I can’t believe that this is my 14th Thanksgiving letter at Galavante. Every November, I’ve had the honor pf writing my musings on the extreme privilege it’s been to live, breathe and sleep travel. More often than not, it doesn’t feel like work, even when it is. For 14 years, I haven’t needed an alarm clock to wake to neither the challenges nor the gratifying moments of the day. To do what you love is a privilege, and it’s because of you that I have made my life’s passion of travel into Galavante. So, first and foremost, Merci, Grazie, Vielen Danke for being part of our community of travelers at Galavante. I love November because it’s a chance for me to say that I am so grateful for you.
When the Stars Align
Thanksgiving is the opportunity to express gratitude to the universe for lining up the stars to do what we love at Galavante — which is travel. We live vicariously through all your travels that our team of advisors create for you and your families. It’s because of you that we are inspired to write our hearts out about all the beautiful places there are to travel to in the world. We would be nowhere without you as our community, and we have loved every second traveling the world with you over 14 years of business.
I am especially thankful for the village of people that are in my life, both at work and personally. Our team at Galavante is made up of some of the most passionate individuals I’ve had the privilege to ever work with. You are the reason that Galavante is what it is today, and what we will grow into in the future. So thank you so much to you; I couldn’t ask for a better team to be in the trenches with every day.
A Month of Milestones
Besides travel, for me, November is a meaningful time, when I pause to think about life’s milestones. It’s in November that I started my first job out of college in a career that I thought I would have for life. (Thankfully, the universe had its own plan, as I’d be in front of a spreadsheet today in lieu of writing this letter.) My parents’ anniversary is also this month, which needless to say, set off a series of events that brought my brother and me into the world. And now, my brother’s beautiful kids, Genevieve and Nick.
There is always something meaningful with work that happens to us in November, whether good or challenging. And over the past 14 years, we’ve had some big challenges historically in November. However, something special happened this month. I feel like there is a turning point happening in our business that will transform Galavante. I’ll share more in the New Year, but it’s like we found the person that we’re going to marry. In one year from now, I expect Galavante to be on a new trajectory, but always one with a core passion for providing you the best in travel.
Life is a 12 out of 10
To keep it all real though (as that’s what we do), I know that the holidays aren’t always so rosy. I was recently at a lunch with close friends who were going through challenges in life. That’s often the case for many of us behind the glossy Instagram posts and beautiful facade. While hardships are part of life, it doesn’t feel good when you’re in the midst of it all.
I often think back to all the hardships and heartbreak that have transpired in my life. Not surprisingly, I got through a lot of it with travel, because of the perspective that seeing the world can give you. I’ve seen children in Rwanda, kids at hospitals in Tanzania and had countless interactions with people who live in what is the definition of poverty. Yet with so little in terms of material possessions, there was also so much happiness. I think that gratitude has a lot to do with happiness.
Which brings me back to my group of friends. After an hour of exchanging updates and advice, my friend, Jess, jumped in with a revelation that I’ve had in mind since. “Y’all, everyone’s life at this table is a 12 out of 10.” I am passing that all onto you this holiday season. Thank you again for making our lives at Galavante that 12 out of 10. We are so grateful to you.
Best,
Christine Drinan, Founder
