For my latest story in the September issue of Condé Nast Traveler, I took a deep dive into the ultimate family vacation: A seven-day circumnavigation of the British Virgin Islands aboard a 50-foot sailing catamaran from The Moorings Yacht Charters.
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’d like to share my very first story that I published as a budding travel writer. I wrote it in 1999, following my first real independent adventure. Back then I was studying abroad at the University of London—what was a glorious six-month hiatus from my days at the University of Maryland at College Park. It was March and I had spring break in my sights, so I decided to pack my rucksack with nothing more than a handful of clothes, a sleeping bag and tent plus a loaf of bread with a jar each of peanut butter and jelly. I was headed to Ireland and my plan was to hitchhike around the country for eighteen days.
COVID. Rioting. Social injustice. I think it’s safe to say that we all need a stiff drink at the moment. For me, it’s a Negroni made with Pink House Gin, Bermuda’s newest spirit made with island-inspired botanicals including hibiscus, mint and blood orange. Thirsty for more?