The Travel Elixir

15/10/2026

If you think you aren’t a cruiser, we need to talk.

Not because I’m going to convince you that cruising is fabulous and everyone should do it.

I won’t.

But “cruise” now covers such wildly different experiences that dismissing the whole category based on one idea of cruising is a bit like saying you don’t like hotels because you once stayed in one that missed the mark.

Different ship. Different itinerary. Different experience. Different traveller.

And sometimes?

I’ll still tell you the destination is best explored on land.

Save this one if you’ve firmly placed yourself in the “not a cruise person” camp. Keep following as I share more on when cruising makes sense and when it doesn’t.

13/10/2026

Hot take: you don’t need more travel recommendations.

You need a trusted advisor who can narrow your options and say: this is the one I think you should choose, and here’s why.

Twenty years of experience in travel advising has sharpened my ability to discern the right choice for the right client.

It’s the part of travel planning that I love most 🫶🏼👩🏻‍💻

11/10/2026

Last year I was fortunate to visit the Galápagos Islands. As someone who loves being in the wilds of nature, this was a natural progression from a land safari to a safari on water.

It is one of the most incredible places to snorkel. This isn’t your average snorkelling—it’s a deep dive into another world. 🤿🐢

The Galápagos Islands are where three ocean currents collide, creating a wild, underwater masterpiece you won’t find anywhere else. Imagine swimming through a kaleidoscope of marine life—from playful sea lions to ancient sea turtles—all in one morning. 🐠✨

One of the cruise lines I recommend for families wanting to visit this unique region is National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

The ocean becomes your classroom and the horizon your home. How you see the world matters, and there is no better way to experience the archipelago than by small-ship expedition.

🌊 Ready to make a splash? DM me to start planning your Galápagos journey. These cruises are small and I'd recommend planning at least 9-12 months in advance.

08/10/2026

I've seen a growing push towards travel experiences that hark back to the golden age of travel.

How you travel between destinations is now as much a part of the experience as where you stay.

Centuries after artists and aristocrats embarked on the Grand Tour, Orient Express is reimagining the legendary journey for today. By rail, sea, and iconic hotel stays, this eight-day itinerary celebrates the timeless art of slow travel through Italy and France. 🚂⛵

Read more about this unique tour, then get in touch to plan your next getaway ⬇️

📷: Alexandre Tabaste

On this eight-day itinerary, stay at Orient Express Venezia and Rome's Orient Express La Minerva, ride La Dolce Vita Orient Express through Tuscany, and cruise the Mediterranean on the new Orient Express Corinthian sailing yacht.

01/10/2026

Picture spending the last week of your European holiday aboard Evrima in 2027. After unpacking and repacking a few times and navigating trains across Europe, let's build in a luxurious final week sailing the Mediterranean with nothing to do but enjoy and indulge.

That trip to Europe suddenly becomes memorable for all the right reasons.

This is what I do...design trips where nothing is an afterthought and everything builds to a moment; a moment where you pinch yourself as you can hardly believe it's real.

Let me help you experience The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection firsthand. Reach out to The Travel Elixir to book.

01/10/2026

Private spas, sprawling terraces, dedicated butlers, and even an in-suite slide. These are four of the most lavish suites at sea, where life on the water comes with a whole new level of space, service, and indulgence. 🛳️✨

Ready to set sail? Let’s work together to find the perfect suite on the sea for you ⬇️

A private spa, room to entertain, and an in-suite slide raise the bar for life at sea aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Explora Journeys, Four Seasons Yachts, and Royal Caribbean ships.

25/09/2026

From groundbreaking fine dining to the flavours that define Peruvian cuisine, Lima is a culinary destination worth travelling for. Explore this three-day, chef-approved dining guide, then reach out to create your own food-focused adventure. 🍴🌿

Having experienced the food scene in Lima last November I can attest that it is something not be missed.

📷: Camila Novoa

The award-winning chef and owner of Kjolle (and Central Restaurant Lima alum) shares her favorite spots for Peruvian nikkei cuisine, coffee, pastries, and more.

20/09/2026

Next month, I'm heading back to South Africa and Zimbabwe and I cannot wait!

When families come to me looking for advice on where to take their first African safari, I'll often start with South Africa.

Why you ask?

South Africa is easily accessible with direct flights from Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg. With great domestic flight connections from there, you can be on your first safari within a few days of landing.

Pair this with a few days exploring the incredible food, w**e and coastline of Cape Town and you have something for everyone in the family.

There are even malaria-free parks which are great for younger travellers. The South African Rand also offers better value against the Aussie Dollar too.

And while sightings can never be guaranteed, it is very likely that you can see the Big 5 within a few days on a South African safari.

If you'd like to experience the quintessential South African adventure, this is how I generally plan out your trip:

2 days/1 night in Johannesburg with a private tour of Soweto, the Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela's home because context is everything in travel.

4 days/3 nights minimum in a private concession in South Africa. I always recommend a private concession as the guiding standard is much higher. A good guide and tracker changes the safari experience for the better.

5 days/4 nights in Cape Town. Kayaking with dolphins, exploring the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, drinking w**e in the Cape Winelands and enjoying incredible food at some of the world's best restaurants complete your South African adventure.

Get in touch to plan your ultimate family safari getaway - [email protected]

19/09/2026

If you're looking for the perfect mix of wilderness and magic, you can stop searching and bookmark &Beyond Suyian Lodge. Situated in the heart of Laikipia, the all new lodge on a 44,000-acre private concession opens up a world of wonderful potential for safari-goers.