DREAM · PLAN · ENJOY
Let’s Get Going!
Welcome
Welcome to The Exceptional Traveler. . .your resource to help you dream, plan and enjoy wonderful trips all over the world. We’ll also look at things from the perspective of the communities we visit, and advocate for approaches by which you can make a positive impact. Great places to visit, how to get there, and how to plan your time on the ground are all topics you’ll find here, as well as how you can use points and miles programs to create exceptional value. We’ll blend in how you can support the local economy by eating, drinking and shopping locally; an especially vital way to rejuvenate our favorite places after the impact of the pandemic.
Featured Posts
Special Bulletin: Marriott Devaluation Takes Effect March 29
Our first ever “Special Bulletin”. . .Marriott has announced that their latest devaluation will happen on March 29. As expected, the change to “flexible point redemption”. . .Marriott-speak for dynamic
Here’s What You Can Do on Your Summer Vacation
Have you ever dreamed about taking the classic journey to look for America, winding through national parks, big cities and small towns. If this is the summer to finally hit
Which Card is Right for You? P&M 201
There are literally hundreds of credit cards that either earn points redeemable for travel or generate cash back up to more than 2.5%. Deciding which card or cards to apply
Our Mission
Our mission is to help you become an Exceptional Traveler. . .for your benefit and for the benefit of those places you choose to visit. We call it Positive Impact Travel.
Our thoughts and ideas are informed by years (lots of years!) of travel, both personal and professional. We’ve learned that planning ahead is a big part of enjoying a wonderful travel experience. And it’s also a big part of the fun! Once you hit the road with a great framework of what you’d like to see and do, we encourage you to step back, live in the moment and experience a new part of the world.
Recent Posts
Special Bulletin: Marriott Devaluation Takes Effect March 29
Our first ever “Special Bulletin”. . .Marriott has announced that their latest devaluation will happen on March 29. As expected, the change to “flexible point redemption”. . .Marriott-speak for dynamic
Here’s What You Can Do on Your Summer Vacation
Have you ever dreamed about taking the classic journey to look for America, winding through national parks, big cities and small towns. If this is the summer to finally hit
Which Card is Right for You? P&M 201
There are literally hundreds of credit cards that either earn points redeemable for travel or generate cash back up to more than 2.5%. Deciding which card or cards to apply
Recommendations
We don’t pretend to know all there is to know about seeing and experiencing everything in our immense and interesting world. That’s why you’ll see a lot of links and recommendations here. . .some for the websites we like to visit, and some for specific articles, podcasts or videos that we think will be of interest. We’re constant consumers of all things travel-related, and we’re happy to share that info with you.
So please join us as we embark on our own journey to build a community of Exceptional Travelers. And let your friends and families know about us as well. Welcome aboard!
Meet Your Host, Phil Ridolfi
Hi, everyone, I’m Phil Ridolfi, your travel guide at The Exceptional Traveler. My family and I have traveled extensively in North America, Europe and the Caribbean, and enjoyed every minute of it. Well, almost every minute. . .there have been a few missteps and mistakes that I hope to help you avoid. I’m excited about sharing my experiences and approaches to travel, and how I try to make a positive Impact, wherever I go. You can reach me at phil@theexceptionaltraveler.com.