Where do I even begin? Since returning from the Brand USA Sports Odyssey Road Trip famil, my mind has been a whirlwind of unforgettable moments.
Soaring above the dazzling Las Vegas Strip in a helicopter, frolicking amid Arizona’s towering cacti and engaging in a snowball showdown that left my fellow agents in the dust.
Let’s rewind to the beginning – Viva Las Vegas, baby! From the moment we met the fabulous Lexie Miliatis from Brand USA and our wide-eyed crew of fellow agents, we knew we were in for something special.
And what better way to kick things off than with a culinary mic drop? Enter the Lip Smacking Foodie Tour.
We devoured our way through Fremont Street like seasoned pros, but the real showstopper? The black truffle fettuccine at the dreamy, tucked-away Cathedrale restaurant. I still think about it. Often.
Post-carb coma, we hopped into a helicopter and soared above the glittering Vegas Strip like full-blown celebrities. I lucked out with the window seat and the views were jaw dropping. Apologies to the poor soul next to me – yes, I squealed the whole time and no, I don’t regret it.
As if that wasn’t enough our night continued with front-row seats to Awakening at the Wynn. A sensory explosion of acrobatics, costumes, original music and an immersive storyline, it was less a show and more a dream you didn’t want to wake up from.
The next morning brought a high-tech twist with a visit to The Sphere, where we experienced Postcard from Earth by Darren Aronofsky. Designed specifically for this awe-inspiring venue, the film combined 16K visuals and immersive sound to literally surround us with the story. Jaw on the floor kind of stuff.
And then came the sports. Thanks to Alex Brennan from Sports Where I Am, we were treated to a four-game extravaganza that left me hoarse from cheering.
Whether it was baseball, basketball, or college-level adrenaline, the energy was electric and addictive.
With hearts full and voices gone, we hit the road – Arizona style. We split into two big wagons and began our desert adventure.
Our first stop was Grand Canyon Brewing Co. in Kingman, where we refuelled with craft beer and hearty American fare.
We rolled into Sedona next, settling into the fabulous Sky Rock Sedona with its panoramic views of the red rock formations. A sunset hike painted the sky in oranges and purples, followed by a peaceful morning yoga session the next day.
From Sedona our route carried us deeper into Arizona’s ever-changing terrain. We arrived in Phoenix, where highlights included a round at the award-winning We-Ko-Pa golf course and an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the desert.
But the real slam dunk? Cheering on the Phoenix Suns at an NBA game downtown. Bucket list: ticked.
Our next stop in Winslow had a lyrical twist, as the town is the inspiration behind The Eagles’ classic Take It Easy.
We stayed at La Posada Hotel, a charming 1929 icon, and spent the night at the local clubroom, sharing beers, pool games and laughs with the locals. We even met the town’s mayor! It was one of the most authentic, heart warming experiences of the trip.
Last but certainly not least, we landed in fabulous Flagstaff. We dined at the superb Atria, where the bone marrow dish still lives rent-free in my head.
The next morning surprised us with knee-deep snow – a magical contrast to the desert we’d just left behind.
We embraced it fully: wandering the Lowell Observatory, meeting the NAU tennis girls, tossing axes like pros and diving into the most competitive (yet joyful) snowball fight ever.
We wrapped things up with a friendly match of bowling followed by some good ol’ country dancing. The perfect finale to a journey packed with adrenaline, laughter, learning and connection.
This trip wasn’t just a famil – it was a full-blown American adventure. From sky-high thrills and desert drives to courtside chants and snowy showdowns, it left my heart full and my camera roll bursting with memories I’ll be talking about for years.
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