Some people travel for relaxation, others for adventure—but for Mary Carroccio, travel is both a passion and a profession. As a travel advisor with Dream Vacations, she curates incredible experiences for her clients, and in 2024, she and her husband, Jim, embarked on two unforgettable journeys inspired by their work.

In February, Jim and Mary set off on an extraordinary expedition to Antarctica, a destination that few ever reach. Their journey began in Buenos Aires, where they immersed themselves in the city’s vibrant culture, attending a mesmerizing tango show and paying a visit to the historic Recoleta Cemetery. A special highlight was attending Mass at Pope Francis’ home church, a deeply moving experience.

As they traveled down the coast of Argentina, they stopped in Patagonia to visit a penguin rookery—an early glimpse of the incredible wildlife they would see in the coming days. Then came the main event: Antarctica.

"Antarctica is all about nature," Mary shared. "Whales, seals, seabirds—you’re completely surrounded by wildlife in a way that’s almost surreal." The icy landscapes and towering glaciers were breathtaking, and they were fortunate to have near-perfect weather throughout the trip. On the way back, they stopped at the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), adding another fascinating destination to their itinerary.

While the journey was unforgettable, Mary considers Antarctica a "one and done" destination. "It’s so far, and I don’t think we’d ever get that lucky with the weather again!" she admitted.

May, the couple set off again, this time flying to London to embark on a cruise along the western coasts of Norway and Iceland. Their adventure included breathtaking fjords, dramatic waterfalls, and stunning natural landscapes at every turn.

While much of this journey was nature-focused, they made a cultural stop in Belgium, taking the train to Ghent. There, they visited St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a world-famous altarpiece that was stolen by the Nazis and later recovered by the Monuments Men after World War II.

One of the biggest surprises of this trip came in the middle of the North Sea. "We ran into people Jim had golfed with at Elyria Country Club!" Mary said. "What are the odds? It was crazy seeing familiar faces so far from home."

A particularly special moment was discovering a port in Norway that Mary had never even heard of before the trip. "It was tucked away in a fjord, and it ended up being my favorite stop. The natural beauty was just unbelievable!" she recalled. Unlike Antarctica, she would return to Norway and Iceland "in a heartbeat."

No trip is complete without incredible food, and for Jim and Mary, one meal stood out above the rest. "The steak in Argentina was, hands down, the best—and biggest—we’ve ever had!" Mary said.

As a travel advisor, she has some valuable tips for anyone considering these destinations:

After two incredible adventures, Jim and Mary returned to Red Tail, where they have lived for 12 years. For Jim, the best part of living in Red Tail is the golf—being just minutes from the course. For Mary, it’s the friendships and neighbors that make it truly special.

Their travels may have taken them to the farthest reaches of the planet, but at the end of the day, there’s no place like home—until the next adventure calls.