It was my first real trip anywhere. I had been a homeboy all of my life living on the west coast of the United States. In fact, I had never been east of Utah.

I grew up in Seattle all of my life and for the past 7 years I've been living in the Los Angeles rat race. Every year I would tell myself that I needed to head out on an extended vacation and just roam the world, or part of it anyway. So, I chose a date that I would embark on my journey, went online, bought a ticket departing in 5 weeks, and had no choice but to commit to it.

I have a tendency to work better that way. Rather than just talk about something that you want to do, or something that you always say you're going to do, pick a date and tell yourself and everyone you know, that you are going to do it on that day. Believe me, your friends will be reminding you all the time. And after a few weeks, as the days tick away, you'll have no choice but to follow through on your word. Your word should always be as good as gold.

Now that I bought my ticket, the next question was, "who's coming with me?" I can't go alone! Then, it donned on me, that's exactly what I needed to do. Go alone and get away from everything and everyone that I knew. Leave my comfort zone. Challenge, explore and create. Experience foreign cultures, create new friendships, eat foods that I was unaccustomed to eating, live like I have never lived by surrounding myself with everything foreign and unknown.

Embrace the challenge.

I have always lived with the motto, "A man who risks nothing- gains nothing" and, I always deepen the stakes. So be it. Thus, alone I went. In fact a couple of friends wanted to meet me out there to party out in France and Spain. No dice. This vacation is all about me. I need this time to discover life and the world on my own, at this point. Besides, I can hang out with my friends (like I've been doing all of my life) at home in the US. Why would I want to party with them in another country.

In France I met an awesome French girl and stayed at her place for 8 days (5 days longer then I had originally planned), in the countryside of France, approximately 6 hours by train southwest of Paris. The countryside is absolutely beautiful in France and virtually untouched by tourist. We visited 8 Medieval castles, most of them ruins, and one that famous composer Frederick Chopin lived in right before he died. Cathedrals, cobble-stoned streets, wine, history, art, cafes...It's no wonder that France is one of the most visited countries in the world!

Two and a half weeks into my trip and I was living it up! Time was going fast and traveling alone in Europe was a cake walk and more than met my expectations. This is easy.

After hanging out decompressing on the Mediterranean for 2 days in a quaint little town called Alicante, I packed it up and headed to the very center of Spain. The main event. Madrid.

Luxurious accommodations await you at the first class Estancia Tierra Santa guest ranch in Carmelo, Uruguay. Relaxation and privacy are paramount at this unique posada with sophisticated food and wine, where you are pampered in deluxe suites with custom-designed marble bathrooms and antique furnishings.

Situated in one of the last unspoiled natural habitats for bird watching in the world, Estancia Tierra Santa offers birding tours (more than 50 avian species are viewed on the ranch alone, with many others only minutes away), horseback riding, fishing and nearby golf, tennis, swimming and boating. Cooking classes, winery and cheese-making excursions are also offered.

The South American capital cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site Colonia del Sacramento are all nearby-paradise for shopping. Estancia Tierra Santa is an elegant hotel of historic significance; an inn of distinction for your enjoyment.

About Uruguay

Located in South America, Uruguay covers an area of 176.220 square kilometres, bordered to the north and northeast by Brazil and to the west by Argentina. According to the latest census, the population of Uruguay is 3.2 million.

Despite its small size, Uruguay is known for its excellent port infrastructure and easy access to neighbouring markets. Uruguay is both the geographical and administrative centre of Mercosur, the Southern Cone Common Market created in 1991 by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. With its main secretariat located in Montevideo, Mercosur plays an important role in both economic and foreign policy for the country.

I embark on a journey of jet-lag so hard core, it could challenge an astronaut. Borneo beckons because I’ve never been there. A mere 5 hours to LAX, 12 to Tokyo, 7 to Singapore and 3 to Kota. Mind you this is just one way not including layover times. Seated in economy class, I expect my body will dehydrate to a prune, my muscles atrophy, pore’s clog and I’ll bloat with “jet belly” but it’s ok. Bottom line is, I love airplanes. The near insanity of this that it’s only a 5 day visit and I’m spending nearly as much time on land as I will in the air.

The best perk of my job are the site inspections, that is to witness first hand what my groups will experience if a destination is new to me. This is far on my globe. Prior to departure, I surveyed friends asking them,” Where is Borneo?” Only 10% answered correctly. This time I bring Terry and wonder of his fortitude in tow. But he proves to be a good aviation warrior.

On our arrival flight in, I see gleaming white beaches, turquoise reefs and coconut trees that spread out as far as the eye can see. At the airport, we are greeted by Martin who will oversee us and answer the 7,000 questions I’ve prepared on this land. It’s sauna hot. We head out past cocoa and tea plantations for our first resort stay at Shangri La Tanjung Aru, an oasis of luxury right on the South China Sea. In the distance are 5 coral islands. A short jetty ride will deposit you to any one for snorkeling the sea caves and world-class diving. Further out is Pulau Tiga with its mud volcanoes where the first Survivor series was shot.

Here we’re spoiled like a couple of pot bellied pigs with an upgraded suite with fruit and orchids as well as a beachside massage. I feel like I’ve reached Nirvana with a mantra of “I’m not worthy” but I revel in all the amenities. It’s pure playtime with activities provided here. And the spectacular Malaysian buffet breakfasts should be filmed by the Food Channel.

Kota Kinabalu (aka “KK”) is the capital of Sabah with 340,000 inhabitants. My expectations of Borneo were of 5’ monitor lizards and head hunting tribal chiefs, but here I’m greeted with Starbucks and mega-malls. The city is worn and struggling hard to develop itself. Established by the British in 1881, it also has a lot WWII history. The city’s backdrop is the breathtaking 13,600 ft. Mt. Kinabalu, UNESCO W.H. Site for being the most bio-diverse mountain on earth. It holds a complete ecosystem and is a botanical paradise. There’s an astonishing array of rare flora and fauna such as insect eating plants, funky fungi and raffelsia, the worlds largest flower of 3’ petals. It takes 2 years to bud and lasts just 7 days. The lush National Park is the size of Singapore. Hillside tribes reside on the slopes. The mountain is scared to them as they believe it is the resting place of their ancestors departed spirits.

For free time we tour museums, handicraft markets and water village. I buy gifts of pearls, organic teas, coffee, batik and baskets. As Americans, we feel like VIP tourists as most visitors are from Australia, UK, Japan and Europe. The locals are so respectful and polite. There are 30 ethnic groups speaking 80 different languages who live harmoniously together. Many are animists who worship all living things. The main tribes are the Dusuns with their female priestesses, the Bajau’s known as the “cowboys of the sea” and the Murats who live in typical longhouses. They are descendants of the famed head hunters who once fiercely protected their territories and decorated their homes with “trophies” that were severed heads of their invaders. Many here look Polynesian. Bahasa Malay is the main language, a dialect that sounds to me like they’re speaking in tongues. Second language is English.

In August I bring 2 groups here. We’ll enter the interior to discover the essence of Borneo with its virgin rainforests, lush wetlands and enough wildlife to feel you’ve entered a living zoo. (See our website to order my itinerary on this eco-adventure.) We’ll learn of the culture and history but the thrilling part for me will be seeing the rare species of pigmy elephants, Sumatra rhino, giant crocs, bearded pigs, gibbons, macaques and omni-present proboscis monkeys (the one’s with Jimmy Duranti noses.) The highlight will be Sepilok, the largest orangutan sanctuary where we can get close and personal with these “wild men of Borneo.”

Evenings by the ocean here provide a surreal beauty that envelopes one in serenity and it’s totally romantic. I hate to leave but it’s time to visit another resort I have booked for my groups. The Shangri La Rasa Ria is a slice of heaven where one can do nothing or everything. There’s morning yoga, Tai Chi, golf, ATV’s, horses, para sailing, a huge spa and more. Classes are given in Malay language, cooking, sarong wrapping, beading, blow pipes and weaving. But what makes this resort ultra-special is its Nature Reserve. The hotel helps fund orphaned orangutans here. If the jungle continues to shrink, these gentile creatures will face extinction in the wild. Dr. Galdikas of OFI (Orangutan Foundation Int.) grimly predicts, “Unless extreme action is taken soon, these forests could be one in 5 to 7 years and the wild orangutan with them.”

We attend a lecture by a ranger to learn about the “man of the jungle”, world's second largest ape. Genetically they are 96.4% human and are considered the most sentimental creatures on earth. We are led by trail up mountain slopes to view 7 protected baby orangutans, most orphaned from illegal logging that destroyed their homes. Unlike other primates, they prefer playing over fighting. “Limon” had a tough early life. His mother was killed and eaten by plantation workers. They kept him as a pet chained to the wall of a wooden crate for 4 years until Forest Police rescued him. When he arrived here, he was a sack of bones and dying. For 10 days he refused to eat until one day, a sweet pineapple changed his life. He devoured it in entirety and since then, Limon hasn’t stopped eating. Now he’s 5 times heavier and stuffs himself silly. Upon graduation, he will be released back into the forest. It’s touching moments like these that stir my passion for travel.

The tiny country of Brunei is a mere 30 minute flight away and has always been on my “destination dream list.” Now so near yet no time. I’ve studied this sultanate where 460,000 residents enjoy the world’s highest per capita income due to off shore oil. Everything is free for them and the Sultan of Brunei is wealthier than Bill Gates. There is zero nightlife and alcohol is banned, but I need this stamped in my passport because it’s there.

I look forward to my return and experiencing the real mystical Borneo. The best journey is always the one going home. As I board Singapore Airlines, I feel I’ve gained 6 kilos from all the seafood I consumed. I sleep like a baby on the long haul home via Taipei. The miracle of it all is that my checked luggage managed to follow me 19,000 miles round trip and the fact that I still love airplanes.

My passion for travel is still a fire deep in my soul that occasionally must be stirred. I’ve always been drawn to Arabia and set out now on my own desert fantasy. My mom seems to think my life is one big vacation by leading groups around the world. In reality it’s been years since I had my own getaway. I can’t remember the last time I saw something for the first time. Already I miss my husband, but need this escape to recharge my over stressed batteries. It’s a deep need to forget myself, to play and to be astonished. No better place than 21st century Dubai which was like landing on another planet.

It’s my first flight on award winning Emirates Airlines with the world’s fastest growing fleet that now fly’s 55 countries. Very impressive with in-seat massage system, sandwiches on demand from the galley and twinkling star’s that sparkle on the ceiling when the lights are dimmed. EK won the Best Inflight Entertainment Award. I can choose from 600 movies, 6000 audio tracks and books, 40 games, check email and view the new “Pilots Camera” where take off’s and landings are seen from a camera mounted below the aircrafts nose. Coach class can’t get any better than this!

There are 7 emirates on the Arabian Gulf that are sandwiched between Iran, Qatar, Saudi rand Oman. What’s an emirate? A kingdom ruled by a Sheik. Dubai became a Sheikdom in 1833, but nomadic tribes had settled here 3,000 years ago. They survived off the sea in this arid land. Once upon a time, this rich but obscured kingdom decided to become the world’s premier tourist destination. It expanded at an alarming rate by adding 500 miles of new waterfront with countless man made islands. Now it is called the “Las Vegas of the Middle East” with its sun, sand, sea, snow and sex. It’s also referred to as the “St. Tropez of the Gulf” or “Monaco of the Desert” because it’s so ultra-chic.

Here tolerance and hospitality are highly prized virtues. Dubai is a pocket of freedom in Arabia, like Hong Kong is to China. And a bit of a dichotomy with its Islamic culture in an environment of Western affluence, a total fusion of East meets West. I nevertheless packed modestly for this trip with my “covered elbow to knee” rule. Still at night, there are a plethora of clubs where anything goes. Dubai’s population is 1.3 million. Only 12% are nationals who can own property here. All others are foreigners. I witnessed zero poverty and was told that Sheik Al Maktoun is good to all with free social services. It’s clean and truly crime free along with year round sunshine.

I do have an agenda on my “vacation.” I flew with my Uganda group as far as Dubai. They continued on from here to Entebbe for gorilla trekking. I’ve also arranged site inspections with suppliers through the Ministery of Tourism. On airport arrival, I was greeted with my name sign by a chauffer. He transferred me to the deluxe Grand Hyatt, an oasis of tranquility. There was an ice skating rink to the right of the lobby. All rooms are Gulf view. Mine overlooked “The Palms”, a spectacular wonder of fanned out artificial islands that are filled with priceless residences. This is near “The World” with its 300 manmade islands where one may purchase a “country.” Plans or no plans, my favored mode of travel is to let the wind blow me where it may.

My private city tour revealed a shimmering futuristic skyline. There are unprecedented developments here with extravagant creations that make Vegas dull in comparison. It seems every crane in the world is here now. Some hotels are simply indescribable. Grand boulevards are lined with palm trees. The new city Bur Dubai has the most prestigious mile on earth now. In contrast, there is old Deira area with historic architecture in ancient wind-towers, forts, royal palaces and a mosque on every corner.

My dream has been to visit the Burj Al Arab, inarguably the most amazing hotel structure on earth. This masterpiece is shaped like an enormous billowing sail and set on its own island. It rates “7 stars” with a staff to guest ratio of 5 to 1. Room rates start from $950 per night and they are booked full through 2007. Tourists are no longer allowed to visit with the $50 entrance fee. The only chance to enter is by lunch ($160), high tea ($85) or dinner (if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.) I decided to break my budget for any option but my concierge was unable to procure me a reservation on any given day. Mind you I’m only here for 97 hours! So I headed to Jumerirah Beach instead to use my time well.

Traffic is insane as the the city is growing too fast for it britches due to an influx of 3,000 people moving here each month. It is expensive considering I paid $4 for my bag of Cheetos however petrol is as cheap as bottled water in this oil rich region. My first evening was spent getting lost in the Spice market and worlds largest Gold Souk that covers a square mile of bling bling. I bought nothing but was dazzled by the endless glittering gold and diamonds. I returned back to the Hyatt at 2am. The staff had repeatedly assured me that it was completely safe for a lone woman to wander anytime in Dubai. What a delight.

After a morning swim, I had some appointments with major tour operators. There was typical Middle Eastern business protocol of courteous salesmanship and a lot of cardamom coffees. Later I hailed a taxi to Mall of the Emirates. At 5:37pm, it was the call for the forth prayer of the day. My devout driver pulls over, exits with his worn prayer mat and bows down on the street. I soon arrive to a mega-structure that looked like another city with 460 stores to make me feel right at home. This is the duty free capital of the world. Shopping here is a national pastime. I’m a mall rat and this one sparkled with enticements. There were festive tree’s but no Santa’s as I guess that would be a graven image. It was packed with people. Men were robed in white kanduras. Women were covered head to toe in black abayahs, some with their eyes hidden. Their carts were filled with packages. It always perplexes me. Why do woman here bother to adorn themselves if no one can see their under attire? I spent an hour stalking a group of 5 young veiled women for my own sociological study. They hit the top designer boutiques on the third floor not browsing but spending cash like Paris Hilton on steroids. They bought Dior, Channel, countless shoes, lingerie and perfumes that were priceless to me.

There were plenty of venues to entertain the men in this mall city. It had a spa, skating rink, indoor pool, 15 cinemas and skiing. At the north end, I see what looks to be a mirage. Ski Dubai is the world’s only indoor snow resort. Try to envision a 25 story mountain with chairlifts and ski chalets on 6 acres under one roof. There are 5 ski runs including a Black Diamond and bobsled run. Hidden ceiling machines drop 3’ of snow each day. Full winter gear is included in the nominal entrance fee. I enter for an hour of sledding and the snow maze with the children. It was 30° inside and 90º outside, the only place where one can both water and snow ski within one day. After dinner and more shopping, I called a taxi. It was midnight.

The next day I woke to rain, an extremely rare occurrence here. The locals open their windows and dance in the streets. All traffic jams. My invitation to the Royal Stables was cancelled. The purebred Arabian horses here are the most prized and the Dubai Cup is the richest race in the world.

On my third day, a thrilling desert safari was arranged. I headed out of town in a caravan of 12 jeeps. First stop was a place where we rode ATV’s, fed baby camels and saw a demonstration of falconry. We then headed deep into the desert for an hour of Dune Bashing. I got the best/worst driver of the 4x4’s names Wajed. He drove maniacally up and over the steepest dunes like a drunken sailor at high seas. The scariest part was “sliding” perpendicular down the mountains of sand. We nearly tipped twice. As I screamed, Wajed chatted on his cell phone with a friend. We stopped to view a breathtaking sunset over the multi-hued desert-scapes. Then continued on to an oasis with oryx and camels. We enetered a tented camp for some real Bedouin culture. The safari price included sand-skiing, sand-boarding, henna tattoos, camel rides and smoking the “hubbly bubbly pipes”. I declined the cherry tobacco and dressed up like a veiled Arab woman. A BBQ buffet was served under the stars as belly dancers performed. It was all like a tale from “The Thousand and One Nights.”

My last day was spent sightseeing. For my own farewell dinner, I booked a dhow cruise. These traditional wooden boats have plied the Gulf waters for centuries of trading. From the Dubai Creek, they still today export goods to Africa and India. The music and seafood was excellent with the backdrop of a shimmering illuminated skyline, far too romantic to do this alone. I felt isolated amongst the group of tipsy Russians.

Reflecting on a perfect holiday, I feel more balanced and vow to return to this captivating land of Sheeba. Dubai has magical affects and a vision that knows no end. I tasted only an appetizer from its buffet of entertaining delights. I designed some fabulous itineraries for future groups such as 4 days in Dubai along with 4 days in Cairo or Istanbul which are only a stones throw away. You too can discover a place to indulge all your senses. There’s no place like Dubai. On my return, I will lunch at the Burj Al Arab. I better make my reservation now.

Enclosed by South Africa on all sides, but separated from it by the huge Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho is small and rounded in shape, situated on a plateau of over 3,281ft (1,000m), with peaks reaching to heights of more than 10,000ft (3,000m). Sani Pass is a breathtaking entry point into Lesotho from South Africa's Drakensberg National Park and is the gateway to the 'Roof of Africa' scenic route, linking the magnificent scenery of the two mountain ranges.

Popularly described as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', the lofty highlands are characterised by majestic mountain scenery, crisp mountain air and the simple serenity of the traditional lifestyles of its people. Pony trekking is one of the finest ways to experience the Lesotho highlands, with time spent in remote Basotho villages scattered among the grassy hills, where waterfalls saturate the surrounding rocks with rainbow-coloured mist and crystal clear streams criss-cross the landscape. The region is also perfect for those who prefer to test the sure-footedness of their own two feet, with miles of solitary scenery to appreciate, an abundance of trout in the rivers and dams and the assurance of a warm and friendly welcome in the rugged mountain hamlets. The central highlands is home to the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls near Semonkong, meaning 'Place of Smoke', which thunders from a height of 624ft (192m) and is at its most spectacular during the summer rainy season.

From the heights of the Maluti Mountains, the land descends to the western lowlands where all the major towns are to be found and where two thirds of the population live. Maseru, the capital, is a fascinating city of contrasting modern and traditional lifestyles. Blanket-clad horsemen sidestep the traffic jams on their way to market, and woven handicrafts are displayed on the busy pavements outside new glass buildings filled with self-important office workers.

Time spent in Lesotho will allow visitors to observe an African country filled with an extraordinary appeal, a kingdom of rugged beauty and unchanging culture that remains natural and largely unaffected by tourism.

Weather conditions in Lesotho vary greatly depending on the altitude. Summer is the hot, rainy season from October to April, with the hottest days in January and February, and the most rain falling between March and May and October and November. Days are sunny with afternoon electric thunderstorms, and temperatures range from around 86ºF (30°C) in the lowlands with cooler temperatures as the altitude increases, averaging about 64°F (18°C) in the mountains. Snow falls mainly in winter from May to September, but can occur in the mountains at any time of year. Winter can be bitterly cold, particularly in the highlands, but days are usually clear and sunny. Temperatures can fall to 20°F (-7°C) in the lowlands and 0°F (-18°C) in the highlands. At any time of year the weather can change very rapidly in the highlands from warm sunshine to mist, rain and freezing temperatures.

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the world’s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations – Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italy’s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art

Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the world’s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, you’ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello – the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy

History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italy’s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Visit Italy for the Scenery

The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, you’ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for the Food

Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, you’ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Rome’s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, you’re sure to be served the best of the best.

To Your Health!

Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the country’s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

Travel Gems in Italy

If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. You’ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. You’ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if you’re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it won’t cost much more – and will often be less – than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while you’re there.