Read on about Lindsay, Krista, and Gabrielle’s most memorable experiences and why they hold them close to their hearts.

LINDSAY BECKER

The Great Galapagos

As soon as you step foot in the Galapagos, you know you’re someplace special. Taking a trip there with friends was something I’ll never forget. Friendly sea lions, giant Galapagos turtles, and adorable penguins greeted us each day on our adventures. The wildlife and beauty of the islands are incredible to witness firsthand. The highlight of the trip was snorkeling alongside a pod of dolphins in the open ocean. The people of Ecuador are so welcoming, and take immense pride in their country. We left with that same feeling of respect for their animals and the precious land of which they take such great care.

Haven in High Hampton

My husband and I have three small children, so, going to faraway exotic places isn’t entirely within reach, yet. But we wanted to find a special place to relax, reconnect, and celebrate our anniversary. Last summer, we discovered High Hampton Resort in North Carolina. It was a little paradise tucked in the Smoky Mountains, near the Blue Ridge Highway. The food and wine were incredible, and the scenery breathtaking. We hiked, swam, played tennis, and felt at peace in our cozy cottage. We loved the 5-minute drive into the town of Cashiers for a quick lunch with the locals and to explore the cute shops nearby. It was truly the most magical place we hope to return to someday.

KRISTA WISSINGER

Costa Rican Adventure

Costa Rica was one of my favorite trips ever! My husband and I are outdoorsy and “on the go” travelers and this trip really checked all of our boxes. We love deep sea fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, and were lucky enough to experiences all three! It was some of the best offshore fishing we have done; fishing out by the underwater volcanic rock is a must!

Staying at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo was perfect for this short 4-night stay as it allowed us to get some beach time while staying active. We still have much to discover in the land of “pura vida”, so, we’ll be back!

Moments in Montreal

I had the pleasure of visiting Montreal briefly for a business event. It was a unique opportunity to meet outstanding hoteliers from across the globe and bond with them around our passion for service. The French-Canadian city of Montreal is such an authentic city, and I felt like I was transported all the way to Europe.

To complete my visit, I chose to get a taste of the food that makes Montreal so exceptional - the street food! When visiting, I suggest you embark on an incredible street food adventure and find the iconic culinary treats, which include smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and poutine.

GABRIELLE WARNCKE

Back in Time in Beautiful Bhutan

My trip to Bhutan spanned each of the five main valleys: Bumthang, Gangtey, Punahka, Thimphu, and Paro, each with their unique charm and beauty. Bhutan has festivals throughout the year in the different valleys that include dances with elaborate costumes and masks, and I was thrilled to experience this at the Prakhar Tshechu in Bumthang. In Gangtey, I witnessed the annual return of the black cranes. I was able to hike and explore all five of the main valleys, including the challenging but rewarding hike to Tiger’s Nest, a sacred monastery perched on a cliff. The natural beauty of Bhutan is truly breathtaking, with stunning mountain ranges, pristine forests, and crystal-clear rivers. In many ways this area feels like a journey back in time, free from the noisy, plugged-in world, yet seeing a monk pull a cell phone from his robe was a reminder that even this ancient land hasn’t escaped the convenience of modern technology!

Captivating Costa Rica

My trip to Costa Rica was a last minute “pivot” trip due to my original destination still being closed to tourists. Surprisingly, my journey to Costa Rica turned out to be one of my favorite trips of all time.  Costa Rica offers so much natural beauty and unique wildlife. On a night walk we found an interesting red-eyed tree frog, as well as a few snakes that might have also been worth getting a close-up look at if we would’ve mustered the nerve! The people exude such a warmth and kindness that pulls you right into their “pura vida” lifestyle. It’s an absolute adventure lover’s paradise: canyoneering, river tubing, ziplining, white water rafting, ATVs, and hiking, as well as every watersport imaginable.  Accommodations run the gamut from unique and special like Origins Lodge to tented camps like Nayara to full luxury on the beach at Four Seasons.  Costa Rica is a destination I would definitely love to visit again!

Amazing Arctic

Sailing through the Arctic Ocean on the National Geographic Resolution was an extraordinary experience. It was incredible to be up at 2:00 a.m., taking in the stunning midnight sun as it reflected beautiful shades of coral and pink across the pack ice. In the distance we spotted a male polar bear chase a potential mate toward the bow of our ship. The male was so heavy he kept falling through the ice, but he didn’t give up! He repeatedly pulled himself to safety to continue the chase.  I love exploring nature, you never know what amazing experience could be right around the corner.