Travel Is Good For The Soul

"Travel is one of the few things you can consume that makes you richer."

In 2025, we continued our commitment to exploring destinations we had never experienced before. Each year, we set an intentional goal to discover new places, believing that travel enriches not only our minds but also our souls. Our lives are continually enhanced by the people we meet and the lessons we gain through our global adventures.

Through our journeys, we also curate and plan exclusive group travel experiences, scouting destinations that offer exceptional vacations—particularly for affluent Black travelers seeking culturally rich, elevated experiences. Simply put, life is too short not to live fully, love deeply, and travel often.

Returning to Our Favorite Destinations

While we embraced new adventures, 2025 also brought us back to several beloved destinations.

One of our highlights was a group trip to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands—a place that continues to call us back year after year. From the vibrant culture and welcoming people to the exceptional cuisine and breathtaking beaches, St. Thomas remains a perennial favorite. We have stayed at both The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott properties, each offering an outstanding experience, though the beach at the Marriott holds a special place for us. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters are simply irresistible.

We also returned to New York City, a destination we visit annually as a couple and are now planning to revisit with a group. There is truly nowhere else like it. The city’s culinary scene is unmatched—you can find world-class cuisine at any hour. Broadway, of course, remains unparalleled. This year, we saw The Wiz, Hamilton (again), and Hell’s Kitchen. While we’ve seen productions across the country, nothing compares to the magic of Broadway itself. New York City is a destination we will continue to revisit time and time again.

Las Vegas was another return trip, offering its signature blend of spectacle and energy. Comparable only to Macau, China, Las Vegas delivers a sensory experience like no other. The resorts are architectural masterpieces, the entertainment is world-class, and even a simple walk along the Strip becomes an experience. We also appreciate its proximity to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Red Rock Canyon, both of which provide stunning contrast to the city’s vibrancy. Even more special, we have close friends there—reminding us that friends truly are the family we choose. We took a small group with us to test a few discount options at top resorts and are now planning a larger trip to Las Vegas this year. 

We made a spring visit to Chicago, a city that continues to impress with its beauty, particularly along the lakefront. Its museum district is exceptional, and its theater scene is rapidly growing. With a budding actor in our family, these visits are especially meaningful—we cherish every opportunity to support her and look forward to seeing her on the big screen one day. 

Cancún and the Playa del Carmen region also remain among our favorite destinations. We return often and have written extensively about these locations in past blogs. The beaches, energy, and hospitality make this region a consistent standout. This is an ideal event destination and we continue to find new options for discounts and group vacations, including memberships with Unlimited Vacation Club and Marriott Vacations.

Another annual tradition we cherish is the Smooth Jazz Cruise. This experience has become a cornerstone of our travel calendar. Surrounded by the music we love, we enjoy nonstop performances from world-class artists in an intimate and immersive setting. The unique opportunity to interact with artists throughout the ship—from the gym to the dining areas—makes this experience truly unforgettable. For smooth jazz enthusiasts, this cruise is an absolute must.

Finally, one of the most meaningful trips of all is visiting our daughter in Atlanta. Time spent with her is always a highlight and a reminder of what matters most.

Exploring New Horizons

This year also brought exciting new destinations.

We embarked on a group trip to Beijing, China, followed by a couples’ trip to Bali, Indonesia. For Beijing, we made the strategic decision to use a local, in-country tour provider—and it proved invaluable. Navigating cultural nuances, language barriers, and regulatory complexities is best done with local expertise. During our visit, we experienced a medical emergency, and our local guide, Joann from Kensington Tours, was indispensable. Her knowledge, professionalism, and care made all the difference. We highly recommend Kensington Tours, having also used them for our safari in Tanzania and beach excursion in Zanzibar.

One of our long-term goals is to visit all Seven Wonders of the World, and standing on the Great Wall of China was truly breathtaking. It is a remarkable feat of human achievement and undoubtedly the highlight of our Beijing experience—allowing us to check off our fourth Wonder.

In Bali, we traveled independently with a private driver, allowing us to explore at our own pace. We stayed at the St. Regis, one of the most stunning properties we have experienced worldwide. The service was impeccable, and the setting was serene. We also explored Ubud and its iconic rice terraces. Bali is undeniably beautiful and a destination worth experiencing at least once.

A Magical Holiday Season in Europe

To close out the year, we spent the holidays in Europe with a group trip to Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland, along with a return visit to Paris.

Paris never disappoints. With thoughtful planning, we were able to visit major landmarks—including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and Versailles—within two days. The Louvre remains one of our favorite museums in the world, though the Egyptian Museum in Cairo still holds the top spot. We can definitely provide insights into planning a short trip/day trip itinerary for Paris. 

From Paris, we traveled by train to Switzerland, which quickly became one of our most memorable destinations. Though cold, the country was absolutely stunning. Snow-capped mountains, scenic train rides, charming Christmas markets, and the serene beauty of Lake Zurich created an unforgettable experience. Switzerland stands out as one of the most breathtaking countries we have visited, and we highly recommend it.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As always, we balanced group travel experiences with exploratory trips to identify future destinations and venues. For those interested in joining us, here is our current 2026 itinerary—with more to come:

  • Smooth Jazz Cruise (West Coast)
  • Barbados and St. Lucia
  • Halifax and Fayetteville, North Carolina
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  • Greece
  • Cancún, Mexico
  • St. Thomas and St. Croix
  • New York City
  • Atlanta

Travel continues to be one of the greatest gifts in our lives—broadening our perspective, deepening our relationships, and enriching our experiences. We look forward to many more journeys ahead.


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