Author Patricia Schultz celebrates a lifetime of travel with Travcoa

Schultz will celebrate her 56th birthday in March, while she explores Syria and Jordan on a Travcoa Escorted Journey. Travcoa is marking its 55th anniversary in 2009.

"I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday than exploring ancient ruins and the lost city of Petra with Travcoa," Schultz said. "Travel is the best gift you can give yourself."

Founded in 1954 by M. William Dultz, Travcoa quickly became a trendsetter, taking travelers around the world in comfort and unparalleled style. Travcoa has celebrated many firsts along the way, such as leading the first American groups to Easter Island, Nepal, East Africa's game reserves and West Irian Jaya (also known as West Papua).

"As we turn 55, we can look back on an impressive legacy," said Travcoa president Randy Durband. "But we are also looking forward and working with today's industry leaders to widen our reach. Patricia has changed the way people think about travel, and we're honored to share the world with her."

Schultz will travel on the 14-day "Ancient Roads of Syria and Jordan" Escorted Journey from March 4-17, 2009. Because it is a regularly scheduled journey, any traveler will have the chance to book the trip and travel with Schultz. Similar to all of Travcoa's Escorted Journeys, there will be a maximum of 18 guests.

The small group of travelers will be led by Travcoa Travel Director Harry Davis through ancient Roman ruins and such vibrant Middle Eastern cities as Damascus, Amman and Baalbek. Guests can watch chariot races in Jerash and visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ancient cities of Aleppo, Bosra, Palmyra and Petra. They'll also be checking off six of Schultz's original "1,000 Places To See Before You Die," such as Krak des Chevaliers and the Omayyad Mosque in Syria.

These experiences and Travcoa's signature attention to detail and luxury accommodations led Schultz to celebrate her birthday with Travcoa. "Naturally you want your birthday to be special. Years from now you'll want to remember where you were, what you were doing and who you were sharing the moment with," she said. "I won't have any trouble with this one."

Schultz is the bestselling author of "1,000 Places to See Before You Die," now with close to three million copies in print (not counting 26 translations around the world), and "1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die." She also was the executive producer of a Travel Channel television show based on her first book. A veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, she has written for Frommer's, Berlitz and Access travel guides, as well as Condé Nast Traveler, Islands and Departures magazines. ForbesLife Executive Woman magazine recently named her one of the 25 most influential women in travel.