Traveler Magazine AHSpring2019 | Page 33

31 BONNIE MINUTILLO IN T HE SPOT LIGHT AN ANDREW HARPER T R AV E L A DV I S O R H OW LO N G H AV E YO U BEEN AN ANDREW HARPER T R AV E L A DV I S O R ? BM: Andrew Harper Travel has been my home now for 15 years. What I learned early on and continue to expand on today are my listening skills. Each client has individual needs that I search for, and then, with the extensive resources of Andrew Harper Travel, I work with each client to design a unique travel experience each time they venture away from home. W H AT PA R T O F Y O U R J O B I N S P I R E S YO U T H E M O ST ? BM: To me it is putting all of the pieces together to bring a client’s dream to life. I am always excited when a client tells me this will be their first adventure in a new part of the world. This allows me to ask questions, get answers and create the Andrew Harper Travel experience for them that will be memorable for years to come. W H AT A R E T H E M O S T MEMORABLE TRIPS Y O U ’ V E E V E R TA K E N ? BM: This one is easy for me. I have traveled to four different destinations in Africa. In Kenya, my first trip, I visited three game reserves. This ON A PAUL GAUGUIN EXCURSION IN TAHITI opened up to me the beauty of Africa’s people, animals and scenery. On my next trip, I fell in love with Morocco and its beauty. What can I say but, “Fantastic!” I will never forget my first camel ride in the desert. My next trip was to Namibia and the famed Skeleton Coast. The majesty of this land was literally breathtaking. Mingling with the wildlife and the friendly people of this nation makes me want to return. My last trip was to South Africa. Here I experienced vibrant cities, new cultures and a chance to explore the many game reserves this country has to offer. Later this year I will be visiting Egypt to explore the mysteries of the Nile. I can’t wait! WHERE IS THE MOST E X O T I C D E S T I N AT I O N YO U ’ V E T R AV E L E D TO ? BM: Tahiti, where I spent time at The Brando Resort. One hour in this perfect piece of paradise and I thought I would never be able to leave. Each of the nine islands that make up this fantastic retreat offer a deeper look into why Marlon Brando chose to spend the better part of his life there. W H AT I S S O M E T H I N G P E R S O N A L YO U L I K E T O D O AT E V E R Y D E S T I N AT I O N Y O U V I S I T ? BM: I always dig in and talk to the locals to find the best restaurant to give me a taste of the local cuisine. Nothing can make a trip as fun as good food with good companions. I also love to purchase a piece of artwork that will ANDREWHARPERTRAVEL.COM remind me of the amazing holiday that I have embarked on. My many treasures are spread throughout my home, always bringing my travels back to me each day. TELL US ABOUT A T I M E W H E N YO U W E N T A B OV E A N D B E YO N D FO R Y O U R C L I E N T. BM: A few years back, a client of mine was looking for a romantic way to propose. He asked for my help, so we created a trip to Amsterdam where this would take place. I worked with the concierge at the hotel they stayed at to setup the perfect proposal. As they took a private boat ride down the canals of Amsterdam, a hotel employee dressed in a tuxedo stood atop a large bridge. Just as the couple passed, the employee unfurled a large banner that read, “Laura, will you marry me?” She said yes! W H AT A R E Y O U R F A V O R I T E ANDREW HARPER T R AV E L PA R T N E R S T O EXPERIENCE? BM: My favorite partner is Exeter. They have allowed me to introduce my clients to a world that, not long ago, was not in anyone’s travel plans. Clients who travel to Russia with Exeter International are able to unwrap the mysteries of this fabulous destination. This wonderful partner has assisted me with planning many wonderful journeys for many of our valued Andrew Harper Travel clients. SPRING | 2019