Gregory Skipton, Independent Travel Agent - Walt's Dream Destinations, LLC

Happy International Picnic Day!! For us in Northern NY - it might actually be too oppressively hot for a picnic today, so it is nice to dream of the perfect one or reminisce about those in the past. Where was your perfect picnic or where do you imagine it taking place?

Picnicking in Paris is certainly an idyllic dream. Having done this in person, there is nothing quite like strolling among the spring roses by the Eiffel Tower, or enjoying a baguette, some good cheese and meats, French Rose', and a good cigar on the grounds of Parc Monceau (which was right near where we were staying). And of course, cruising along the Seine on a lunch or dinner or twilight cruise is just as idyllic, especially as you watch locals and tourists alike lounging on the banks of the river, enjoying wine, music, art, and conversation.

Intrigued? Have a different dream? Let me help make that happen!

If this isn't you, it should be...

Let me help you so you can gloat appropriately.

Happy Fathers’ Day to all traveling dads out there 😂

Happy Flag Day!!!

Flag Day is observed throughout the United States. It serves as an occasion to honor the history, significance, and symbolism of the American flag as a symbol of freedom, unity, and national pride. So whether you are traveling and visiting one of America's great monuments or national parks, or just planting a flag at the top of your sandcastle, take a moment and reflect...
..and if you are stuck in your office or at home WISHING you were on a vacation observing these festivities, reach out to me :)

Keuka Lake is the odd-man out in the Finger Lakes, due to its unusual Y-shape. Anchored by the small towns of Penn Yan in the north and Hammondsport in the south, this lake is one of the quieter Finger Lakes to visit due to its rural setting. However, the Finger Lakes wine region owes Keuka Lake a debt, as this is where the NY wine industry began, and as such, you of course will not be disappointed by the many wineries around the lake able to be visited for tastings and tours. Local restaurants feature farm-to-table goodness and offer Finger Lakes wines and beers in abundance. Camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and swimming are all easy ways to spend your time on and around Keuka Lake, and makes it a perfect spot for a getaway in any season.

Watkins Glen, located at the southern end of Seneca Lake in the NY Finger Lakes region, is known for two things: its gorgeous state park and waterfalls, and "The Glen," a world-known automobile race track currently owned and operated by NASCAR. But hiking or watching auto races is not the only thing Watkins Glen offers; it is a great place to base out of for your wine and cheese and beer trail excursions into the Finger Lakes, or set sail on a lake cruise, or charter a fishing excursion. Small shops and restaurants make this a quaint little town that can often be overlooked, but well make it worth the visit.

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Look at all the has to offer. So much to see and do. I have been to all of the main islands, and this is the one that stole my heart.

Looking for a gorgeous place to visit you may never have heard of? Skaneateles, NY might be the place for you.

Nestled on the shores of Skaneateles Lake (one of the cleanest lakes in the country) and considered the Jewel of the Finger Lakes region, the village of Skaneateles, Iroquois for "long lake," is the place to experience the beauty, luxury and hospitality of the Finger Lakes. You'll find quaint but affluent shops, stunning restaurants, charming bed and breakfasts, pristine colonial residences and the occasional celebrity sighting.

Things to do all season round include but are not limited to:
Enjoy wine tasting, leaf peeping and apple picking in autumn.
Plan a winter weekend trip to experience the much loved Dickens Christmas celebration — an annual tradition running every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Salute spring with a 32-mile bicycle excursion around the lake or with a day of exclusive pampering at Mirbeau Inn & Spa.
And celebrate summer with swimming, boating and all that lake life has to offer. Enjoy free live music by the lake with the family in Clift Park every Friday in July. Opt for an aerial adventure in a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of Skaneateles and surrounding areas. And savor the season aboard a Mid-Lakes Navigation vessel for sunset cruises and cocktails.

Skaneateles is great for all ages. Looking for a family getaway, it has you covered. Need a romantic place for two? It is perfect. Meeting up with multiple friends or families? It's access from Syracuse, Rochester, and the NY State Thuway make it an easy stop off point.

Let me help you get your Skaneateles stay booked today.

Located only 25 miles southeast of Rochester, the scenic community of Canandaigua, NY is known as “The Chosen Spot,” a Native American translation that holds true today. Nestled on the north end of Canandaigua Lake, the town is historic and scenic with a variety of locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants, and places to stay. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to rest and relax, with beautiful Canandaigua Lake providing a stunning place to enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. Canandaigua is home to full-service hotels, as well as many smaller hotels, motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. There are also many tourist attractions in the city and town, including Roseland Waterpark, Roseland Wake Park, Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, and the New York Wine Kitchen. Canandaigua Sailboarding on Lakeshore Drive offers kayak and watercraft rentals and lessons. While obviously a popular location for summer visitors, Canandaigua offers year-round opportunities for fun at festivals, farms, wineries, shops, and outdoor enjoyment.

Happy National Donut (Doughnut?) Day.

Where have you enjoyed your best donut (or breakfast experience if sweet things just don't do it for you first thing in the morning)?

Duck Donuts takes the cake for me and is a staple when we visit the Outer Banks. But for breakfast, nothing can beat sitting on our private lanai in Hilo, HI overlooking the ocean, watching ships pass by and hoping for the sight of a whale or two with fresh fruit and pastries purchased at the Hilo Farmer's Market. Magical!

The churning of waterfalls tall and small, creeks winding through lush gorges carved by glaciers, dew drops on plants immersed in the woods or the gentle lapping of Cayuga Lake against its shores all bring a sense of freshness and renewal to my focus today, Ithaca, NY.

Ithaca is a great place to visit, no matter the travel party makeup or age. It is an outdoor adventurer's wonderland, with hiking in Buttermilk Falls or Robert Treman State Parks or wandering the Cascadilla Gorge trail nestled in downtown Ithaca. There also is the Waterfalls Challenge; an attempt to visit all of the 100-plus waterfalls in Ithaca, with a focus on the 215-foot Taughannock Falls (three stories taller than Niagara Falls). And if food is your thing, you are in for a treat: as a result of multi-cultural influence in the region, acclaimed hospitality school, and the high quality produce coming from local farms – Ithaca’s food and dining scene does not disappoint. Taste cuisine from around the world at the Ithaca Farmers' Market or find locally made cheese and seasonal ingredients featured at local breweries, wineries, and cideries.

Beverages? Got you covered. Enjoy a Finger Lakes wine tasting experience on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the nation’s first wine trail. Sample a beer flight at one of our many craft breweries, including the iconic Ithaca Beer Co. or try craft cider, often dry, from one of the nine cideries within a 30-minute drive. Ithaca is also a coffee-lover’s paradise with the award-winning Gimme! Coffee’s original location on West State/MLK Jr. Street, along with many other independent coffee purveyors and roasters. And if you have a sweet tooth, you are in luck; It’s no surprise that the place that invented the ice cream sundae has no fewer than eight places dedicated to scooping ice cream, including Purity Ice Cream, which has been operating since 1936.

Hit me up, and let me get you settled into a great Finger Lakes getaway...great no matter what time of year it is.

Today is World Environment Day.

Traveling sustainably is simpler than you think. You don’t have to pay extra for fancy gear or luxury eco-resorts; you just have to plan your trip thoughtfully, move mindfully, and spend your travel budget wisely. Here are some tips to help you become a greener, low-impact traveler.

1. Take a “slow travel” approach to planning. - It’s better for the environment (imagine biking around one city instead of driving all around the country) and better for your brain, too.
2. Choose destinations and companies that are known for sustainability.
3. Stay close to home. - More Americans are taking short “micro-cations” of four nights or less. Taking trips of shorter duration and distance can have a smaller environmental impact, compared to a long flight or cruise.
4. Spend your money where it matters. - Instead of going to an overtouristed, booming destination, look for places where your tourist dollars can support local conservation, wildlife protection and reinvestment efforts. Consider visiting countries that are still rebuilding from natural disasters (as long as travel there is safe).
5. Pack lightly. - The more weight in your suitcase, the more fuel is required to move it (especially when flying).
6. Pick sunscreen carefully. - Oxybenzone and octinoxate, both common sunscreen ingredients, have been shown to damage corals and marine life. Research and purchase confirmed and scientifically proven "reef safe" sunscreens, as well as wear hats and cover ups.
7. Pack reusable utensils, bags and more. - Pack a few simple items: one or two cloth shopping bags, a basic set of metal cutlery, a durable container for snacks or leftovers, and a reusable straw.
8. Eat local. - It’s not just trendy; it makes sense. If you’re staying at a Caribbean resort, why order the steak that’s been frozen and flown in from the U.S.? Enjoy the island’s bounty of fruit and freshly caught fish instead.
9. Invest in a filtering water bottle. - If you’re traveling to a destination with questionable water quality, simply invest in a purifying water bottle.
10. Shun abusive wildlife “experiences.” - Research any sanctuary or wildlife center before you visit, and respect the right of wildlife to roam free and undisturbed.
11. Shop for sustainably made souvenirs. - When buying gifts and keepsakes, look for locally made foods and crafts, not mass-produced junk or cheap T-shirts.
12. Continue giving back after you return home. - The best part of travel is how it opens our eyes to the wonders of Earth. If your trip stirs your heart, then donate your money or energy to help protect the magical places you visited so that they might be cherished by all who come later.

In the heart of New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region on the northern shores of Seneca Lake rests the historic, charming, and picturesque Geneva. A visit to Geneva should include sampling award-winning wines, learning about the area’s amazing history, taking in the romance of an 18th-century castle, and enjoying the eclectic food and music scene. The abundance of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other locally-grown and produced foods has encouraged a home-grown culinary scene offering a variety of farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, specialty foods, and farmers' markets. Downtown Geneva’s Linden Street, which is closed to traffic on weekend nights in the warm weather, offers a variety of culinary options in a "uniquely urban" setting.

Key landmarks to visit include, but are not limited to: Belhurst Castle - an Historic landmark on Seneca Lake is a popular destination for weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways. The grounds include the tasting room for Belhurst Winery, Isabella Spa, and Edgar's Restaurant.; Geneva On The Lake - Built in 1914 to resemble an Italian villa, this AAA Four Diamond resort offers gourmet dining, manicured gardens, boat access, and classic gardens.; Seneca Lake State Park - Swim, hike, bike, boat, and picnic at this lakeside park, which includes a sprayground, disc golf course, and two marinas.; Smith Opera House - Built in 1894, The Smith is an architectural treasure that offers the perfect venue for taking in a live performance of music, dance, theater, film, and other community events.

Happy World Bicycle Day!

Whether you're a keen cyclist or more of a weekend bike rider, cycling can be one of the greatest ways to explore the world. Most major cities have bicycle rentals, and it is usually easy to find along beaches and at popular resorts. Cruises often offer this as an option for excursions, and if you are really into it, you can even book organized small-group cycling trips in Japan to monumental bike journeys in Europe; there's a cycling travel experience out there for you.

Yes please. What’s on your bucket list?

The beauty of Iceland 🇮🇸
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Attraction Highlight - A Central Florida staple dating back almost 75 years, Gatorland is an attraction not to be missed! Their 110 acres houses thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a nature walk, a petting zoo, a free-flight aviary, and the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Unique shows include the Gator Jumparoo Alligators – Legends of the Swamp and Up-Close Encounters, which happen daily.

Final May Travel Focus: Monterey, CA

Monterey County is different from any other part of California. Here, time slows, the architecture is humble (with the exception of the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is the perfect synthesis of SoCal laid-back and NorCal sophisticated. Colorful crops are displayed like jewels among the farm stands of inland Monterey—an area known to many as "The Salad Bowl of the World"—while farther south, Carmel-by-the-Sea dazzles with its air of easygoing opulence. Tremendous price tags on real estate help maintain the small-community atmosphere along Monterey's jaw-dropping coastline. This area makes for an ideal family getaway or a romantic weekend stay. It's a year-round whale watching destination that's also home to some of the best California tours. Add to that an abundance of natural wonders, luxury resorts and seafood restaurants, and Monterey might just be the perfect destination for your next vacation.

FIRST LOOK: Disney Cruise Line has provided a first look at the bow of the Disney Adventure featuring Captain Mickey. The new ship sails from Singapore starting next year. ⚓️

Don't let this be you...

Let's get you off on your adventures once again.

MAY TRAVEL FOCUS: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park occupies an otherworldly landscape composed of a dozen amphitheaters, or horseshoe-shaped canyons, on an eroded escarpment of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The whimsical formations of limestone rock, created by erosion and rain, are entrancing to visitors who love to explore the slot canyons, windows, fins and, most notably, the tall, skinny spires called hoodoos. In fact, Bryce Canyon National Park boasts more hoodoos than any other place in the world. With elevations reaching 9,115 feet, Bryce offers about 150 miles of visibility on a clear day. Plus, since it's exposed to very little light pollution, the park offers optimal conditions for stargazing. In fact, in 2019 the International Dark-Sky Association designated Bryce Canyon an International Dark Sky Park.

When May comes around in Bryce Canyon National Park, the snow is nearly gone, which means the park's main road and popular trails are likely to be open. Highs are typically in the 60s during the day, too – ideal conditions for hiking and biking this Utah park's paths. Visitor numbers start to ramp up this month, but it's still early enough in the season that you're unlikely to have to jostle for a view at the popular Bryce Point, which overlooks Bryce Amphitheater, a landscape of otherworldly rock spires.

Training day.

Had an time with the regional training today. Lots of good information, artists’ renderings of new parks and hotels, etc.

Today is the day! Intensive in-person training at the beautiful Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport, NY...all about one of the world's most thrilling resort and theme park brands, Universal Orlando Resort. It is not often that training opportunities like this come around to my "backyard.", so it was a no-brainer that I needed to take advantage of it in order to better serve my clients.

Happy Memorial Day!!! May your travels and time with family be enjoyable.

Thank you to all whom have served, and for those who didn’t come home.

Relax!!!

MAY TRAVEL FOCUS: The Azores, Portugal

This Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic Ocean offers a little bit of everything for active travelers, from geoparks and waterfall hikes to paragliding. Though the weather here is always a bit unpredictable, the chances of wind and rain are lower in May. The water temperature also begins to warm up for must-do activities like snorkeling or swimming with dolphins, and with fewer swells than the winter months, beginner surfers will feel more comfortable trying to hang ten. As an added bonus, the biggest festival in the Azores – the Feasts of Santo Cristo dos Milagres – typically occurs in May.

If you know, you know…

If you don’t, let me help! Hawai’i is one of my absolute favorite places in the world, and I would love to adventure vicariously with you while helping you plan out a dream trip!

[email protected]

MAY TRAVEL FOCUS: Palawan, Philippines

Palawan may not immediately jump out at you as someplace you have heard of, but you certainly can add it to the bucket-list, especially for late spring travel. As one of the warmest and driest times of year in Palawan, May welcomes travelers with open arms. Take advantage of the minimal rainfall by experiencing all of the outdoor activities and attractions that this Philippine island has to offer –spoiler alert, there are a lot. Spend time relaxing on Palawan's white sand beaches, island-hopping or even swimming with gentle whale sharks. Water sports are popular in this destination as well, from diving Tubbataha Reef to kayaking El Nido's Big Lagoon.

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MAY TRAVEL FOCUS: Cusco, Peru

May falls within this Peruvian city's winter season, though you probably wouldn't notice thanks to its consistently mild temperatures (highs hover in the 60s). This month rarely sees rain showers, and you'll encounter fewer tourists at archaeological wonders like La Catedral – which sits in the restaurant- and coffee shop-filled Plaza de Armas – and Machu Picchu – a bucket list destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. And...if you're up for the challenge, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; the difficult trek through the area's towering mountains takes about four days to complete, so is definitely for the experienced hiker and camper.