Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for our experiences. For many of us, travel experiences are high on that list so I asked some of my Covington colleagues to share their favorite travels for which they are thankful.

 

I am thankful for having a life-changing, “engaging” 10-day trip to Hawaii (Oahu & Maui) where my boyfriend of 3 years proposed marriage.  I love that I can tell people that I got engaged on the fabled Waikiki Beach.  I am also thankful that we had the opportunity to return to the “Paradise Islands” of Hawaii for our honeymoon, this time visiting the two very different islands of Hawaii (Big Island) and Kauai.  Each island definitely presents its own kind of beauty and activities.  We love the tropical islands of Hawaii so much, that we hope to someday retire there. – Jill Campbell

 

I am so grateful for the time spent with my mom last Spring on the Azamara Quest Holy Land cruise. The cruise line was an amazing experience with a small, intimate feel, perfect service and beautiful décor. Walking the streets of vibrant Jerusalem and marveling at the ancient structures being uncovered in Ephesus filled us with wonder. We can’t wait to travel with Azamara again. – Karen Kilyk

 

I have been blessed to experience many diverse cultures in my travels. Imagine how boring this world would be if every place was the same. Going to foreign countries, experiencing new foods, languages and people makes you appreciate the differences from home. We certainly don’t have pyramids, a Grand Canyon or tropical rainforests in Richmond. – Christi Ruddy

 

I am thankful for my trip to Chicago with my two daughters and a very good friend.  Staying at the Peninsula Chicago was an amazing experience and right in the heart of Chicago. I rode on the elevator with Al Roker and my daughter literally bumped into Nate Berkus in the Spa. We ate at the world renowned “Pizzeria Due.” Ok, maybe not WORLD renowned, but it should be. We had THE BEST deep dish pizza that can be found in Chicago! What a city – a fabulous combination of metropolitan sophistication with typical Midwest friendliness.– Jean Riekers

 

I am thankful for a trip I took to Egypt three years ago. Being able to see one of the seven wonders of the world was an experience I’ll never forget. I was in awe of the antiquity of the area as I rode a camel around the pyramids thinking about how many people had ridden camels across the same sands before me. Egyptians are some the nicest people I’ve ever met.  – Stefanie Thompson

 

I am thankful for working in the travel industry! It’s very fulfilling to me to help my clients discover new places and different cultures. Designing a vacation that brings people together and creates memories is most rewarding! I’m thankful that I find so much joy in my work and that I’m able to take part in changing the way people view the world – one trip at a time.  – Zareen Thompson

 

I’m thankful to have seen one of the first humpback whales arriving to Maui for the 2011-2012 breeding season! While standing on Makena Beach in South Maui on November 4^th, my husband and I were asking our hotel’s water activities attendant if he’d seen any whales. He said, “not here, but on Oahu a couple have been sighted….OH! LOOK! There’s a whale now! See his tail flip!”. Wasn’t that amazing timing?The small whale played and frolicked in the warm waters in front of the beach for about an hour, and then swam away. We felt like it was a private show just for us! – Barbi Partlow

 

I am thankful for a Cruise West Sea of Cortez cruise I took in 2010. I traveled alone but met a couple from the San Juan Islands. We quickly became friends and remain so today.  In La Paz, Mexico, we wandered into a shop where craftsmen were making the most beautiful Rosaries with seashells, pearls and cactus wood.  As I’m not Catholic, I was just admiring the craftsmanship and didn’t plan to purchase one, but as we left the shop, the owner insisted on giving me one. He said I needed it.  Since then that Rosary has given me a comfort like no other and I’m thankful for that kind gentlemen sensing my need when I did not. My Sea of Cortez adventure gave me new friends and memories to cherish. – Tracy Carr

 

I’m thankful to have shared a safari to Kenya with my Dad several years ago. We saw the “Big 5” in the wild, floated over the vast savannah in a hot air balloon and rode horses on Mount Kenya. It was the trip of a lifetime with the man who taught me about life. – Beverly McLean

We hope you also have many travel thanks to celebrate this season. We’d love to hear them, so please share your story in the comments below or on our facebook page. From our travel family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!