Read on about Jeff, André, and Megan’s most memorable experiences, and why they hold them close to their hearts.

JEFF HOOD

Unwinding at The Brando, French Polynesia

The Brando takes it to the next level and has stayed number one on my list for a while. The staff welcomes you like no other private island in the world! From sublime private beachfront villas to delicious meals, the famous “Dirty Old Bob” cocktail with toes in the sand, I didn’t want to leave. I will always treasure memories of paddle boarding and kayaking on the calm waters, trekking dense fields to find the deep sulfur mud ponds and bathe in them, and searching for the elusive coconut crabs – the largest in the world. If this is heaven, count me in!

Sailing the British Virgin Islands on a Catamaran

With life being so regimented, when I was invited to travel to the BVI’s and spend five days sailing these gorgeous islands on a luxury catamaran, it didn’t take too much convincing! It’s true island life: no set times, you arrange your itinerary with your captain, and it’s smooth sailing from there. Plus, you can’t beat the chef-prepared meals, customized to your taste, sipping endless rosé, kayaking the afternoon away, and swimming in some of the most stunning turquoise waters you will ever see! Island hopping is just incredible.

Tanzania Safari

This safari was my biggest bucket list trip, and I had to pinch myself to confirm that it was “finally” real. The trip exceeded my expectations, from the unmatched level of service to the amazing lodges and game drives! Many come to Africa for the animals, which I was enthralled by, but the true magic and beauty was the opportunity to connect with the locals. You see life from a different perspective, and it’s genuinely changed my life. I long to go back! Africa is… the Motherland!

ANDRÉ KOESTER

Trekking the Mountain Gorillas

Trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda was a more powerful and touching experience than I had expected it to be. It was definitely a bucket-list experience since there are only about 1,000 left in the world. I was brought to tears, which is rare for me. To be inches away from creatures that are so rare but also so similar to us was incredible. One of the aspects that I found particularly meaningful is that the trackers and porters are either former poachers or children of poachers. Rwanda has turned the terrible gorilla poaching industry into a sustainable tourist trade. The gorillas are their treasures, and they treat them as such (each gorilla family is only allowed to be visited for an hour a day), while giving gainful employment to the former poachers. It’s an amazing success story.

Rediscovering the American Southwest

As a travel advisor, I often think the farther I go from home; the better and more interesting the trip will be. My trip with my family to the American Southwest was one of my kids’ favorite trips. We explored gorgeous national parks (Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon), had lots of adventures (sand boarding, riding ATV’s, horseback riding, rock climbing, boating, tubing, cliff jumping, the list goes on), and ended at one of my favorite hotels in the world, Amangiri. Our accommodations were clean but rustic until Amangiri, so we appreciated the luxury of an incredible 5-star property set in Utah’s stunning painted desert. 

Enchanted by Northern Norway

My 13-year-old twin sons are obsessed with the Wonders of the World (manmade, natural, ancient, etc.). The Northern Lights is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, so I planned a trip to Northern Norway, one of the places where you are most likely to see them. It is easiest to see them in the winter, so, in addition to seeing an amazing Northern Lights show, we had several other fantastic Arctic adventures. We went dogsledding, ice fished, dined in a teepee with the local Sami people, rode in a cart pulled by reindeer, took an ice sculpture lesson, snowmobiled, and slept in an ice hotel. The number of adventures we packed into a five-day trip was amazing. I loved that we were active and outdoors (and totally comfortable!) at a time of year when we are usually huddled inside. 

MEGAN GROSSMAN

Insider's take on the Cotswolds

Last spring, my husband, daughters, and I were privileged to spend a day touring the Cotswolds with a fascinating guide. A local farmer, one of England's most notable hedge layers, he was a farming consultant and friend to the late Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. He drove us through the Cotswolds, showed us some of the most charming villages and homes, and introduced us to the locals, including a lovely young mother who welcomed us into her farmhouse for a baking class and afternoon tea. His stories, quips, and insights will stay with us forever.

Beloved Tuscany R&R

Several years ago, when I was a Huffman Travel client, our family spent a week at a villa in Tuscany. It was absolutely dreamy: on top of a hill with stunning views and impeccably decorated, lavender and hydrangeas everywhere. Every morning, the kids would collect eggs from the resident chickens for our breakfast. A wonderful man prepared our breakfast (the best coffee I have ever had) and dinner - often using ingredients from the villa's garden, olive grove, and orchard. During the day, we would explore the area and return mid to late afternoon for a swim, nap, glass of wine on the terrace, and dinner. We all know how challenging traveling with kids can be, but this week was an actual vacation for me too!

Meeting Locals in the High Atlas

When I traveled to Morocco with my daughter, we spent some time in the High Atlas Mountains. One morning, we went hiking and stopped at a Berber village. A man invited us to have tea with his family. Hospitality is an integral part of the Berber culture. They always have cakes, cookies, olives, nuts, and other treats ready to welcome guests at a moment's notice. In the time it took for him to give us a quick tour of their mud brick home, his wife and daughter had prepared a beautiful table for all of us to share. It was fascinating to get a glimpse of how they live and delightful to experience their gracious and generous welcome.