In the wake of the passing of our company’s founder, Robert Atkinson, I’ve been reflecting on why, after two decades of incognito globe-trotting with Andrew Harper, I still follow in his footsteps. Quite simply, I can’t imagine that travel will ever lose its allure. I don’t look back and think something like, “Ah, what if I’d never purchased that fancy car?” (Much as I love a fancy car.) I think, “What if I’d never gone on safari? What if I’d never seen Venice?” But that’s only part of it; I also treasure that I have the Hideaway Report to share my discoveries. I always hope you’ll follow in my footsteps, enjoying similar extraordinary experiences (while avoiding my mistakes). And the integrity of the company’s concept of providing objective reviews, as opposed to influencer-style fluff, gives me great pride.

When we read dispatches from members, describing how this or that recommendation helped make their trips memorable, our work feels memorable. That’s why we get out there and explore as broadly and deeply as possible: to find those wonderful people and places that make getting on a plane worthwhile, and to have the joy of sharing them with you. Friends and family often told Atkinson that he had the most extraordinary life. I hear that a lot as well. It’s absolutely true.