Kristen Meckem Travel

01/27/2026

01/26/2026

From the misty peaks of Volcanoes National Park to the resilience and vibrant culture of Kigali, my recent journey through Rwanda was nothing short of life-changing. 🦍

I’m peeling back the curtain on this extraordinary region in my latest newsletter. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to stand feet away from a silverback, or what to expect in a luxury itinerary that honors both the land and its people, this edition is for you.

DM me your email to have this Rwanda deep dive sent right to your inbox! 📩

01/05/2026

❤️ These Are the Good Old Days

🧳 When our children were young, every trip felt like a small chapter in our family story. Time together away from routine. Shared meals, shared wonder, shared perspective. At the time, it simply felt like being together. Looking back, I see that every one of those moments was the good old days.

🌎 Travel shapes children in the most meaningful ways. It teaches curiosity, adaptability, empathy, and confidence. You learn how they see the world and what makes them brave. They learn how to navigate new places, different cultures, and the comfort of knowing their family is their home base wherever they land.

😀 Those trips become part of your family language. Inside jokes. Stories you retell. A sense of confidence and curiosity that follows them back home.

❣️ And then one day, they are grown. And the most beautiful part is that the good old days did not end.

😍 Because we traveled together, we raised humans who value the world and the people in it. Now we are exploring together as adults, sharing perspectives, laughing in a different way, and still choosing each other.

❤️ That is the gift. Not just the places you see, but the people you raise along the way, and the lifelong joy of continuing the journey together.

12/15/2025

My journey through Tanzania with Singita was nothing short of extraordinary. With eight distinct styles of accommodations, from exclusive-use villas to beautifully designed lodges and intimate tented camps, there’s a perfect space for every type of traveler. If you’re dreaming of a meaningful and beautifully curated stay at a Singita property, I’ll help craft that experience for you.

For over three decades, Singita has devoted itself to safeguarding large areas of Africa’s wilderness so they can be passed on to future generations. They work hand-in-hand with a dedicated conservation trust or fund, along with the communities who call these places home, to protect the land and the wildlife that depend on it.

What struck me most was how deeply Singita touches people. Guests don’t just marvel at the wildlife or the untouched landscapes (though those moments are unforgettable). They leave feeling connected and restored in a way that’s hard to put into words. It’s the kind of travel that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

If a thoughtful and deeply memorable stay at a Singita property is calling to you, I would be delighted to help bring that trip to life.
✨🐘🌿

📩 https://www.kristenmeckemtravel.com/letsgetstarted

11/21/2025

🦍 Still thinking about the quiet power of standing a few feet from mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda. Nothing prepares you for that moment. It’s humbling, moving, and stays with you long after you’ve left the mist and the bamboo trails behind.

🌿 Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits peacefully along the edge of Volcanoes National Park, where a large share of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live. The lodge feels almost folded into the landscape, shaped by volcanic rock, river stone, handmade tiles, and clay bricks created by nearby communities. Every space feels calm and connected to the land, with treks and bike paths replacing game drives, and serene suites with private plunge pools that look out toward the volcanoes.

🦍 The warmth of the team, the thoughtful conservation work, the views that greet you each morning, and the way every detail supports the land and the gorillas make it unlike anywhere else.

🌿 If this kind of journey has been tugging at your heart, contact me to help you plan it. It’s the kind of experience that changes how you see the world, and I’m here to make it unfold beautifully for you.

10/17/2025

Client reviews always light up my day. Thank you to my client, Penny, for this one I have enjoyed for days:

“Kristen, you may regret asking me for feedback. I get rather detailed.  And, my gosh, people reading my remarks probably think I have a crush on you. I tried to tone it down a little regarding my opinion of you. Just know that I value your experience, your knowledge, your affection. And the extra touches of goodies along the way are not only enjoyed, but they make me feel special.”

Thank you to Penny and all my clients for bringing me joy in what I do every day! 💛

06/19/2025

There are family vacations—and then there are experiences that shift your perspective and deepen your family’s bond. At , a private island escape in French Polynesia, barefoot luxury meets purpose-driven adventure in one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. 🌺🐋

✨ Swim alongside humpback whales in a once-in-a-lifetime, closely guided experience with expert marine biologists. This encounter is both educational and profoundly moving—perfect for older children and adults looking to connect with the natural world.

✨ Inspire young minds through Polynesian learning experiences, from traditional weaving workshops to reef walks and coconut husking, all guided by local experts.

✨ Enjoy effortless all-inclusive luxury, where gourmet dining, enriching excursions, and even daily spa treatments are all included. No schedules, no stress.

✨ Relax in serene seclusion on the pristine island of Tetiaroa, once the private retreat of Tahitian royalty. Families will find peace of mind in its privacy, safety, and low-impact luxury ethos.

✨ Trust me to bring it all together, from securing coveted seasonal experiences to managing every detail with care and insider access. I’ll make all the magic happen, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy!

Let this be more than a vacation—let it be a memory that stays with your family forever.

04/03/2025

Brownell Academy: Every year we gather with colleagues and travel partners from around the world 🌎; to learn so that we can better serve our clients, to grow as business owners and entrepreneurs, and to celebrate with awards for a year well done.

From new products and destinations in cruising, to new hotel openings and classic favorites, to tour operators who help us provide exceptional experiences in destinations near and far- the world really is your oyster!

Cheers to the best agency, teams, travel partners, planning committee, CEO, and colleagues! My life and my work are enhanced by knowing you. Thank you. 💛

03/18/2025

If you’re planning a European trip and are curious about the new entry requirements, The ETIAS travel policy has been postponed to the end of 2026. This means that if you’re traveling to Europe this year, you won’t need to apply for authorization.👏

You can check on the official EU website for live updates.

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out!📩

03/03/2025

Feeling like you need a break? A reset? A chance to ground yourself and remember what is important to you and how you want to live your life? For over 30 years, Miraval Resorts 🌵has been a pioneer in wellness. The carefully curated wellness programming teaches and inspires, guiding guests toward a more mindful, balanced, and transformative way of living. 💛

Let’s plan your getaway—it’s a journey toward self-discovery and renewal. 🏜️