TBK’s 2021 Top 10 Editors’ Picks

After a hiatus from traveling in 2020 – I’m happy to share a few favorite highlights from 2021. It may still not have been a normal travel year – but after staying still for so long, the adventures were that much sweeter.

1. Most Unforgettable Experience 

By far the best week of 2021 was cruising on the brand new Celebrity Apex! With only 300 passengers on board a ship that holds 3000 – we were happily spoiled…and entertained… and relaxed… and I wore heels! 😉 Mediterranean ports, a bright blue sky, lavish meals, epic sunsets… it was a week of pure bliss.

2. New Places Visited 

In 2020 I didn’t leave Colorado – so visiting new places in 2021 was extra special… I won’t take that for granted any time soon. Tucson; after a long Colorado winter – you were lovely in the spring! Saguaro National Park; all the enormous cacti! Rhodes and Mykonos; I love you Greece! Horseshoe Bend; worthy of all those instagram posts! Kinderdijk and Giethoorn; quintessential Dutch that I was lucky to enjoy without the crowds!

3. Best Day Trip

Each fall my husband and I try to explore a new place in Colorado for some aspen leaf peeping. 30 years of living here was worth the wait of driving Kebler Pass during autumn. The aspen views in this area are unrivaled with the mountains blanketed in gold!

4. Best Meal

In an alleyway in Athens all to ourselves – my husband and I enjoyed our best meal of the year! Wine flowing, Greek food, jet lagged, sweating – it was the best start to our much needed vacation!

5. Favorite Cocktail

Since our ship didn’t sail even near capacity – we had our own personal bartender on the Apex. A shoutout to Ivan who had a knack for matching cocktails to my outfits!

6. People We Met

One of my favorite parts of travel – meeting new people! Ivan from Ukraine – I won’t forget your zest for life. The 83 year old gentleman – you fell on the stones in Mykonos but were dancing later that evening! The newlyweds – such a memorable meal we shared under the olive trees… with easy conversation. To the family in Santorini who shared your farm, food and friendship with us!

7. Culture Included

Last summer we went to the Van Gogh Alive exhibit in Denver. Such a fun way to learn about Van Gogh’s life and experience his art in a creative way!

In the fall we went to the Denver Film Festival’s screening of “Storm Lake” – a documentary featuring my hometown and an interesting glimpse into local journalism. 

8. Unique Experience

A purse model for the day in The Netherlands! My husband’s business partner also owns an online bag shop… his photography intern and I went on a photo shoot in Leeuwarden. I’ll be keeping my day job – but it was a fun afternoon!

9. Business Accomplishments

Thanks to the support of the best clients (and proof we’re all ready to travel again) – 2021 was the best sales year in the 15 year history of Travel by Kris! TBK also received a major upgrade with the launch of my new website (a fresh look after a tough couple years).

10. On a Personal Note

My daughter got accepted into flight school! After she finishes her degree in mechanical engineering this spring – she’ll start her training to be a Navy pilot. A very proud Mom here. 🙂 

Please feel free to share your best of from 2021 – I’d love to hear. Now let’s get out there and start working on our Top 10 for 2022! 🙂

Until the next adventure – bon voyage!

Kris