By Anna De Souza
That first deliberate breath. My most
cherished part of any travel experience
is the anticipated arrival at that
destination airport. Passengers buzz
around you, the weight of your bags lift
and everything quiets.
Immediately I look to immerse myself.
As a journalist and “I’ll try most
anything once” adventurer, you bet I’d
consider trekking to that historic pub
inconveniently crosstown or take a crack
at a local beauty treatment; heck, even if
it’s live fish pecking at my feet.
That’s why my first thought of guided
travel was, “oh no, that’s not for me.”
I needed my autonomy and freedom
to explore without the restrictions
of time or the fussy whim of others.
Unfortunately, traveling on your own
becomes a roller coaster of emotion
and anxiety.
Why had it become so difficult to travel
as a true insider? It was during a trip to
Turkey with Trafalgar that I discovered
how their 70 years of travel insight has
truly transformed the modern guided
vacation into an authentic, immersive
experience. You’ll sip Kahve (Turkish
coffee) at one of Istanbul’s oldest
restaurants from hand-painted ceramic
cups and have a go at local traditions,
like unearthing a fiery chicken from a
thick crust of petrified salt!
And guess what; you’re treated just
like a local along the way. Each
accommodation is hand-picked to
mirror each city’s cultural charm.
Your Travel Director navigates while
encouraging you to cultivate your own
connections with the local people, food
and community.
On my guided trip, every spot was “that
great little spot.” It’s truly the vacation
equivalent of the fancy reserve wine
you savor while laughing with unfussy
friends. And I really can’t wait for my
next sip.
Anna De Souza is a digital journalist
and on-air reporter who has contributed
to The Huffington Post, Today.com,
Yahoo!, “The Meredith Vieira Show,”
ABC News, “New York LIVE on NBC”
and “FOX & Friends.”
Executive Member benefit:
Costco Cash Card
(one per booking)
Costco members save 10% off
the everyday Trafalgar price.
Costco members
save up ;
$1,252*
per person
Book by 2/25/16.
HARRIETTE, a Costco member
from Missouri, reflects on her
eight-day Simply Italy trip —
one of 112 Europe vacations.
"... we were truly ;ken
care of from b;king up
; the end of our trip ..."
Simply AWE-INSPIRING
How I discovered my new favorite way to travel
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
*For prices and details, click Travel at Costco.com. Save up to $1,252 per couple with 7.5% Early Payment Discount (EPD) (land only) and 10% Costco member bene;it on new 2016 Europe vacations when booked and paid in ;ull by 2/25/16.
Sample savings based on European Supreme departing 9/20/16. Savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates, and are subject to availability. Travel purchases are not included in the Executive Membership
annual 2% Reward. Costco Travel disclaims liability ;or any inaccuracies or typographical errors. For Costco Cash Card terms and conditions, click Travel at Costco.com. Costco Travel is available to Costco members residing in the
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