Bucket List Stress 

Do you really need one?

People are always talking about their bucket lists, and more often than not, those lists are primarily geared toward travel. Do you really need one? Of course not. Is it fun or useful to have one? Maybe. Each person's list is particular to one person and one person only, and the only person that bucket list needs to please--in its form or its content--is its creator.

Do you have a bucket list or wish list of travel destinations? Is it written or recorded in some fashion, maybe on a vision board, or is it just in the back of your mind? How do you approach it? It is a list of places you diligently work on ticking off or is it more of an inspiration? 

What kinds of places are on your list? Are they exotic? Are they places endowed with stunning flora and fauna? Are they cities? Villages? Perhaps the items on your list, whether it's written or not, are more experiential in nature? Swimming with manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii or seeing the aurora borealis? Plein air painting or sketching in Ireland? Truffle hunting in France? Stalking gorillas in Rwanda? A private gulet charter along the coast of Turkey? Visiting all of the world's best fashion, textile, and costume museums? Maybe there was something you almost did on a previous trip but you ran out of time, and now it's haunting you. The possibilities are endless.

Even if you don't have a formal written version, I think of a travel wish list the same way I think of a passport: always have a valid one ready. You never know when it might come in handy.

And remember, the Mon Voyage Small Group Trips survey for 2025 will hit your inbox in about six weeks, so start thinking of what you might want to add to the suggestion box...

What's on my own list?

I have a fuzzy mental list but have not committed it to any sort of organized format. What’s on my list, you may ask? Well, it’s a mix.

I’m a huge fan of Indian film, so I constantly dream of going to India. It’s a huge country, though, with dozens of languages and so many regional cultures. I’d want several weeks at a minimum. I would definitely have to visit Mumbai and go on a tour of the Bollywood stars’ homes, and attend at least one movie in a theater full of locals. And definitely a dance performance! Maybe I’d even be crazy enough to pay to attend an extravagant wedding, like the ones I see on Amazon’s terrific Indian-aimed drama series Made in Heaven. The difficulty is deciding which parts of India I would focus on, because I can’t do it all justice in a few weeks. The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur? Mumbai and Goa? The South? The Ganges and Calcutta? I’d better stop myself now or this will turn into a three-hour movie with eight songs.

Another big one for me is South Africa. I want to go to Africa, period, and there are sooo many possibilities. So just to give myself some focus, I grabbed on to South Africa at some point. Compelling and challenging history, check. Nearby safari locations and national parks, check. Outstanding wines, check. Cape Town is calling my name like a siren to a sailor. But then I see the photos from a colleague who specializes in African travel, and then I want to be everywhere she is: Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, Kenya!? She's actually on her way to Antarctica next week and that, too, would be pretty high on my list if I didn't get horribly seasick.

But I'm just as indecisive as the next person. If you told me tomorrow that I would only ever have one more trip, I'd have a devil of a time deciding where to go. And there would also be a little part of me that just wanted to go to Paris for the hundredth (or whatever) time.

Greece Seems to be a Big One, so...

Lately I've had a lot of people mention that Greece is a Bucket List destination for them. Well, I listened and I am pleased to offer this carefully curated two-week itinerary for September 1-15, 2024.

Of Myths and Moussaka

Our Greek Odyssey begins with a stay on the island of Santorini. You’ve seen the picture postcard images of this iconic destination, with its whitewashed cliffside homes. We’ll be ensconced in one of these characteristic locations and each day we’ll venture out and about to explore the natural beauty and historic sites of Santorini. You can look forward to a beautiful sea-view caldera hike as well as a visit to the ruins at Akrotiri. Santorini is also known for its wines made with indigenous grapes, which you will discover on our wine tour

Our next stop will be the largest of the Greek islands, mythical Crete—larger than some small countries. This island is expansive, so we will spend a few nights in Heraklion and the rest of the week in Chania. Crete is home to some of the most important and oldest historic sites in Greece, dating back thousands of years to the Minoan culture. In Chania itself, you will see the architectural evidence of many cultures across the centuries, including a strong Venetian influence. Its history gives this port town a unique ambiance and charm. While on Crete we will be surrounded by gorgeous scenery, visiting the pristine nature preserve of Elafonissi Beach as well as the Imbros Gorge, where you will be able to enjoy a lovely hike among the flowers and rugged vistas of the island. We will also spend time learning about and sampling the local agricultural and gastronomic culture with a cooking class.

Finally, we will finish our fabulous fortnight with four nights in Athens. In addition to the Acropolis and all of its impressive ancient structures, we will visit the adjoining museum for additional context on the site and its history. Enjoy a day trip to Delphi, where you can close your eyes and imagine what the Oracle might have shared with you, and then ponder your past and future travels.

Note that I will be able to offer the trip at a slightly lower price if we can reach our minimum before December 20th. If we have at least six people deposited prior to that date, anyone signed up by that time will benefit from a $150 discount on the final price.

The latest updates for 2024 and 2025 (click each trip for details):

Vietnam and Cambodia (January 2024): Sold out; wait list only. 

Alluring Amsterdam (March 2024): This trip is now confirmed, having reached the minimum number of guests. Please inquire for current availability.

Incomparable Istanbul (May 2024): This trip is almost sold out. There is one spot remaining for a solo traveler only (own room).

Of Myths and Moussaka (September 2024): Open for booking as of Monday, November 20th. 

Gems of Southeast Europe (June 2025): Open for booking as of Monday, Nov. 20th. Deposit your cabin by Dec. 15th and receive TWO discounts. Please inquire for details.

Additional trips for both 2024 and 2025 are still to come, so stay tuned. 

Last but not least, don't forget to contact me about your private travels for the months and years ahead. My 2024 book is filling up!

Cheers from Bratislava--