Cruising Through the Norwegian Fjords with CEO David Antrilli
AAA
Each year at AAA South Jersey, CEO David Antrilli invites travelers to join him on a thoughtfully curated trip to a hand-picked destination. These AAA South Jersey Exclusive vacations give members the opportunity to experience an exciting destination while getting to know Antrilli personally. This year’s destination was Norway, so SJ First connected with Antrilli upon his return to discuss the experience and the CEO Trips overall.
AAA South Jersey: What were your overall impressions of the trip?
David Antrilli: Norway was extraordinary. It had long been a destination I wanted to experience, and it exceeded expectations. The fjords, in particular, were unforgettable. There is a scale and timelessness to the landscape that is difficult to capture until you see it firsthand. It is a destination I believe everyone should experience at least once.
AAA: What were some of your favorite experiences?
D.A.: One of the most valuable aspects of travel is the opportunity to engage with the local culture. In Oslo, I made a point of exploring the city, meeting local residents and experiencing some of the local traditions. The fjords were unquestionably the highlight. We first viewed them from a panoramic overlook and later experienced them from the water. If I were recommending essential experiences in Europe, the Norwegian fjords would be high on that list.
AAA: And how did this compare to other CEO trips in the past?
D.A.: Every CEO Trip has its own character, and that is intentional. Our team invests significant time and thought into creating an experience that goes well beyond a standard itinerary. Nearly a year of planning goes into each trip. We are often exploring these destinations alongside our members, so there can always be an element of discovery. Ultimately, this trip was exceptional, and we had a terrific group of travelers who embraced the experience.
AAA: What was the conversation like when you picked Norway?
D.A.: Norway offered an opportunity to choose a destination that was somewhat less conventional while still delivering a truly memorable experience. The challenge was developing an itinerary that made the most of the destination because it is not as frequently traveled as some other parts of Europe. Even the journey required commitment: we connected through Copenhagen, had a layover and spent approximately 15 to 16 hours traveling before arriving…..but it was so worth it!
AAA: What’s it like traveling with the AAA South Jersey members?
D.A.: One of the most rewarding parts of these trips is the opportunity to build stronger relationships with our members. We had several repeat travelers on this trip, and over time you develop a genuine rapport. You learn about one another’s families, interests and experiences. That personal connection is meaningful to me and reflects what makes these trips distinctive: we are not simply visiting a destination; we are sharing the experience together.
AAA: What different elements of the culture made an impression?
D.A.: The quality of the food was a pleasant surprise and one of the cultural highlights of the trip. The fresh fish, lamb and overall quality of the meals were exceptional. We discovered a restaurant called Lola’s, a little off the beaten path, and it was one of the best meals I have had. Everything was remarkably fresh. We also heard from Norwegians that many foods have shorter shelf lives because fewer preservatives are used.
My wife and I also make a point of visiting museums when we travel. We saw an exhibition featuring Beatriz González, an artist whose work was new to me. We were able to explore both museum buildings and found the experience very worthwhile. Even with those cultural highlights, cruising through the fjords remained the defining experience of the trip and a powerful reminder of what makes Norway so distinctive.
AAA: How was your experience navigating any language differences?
D.A.: I believe learning even a few words in the local language is a simple way to show respect for the culture when traveling. I typically try to learn phrases such as “thank you,” “please,” “you’re welcome” and “hello.” Norwegian was particularly challenging for me, but I did learn takk, meaning “thank you.” Fortunately, nearly everyone we encountered spoke English, so communication was very easy throughout the trip.
AAA: How was this AAA South Jersey exclusive vacation curated to maximize all the sightseeing opportunities?
D.A.: Debbie Szafranski, our Voorhees Travel Manager, and her team deserve tremendous credit for the work that goes into these trips. We engage with multiple tour operators, evaluate numerous itineraries and focus carefully on what will create the greatest value for our members. The objective is not simply to visit the expected attractions. We want to identify hidden gems and build experiences that people will remember. Walking behind a waterfall and dining at a restaurant outside the traditional tourist itinerary are good examples. Debbie and the travel team do an outstanding job of making every trip distinctive and memorable.
Next year, join Antrilli on another exciting adventure—this time in the Enchanting Swiss Riviera. Travelers will spend seven nights wining and dining, exploring the culture, and creating memories to last a lifetime. Highlights include visiting a chocolate factory, touring a castle and Isola Bella’s famous botanical gardens, embarking on boat cruises, seeing Charlie Chaplin’s former home, and so much more. Be sure to book early as this trip handpicked by Antrilli is highly sought after each year.
