The 80+ member team of Covington Travel is a varied group. We range in age from Millennials to “I’m not telling.” Our lineage comes from a number of different countries and ethnicities. Some of us are athletes, musicians, artists, actors, dog-lovers, yoginis, fashionistas, grandparents, and many other personal identifiers. But one thing that we all have in common is an abiding love of travel. Like our other interests, our personal travel shows great diversity. Where do we go? Here’s some of our staff’s favorite travel experiences this year.

Where the Insiders Go – Our Favorite Travel Experiences of 2015

Kelly O., Accounting Manager, took a 5-day mother/son hiking and rafting expedition in Glacier National Park, Montana as a high school graduation gift for her son. “No internet and cell service were available, so the outside world did not intrude on us and we were able to talk, laugh and enjoy our time together and appreciate all of our surroundings with no distractions.”

Barry W., Director of Operations, took a vacation with his young adult daughters to the white sand beaches of St. Martin. “Getting away to the slow Caribbean charm of St. Martin was a great way to escape our hectic lives full of school and work, and reconnect as a family.”

Judy F., Vacation Advisor in Covington’s Charlottesville office, went on a multi-generational family cruise to Alaska, chosen by her octogenarian mother-in-law. “I had already been on two Alaska cruises, but any concerns I had about having seen it all were laid to rest. We visited different glaciers, did a sled dog “encounter” and fun excursions that included totem pole parks and a lumberjack show. Everyone had a great time.”

Beverly M., Social Media Director, a.k.a. “Travel Maestro,” made the most of a trip to Europe by visiting friends in Copenhagen, Denmark, tasting beers through Belgium, exploring Luxembourg, and attending the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. “Denmark and Luxembourg were new to us and delightful to experience from the local perspective. As avid cyclists, seeing the Tour de France in person was like being kids in a candy store!”

Liz P. just joined Covington as a Vacation Advisor in November. She’s a repeat visitor to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. “South Seas is an excellent resort for family vacations. There are so many different accommodation types, from hotel rooms to condos to private cottages, and the beach is beautiful.”

Karen K., Luxury Vacation Advisor, traveled to Egypt on an educational tour in order to better advise her clients – the ultimate travel agent’s homework. “January was a special time to go because we were able to experience Egypt and its people without the crowds. The people were very welcoming and so happy to see Americans visiting.”

Melanie B., James Center Office Coordinator, traveled to Namibia for a short course for her master’s degree. “We met with professionals, government agencies and non-profit organizations to learn about the library infrastructure of Namibia. We also enjoyed a two day safari at the end of our trip!” Melanie also visited California. “Lake Tahoe was stunningly beautiful and in Napa Valley we had a picnic lunch in the middle of a vineyard.”

Barbi P., our resident Tahiti expert and Vacation Advisor, traded the fragrant Tahitian tiare blossoms for mystical Mayan ruins as she explored vibrant Cancun and Riviera Maya this year. She’s actually traveling now, so we’ll have her personal review in a future post.

Valerie A., Luxury Vacation Advisor, took a unique Azamara cruise to the Holy Lands. “I loved having the longer stays in ports and overnights to really immerse in the destinations. We would dine with the locals, shop without crowds or just sit out on our balcony to take in the sights and sounds with a completely different atmosphere in the evening!”

Liz R., Operations Support, did a mother/daughter getaway to the Dominican Republic. “We did it all – from competing in a game of beach volleyball to snoozing in beach hammocks, playing casino games and dancing at nightly parties. It was so fun to spend time together!”

Milly W., Vacation Advisor, drove all around New Zealand. “The scenery is spectacular – mountains that end at the sea, beautiful rain forests, wine country abounds on both islands and lots of hiking opportunities, too.” She also spent a multi-generational family vacation in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “I can’t say enough good things about the kids’ ski program there, especially the Ski Week, where they keep the same instructor and class all week.”

Josée C., President and CEO, traveled to Puglia, Italy as a recipient of the Virtuoso Chairman’s Award. “Highlights included a performance of Dante’s Inferno in the Caves of Castellana, the truilli houses of Alberobello and driving a 1972 Alpha Romeo convertible.” Josée also loves New York City and visits several times a year. “The arts, the restaurants, the vibrancy of the city – New York is always exciting.”

If you’d like to travel like an insider, contact any one of Covington’s well-traveled staff to find out more about a destination and book your trip!