Board of Tourism Certifications:


AUSTRALIA -- Five trips to Australia with the last visit being two weeks in April/May 2009. 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.  Please see my Travel Blog for photo's and comentary of this trip.

NEW ZEALAND -- I've made four trips to this fabulous destination My most recent trips of 2004 and 2005 found me again traveling with Virtuoso. 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, experience 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 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 17 with my last two trips in October and December 2009..  My travels have been by train, self-drive and private car/driver not to mention a seven night coastal voyage with Seadream Yacht Club. 

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 and I anticipate a second trip in October 2009.  Stay tuned to the Travel Blog for updated photo's and review.

 Morocco!  Please see my blog page for a brief writeup on this exotic destination with photographs.  Travel November 2009 with Heritage Tours.