Get to Know Your Huffman Travel Advisors
Read on about Shawna, Angela, and Diane’s most memorable experiences and why they hold them close to their hearts.
SHAWNA HUFFMAN OWEN
Serengeti, Tanzania
Every time I travel, I learn something new. One of my most recent and cherished memories, is hot air ballooning over the Serengeti at sunrise. Experiencing the majestic Serengeti from the sky while quietly watching below the zebra, wildebeest, ostrich, and lions. It was the perfect way of experiencing one of the world's seven wonders in all its beauty and splendor.
London’s West End, England
Attending the premiere of my friend Sally Horchow's revival of Crazy for You in London's West End was a wonderful theatrical experience! It's a revival of the Tony Award-winning Gershwin musical comedy at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End! Crazy for You is a riotously entertaining toe-tapper of a show with the most talented performers that left me joy-filled, laughing, and singing in the aisles.
Dolomites, Italy
Climbing the incredible Dolomite Mountains on the Via Ferrata - one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had! The views are incredible, but what makes it is the laughter and energy from your co-climbers. An indescribable feeling I urge you to seek at least once.
ANGELA SCHOENHARD
Istanbul, Turkey
My trip to Turkey included a visit to Cappadocia as well as the wonderful city of Istanbul. It was love at first sight, and I can’t say enough great things about it. The Bosphorus splits Istanbul between Asia and Europe, and you really feel “East meets West” here. Surrounded by ancient history, hearing the call to prayer multiple times a day, and so many traditional Eastern elements… yet you feel and see the cosmopolitan markings of a modern city. A visit to Istanbul is never complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. The shopping overall does not disappoint! My only regret is that I did not bring an empty bag to bring home more Turkish treasures.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
As an avid animal and nature enthusiast, I knew I would love the Galapagos Islands. Still, I was surprised at just how remarkable the trip was. The Galapagos are extremely protected and regulated; you feel this everywhere you go, in a good way. While the Galapagos welcomes thousands each year, the government goes to great lengths to protect the area against over tourism, making it feel like your private national park! I was so blown away and excited at how fearless the wildlife was. Due to the protections, they somehow know humans are not there to hurt them. They are so curious and have no fear, even if you are standing or swimming a few feet away. I had the delightful opportunity to snorkel within a few feet of playful sea lions, penguins, and giant sea turtles. The water is crystal clear and makes for some great underwater photography. While I don’t consider myself an avid bird watcher, the highlight of the trip for me was a visit to Genovesa Island. This island is uninhabited, safe for the 1 million plus birds that call Genovesa home…along with a few sleepy sea lions! Again, the birds were fearless, and I could get some up close pictures of the charming blue-footed and red-footed booby’s, and the red-pouched frigatebird. A trip to the Galapagos will leave its mark on you, longing to return!
Kenya Safari, Africa
Going on an East African Safari had been on my bucket list for years. I had an opportunity to go during the height of the pandemic. While some may consider that crazy, I had zero qualms about going, and I went! There is truly nothing like being on safari. While I’ve had the good fortune to visit many incredible places, being on safari in Africa, you really feel and live the circle of life. Everything seems to make sense there, and it changes you forever. The landscapes are stunning and seem to go on and on. The animals go about their day and pay no mind to you sitting in a jeep only a few feet away. The Kenyan people are some of the kindest and warmest people I’ve ever met. Their gorgeous big smiles greet you at every turn, anxious to connect with you. The beauty of visiting Africa during the pandemic was the fact that you basically had the bush to yourself. Only a handful of other safari jeeps were to be seen, and most lodges were empty. This made an already life-changing experience even better. Many people think a trip to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I would argue that your first trip is only the beginning, and you should make it a priority to return again and again. “You may leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.” ~Richard Mullin
DIANE COLAIZZI
Normandy, France
It was memorable for me to escort a group to France to relive Normandy's June 6, 1945 "WW2 D-Day" landings...where it happened. This peaceful spot is marked by a statue of a soldier dragging his wounded buddy up the beach. Many of us lived through the war, some after. A group member told us of his father being the "Skipper" of a tank-carrying landing craft that landed in the second wave on Omaha Beach. While successful, it was so severely damaged it was left on the beach. His dad kept a diary that tracked his daily movements on that fateful day. They were left to his son, who brought them along and relived the stories with us. We spent two full days in Normandy with a WWII Historian and curator of the Memorial Pegasus Museum. He first took us to Utah Beach, where the infantry and tanks landed in four waves and quickly secured the immediate area with minimal casualties. On Omaha Beach, very little went as planned. Visitors can see a restored pillbox where a German machine gun was trained on the beach. Each participating nation has a cemetery for their veterans. We visited all of them. A very humbling experience.
Ireland
Friends mean fun travel, whether with old-school girlfriends or couples. For two weeks, I took eight friends to Ireland, up and down both coasts and in between. True to Irish lore, our driver/guide, Mark, delighted us with story, poetry, and song. He also put perspective on "the troubles," as he put it, and growing up in Ireland. Never stumped for an answer, his friend "Mr. Google" filled in. While the country speaks for itself, a guide like Mark puts a shine on it. We left Dublin to tour all around the south and west coast to end in Galway. Along the way, we stayed in elegant and stylish hotels, and we were showered with fabulous amenities like 'afternoon tea,' whiskey and beer tastings, and delicious treats. We all came away feeling Irish!
Quebec City, Canada
My many-year Indiana high school reunion provided another fertile ground for group travel. My idea of a girl's trip to Quebec City, Canada, was met enthusiastically by several of my "best buddies." Every day of our four days was planned. First, a guided tour of Old Quebec City, then a cruise around the coastal waters past the Montmorency Falls to the Island of Orleans. We learned a great deal about the history of the region. We enjoyed a 'behind the scenes' tour of Chateau Frontenac and had 'high tea' in the afternoon. Surprisingly, the 'Old Town Walking Food Tour' was our favorite. The city sets off 'fireworks' in August on Tuesday and Thursday. We delighted in watching from our hotel balcony. Quebec City is a piece of France across the border with an authentic European flavor. The city has many boutique and antique shops, restaurants, and quaint little streets. So much to do, so little time.