GOne TRAVELing

Name: GOne TRAVELing
Address: Bradenton, FL, 34212, US
Telephone: +12022362734

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GOne TRAVELing

Craig & Jeannie Harvey Go Travel Advisors. We will be sharing our travel plans, current adventures and bucket list trips for the future!

Our joint passion for travel began with our honeymoon cruise in 1999 which intensified our desire to see and experience the world. 59 cruises later and international business and personal trips that have taken us to 6 continents and over 50 countries, we have experienced and embraced the various cultures of the world. Upon retirement in 2016, we embarked on fulfilling our travel bucket list with m

emorable trips with Tauck tours to Australia/New Zealand and African safaris in Kenya & Tanzania where lifetime memories and friends were made. Craig’s ability to research and plan and Jeannie’s passion for photography and documenting each trip through social media and photo memory books have helped us to get the most out of and share our experiences. We would love to help you make your travel dreams a reality.

02/18/2026

January 18: The 9,000 mile trip home

Somehow it seems oddly coincidental that I can finally wrap up this unbelievable trip exactly one month later as I do this final travelogue post.

We were up early on that Sunday morning, enjoyed breakfast in the hotel before our Collette representative escorted us with a driver to the airport. We were blessed with one of the most exquisite sunrises and we definitely saw several of those on our journeys. We will always remember January 18th as the day that was the longest ever; we left Thailand that morning and landed at Dulles airport in Virginia the same day. It was a 27 hours from when we left the Bangkok hotel till we arrived at our hotel near Dulles including the two layovers in Seoul and Salt Lake City.

I have two other tribute posts I will do but as far as the travel portion, that’s a wrap!

02/18/2026

January 17: Hotel Muse

After our farewell dinner, our tour bus brings us to the hotel where our luggage is waiting for us. This is a Marriott property under their Autograph Collection. Once Craig learns about our stay here, he definitely wishes we had more time. It is over the top in every way, shape and form. All we will be able to enjoy of its amenities is our luxurious room and breakfast very early the next morning before our departure to the airport.

An is waiting for us in the lobby to give us a gift; they are engraved chopsticks with our names. We are able to share a hug and a few tears on my part as I say thank you to him for this incredible trip. In retrospect, I so wish we had taken a picture with him as I realize throughout our travels we never managed to get a picture of the two of us with our dear An.

So you will excuse me if I use a bit of photoshopping (not AI or ChatGPT!) to create a picture of some of my favorite images of three of us over the course of these three weeks. So use your “what if” imagination on this creation!

DISCOVER A UNIQUE BANGKOK RETREAT INSPIRED BY 1920’s GLAMOUR

“Experience timeless elegance at Hotel Muse Bangkok, a 5-star hotel in Pathum Wan blending Eastern mystique with Western sophistication. Perfect for luxury travelers, couples, and business executives, this award-winning Bangkok boutique hotel offers unparalleled service, opulent accommodations, and a prime location just a 5-minute walk from BTS Chidlom. Explore Bangkok’s top attractions, shopping malls, and cultural landmarks like Lumpini Park, Central World, and Erawan Shrine with ease. Indulge in spacious suites and the lavish penthouse, featuring clawfoot bathtubs, bespoke furnishings, and vintage-inspired decor at this Bangkok luxury hotel. Savor world-class dining at Medici Kitchen & Bar Bangkok, Babette’s The Steakhouse Bangkok, or enjoy craft cocktails at The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar Bangkok. Unwind at the infinity pool, stay active at the fitness center, or host unforgettable events in sophisticated venues. Book your stay at Hotel Muse Bangkok for a seamless blend of Thai heritage and modern luxury.”

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bkkhm-hotel-muse-bangkok-autograph-collection/overview/

02/17/2026

January 17: Our tour mates

As our time of touring together drew to a close, it was a time for last pictures together. I want to introduce my followers to our fellow travelers who were part of making our journey a special one. I took these pictures at our farewell dinner knowing that I would want photos to remember everyone by; we have so many memories together.

Meredith from Minnesota

Kevin & Bev from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Simon & Niki from the UK

Hal from Philadelphia

Tim & Barb from Buffalo, New York

Not pictured our Patti and Alan who left a few days early as well as Grant and Ginny, friends from the Seattle area.

02/17/2026

January 17: Farewell Dinner

And so 10 of us from our group gathered for the farewell dinner as we celebrated our three weeks of touring Southeast Asia. It was a bittersweet time; wonderful to be together and certainly one of the most over the top meals with unlimited wine included, but we certainly missed An being with us. He told me later that in 20 years of being a tour director he had never missed a farewell dinner but once again his commitment to his position included ensuring the safety of all of his guests. Craig offered a toast during our meal in An’s absence which was appreciated by all.

02/16/2026

January 17: Continuing our river cruise

More pictures of landmarks along our way as we cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Also included as a video that Craig took of an “incident” below the seat where he was sitting.

02/16/2026

January 17: River boat cruise

While An was with two from our tour group at the airport and the rest of us with our newly-introduced local tour guide, Nicky, we all had to kind of pivot and look to a Plan B. We were a bit off schedule but the plan was still to take a river boat cruise at night to see Bangkok all lit up with some of it famous landmarks.

To be honest, there were a few glitches along the way. First one was me getting soaked by the wake of the boat splashing a wave right on top of me. There were no towels on board so I stayed wet for the rest of the evening. And then Craig captured another mishap but I’ll wait to post the video for that one.

I’ll set the stage for this river cruise; the boat’s motor generated a lot of noise which made it virtually impossible to hear our tour guide describe what we were seeing. For the first time in three weeks it was a bit of a frustrating time and quite frankly, I was truly ready to go home (I don’t think I was the only one), but we all tried to make the best of it. Our boat was taking us to our dinner destination so some food and drink would go a long way to help!

“The Chao Phraya River, Thailand's "River of Kings," flows south through the central plains, including Bangkok, to the Gulf of Thailand, serving as a vital waterway for transport, irrigation, and tourism. It's the lifeblood of the capital, lined with historic temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, and is a major artery for ferries and boats that connect the city's landmarks. Its length is approximately 372 km (231 miles).

Significance: Crucial for transportation, agriculture (irrigation), and tourism.

Attractions & Activities
Boat Tours: Popular for scenic cruises, including express boats (orange, green, yellow flags) and tourist boats (blue flag).

Landmarks: Passes by the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and floating markets.

Canals (Khlongs): A system of canals branches off, offering a glimpse into traditional waterside life.”

02/15/2026

January 17: Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand

This was our 4th and final country on our Southeast Asia tour. Probably unfortunately, we did not opt for the additional three days of touring in this city we could have arranged for, but rather planned to return to the US the next day. Oh well, I guess that gives us something to put on our list for the future; maybe in conjunction with Phuket since we know that beach city is quite popular.

“Key Historical Phases:
Foundation (1782): King Rama I built the Grand Palace and established the city, modeling it after the former capital, Ayutthaya.
Modernization (19th Century): King Mongkut (Rama IV) developed infrastructure, paved streets, and signed treaties with Western powers.
20th Century & Beyond: The city grew into a major political and economic hub, transitioning from absolute to constitutional monarchy, experiencing rapid, sprawling urbanization from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Modern Era: Bangkok has become a global tourism and business center, marked by infrastructure like the BTS Skytrain (1999) and MRT (2004), while managing political shifts and maintaining its cultural heritage.
Throughout its history, the city’s extensive, canal network (earning it the nickname "Venice of the East") and the Chao Phraya River have remained vital to its development.”

02/15/2026

January 17: Farewell to Laos

The time had come to drive to the airport, board our aircraft and make the roughly 2 hour flight to Bangkok. I will include both a video and a slideshow at the end of this post.

I was struck as we flew over the Mekong River and again as I reviewed these pictures of its presence in each of the countries we traveled to. In fact, there are six countries it goes through in Southeast Asia: “China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Originating on the Tibetan Plateau in China, this 4,350 km (2,703 mi) river acts as a vital, biodiversity-rich lifeline for millions, flowing through the region before emptying into the South China Sea. It is a lifeline of sustenance, culture, and memory, nurturing rice paddies, supporting biodiversity like the giant catfish, and carrying the history and struggles of millions. It flows through Southeast Asia as a powerful, often muddy force, shaping landscapes, sustaining communities with its bounty, and enduring as a symbol of life and resilience.”

Once again, I wanted a poem to express the feeling I have about this river known as “Mother of Water” and this is what I was given…

The Emerald Flow
“A silver thread from mountains high,
Reflecting clouds in azure sky.
The Mekong flows, a silent guide,
With ancient secrets at its side.

Through verdant jungles, deep and green,
A bustling, vivid, life-filled scene.
The sampans drift on currents slow,
Where, in the delta, lotus grow.

The air is thick with spice and heat,
The pulse of life in every beat.
From fisher's net to rice-field’s green,
A timeless, moving, flowing scene.

It carries tears of stories past,
But future hope is also cast.
A ribbon winding, wide and free,
That brings the river to the sea.

The Mother Water, fierce and kind,
A lasting, surging, flowing mind.”

02/15/2026

January 17: A thank you to the people of Laos and especially to our hosts at the Souphattra Hotel in Luang Prabang

After my time (along with Barb and Tim) at the alms for the monks sacred ritual, it was time to come back to the hotel, have breakfast, finish packing and prepare to bid farewell to our hosts here at the hotel and to this locale that told its rich story to us of culture and community.

I’m also including a few pictures that I saved off to the side over these few days that didn’t necessarily go with the post at the time but because they contain memories I don’t want to forget, I want to add them to my travelogue album.

Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang
A Timeless Retreat in the Heart of Laos

“Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Souphattra Hotel offers a refined blend of traditional Lao charm and contemporary luxury. Designed in the elegant Lao Colonial style, our boutique hotel is a serene sanctuary where heritage, comfort, and warm hospitality come together to create an unforgettable stay.

Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang stands as a tribute to this rich cultural tapestry. Our design and ambiance are deeply inspired by the elegance of Lao colonial architecture and the soulful artistry of the region. Every detail — from handcrafted decor to curated art pieces — reflects the stories and spirit of Luang Prabang.

Staying with us is not just a retreat, but a journey into the heart of Lao heritage — where the past lives beautifully in the present.

Luang Prabang is more than just a destination — it is a living museum of Lao culture, art, and spiritual heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient town rests gracefully at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by misty mountains and steeped in centuries of tradition.

Once the royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is renowned for its serene Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant local crafts. Monks in saffron robes walk silently at dawn, while traditional artisans and storytellers keep age-old customs alive through textiles, sculpture, and ritual.”

https://souphattra.com/luangprabang/

Vanh Tour Guide

02/14/2026

January 17: Alms for the monks

The last of our optional excursions for this Southeast Asia tour is an invitation to rise very early that Saturday morning in order to leave by 5:30 AM as our driver takes us to a designated spot where we will have the honor and privilege of participating in a very sacred daily tradition.

“Monks in Laos, following the Theravada tradition, eat only between dawn and noon each day. They typically have two meals—a breakfast after their morning alms round (around 6-7 AM) and a lunch before 12:00 PM. No solid food is consumed between noon and the following dawn. While solid food is restricted, water, juice, or other liquids may be allowed in the afternoon. This practice follows the Vinaya (monastic code) to promote simplicity, gratitude, and to ensure time is dedicated to meditation and study rather than food preparation.”

Therefore, the monks rely on the people from Luang Prabang to provide them the food for the day. Any extras the monks will donate to the poor and needy.

I was not about to miss this opportunity. Vanh, our local guide accompanied us along with An, Tim and Barb. I definitely want to do a special shout out to this couple. Throughout our three weeks of touring they were always up for any additional excursion, beginning with our laughing yoga session early on in January. You could always count on them to jump into any activity with commitment and enthusiasm and I’m grateful to continue the friendship via Facebook with Barb.

“The morning ritual of offering food to monks in Laos, known as Tak Bat or Sai Bat, is a deeply sacred, silent daily tradition occurring at dawn, most famously in Luang Prabang. Hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk in meditation while locals, kneeling or seated, place freshly prepared sticky rice and small snacks into their alms bowls to make merit.
Key Aspects of the Ritual:
When & Where: Occurs daily at sunrise (approx. 5:30-6:30 AM) in Luang Prabang, particularly along Sakkaline and Sisavangvong Roads near the Xiengthong temple.
The Procession: Monks and novices walk in a long, silent line, with the eldest leading.
Offerings: The primary offering is khao niao (sticky rice). Small items like fruit, biscuits, or incense may also be offered.
Merit-Making: For locals, this is a spiritual practice to gain merit, which is believed to improve their next life.
Significance: It is a centuries-old, solemn, and respectful ceremony that acts as a symbiotic relationship, feeding the monks while blessing the givers.
Guidelines for Participation/Observation:
Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders, chest, and legs.
Silence: Observe in silence, not talking to or touching the monks.
Respectful Distance: Do not obstruct the monks' path and maintain distance when taking photos, avoiding flash.”

With all these instructions duly noted, our driver dropped us off a few blocks away and we proceeded to our spot to embrace this sacred experience.

02/14/2026

January 16: The Night Market

Whereas we had been told that the Morning Market we walked through and shopped at the day prior was frequented mainly by the locals to do their food purchases, the Night Market was more for tourists who wanted to do souvenir-type shopping. That was definitely true for our group.

Our time in Laos was now winding down. While there would still be some remaining events for the 17th, it would also be the day that we would fly to Bangkok where our tour would conclude.

“Luang Prabang Night Market has been open along Sisavangvong Road to Kingkitsarat Road since late 1996. The market was originally intended to last only a few weeks. It was only set up as part of Western Christmas festivities. Meanwhile, Hmong craftsmen and other local ethnic groups came to sell their wares to tourists and foreign passers-by. At that time, the streets were poorly lit. There was no power supply yet.
Gradually, day and night, the Hmong, Khmu and Lao people of Luang Prabang flock to the open-air night market in the evening to sell their wares such as handicrafts, textile, Hmong embroidery, jewelry, arts, food, fish products, etc. Some bazaars are larger and busier than others, such as Luang Prabang Night Market. The latter is a privileged place of tourist attractions with the traditional crafts of the country. Merchants from all over the Luang Prabang region come to present the products of their know-how. On site, visitors can choose from a multitude of shops to find an authentic souvenir of a trip to Laos.
Over time, the night market has grown and expanded due to the increase in tourists who have come from all over the world to visit the UNESCO Word Heritage Site in Luang Prabang city, Luang Prabang province, Laos. Since then, not only the Hmong, but there are also the Lao, Khmu, and others who come to sell their know-how. The market has become a place where visitors like to come with their families to shop and eat. There are not only clothes, jewelry, or art objects, there are also fast food restaurants on site and also other kinds of Laotian, Thai, Chinese cuisine on the night market square or Luang Prabang Night Market. Adjacent to the night market is the Royal Palace and the Haw Kham Buddhist Temple. Both are listed as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).”

02/13/2026

January 16: A vibrant and colorful lunch

Throughout these travels I rarely have this many pictures to offer in one post but each one tells a story about our restaurant where we had lunch after our visit to the Falls.

If there is any lesson to be learned it is that, “If you see it, buy it!” These handicrafts which I now know to be called God‘s eye, were so popular every place we went in Laos, I was sure that I would be able to find them to purchase before we left but alas, that was not the case and I am definitely having buyers remorse.

When I googled the restaurant, everything from TikTok to pages to TripAdvisor gave them high marks.

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