In my opinion, there’s never been a better time to visit this exotic, chic, urban metropolis that sits clearly on the Bosphorus Straits that divide Europe and Asia. With a major downturn in tourism in 2016, you will find the value hard to believe, but what will keep you coming back is the rich culture, history and above all, the warm welcome from the people you encounter.

New Zealand has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. As our kids are getting older, I am becoming very aware that their extended breaks are limited. So this past Spring Break, we decided to take the plunge, travel the distance, and spend two weeks exploring New Zealand.

Shawna Huffman Owen and I have been friends for years and like to mix business and pleasure by traveling to check out new destinations for our clients. This past winter, we spent four nights in Berlin and loved it, despite the fact that locals kept telling us we were there at the worst time of year. We had a wonderful time in frigid temperatures, so I can only imagine how fantastic the city is when the beer gardens are open and everyone is out enjoying the sunshine and breezes from the River Spree.

Greece had been on my bucket list for years. Whose isn’t it on? I’ve always been intrigued with the historical aspect of Greece, but most of all, I had to see for myself if the sunsets are really that great and if the food is really that good. I am happy to report Greece lives up to the hype. Don’t think twice about it, just go!

Having visited numerous times over the years, South Africa is one of my most favorite places to explore. Whether it is for safari or for city culture, it will never disappoint. My most recent trip confirmed my deep fondness for this part of Africa.

Food and wine have definitely become synonymous with travel in recent years and Copenhagen, Denmark, is no exception to this rule. Besides being a cosmopolitan city known for its industrial–chic design, canals, and colorful cobblestone streets, it is also a gastronomy haven. Having lived in Copenhagen for 3 years, I definitely took advantage of exploring the best cuisine the city has to offer.

My husband and I take a week-long trip alone every July. It’s very good for the marriage given the fact that we have four young sons. This year, we decided to explore some parts of Italy we’d never been to: Lake Garda and the Dolomite Mountains.

When I found out we were invited to a wedding of a dear friend in Colombia, I was ecstatic to hit my first country “over there”. The wedding would take place in Cartagena, but as I thoroughly researched Colombia, I discovered that its regions are quite different from one another. I knew we had to make it a 10-day trip and explore the various areas. Each region has its own history and a different climate than the others as well, so it was really like taking three trips in in one.

Read Shawna Huffman Owen’s interview with Spokin and learn about her travel tips to travelers with allergies.