Katie Marta 2/10/21 Katie Marta 2/10/21

2021 Kenya Trip Report: Part Deux

Now that I’ve covered all the mundane, logistical details of getting into Kenya (see here), let’s talk about the fun part: THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE!

Our overall trip was just shy of two weeks, including two nights in Nairobi at the start and then ten nights in the Masai Mara, staying at four different safari camps. During our short time in Nairobi, we visited the amazing Giraffe Centre, something I’d highly recommend for anyone with a couple extra hours. During Covid times you’re required to make an appointment to visit, which was great because it limited the number of guests trying to hand-feed and take photos with the giraffes 🦒. Normally I’d also say a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a MUST to see the work they do with orphaned elephants, but unfortunately they are currently closed to the public 🐘😭.

Onto safari…

We flew from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to our first stop and back to Nairobi from our last stop, but otherwise we transferred via road between the camps. While some of these drives were a bit long and on rough/muddy roads (which take the “African massage” joke to a whole new level!), they were also game drives, so rarely boring. We coordinated meeting points between the camps, so our guide from one camp would take us to a gate about halfway, where we’d meet our new guide and switch vehicles for the remainder of the drive. Now keep in mind, this is not an itinerary I would recommend for clients - especially for a first visit. It was a lot of movement, and a LOT of time in the bush. For comparison, the average number of nights on safari for a first timer to Africa is about four.

But I digress…

Our first stop on safari was the award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. To get there from Nairobi, we flew a small 12-seater plane about 45 minutes to Keekorok Airstrip, courtesy of Safarilink. We were met by two lovely Maasai men from Cottar’s and we then enjoyed a game drive on the way to camp, about a two-hour ride. Keep in mind you can also fly into the private airstrip at Cottar’s, which is much more convenient if schedules and budgets line up.

The feel of Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is romance and vintage luxury. The canvas tents might make you think rustic and simple, but once you step inside, you feel feel like you’ve been transported in time - perhaps to the 1920’s! You have all the creature comforts to make your safari a bit ‘easier’ - running water, flush toilets, comfortable bed with mosquito net, power strip in the room to charge devices, etc. However it’s the little touches throughout the rooms and main dining/lounge tents that make Cottar’s so unique. The gorgeous Persian rugs, the rocking chairs in front of your tent, the plush robes, and the privacy you feel from neighboring tents all make you feel right at home. The wide range of books, the photos from the Cottar family history, the unique travel-inspired artifacts, and the elegant and diverse furniture in the Mess and Explorers Tents will keep you mesmerized between game drives. It may also make you want hire their interior designer!

The experience at Cottar’s is wonderful: from the game drives on their own private concession (a short drive into the actual Mara Game Reserve) to the bush walks with your Maasai guides (you can also run with the Maasai!); from a stroll through the beautiful organic garden to a nap beside the gorgeous pool; and if you’re staying in the private Bush Villa, the endless, otherworldly views that will take your breath away. The food was top notch - healthy, plenty of varied and vegetarian options, and delicious. The people were spectacular and genuine - the kind who make you feel like you’ve known them forever. It was a perfect place to start our safari adventure, and certainly a tough act to follow.

Before moving on, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the weather and landscape we experienced. January is normally one of the hottest and driest months of the year in this region. With hot, dry conditions, the grass is short and animals are generally easier to spot. Plains game (antelope, zebra, wildebeest, etc) will graze out in the open, as the predators have a harder time hiding as they approach. When the grass is high due to lots of rain, it’s a different story. The plains game move to different locations - areas where locals have taken their cattle to graze, thus keeping the grass short. And as you’d expect, the predators follow! With that in mind - Kenya has gotten a LOT of rain over the last several months (including the first few nights we were there). Everywhere we went, the locals commented on the high grass - again, something incredibly rare for January - and thus the shortage of wildlife in the Mara. The game viewing throughout our trip was relatively quiet because of this, but still solid. We saw the “Big Five.” We saw nine different cheetahs. We spent two hours with a pride of nine active lions - including the CUTEST little cubs!!! And we saw more elephants than I can count, including several babies less than a month old! It didn’t suck ;)

Anyhoo…

Our second stop on safari was a very different type of camp: Sarova Mara Game Camp. In contrast to the nine tents at Cottar’s, Sarova Mara has more than 70 rooms. It’s less private luxury, more communal and accessible. Ideal for larger groups or families, or those who have a smaller budget but still want to experience the Mara. It’s certainly more approachable for those nervous about going on safari in Africa. The dining during Covid was an ‘assisted buffet’ style, but in normal times, you’ll find a standard buffet with a wide variety of options - albeit more of a cafeteria feel than you’ll see at the more intimate or luxury properties. There’s a swimming pool, ping pong and pool tables, and a dartboard at Sarova Mara. Set on a huge piece of land, you’ll also find scattered benches where you can escape with a book or just enjoy a Kenyan sunset. And be sure to get a tour of the incredible gardens that seems to go on forever. Listening to the head gardener share his passion will leave you speechless (and wishing you could keep any plant alive 😳). The property is also fenced, so you can walk around freely day or night without worrying about animals.

The roads around Sarova Mara are busier, so you’ll definitely see more vehicles, including self-drivers. But in normal times, you don’t have to go far to see wildlife. Your views are of wide-ranging open plains, dotted with acacia trees, with rolling hills in the distance. The newer vehicles at Sarova Mara are also exceptional, available on request for an additional fee.

Despite its size, Sarova Mara certainly doesn’t lack warmth. Every person you encounter - from the smiling faces at reception, to the restaurant team, to the general manager - genuinely wants you to have an incredible experience. They go out of their way to create special moments. Whether it’s a private dinner at the Lookout Deck or a surprise tree-planting ceremony, you’re sure to leave Sarova Mara with happy memories.

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Next up we headed to Naibor Camp, located almost exactly in the center of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Naibor is a traditional luxury tented camp with a spectacular location. There isn’t anything showy about Naibor. The main Mess tent is fairly basic, with beautiful natural wood tables and chairs, comfortable couches and bean bags to relax, and a handful of African books and decorative pieces to complete the theme. The guest tents have nearly everything you’d want, including a ton of space, charging ports next to the beds, flush toilets, and views of the Talek River. One of my favorite parts is that, in addition to the main firepit area outside the Mess tent, every individual guest tent has a private firepit and loungers overlooking the river. A perfect place to enjoy a cocktail in the evening or just relax between game drives.

The location of Naibor is what sets it apart. Hidden among the trees so you can’t see the camp until your vehicle is parked right in front, the camp is laid out along the famous Talek River, not far from the major wildebeest crossing points of the Mara River. While the location provides easy access to nearly every corner of the reserve for game drives, you also don’t need to leave camp to have a great wildlife experience. While dining under the trees overlooking the river, you’ll be entertained by the local hippo pod who call that part of the Talek River home. We saw quite a bit of action while at camp, as there was a baby hippo whose mom was sparring with the any hippos who got too close, and we even had three lions come relax on the far side of the riverbank, eventually being chased off by the territorial hippos. Oh and I can’t forget the leopard tortoise (one of Africa’s Little Five) who wandered right into the main tent one afternoon! I loved the simplicity of Naibor Camp, the feeling of privacy and of being fully immersed in nature. It’s certainly not for everyone, but I can tell you that three nights went by way too fast here!

For our fourth and final stop on safari, we head to the Mara Triangle and the stunning Angama Mara. Once again we drove here from our meeting point (this time Musiara Gate), but guests can also fly into the airstrip just a few minutes from camp. Angama is actually made up of two identical camps - North and South Camp. There’s a central pavilion with a pool, fitness room, and gift shop, and then each camp has its own main tent for lounging/dining. The camp is located on the top of the escarpment, just outside the Mara Triangle, overlooking the magical Masai Mara. For game drives, it’s about a 15-minute drive down the steep escarpment to the main road - but even the ride down is often marked by wildlife and certainly amazing views. The Mara Triangle has very specific rules, including that all vehicles need to be out of the park or back at camp by 7:00pm sharp. This means sundowners are more than likely on the camp’s property and not out on a drive, but that’s not a bad thing when you’re staying at Angama.

In short, Angama Mara is a dream. I teared up when I walked in and saw the views - from both the main tent and from our room. Imagine multiple fireplaces, a library and map room, large pool and fitness room, and a main deck complete with telescope and amazing firepit area. As for the guest rooms, I’d be totally content if I had to quarantine there for weeks at a time. Spacious, comfortable, and with floor-to-ceiling glass along the full wall looking out onto your private deck and the Mara beyond. A separate bathtup and shower, double vanity, spacious closet, heated blanket on your bed, and rocking chairs on your private deck are just a handful of the comforts that stand out. I also loved the binoculars in each room that you are encouraged to bring with you on game drives, and the beautiful safari tote bag for use during your stay (which they also sell in the gift shop and I now own 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Dining at Angama Mara is on par with any 5-star restaurant. If dining at the main tent, you get a proper menu with a variety of starters and main dishes. For breakfast you’re also presented with a butler’s tray of juices, fruits, and muesli. Lunch can be at the main tent, out in the bush, at the Lookout Deck of their gorgeous Shamba Garden, or perhaps at the special ‘Out of Africa’ site for special occasions. Dinner under the stars at camp is as peaceful and romantic as you’d imagine. And of course, beverages are included and plentiful.

Photos do NOT and cannot do Angama Mara justice. For anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on luxury while on safari, it’s a perfect option. That being said, for those wanting a truly immersive African safari experience, the feel of truly being in the bush and ‘roughing it’ even slightly, this may not be the best option. After experiencing these four truly unique accommodations, I’m reminded that there truly is something for everyone in Kenya, and certainly in the Masai Mara. This is why working with a travel advisor is SO IMPORTANT. There are plenty of beautiful camps, lovely people, and unique locations when considering a safari. The key is to match the client(s) with the best option(s) for them and their trip. What I love personally won’t necessarily be what I’d recommend for my friends, family, or clients. There’s no right or wrong. There’s just the magic of Africa 🌍💫❤️.

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Katie Marta 2/1/21 Katie Marta 2/1/21

2021 Kenya Trip Report, Part 1

Traveling during a pandemic can be scary, and it can certainly be controversial. The travel industry has been paralyzed over the last 11 months as borders have closed, airlines have slashed routes, and Covid testing has become a requirement to go nearly anywhere. People have strong opinions about what we all should and shouldn’t do these days, especially in regard to international travel. While I don’t support or believe in travel shaming in any way, I also understand that the decision to travel is unique for everyone, and the answers aren’t always black or white.

One of the takeaways from my trip to Kenya is that travel itself is not difficult. Yes, there are more precautions required, more steps to take, and more lines to wait in, but if you are prepared and patient, traveling now can still be enjoyable. Even more, now is an ideal time to travel to many places, as the lack of crowds and extra availability can make for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Obviously things are constantly evolving so you’ll want to check country websites and/or consult your travel advisor before traveling, but here are some of the extra steps you should be prepared to take if considering travel to Kenya:

- Negative Covid PCR test, taken within 96 hours of arrival in Kenya. You’ll want to have your results printed and in your carry-on. I departed the U.S. on a Saturday evening, arriving in Nairobi on Sunday night. I got tested on Wednesday afternoon and received my results on Thursday and all worked well.

- Kenya E-Visa, secured online prior to arrival. As of now you can no longer purchase a visa on arrival, but the e-visa is easy to secure online here and a single-use visa costs $50 USD plus a small processing fee. Be sure to print this one in color and have it with you in your carry-on.

- Kenya Health Surveillance Form, an online form you should complete after receiving your negative Covid PCR results and prior to departing the U.S. This is a few pages long and you’ll need to upload passport information, including a passport-size photo, and include contact information for your stay in Kenya. When this is approved, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. While you can simply save this to your photos or documents on your phone, I’d also strongly recommend printing a copy just in case you have phone issues when you arrive in country. The form can be found here.

- Surgical or N95 Mask(s). I’d recommend bringing several for the long plane rides and to have fresh options throughout your trip. Several airlines (including the smaller ones in Kenya like Safarilink and Air Kenya) require these specific masks, so the cute cloth masks and gaiters we all probably have by now will have to take a back seat, at least for flights.

- As always, you’ll want to make sure your passport is valid for six months after your return date, and you’ll want at least two consecutive blank pages in your passport. I also highly recommend securing travel insurance in case your trip is interrupted or affected due to changing COVID protocols.

- New as of January 26th! As I’m sure everyone knows by now, the U.S. is requiring travelers coming from overseas to have a negative Covid PCR test result taken within 72 hours of your initial departure flight. I departed Kenya on a Friday night, arriving home on Saturday afternoon. I was tested onsite at Angama Mara on Wednesday morning and received results Thursday night.

Finally, please travel with PATIENCE! Even with perfect planning, nobody can predict what changes may be around the corner. Expect more queues, more checkpoints, and certainly a LOT more temperature-taking and hand-sanitizing. Patience is always key when traveling, but its importance these days can’t be overstated. Setting the proper expectations can lead to incredible travel experiences in 2021.

In terms of my specific journey to Kenya, my husband Dave and I flew on United from Newark to Frankfurt and on Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Nairobi - with the same routing on the way home. All four flights were fairly easy, about 7-8 hours each, and all the passengers I saw seemed to be adhering to the mask mandate. Obviously wearing a mask for 20+ straight hours isn’t ideal (just ask your local healthcare heroes), but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not difficult. You can take it off to eat and drink, and I found sleeping with it on to be fairly uneventful. We were served two meals on each flight and had fairly normal beverage service, so had some brief mask-free breaks.

Both flights on United were relatively empty - maybe 40% full, give or take. We sat in the bulkhead seats both ways on UA so had an empty seat between us and lots of extra legroom. The Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Nairobi was surprisingly full. The 2-4-2 configuration in Economy meant Dave and I were together, but we did see strangers seated next to each other. On the way out of Nairobi, we upgraded to Premium Economy to avoid the crowds and have a bit more space, and that was a fantastic decision, as PE was nearly empty.

At the airports in Newark, Frankfurt, and Nairobi, there were definitely extra COVID-related steps. Despite this, the lower number of people traveling right now seemed to balance out the extra lines, so the overall time spent getting through airport lines was probably about the same. I highly recommend bringing a folder with all your paperwork printed out, as you’ll need to provide it multiple times. We had our negative PCR test results, e-visas (in color!), and QR codes printed, as well as our flight and Nairobi hotel details just to be safe.

Prior to boarding each flight, we had to do a separate “document check” and show the necessary paperwork. Sometimes this meant one line and other times it meant three different lines. Sometimes it was done prior to reaching the gate, and others were done right at the gate. It just seemed to depend on the airline and the airport. (Key = Patience!) On arrival in Nairobi, we waited in a line just outside the airport entrance for someone to check our PCR results. Then the next line inside was for a temperature check and someone to scan our QR codes. Next up was the e-visa line, which was standard. Luckily ours was the only flight that had gotten in at that time so the lines weren’t bad.

When it’s all written out, it sounds/looks like a lot. We were prepared, so we had very few surprises. While this might be too overwhelming or troublesome for some right now, to me it was well worth being able to enjoy two fabulous weeks in Kenya and ten nights in the Masai Mara. I can say with absolute certainly that an African Safari is the perfect way to physical distance and enjoy the outdoors!

To learn more about our specific experiences while in Kenya, stay tuned for my next blog…

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Katie Marta 1/19/21 Katie Marta 1/19/21

The True Importance of Travel

Mark Twain is credited with some very wise sayings (whether accurate or not). Several of these are related to travel, but my favorite is this:

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

I love this quote because I truly believe there is a correlation between travel and open-mindedness that we shouldn’t ignore. The events of the last year - particularly the politics, the fighting, the anger - coupled with the pause on world travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, has led me to think quite a bit about travel and its importance to us as individuals but also to the world.

In the U.S., travel isn’t encouraged or supported like it is in many other countries. Two weeks of vacation per year is standard for many full-time jobs. I used to think that was normal, until I met some Aussies 😂. In Australia (and many other countries), if you haven’t traveled the world or at least taken a gap year, you’re often considered not as valuable an employee. World travel experience is viewed as a benefit to the overall development of the person. And why wouldn’t it be? The real world is often the best teacher.

We all travel in different ways. For instance, not everyone has the interest or the bandwidth to become a conservationist or activist. A missionary trip to Malawi or Malaysia might not be on your radar. Sometimes we just want to escape reality for a bit, to relax, get pampered, and have fun. That’s normal and that’s okay! But if we step back and look at the gifts that travel can give us, we can all benefit.

I truly believe that one of the most important qualities a person can have is the ability to put oneself in other people’s shoes; to see things from a perspective different than your own. Without travel, without experiencing different cultures and meeting people of different races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, this is more difficult. If we stay within our bubble and only surround ourselves with people similar to us, how do we grow? Sure, we can read about Africa and watch documentaries on Netflix, for example. But we can’t truly understand the beauty and breadth of 54 countries - a continent more than three times the size of the U.S. - without stepping foot on her soil.

While Africa or other long-haul destinations may not be realistic for everyone, we can all make a concerted effort to get outside our comfort zones. Routines and traditions can be wonderful, but there’s more to the world than Disney! Oh and by the way - a long-haul destination doesn’t need to mean a second mortgage. In fact, for the price of an all-inclusive week in Disney, you can probably experience a safari in Kenya!

This is one of my biggest hopes once the pandemic travel restrictions are loosened. Whenever you’re ready and able to travel...push yourself. Go someplace new - maybe further from home. Appreciate the world, the diversity. Get (or renew) your passport. And of course, take the advice of Mark Twain - the world will be a better place for it.

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Katie Marta 11/25/20 Katie Marta 11/25/20

World Safari Day

Most people remember their first kiss or the first time they had sex. Some might recall the first time they met their hero or maybe their first time skydiving. These are all important moments that can leave a lasting impression. (Example: I might not remember what I did yesterday, but I will never forget meeting Michael Jordan for the first/second/third time!)

My first safari in Africa was all that and more. In fact, it changed my life. That may sound dramatic, and it’s something I still struggle to properly explain, but that trip had a monumental impact on the course of my life.

I planned my first trip to Africa (South Africa + Victoria Falls to be precise), like a lot of people do, as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list’ trip. I had done a similar ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip the previous year to Australia, so in my head, South Africa was just another place to check off the list. Boy was I wrong 😂.

Little did I know at the time, but that trip would basically lead me to fall in love with Africa - which led to a job in the travel industry (focusing on Africa and Australia, funny enough) - which led to me meeting Dave on a sales call - which led to me moving to Hoboken, getting married in South Africa, and meeting some of the most wonderful people who make up this beloved industry called Travel.

So yes, my first safari changed my life ❤️.

For those who haven’t been on a safari in Africa (YET!), you might not fully understand the power it can have over people. You might not be a huge animal lover, or think that seeing elephants and lions in zoos and on Nat Geo is enough. You might hate bugs and think the idea of a safari is boring. I get it. I was you. I’ve always been a city girl. Chicago, New York, D.C., Rome, Sydney, Buenos Aires. I’ve always loved the action. But there is something special - magical even - about the African bush. The sounds, the smells, the stars, the sundowners. THE PEOPLE.

There’s just a feeling - something so incredibly different than most other experiences in the world. Maybe it has something to do with the long journey it takes to get there, so you’re already prone to appreciate this new world you’re stepping into. Maybe it’s the smiles and the singing & dancing of the staff when you first pull up to your safari lodge - strangers who will soon feel like family and who are genuinely happy to see you. Maybe it’s seeing these magnificent animals in the wild - knowing you are on their turf and you’re just grateful to witness how they should be living, without the cages or people banging on their plexiglass-walled homes.

Oh, the animals. I’ll never forget the first time our safari vehicle pulled away from the lodge. The anticipation, knowing this was truly “the wild” and nothing was guaranteed. I still laugh thinking about my naive excitement with our first sighting: a herd of impala (Africa’s version of deer, which are basically everywhere 😝). It’s hard to explain the level of goosebumps I felt when our open-air vehicle pulled into a clearing and came to a stop surrounded by 30 buffalo 🐃 who were staring at us - and NOT looking happy (later realizing that buffalo never look happy!)

I remember the exact setting the first time I watched a bull elephant 🐘 drink from a watering hole and then walk right in front of our vehicle, pausing and lifting his trunk to smell us before concluding we weren’t a threat and continuing with his day. Seeing rhino 🦏 for the first time was almost an out-of-body experience - watching these pre-historic-looking creatures quietly eat the grass, feeling so sad knowing they’re endangered due to high levels of poaching. Certainly lions 🦁 are always a big hit on safari, especially seeing your first. We came upon three brothers, momentarily looking like they were stalking, listening for prey, but then doing what male lions do best: laying around and sleeping.

But of all the beautiful animals in Africa, my hands-down favorite is the leopard 🐆. Just jaw-dropping beauty, elegance, and mobility. The leopard was the last of the “Big Five” I saw on my first safari. I had already been out on a few game drives and was getting nervous that we wouldn’t find any. But eventually - with some impressive persistence and hard work by our ranger and tracker team - we spotted a very shy female leopard hiding in the thicket, one they called Shadow. I was in love - and I was hooked.

I know an African safari isn’t for everyone. You may still prefer a weekend in Vegas or Amsterdam, or a week in Rio or Ibiza. And that’s okay. But I do wish that more people would get (and take!) the opportunity to experience a safari in Africa. As I tell everyone: Africa is addicting. A trip to South Africa is completely different from a trip to Tanzania. Every game drive is different. The people, as much as the animals, will bring you back. Africa has a way of getting into your soul, of grabbing hold of your heart when you least expect it. To steal my favorite line from my father-in-law: “If you can’t afford to go to Africa twice, don’t go the first time!”

Since that first trip to South Africa and Victoria Falls in 2015, I’ve been back to Africa every year until this year (thanks, Covid 😭). But with borders slowly opening, you better believe Dave and I will be making our way to Africa again soon. And again, and again, and again. I hope you will too someday.

Happy World Safari Day!

#martoftravel #travel #luxurytravel #wanderlust #worldtraveler #neverstopexploring #getinspired #tourismstrong #allinthistogether #travelblogger #traveldreams #travelphotography #travelprofessional #traveladvisor #luxurytraveladvisor #luxurytravelagent #Africa #safari #WorldSafariDay #bigfive #wildlife

Katie Marta 11/17/20 Katie Marta 11/17/20

Redefining Special Occasions

When I first joined the travel industry, I was single with no intention of getting married. Ever. Most of my friends were married and I loved being part of their weddings and witnessing their love stories, but it just wasn’t for me.

Over the course of my first 11 months as a Luxury Travel Designer, I worked with several wonderful couples looking to plan their honeymoons, as well as a handful of people wanting to travel for their 10th, 25th, and even 50th wedding anniversary (shout-out to Leah & Rick!). That all made sense. Special occasions. Big numbers. Bucket list trips.

And then I met Dave and was engaged about five months later. 🙊

I knew right away that neither of us had any intention of waiting for a specific day/week/month/year to travel and celebrate life together. Granted, the fact that we both work in travel, coupled with the decision to not have children, makes traveling a MUCH easier scenario for us than for most. But even so, I started wondering: Why do some people only plan anniversary trips every 5/10/25 years? What’s wrong with year 2? Year 8? Year 17? Why not make a point of celebrating the day you met? The day you got engaged? Why not CELEBRATE THEM ALL?!?

2020 has forced us all to reevaluate things and be adaptable. Why not use this time to adjust how we define not only special occasions, but also travel in general?

Celebrating special occasions doesn’t have to mean a two-week international bucket list trip each time. (Although wouldn’t that be nice??) Heck, it doesn’t need to mean traveling at all. But in my ongoing effort to encourage people to get out of their comfort zones more often, I want to remind everyone that “traveling” can mean a weekend trip to a nearby lake house or National Park. It can mean a night in a nice hotel in the city where you don’t have to cook for yourself or wash dishes. It can mean whatever you want it to mean. It’s about experiencing new places and interacting with different people. Getting away from the norm.

I do love the big long-haul trips to new countries. That’s a given. But I also enjoy smaller adventures. The first trip that Dave and I took together after we met was to New Orleans, a city we both love. That weekend meant a lot to us so we decided we wanted that to be an annual tradition. It didn’t have to be the same weekend each year and it didn’t have to be just the two of us, but it was something we both wanted to do together.

We were supposed to go to Kenya this year for my birthday but had to postpone that since borders weren’t yet open. Instead? We spent a weekend in Newport, Rhode Island and then drove to Maine to chase lighthouses and hike Acadia National Park. It wasn’t what I had originally envisioned, but it was wonderful nonetheless.

That’s the opportunity we have right now. We’ve been cooped up for so long, saddled by canceled plans and limited social interactions. When it’s safe and you’re ready, go visit your grandparents/parents/siblings you haven’t seen in months. Take that weekend road trip you’ve been putting off. Book that big holiday you’ve been dreaming about! Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to wait until a specific date to celebrate something or someone. It’s more important than ever to cherish every day, because as we’ve all learned this year, we just don’t know what the future will hold...

Katie Marta 11/2/20 Katie Marta 11/2/20

What Type of Traveler Are You?

Have you ever taken those fun quizzes online that tell you which city or country you were meant to live in, or what “type” of traveler you are? Do you enjoy the hustle and excitement of a big city and love stepping out of your comfort zone to try new foods? You belong in Tokyo! Do you like to see & do as much as possible when visiting a new destination, sometimes without a concrete plan in place? You’re a Stamp Collector!

I love those too, but often find myself liking multiple answers or occasionally none at all. Just like in life/love/school/career/family/religion/etc., we don’t all fit into one pre-set box or category. And the bigger question is...who made those damn boxes anyway?!

**If you have no clue what I’m talking about, I’d recommend checking one out (try https://www.digitaltravelacademy.com/quiz/) - they’re a fun distraction if nothing else!

When it comes to travel, we may fit into one, many, or none of the generic categories. Our priorities and needs change just like our lives do. While one trip may be focused around adventure and being active, we might want the next trip to be all about relaxing on a beach. It’s okay to enjoy both! As we emerge from this pandemic, some might be more comfortable with a domestic road trip rather than a long-haul international getaway. Also okay! Solo travel is obviously very different than traveling with a friend or partner. Both are fun! Wherever you go and however you do it, travel is important and worthwhile.

When I travel, I love meeting locals and learning about their lives. Where do I find that easiest to do? Bars, obviously. Whether I’m in Sydney, South Africa, or South Dakota, grabbing a bar stool and chatting up the bartender about his/her/their story is a favorite pastime. Luckily it’s also one of Dave’s favorites, so when we travel together, the odds are VERY good that we’ll make some new friends along the way.

Now I realize that this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It may sound horrible to you - actually talking to people you don’t know?!? 😱 I get it. Sometimes my extroverted-introvert self is NOT in the mood to make conversation with anyone, let alone a stranger. Sometimes I just want a rum punch, the sound of the waves hitting the shore, and a gorgeous sunset. (Let’s be honest, I ALWAYS want those things.) And guess what? Yep, that’s OKAY!

That being said, to travel is to push yourself. It gets you out of your comfort zone, your normal routine. By learning about someone who lives in this place you’ve chosen to visit, you are expanding what you know about that destination. You can read all the travel books you want and get all the expertise in the world from your travel agent (which is a huge bonus to booking with an agent, FYI), but nothing beats asking a local where they like to go after work for drinks, or what their favorite restaurant/beach/farmers market/etc. is. While it won’t always match with what you like, it’s something new, something local, and something not found in a book.

Dave and I recently met the owner of a local restaurant/bar, just down the street from the house we rented in Barbados. We had been there a few times for drinks/apps, and Peter was always there with a smile on his face and eager to chat. Learning that Peter was also a chef, we asked him where we should go to find good produce, as the big supermarket nearby was overpriced and seriously lacking in options or quality. Instead of just pointing us to a neighborhood or store, Peter invited us to join him a few days later when he went to the markets himself. Food shopping with a local chef?! Yes, please!

*Dave & Peter, chatting about peppers and avocados.*

We met him at 7am at the restaurant, rode with him to drop off his daughter Leah at school, and proceeded to Bridgetown where he guided us on which stands or stores had the freshest fruit and the best deals. We ended up with bags of goodies (avocados to DIE for 😍) for a fraction of what it would’ve cost us in other spots. As we headed home, he even brought us on a slight detour into “the country” to see where he lived and where he’d recommend buying land if we were so inclined... 😉. And if THAT wasn’t enough, he heard we loved hummus, so the next time we walked by the restaurant, the staff had a HUGE container of Peter’s specialty, homemade garlic hummus, waiting for us 😍😍😍.

*Why yes, I WILL eat all the hummus. Thank you, Peter!!!*

Obviously you won’t always find a Peter. But just imagine how much you might learn from that local sitting down the bar from you. And who knows...it may change your perspective on the destination itself, or perhaps even the type of traveler you are or want to be.

Katie Marta 10/21/20 Katie Marta 10/21/20

Nuts & Bolts: Traveling During Covid

Traveling can be stressful, no doubt. For some, the mere thought of a flight brings on crippling anxiety. Traveling during a pandemic can be that person’s worst nightmare. Fear can come in many forms, and fear of the unknown, or feeling a total lack of control are common travel-related fears. Obviously the threat of contracting Covid-19 is now a legitimate concern, and everyone has varying levels of susceptibility and risk. That’s a big reason why there is no one-size-fits-all rule or recommendation for how to travel in this new Covid world. My hope with this post is to help describe my experiences to simply alleviate some of the unknown.

ADMISSION: as a travel designer and a lover of all things related to travel, I did a LOT of research leading up to this trip. Like...a LOT 😳. Things were changing weekly but I stayed on top of it all, asked questions when necessary, and knew that we were as prepared as we could be, given the circumstances. That’s what a travel agent SHOULD do for you, so all you need to worry about is how many swimsuits to pack!

Dave and I flew from JFK on JetBlue on a Saturday morning. Direct flight, scheduled for just over 4.5 hours. We were not asked to show proof of our negative Covid test at any point before or during the flight. The flight itself was very comfortable, obviously with very little service other than each person receiving a plastic bag with a tiny bottle of water and two small snacks. Our flight was probably about 60% full, no middle seats booked unless traveling together.

People disembarked from both the front and back of the plane, and walked across the tarmac to a shuttle bus. We were some of the last few on the first (very full) bus before it drove < 1 minute to the airport entrance. Luckily we were also some of the first off the bus, meaning we were toward the front of the line(s) for everything else. Staff directed people to the left if they had a negative test or right if they didn’t. We waited maybe ten minutes and there were two women checking test results. At the front, we showed our printed out negative test results, the woman asked where we were staying for quarantine (The Crane), and she waved us on. The whole interaction lasted < 30 seconds.

We then walked into the airport terminal, where you sanitized your hands and then someone took your temperature right at the doors. This next part was a bit less organized, but there were a handful of people huddled in one area handing out health forms on a clipboard (we were told to just fill out one form between us) where we had to fill out our names, ages, where we’re staying, duration of stay, and contact info. They also gave us two wristbands - a red one noting quarantine and a white one noting The Crane. We then took the clipboard and form and walked past the kiosks to immigration. The man looked at our passports and the printed out Barbados immigration form we had completed online the day before we left, and waved us on. (No passport stamp😔) We then waited in the next line just past immigration for another 8-10 minutes. The women at the front collected the health form, confirmed where we were staying, and gave us & briefly explained the quarantine rules and forms for filling out temperatures twice a day. (We brought our own thermometer, which I’d recommend.)

We then picked up our bag, stopped at duty free which was open (HOORAY!! 🍷🥃), and headed for the exit. But wait, there’s more! Before the door to outside, another woman asked for both our names, checked off which hotel we were staying at, and waved us outside. Then ANOTHER woman who seemed to be organizing transportation asked for our names and then handed us off to a man who walked us along the sidewalk and directed us to a small transfer van where there were already other guests waiting to go to The Crane. We waited briefly for two other people to join (pretty full vehicle) and then finally headed out! Whew! By the way, all this happened and we arrived at The Crane almost exactly one hour after we landed, so pretty impressive!

At the Crane, we were (again) lucky to be one of the first few people in line at reception so were helped almost immediately. The woman made copies of our test results, we signed documents agreeing to their quarantine rules, she confirmed all our details and explained a bit about their policies. We also removed the two wristbands from the airport and she gave us new blue Crane wristbands. When we asked about the second Covid test, she said it would be done five days from arrival and said Wednesday would be fine - so counting our day of arrival, Saturday. She said someone would call us that morning to finalize details, it would cost $50 USD per person, and we’d get results the next day. We had booked six nights for quarantine so this worked out great and we would have a “free” night to actually explore Crane Beach and enjoy the full resort before we moved to the south coast for the remainder of our stay 🥳

*Welcome Drinks = The famous Barbados Rum Punch!*

Obviously in this new Covid world, things continue to change - and fairly quickly in some cases. As of October 1st, the new rules in Barbados say that people traveling from a high-risk country (aka US) can now get their second Covid test 4-5 days after the first test - which is different than what we experienced, which was 4-5 days after arrival. Test results are back in 24 hours, meaning as of now**, people visiting from the US should only need to quarantine for 2-3 days at the most. Depending on how this goes for locals and tourists alike, this may change, but so far Barbados has been on the ball with everything! I can also tell you that quarantine in Barbados can be pretty heavenly if you choose the right place.

Footnote: Dave and I have good patience when it comes to travel, as we both work in the industry and understand that you can’t always control every step. Obviously given the unprecedented times we’re ALL dealing with, this is even more true. Yes, there were a LOT of new steps between getting on the plane and to our hotel. (Everyone we encountered wore a mask and was very friendly btw.) But to us, it was all absolutely worth it to now be in beautiful Barbados 😍. Please remember that being polite and friendly always goes a loooong way in how you experience these extra steps (and life in general!!!) 🥰

Katie Marta 9/30/20 Katie Marta 9/30/20

Travel Reboot 2020

What does traveling mean to you?

Is it a thrilling, necessary part of life? Do you look forward to the mundane process of packing, spending time at airports, and actually being 30,000 feet in the air? Or are you on the opposite spectrum, where the mere thought of getting on a plane gives you a panic attack and everything that goes with it seems like a chore? Most people probably fall somewhere in the middle, whereas I am firmly in the former camp. Yes, I love airport bars. Getting out my suitcase excites me. The lines, the processes - it’s all part of TRAVEL, and that in itself brings me immense joy and comfort. Not being able to travel freely over the last six months has been...strange, to say the least. I know this sounds like ‘first world problems’ - and it is - but when travel is so engrained into your life, suddenly not having that can be like losing a part of yourself.

My husband Dave and I have had a few getaways over the last several months, but all within driving (or train/boat) distance. That Kenya trip we had planned in early July for my birthday and to bring my mom to Africa for the first time? Welp, that was changed to a road trip to Newport, Rhode Island and Maine, sans mom, who stayed in Chicago 😭 (Crying for no mom and no Kenya, not for RI or ME!) We also did a weekend in the Finger Lakes, a week on Fire Island, and a couple weekends on Long Island with friends. They were all wonderful and we’ve had a great summer all things considered, but for two people who fly almost monthly (Dave more often than me), we were itching to get on a plane and get out of the country - especially given the current state of the USA 😳.

Enter Barbados!

I have to give Barbados Tourism credit for this, because the announcement of their new Welcome Stamp Visa, encouraging people to come to Barbados and work remotely for a year, definitely got our attention. Why not? One of the best parts of working in the travel industry is you can truly work from anywhere, given the right circumstances. Well my “circumstances” changed a few months ago when I was laid off due to the ongoing pandemic and its absolute decimation of the travel industry, among others. Wanting to stay in travel means a long road ahead for me and millions of others around the world. Dave isn’t traveling for work these days, so as long as he has a strong WiFi connection, he can run his company smoothly, but Barbados being on Eastern Time like he’s used to was a huge plus.

We don’t have kids, pets, or plants (we tried the latter but failed). We have the time, the flexibility, and certainly the adventurous spirit! Some other great deciding factors included...

JetBlue has nonstop flights from JFK to Barbados (BGI) - under five hours!
Barbados lies outside the typical hurricane belt, reducing a normally huge threat for the Caribbean, especially in Sept-Oct.
Exchange rate is 2:1 BBD:USD.
English-speaking (I’m working on my Spanish now but it is FAR from good).
Barbados is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean.

Since October is the end of the normal hurricane season, Barbados does typically get more rain than in other months. But for those of you who have been to the Caribbean before, you know what those quick, hard downpours are like. I like to call those times “happy hour” 🍹☂. Traveling in low or shoulder season anywhere can mean great deals and fewer crowds, both of which we’ve found. Furthermore, longer stays can also translate into better rates, so by us booking an Airbnb for the whole month of October, we saw prices 40-50% lower than normal.

What does all this mean? Well, I’m writing this in my bikini, from my patio, looking at palm trees, with the ocean in the distance. So life is good 😎. We just got our negative results from our second Covid test, taken yesterday and required in Barbados for those coming from a high-risk country like the USA. That means we are officially out of quarantine and ready to explore the island! For more details on the actual nuts and bolts of our travel experience and all the extra steps necessary in this new Covid world we’re all living in, check out my next blog, coming soon...

Cheers!

#martoftravel #travel #luxurytravel #wanderlust #worldtraveler #neverstopexploring #getinspired #tourismstrong #allinthistogether #travelblogger #traveldreams #travelprofessional #traveladvisor #luxurytraveladvisor #luxurytravelagent #caribbean #barbados

Katie Marta 6/2/20 Katie Marta 6/2/20

Finding Happiness in Planning Travel

It all begins with an idea.

*Disclaimer: I can’t confirm if Albert Einstein actually said this, but I like the sentiment.*

Is anyone tired of hearing about these “unprecedented times”? Not knowing what the future holds can be scary. We’re all tired of the terms lockdown, stay-at-home, social distancing – and especially homeschooling! 😳

Plans have had to be postponed or even cancelled. Birthdays, anniversaries, and funerals have taken place in relative isolation. Wedding vows have been exchanged over Zoom or ceremonies have been pushed to a later date. Honeymoons, family vacations, bucket list adventures – trips that we’ve been looking forward to for so long are now even further away.

We’ve all probably heard the quote about life being 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it. It’s definitely applicable now, particularly in relation to travel plans. Yes, you may have had to postpone your trip. But instead of being sad about having to wait longer to travel, why not focus on the extra time you get to look forward to that adventure?! You have more time to read about the country/state/city you’re visiting; more time to research local restaurants or follow new Instagram accounts; and more time for your travel designer to plan some extra surprises for you! 🙂

A 2019 study by industry marketing and research firm MaCher asked the question, “When does travel make us happy?” While you might think people are typically happiest during their actual travels, MaCher found that 50% of a customer’s happiness actually comes prior to their planned trip. It’s the anticipation, the dreaming, that brings most of the joy. Another 35% of that happiness comes once we return, as we look back on everything we were able to see and experience. Only 15% of our happiness in relation to a trip is actually while we’re traveling.

Obviously everyone is different and looks at travel in their own way. Personally, I love planning travel – which is a good thing since I do it for a living! Whether it’s a weekend trip to a National Park or to explore a new city – or a bigger trip like taking my mom to Africa for the first time – I love having something to look forward to outside of my normal routine, something new to learn and experience in the world. Based on MaCher’s research, the sooner we can start planning a trip, the earlier that happiness scale can kick in!

While we all wait and see what will happen with this pandemic and what the future of travel will look like, don’t forget to keep dreaming! Even if you don’t plan to travel for another year or more, start talking to a travel designer now to get ideas. Travel specialists are here to help you understand how the industry is adjusting to a post-pandemic world, to help find you the hidden gem locations, the off-the-beaten-path experiences, and the private villas/lodges that will make you feel comfortable traveling again. We are here to make sure you stay excited about travel, and to stay inspired!

Katie Marta 10/15/19 Katie Marta 10/15/19

Badlands National Park: A Hidden Gem

It all begins with an idea.

As we all search for potential travel destinations a bit closer to home these days, I’m reminded of how many unique regions we have in our own country. I visited Badlands National Park last year and was blown away by a landscape that resembled the surface of the moon! Rugged and remote, untamed and inhospitable. Those are all accurate descriptions of this region in southwestern South Dakota.

Badlands National Park is about an hour east of Rapid City, South Dakota, and the airport (RAP) is easy to navigate with a variety of rental car options. The park itself is normally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and entrance fees are collected year-round, but obviously things can change so be sure to check before you make plans (or just ask me!). If you’re looking to stay overnight in the park, there are a handful of campgrounds or adorable cabins like those at Cedar Pass Lodge, where we stayed. I’d suggest bringing your own drinks and snacks or stopping at the nearby Badlands Grocery when you arrive. I’d also highly recommend grabbing a beer with the locals at Wagon Wheel Bar, in the tiny town of Interior, just outside the park.

The major draw of Badlands National Park is the unique landscape, which is roughly half badlands geologic formations (think rugged spires and deep canyons) and half mixed-grass prairie ecosystem (both ankle-high and waist-high grasses). This is basically heaven for budding geologists, as the formations here contain sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, claystones, limestones, volcanic ash, and shale. It’s also great for hiking, spectacular vistas, wildlife, and certainly plenty of wide-open spaces (no problems social distancing here!) In just one day, we saw bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and luckily only one rattlesnake.

Life in Badlands National Park has adapted to the extreme conditions. The weather here can vary dramatically – hot, cold, dry, windy, and you can even encounter blizzards, floods, droughts, and fires. Because of this, it’s important to monitor the local weather forecasts before heading out on any hikes. A few other common-sense safety tips for this region include:

Wear the correct (closed-toe!) footwear when hiking. Watch for cracks and holes in the ground.
Avoid dehydration and sunstroke. Summer is hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and cover skin with long sleeves/pants.
Beware of changing weather conditions. Check local weather forecasts, bring layers, and seek shelter when necessary.
Respect wildlife. Keep a 100-yard distance wherever possible, especially from bison. Listen for – and avoid – rattlesnakes.
Be prepared. Bring a map or GPS unit, plenty of water, food, and make sure someone knows where you’re going. Don’t rely on your cell phone, as service can be spotty.

You probably won’t want to spend a week in Badlands National Park, but it’s an incredible, often overlooked National Park that I’d highly recommend for 2-3 nights. Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills are only about 90 minutes away, and Denver is a 6.5-hour drive, so there are plenty of ways to include Badlands National Park as part of a larger trip.

Looking for a getaway a bit closer to home this year? Hoping to check off another National Park from your bucket list? I can help create the perfect trip for you, whether near or far. Let’s start planning!

Katie Marta 10/8/19 Katie Marta 10/8/19

Introduction to Southeast Asia

It all begins with an idea.

I recently returned from my first trip to Southeast Asia – visiting Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam – and it was an incredible mix of new experiences that I’d definitely recommend.

Beginning in Siem Reap, Cambodia, one of the first things that stood out was the friendliness of the locals. English is an official language in Cambodia, so communication was easy – especially in the city centre or around any of the main tourist sites. The epicenter of tourism in Siem Reap is Angkor Wat and the other incredible temples that date back centuries. Visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise was magical despite the overcast skies, and the intricate carvings on the temple walls were amazing to see in person.

Next we headed to the bustling seaport island of Singapore. This large city-state is rich with culture, as evident throughout the colorful neighborhoods, local hawker food centres, and beautiful places of worship. If you love the movie Crazy Rich Asians like I do, you’ll also know some of the more famous spots here, such as the Marina Bay Sands hotel and its rooftop infinity pool, and the unique Gardens by the Bay nature park. Having a private guide is a great way to experience many of the highlights of Singapore in a day. It’s also easy (and cheap!) to get around via bus, train, boat, or on foot!

The last week of our trip was spent in central and northern Vietnam, with an incredible array of different landscapes and experiences that could’ve made up an entire trip on its own. The first stop was Da Nang and its beautiful beaches, only about 30 minutes from the action of downtown Hoi An. Old Town Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of colorful lanterns draping across the narrow roads, shops, markets, bridges, and plenty of tailors in case you need some new clothes! For an escape from the city, rent a bicycle and ride through the serene rice patties, where you’re likely to see locals hard at work.

We then traveled to northern Vietnam, where we spent time in Pu Luong, Halong Bay, and of course Hanoi. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden gem, nestled below spectacular mountain ridges and full of working terrace farms and rice patties. It’s a great spot to hike, float on a bamboo raft down the river, or just breathe in the country air and soak up the stillness. Halong Bay is something out of a movie – thousands of limestone islands covered in lush rainforest jutting up from the sea. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is an incredibly popular tourist destination, so whether you visit as a day trip from Hanoi or spend 1-2 nights on a traditional “junk” boat on the water, expect to see a lot of other boats.

Last but certainly not least, we spent time in the sprawling capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. It was loud, lively, crowded, chaotic – and I loved it. The Old Quarter was especially fun to walk around with all the storefronts and food joints, and you can’t leave Hanoi without experiencing a Vespa or motorbike ride to really feel like a local.

Every stop on this trip could have been extended a bit longer, as there was so much to see and do in each location. I know I’ll be back to explore more down the road, but for now, if I can help you plan your own Southeast Asia adventure, please reach out!

Katie Marta 4/9/19 Katie Marta 4/9/19

South African Wedding-Moon

It all begins with an idea.

I’ve decided I may have to give up traveling, as I recently returned from the greatest trip of my life, and I can’t imagine anything ever comparing.

Okay part of that is an exaggeration ;). I did spend the last two weeks of March in South Africa for my “wedding-moon” - part-wedding, part honeymoon - and it was absolutely magnificent!

Our 14 nights in South Africa included Johannesburg, safari (and wedding) in the Sabi Sands, Cape Town, the Winelands, and a gorgeous private nature reserve on the coast, about two hours south of Cape Town. It was the perfect combination of city/action and leisure/relaxation – a balance I often strive to reach for my clients as well.

The wedding day was better than I could have dreamt. It started with the usual game drive (I never miss one when in Africa!) and a leisurely breakfast at Dulini River Lodge (which is looking BEAUTIFUL after recent renovations). My now-husband Dave and I then split up to get ready, and the wonderful staff at the lodge made sure I had everything I needed – including bubbles of course!

The ceremony went off without a hitch, despite temperatures breaking 100 degrees that afternoon. The team at Dulini River Lodge could not have been more wonderful throughout the whole process, and I truly felt like we were (and will forever be) part of their extended family. Since we didn’t invite anyone (sorry, mom!), we had one main focus after exchanging vows: get on the game drive vehicle with our photographer and find animals to be in our wedding photos! Luckily the Sabi Sands is one of the best areas to find wildlife year-round, and the elephants in particular didn’t disappoint!

My love for South Africa seems to grow with each visit, as it is such a diverse country with an incredibly wide variety of experiences to offer. Whether for a wedding, a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just a vacation to escape the weather or work back home, South Africa is always a great option. Are you looking to experience the magic of South Africa? Get in touch and I’d love to help!

Katie Marta 11/1/18 Katie Marta 11/1/18

Tanzania Safari

Tanzania was the sixth African country I’ve visited, in the fall of 2018, and I have to say…it’s now one of my favorites! Wild, natural, simple, and beautiful. We focused on the northern circuit of Tanzania, so only touched a fraction of a country about twice the size of California and slightly larger than Texas.

One of my favorite aspects of Tanzania is there are no fences. Wildlife viewing doesn’t seem forced or unnatural. You drive through little villages on the way from the airstrip, with children waving and offering you the biggest smiles you could imagine. Ten minutes down the dirt road, you’re surrounded by a dazzle of zebras (that's the official collective noun for them!) or watching a herd of elephants drink from a watering hole. It just works.

Most people visit Tanzania for the iconic landscapes: the vast plains of the Serengeti, the natural wonder that is the Ngorongoro Crater or the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro. While those areas are each unique and worth experiencing, there are also hidden gems like the Maswa Game Reserve, on the western border of the world-famous Serengeti. Private, untouched, and exploding with wildlife, Maswa provided some truly spectacular game viewing experiences.

I used to think that ten days was plenty of time to be out in the bush and on safari. After nearly two weeks in Tanzania, I left with a heavy heart, wishing for more time!

Each area is so different, and as anyone who’s been on safari knows, no two days are the same. From witnessing a Great Migration river crossing, to watching leopard cubs AND lion cubs on separate occasions, to taking a helicopter flight and landing on a volcano…Tanzania stole my heart, and it can steal yours too!

Katie Marta 6/18/18 Katie Marta 6/18/18

A Whirlwind Week Around Sydney

I’ve recently returned from a whirlwind 5-day trip to Sydney – my first time there in 4 years—and I enjoyed so many unique experiences that I can’t wait to share with all of you! See some photos and highlights from my trip below.

First Stop: Sydney Tour

A city tour of Sydney is perfect for first-timers, especially for your first day in the city. It gives you a great overview of the different neighborhoods and covers a lot more ground than you would by simply walking around on your own. The best part is having a great guide who can answer all your questions and point out hidden gems you should visit for a bite to eat or a local beer!

Vivid Sydney

The highlight of the trip was the exciting festival known as Vivid Sydney, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018. Vivid truly showcases the magic and beauty of Sydney in early winter. Icons throughout the city participate in different ways with art installations, light shows, and projections.

The animated light show that was projected onto the Sydney Opera House, along with the colorful lights throughout the city, were simply breathtaking! I did an evening cruise in Sydney Harbour and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight. Both experiences gave me a unique view of the Vivid festivities—I highly recommend doing at least one of these!

Quad Bikes and Sandboarding

If you’re looking to get away from the city for a couple days, Port Stephens is a great option and only about a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney. There you can find beautiful beaches, plenty of locals, and the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, which make an awesome adventure playground! My first experience quad biking through the dunes and sand boarding down a huge hill with the ocean looming in the background was one I will never forget.

Hunter Valley Wine Country

No trip is complete for me until I do some wine tasting, and the Hunter Valley did not disappoint! The views are spectacular and I tried some amazing Sémillon and some of the best Shiraz I’ve ever had. We sadly only had 1 night in this region, but I’d highly recommend 2 if you have the time, as it’s a wonderful oasis outside of Sydney and perfect for some quiet time among the vines.

Whether it’s your first time to Sydney or your tenth, there are always new experiences to be had and different areas to explore. It still stands as my favorite city in the world, and I’d love to help you see it for yourself!

Katie Marta 5/1/17 Katie Marta 5/1/17

New Zealand with a Broken Hand

If you know anything about New Zealand, you may know it’s the epicenter of outdoor adventure in the Southern Hemisphere. The beautiful, rugged terrain beckons travelers from all around the world for a variety of reasons. Think of anything that pairs being active and being outdoors, and you can most likely find it in New Zealand. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, white water rafting, bungy jumping, and skydiving. You name it – they have it!

I had all this in mind when I planned my first trip to New Zealand in 2017. My itinerary was jam-packed with fun excursions, as I wanted to experience as much as possible so I could better explain each activity to my clients. After all, that’s my job – and I love it! With everything planned and less than a week before leaving, there was one hiccup I hadn’t anticipated: two broken bones in my left hand. We won’t get into how that happened 😳, but suffice to say, I had to adjust my itinerary slightly.

Surprisingly enough, I was still able to do a lot of what I had planned, including zip lining, a cruise through Doubtful Sound, a heli hike on Franz Josef Glacier, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, and of course extra time for wine tasting in the Central Otago Region!

I’ll admit the kayaking was a bit painful with one broken hand, but the beauty of the National Park was well worth it. Even though I was slowed down slightly with an injury, I still felt like I maximized my time in New Zealand – and now I just have more of a reason to go back (ideally without any casts)!

There are certainly things to do for all activity levels. You don’t have to be the ultimate thrill seeker to enjoy Queenstown, for instance. While those options do exist, there are so many other ways to experience the magic of this incredible country. I enjoyed my first (and second) helicopter ride, hiked to a hidden waterfall, did a pub crawl in Wellington, wandered around cities, and saw some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery I could ever imagine. While I don’t recommend breaking bones before traveling internationally, I am also proof that injuries or other obstacles don’t have to ruin a trip!