The Boarding Pass

10/04/2026

Africa keeps calling me back. ❤️

I spent Mother’s Day in South Africa and now, just days before my mother’s birthday, I’m heading to Kenya. 🇰🇪

When this year started, I never imagined I’d visit Africa twice in less than six months. The timing feels like more than coincidence.

I don’t know what my parents are up there saying to God but apparently He’s listening. 🙏🏾

Maybe they’re simply saying, “Keep our girl moving. Keep showing her the world.”

Grief has taught me that you can miss someone deeply and still be grateful for the beautiful moments life continues to give you.

Kenya, here I come. Mom and Dad, I got the message. ❤️

10/03/2026

Starting October 19, 2026...

Travelers could have fewer options for compensation when flights are delayed or canceled under new federal regulations taking effect October 19.

09/30/2026

Planning Tanzania? 🇹🇿

Here are a few important entry requirements U.S. travelers need to know.

If Tanzania is on your 2026 or 2027 travel list, add these to your pre-trip checklist:

🇺🇸 U.S. Passport Holders
• A $100 Multiple Entry Visa is required for tourism.
• Visa can be valid for up to 1 year, with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• Passport must have at least 6 months validity and an unused visa page.

✈️ New Mainland Tanzania Insurance Requirement
Beginning October 1, 2026, foreign visitors entering Mainland Tanzania will be required to have approved inbound travel insurance.

Cost: $44 per person.
Coverage is valid for up to 92 days and includes emergency medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation and baggage-related coverage.

🏝️ Traveling to Zanzibar too?

Zanzibar has its own mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement, so don't assume one policy automatically covers both parts of your trip.

This is why travel planning is about more than flights and hotels. Visa requirements, passport rules, insurance and entry regulations can all affect your trip.

The safari is the fun part.
Getting you there prepared is part of the job.

09/22/2026

It’s been almost 10 years since I was in Thailand.

While I’m not planning a return anytime soon, seeing this recent update reminded me of something important about international travel:

The destination you visited years ago may not have the same rules today.

Effective September 15, 2026, Thailand implemented new visa-exemption rules, replacing the previous 60-day visa exemption with new 30-day and 15-day visa-exemption categories, depending on the traveler and purpose of travel.

For travelers, this is a good reminder that international travel requires current information, not just experience.

The rules can change.

Visa requirements change.

Entry procedures change.

Airline policies change.

And what was true when you traveled five or ten years ago may no longer apply today.

This is one of the reasons I believe having a travel professional involved can make a difference.

It’s not simply about knowing where to go.

It’s about knowing that the information needs to be checked again before you go. Thailand was nearly a decade ago for me.

A lot can change in 10 years.

Apparently, the visa rules are one of them.

09/10/2026

So... I went back to Barbados to check out the NEW Royalton Vessence Barbados and because apparently I don't know how to vacation alone, I brought 12 guests with me.

13 of us in total and 4 got their very FIRST passport stamp!

We ate, relaxed, enjoyed the pools and beach, explored the resort, took a tour around the island and even celebrated a birthday.

I planned to be on vacation but my travel advisor brain said, "Nice try. You're WORKING."

So I was taking notes, checking the service, listening to feedback and experiencing the resort through my clients' eyes.

Then came the trip home...

The Amazon plane crash at MIA caused delays and rerouted flights, so I was on the phone with the airline making sure everyone had a way home.

That's travel advisor life!

Royalton Hotels & Resorts Vessence Barbados got reviewed.

My guests got memories.

Four got their first passport stamp.

Now I have four people asking "Where are we going next?!"

09/10/2026

Funny how my problems seem to disappear the moment I board a plane.

There’s something about buckling that seatbelt, looking out the window and watching the world get smaller that puts everything into perspective.

Maybe the problems didn’t disappear.

Maybe I just needed a different view.

Give me a window seat and a boarding pass.

I’ll figure the rest out in the air!

08/29/2026

This picture is probably one of the best visual representations of who I am.

I’m a traveler. ✈️
I’m a golfer. ⛳
I’m a foodie. 🍷
I love fashion.
I love music.
I believe in taking care of myself.
And I believe life is meant to be experienced, not simply managed.

But there’s something deeper behind all of it.

I’m a woman who has spent more than 20 years building a life around experiences.

Travel has been my career, but it has also shaped how I see the world. It has taught me to be curious, adaptable, intentional and open to people, cultures and possibilities.

Golf has taught me patience.

Food has taught me that some of the best memories happen around a table.

Fashion reminds me that how you show up matters.

Music keeps me connected to joy.

And life has taught me not to keep putting off the things that matter.

Today, through The Boarding Pass, I’m bringing all of those interests together to create experiences that go beyond simply getting from one destination to another.

Corporate travel.
Group experiences.
Incentive travel.
Golf trips.
Events.
Travel media.

Because I don't just want to sell travel.

I want to create reasons for people to live a little more.

Take the trip.
Play the course.
Try the restaurant.
Wear the outfit.
Dance to the music.
Sit at the table with people who inspire you.

And when you look back, have more stories than regrets.

That’s the woman behind The Boarding Pass.

Travel in Class. Live Fully.

08/13/2026

Your next business connection may not be sitting in a conference room.

They may be sitting across from you at dinner.

That’s part of the vision behind Gate 11 by The Boarding Pass.

We’re cultivating a circle of influence for business-minded travelers and professionals who understand that some of the best relationships are built through shared experiences, meaningful conversation and access to the right rooms.

We’re looking to connect with:

• Business owners, entrepreneurs and executives
• Tourism Boards and Destination Marketing Organizations
• Hoteliers and hospitality leaders
• Business Development and Sales Managers
• Corporate and incentive travel professionals
• Brands interested in reaching an influential travel-minded audience
• Professionals who value travel, culture, hospitality and genuine relationship building

Gate 11 will bring this community together through curated dinners, hotel experiences, destination showcases, private events and opportunities designed to turn introductions into relationships.

This isn't traditional networking.

It’s about who you meet, what you experience together and where that relationship can lead.

For our tourism and hospitality partners, Gate 11 also creates an opportunity to put your destination, property or experience directly in front of professionals who travel, influence travel decisions and have networks of their own.

If you’re interested in becoming part of the Gate 11 Circle of Influence, collaborating on an experience or introducing your brand to our community, I’d love to connect.

The right room can change your network. The right network can change your business.

08/01/2026

Last week I traveled to Nashville for the R&B Tour and while the concert was amazing, the unexpected highlight of my trip was visiting the National Museum of African American Music.

Music has always been a part of my everyday life. It's the soundtrack to my mornings, my road trips, my celebrations and even the quiet moments. Walking through the museum and learning the stories behind so many of the artists I grew up listening to was an experience I'll never forget.

What made it even more special was hearing songs that instantly took me back to my childhood. The music my parents played filled the exhibits with memories that reminded me just how powerful music can be. It doesn't just entertain us. It tells our stories, preserves our history and connects generations.

If you ever find yourself in Nashville, don't skip this museum. Whether you're a lifelong music lover or simply appreciate the impact African American artists have had on every genre of music, it's an experience that's well worth your time.

🎶 What's one song that instantly takes you back to a special memory?

07/24/2026

Last week, what was supposed to be a quick 3-day work trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands turned into something I never expected.

After arriving in St. Croix, I extended my trip to experience St. Thomas and St. John. Along the way, I gained more than destination knowledge. I gained friendships, perspective and the beginning of what I believe will become a new business opportunity.

I owe a debt of gratitude to three incredible USVI natives who welcomed me with open arms, shared their islands, their culture and their knowledge. Because of them, I experienced the Virgin Islands through the eyes of the people who call it home.

There is no substitute for experiencing a destination firsthand. I spent time learning the logistics of traveling between the islands, understanding what makes each one unique and discovering the little details that you can only learn by being there. Every island has its own personality, rhythm and story to tell.

I arrived with a work agenda, but I left with so much more. New relationships, new ideas and a fresh vision for what's next.

The U.S. Virgin Islands gave me more than breathtaking views. They reminded me that some of life's greatest opportunities begin with a simple conversation, an open mind and the courage to embrace the unexpected.

To the three amazing people who made this journey unforgettable, thank you. Your kindness, generosity and hospitality will stay with me long after I left your beautiful islands.

This is only the beginning. 🇻🇮