This year of travel hits right for me. Of course, I love the luxury hotels that we share with you on Galavante. But what fuels me in travel is exploring the lesser known of Bolivia, Rwanda and Mongolia, to name a few this year. And yes, I have lots of notes from the field.

The Big Picture

I’d like to thank you this June for the chance to reflect. I started writing my Founder’s Note focusing on all the challenges and goals we have yet to achieve. But as I write to you, I am reminded that I am living my best life. If you’re reading this, by virtue of who Galavante is, chances are you are, too. Yes, we could focus on the tribulations of work, children, spouse, love and general life.

Personally, I could obsess about the mountains head to climb for Galavante’s business to transform with AI and for us to ramp up growth. But instead, I writing this update to you has made me realize that living your best life is a frame of mind. That’s the beauty of travel. The every day stuff gets put into perspective, and this year, I’ve been lucky to see extraordinary places that we’ll be sharing with you.

On the Road Again

I am back on the road, and loving it. I’ve been lucky to travel to a few bucket list destinations, including Bolivia this past March to see the Salt Flats. This is a place so beautiful that when Neil Armstrong saw it from the moon, he knew he had to go. He visited the Atacama Desert not once, but twice. The first time was with his wife when he returned to earth. The second was when he remarried wife number two. This part of the world defines stunning. If you like outdoor adventure, Bolivia is one to put on the list.

Chile and Peru were also part of the Bolivia trip, two other destinations for those who appreciate the outdoors and top food. I had to chance to dine at Maido, which was once the number one ranked restaurant in the world. The food scene in Lima is off the charts, so expect the inside track on where to be to pop up on Galavante.

A Spontaneous Trip

One of the most special trips was also one that was unplanned. I had the chance to travel with new friends to Singita’s Kwitonda in Rwanda and Sabora and Sasakwa in Tanzania. It didn’t take a lot of arm-twisting as when Singita calls, everyone should come running. I’m putting it out there; you have not been to a luxury hotel until you’ve been to Singita. Singita is one of the top luxury experiences in the world. But not garish luxury, rather refined, subdued and change your life-type luxury. If you consider yourself a luxury traveler, this is one for the books.

The experience with Singita leveled up my connection to Rwanda and Tanzania, where I’ve been many times before. It’s like I didn’t really experience these destinations until I experienced them with Singita. Singita’s name means miracles and lives up to it.

A Pre-Summar Greece Trip

To round out the 6 months, I traveled to Greece, another place I had been numerous times. I can probably point out all the tables I’ve danced on at Nammos over the past 15 years. After the last trip, which was love, I didn’t think I ever needed to return. There’s so much of the world left for me to see. But alas you make compromises with travel companions.

To nutshell it for you, my trip was made by our stay at Kalesma in Mykonos and stop over at the Grace Auberge in Santorini. If you like that effortless luxury and in the case of Kalesma, farmhouse chic vibe, these hotels are for you. Personally, this trip showed me that maybe I’m not my own favorite travel companion anymore. Who you travel with makes all the difference. A place that I thought I’d never return to, I now can’t wait to go back.

A Bucket List Trip to Mongolia

Lastly, while you’re reading this, I will be in Mongolia, another bucket list destination. I’ve been to the 5 Stans in Central Asia, and I’ve always been curious about Mongolia. Specifically, the Gobi desert is calling me, as there’s something that calms me when I’m in the dunes. I know I’ll return with many notes (and cashmere) from the field. Because a big part of why I’m living my best life is because I get to share travels with you. So, you can live your best life, whatever that means, too.

I hope you enjoy my notes from the field. Wishing you a summer of love, adventure and travel.

All the best,

Christine Drinan
Founder

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