What we’re about
This meetup is a collective of creative and curious souls who want to be inspired by the world and each other. Whether it’s a visit to a Museum in New York, a concert in Princeton or watching the sunset on a junk in Ha Long Bay, we can share the wonders together.
A little about me…. I’ve been a professional photographer for over 18 years. I’ve actually been designated a Master photographer by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). I am one of the few women to have this distinction. I’m also a lover of travel, food, art, music, theater and great conversation! This group should satisfy my many pleasures. I presently also facilitate Princeton Fine Dining also. Whether you are a painter, a writer, a photographer, a musician, a gourmet, an architect or just someone who enjoys all the wonders and culture of the world, please join me. You may reside in Princeton or San Francisco; it really doesn’t matter. This group is about travel, beauty, culture and camaraderie.
Join me for the adventure.
*Your RSVP and attendance on our meetups is a release of liability for the organizer and Meetup.com.*
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Marie's First Professional Show at Catch a Rising StarCatch A Rising Star - Hyatt Regency, Princeton, NJ
Well, I'm finally a professional comedian. I've been given my first big break and I'm a featured performer at Catch a Rising Star in Princeton! I know a lot of you wanted to see more of my funny musings so here is your chance. You never know when I change my mind about being a comedian and change to neurosurgeon! Haven't tried that yet!
TICKETS:
I no longer have any tickets to sell but there are still tickets available for the show. You can just pay cash at the door. Hope to see you there.DINNER:
For those of you who would like to do dinner prior to the show I thought we could dine at Laurea, which is located within the Hayat Regency. I thought we could meet at 6:00PM for a leisurely dinner. You can check out their menu at this link Laurea Restaurant Menu Also, we can all meet for drinks after the show. I think I'll need a drink! - Where in the World Do You Want To Go Zoom ChatLink visible for attendees
HELP ME DECIDE ON SOME FUTURE TOURS FOR 2026 AND 2027
I'm trying to decide on some future tours for the future. Our Food & wine tour of France in October of 2026 is a big hit and almost sold out. I'm trying to figure where we would like to go in the Spring of 2026 and 2027. I know many of our group have been avid travelers and have seen a lot. My too, but there are still many places I want to explore. I do have a few ideas in mind and will share some itineraries with those who sign up for our Zoom Chat. I'm thinking of Greece and and Turkey with a 3 day cruise, Scotland castles, Norway fiords and a food and wine of Northern Italy (home of butter and risotto). I would also be open to any of your ideas.
Please join our Zoom chat to learn more about these tours and to also make suggestions of your own. You can email me at mlabbancz@gmail.com with any suggestions. This way I can do some research.
Because some lonely rob Zoom links and try to ruin our chat's I will not be posting the Zoom link until the day before.
Looking forward to hearing your ideas.
- Oh Mary! with Jinkx Monsoon - SOLD OUTLyceum Theater, New York, NY
The most difficult tickets to get on Broadway! This was the only day I could get matinee orchestra tickets for and they are the last in the house that day. I could only get 10 tickets in middle side orchestra. They are very good.
Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).
Declared “one of the best comedies in years” by The New York Times, Oh, Mary! received Tony Awards for Best Leading Actor in a Play (Cole Escola) and Best Direction of a Play (Sam Pinkleton), Drama League Awards for Outstanding Play and Outstanding Direction of a Play, as well as a special citation from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. It was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.RuPaul’s Drag Race winner JINKX MONSOON assumes the role of Mary Todd Lincoln for 8 weeks starting August 4. I think Jinkx will be fabulous as Mary!!!!
TICKETS:
The group discount side orchestra tickets were $190.00. Unfortunately all my tickets have been sold. Please stay of the waitlist and if anyone needs to sell their ticket I'll let you know.LUNCH:
Decided to change our lunch to a different location. Bad reviews from member. Here is a place we have been and loved the food. One block away is Havana Central (151 West 46th St, between 6 ands 7th). They have a great pre-theater menu that even includes a drink!!! Check it out:
Havana Central pre-theater menu they also have an a la carte menu - Food & Wine Tour of SicilySicily, Sicily, CT
DETAILS
Last fall we all enjoyed our fabulous tour of Southern Italy. Everyone loved it so much we all wanted to do Sicily in 2025. Linda Garfano, our tour director wanted to put together a very special tour for us and so many of us want to go. This is a small private custom tour only open to our Wanderers and their family and friends. HURRY! Only a few spots remaining!
I've been to Sicily before and it was magic! So diverse in beauty and history. I would love to return. In the midst of the Mediterranean, discover an island with personality all its own—full of flavor and teeming with one-of-a-kind art and architecture. Whether you’re visiting Sicily for its multicultural history or its delectable street food, the island has a rustic charm that sets it apart from mainland Italy. Experience the enigma, ancient ruins, and natural beauty of this Mediterranean destination, journeying through Palermo, Syracuse, and Taormina—and indulge in the flavors and culinary traditions that make Sicily so utterly and deliciously unique.
Included Highlights
- Cappella Palatina
- Saline Pans of Marsala
- Agrigento's Valley of Temples Piazza
- Armerina Syracuse Cathedral
- Agrigento's Greek ruins
- Views of Mount Etna
- Taormina's Greek theater
- Sicilian cooking class
- Savoca & Forza d’Agrò
You can read up more about our tour at: https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/zuag-marie-labbancz
The COST:
13 day tour price: $4,849.00 (land only, double accommodations) The cost of the tour will go down to $4,649.00 once we have 20 persons signed up for the tour. Single supplement is $814.00 The cost of round-trip airfare through the tour company is $1,629.00 that includes your hotel transfers. I usually sign up for flights with the company in case the cost of fights go up significantly by next year. You can always book flights on your own if the cost is less and cancel with our tour company.
Deposit: To secure your spot you will need to leave a deposit of $450.00
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS for OCTOBER:
- $100 off for all travelers
- $100 off for travelers currently enrolled another tour or travelers who have returned from tour within the last 90 days
HOW TO SIGN UP?
To sign up for this amazing tour you just need to call our dedicated group reservation line at 800-438-7672 and be sure to mention our specific group tour #58929079
A $450 deposit is all that's needed to hold your spot. They can also answer all of your questions. I am also available to answer any of your questions. You can email me at mlabbancz@gmail.com
TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS AND FINDING A ROOMMATE:
It's always more fun when we know the people we are traveling with. For those in New Jersey we will have meetups every 4 months at restaurants prior to our trip (exclusive to our travelers) so members can get to know one another. I think it's one of the very special benefits of a meetup travel tour. It will also be an opportunity for you to meet other travelers who are traveling single and might want to share a room. It's a wonderful way to find that perfect roommate! On all my past tours, everyone who wanted a roommate found a roommate!
WHY AM I ON THE WAITING LIST?
Everyone who signs up for the tour will be first put on the waiting list. As soon as you contact the company and leave your deposit you need to email me at mlabbancz@gmail.com and let me know you left your deposit and I will switch you to going. There is a limited amount of spots available on this small group tour and being on the waiting list does not guarantee a spot. Please only join the wait list if you are planning on leaving a deposit in the next day or two. Don't join the wait list because you think it sounds like a fun trip you will NOT be doing.
Once again, you can view the itinerary and sign up for the tour https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/zuag-marie-labbancz
You can email me with any questions at mlabbancz@gmail.com
