ABOUT
What we’re all About
“Welcome to The Vacay, where a passion for travel meets a decade of professional expertise! As avid explorers ourselves, we’ve navigated the globe with children in tow, embarked on romantic getaways, and embarked on adventures with our beloved elderly parents, and arranged large group adventures.
Our personal experiences fuel our commitment to providing you with the most insightful tips, tricks, and recommendations for family vacations, romantic escapades, and multi-generational journeys. With a combined history of dozens of cruises across various cruise lines, we bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge to the world of sea travel. As the proud owner of a travel agency for almost 10 years, we’ve turned our love for exploration into a career dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences. Join us on this exciting journey, and let’s make your travel dreams a reality!”
Kathi Bio:
Travel Advisor/Explorer
Meet Kathi, an experienced travel agent and cruise specialist with a passion for exploring the world. Before embarking on my dream career in travel, I dedicated years to the field of physical therapy. However, my true calling emerged when I stepped into the realm of travel, where I now find joy in helping others discover the wonders of the world.
With a wealth of firsthand experience, I’ve sailed the seas on numerous cruises across various cruise lines, from the icy landscapes of Alaska to the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean, the enchanting Mediterranean, and the vibrant cityscapes of Singapore. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in over 30 countries, each offering its own unique charm and cultural tapestry.
My love for travel extends beyond sightseeing; I relish the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and indulge in the culinary delights of each destination. Whether it’s savoring street food in bustling markets or sampling local craft brews from around the world. I believe that every meal tells a story, and every drink holds a memory. This is the magic of travel.
Favorite Travel Destinations so far: Iceland, New Orleans, and Singapore
Mark Bio:
Mark is also known as “The Baconmedic”. He is a lifelong lover of food and travel and has a deep love for his family, who he loves to travel with. He could endlessly discuss all of the above.
“As a lover of food and travel, people often ask me what my favorite meals are. That’s a tougher question to answer than simply naming a couple of restaurants that had great food. I truly believe that what makes a great meal isn’t just the food, but who you share that meal with as well as where you eat that meal. To get the best, you must travel to the best, and that often means hopping on a plane and traveling halfway around the world.
While I could probably talk all day about all the amazing food, I have had the great fortune of eating, my top three are these:
- Pizza in Sorrento, Italy with my late father. It was a trip celebrating his 80th birthday, he and I sat at an outside table overlooking Gulf of Naples at Antonio Esposito Pizza E Cucina. While there were many amazing pies to choose from, the classic and simple Margherita combined with a couple of cold Peroni’s and the look of happiness on my dad’s face made this a meal that I will always cherish.
- Hummus in Dubai with my bride. Who doesn’t love hummus? If you want the best, then you go to the source. Recently we found ourselves in the UAE and on the search for the most authentic hummus available which landed us at Aroos Damascus Restaurant right in the heart of Old Dubai. What the server presented to us was truly heaven on earth – creamy, freshly made and topped with – ready for this? – lamb. Add on the endless hot and fresh from the oven Pita bread and you have experienced heaven on earth. Spending time with your best friend while exploring a new area of the globe is the best way to have an amazing meal. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to order kabobs – you will never look at them the same way after eating these.
- Crispy Flying Noodles with Chili Crab in Singapore. The best meals are always in new places with your bestie; after spending a few days exploring Singapore and trying almost everything they had to offer, we stumbled upon this dish at Tian Tian Fishermen’s Pier Seafood Restaurant. Admittedly, we were drawn in by the comically amazing presentation, but at the end of the day to make it on my ‘best eats’ list it has to taste amazing. Of course, the atmosphere certainly helped – sitting at a table outdoors right on the Singapore River would make a value meal at McDonalds seem like a gourmet experience. But the crab! The crispy noodles! It just didn’t get any better than that. This dish rivaled any crab dish you might find in Baltimore or San Francisco.