Shawna Huffman Owen and I have been friends for years and like to mix business and pleasure by traveling to check out new destinations for our clients. This past winter, we spent four nights in Berlin and loved it, despite the fact that locals kept telling us we were there at the worst time of year. We had a wonderful time in frigid temperatures, so I can only imagine how fantastic the city is when the beer gardens are open and everyone is out enjoying the sunshine and breezes from the River Spree.

Greece had been on my bucket list for years. Whose isn’t it on? I’ve always been intrigued with the historical aspect of Greece, but most of all, I had to see for myself if the sunsets are really that great and if the food is really that good. I am happy to report Greece lives up to the hype. Don’t think twice about it, just go!

One small country, bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, is ideally situated: Guatemala. With its ancient Mayan temples, Spanish colonial cities, cloud-shrouded highland villages, and thirty-three volcanoes (three of which are highly active), it’s a destination that will boggle all of your senses!

Have you ever noticed that each country, each city within that country, and each neighborhood within that city, seem to have a life of their own? We all relate to some areas over others. Some may prefer LA over New York, Seattle over Dallas or Miami over Atlanta. Almost as if each city has its own personality and we make friends with some more than others. During a recent journey through Spain, I met Seville, Cordoba, Madrid, and Barcelona.

Having visited numerous times over the years, South Africa is one of my most favorite places to explore. Whether it is for safari or for city culture, it will never disappoint. My most recent trip confirmed my deep fondness for this part of Africa.

Travel helps us bond with our family in a way that proves difficult when bogged down by day-to-day life, full of to-do lists, careers, school, and activities. When out exploring, away from our normal lives, we create memories, we learn about other cultures and ways of life, and we enjoy simply being together.

My husband and I take a week-long trip alone every July. It’s very good for the marriage given the fact that we have four young sons. This year, we decided to explore some parts of Italy we’d never been to: Lake Garda and the Dolomite Mountains.

When I told friends that my husband and I were going to visit The Sultanate of Oman in April, the first inevitable question I was asked was, “Is it safe?”. Not only is it safe, it is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever seen.

Italy consistently ranks among the top travel lists of globetrotters and it’s not hard to see why. The endless pursuit of “La Dolce Vita”…perfectly sun-ripened sweet tomatoes, soft white mozzarella cheese, and lazy, wine soaked lunches. The country that resembles a boot has an abundance of culture, charm, and history making it not just a “one and done” travel proposition, but a country that beckons for many a return visit.

Like many of my travelers, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I arrived in Iceland. This remote island, which is relatively new to the list of popular destinations, has limited 5-star hotels and no bellmen standing by to assist. What makes it special, however, are its comfortable, yet simplistic, accommodations and its jaw-dropping scenery. The landscape is full of contrast and diversity that felt other-worldly at times. Waterfalls abound at every turn. Geysers and thermal pools are scattered throughout the country. Iceland boasts one of the best landscapes I’ve ever experienced.

When I found out we were invited to a wedding of a dear friend in Colombia, I was ecstatic to hit my first country “over there”. The wedding would take place in Cartagena, but as I thoroughly researched Colombia, I discovered that its regions are quite different from one another. I knew we had to make it a 10-day trip and explore the various areas. Each region has its own history and a different climate than the others as well, so it was really like taking three trips in in one.

We all go through life seeking out that one destination that will leave you breathless, the one that will check all of your lifetime boxes, the one that will make you feel completely removed from the world, the one that will entice all of your senses, and the one remote island destination that you will long to come back to time and time again. Meet The Brando, Tahiti’s first ‘ultra inclusive resort’ on the Tetiaroa Atoll.

Read Shawna Huffman Owen’s interview with Spokin and learn about her travel tips to travelers with allergies.