I *heart* travel

One of the perks of working for the largest online travel company is that I get to take trips for work and play. It started out with a last minute speaking engagement at the Email Insiders Summit in Captiva Island, Florida (about an hour south of Ft. Meyers). This happens to be my favorite conference as well as in close proximity to an aquaintaince I’d like to visit. The actual summit is over each day around 2pm and there’s an optional “fun” activity available (I’ll be taking an afternoon cruise around the islands on Thursday). You can participate in dinner or cocktails, or go off on your own. The South Seas resort apparently has a great sailing school. I won’t have time to try it out, but doesn’t hurt to get some info for a future visit. I fly out next Wednesday (5/21) and will return Saturday. This last minute opportunity also reminds me that I should get a new headshot done and update my bio for next year’s circuit.  

I’ll be heading out to San Francisco June 5th and 6th for a strategic planning session between the senior email marketing staff and our email service provider. Mostly thanks to Virgin Air for running screaming fare deals to California. Once the sessions are over, a few of us are going to stay through the weekend and hit the Napa and Sonoma wine country. It’s nice to have some colleagues that I like enough to do social activities with. We’re thinking of staying in Calistoga, which seems like a good mid-point, and looking at both hotel and B&B options.

I could use some recommendations on good restaurants in downtownish San Francisco for business dinner. Any suggestions on what wineries to visit is always appreciated.

This fall, I’m looking forward to traveling to Japan with some friends. I want to visit Tokyo and Kyoto for sure, and would like to stay at a ryokan for a couple of nights. We’re thinking October, and something close to a two week trip. Not certain if I can convince the boi to come along, as it’s not high on his travel list.

Basically, I work so I can take vacations (and pay bills).