It’s that time of the year where I usually reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. I can easily tell you where I have been, but it’s much harder with any certainty to say where I will be as 2022 progresses. As usual I look forward to traveling, but as I suggest to my clients, I take no reservation as a guarantee that I will be able to go, and I try to be as flexible as possible.
This past year, I mostly traveled domestically spending time on the west coast of Florida (Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island and Naples), Aspen, Chicago, Boston, Rhode Island, and of course New York City.
After two years of planning and three reschedules, I finally got to go on the Backroads Crete and Santorini Multi-Sport Adventure. I have to say it was worth the wait and a great way to see Greece again (the only other time I was there was when I was 22). When originally planned, I was going to end this trip at the Amanzoe in the Peloponnese. Unfortunately for me, Amanzoe had buyouts around the time I would be in Greece, so I did what I advise my clients to do and pivoted. I ended up spending time in Crete, Santorini, Paros, Antiparos and Athens. I had the best time and was so glad we decided to go – even with all the pandemic uncertainty. Probably my biggest surprise was the Four Seasons just outside of Athens. I always thought of Athens as a place to spend a night or 2 on your way to the islands, but I was at the Four Seasons for four nights and happily could have extended.
Whenever I travel personally, I try to look at as many properties as possible so that I can advise clients on what is best for them.
In the beginning of October, I went on a trip to London with my colleagues to familiarize myself with all that is going on there. During my trip, I saw over 20 amazing properties, ate and drank (both tea and gin) myself silly and had some fabulous experiences with one of my favorite expert UK tour guides.
My motto for 2022 – stay positive, enjoy what you can and be prepared to be flexible!
