WHERE TO NEXT?
Dear Traveler,
Our safari game drives are done. Sunday night was our final one.
This has been an adventure to remember. We canvassed the Serengeti from north to south – staying at tented camps, mobile camps and structured camps. In the national parks and on private concessions, on barren plains and in front of hippo ponds.
We stayed at and did site visits at 15 lodges, meeting with managers, guides and the staff that take care of you when you are in Africa.
It was a pace that at times was exhausting! But so worthwhile.
We saw Tanzania and Rwanda from the air and the land.
What surprised me most?
The people and especially the children of Rwanda.
As we drove down the roads – in cities, rural villages or farmland – the children waved at us and said hello with big smiles on their faces.
On our drive from Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park (TIP: I highly recommend a helicopter instead of driving!) we pulled over to take a picture of the beautiful scenery. The roadside was on a steep hill. About 40 feet below was a family home with little children playing next to their moms doing housework.
They waved at us and said hello.
We of course waved back and said hello.
We said hi, they said hi.
We said hello, they said hello.
After a minute one child began walking up their switchback dirt road towards where we were standing. Another followed and then another.
In total six climbed up the driveway to about 15 feet from us. Close enough to get a better look at us, but far enough away to feel safe. Their moms were watching from afar.
The call and response continued. All with big smiles.
Eventually we had to go and we waved a final time – “Goodbye!”
The six little voices shouted “Goodbye!”
More on Africa next week.
This week’s inspirational articles include extraordinary night-time experiences around the world, new VIP experiences at the Four Seasons and 19 romantic destinations (reminder Valentine’s Day is coming up).
Also articles on Africa, Italy, Europe and must visit museums.
The informational articles include tips for travel photography from NatGeo and how to travel well with babies and toddlers.
Where am I going next? I’m currently in the Kigali Airport about to board my flights to Uganda, Amsterdam and then Boston. I’m excited to be back home in NH this weekend!
I have so much more to share with you about Africa and look forward to doing so in the next couple of weeks (Gorilla trekking was amazing! I can’t wait to share the videos of the baby gorilla). I’m planning to be back to our full length newsletter next week.
Where to next for you?
Warmly,
Below:
- Hot New Hotel Opening – ROMEO Roma
- Inspiration + Information
🌟 Romeo Roma, a new luxury hotel has opened in the Tridente neighborhood and just steps away from Piazza del Popolo.
Why visit Romeo Roma?
- Set in a beautifully renovated 16th-century Baroque building, the hotel features a curated art collection, including a striking statue head of Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus—an exciting glimpse into ancient history.
- The tranquil LA SPA Sisley Paris has a hammam, salt room, floating room and a selection of indulgent treatments using Sisley Paris’s exclusive products. ROMEO is also the only hotel in the historic Tridente district to feature an outdoor pool seamlessly connected to the indoor pool at LA SPA. Through a glass panel at the bottom of the outdoor pool, guests can even view authentic Roman ruins beneath.
- Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Roma is the only Italian location of the celebrated multi-Michelin-starred French chef. For a more casual experience, IL CORTILE offers an all-day menu perfect for a flavorful break and is only open for hotel guests. At IL BAR, guests can sip seasonal cocktails and mocktails or select from a carefully chosen wine list.
- Don’t miss LA TERRAZZA on the sixth floor with spectacular views of Rome’s rooftops and Piazza del Popolo. Here, guests can enjoy a glass of Krug Champagne while soaking in the mesmerizing Roman skyline.
Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.
📷 ROMEO Roma
Reach out to plan your visit
INSPIRATION
Five extraordinary night-time experiences around the world, BBC
50,000 Steps in a City Where the Sidewalk Never Ends, NYT
10 Events Worth Traveling To Europe For In 2025, Forbes
New York’s Four Seasons Unveils New VIP Experiences, From Whiskey Tastings to Personal Shopping, Robb Report
24 Wellness Resorts and Hotels You Should Book Right Now, AFAR
19 of the most romantic destinations in the world,
National Geographic
Italy’s Most Beautiful Towns and Villages, Lonely Planet
2025’s must-visit museums: the world’s top openings and reopenings, Lonely Planet
Hiking holidays: Europe’s most iconic walking trails to tackle this year, Independent
SAFARI
A Hands-On Safari In A Magical Place: Giraffe Conservation In Namibia, Forbes
Walking With Rhinos in Zimbabwe: ‘Everyone Benefits’, NYT
INFORMATION
You’ll Soon Need a Real ID to Fly — but Can You Use Your Passport Instead?, Travel & Leisure
9 useful tips to help you succeed as a travel photographer,
National Geographic
How to Travel With Babies and Toddlers, NYT
(If you aren’t able to access an NYT or Washington Post article, send me a note and I’ll send it to you in a PDF.)