Turning fifty felt like a milestone I wanted to honor with intention — not with a party, not with a dinner, but with a journey that meant something. Ever since I was fourteen years old, sitting cross‑legged on the floor watching Gorillas in the Mist, I dreamed of trekking into the Rwandan mountains to see the gorillas. That dream stayed with me through every chapter of my life — the joyful ones, the complicated ones, and the heartbreaking ones.

In 2021, my world cracked open. I lost my mom. My marriage ended. I packed up my life in Soldotna, Alaska and moved across the country to Charleston, South Carolina. And just before my 50th birthday trip, I made yet another move — this time to Jackson, Michigan — where I promptly came down with a terrible bout of pneumonia. Six weeks of being sick, exhausted, and unsure if I’d even be able to travel. It felt like life was testing me right up to the moment I was supposed to reclaim myself.

But I made it. And Africa met me with open arms.

~Carrie Henson

Why Your Travel Budget Is a Guide, Not a Limitation

One of the most common questions I hear during a travel consultation is, “How much does a trip to Italy cost?” Or Thailand. Or Greece. Or really, any destination.

The honest answer is: it depends.

The cost of a trip can vary based on the time of year, length of stay, airfare, accommodations, activities, transportation, and overall travel style. Two people can visit the exact same destination and have completely different experiences at very different price points.

A trip to Italy, for example, could cost $5,000 or $50,000 depending on what the traveler wants. One person may prefer luxury hotels, private transfers, guided tours, and fine dining. Another may prioritize location over luxury, travel by train, and keep the itinerary more relaxed.

That is why having a budget is so important.

Traveling as a family is not always glamorous. There are meltdowns in airport lines, sticky hands on airplane windows, and the constant chorus of “are we there yet?” But in between the chaos, there’s so much magic

As a travel designer, I’ve been lucky enough to explore many corners of the world—but my recent solo adventure through Italy was something truly unforgettable. In just a week and a half, I experienced ancient wonders, world-class cuisine, charming cities, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Our safari was unforgettable, with incredible wildlife encounters and stunning accommodations beyond our expectations. We can’t wait to help clients plan their own extraordinary adventures—especially in Botswana, a destination we’re excited to share more about!

My husband and I decided to take an adults-only all-inclusive vacation to Cancun, specifically Playa Mujeres. Playa Mujeres is an up-and-coming hotspot and it lives up to its reputation.

Going on an African safari was an experience of a lifetime for me. We went to Kenya to see the beautiful national parks and game reserves. Everywhere you looked there were amazing animals like elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras and lots more!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites, from the Pyramids of Giza to the hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Follow along as I share highlights from my trip, including a luxury Nile River cruise, a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Luxor, and insider tips for making the most of your adventure.

Thinking about cruising on Ovation of the Seas? From seamless embarkation to breathtaking Hawaiian ports and exciting onboard activities, I’m sharing everything you need to know—plus insider tips to make the most of your journey.

Arriving in your destination, immersing myself in different cultures, trying new foods, and meeting new people is so incredibly fulfilling.