Philip’s Featured Trip of the Month 

Explore the mysterious ancient trails of the Carpathian Mountains on foot

Follow the ancient Via Transilvanica trail through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, passing small villages, forests and rolling hills. Hike to spiritual sites like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sucevita and Moldovita monasteries and explore Bran Castle, linked to the Dracula legend. Experience traditional Transylvanian life with occasional homemade dinners and local wine shared with welcoming residents in nearby towns. Visit the Tasuleasa Social NGO and learn how this organisation behind the Via Transilvanica trail project is working to promote local economies by connecting travelers to Romania’s heritage.

Thank you -------------- Philip



Forever shapeshifting beneath the sun, the Okavango is Africa’s mercurial wonder, a flooded paradise where rivulets run like cheetahs, oxbow lakes lie still and serene, and islets come and go with the tides. Unlike most deltas, the waters of the Okavango never reach the sea, as if guarded jealously by the land. And what treasures it hoards: from prowling lions to hundreds of species of birds, wading and watching from the water’s edge. Explore its patchwork of reserves, crawling with iconic African species, before flying southeast to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. In this vast basin, once a mighty lake, thousands of zebras migrate between December and March to feast on surrounding nutrient-rich grassland – a wildlife spectacle to rival those of the Serengeti.

Highlights of this 11 day trip:

• Experience the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, an ancient expanse of baobabs, curious species and cracked earth
• Learn how the San people, one of Southern Africa’s oldest surviving cultures, hunt, gather and preserve their traditions
• Soar over the Selinda Reserve in a small aircraft, the savannahs unfurling to the horizon in every direction
• Glide through rushes and waterlilies on a serene safari in a mokoro, a traditional dug-out canoe, paddled by your experienced guide during the Delta's flood season.

Book with Philip Beck at Personal Travel: philip@personaltravel.ca   l 604-739-3607

Thank you ---------- Philip

Step into a world of uncompromised comfort on board the Silver Shadow and set off on a timeless voyage through Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. With longer stays and more overnights, immerse yourself in the customs of coveted capitals and hidden havens. Relish the flavors and history of each place. Feel the rhythms and learn the stories. Sunbathe until sunset in the Seychelles and dance until dawn at Rio’s Carnaval. In every sight, sound, and sensation lies an invitation to celebrate the moment.

Here are 5 compelling reasons to consider booking the Silversea World Cruise 2028 (Miami to Nice, 132 days) 

1. Unmatched Immersion — many ports, extended stays

• The cruise visits 58 ports across 29 countries, traversing 5 continents. 
• It features longer stays and more overnights in key destinations, so you have time to go deeper rather than just a quick stop.
• This allows more immersive cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences.

2. Luxury, all-inclusive style

• The fare includes Business Class air (from selected countries/gateways, with the All-Inclusive Plus fare)
• You also receive shore excursion credit, $500 onboard spending credit per guest (or up to $1,000 per suite), unlimited premium WIFI (two devices per person), and more.
• A Silver Shore baggage valet (for up to 2 bags per guest) is included.

3. Personalized & attentive service

• The ship (Silver Shadow) offers all-suite accommodation with butler service, ensuring comfort and a high level of personal attention.
• The ambience is intimate: rather than a massive liner, you get a sense of space, quiet, and exclusivity.

4. Culinary excellence & onboard amenities

• There are four restaurants on board, including La Dame (French haute cuisine) and La Terrazza (Italian specialties) along with more casual options.
• Public areas include a sophisticated Panorama Lounge, Observation Library, full spa and wellness facilities, boutique, pool deck, entertainment venues, etc.
• The cruise also stages exclusive “World Cruise events” to enrich your journey.

5. Once-in-a-lifetime storytelling & emotional journey

• The cruise is marketed as “An Ode to the Moment”, inviting you to slow down, engage your senses, and experience “the poetry of presence.”
• Because of its scale and ambition, it isn’t just a holiday — it’s a deeply transformative voyage, allowing you to witness magnificent landscapes, diverse cultures, hidden havens, and iconic capitals in one continuous trip.
• The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted: e.g. Miami → South & Central America, South Atlantic, Africa, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Mediterranean — a sweeping arc of the planet

Book with Philip Beck your at Personal Travel “  philip@personaltravel.ca 604-739-3607