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  • Greece and turkey itinerary

    Greece And Turkey Itinerary: Ultimate 11-Day Multi-Country Cruise in Europe

    CRUISE, ITINERARIES, MULTI COUNTRY, TRAVEL GUIDE
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    This Greece and Turkey Itinerary presented the perfect option for my dear friends who were celebrating their 60th, 65th, and 75th birthdays and dreaming of a truly memorable cruise. They had a childhood glimpse of Europe more than 30 years ago and were eager to relive that excitement….

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  • Mother mary house in turkey

    Ultimate Pilgrimage To Mother Mary’s House In Turkey

    INSPIRATION
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    This was a beautiful pilgrimage during our Celebrity Cruise to Greece & Turkey in September. The highlight was visiting the Mother Mary house in Turkey, an intensely spiritual site nestled in the hills near Kuşadası. Our journey began with a long travel day, flying from the USA to Istanbul,…

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  • Turkish Airlines business class review

    My Review on Qatar Airways & Turkish Airlines Business Class 

    INSPIRATION
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    Why I Started Flying Business Class Life is too short to not fly business class. This business class review came about when I was flying with my late Mom to New Zealand with Air Asia. She was diagnosed with cancer right before the trip & it would be our…

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  • Central Asia itinerary

    Central Asia Itinerary: A Complete Two-Week Guide to the 5 Stans

    ASIA, ITINERARIES, TRAVEL GUIDE
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    Planning a trip to the five “Stans” of Central Asia is an incredible adventure. This Central Asia Itinerary—spanning Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. I’d just come back from a cruise to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—all turquoise water and island breezes—but this time I wanted something different. More grounded….

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  • Virgin voyages experience

    Virgin Voyages Experience: A Good Mix of Luxury and Adventure

    AMERICAS, CRUISE, INSPIRATION
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    The Virgin Voyages experience is unlike any other cruise vacation. Founded by Richard Branson, this adult-only cruise line exudes luxury and boasts top-notch decorations, offering everything from Michelin-star-standard dining to unique onboard experiences. This is my favorite cruise line. Traveling with a friend is like stepping into a…

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  • Is the dmz worth visiting

    Visiting the DMZ in Korea: Highlights of a Unique Journey

    ASIA, INSPIRATION
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    Visiting the DMZ in Korea has always been a point of fascination for me. With its shroud of mystery, North Korea has always captivated my imagination. I embarked on this journey with the utmost respect for the unique culture and isolation of the region. Joining my Uncle Dan…

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  • Aruba curacao bonaire cruise

    Cruise Aruba Bonaire Curacao: Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary Guide

    AMERICAS, CRUISE, ITINERARIES
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    Cruise Aruba Bonaire Curacao was the perfect way to explore the Southern Caribbean’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.This  was my last cruise for the next few years, as I’ve decided to focus on exploring Africa. Unlike my Cruise to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, where I traveled with a larger group,…

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  • New zealand trip with mom

    New Zealand trip with mom: Our last adventure

    INSPIRATION
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    I was in Hong Kong, on my way to meet Mom in Malaysia for a New Zealand trip with Mom we’d been planning, when I got the call that changed everything. “Esther, Mom has stage four lung cancer.”  The call hit me like a ton of bricks. Sitting…

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  • Traveling the balkans

    Traveling the Balkans: A Remarkable Story of Faith and Connection

    EUROPE, HUMANITARIAN
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    This blog post on traveling the Balkans was a trip focused on humanitarian efforts for Zuzanna and me, as we journeyed through each country to build meaningful connections. We traveled to several countries, connecting with key Christian leaders who are deeply impacting their communities—connections made possible by Zuzanna’s influence….

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  • Quick Trips To Europe

    Quick Trips To Europe: My 16-Day, 3-Continent Adventure

    ASIA, EUROPE, ITINERARIES, TRAVEL GUIDE
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    Planning quick trips to Europe can seem daunting, but with strategic planning, you can experience multiple countries in a short time. I wrote an article on how to travel across countries in a few days. You may get it for free here. One of my ideas was to start with your…

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Essie-About

Hello! I'm Essie, a travel enthusiast from Georgia, USA, who has explored over 90 countries. Born in Malaysia, my love for travel was shaped by my parents' inspiring legacy and early exposure to diverse cultures. I created this space to share practical tips and stories to make your travel planning easier. Let’s explore the world together! 

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Once upon a time, I made a promise to myself that I will live an extraordinary life. ✈️🚢 🚘 🚴 🏍️ 🌎 104/196 📍USA

We visited an orphanage in Burundi, the poorest co We visited an orphanage in Burundi, the poorest country in the world. It was a very impacting experience & to see the children taste their first lollipop was rewarding. Burundi carries a rich culture that is deep & meaningful. We crossed 12 borders by land into five African countries. Thank you @antiquesafari for an adventure of a lifetime.
We stayed at a significant historic place, where H We stayed at a significant historic place, where Hotel Rwanda was filmed. It’s been a sobering day learning about the genocide that happened in this beautiful country. We walked the memorial graves in silence, praying & remembering. I recall my beloved Mom explaining to me while we lived in Malaysia in 1994 about the massacre that was happening in Rwanda. Being here today is sobering. Our next stop is, Burundi, the poorest country in the world. Grateful for @antiquesafari for coordinating this life-changing East Africa Pilgrimage.
Uganda, You are Beautiful! It’s hard to put to wor Uganda, You are Beautiful! It’s hard to put to words the astounding beauty of this country & the people. We randomly stopped at the side of the road & Michele handed out candy to the excited children. The saying ‘Africa will change your life’ is real & I am blessed to share this experience with my adventurous friends & mentors @zuzalow @mgormanphd
Kenya, You are Beautiful! The Maasai is a semi-nom Kenya, You are Beautiful! The Maasai is a semi-nomadic, warrior tribe in Kenya & Tanzania that embraces a vibrant culture, a deep connection to nature & cattle. We spent our first two days of our East Africa Pilgrimage organized by @antiquesafari learning of this beautiful tribe. My heart is full as I encounter life-altering moments amidst the beauty & the rawness of life here. Next stop, Uganda!
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  • HOME
  • START HERE
  • ABOUT TRAVELS WITH ESSIE
  • DESTINATIONS
    • AMERICAS
    • EUROPE
    • ASIA
    • MIDDLE EAST
  • CONTACT
  • Humanitarian Trips: Make an Impact in Thailand, Myanmar & Laos
  • Visiting Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide to a Meaningful Journey
  • Mission Trip to Africa: Mozambique, You Are Beautiful
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