Board of Tourism Certifications:


AUSTRALIA -- WOW six trips to to Australia with my last last visit being two weeks in May 2010. My fascination with Australia began in 1990, and I have traveled extensively throughout New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territories. Two recent trips were with an elite group of eight travel consultants from the US, traveling with Virtuoso. The diversity of this country makes it one of the most interesting English speaking destinations, not to mention the largest reef in the world and countless UNSCO designated heritage sites.  My trip in 2009 found me spending time at Uluru and traveling the Kimberely Region with Orion Expeditions.  My 2010 trip had a focus on Tasmania - stunning scenic island made for hiking, wildlife and beatiful beaches.  Hobart is cutting edge fun fun fun.  Please see my Travel Blog for photo's and comentary of the Kimberly trip.  Hope to update the 2010 trip soon!.

NEW ZEALAND -- I've made five  trips to this fabulous destination with my most recent trips being  in April 2004, May 2005 and again April 2010. These three trips have been  with an elite group of 8 Virtuoso NZ specialists covering both North and South Islands. This has long been one of my most favorite places in the world -- New Zealand’s sheer beauty astounds me. I have covered both islands in depth. Whether you are looking for a golf holiday, a tour of locations from the filming of the Lord of The Rings, a bicycle trip, experiencing the lodges of NZ or a self-drive adventure my experience in planning individual touring is extensive.

HAWAII -- I feel especially comfortable in creating your Hawaii travels as I lived on the island of Oahu, Hawaii for three years. I took the specialist course Ke Kulu O Hawaii offered by the board of tourism and have made repeated trips back to the islands over the years.. My most recent trip in 2005 was with the culturally rich tour company Tauck Tours

TAHITI -- In June 2007,  I completed the course work to become certified in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. July 2007 found me experiencing this destination for the first time with Lindblad Expeditions. Always regarded as a romantic location with beautiful beaches, I was amazed by the pristine conditions of the Cook Islands and the extremely interesting cultural history of the Polynesian people. I was charmed by the "sameness" of the experience with the children of Palmerston Atoll and the children of Africa. The joy on their faces caused by just holding your hand is something to bring home to cherish.

Destination Specialties:

SOUTH AFRICA -- I am a certified Virtuoso Destination specialist in South Africa with my most recent trip being in 2008. From Cape Town and its wine country, to Sabi Sand and  Kruger National Park in the north with its fabulous game parks and lodges, this country and it's people have become a passion.  In addition to travel in South Africa, I have traveled in East Africa as well.

ITALY -- I have traveled to Italy for many years with the Italian Board of Tourism and the ITPC (Italian Tourism Promotional Council). Each year we study in depth one of the twenty-two districts of the country, experiencing as much of the region as possible. Additionally, I have traveled independently to Italy bringing my total trips to date to 18 with my last two trips in October 2010. My travels have been by train, self-drive and private car/driver not to mention a seven night coastal voyage with Seadream Yacht Club. I've arranged everything from a visit to the Pope to hiking in Cinque Terre. 

SPAIN -- Spain is the latest in my quest of destination specialities!  It's a natural progression from Italy - and in my mind has as much to offer in beauty, cultural experiences, and amazing food as does Italy. My first trip to Spain was in November 2008 with my second trip in January 2010.  .

 Morocco!  Please see my blog page for a brief write-up on this exotic destination with photographs.  My first trip was in November 2009 and second this past November (2010). I've been fortunate to experience Fes, Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakesh, the High Atlas Mountains and have stayed in Riads as well as some of the countries finest hotels. Fantastic, exotic destination!!