TO's Best of 2023!

Happy New Year to you. 🎊 🎉 In this special issue, I’ll be sharing my top 5 travel experiences from 2023!

It will be a little longer than usual, and I won’t be including the table of contents this time so I don’t spoil the fun. Hope you enjoy. 😊 

By the way, since these are ALL my own travel experiences, consider the whole email 👇

Cheers to a great 2024! 🥂 

5.

Off the Hook Poke Market — Oahu, Hawaii

Starting off the countdown at number 5, we have the best, melt-in-your-mouth poke I’ve tasted in this lifetime.

I fall into the camp of lunatics who typically don’t enjoy Poke. But lemme tell ya, good poke absolutely SLAPS. This is the best I’ve had, and it’s not close. The spicy tuna was ridiculous! Our snorkeling guide turned us on to this place, and boy do we owe him one. While Oahu is…*checks map*🤓 🗺… a HEFTY trip for most of our readers, this spot alone may be worth the flight for you raw fish lovers out there.

4.

Semi Di Grano — Perledo, Italy

Another Italian meal to add to my list of bests…

I just can’t get enough of Italian food. Pasta is probably the one meal that I would choose to eat for the rest of my life if I had to choose one.

This family-run gem has a beautiful aesthetic to match the delicious food. Tucked away down an alley and around the corner in the small village of Perledo, you’ll walk down a lantern-lit, stone stairway to find a dining area with no more than 5 tables. The small, candlelit interior makes for a cozy and intimate environment to enjoy the wonderful food. The menu is limited and seasonal, which makes ordering easy, and EVERY plate was excellent.

We enjoyed a quick starter, compliments of the chef, followed by a pumpkin purée topped with egg, a plate of thinly sliced venison, pasta with a hearty ragu, and fish from Lake Como. We left with full stomachs and immense gratitude for the experience.

3.

Villa Silvi — Perledo, Italy

I truly don’t think words can describe how amazing this stay was. But here’s my best shot…

Silvana, the host, is a 73-year-old Italian nonna who only speaks Italian. She is the most hospitable woman I’ve come across in my life. She prepared a massive breakfast spread each morning, made a reservation for us at a local restaurant, drove us to and from town on request, and even washed AND folded our clothes.

The language barrier made for a wholesome experience as we attempted to communicate with hand signals, Google Translate, and a few words of the opposite language here and there.

The place itself was lovely and was only a 10-minute drive to Varenna, our favorite town on Lake Como. The views were unreal, and Silvana even had a Bernese Mountain Dog named Liebe that reminded us of our pup back home. 🥺

2.

Whale Watching — Victoria, Canada

Whale watching has been on my list for years and I was finally able to check it off this year!

It lived up to the hype. We saw 10+ Humpbacks, a Grey whale, and tons of seals and sea lions, which was honestly one of the coolest parts (and the smelliest). I would have loved to see some Orcas, but you can’t have it all when it comes to nature.

This area is one of the best in the world for whale watching. Wherever you decide to try to witness these beautiful creatures, please do a bit of research to ensure you utilize a reputable company that has the best interest of the environment in mind. Remember you’re in their home. 🤗 

1.

Snorkeling off of Waimānalo Beach — Oahu, Hawaii

And finally, my number 1 travel experience of 2023…

We booked this snorkeling trip through Airbnb Experiences (big fan). Tim, our host, was knowledgeable, professional and friendly. We went out with him and one other couple. He picked us up, brought everything we needed, and even took some detours along the way to share some cool facts about the island while showing us some STUNNING views. We ended up seeing two sea turtles out in the water which was the cherry on top! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Oahu 🐠.

Honorable Mention

Biking through Bern

The night before our last night in Bern, Switzerland, my lovely lady suggested a morning run. Now, I’m not a runner, nor am I a morning person, so my immediate thought was “Absolutely not.”

Then comes the morning and she wakes up early to get ready to go. I found myself lying in bed thinking, “Is this how I’m going to spend my last few hours in this city?”

So I got my lazy butt out of bed and went with her. Fortunately, I did arrange a compromise… I found a bike rental 😊.

It worked out perfectly. My marathon-running girlfriend was able to get 5 miles in, while I happily coasted along next to her getting a much more modest workout.

It was an AMAZING way to see the city and a great start to our morning. It was truly one of my favorite experiences of the year AND changed the way I view travel.

2023 Hometown Favorite

Frankel’s Delicatessen — Brooklyn, New York

Home to the best breakfast sandwich on the planet, this family-owned Jewish deli is one of my favorite go-to’s in the city. The space itself is small, so if you can’t find a seat, just venture down the street to McCarren Park to enjoy your food, assuming the weather is nice of course. Now onto the important stuff…the food 😋.

Although you can order the delectable pastrami, egg, and cheese on a bagel, I would STRONGLY encourage you to opt for their signature challah roll. I’m telling you this combination is unmatched!

If you’ve got an eating buddy or two to share with, I’d recommend your next choice be the heirloom tomato on a pumpernickel everything bagel. This option is best in the summer months when tomatoes are in season, but in my humble opinion, it is great year-round. Rest assured, although I shared my favorites, this place does it all VERY well. You won’t go wrong deviating from my pre-prescribed menu… even though I’d encourage you not to.

Cheers ‘til next week,

T.O.