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Brittany, France
Market Day, Dinan

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When I first saw these "look back at #2016" posts, When I first saw these "look back at #2016" posts, I thought it was a bit odd, but then I did it and was really surprised! That was a pivotal year for me, and I didn't even realize it! It started off skiing in Tahoe, like normal, then featured my second (and last) trip to Coachella. I went to a work event at Sandals (also probably my first and last visit to one of those), and learned how NOT to island hop (but St. Barth's was worth it!). I left San Francisco that spring to move back home to NC, got certified with my faves at Tauck in New Orleans, and then spent what seems like a month in Europe! First I toured northern Italy with my Mom and Aunt (her last big trip), explored Slovenia, spent July 4th in Croatia with the Danons, and then had my mind blown by Plitvice Lakes. I went to the beach with family and friends, then another work event in the DR where I tried trapeze (and survived, barely), and decided to re-brand my business (still going strong!). Like this past year, I had a great girl's weekend with my college friends, but in Chicago, and also visited Austin (for the first time) for an ill-fated election party (the sentiment, sadly, remains the same even today). That winter I skied the Alps for the first time, and then bought a house!! (Literally had the closing call from my ski lodge, which is still insane.) To round off an excellent year, I spent NYE with the Edgerton family in Singapore (who I got to see in London this past year!). Whew! For as much changed for me that year, I love the things that have stayed the same - and the way other things have grown and changed. Look back 10 years: it's fun!!
Sunsets from Kona are famous for a reason!! We fin Sunsets from Kona are famous for a reason!! We finally made it home at the right time to properly capture it- pretty spectacular, huh???
Visiting Volcanoes National Park was a must-do for Visiting Volcanoes National Park was a must-do for me when visiting the Big Island, and it did NOT disappoint!! Our private guide had to cancel due to a family emergency, but no problem - we downloaded @shakaguide and had a fabulous day running all over the park. The fact that we had all of these environments in such a small corner of this island was incredible. (If only the lava had been actively gushing, that would have been perfection ..) Now, full disclosure - we were exhausted thanks in part to the 2 hour drive to & from Kona (Hilo is closer to the park), but we saw nearly everything there was to see and had a fun time listening to stories as well. Let's hope we didn't anger Pele by considering stealing a small rock - that would not be a great way to start the new year off! 😂 ... ... #traveladvisorontheroad #familyvacation #volcanoesnationalpark #sharetheshaka
Oh, Rome. The Eternal City. It is honestly still ( Oh, Rome. The Eternal City. It is honestly still (always?) SO cool to me how much of the ancient city is still visible there, and of course none more recognizable than the Colosseum. I didn't have time to tour it this trip, but had to walk by and pay my respects. Clearly- I wasn't the only one!! Fyi: this was a Sunday afternoon in late November. It felt like every Roman was out for a stroll &/or a visit to the arena. As I advise my clients: pre-purchase timed tickets or do a private tour. It's worth it just to help mitigate the crowds!!!
Appian Way, Aqueducts, and Catacombs, Oh My!! 😆 A Appian Way, Aqueducts, and Catacombs, Oh My!! 😆 Another activity I always love suggesting for my clients is to get out of the center of Rome for a bike tour of these three iconic sites from the Roman Empire. The fact that we got stuck in a traffic snarl due to a marathon in Rome that sunny morning wasn't going to stop me from experiencing it for myself!! Because our timing was off a bit, we didn't do the big main catacombs most see... instead the "less touristic" caves we did see were more adventurous! 😱 But- we also got to visit a sheep farm and taste some fresh cheese, so win-win?? Seriously - it was such a great day with @bicycle.roma - and such a cool way to learn about Rome's history- both ancient and more modern! #traveladvisorontheroad #visitrome #gtnadvisor #gtnonlocation #appianway #romanaqueduct
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