We love hearing about members’ travels, but it’s a particular pleasure to read about your very best moments on the road. This year, our members’ top travel experiences ranged from a private safari in South Africa to a visit with local artisans in Sri Lanka to a custom tasting menu in Virginia. These favorite travel memories show us that it’s not always the grandest or most expensive excursions that leave lasting impressions (though there are plenty of those that our members enjoyed). Sometimes, it’s the small moments that move us: a kind gesture from a hotel employee or a quiet sunrise in a breathtaking location.

Mezzo-Sopranos in Milan

“We took our granddaughter with us on a trip to Italy. She works for the ‍Hawai’i Opera Theatre in Honolulu and we took her to two operas: ‘Norma’ at La Scala and ‘La Traviata’ in Verona. Wonderful!”
— A. T.

Sunrise in the Sahara

“We spent Easter morning in the Sahara in Morocco, just us and our guide. It was stunning.” — B. S.

Safari in South Africa

“At Tswalu in South Africa, our private game drives every day with our guides were a dream. It couldn’t have been any better!” — B. F.

Bush Dinner in Kenya 

“At our family dinner in the Geoffrey Kent Suite at Sanctuary Olonana Lodge, we could hear hyenas and leopards calling in the distance. I have extraordinary gratitude for seeing this remarkable corner of the world and the animals who live here.” — C. M.

Paris Pastry Debacle

“We bought special pastries in Paris, but accidentally dropped them on our way back to Le Royal Monceau Raffles. Without asking, the concierge had someone go back to the famous patisserie and replace them, without charge!” — G. S.

Souvenir in Sri Lanka

“During my stay at Amangalla, I visited the studio of a traditional mask-maker to craft my own mask. What a wonderful souvenir.” — J. H.

Milestone in the Maasai Mara

“&Beyond Bateleur Camp surprised us with a 50th anniversary dinner in our tent where we were serenaded by the staff.” — L. N.

Singular Supper in Shenandoah

“On our second evening at The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, the chef realized we had already tried many of the dishes, so he created a wonderful tasting menu just for us.” — R. D.