A safari is not a typical vacation. It is part expedition, part luxury escape, and part masterclass in being fully present. The best packing strategy is not about bringing more. It is about bringing the right things. Frauke and I are taking our family on another safari next August, and this time we will be aboard the Zambezi Queen, AmaWaterways’ intimate river safari vessel on the Chobe River.

There are moments in travel when the experience transcends itinerary—when place, people, and purpose align to create something far more meaningful than a trip. The Douro River, winding through northern Portugal’s steep, terraced vineyards, has long been one of those places. Timeless, deliberate, and deeply tied to the rhythms of the land, it offers a kind of authenticity that feels increasingly rare.

Some people stand out in the wine world because of what they make. Others stand out because of how they show up — the energy they bring, the generosity they extend, and the way they make wine feel both elevated and deeply human. Riley Flanagan is that kind of vintner. This fall, I am proud to feature Riley as the wine host on one of my AmaWaterways River Cruises Celebration of Wine Cruises: Gems of Southeast Europe, sailing November 15–22, 2026, aboard the extraordinary AmaMagna.

There are some professional announcements that carry unusual significance. Not simply because of the credential. Not merely because of the itinerary. But because they reflect a rare convergence of history, trust, excellence, and timing. That is exactly why I am especially proud to announce my newest AmaWaterways River Cruises Celebration of Wine Host for Rhine & Moselle Splendors, November 4–11, 2026, aboard AmaCerto: Guy Stout, MS.