My first international travel experience, many years ago, included missing a train (among other fiascos), our small group having to “negotiate” with a taxi driver through a translator we did not know to get us as close to Shenzhen, China as possible, being on a derelict ferry on the South China Sea during a typhoon, eventually getting near our destination and being left standing in shin high water pouring across a road, watching my small suitcase floating away and we were still blocks from our destination as the taxi driver was forbidden by law to get any nearer the border. Did I mention that the car was right hand drive on a left hand highway that was clearly still in early stages of construction and the driver kept having to restart the vehicle by rubbing to wires together that were hanging out of the steering wheel. And there was still more travel to go to make our way to Hong Kong. We eventually made it to Hong Kong and to our hotel while the typhoon raged on. We had to crawl through a small opening in the storm shutters on the window to get into the hotel. At the time my husband was sick as a dog from what we learned was shigella that had been picked up somewhere along the way. When we touched down at Victoria International Airport we went directly to the nearest hospital. After a voluntary quarantine all was well. And, that was it! My first trip off the North American continent and I was absolutely hooked on travel and have not stopped travelling since. Yes, I learned something...
Travel may not always be perfect but it is incredibly enriching and my first international experience taught me that I need to be ready to step outside of my comfort zone. I would never want to have missed this experience even though admittedly while the water rushed past me just below my knees, as I stood in the middle of the road somewhere in Shenzhen, China I did shed a few tears. I had not planned properly
Travel consultants exist for a reason and have incredible access to information and resources not available to the public. Had I used a professional they could have helped. It was not possible at that time for a traveler to simply buy a train ticket in destination without help. What is now a classic Bobrowsky travel story amongst friends and family, the hysterical ride in the taxi and subsequent ferry ride during a typhoon could have been avoided.
Travel insurance is not a corporate conspiracy or money grab. A quality travel insurance policy is essential for the unforeseeable regardless of your age. I had no insurance which prevented a safe option to get to Hong Kong. We should not have been where we were and a travel insurance agent would have provided safe options which likely would have started with staying put during a typhoon.
As I sit trying to write a bio all I can say is it has been an absolute privilege for me to travel with my husband to 90+ countries with many more on my future travel list. I am a passionate travel consultant and travel concierge who thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for my clients around the world. My deep love for travel and exploring the world allows me to bring personal insight and tailored service to every trip, ensuring each journey is unique and seamlessly planned. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine enthusiasm for discovering new destinations, I have made it my mission to help others explore the world in the most memorable and stress-free way possible.
Whether it’s curating luxury vacations, navigating hidden gems, or offering expert recommendations, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences that go beyond expectations.
Ps: I did catch up to my suitcase in Shenzen, China.