More than a decade’s worth of memorable adventures for two traveling buddies
For Katie Damitz and Dorothy Hutchinson, a trip to Egypt marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Each traveling on their own, both were looking forward to seeing the sights of ancient Egypt and meeting others along the way. Over the course of the trip, Katie and Dorothy spent a lot of time together and found they really “clicked” as travel companions, so they decided to travel together again, on OAT’s Ultimate Africa adventure.
Over the past 12 years, they’ve taken seven trips together. And while they also continue to explore new destinations on their own, both agree that it’s much more enjoyable to do so together.
Dorothy says, “I was never nervous about traveling alone and still don’t mind doing it. But I definitely know that it’s more fun to travel with a friend. As they say, two heads are better than one—and Katie often has different insights or thoughts than my own. And sometimes she remembers the way back to the hotel when I don’t!”
Here, both Dorothy and Katie share some of their favorite memories from more than a decade’s worth of amazing adventures together …
By Dorothy Hutchinson, 16-time traveler, Frederick, Maryland & Katie Damitz, 14-time traveler, Wheaton, Illinois
“Our first trip together was on OAT’s Ultimate Africa safari in Zimbabwe and Botswana. We will always remember the date of that trip because we were in Zimbabwe on September 11, 2001. I will never forget the morning when our Trip Leader, Robson Zimbudzi, asked for a volunteer to read a news story that had been emailed to the camp. I don’t know if it had anything to do with our being together on September 11, but both Katie and I have kept in touch with many people in that group since.” –Dorothy
Dorothy (left) and Katie (right) travel by mokoro during their adventure in Botswana.
“Our next trip was Machu Picchu & the Galápagos. We were lucky enough to be there during the Inti Raymi (“Festival of the Sun”), which was truly spectacular. This trip really had everything: history, natural beauty, and all of the wildlife of the Galápagos.” –Katie
From left: Local guide Ines, Katie, Dorothy, and Hazel Cowles—a 10-time traveler from Arlington, Virginia—climb to the entrance of the Inca ruins in Peru.
“Japan was a real treat to visit. Everything was so clean and the people were friendly and helpful. I grew to love green tea ice cream, as well as the bathroom toilets with warm water sprays! Katie and I liked the Japanese-style hotels a lot. We started bathing in both the morning and evening just because we enjoyed the traditional baths so much.” –Dorothy
At a hotel in Hakone, Japan.
“One winter, we spent 19 days in New Zealand—which might be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Our hotel in Rotorua adjoined a geothermal park. Each night, we could hear the gurgling of the hot spots (much like the sounds of the hippos we heard at night while in Zimbabwe.) We spent three interesting days driving up the west coast of the South Island—a thinly settled area of wild beauty, with glaciers, rain forests, pancake rocks, and a fierce coastline.” –Katie
Seeking shelter under umbrellas near Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.
“Our Ancient Kingdoms trip brought us to Angkor Wat—a long anticipated sight. We also visited the Krorvan Primary School, supported by Grand Circle Foundation, where I fell in love with a handsome, young charmer.” –Katie
With fellow OAT travelers at Angkor Wat, during their Ancient Kingdoms adventure.
“Our most recent trip together was with OAT’s sister company, Grand Circle. We traveled on the Christmas Markets along the Danube River Cruise, where we visited the Christmas markets between Vienna and Nuremburg. It was very pleasant and we both enjoyed sitting in the ship’s lounge before dinner trying a variety of wines.” –Dorothy
Visiting the Christmas markets between Vienna and Nuremburg.
“This July, Dorothy and I are traveling on Grand Circle’s Norwegian Fjords & Lapland vacation. And after that—who knows where the world will take us (but there are many more destinations to travel). I’ve traveled on my own for a number of years for business, so I am comfortable doing it. But traveling with a good friend like Dorothy is always fun and I look forward to many more trips with my favorite companion. How lucky that we were on the same trip 12 years ago!” –Katie
Have you forged a special friendship with someone you met on an OAT Adventure? If so, please share your stories—and photos—with me at harriet@oattravel.com.