Destination Experts Travel Blogs

Active Adventures, Shore Excursions

Antarctica - 8 Reasons to go to the End Of The World

24 Apr 2013 / Cruise Specialist

Kensington's Director of Cruise Development and Sales, Dana Toma, has a broad travel resume but like us all has a handful of "wildest dreams" destinations on her travel bucket list. Antarctica was one of them. So she was delighted when Kensington's ever increasing cruise portfolio ventured in to the vast wilderness of the "Great White Continent".
Read More »
Travel

Where To Sleep - Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro

03 Apr 2013 / Compass Editor

Brazil is a place of many icons; football, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguassu, Amazon, Caipirinhas, Samba and Carnaval are just a few examples that epitomizes the South American giant. Recently returned from Rio de Janeiro, we asked Karl Kannstadter to add to the growing list. Our South America specialist had an answer that was top of mind, "the Copacabana Palace has become a pop culture icon in its own right".
Read More »
Travel

Between Hanoi and Angkor Wat

28 Mar 2013 / Compass Editor

Kerstin Sowden, Asia Specialist, had grand expectations of Angkor Wat. Delving deep in to research and reveling in countless pictures she romanticized about standing amidst the ancient ruins, lit by the soft hues of day break. She transformed her imaginations to reality last month on her private-guided Vietnam and Cambodia tour and she's returned more enraptured than when she left.
Read More »
African Safari

Where To Sleep: Jack's Camp, Botswana

27 Feb 2013 / Compass Editor

As our Africa expert extraordinaire, Gabrille Nijdam is a catalogue of intricate safari details and secluded luxury lodges. Carefully researched and personally experienced, her list of luxury safari camps is impressive. Making Gaby’s list of picks is no easy feat as her expectations for opulence, comforts and jaw-dropping moments are extremely demanding. If you’re considering a Botswana tour, our Africa specialist will undoubtedly direct you to Jack’s Camp.
Read More »
Nature's Splendor

Madagascar Surprises

15 Feb 2013 / Africa Destination Expert

I'll be the first to admit that I'm in a serious and committed relationship with Africa. I've traveled to over 11 countries and been on more than a 100 game-drives in various parks. The affair is exciting, terrifying, inspiring and unwavering. The best part? No matter how comfortable or familiar I become, there's always more opportunities to learn, discover and be swept off my feet time and time again.
Read More »
Food & Wine

Snapshots of the Easy Life in Sicily

13 Feb 2013 / Europe Desitnation Expert

After spending a week in Sicily I decided that two things are required to visit this extraordinary island - a desire for diverse experiences and a ferocious appetite. Sicily is an island best explored without a stiff itinerary, allowing ample time to wander and explore its sometimes hidden treasures. Here’s another thing I learned – a private guide and driver are essential assets to help learn and discover the varietal gems of this island.
Read More »
Active Adventures, African Safari

Where To Sleep: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

08 Feb 2013 / Compass Editor

Andrew Drummond, Africa specialist, thrives on exquisite tastes and has done extensive research on the most opulent properties featured in South Africa. Drawing from his conquest for breathtaking destinations and luxury properties, Andrew’s latest pick is the stunningly beautiful Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. “Grootbos is an idyllic blend of extravagance and nature.
Read More »
Tailor-made Private Tours

Erika Feasts on Peru

24 Jan 2013 / South America Destination Expert

Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Amazon, Lima - the classical Peru itinerary that Erika Linares has become weary of. So when our South America Expert decided to check out Peru for herself, she was determined to dig deeper and explore more places and experiences. Erika’s first exposure to anything Peruvian was of the culinary variety. After her first bite of Papa a la Huancaina (potato salad in a creamy sauce) she was driven to further discover the offerings of a traditional Peruvian menu.
Read More »
River Cruises

A Festive River Cruise

10 Jan 2013 / Compass Editor

Kensington Cruise Expert, Dana Toma, headed to France and Germany over the 2012 holiday season and treated herself with impressive Christmas gifts; a relaxing river cruise and spirited festivities at the Christmas markets. Dana’s extensive and continued research on river cruising took her to the picturesque Rhine where she cruised through romantic landscapes and charming European cities.
Read More »
Family, Ocean Cruises

Patagonia Fit For A King

13 Dec 2012 / South America Destination Expert

King is friendly, playful, excitable and adventurous. He’s also 21 months and has a very short attention span. So admittedly, when my husband and I decided to take our son to Patagonia on vacation, we were a little anxious. The honeymoon has been over for a while, along with the carefree travel that came with it. Now, I have a family to consider.
Read More »