This year, instead of just setting resolutions, focus on curating a Life of Purpose and Pleasure that brings lasting joy and fulfillment.

Over the holidays, I saw this fact: 1936 is as far from 1980 as 1980 is from 2024 – 44 years.

Yeah, I’ll give you a moment.

Time is a finite resource, even when luxuriating in a private villa on the Amalfi Coast. A recent deep dive into Oliver Burkeman’s time management course on BBC Maestro (the UK’s equivalent of Masterclass) served as a poignant reminder: He cleverly pointed out that we live to 80 years of age on average, and while 29,000 days may seem like an eternity, 4,000 weeks is a rather sobering reality check.

This realization also invites us to curate our time with intention, filling it with journeys that deeply resonate with our deepest values and aspirations.

Trade the discipline for something far more delightful: travel. Why not enlist a travel expert to elevate both your personal goals and your travel goals? Let me use my expertise to help you integrate and elevate both.

We work with our clients to align their travel with their aspirations — whether that’s to get healthier, cultivate more meaningful connections, make a meaningful impact, learn something new, be a more engaged citizen, or live more authentically.

Here are some ideas on how to do just that.

Cultivate Meaningful Connections

Forget the crowded tourist traps and pre-packaged itineraries. This year, delve deeper, forging genuine connections with the world and its people.

• Preparing a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto: Experience the serenity and ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony dressed in a beautiful kimono. Embrace the mindfulness and tranquility of this ancient practice.
• Learning to tango in Buenos Aires: Embrace the passion and drama of Argentine tango. Take lessons from a local maestro, hit the milongas (tango clubs), and let the music and connection sweep you away.
• Living with a nomadic family in Mongolia: Experience a completely different way of life by staying with a nomadic family in the vast Mongolian steppes. Learn about their traditions, help with daily tasks, and marvel at the endless sky together.

Be a More Engaged Citizen

Travel can be more than just an escape; it can be an opportunity to make a difference. Your presence can contribute to the well-being of the planet and its people.

• Bhutan: This Himalayan kingdom prioritizes Gross National Happiness over GDP, ensuring tourism benefits local communities and protects its pristine environment. Trek through breathtaking landscapes with local guides, stay in family-run guest houses and witness ancient traditions firsthand.
• The Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s playground is still a living laboratory of evolution. Strict regulations protect the fragile ecosystem, ensuring your visit supports conservation efforts. Just try not to trip over a blue-footed booby while you’re contemplating the wonders of natural selection.
• Matera, Italy: This ancient city carved into the cliffs of Basilicata is a testament to sustainable living. Explore the “Sassi” cave dwellings, now transformed into stylish hotels and restaurants, and witness how a community has embraced its heritage while looking towards the future.

Live a Life of Purpose and Pleasure with More Authenticity

Venture beyond the guidebook, embrace the thrill of authentic discovery and seek experiences that challenge your perspectives and awaken your senses.

• Puglia, Italy: Forget the overcrowded Amalfi Coast. Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, offers a more authentic and understated charm. Wander through ancient olive groves, savor farm-to-table cuisine in rustic masserias, and support local artisans preserving centuries-old traditions.
• Slovenia: This hidden gem between Italy and Austria is a haven for sustainable tourism and offers many adventures similar to Italy for less. You can hike through pristine alpine landscapes, explore charming medieval towns, and indulge in locally sourced delicacies, including wines and cheeses.
• The Azores, Portugal: These volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic offer dramatic landscapes and a strong commitment to eco-conscious practices. Swim with dolphins, hike volcanic craters, and savor fresh seafood at family-run restaurants, all while supporting a community dedicated to sustainable tourism.

Giving Back Through Travel

Voluntourism is the ultimate way to merge your wanderlust with a desire to make a difference. It’s about empowering communities, not just adding a “feel-good” filter to your Instagram feed.

• Rebuilding efforts in Dominica: This Caribbean island, known as the “Nature Isle,” is still recovering from devastating hurricanes. Contribute to reconstruction efforts, support local businesses, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this resilient island nation.
• Preserving cultural heritage in Bhutan: Help preserve ancient monasteries and temples in this remote Himalayan kingdom. Learn traditional arts and crafts, engage with local communities, and contribute to safeguarding Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage.
• Supporting women’s cooperatives in Morocco: Empower women in rural communities by participating in education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development projects. Explore the vibrant souks, learn about traditional crafts, and contribute to the economic independence of Moroccan women.

Learn Something New Through Cultural Immersion

Forget the tourist traps and dive headfirst into the soul of a culture. Learn a few local phrases (even if it’s “thank you” and “another glass of champagne, please”). Embrace the unfamiliar and learn the local customs.

• A private waltz lesson in Vienna: Embrace the elegance and romance of Viennese waltz. Take a private lesson in a grand ballroom, attend a classical concert, and imagine yourself swirling through the halls of a Habsburg palace.
• Mastering the art of pasta-making in Bologna: Learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine from a local nonna in Bologna. Roll out fresh pasta dough, create delectable sauces, and savor the flavors of Emilia-Romagna.
• Mastering the art of pastry-making in France: Indulge your inner gourmand by learning the delicate art of French pastry. Imagine yourself crafting exquisite macarons, croissants, or éclairs in a charming Parisian patisserie. This immersive experience will tantalize your taste buds and provide a deeper appreciation for the precision and artistry of French culinary traditions.

Prioritize Wellbeing

Sometimes, the most transformative journeys focus on restoring and rejuvenating the self. Whether you seek a sanctuary for serenity or an escape for self-discovery, these experiences will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

• Retreat to a Medical Spa in Northern Italy: Immerse yourself in the healing landscapes of the Italian Alps while indulging in personalized wellness treatments at a luxurious medical spa. Combine rejuvenating therapies with explorations of charming villages, vineyards, and cultural treasures.
• Embark on a Solo Writing Retreat in Ireland: Escape to the Emerald Isle for a solitary writing retreat amidst breathtaking scenery. Find inspiration in the rugged coastline, rolling hills, and cozy pubs while dedicating time to your creative pursuits.
• Unplug and Recharge in a Secluded Indian Retreat: Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself in a tranquil Bhutanese lodge nestled amidst the Himalayas. Embrace the serenity of the mountains, meditate in ancient temples, and rediscover inner peace.

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This year, ensure your travel is an investment that aligns with your deepest values and makes your soul sing. Our clients return from their worry-free trips feeling utterly renewed and recommitted. They bring that dolce vita home and discover ways to integrate what they newly encountered and experienced into their lives.

Our bespoke journeys crafted just for you will fulfill those aspirations you whispered to yourself after one too many coupes of champagne on New Year’s Eve.

Let’s chat. I have a curated collection of hidden gems, exclusive experiences, and a knack for crafting journeys that will redefine your 2025.