One of the most exciting functions of working in the travel industry is actually experiencing the destinations that we sell. Just like a gourmet chef must taste his sauce to make sure it has the right balance of flavors, or an adventurist must test her equipment before relying on it, so do Covington Travel Advisors travel all over the globe, for both work-related education and personal pleasure, so that we can bring you an insider’s perspective of the most interesting and sought after destinations in the world. As 2014 draws to a close, we want to share some of our favorite destinations that just might inspire you to acquire your own passport stamps worth bragging about in the new year.

Without question my favorite passport stamp is Peru. Oh my goodness, what a trip! Machu Picchu was amazing, life changing and so very rewarding. I can’t wait to return. – Tracy Carr, Vacation Travel Advisor

I’d have to say that my favorite trip was a graduation gift from my parents. My best friend Stelsie and I spent two weeks traveling through Amsterdam, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, and Germany, and it was really exciting because Stelsie had never been out of the country before. I got to experience how amazing it is to see different parts of the world all over again, through her eyes! – Danielle Rateau, Administrative Assistant

In March I took a group from VA Repertory Theatre to the United Kingdom in March and rented Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. We had a private tour and traditional British tea including beautiful sandwiches, pastries, scones & champagne. – Dee Dee White, Meeting Professional

My favorite passport stamp is from a safari in Kenya – When I looked up and realized our jeep was surrounded by lions, I realized I was no longer watching the PBS. Sure, I could have been lunch, just like the zebra they were tearing apart but I felt safe in the hands of our experienced driver/guide. – Christi Ruddy, Certified Meeting Planner

Pumping down the evacuation slide at the Virgin Atlantic Training Center called “the BASE” in London was a thrilling experience – hopefully not a skill I’ll ever need to test! – Connie Stell, Corporate Travel Consultant

Myanmar was one of the most exotic destinations I have ever encountered. The culture, food, sights and sounds, not to mention hot air ballooning over Bagan at sunrise are all cherished experiences. In Myanmar language there is no word for “tourist” – there is only a word for “guest.” – Doug Floyd, Vacation Travel Advisor

India is the country of my roots, my culture, my traditions and everything that makes me… ME! – Madhavi Del Favero, Meeting & Event Planner

My most memorable passport stamp is from spending a month in the unspoiled Maldives where I strolled pristine white beaches and scuba dived twice a day in the brilliant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. – Szea Van Merlin, Onsite Travel Services Manager

One of my favorite passport stamps was Chile because it was so diverse and full of great experiences. I galloped on horseback across the Atacama Desert and climbed down a deep chasm in the Atacama’s high temperatures, then rocked and rolled on a small ship around Cape Horn, visited an island full of penguins, then hiked up a mountain and came down in a snow storm. I wore everything from a t-shirt to snow pants! – Karen Kilyk, Virtuoso Vacation Advisor

My proudest passport stamps are the ones from Japan. I was able to make three separate trips while my brother was stationed there. It’s a beautiful country with an amazing culture and friendly people. – Staci Hunt, Corporate Travel Consultant

My favorite trip was to China on a “girls’ trip” with friends from elementary and high school. We allowed lots of extra time for a slow pace and spent a full day in Xian seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum – an awesome experience! – Holly Foster, Accounting Assistant

San Jose Del Cabo was memorable because the resilience of the Mexican people after hurricane Odile is amazing! After the hurricane, the devastation was crippling. But the people and the government came together to clean up in record time, and prepare their beautiful resort areas for their lifeblood, which is tourism. Their current tourism tagline is “UNSTOPPABLE LOS CABOS!” I applaud their efforts and fighting spirit of unity to stand up quickly in the face of adversity. I’d go back in a heartbeat! – Barbi Partlow, Tahiti and Hawaii Vacation Specialist

Being invited to join Mrs. Covington on the Virtuoso Chairman’s Event to Dubai was a luxurious fairytale. Everything there is new, opulent and on a grand scale and I believe the cultural exchange made me a better global citizen. – Beverly McLean, Social Media Director, aka Travel Maestro

This isn’t a comprehensive list of where the Covington staff has traveled, by any means, nor even a complete list of our favorites – there are way too many wonderful places in the world to list in one blog post, after all! What brag-worthy stamps are in your passport? Tell us in the comments below! Or if you want to know more about any of our favorites, contact our well-traveled advisors for a first-hand account.

Wishing you exciting and fulfilling travels in 2015!