Growing up I dreamt about getting the chance to travel abroad. Paris was always the place that I wanted to get to first, and I fully immersed myself in researching every aspect of my post-college graduation trip to the city. I worried that I’d built it up too much in my head and was over the moon to discover that in fact, the ‘city of light’ had more to offer than I could have ever hoped. I tried my best to bottle up every ounce of wonderment from that whirlwind adventure to France, and it ended up fuelling several subsequent trips to other areas of Europe including Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
The memories and experiences that I’ve taken away from these trips are the best souvenirs that I get to carry around with me always. It’s a privilege to share my passion for travel, especially to France, with others and assist them in building the trip that exceeds their dreams.
Q&A with Adley
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
On my most recent trip to France, I was lucky to visit several areas that had been on my bucket list including the city of Bordeaux. One of my favorite things to do is browse antique shops and flea markets, and I always dreamt about getting to do this in France. While in Bordeaux I happened to stumble upon The Foire à la Brocante des Quinconces, an annual antiques fair that takes place in the city. There were rows and rows of vendors selling all kinds of antique French treasures, I was in awe. It was a surprise that made for a great afternoon, and I was able to bring home a few special souvenirs.
Where would you love to travel next?
The place I would most love to travel to next is Chamonix in France. I love skiing and being in the mountains and can picture how incredible it would be to be on skis, on top of the Alps looking out at France, Italy, and Switzerland below. Plus, I would be indulging in fondue (one of my favorite things in any season) at every opportunity.
Your best piece of travel advice?
My best piece of travel advice would be to find just the right pace for your trip. Don’t worry so much about checking off all the things that you need to see in your destination. Instead focus on slowing down and capturing the joy and wonder that you feel when you can be totally present in the moment. Try not to rush from one thing to the next, without capturing something special in each place.