“Enjoyed the emphasis on photo ops under all conditions, and the group we were

with. Couldn’t ask for better pre-trip communications and planning. Great to get to

know you. Wonderful sense of humor and a very nice way of taking over ‘when

circumstances warrant.’ Your organization and flexibility are to be commended.”

Why go on a group tour with me? Because I put together and escort terrific trips! Since I believe that good preparation makes for a better travel experience, I supply a wealth of material on our destination in the weeks prior to departure. Special extras include a group T-shirt, group photo, and celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries on tour.

I also try very hard to give good value for your money. My tours are usually priced much lower than comparable offerings from the big-name companies since I don’t spend a lot on expensive advertising and glossy brochures, and I don’t sell through travel agents, thus no commission needs to be built into the tour price. Compare and you’ll see.

TOURS FOR 2023

Bhutan — Land of the Thunder Dragon. Largely untouched by the modern world, Bhutan is an enigmatic mountain kingdom of green valleys crowned with majestic fortress-like dzongs, monasteries, and chortens (shrines). This is a country where the rice is red and where chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It’s also a deeply Buddhist land, where monks check their smart phones after performing a divination, and where giant protective penises are painted at the entrance to many houses. Yet while it proudly prioritizes its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a land frozen in time. The Bhutanese are well educated, fun loving, and very well informed about the world around them. It’s this blend of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating.

There is the pristine eastern Himalayan landscape, where snow-capped peaks rise above primeval forests and beautiful traditional villages. In this picture-book setting, many of the dzongs and monasteries act as a stage for spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) attended by an almost medieval-looking audience. Then there are the textiles and handicrafts, outrageous archery competitions, and stunning flora and fauna. Environmental protection here goes hand in hand with cultural preservation. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested for all future generations; it currently stands above 70%.

You will find the Bhutanese welcoming in showing you their deeply Buddhist and traditional way of life, where Gross National Happiness (the national motto) is more important than gross domestic product. If this isn’t “Shangri-La,” it’s about as close as it gets.  (April 3-19, 8 signed up)