I have to say, I am surprised to write you and reference the pandemic.  When I originally started my Editor’s Letter back in November, it was to announce the Roaring 20s had arrived.  That was when New York City was back full tilt, the Parisians were more fashionable than ever and everyone and their grandma (literally) were booking trips to…

What a difference a year makes. Well, actually for me, it’s the last five months, as the first half of the year felt like purgatory. Personally, I waited for everything from vaccines to the resurgence of travel. I am on my way, after all, to all 195 countries. I am happy to report that, not only am I back in…

What a difference a year makes. I know, we’re not out of this pandemic fully yet.  But I venture to say that there’s a lot of joy to be back in the world.  I know, because I’ve officially ventured beyond the U.S. and Caribbean borders.  I just returned from Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Traveling again is the gift that gives…

Founder Christine Drinan’s Predictions on Travel This is not to tell you that I have a crystal ball and know what will happen in travel in the next few months. I’ve gotten a lot of questions from you, though, about whether or not you should be traveling. How will the Delta variant impact your plans? Is there insurance for Covid?…

A Note from Founder Christine Drinan I think every travel experience leaves its mark on us. This past year, with borders to far-flung places mostly closed, I took the opportunity to travel like a sane human being. By that, I mean I explored beautiful destinations like Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, and St. Lucia. Essentially, if there was an open border…

A little over a year ago, I boarded my first flight, of what would be 36+ flights over the course of the pandemic. My trip was to Aspen, which I consider a second home. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous on that Delta NYC-to-Salt Lake flight. I even brought gloves, which by the way, are totally useless. Many…

In the most ironic of ways, Galavante exists today because of my Mom. When I was a kid, I could never sit still. I always wanted to be learning, exploring, playing, going somewhere — anywhere. I had endless energy, which was a nightmare for my Mom, who after working 10+ hours and driving 2+ hours back and forth to the…

I’m recalling memories of last year, during this anniversary of sorts. Right about this time in February 2020, we had a 1,300-person conference “postponed.” And we were starting to reschedule trips, for May or June, to be on the safe side in case this virus would require more than an unthinkable two-week shutdown. But then we started to get intel,…

Hello 2021   It’s been a tradition for me to fly over the ocean on December 31 to a brand new place, which I’ve been told, is good luck. Symbolically, you leave the past behind and arrive in a foreign land to start anew. When I started this tradition 5 years ago, I had gone through a tough year personally,…

We’re not going to pretend that 2020 hasn’t been a tough year, but as you know, here at Galavante, our glasses are always half full. (more…)