since. The city remains true to its impressive 15th century architecture, proud Florentine style, and mind-blowing Renaissance art. Click here to see my view from my home at the wonderful Il Saliviatino hotel…
INDIA - A DREAM REALIZED
India is sound and color, chaos and peace, tradition and innovation. The subcontinent holds a variety of contrasting images, from Kipling-esque visions of spectacular, carved temples and gleaming marble palaces, to lonely Himalayan lamaseries and far-flung dusty villages where council meetings are held under the shade of a banyan tree. Check out my blog for more on this trip of a lifetime...
For more travel inspiration, check out my blog!