As the air turns crisp and Thanksgiving draws near, I find myself overflowing with gratitude for the people and moments that have shaped this year. I’m so thankful for each of you – your trust, your stories, and the laughter we’ve shared as we’ve dreamed up new adventures together.
Family, as always, sits at the very center of my heart. My two “boys” are growing into such remarkable young men, and I cherish every chance to watch them learn and laugh. I’m counting down the days until they’re home for the holidays, even if it means they’ll eat me out of house and home. And Joey – my 14-year-old four-legged son and the inspiration behind Flat Joey – has traded his office chair for the comfiest corner of the couch. He still greets me with boundless enthusiasm, reminding me daily that joy can come in the simplest moments.
I’ve had the pleasure of planning some truly memorable journeys for you this year. From a heartfelt multigenerational trip in Italy, where a loving family matriarch introduced her daughter and grandchildren to their roots, to a magical surprise engagement in Paris where she said yes under the sparkle of the City of Light. I arranged an awe-inspiring Alaskan cruise for 20 adventurous couples, all fortunate to witness majestic Denali – though I can only take credit for the cruise, not the stunning weather! And I was thrilled to introduce 40 fellow food and wine lovers to la dolce vita in Italy. Hearing from them how they savored fresh pasta, fine vintages, and embraced the warmth of Italian culture truly warmed my heart from afar.
I was also lucky enough to embark on some dream trips of my own. In Costa Rica, I wandered through lush rainforests, soaked in steaming hot springs after hiking around Arenal Volcano, and savored endless cups of the world’s finest coffee. Türkiye stole my heart too, from a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia to the timeless splendor of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes left me breathless – thundering waterfalls, lava-formed rock gardens, and a memorable “Blue Nose” moment as we crossed the Arctic Circle. And most recently, a Regent Seven Seas cruise around Scotland (with four magical days in Paris afterward) reminded me that true luxury is the feeling of being cared for at every turn.
As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead, I’d love for you to join me next October on my Sicily in Depth tour, October 16–24, 2026. This tour is designed to ignite your senses and create lifelong memories:
- 🏛️ Palermo’s Hidden Charms: choose a guided walking tour or the impactful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Anti-Mafia experience
- 🍝 Culinary Delights: indulge in fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and Modica’s famous sweets
- ⛪ Ancient Wonders: wander the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples
- 🏨 Luxury & Relaxation: stay in handpicked boutique hotels with personalized service
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be part of your travel dreams. Wishing you a warm, joy-filled holiday season and an inspiring year ahead.
With gratitude,
Sara
PS – ALL of the pictures except the one of Sicily were taken by me or people with me on my travels.
