Several years ago some of my friends and I began kicking around the idea of experiencing Europe, not as a tourist, but from and eating and drinking perspective. I don’t even remember where we were when this idea came up, but I do know it was with a group of friends who had enjoyed traveling with me to Europe in past years. As we talked about our favorite European memories, it seemed that good drinks and good food was always lurking in the background. I jokingly said that one day I was going to offer a tour dedicated to eating and drinking our way through Europe. At the moment, the “Thirsty Traveler’s Tour” idea was born. We all agreed 2010 was a good tour date. That would give plenty of time to make plans, raise money for the tour, get the kids out of college, or get out on our own and make some money.
I’ve been kicking destinations around in mind now for about six years. Every time I would visit a location in Europe I’d think, “Is this a destination for the thirsty traveler’s tour?” Finally, I think I decided on the perfect mix of destinations, scenery and ambiance… all doable at a reasonable cost.
Because this is my blog, and I can do what I darn well please with it, I’ve decided to reveal the tour destinations over several episodes. Believe me, you’ll not be disappointed with the destination and overall tour experience. We’ll visit three countries and experience what I think are the best places for ambiance, local color, local food, and local drinks.
This blog is an interactive site! It is designed to spark conversation, thought and comments about travel. That means you are encouraged to comment on everything written. I have written in a leather-bound journal for years. For me, blogging is like writing in my journal, only everyone can see it and make their own comments too.
To help spur this “conversation” on, I’ve decided to add a little reward for helping me make my blog come alive. Here’s how it’s going to work:
FIRST PRIZE – A $200 discount off the Thirsty Traveler’s Tour goes to the person who has done the best job of weaving a special “European moment” or experience into one of my blog entries.
SECOND PRIZE – A $100 discount off the Thirsty Traveler’s Tour goes to the person who has done the second -best job of weaving a special “European moment” or experience into one of my blog entries.
THIRD PRIZE – Fifty euro cash while on the “Thirsty Traveler’s Tour” to help you whet your whistle. This will be awarded to the one who can best recount or remember, a favorite “thirsty traveler’s themed” experience on a David McGuffin tour. Remember it must be woven into my blog in the form of a comment.
Winners will be chosen solely by “blogger” David McGuffin. No whining if you don’t win. This little “contest” ends August 31, 2009.
Currently, I have eighty posts online at my blog sight. The posts cover a wide range of travel related topics, but most are my personal experiences while traveling in Europe. The entries are searchable by key words, topics and categories. So, if you’re looking for information or a story about Siena, then just search on the word “Siena” and you’ll find a great little story about “IL CAMPO” and more.
I hope you enjoy this little bit of fun and the search for the perfect “Thirsty Traveler’s” destinations. Tour stop #1 premiers on my birthday, April 9. I can’t wait to share it with you!
Best Regards, David
Checkout my website for additional clues.
View the tour route on an interactive map.
Go to the next article in the “Thirsty” series.
Add your comments and “weave” a story by clicking on the word “comments” below.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
David, I am fundamentally interested in your tour for 2010. My husband and I live In Brevard County. A friend in Jacksonville told me about this tour…..I just wish it weren’t 26 people….could it just be 12 people? Is there a set amount? What locations, and at what time of the year are you proposing? Thanks in advance for your response! Lisa Vollenweider
Lisa, the destinations are going to be revealed one at a time beginning April 9. I assure you an amazing tour experience regardless of the tour group size. I will personally lead this tour and, if the group gets too big, we’ll divide it into two different departures. Normally we average 18 people on my tours. I hope you will join us!
-David
I wish I could go! My dad has always wanted to go as we do have Irish roots in our family. I will certainly tell him about this.
We just found out about the Thirsty Traveler’s Tour June 13-24, 2010 and are interested in learning more about this tour and availability for two more couples. We are from the Chicago area. Sounds like a wonderful adventure.