Andes to the Archipelago: A Road Scholar Staff Honeymoon Adventure

Peru: Beyond Machu Picchu 

While Machu Picchu was on their must-see list, Peru offered far more than the iconic site. “It was rainy and cloudy when we visited Machu Picchu, so we didn’t get the postcard views,” Kelsey says, “but we had so many other experiences that made up for it.” 

One standout was visiting a private art collection in Lima. “The son of the family walked us through it and basically told the history of Peru using the artwork — it was so cool,” she recalls. “Then his mother, this sweet woman in her 80s who restores art, gave us a demo on spotting counterfeits. Dominic loves art forgery stories, so he was all in. It was just one of those moments you could never create on your own.” 

A Leader Who Brought History to Life 

Oscar, their Group Leader in Peru,  made a lasting impression. “He’s the greatest historian I’ve ever met,” Kelsey says. “He was so proud to be Peruvian, and that enthusiasm glowed from him.” 

Oscar was on a mission to broaden their understanding of Peruvian history. “Everyone knows the Incas because of Machu Picchu,” he’d say, “but that’s just one piece. There were so many other civilizations before and after.”  

Culinary Discoveries 

Peru’s culinary scene was another highlight. “Our first meal was ceviche in a little courtyard — amazing,” Kelsey remembers. “We also visited these Wazi Inca bars, marked by red bags hanging from sticks. They serve homemade corn beer. It tastes like sour beer, which I really like. One woman showed us how she makes it — it’s the kind of place you’d never know to stop at unless you were with Road Scholar.” 

The Enchanted Islands 

The Galápagos Islands, Kelsey says, were “incredible — definitely the highlight. Galápagos and Antarctica are the two places I’ve been where the wildlife is so protected that animals aren’t afraid of humans. They just walk right past you." 

This unique environment created extraordinary wildlife encounters. Each island offered something new. “One island was crawling with marine iguanas — you had to watch your step. Another had these bare, prehistoric-looking trees filled with frigatebird nests — those birds with the red puffed-up necks. And we saw Blue-footed Boobies, of course.” 

Unexpected Encounters 

Some of the most memorable moments came from witnessing unusual wildlife interactions. "We saw a young sea lion and a Galápagos Hawk, and they were both fighting over a dead marine iguana. The hawk wanted to eat it, while the sea lion seemed like he just wanted to play tug of war," Kelsey recounts. "We all sat there and just watched them for like half an hour, and the Group Leaders were just riveted, having never seen a hawk and a sea lion interact before. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment." 

First-Time Snorkelers 

Despite a bit of altitude-to-boat queasiness, Kelsey and Dominic dove into the experience — literally. “Neither of us had snorkeled before, but it was incredible,” Kelsey says. “We saw sea lions, sea turtles, even penguins. At one point, everyone was yelling at us while we were in the water. We thought, ‘Oh no, sharks?’ But they were yelling, ‘There’s a sea lion right next to you!’” 

For a few minutes, Kelsey and Dominic swam around and snorkeled with the sea lion. “He just swam around and did tricks for us,” Kelsey continues. “It was just so incredible, being that close to wildlife." 

A PR Perspective 

As PR Director, Kelsey says the trip deepened her connection to Road Scholar’s mission. 

“Any chance I get to travel with participants reminds me why I do what I do,” she says. “I understand them better — what they love about our programs, what lights them up.” 

She’s especially inspired by solo female travelers. “They’re so empowering. And our participants — no matter their age — are just so vital. On that trip, there was a couple in their 80s, and I was blown away by them.” 

A Journey That Transforms 

What began as a honeymoon became something much more. “Working at Road Scholar has changed how I think about aging and retirement,” Kelsey says. “I’m so inspired by our participants.” 

Traveling with a group may not be the obvious honeymoon choice, but for Kelsey and Dominic, it struck the right balance. “We had time with the group, and time on our own. I really value the presence and perspective our participants bring. There were several longtime married couples in the group who were happy to give us advice on a successful marriage,” she adds. “For most of them, that included sharing adventures through learning and travel. It was so inspiring to see couples married for decades exploring the world together.” 

Discovering New Passions 

The adventure also awakened new interests for Kelsey. “I’ve never been that outdoorsy, and I wasn’t a big animal person. But in places like the Galápagos and Antarctica, I totally fell in love with wildlife,” she says. “I love seeing animals that are iconic to a destination — especially ones you can’t see anywhere else.” 

Where Wonder Takes Flight 

From the mist-shrouded heights of Machu Picchu to the prehistoric landscapes of the Galápagos, Kelsey and Dominic’s honeymoon was packed with unexpected discoveries. Through ancient art and living history, through Blue-footed Boobies and playful sea lions, through shared meals and shared discoveries with fellow participants, she and her husband began their married life with experiences that continue to inspire her both personally and professionally.  

In choosing Road Scholar for this milestone celebration, they discovered that the most meaningful adventures are the ones that surprise you — like a sea lion swim-along on your first snorkel. 

Kelsey and Dominic welcomed their second child and celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in 2025. They can’t wait to share their love of learning and travel with their children. This article is part of our series highlighting employee experiences on Road Scholar programs. Stay tuned for more insights from our team members as they explore the world of educational travel.