Catherine Kellough

Years ago I was fresh out of university and trying to figure out - now what? A few jobs in, I finally found myself in one spot long enough to have earned two weeks of vacation. So off to Europe with Contiki I went for a 6 week coach tour. It was there I discovered life was not about material things but the experiences you live and the people you meet. And so began my travel career.

Twenty five years in, I have gone from Caribbean beach vacation, ocean cruising and European tours to experiences other parts of the world many dream about.

When asked what is your favorite spot? I reply, no one favorite but I have snapshots in my find of places that were "wow" moments. Some highlights include:

Travelling to Russia and standing in Red Square, where only a few years earlier I was scared of a nuclear war between Russia and the USA.

Being on safari one night, watching two lions get up and stroll behind us. When the driver turned the vehicle around we were surprised to see a pride with four lionesses and cubs of various sizes.

Snorkeling in Fiji and realizing the clicking sound I was hearing came from the parrot fish below chowing down on algae from the coral.

Now they have not all been warm and fuzzy moments. Visiting a concentration camp in Germany or The Tuoi Selng Genocide Museum and one of the killing fields. A glimpse of modern history and wish for kindness and peace in the world.

Who knows where the road will go next but I look forward to the journey, meeting new friends and sharing stories over a great meal and a bottle of wine.