Valerie Galanou - Your Personal Travel Manager

13/05/2026

Still taking it all in after a few unforgettable days in Siem Reap.

Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was one of those truly magical travel moments that stays with you forever. Exploring the ancient beauty of Angkor Thom, wandering through the famous “Tomb Raider” temple Ta Prohm, and standing amongst the incredible stone faces of Bayon was simply breathtaking.

Beyond the temples, what made this journey so special was the people of Cambodia. Every interaction was met with kindness, humility, warmth and genuine care. The Cambodian people are some of the most attentive and gracious hosts I’ve encountered, and their resilience and spirit leave a lasting impression.

Cambodia is a destination that touches your heart as much as it amazes your eyes.

Heading to Danang/Hoi An (Vietnam) this afternoon. Excited for more adventure & education.

11/05/2026

Currently making our way to Siem Reap, Cambodia after an incredibly moving and insightful 3-night stay in Phnom Penh with the wonderful team at .

This beautiful city offers such a powerful blend of history, resilience, culture and incredible food experiences. During our stay we visited the deeply confronting Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, experiences that leave a lasting impression and provide important insight into Cambodia’s history.

We also explored the stunning Royal Palace, the beautiful Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia and the peaceful Wat Phnom.

Our final highlight was an evening street food adventure by tuk tuk — a fantastic way to experience the energy, flavours and warmth of the city after dark.

Phnom Penh is a destination that challenges, educates and inspires all at once. A truly worthwhile addition to any Southeast Asia itinerary.

14/09/2024

Islandton, Hampton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island – South Carolina

My departure from Charleston began with a scenic drive through sprawling farmlands and historical homes to Islandton and Hampton, two quaint towns in South Carolina that embody Southern charm before arriving in Beaufort for the night. I was captivated by the beauty of this historic waterfront town. Strolling along the picturesque streets, admired more antebellum homes draped in Spanish moss and took in the stunning views of the harbor. Beaufort’s rich history and Southern hospitality made it a perfect stop for an overnight stay.

The following day included another scenic drive Hilton Head Island, where I spent a night. The island's blend of pristine beaches and upscale resorts (Omni Hilton Head Resort) offered a different but equally enjoyable experience. After a relaxing afternoon at the beach & pool (eavesdropping on animated presidential election debates) I made my way to “A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant” for their highly rated grits & shrimp before heading back to my suite for some relaxation and a touch of luxury.

X Val

13/09/2024

Charleston & area

Charleston started with a short walk to the bustling Charleston City Market where the lively sound of a trumpeter filled the air as I approached. The market brims with local crafts, from intricate sweetgrass baskets woven by Gullah artisans to handmade jewellery and Southern delicacies. Afterward, I found myself walking along cobblestone streets lined with elegant antebellum homes and brightly coloured row houses, known as Rainbow Row. I just couldn’t help but feel immersed in history.

The next morning it was raining so I took a short drive from the historic district to Boone Hall Plantation which offers a deeper and more complex narrative of the region’s past. Established in 1681, Boone Hall is one of America’s oldest working plantations, famed for its iconic Avenue of Oaks, a breathtaking driveway lined with centuries-old, moss-draped live oak trees. The plantation house itself, with its grand columns and sprawling front lawn, offers guided tours that dive into the family histories and agricultural contributions of the plantation. Perhaps more significant for me, Boone Hall also pays tribute to the African American experience, with preserved slave cabins that detail the harsh realities of life under slavery through moving exhibits.

The juxtaposition of Charleston’s grandeur and Boone Hall’s history provides a well-rounded view of the Lowcountry's past. While the historic district showcases Charleston’s wealth and beauty, Boone Hall reminds visitors of the complex legacy of plantation life in the South. Both experiences leave a lasting impression, making visitors reflect on the region's history while appreciating its undeniable beauty and resilience.

To balance my visit at Boone Hall Plantation, I wanted to ensure a visit to the nearby Old Slave Mart Museum before departing Charleston. This was certainly a powerful and emotional experience. Once the site of public auctions where enslaved men, women, and children were sold, the building now houses exhibits that recount the grim history of the domestic slave trade in Charleston. Walking through the museum I encountered artifacts, narratives, and documents that give voice to the thousands of enslaved people who passed through the city's walls. A visit to the Slave Mart offers a sobering contrast to today’s experience in Charleston, providing an essential perspective on the city’s history.

X Val

10/09/2024

Journey Through the Lowcountry (Myrtle Beach to Charleston)

This wonderful scenic drive from Myrtle Beach to Charleston was an opportunity to explore the beauty of South Carolina's Lowcountry.

Our 1st stop was at Murrells Inlet, a quaint fishing village known for its seafood and marsh views. We took a short stroll along one of the many piers where we came across a lovely fisherman happy to chat with us about himself & fishing in Murrells Inlet.

Back on the road, we soon reached Pawleys Island, famous for its quiet beaches and charming historic homes. We passed the Pawleys Island House of Worship, a quaint, picturesque chapel situated on the water's edge, offering serene views of the salt marsh.

As we continued further south, the landscape began to change, and dense forests of towering pines and cypress trees flanked the road. We entered the Francis Marion National Forest and came across the Halfway Creek Methodist Church Cemetery. The church (barely standing) and peaceful graveyard nestled among the trees covered in Spanish Moss, was a quiet reminder of the area's deep history.

Our next destination was one of South Carolina's natural wonders, the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island. As we approached, we were awestruck by the tree's size and beauty—it’s over 400 years old, with twisting branches that seemed to tell stories of centuries past. Most oak trees are deciduous & it was interesting to learn that the Angel Oak tree is a 'live oak'. The term "live oak" refers to a type of oak tree that is evergreen, meaning it retains its leaves all year round.

Memories of our journey through the Lowcountry will definitely remain for years to come.

What's ‘Lowcountry?’ – the term Lowcountry refers to the coastal region of South Carolina, known for its flat, low-lying landscapes (sometimes at or below sea-level), salt marshes, barrier islands, and rich cultural history. It embodies a unique blend of Southern charm, natural beauty, and historical significance, reflecting the area's distinctive Gullah-Geechee heritage, antebellum architecture, and vibrant coastal communities.

X Val

09/09/2024

Myrtle Beach Getaway at Ocean Enclave

We just had the most amazing 3-night stay at Myrtle Beach (Hilton Grand - Ocean Enclave) in a 3-bedroom apartment (too big for us but great to have the space). The apartment was perfect—spacious, beautifully decorated and the best part was waking up to the breathtaking views of the ocean right from our balcony!

Myrtle Beach (which reminds me a lot of Australia's Gold Coast), is full of fun activities for everyone and is particularly well set up for families with children and those in their 20 - 30’s!

We made the most of our trip by exploring the area near our hotel, the beach and pool and visiting Broadway at the Beach where we explored unique shops.

04/09/2024

August 3 – Memphis

Exploring Memphis: Ducks, Beale St, Music, and Mojo!

Our only full day in Memphis began with a delightful experience at our hotel for 2 nights...the iconic Peabody, where we watched the famous Peabody Ducks make their grand march to and from the lobby fountain. It was such a quirky and charming tradition that brought smiles to everyone’s faces! After the ducks, we made our way to legendary Beale Street, the beating heart of Memphis. We walked up and down this historic street, filled with live music, colourful neon signs, and the tantalizing aromas of Southern cuisine.

In the afternoon, we had an amazing time on a Mojo Tour, a musical journey through Memphis's rich music history. Our guide, who was also a talented musician, brought the city’s musical heritage to life by performing classic hits and sharing fascinating stories about the legends who put Memphis on the map. We got to see key landmarks like Sun Studio and gain a deeper appreciation for the blues, soul, and rock music that originated here.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit the National Civil Rights Museum as we had planned, as it was closed for the Labor Day holiday. We were a bit disappointed to miss this important piece of history, but it gives us a great reason to return to Memphis in the future.

To cap off our day, we headed to B.B. King's Blues Club for a fantastic dinner (the most amazing Shrimp & Grits!!!) paired with live music from the incredible Jason Foree Band. The Southern food was delicious, and the atmosphere was electric with people dancing, singing along, and soaking up the soulful vibes. The band's bluesy tunes and high-energy performance were the perfect way to end our Memphis adventure, leaving us with unforgettable memories of this city where music truly comes alive.

04/09/2024

August 2 – Nashville to Memphis

Yesterday, we set off on a scenic drive from Nashville to Memphis, taking the breathtaking Natchez Trace Parkway route. Our first detour led us to the charming village of Leiper's Fork, a hidden gem nestled in the rolling hills of Tennessee & home to many of the country music legends past and present. With its quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, this tiny village is a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and artistic spirit. After a quick visit we continued our journey on the Parkway, surrounded by lush forests, winding roads, and historic sites.

Further down the road, we passed through Jackson, Tennessee, where the echoes of history meet the hum of modern life. The journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway has been more than just a drive; it’s been a voyage through time, culture, and natural beauty. As we approached Memphis we passed by Graceland (closed by the time we reached Memphis) & the excitement built for all the music, culture, and vibrant energy the city has to offer. From the peaceful charm of Leiper's Fork to the rich history of Jackson, this drive has truly been a road trip to remember!

02/09/2024

Exploring Nashville, Tennessee!

Just wrapped up an incredible 4-day adventure in Nashville, Tennessee! From live music to Southern hospitality, this city has so much to offer.
Here are some of the highlights from our trip:

Day 1: Checked into the beautiful Loews Vanderbilt Hotel—the perfect base for exploring the heart of Music City! Some of my travel companions attended the Tommy Emmanuel 2024 Guitar Camp to learn from one of the best guitarists in the world After settling in, we ended the evening with a delicious dinner at Hattie B's for some mouth-watering southern fried hot chicken.

Day 2: Spent the day discovering some of Nashville's iconic spots! We wandered through Broadway/Downtown, enjoyed an ‘almost’ visit to the Ryman Auditorium and explored many of the ‘boot’ stores before having a well-earned cold drink at Garth Brooks’ bar Friends in Low Places. The city’s energy is truly unmatched!

Day 3: This was a quieter day for us with an attempt to rent scooters (with flat batteries) followed by lunch at a deli nearby our hotel and a bit of pampering.

Day 4: Wrapped up our trip by taking a scenic drive out to the famous Loveless Cafe at the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The biscuits lived up to their legendary status, and the Southern comfort food was just what we needed. After breakfast, we drove along the Parkway, soaking in the beautiful views and enjoying some fresh air.

Check out the photos below for a glimpse into our Nashville adventure!

05/06/2024

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