Every time my birthday comes, I stop and think about what I do, especially all of my food and travel experiences, and what I still want to do. Those who know me know my birthday is a bit celebrating. I celebrate my birthday throughout June.
Some may find this overkill or self-indulgent, frankly. I don’t care; I keep doing it year after year, and as long as I’m still breathing, there’s no plan to stop.
This year, as I reflect on, I began to think about some of the wonderful and memorable food and travel experiences I have around the globe. I think it might be fun to share some of my favorites. People always ask, “What is your favorite destination?” or “What is the best place you’ve ever eaten?” I admit I hate these questions because it’s hard to choose. But there are some favorites, memorable things that I think are worth sharing.
I hope my favorites inspire you to create your own memorable experience. Here, they have no particular order…
My favorite food and travel experience
My 50th birthday barge cruise
Many people have heard this story before. I dreamed of spending more than 50 years on a barge cruise. I imagine a boat cruised through the canals in France with friends. We would drink champagne, enjoy the French countryside, eat a lot of good food and of course celebrate my birthday.
We researched, planned and finally chose the perfect barge cruise for us. one French National Waterway Touring in Burgundy, France. Sadly, no other friend wants to join us. I admit it was a bit expensive, but we took advantage of the “buy one, get one” promotion that seemed like a steal to us at the time.
It ended up being one of my favorite food trips ever. We became friends with 10 other passengers almost immediately. I remember asking us why we chose to board such a small boat without knowing anyone. Aren’t we afraid that we won’t get along? What if they don’t like us or our lifestyle? We laughed and said that everyone likes us, we will be fine, and we are. You can read all about here.
We’ve been in the other two since then French barge cruise. It’s a very slow way to see the French countryside, relax and meet new people.
türkiye’s balloons and boat ride
Back on the day I worked as a Global Travel Media Consultant, Istanbul was one of my stops. Time was scheduled, Diana joined me, it took us two weeks türkiye. It’s a journey full of exploration, food and meeting some amazing people.
The highlight of the trip was staying at a cave hotel and taking a sunrise hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia (the birthplace of grandfather Diana’s Pathnal). From the tranquility of the hot air balloon at sunrise, this landscape is unique. Worth an early experience.
Another unforgettable experience on this trip was renting a Goulet (wooden boat) Bodrum And sailing in the Aegean Sea. Apart from the captain and his first companion, we had a large ship, they cooked fresh ocean foam on the deck, and we enjoyed the deck with ice cold Greek beer. We had a few swims in the sea, a nap on the deck and a afternoon tea break. This is one of the easiest things we have ever done. When I feel stressed, I think of floating on the sea, sunshine shining on my face, uncare in the world. I was immediately under pressure.
Food Road Trip in Yellowstone Country
During the peak of our trip to the diet traveler, we were lucky to be invited to many news tours for food and travel experiences, hosting trips and sponsoring trips. Sometimes we are lucky to not only experience a new destination, but also make lifelong friends in the process.
One of the trips was our first trip to Yellowstone Country with our host, Robin Hoover. Robin meets Robin, who comes to Chicago for a roadshow, shows all the wonders of the Yellowstone country for the destination and all the wonders for travel writers. Of course, we were interested in the food they had to offer, and Robin had a lot to tell us. She insisted that we needed to visit and she would be our guide.
We soon found ourselves bent over the plane flying westward. It’s a week-long memorable food tour, Robin Chico Hot Springsbig wood and everything in between. Expert tip: Bring elastic pants, there are a lot to eat! You can read all about our food discovery, including my favorite huckleberry, here. We even met the governor during a wine tasting!
We loved our visit so much that we later returned to Montana Next winter Experience Yellowstone from a brand new perspective (spoiler alert: amazing, quiet and breathtaking). We highly recommend visiting this iconic national park and surrounding area at any time of the year.
Robin, thanks for introducing us to Montana (we even considered moving there, but it was another day’s story), and more importantly, became a great friend.
Thanksgiving in New York City
When Diana was a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Club a few years ago, we took advantage of its numerous allowances. One of the highlights is booking Thanksgiving dinner at James Beard House in New York City. Of course, we decided to have a long weekend. We saw Macy’s Thanksgiving balloons swelling the night before. We dined at Club 21 (also a membership allowance), watched several Broadway shows, and had a great time.
James Beard’s Thanksgiving dinner is something we will never forget. Several chefs from all over the country share their responsibilities in getting their favorite Thanksgiving bites. There were a lot of cocktails and appetizers and then there were a lot of classes and the conversation around our ten tables was great. I was so stuffed that I couldn’t finish the last few bites on a course, and the desk partner asked me quietly if I was done. They want my last two! That’s a fool. Honestly, I don’t remember being as fulfilled as that night in my life. We ended up walking back to our hotel (heel) to make some delicious dishes. No, no regrets. My heart rate will be faster.
Christmas market in Italy
What I love is not a secret Christmas Market. I’ve been to dozens of them Europe I like every one of them very much. It is a unique food and travel experience, and each market has its own charm and flavor. this German Christmas Market Maybe it’s where it all started, but our road trip through northern Italy was just to explore the Christmas market and make me smile with the Glee.
While you can still enjoy the dressed wine, sausages and German specialties, these markets also have Italian food and wine.
One of the highlights will also be to Tres Marchetti Trattoria in Verona, the owner of a former opera singer. He draws us with his singing and fills us with our dream chef tasting menu.
We also have original Stracciatella ice cream at La Marianna’s in Bergamo.
Our trips included parking in Merano, Bressanone-Brixen, Bolzano, Trento, Arco, Verona, Verona, Milan and Bergamo. You can read all about it and plan your itinerary from it here.
Just go!
I admit I like to regain these experiences again. We had a lot of other food and travel experiences, all of which were great. These are super special experiences that really stand out.
I hope that when you share these processes with you, it inspires you to go out and experience the world. Do something different. Even if it’s just a few hours at home to take a road trip. You will be surprised that it changes your mood, your perspective, and even your perception of the visiting location.
No matter where you go, no matter what you do, don’t wait now!
