Tag Archives: Ask Wendy Page

Japan: onsen bathing at a ryokan, forging knives with a swordsmith, making sushi…

EMILY FRIEDMAN | SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Traveler Emily Friedman and family at cooking class in Japan.

A sushi-making class: “an unforgettable family evening, joyous and full of laughter.”

This was our first trip using Wendy’s Wow List travel specialists. I can’t imagine visiting the Far East without her specialist’s guidance. I was overwhelmed with how to plan a trip to a country so diverse, with a language barrier, and we didn’t want to spend every day visiting temples and shrines. Andrea spent a full hour on the phone to understand our interests and wishes, before suggesting an itinerary. We had multiple zoom calls with him to fine-tune our itinerary.

He redirected us to a different city than we thought we wanted to visit, where we experienced one of the three most famous Japanese gardens, and had a class in gold-leaf applique. We were “spoiled” by having guides to/from railways, to/from airports. This was a luxury and a relief. (Most of our guides spoke good English, but be prepared because most people we interacted with do not speak English.)

The Gate Hotel in Tokyo was wonderful: central location, deluxe, great food, English-speaking staff. Excellent accommodations in Kanazawa at the Hyatt, as well. I must mention that I’m a “foodie” and the buffet breakfasts at both hotels were included, and were superb! A third hotel was under renovation, so unfortunately we missed staying at this boutique hotel, but Andrea was quick to find a satisfactory substitution.

I wanted to be able to interact with a Geisha, and he made it happen! This is not an easy thing to arrange. We had a special, 10-course dinner and she joined us and danced for us. An experience not to be missed—a glimpse into one of Japan’s cultural treasures. Andrea arranged for us to travel to the countryside, visit a swordsmith, and make our own knives forged in the fire! The trips to the city markets were a unique experience, and I loved seeing all the different foods and spices. Lastly, Andrea suggested a night in an intimate ryokan, where we experienced onsen bathing and a beautiful multicourse meal with all the local specialties. (Beware, most meals are raw fish (sashimi) or ramen. Research other ethnic restaurants if you don’t want fish for most meals.)

The best family experience Andrea arranged was a cooking class to make sushi, learn about miso, make matcha and mochi. That was an unforgettable family evening, joyous and full of laughter. I’ll add: Andrea’s assistant Giulia was delightful, kind, and “shepherded” us through the trip with humor and grace. Andrea planned a memorable trip, within our budget, and yet ensuring we experienced many of the “flavors” of Japan—the country and the culture. He also arranged days when we could explore on our own, which was something we really wanted. We did not want to be over-scheduled and exhausted.

Andrea loves Japan, and his skill in selecting experiences that are unforgettable and unique to Japan makes him a travel specialist of the highest caliber!

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Sri Lanka: climbing Sigiriya, a one-day safari, relaxing on the beach

LAUREN SCHOR | SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Lauren Schor and family on a safari in Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka.

Traveler Lauren with her husband and daughter on a one-day safari in Wilpattu National Park.

Just back from in week in Sri Lanka that we tagged onto a trip to India at the end of August with our teenage daughter and another couple. We originally spoke to Miguel and Nicola about a trip in December, but totally switched gears and planned a last-minute week-long summer trip. Because it’s so remote from the US, and such a geographically diverse country, ideally you’d have at least two weeks to spend here. Sri Lanka is a small country but there are so many regions to see and it takes a lot of time to travel from place to place.

Given we only had a week, we had some tough choices as to which areas we were going to visit—the cultural triangle and ancient ruins, the mountains and tea plantations, the jungle and wildlife, the gorgeous beaches or the cities. Ultimately with a lot of back and forth weighing the pros and cons with Nicola and Miguel, we decided on the cultural triangle and the south coast. I couldn’t imagine going all the way to Sri Lanka and not climbing Sigiriya, the ancient fortress atop a mountain and the most visited place in the country. Plus, we were near one of the national parks and we got to do one day safari! And we knew we wanted to spend time near a beach relaxing because we had also come off a week in India before arriving in Sri Lanka.

We opted to charter a flight to the south coast instead of driving the 8 hours. This area was a great combination of relaxation and culture. Galle Fort is a must visit area-the restaurants, shops and local life is unlike anywhere else in the country. And there were a lot of other activities in the area, like a local cooking class, a mask painting workshop and visiting a cinnamon plantation (who knew that 90% of the worlds cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka)!

Nicola recommended fantastic properties. We loved Ulagalla—we have traveled all over the world and its one of the most special properties we have stayed at. We enjoyed a WOW Moment at Kamantha, a traditional and delicious Sri Lankan meal prepared with indigenous tools in a mud hut. Such a special experience! We also stayed at Mosvold Villa, a newer property right on the Indian Ocean. While I wouldn’t consider it a five-star property, the location could not be beat, and we were adamant about wanting to be on the water (versus at a property like the Aman located inside the fort not on the coast).

Something else to note; we had a driver for our week but each activity and excursion had its own local guide. Sri Lanka is a special country and everywhere we went the people were so welcoming and we kept hearing how they meet so few American travelers. I have a feeling this is going to be a new hot spot destination!

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Denmark: biking, Viking Ship museum, private tour of a working wood furniture factory…

HOWARD WOLFF | SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

A private canal boating excursion was one of many Denmark highlights. Photo: Traveler Howard Wolff

Mads designed a perfect itinerary that delighted two travelers in their 70s and two in their 30s, giving us unforgettable memories from a busy week in Denmark: biking, a private boat ride on the canal, dining with Danes, as well as visits to the Viking Ship Museum, Danish Design Museum, Roskilde Cathedral, HC Museum, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and more.

Since we arrived at 7am after an overnight flight, we were thankful that Mads arranged for early check-in at our hotel, allowing us to take a quick nap before embarking on our 2-1/2 hour bike tour. Our guide Lotte was fascinating and personable; and Dan, our driver throughout the trip, was delightful and very helpful.

Our evening at the beautiful home of the Danish couple Lene and Carsten (sp?) was not only delicious but also engaging—a great conversation and human connection. We’ll remember it fondly.

As an architect, I found our design-themed day to be particularly impactful, and my family members loved it, too. Getting a private tour of a working wood furniture factory, PP Mobler, including a visit to their forest, was very special. A conversation with a young designer at his studio was meaningful, insightful, and enlightening; and our final stop of the day at the Danish Design Museum heightened our awareness and appreciation for Danish ingenuity. After that day, we noticed every chair we sat in!

On a particularly jam-packed day, we decided to skip a visit to the Egeskov Castle and drove straight to the island of Funen after visiting Roskilde, the former capital of Denmark. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum was surprisingly clever and interactive. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art was unique and special.

We really enjoyed our harbor-facing room at 71 Nyhavn in Copenhagen. The hotel was perfectly situated, and the breakfast options were fabulous. Our overnight stay at Falsled Kro was beautiful and indulgent; our breakfast was one of the best we’ve ever had. The rooms were simply elegant and spacious. Arrangements for a late check-out allowed us to enjoy an e-bike ride from the property in the morning, and we loved every minute. Tivoli, with its theme-park vibe, was of more interest to our kids than it was to us, but we had a great time. All in all, a great experience that we are grateful to have had. Thank you.

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Ireland: ruins on every corner, Dromoland Castle, private sheep dog competition…

NIK MINOCHA | SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

We and another couple contacted Jonathan at Celebrated Experiences because our daughters had tickets to see Taylor Swift in Dublin. We spent a wonderful weekend with them in Dublin and sent them home after the concert. We then spent the next week traveling around the southern loop of Ireland. Jonathan and his colleague Katie put together an itinerary that included all of the must-sees but also off the beaten path sites, offering a more authentic experience—and fewer tourists.

Ireland is the Emerald Isle for a reason; the variety of green is unlike anywhere else. Jonathan insisted we use a driver for the week and that was probably the best advice he gave us. Tommy was fantastic! He is an active and self-taught student of Irish history, which is very handy when there are ruins on every corner. He also took the time to learn what we did and did not like and tweaked our itinerary accordingly. His guidance was truly catered to us on a day-by-day basis, even down to tiniest details.

This type of trip calls for a lot of driving. We do wish more physical activity (hikes, paddling) had been included. We should have made sure such activities were added to the itinerary. We just wish we’d had more opportunity to move!

One unexpected highlight was a private sheep dog demonstration at Caherconnell Fort. Who knew there was so much skill and communication between the farmer and the Border Collies? It was a privilege to watch them work together, as they have for generations. We debated keeping this activity in our itinerary and it would have been a big loss if we missed it.

All of the hotels were top notch, but none compared to Dromoland Castle. Everyone should experience a castle at least once, especially one where you can try falconry, clay shooting and archery all in one afternoon. We would not recommend dinner at the castle, but otherwise it was amazing!

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Peru: the Amazon, “scenic” train to Machu Picchu, horseback through villages

LORI BENTLEY | SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Bob, Lori and Hunter Bentley at Machu Picchu, Peru.

Lori Bentley and family took the Vistadome train to the “breathtaking” expanse of Machu Picchu.

Just back from a 60th Birthday trip to Peru. Tom and his team planned a fantastic trip for us. We visited the Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima. The Amazon was amazing, and the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge provided a beautiful atmosphere and guided tours. Next, our guides Alberto and Henry along with driver Igor picked us up in Cusco, for a scenic trip to the Sacred Valley where we stayed at the Sol y Luna Lodge, which was beautiful. Our guides were fantastic and assisted with advice on acclimating to the altitude. We enjoyed a 2 hour horseback ride through villages and farmland. It was by far the best ride I have ever been on!

The Vistadome train to the village of Machu Picchu was very scenic and relaxing. We stayed at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, and the accommodations were fabulous! Of course, visiting Machu Picchu was breathtaking. A walk to the Inca Drawbridge was filled with the surrounding beauty of the area. After Machu Picchu, we flew to Cusco, a charming , historical city. Alberto recommended excellent restaurants, we even tried Cuy (guinea pig). We also enjoyed dinner at the recommended Map Café—the food and service were excellent.

There were so many highlights of the trip, and the guidance and recommendations that we received were so helpful. Grateful for the expertise and planning of Tom, and the service of Alberto, Henry, and Igor. Highly recommend utilizing their services.

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Grand Teton: Old Faithful, great hikes, and a “fantastic” lodge near many trailheads

DEAN NANCE | SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Dean Nance and family in The Teton Range, North America.

Three generations came together to enjoy a hiking trip to Wyoming.

There were five of us, from three generations—Grandfather, Son-in-law, and three Grandsons on our September Tetons trip. We all had a really great time! Melissa organized the trip for us. The Tetons are an incredible experience!

Where to start?

The Jenny Lake Lodge was a fantastic place.
* Great location, right in the middle of the Tetons.
* Wonderful meals, including five course dinners and multiple options for breakfasts.

We enjoyed the tours Melissa arranged for us.
* It was so nice that they were private, meaning that they included only our group.
* The guides were all knowledgeable, flexible, and pleasant to be with. They went to great efforts to find wildlife for us to view, and to do such things as to get us to Old Faithful at a time it was about to erupt.

All five of us particularly enjoyed the hikes that we took on our free days. The fact that Jenny Lake Lodge was near the trailheads of several great hikes was a real plus.

Last, but not least, Melissa was wonderful to work with in planning the trip. We could never have done it without her!

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India: Delhi by rickshaw, spa & arts in Jaipur, sidestepping the rainy season

LAUREN SCHOR | SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Lauren Schor and her daughter in front of Taj Mahal in India.

Happy mom and teen “tagged along on a business trip” and enjoyed the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset.

My teen daughter and I tagged along on a pretty last-minute business trip my husband was taking to India. Victoria put together an amazing itinerary one month before we left and she really nailed it! After our first phone conversation she put together the perfect plan and I made very few changes. It was very clear she understood what I was looking for and how we wanted to spend our time.

We were traveling off-season during monsoons, and while the weather was very hot and very humid, the actual rain barely interfered with our activities. We flew into Delhi and spent two days exploring the city which was a feast for the senses. It was a great intro to India, both overwhelming and mesmerizing. Victoria set up a tour of the old city by rickshaw which Id highly recommend as a memorable and eye-opening experience. We also took a food tour through the winding streets of Delhi which I was very hesitant about for fear of “Delhi belly,” but Victoria assured me they are very careful about the places we would visit and she was right, we were all fine!

My daughter and I then went off on our own to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal at both sunset and sunrise, which were two totally different experiences and both “pinch me” moments! Friends and family at home were very concerned about the two of us traveling in India alone, but we felt completely safe the entire time because we always had someone with us, just one of the reasons a WOW planner is so important.

Our final stop in India was Jaipur. Each city was a 3-4 hour drive from one another, which was an experience in itself passing through villages and seeing the way people live outside of the cities. We spent four days in Jaipur which was the perfect combination of sight seeing, shopping, spa time and cultural experiences. Highlights were a block printing workshop in a village outside of the city, an early morning visit to the old city, getting custom made pajamas, visiting the city palace, and meeting with an astrologer, which was a very unique experience. Our incredible guide Vikram knew all the best spots to take us to and had access to places we would have never known about. We have had a lot of private guides all over the world and Vikram is up there with the best!

We were very happy with all of the hotels Victoria had suggested—Leela Palace in Delhi, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. Victoria really made the most of the one week we had in India. She suggested three very different cities which were the perfect combination for a first-time visitor to India and I can’t wait to go back to visit other parts of the country!

Southern Africa: Botswana camps, Victoria Falls, helicopter ride, & wine tasting…

JOE COCO | SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

We worked with Julian and his company to plan our trip to Africa, specifically Cape Town South Africa, safari in Botswana, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Julian offered great guidance on when to go to optimize for the weather in each country, and when and where to go to ensure a top-notch safari experience, from animals to accommodations. He also provided insightful recommendations to optimize the value for our money.

We arrived in Cape Town on August 19 after taking an extended layover in London to break up the flights and enjoy London. Once in South Africa we stayed at the Four Rosmead, a nice boutique guest house. It’s in a quiet location yet near to excellent restaurants and cafes. The two managers were fantastic. They organized dinner reservations, offered good ideas for things to do, and provided specific safety precautions. Cape Town and the larger peninsula are surrounded by mountains and water, offering spectacular natural scenery. One of the highlights was our guided drive throughout the Cape Peninsula, to Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, visiting the Jackass penguin colony, and driving through Chapmans Peak. Stunning beauty, and we live in the Pacific Northwest and are therefore used to lots of mountains and water.

Another highlight was our “WOW Moment” —a helicopter ride. We started by flying down the coast, alongside and slightly higher than the mountains, then around various parts of the city and suburbs. The ride provided great views and perspective. Cape Town can be windy and still a bit rainy at that time of year, but fortunately we lucked out and had pleasant weather most of the time, and our helicopter flight was smooth. We also did a daylong guided wine tasting tour through Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, the latter of which is a charming little town with boutique hotels and high-end shops and restaurants. It was a pleasant tour, but unless you are really into wine and wine tasting, visiting 2 of the 3 areas may be sufficient.

There were a few hiccups and downsides to our visit in Cape Town. First, a driver from the local Cape Town tour company was supposed to meet us at the airport upon arrival to take us to our guest house, but he was a no-show. We called the company from the airport and they admitted they dropped the ball, apologized, and picked us up within about 20 minutes. That really drove home the importance of having readily available contact information for airport transfers and guides, especially in locales with potential safety issues. Fortunately, Albert, our local guide for the following three days, was very knowledgeable, organized, and prompt. The other issue was that the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, which offers amazing views, was undergoing annual maintenance during our visit. The cable car website (which we looked at only after we arrived), contained a notice that it was shut down from July 15 – September 1, so that was a disappointment. Apparently, the maintenance schedule can vary year-to-year, so check into this before going so you aren’t surprised. Finally, something to be aware of is you need to be more careful about crime than you might be accustomed to. The managers at our guest house emphasized the importance of not walking around the city in the evening and recommended against taking taxis. Instead, use Uber even for very short drives. We found the Ubers to be highly available, reliable, comfortable, and apparently safe. Having said that, we still really enjoyed our visit to Cape Town and the surrounding area.

Our next stop was Botswana for safari, where we spent 6 days at 3 different safari camps: Duke’s East in the Okavango Delta, Sable Alley in Khwai Private Reserve, and Savute Elephant Lodge in the Savute–Chobi National Park. The entire experience was amazing—the animals, landscape, accommodations, people, food, and logistics. We saw an incredible variety of animals, often very close to our open-air Land Cruiser, at the camps, and during a river cruise: lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, wild dogs, hyenas, multiple types of antelope, zebra, crocodiles, warthogs, mongooses, monkeys, baboons, ostrich and many other types of birds. Our guides were super knowledgeable, not just about the animals but also the environment, geology, flora and more. The landscape in Botswana is beautiful, in part because it’s so flat, vast and has amazing sunsets. In addition to the safari drivers/guides, the rest of the staff at the 3 locations were all very warm, friendly, and attentive. Despite being literally in the middle of nowhere, accessible only via a propellor plane that lands on a dirt airstrip, and completely isolated from virtually all infrastructure, the food was quite good and the accommodations were fairly plush. The prop plane flights to each camp were professional and reliable. There were also nice touches like stopping our afternoon safari drive at sunset for a sundowner (cocktails and snacks set up by our driver). Being in the middle of a great expanse at sunset, drinking gin & tonic and watching animals come from all directions to visit a watering hole is truly unique. Our time on safari in Botswana was terrific and the highlight of the entire trip!

Our last stop was for 2 days at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where we stayed at the Old Drift Lodge. By this point in the trip, we were getting tired and wanted to go at a slower pace, so we just visited the falls, went on a lovely sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River (a sundowner with cocktails and snacks), and sat on our deck enjoying the view of the Zambezi river across to Zambia. While you can do a safari drive there too, we were a bit safari’d out after 6 days of multiple hours in a Land Cruiser. Fortunately, elephants, warthogs, and mongoose wandered around our lodge (which is outside of town in the national park). The Falls are very impressive and worth visiting when the water is relatively low (when we visited) because you can see more of the geologic features of the falls and only get a little wet from the spray vs completely soaked when the water is high. We went just after sunrise to avoid the crowds and heat, and so we could see rainbows made by the spray and low sun angle. Very cool! We also had lunch at The Lookout Cafe perched above and at the edge of the falls, which offered a great view.

We had a truly wonderful trip!

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Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Zambia: museum tour & cooking class, “Big 5” wildlife from photo hides

NANCY WOLF | SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

Vintage Jaguar in Cape Town, South Africa.

African tours, camps, and safaris kicked off with panache—a surprise pickup in a vintage Jaguar.

Our amazing first safari was thanks to Frankie Janssen, of Cherri’s office. We asked for suggestions on where to go and what time of year, and Frankie suggested a mid-August start, with a trip including Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Zambia because we wanted a place that included water activities.

Frankie planned our WOW Moment—actually a WOW day—for our first full day in Cape Town. She told me to trust her, and she was right. She hit all of the highlights…we were picked up in a vintage Jaguar. Our first stop was the Bo-Kaap area for a tour and Cape Malay cooking class. Then we went for a drive along the coast en route for a private tour of the Zeitz MOCAA, followed by a drive up to the top of Signal Hill for magnificent views, including Table Mountain.

Because we were flying into Zimbabwe from Cape Town, Frankie arranged for us to tour Victoria Falls right from the airport so we didn’t have to cross borders multiple times. The driver she arranged for us was especially helpful in expediting our crossing into Zambia. We stayed in 3 camps and all were first-rate. I told Frankie that I wanted a camp with photo hides and she sent us to Kaingo in South Luangwa National Park. We were fortunate to be there to see the red carmine bee-eaters, with the hide a few feet away from the nesting site. What an incredible sight! They also had an elephant hide and a hippo hide. By the first day at Kaingo, we had already seen the Big 5, as well as a chase of 3 male lions (we saw the white rhino at Tongabezi Lodge near Victoria Falls). We didn’t think there were any animals left to see, other than the wild dogs, but we saw them our first day at Sausage Tree Lodge. We also spotted a porcupine, which we never thought we’d see.

Being on the river at Tongabezi and Sausage Tree was a highlight. We loved the sunrise and sunset cruises, and we even tried our hand at fishing (only caught a turtle and a catfish…no tiger fish). Both Tongabezi and Sausage Tree Camp had special lunches and dinners in unexpected locations that really made the trip extra special. Zambia is a hidden gem. The only issue we had with the planning was our travel from Tongabezi to Kaingo. Because of the flight schedule, we had a 3-hour wait at Lusaka airport and once we landed in Mfuwe, we had a 2 1/2 hour drive to the camp. We didn’t arrive until 8:00 pm (we had started our day with a sunrise cruise, so we were exhausted). Kaingo does communal meals, so we were asked to go directly to dinner. Trying to converse with strangers after such a long trip was not pleasant, plus since we weren’t given the opportunity to put on bug spray, it was the one time I got several bites. Unless there is another way to reach Kaingo, I would not recommend it, despite the excellent photo hides.

Frankie added value to our trip, not only by planning our destinations and helping with activities, but also by securing drivers and VIP meet and greets who made our life easier. The one VIP meet and greet I would not do again, though, is in Cape Town. That added no value.

I’d highly recommend Frankie to plan your next safari!

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England & Scotland: Cotswolds, historic monastery ruins, distilleries, private falconry…

MICHELE BLOCK | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

Michele Block holding a falcon in Helmsdale, Scotland.

Two hours of private falconry was a highlight of Michelle Block’s “soooo memorable” Scotland travels.

THANK YOU Jonathan, Katie, Allyson and your team for planning our trip and our wonderful guides to Bath, Stonehenge, the Cotswolds (5 days, guides—Adgue and Maeve), and Scotland (16 days, Scott and Dave…our men in kilts)!!! It was flawless and soooo memorable. Each guide brought their own personalities and stories to enable us to learn about culture and history. It was fun learning the origin of some of our sayings.

Everything on our bucket list was met with some special additions. For example we opted due to the amount of steps to switch from a castle to visiting the wonderful preserved ruins of the St. Elgin monastery and then visit an abbey to hear the monks saying afternoon vespers, an experience indeed. Our goal of 2 hrs of private falconry and the highland games in Helmsdale (northeast Scotland) were remarkable. The hotels/castle of Glenapp, Isle of Eriska, and the Royal Crescent transplanted you into the world of luxury. Edinburg brought us the Scotsman right in the middle of everything to enjoy the royal mile and fringe fest. The Military Tattoo is a must if you visit in August. Pictures cannot describe the places we were taken, some off the tourist route, to appreciate the highlands and inner and outer Hebrides as well as special areas in southern Scotland, which Scott said is not on the tour guide itineraries (it should be).

We enjoyed going to distilleries which you may not have heard about and of course brought home a bottle. It is wonderful to see that all of the accommodations give accolades to Jonathan’s company. The phone app is great to keep track of where you went and where you are going in addition to helpful tips on tipping. We found the people friendly wherever we went and the hospitality was wonderful and charming. We can’t wait to start planning our vacation to Sicily and Italy with Wendy Perrin for the spring.

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Tanzania & Kenya: beautiful geography, gourmet food, warm hospitality, wildebeest & zebra migration

NANCY RIEGER | SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Nancy Rieger dining outside at Mara Expedition Camp in Kenya.

Traveler Nancy Rieger says spectacular meals at the camp rivaled the finest urban restaurants.

Armand and I sought out Dan’s team for a safari to Tanzania and Kenya because of his excellent reputation. We had a wonderful trip, and were met every step of the way once we landed at our first stop, Arusha, Tanzania.

Dan secured wonderful hotels and camps, beginning with the beguiling Plantation Lodge. The property was stunning, a green Eden, with wonderful food, warm hospitality, and a room that would qualify as a generously sized apartment in Manhattan. Our fabulous and informative guide, Eric, took us to Lake Manyara the first day, and to the Ngorongoro Crater the second. Lake Manyara had beautiful geography, albeit with fewer animals because of recent flooding. The Crater was a revelation. We saw ostriches mating–including the male doing his hilarious approach dance to the female. Also had a lot of time with the babboons, the most entertaining primates around.

Then it was off to Tanzania, and Taasa Lodge. The ride from arport to Taasa brought us smack dab in the middle of the wildebeest/zebra migration. Thousands of animals honking and bleeting, crossing the Sand River. More wildlife sightings than one could imagine: crocs, warthogs nursing their young, vultures fighting over a fly-ridden wildebeest, two lionesses and two cubs with bloody mouths who were just starting to dine on a freshly killed wildebeest. Birds and hippos galore.

The only dampers at Taasa were being given a substandard room with no hot water on our first night (after arriving at 7 pm instead of 5 pm) , a guide who spent 80% of her time talking to her tracker, and a butler who was unfairly given a job he could not do. The lodge manager claimed he wasn’t listening. But he was, and was trying hard. He just needed more training. Still, I would recommend Taasa because of its location, views, and its soups. Just need to make sure about the guide and room butler.

I’ve saved the best for last: Mara Expedition Camp. Dan had highly recommended this camp. It delivered in every single way. Our guide, Clifford, was superb. No roaring around at high speeds, he was patient in seeking out wildlife and was often the first guide to spot a lion, a herd of elephants, hyenas sleeping in the grass like frat boys who had partied too hard the night before, lizards, the golden orb spider, birds of every size, hippos, crocs, I could go on.

The other staff at Mara were exceptional. They made us feel like we had a home in the Mara. Their warm hospitality, their genuineness, kindness, their special surprises that brought even more enchantment to our stay (one: a hot breakfast in the bush alongside a river) , the nature walks around the camp, the gourmet food, Yes, gourmet food that rivals restaurants in New York, London, Paris. A lovely, comfortable, and quiet tent with plenty of light, charging stations, and hot water. We’re going back there again one day with our grandchildren.

Dan made sure we had the time of our lives. He spent time asking us questions before our trip. And he made certain that we were able to see everything that we had hoped for, that we stayed in some of the best accommodations available at our budget, and that we never had any worries. We are also grateful for our WOW Moment. At Mara Expedition, wonderful gifts were in our tent upon arrival. A hat, a stylish neck gaiter, and more. :) We will come back to Dan’s company. Our next trip may be to Rwanda to see the gorillas!

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British Columbia: Whistler, hiking glacier caves, floating sauna & waterfall hot tub…

TODD FITZWATER | AUGUST 30, 2024

Traveler Todd Fitzwater hiking in a glacier cave in Whistler, British Columbia.

Travelled to British Columbia and visited Whistler and Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. Marc, Cat and Kate’s team created a fantastic trip for us and went above and beyond to make our trip exceptional. The planning with them was fantastic. We had originally planned on visiting the Lake Louise area but Marc detected a lack of enthusiasm and asked the question we’ve never been asked… “What would be your perfect trip?” We gave him our answer and he suggested Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. We looked it up and were convinced.

His company booked the trip and the destinations for us and arranged some great experiences. With that said, on a late Friday afternoon we decided we needed a little something more adventurous and the team got us booked on a Glacier Cave hike/visit when they should have already gone home for the weekend. Can’t say enough about this team.

Now, the trip was incredible. Whistler was fantastic in the summer. Rode the Gondolas, went peak to peak, walked the suspension bridge at the top, hiked and took in the scenic view. Food in town was great. Highly recommend Araxi and Il Caminetto. Took the previously mentioned glacier cave trip. The helicopter trip was fantastic as was the cave adventure. All arranged through Marc’s team.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort was an out-of-this-world experience—floating sauna docks, floating hot tub docks, land-based hot tubs nestled next to a waterfall, water safaris, deep woods hiking, whales, otters, orcas, dolphins, bears and 5 star restaurant. One dinner was without a doubt Michelin-worthy. Another dinner the dining room prepared the shrimp that I caught. Nine cabins with an eclectic bunch of people. Just a tremendous experience and one I plan on coming back for.

Thank you Wendy for turning us onto this group, and thank you Marc, Cat and Kate for an exceptional experience.

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Switzerland: guided gastronomy and kayak tours, chocolate workshop, hiking with St. Bernards

BARBARA STELZER | AUGUST 30, 2024

Barbara Stelzer and family taking a hike up Mt. Rigi in Switzerland.

A cogwheel train up Mt. Rigi led to a hike with giant furry friends. Photo: Traveler Barbara Stelzer

Our week in Switzerland with our granddaughters was WONDERFUL! It started with good communication with Ana and Simon months before our trip.

Hotels were in 2 locations with private guides and day trips from each. The first was Hotel Maya Caprice for 2 nights in the charming, carless hilltop village of Wengen, and then 4 nights at Hotel Art Deco Montana in Lucerne. Our adventures included a guided kayak tour on Lake Brienz, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Trümmelbach Waterfalls, Giessbach Falls, Aare Gorge, a guided walking tour of Lucerne, chocolate workshop and tasting at Max the Chocolatier, guided full day gastronomy tour of Zurich, boat ride on Lake Lucerne, and an activity that made my granddaughters cry happy tears, a cogwheel train up to and hiking on Mt. Rigi with Koni and his St. Bernards. We were also surprised with a WOW Moment in Zurich where we were greeted by Ana and Simon’s team with champagne, fruit AND an alphorn lesson. Fun!

Drivers and guides were timely, informative and friendly. The itinerary eliminated any possible worries with its specifics about activities, times, meeting places, and added suggestions. Ana had made requested dinner reservations ahead of time which added to the seamlessness of our week. Our favorite dinners were at restaurants in our 2 hotels, and at Restaurant Grottino in Lucerne.

Our trip and the planning exceeded our expectations.
We recommend Ana and Simon’s company for sure!

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France: Normandy’s historic beaches, Roland-Garros tennis, a Baroque chateau…

MARSHA FRIEDLI | AUGUST 29, 2024

Marsha Friedli and her husband at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in France.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was “a highlight” for Marsha Friedli and her husband during their time in France.

Magnificent! That is the best word to describe the experiences Jennifer put together for our most wonderful trip! We wanted to visit the Normandy area of France prior to visiting the British Isles. And finish our trip with Paris and Roland Garros competition. Jennifer and her team exceeded our expectations! We used almost all modes of transportation: car, van, private car, train and ferry! Jennifer had many suggestions for our time in France. We wanted to visit the beaches of Normandy as my Father-In-Law was part of the invasion support during WWII. Jennifer arranged the most informative and insightful guide, Stephane Lamache, for our time in the Normandy and surrounding area.

We also visited Giverny and the Bayux tapestry museum. Our stay at Chateau La Cheneviere was just lovely. It had a quiet room, pool and on-site magnificent restaurant. I would definitely stay here again just to stay and enjoy!

We had to get from Cherbourg, France to Southampton, England for our next part of our journey. We had never been on an ocean-going ferry and it was quite enjoyable. Jennifer had arranged a cabin for our crossing the English Channel. Great idea as we could relax as we wanted or go and explore the ferry.

After our travels around Great Britain we took the Eurostar from London to Paris. Great way to travel. Once in Paris we stayed at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand. Wonderful location, easy walking distance to shopping and several restaurants recommended by Jennifer. At the hotel Jennifer arraigned for breakfast to be included and we had daily, all-day access to the ‘club’ room. Just delightful to be welcomed and pampered after a day of walking and site seeing.

A highlight for me was visiting Vaux Le Vicomte, outside of Paris. Our driver and guide was very knowledgeable. It was a delightful experience to visit and marvel at the estate and learn the history.

Even though the weather did not cooperate with sunny days in Paris, it was mostly light drizzle and cloudy skies for our time in Paris. Fortunately our time at Roland Garros, center court, was under cover. Excellent seats and transportation arraigned by Jennifer. We had tickets for both day and night sessions, again arranged by Jennifer. We had to extend our time with the driver as the night session went long. Communication with Jennifers team through our trip was excellent! The drivers were very attentive and accommodated our requests.

A service Jennifer offers is a meet-and-greet at the airport, train, ferry, and also helps with navigating thru customs. I know having this service allayed our concerns regarding being in the right place at the right time.

Jennifer and her team made our trip into an experience of a lifetime. Thank you Wendy Perrin and team for having a WOW List of travel agents like Jennifer!

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Alaska: Denali, Talkeetna, and a small charter in the Prince William Sound (“such a treat”)

KAY REIBOLDT | AUGUST 28, 2024

Kay and Max Reiboldt strolling in Talkeetna with friends.

Kay and her husband Max strolling in Talkeetna with friends.

Thank you Judith and Andrea for planning and coordinating our trip with friends to Alaska. My husband and I had been to Alaska before, but our friends had not. However, Judith planned a trip that incorporated new things for us to see and do.

For example, we had experienced the river boat charter in Whittier and the Prince William Sound, but it was on a larger boat with a crowd. Judith arranged for a small charter with just the 4 of us and 2 others. It was such a treat and we saw bears, otters, sea lions (playing and lounging), harbor lions and puffins! Our lunch was on a small slender strip of land that connected 2 smaller islands. As we were pulling away from our special spot, we basically saw the connection disappear with the tide and only 2 separate islands remained!

We covered a lot of territory visiting Girdwood, Homer, Seward and Talkeetna. Max and I had never been to Talkeetna and the Denali Park, so this was new for us. While the clouds covered Denali, we were still able to fly over the park and see the glaciers.
One special thing happened in Talkeetna as we were walking through town. My husband heard his name shouted and we looked up and saw our neighbors! Neither of us knew we were going to be in Alaska at the same time.

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Sardinia: Melina adapted our time with her to maximize the experience & tailor to our needs

GREGORY YURKOSKI | AUGUST 26, 2024

Gregory and Nancy Yurkoski, and their guide melina having dinner in Sardinia, Italy.

Cliffs, mountains, and meals made even more spectacular with Melina’s custom touches.

First of all, Marianna on Andrea’s team dutifully checked in with us almost daily. This is always a nice touch when traveling.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The staff at Hotel Villa Fanny were particularly fun and kind. This is a great hotel—modern and in a good location. The only thing missing was a pool and gym. Our driver, Sara, for the first several days was simply delightful. She even bought us small gifts!

Su Gologone Experience Hotel is a special place, albeit in need of a little pampering. The gym and pool were awesome. The beautiful cliffs and natural surroundings were always spectacular. The restaurant had some wonderful dishes, but we felt the food and service were not consistently good, and the menu was not diverse enough.

We loved our time with our guide Melina. She adapted our time with her to maximize the experience and tailor it to our needs. The drive and hike up into the mountains and the time with the shepherds were highlights.

We found Alghero very interesting, historic, not too touristy, and accessible. It had great food and restaurants, excellent shops, and bars with kind owners and staff. I believe Villa Las Tronas was the only 5-star hotel on our itinerary. It had an unbeatable location: an easy walk to town, quiet, and situated directly next to the sea. The pool and gym were another highlight. We had two small baths in our sea view room, but both had small or cumbersome showers. The room did not include a coffee maker and, in fact, had instant coffee packets! But the decor and breakfast and staff were all wonderful.

We probably could have used another 30-40 minutes at our last stop in Castelsardo. We enjoyed a nice lunch at a local restaurant, but we did not have time to walk to the top of the castle.

The end of our trip with friends in Porto Cervo went very well. We had great meals, enjoyed the beach, and went boating.

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Lisbon and Barcelona: private sunset cruise, a tapas crawl, and experiencing true local living

MARY LOU VOYTKO | AUGUST 26, 2024

Mary Lou Voytko and family on a private sunset cruise in Lisbon, Portugal.

A Lisbon highlight: Ending the day with sightseeing and refreshments on the river.

We recently returned from a fabulous trip that Gonçalo and his associate, Joana, crafted for us and our two nieces to Lisbon and Barcelona. This trip was a college graduation gift from us for our nieces, who opted to defer the trip until they had completed their post college training and were about to start their first full-time jobs.

Our nieces were amazed at all the sites that we were able to see and experience in the 6 short days that we had for the trip. In planning our trip, I assumed that we would be staying in hotels, but thanks to Joana, we stayed in amazing 2-bedroom apartments in perfect neighborhoods that allowed us to experience true local living in each city. Joana did a great job in taking all of our interests, including day trips out of Lisbon and Barcelona, and arranging an almost seamless trip.

Highlights of our Lisbon portion was hearing Fado, taking a private sunset cruise on the Tagus River, and staying in the bohemian old town section of Lisbon, while in Barcelona the standouts were the tapas crawl in the Gothic Quarter, experiencing an amazing Flamenco show in one of the highly rated venues, seeing several of Gaudi’s magnificent structural creations, and participating in a multi-course cooking class. All of our guides and drivers were wonderful, especially when they learned that one of our nieces was suffering from terrible motion sickness on one of our longer and windy-road day trips. Our guide gave up her front seat for our niece so that she was less affected, and our niece was thus able to enjoy the day. It’s reasons like this that we always use Wendy’s WOW List for all of our international trips.

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Brazil: regaled by “fantastic” guides for rainforest hike, birding in the Tijuca forest…

WENDI BERKOWITZ | AUGUST 20, 2024

We (my husband and I) went on our first ever trip to Brazil in June/July 2024, a three-week adventure, using the expert services of Paul and his team. Normally, I plan our trips, but when our destination is a bit “off the beaten path” and I am less confident about my abilities on logistics, I happily surrender the planning to the experts. This was such a destination and trip.

From the first contact, Paul added significant value. I had very particular ideas about what parts of the country we wanted to visit and how many of them to stack into our 3 weeks. Paul helped us choose locations that were “right” weather-wise for the time of year we were planning (Brazil’s winter), as well as ones that made sense logistically. He also suggested a couple of locations I hadn’t considered, and they were brilliant. Without Paul’s advice, we likely would have chosen to visit more places than made sense (with the resulting rushed and ultimately unsatisfying experience) as well as booking into some lodgings that, although are very highly “rated,” might not have met our needs and desires as well as the lodgings Paul chose for us, all of which were perfect. Along the way, we received welcome notes from Paul’s team, as well as a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit at our last stop.

We ran into a bit of a hiccup between our second to last and our last stops, resulting from weather preventing us from catching a couple of connecting flights. We received timely help from the team’s head of operations, who helped us to secure a last-minute hotel room at the São Paulo airport Marriott as well as replacement plane tickets for the flights we missed. This particular situation unfolded over the course of an entire day and into the night, and though it was stressful, it could have and would have been much more of a production had we not been working with Paul. His company also assisted us in collecting the documentation we needed to obtain reimbursement from our travel insurance. All of this was made much easier for us, especially given the language barrier (we do not speak Portuguese and many of the suppliers we were dealing with had Portuguese as their first, and in some cases only, language).

I also want to point out how important the wonderful guides and drivers were to the enjoyment of our trip. Each of them was fantastic and tailored to our stated interests. I would hire each and every one of them again if/when we return to their geographic area(s)—Rocco, who drove us from the São Paulo airport to Paraty, from Paraty to Rio, and helped to guide us on a rainforest hike in the Mata Atlantica; Ricardo, who took us on a fabulous “highlights of Rio” tour as well as a birding hike in the Tijuca forest; Stefan, who was our private guide for our 4 days in the Pantanal and introduced us to the fantastic bird (and other wild-) life there; Eduardo, who drove us back and forth between Porto Seguro and Trancoso, regaling us all the way with funny and interesting stories; and Maisa, who took good care of us in São Paulo and offered wonderful sightseeing tips even though she was only hired to drive us between the city and the airport.

I now have two experiences with Wendy Perrin WOW List experts and I am convinced that for that extra-special trip planning, this is the way to go!!

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Galapagos & mainland Ecuador: ocean safari, horseback riding, cooking classes…

THERESA SANDOVAL | AUGUST 19, 2024

From the beginning, when Allie pulled a summer trip out of nowhere to the end when she made sure everything went as planned on our trip, she was a superb travel planner! My family and I spent 2 days in Quito, 5 on the Coral II in the Galapagos, and my younger son and I had an additional 2 days in Cotopaxi. Everyone loved it!

We traveled in late June 2024 and our first stop was GO Quito Hotel, which we highly recommend. Allie procured us adjoining rooms, where we all slept soundly for both nights. The breakfast buffet at the rooftop restaurant could not have been a better introduction to the sights (the views were lovely) and flavours of Quito. After breakfast, we met our tour guide Henry who remained with us for 2 days in Quito and met my son and I for an additional 2 days in Cotopaxi after the cruise. Henry paced the sightseeing well for us, was patient with our kids and our questions, and he always had the best restaurant recommendations. After our days running around Quito, we all enjoyed relaxing at the hotel sauna, pool, and bar in the evenings.

Once our cruise began, we had to pinch ourselves because somehow we were the only family on a 20-passenger boat! The only other guest was a young digital marketing employee of the cruise company, and we all enjoyed getting to know him. It was a dream! The Galápagos Islands are as incredible as you have heard. We were on an ocean safari with the clearest water and the closest encounters with animal life that we had ever experienced. The crew on Coral II was friendly and accommodating (we have a son with many food allergies that can be a challenge), and I slept better on that trip than I have in years. My sons and husband agreed that every day was the right mix of relaxation and action, with a little education thrown in for good measure. We loved it!

After seeing off my older son and husband (after spending the night at a fantastic airport hotel—The Wyndham Quito Airport), Henry met my younger son and I to continue our adventure to Cotopaxi. We had some hiking adventures, horseback riding, cooking classes, and spent a fun afternoon testing our cool plunge tolerance in the spa. Highly recommend Hacienda Porvenir! Once again, Henry guided us to some fantastic experiences and told us great stories. Overall, we would recommend Allie—and Ecuador—without reservation.

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Southern Africa: well-curated camps, sherbet-colored dunes, lions “so close”…

JULIE HEIMARK | AUGUST 17, 2024

Quad biking in the Namib desert. Photo: Traveler Julie Heimark

To celebrate our older son’s high school graduation, we planned a 28-day Southern Africa trip with Julian for July/August 2024. We had previously worked with Julian’s colleague Allie for our 2021 Galapagos trip and knew that when it came to Africa, using Julian was a given.

This was our first trip to Africa. We found the variety of camps and destinations overwhelming so we put ourselves completely in Julian’s hands. And we are so glad we did.

Julian planned a truly amazing trip. Every detail was perfect and seamless. For the entire month, we literally just showed up—whether at a hotel or an air strip or a border crossing—and our guides/fixers took care of it all. We also used Julian’s team for our international airfare, which took all of the stress out of the process.

We did Cape Town, 3 Namibia camps (Little Kulala, Hoanib Skeleton Coast, Serra Cafema), 3 Botswana camps (Vumbura South, Duba Plains, Selinda) and Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe.

Julian’s expertise was particularly valuable for 1) our Cape Town hotel, 2) the curation of the different camps, and 3) the itinerary. First, Julian guided us to a more modern, design-forward Cape Town hotel (the Silo) that we loved. Second, every camp was unique, and for each camp we said “Ah, now we know why Julian selected this one.” Finally, our particular path, from Cape Town to Namibia to Bots to Vic Falls, was ideal for us first-time visitors and allowed the continent to unfold before us.

There is simply not enough space to describe all of the extraordinary experiences. Hiking down sherbet-colored dunes. Lions and elephants and leopards and crocodiles so close you could have touched them. Joining African wild dogs on their hunt. Watching lionesses attempt to take down a buffalo. Sundowning with rhinos. Meeting the Himba people. Every day was a different National Geographic special. And we all agreed that this was one of our best food trips ever (and one of us is pescatarian).

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Finland: walking tours of Helsinki, opera in an ancient castle, manicured stone church and grounds…

JEANNIE MULLEN | AUGUST 17, 2024

An impromptu stop by the driver at a manicured church in Espoo, Finland. Photo: Traveler Jeannie Mullen

I reached out to Jan recently to plan a trip to Finland on short notice. This is the third such trip that Jan has planned for me to Scandinavia. Previous trips to Norway and Denmark (with a brief foray into southern Sweden) had gone beautifully so I did not hesitate to reach out to Jan again through Wendy’s website. Having worked with him before, it made the planning a lot easier. The local guide that Jan paired me with, Raila, did a super job and was a lot of fun to be with. She was particularly adept at weaving illustrations of the local way of life throughout the day. For me, one of the joys of solo travel is that I have more one-on-one time with guides and can get to know them and the local scene better. Often, as was the case with Raila, you’re given a glimpse into their everyday lives when they aren’t working, sort of “a day in the life of” look. And I find great enjoyment in that.

Finland was a fascinating place. Because the trip was planned on short notice, I didn’t take the time to do much research in advance, so the entire trip experience was a grand surprise. Finns are very low-key, quiet and friendly, the food is scrumptious and fresh (lots of fish and shellfish), the style of art and architecture is unique, public parks and walking trails are very scenic and plentiful, and the Baltic Sea (the Gulf of Finland) is everywhere you turn.

With the exception of one overnight stay in Savonlinna, I was based in Helsinki for the entire trip, so I only unpacked once. I had a private driver and guide, so whatever the plans were for the day, we could always adapt on the fly if the situation or the weather warranted. Together, Jan and Raila developed a very diverse itinerary which included several city walking tours in Helsinki and multiple day trips into the surrounding suburbs and further into the countryside. In addition to the walking tours in Helsinki which included food, art, architecture and history, there are several unique experiences that Jan and Raila included that stand out …

1) Savonlinna. I flew north to Savonlinna to watch a performance of DonGiovanni performed in Olavinlinna Castle, a 15th-century castle with three towers built on an island. Not only was the venue exceptional and different, the acoustics were sensational. Before I returned to Helsinki the next morning, I took a long self-guided walk around the town of Savonlinna, and discovered a local market outside the entrance to my hotel—a gorgeous Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral and attendant Hero’s Grave memorial and multiple ornate birdhouses which were part of over 100 in the city centre contributed by local artist Marko Ruuskanan. Returning to my hotel I walked across the Torisilia walking bridge past the Samaii ringed seal statue to the harbor and market square in front of my hotel, all the while listening to an opera singer performing at a nearby open air restaurant.

2) July is when Finns leave Helsinki and go to their summer homes. I was blessed to be invited to the summer home of Raila’s family friend one afternoon. We toured his family property (including four different lakeside saunas), had coffee and local pastries in the garden, and talked about life in the country, hunting and politics. It was truly lovely.

3) Raila’s neighborhood and surroundings. One afternoon we left Helsinki for the neighborhoods north of the city and took the same long walk along the neighborhood shoreline that Raila takes on her days off, all the while seeing how locals spend their time off with family outdoors. We ended the day at her apartment with a champagne toast and a walking tour through her modernized complex complete with dog washing stations.

4) Impromptu stops suggested by Sami, our driver. The driver that we had for the entirety of the trip often had suggestions for short detours… one stop in particular was a stone church in the suburbs of Espoo which was surrounded by the most beautifully manicured cemetery I had ever seen. Flowers were planted, not potted, so they were permanent. Everything was immaculate and the interior of the church was fascinating.

5) One evening we went to a local dance club north of the city… it was a fascinating glimpse into a unique social aspect of Finnish culture. Many couples came together for a night out of dancing, but more came as singles (of both genders) in hopes of finding a dance partner. Women lined up to be chosen as partners and if they weren’t chosen in a particular round, danced together instead.

6) Ferry ride to Suomenlinna Seaborg… this morning excursion by ferry to Suomenlinna was super interesting … built by Sweden beginning in the mid 18th-century as a naval fortress, it has also been governed through the years by Russia and now Finland… the fortified islands are now inhabited by local Finns in what is now considered a bit of an artist’s colony.

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Ireland: Killarney’s a “gem” for dining, pubs, music, shopping…

COLLEEN PIETROBONO | AUGUST 16, 2024

Our family of 4 traveled to Ireland. We had a few things planned and worked with Katie Stewart to add driver/guides, accommodations in Dublin, and special touches. Katie and her team really nailed our intention to have a full but not hectic tour of the Southwest using the sweet town of Killarney as our home base. Our driver/guide, Ger, was exceptional in his approach—professional yet engaging and full of local knowledge and charm.

Killarney was an absolute highlight as a homebase due to its location in the national park, variety of dining, pubs, music and shopping. We would have been heartbroken to simply pass through this gem of a town. And, the Killarney Park hotel exceeded expectations with its lush garden setting, fabulous breakfast and doting staff. Our return to Dublin and stay at The Dylan introduced us to a new neighborhood and the attention to detail again exceeded our expectations. Katie and her team could not have been more on-point for our crew. Thanks for the memories!

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Norway & Copenhagen: impeccable preparations, fairyland falls, captivating conversations…

ANDY KAPLAN | AUGUST 14, 2024

We recently returned from an unforgettable two-week adventure in Copenhagen and Norway with another couple that are our close friends. Torunn and Anya orchestrated a perfect journey for us.

First, they prepared us impeccably for the unpredictable weather—thank goodness! Norway’s climate can be a bit of a surprise, but Torunn and Anya had us pack for everything from 75 degrees and sunny to 45 degrees and rainy. Our wardrobe included shorts, bathing suits, rain pants, jackets, smart wool layers, and fleeces—layers, layers, layers! While other travelers canceled activities due to inappropriate gear, we were always ready to embrace the elements.

Although a couple of activities were canceled, we quickly pivoted to alternatives from a list they had provided. We spent one delightful day exploring museums in Trondheim (including their awesome Rockheim museum of pop and rock) and another indulged in extra spa time in the beautiful surroundings of our hotel. Both days turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. Ironically, we received your article about adapting to inclement weather right around that time—we could have been the poster children for it!

Second, Torunn and Anya excelled in finding authentic experiences to connect us with locals—something you know well! They really listened to our needs, preferences, and interests and created a great itinerary with a great mix of active, relaxing, engaging, and memorable. Some highlights include:

• Our private bike tour in Copenhagen began with a bit of disappointment, as our guide was an expat from LA, but we had such interesting conversations with her about her decision to move her family to Denmark and the process for citizenship and talking about the different cultures and lifestyles that we were thrilled by the end. We learned so much from her.

• In Trondheim, we enjoyed a hilarious evening at the Visit Bjørn dinner—it was a real hoot! With only one other group present, employees from the dairy cooperative Tine, we had some engaging conversations. Spotting Tine products throughout our trip became a fun game. Bjørn and his wife were very fun, wonderful hosts and the food (and drink) were great.

• During a travel day, we stopped at Tingvoll for a cheese lunch and farm tour. It was captivating and the cheeses were amazing! We could have spent the whole day talking to the owner about their ethical and thoughtful farming practices.

• We requested something like a “WOW” moment, a surprise activity that we paid for ourselves (used our last WOW certificate already), and they delivered! We had a magical dinner in Øye with a local couple in their family’s milking shed up in the valley, followed by a walk to a hidden waterfall. It felt like stepping into a fairyland, a truly enchanting experience, and getting to know the couple and hear their history and family stories made the whole thing highly meaningful and really special.

• At the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, we enjoyed a private guided tour with the director, Thor Heyerdahl’s granddaughter. It was particularly thrilling for us because we studied Heyerdahl’s work in college, and exciting for our friends learning about his amazing achievements for the first time.

Third, the hotels and restaurants they chose were all lovely and very charming and well-located, with friendly staff who made us feel at home. Special thanks to Martha at the Storfjord Hotel and the delightful day and evening staff at the Britannia Hotel in Trondheim. They were simply wonderful and made a great hotel that much more memorable.

We’d highly recommend Torunn and her team—they really made our time in Norway and Copenhagen special.

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Tuscany: perfect accessible villa, and a pool to beat the heat…

SHARON CUNNINGHAM | AUGUST 13, 2024

The trip was amazing. We loved the hotel/villa Martina found for us—it was beyond perfect. We needed one of the bedrooms w/a bathroom to be on the first floor for accessibility for my parents, and Martina found the most perfect accommodations.

In fact, I would say that the villa & the hotel were the wow on this trip. The service was outstanding, the villa luxurious and understated. Having the private pool in the August Tuscan heat made our days relaxing, cooling and fun. The breakfasts every day were so delicious and abundant. We loved having breakfast served at the villa on the days we had afternoon or evening plans. I would not have found this place without Martina’s help.

The activities that Martina helped me select and put together were wonderful. As a family, our cheese and wine tasting day in Chianti was probably the highlight. We celebrated my son’s birthday on that day, and Martina arranged for a birthday cake to surprise him at the end of the day after wine tasting and lunch. He loved it and felt very celebrated. The other two stand out activities were the food tour w/Streaty and the private tour of the Uffizi. The food guide tour was so knowledgeable about food history that we learned a lot and were beyond full by the end. The guide at the Uffizi was also very knowledgeable and made the visit highly educational, even for my 15-year-old son. Although we enjoyed visiting Livorno, I would not say this visit is a must. My family is originally from there so that was the draw for us, but we found there was not that much to see there. Our guide there was very good too, though she wasn’t as good a listener as the other guides we had on the trip so we did not connect with her as much as we did w/the other guides we had.

And lastly, I cannot sing Martina’s praises high enough. She listened to what we wanted and created exactly the right trip for our family. She was very helpful w/all the different needs of our family, ages 15 to 81. When at the last minute my parents could not come on the trip, she helped rearrange what needed to be rearranged and was available by phone and text throughout our vacation. I would definitely use her services again. Martina could not control the weather and warned me that Florence in August would be tough, but she helped plan our days w/the activities early in the day or after sunset to make it more manageable. This was our only time to take this trip and I’m very very glad we did, but I would say that if at all possible do not go to Tuscany in August.

This trip was arranged by WOW List candidates. Here’s what that means.

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Costa Rica: “breathtaking” volcano views, wildlife right from our hotel balcony…

ELENA DEBIASIO | AUGUST 9, 2024

Pierre and his team planned a phenomenal trip to Costa Rica for my husband and I. We went on a trip for our 25th anniversary and Pierre listened to what we were looking for to plan a trip that met all of our needs. We really enjoyed our first hotel, The Royal Corin. It was exactly what we were looking for—a calm and relaxing hotel with great pools filled with water from the hot springs. A perfect place to go after a day of hiking and sightseeing. The views of the volcano were breathtaking.

We also enjoyed each tour that was booked for us—from the suspension bridges to the rafting, each tour was special in its own way. The tour groups were never too big, and we felt like we got great attention from our guides. In fact, the coffee, chocolate and sugar cane tour was a private tour!

Our next hotel, Hotel Parador, was also nice, but for different reasons. It also boasted stunning views and included a variety of wildlife that could be spotted and experienced right from our hotel balcony. We had close encounters with monkeys, sloths and incredible birds, just being on the hotel grounds. All of our guides were extremely knowledgeable and knew all the great spots for animal sightings.

We appreciated how Pierre and his team organized such a seamless trip for us, which included private transportation to hotels and the airport. Because of their attention to detail, we had a relaxing and memorable trip.

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London: special access to Churchill’s War Rooms, food and drink tours, spotting King Charles…

ROBYN NEEDHAM | AUGUST 8, 2024

Our trip to London that Katie planned was fantastic! It started out rough, not because of Katie’s planning, but because our flights were cancelled due to the CrowdStrike issues. Katie was quick to rearrange our plans due to these glitches and all was done smoothly and seamlessly. The hotel that was arranged was top-notch. Location was amazing on the edges of central London and SOHO. Highlights of our trip included a “behind the glass” tour of Churchill’s War Rooms. If you like history, even if you don’t, we highly recommend this tour. The bunker rooms are just like they left them at the end of the war. From there, we walked through central London, Parliament and Big Ben, but more unique highlights included the historic hat shop to all the royals, Churchill and others. The cigar store that kept Churchill supplied during his stressful war days. And a personal view of King Charles leaving St James Palace! Can’t guarantee that on every tour, but our guide, Angus, was very knowledgeable and observant to place us in a spot that was likely to see King Charles.

We also replicated the iconic Beatles’ Abbey Road crossing and saw many of the studios and venues in SOHO that vaulted the careers of artists such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John, The Sex Pistols and more. We also toured London and learned its history through 4 drinks, tea, coffee, beer and gin, as well as a food walking tour through East London that taught us London’s food options have matured and match that of any place in the world. A huge improvement from the poor reputation of yore.

Katie customized our trip to our perfect interests. And we finished our trip watching our daughter perform in an honors choir at Royal Festival Hall, a short walk across the Thames from our hotel.

Our tour guides, Emma, Angus, Chris, George and Nicholas, were all fantastic. All knowledgeable and all attentive to our wishes. They made our London trip amazing and left us wanting to visit again. London is now one of our favorite places in the world and a place we definitely recommend all to experience.

Cheers!

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Malta: delicious food, interesting locals, archaeology…

RUTH ANNE LAWSON | JULY 31, 2024

We just returned from five nights in Valletta, Malta. We had just completed a Mediterranean cruise and flew to Valletta from Barcelona. In Valletta, we were met by our driver, Owen, and our guide, Robert, and began our incredible Maltese experience arranged by Jason Allan. I really hate to use the word “amazing” because it is so overused right now, but Malta is truly amazing. I wish we had planned 2 weeks there because I don’t think Jason would have run out of fabulous experiences for us.

Jason arranged incredible accommodations and suggested great restaurants. Our adventures in Malta were a treat for all our senses. We tasted great local wines and dishes, toured interesting museums and archeological sites, and spent a relaxing day on the Mediterranean Sea. Our guide and driver were so accommodating when we asked to see where the bomb hit the dome of the basilica at Mosta. Even though it was not on our agenda, they happily added it and we so appreciated their flexibility. My husband has a strong interest in WWII and was thrilled to see the private home museum of a local expert on Operation Pedestal. We felt extremely fortunate to be able to spend time looking at his collection and hearing his stories of Malta’s WWII involvement. As an amateur artist, I especially loved seeing the art of Caravaggio at St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

There can be little doubt that the Mediterranean is a huge incredible archeological site and Malta is an integral part of it. We wish we had known to stay longer, but believe strongly that Jason’s planning maximized our time in this incredible country.

Contact Jason and Damon

The Galapagos & Machu Picchu: smart itinerary, great local contacts, mid-trip support…

JESSICA PRINCE | JULY 30, 2024

We couldn’t have been more pleased with the service, planning, depth of knowledge, and responsiveness of Allie and her office in putting together our most special Galapagos and Machu Picchu adventure — but they really shined, and showed their exceptional service, when my husband got sick and we needed to make a few last-minute adjustments to our itinerary.

They kept close tabs on us and his health, making us feel extra cared for, and seamlessly still got us the trip of a lifetime. It was extra validation that we picked the exact right consultant to plan our holiday.

All the Galapagos ships Allie suggested looked fabulous. We chose the Endemic and the expedition exceeded expectations. The ship and rooms are stunning, airy and open; and the staff couldn’t do enough for us. Delicious and fresh meals, fascinating tours of the islands and animals, and flexibility even to follow blue whales when spotted (even though not on the itinerary).

All the guides, drivers, transfer agents, hotels, restaurants, locales, and activities Allie planned for us in Peru were perfect. Everything was smooth and easy for us. It wasn’t until we got there that we fully appreciated the care and thought that went into our itinerary. Allie understood the exact right number of days in each place, with just the right amount of free time vs. touring. Each hotel was carefully and perfectly selected for us.

I cannot think of even one aspect of Allies service that was not exceptional. I have already suggested her to several friends; and can only hope our next consultant is as good as she is. Run, don’t walk, to use her for your Ecuador and Peru adventure!

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Contact Patricia and Rachael

Caribbean yacht charter: snorkeling an epic reef, fishing for your dinner…

JOHN LIVERMORE | JULY 22, 2024

Just back from a family vacation to Belize. We booked a 7-night cruise aboard the 52-foot Ventana Al Mar with our 3 sons through Rachael and Patricia. We landed in Belize City and were met by John, our driver, to take us 20 minutes to the pier where we found our boat. On board were Eric and Hanna as our captain and chef.

Our days were filled with cruising the sparsely populated southern reef of Belize, stopping at a couple of snorkeling spots each day. Eric, our captain, who grew up fishing the same waters we were on, was an expert in everything we found under the surface. He showed us how to find lobsters and how to spear them to eat for our dinners. The reef was beautiful to behold with tons of colorful fish. I personally saw a large octopus, several manta rays, and a couple of large crabs. I have never seen up close a reef so prolific with abundant life.

Eric was a fantastic captain. Easygoing with a good sense of humor, he is deeply skilled in all things boating, and even was able to complete repairs singlehandedly on a couple of issues that came up with the engines and generator. He had our route planned for our stops, when we should leave each morning, and how long to spend at each location.

From a sailing friend who bareboat captains his own vessels, the Belize waters are expert-level terrain boating-wise. There are many shallow areas where one can run aground, and the weather and currents can be tricky. After speaking with my friend, I realized HOW MUCH CAN GO WRONG AND QUICKLY. Every day on a sailing vessel, there are many issues around resource management, navigation, weather, mechanical, the list goes on. For a passenger, a good captain means you never notice any of those issues. Eric is that captain. As a passenger, he made sure our journey went smoothly.

Hanna, our chef and first mate, made great breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinners for us each day. My wife and I tend to travel with food in mind, so having great meals deliciously prepared are always a priority. Hanna knocked it out of the park with every meal. Her style is heavily influenced by her travels across the Mediterranean.

Food/meals included appetizers like shrimp with a sauce and spring rolls, lobster ceviche, and Mediterranean chicken skewers, and dinners like grilled grouper, pork tenderloin, lobster Cajun pasta. One day we had a BBQ-style lunch on the beach that Hanna and Eric set up from the boat, and another night we had lobster tails and large crabs cooked over a fire “fisherman style.” One night, Eric free dove down about 50 feet and speared a beautiful Hogfish that was served that night (fantastic piece of fish). Everything was delicious, and Hanna kept the boat tidy and clean during our stay.

Thank you to Rachael, Patricia, and their team for helping us to have such a great experience in Belize. And thank you to our gracious hosts, Eric and Hanna, for providing such great day-to-day experiences!

Egypt & Dubai: special access, avoiding crowds, beating the heat…

JEFF STENGEL | JULY 21, 2024

Jeff and Linda Stengel next to the Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt.

Jeff and Linda Stengel got time alone with the Sphinx.

My wife and I just returned from a great trip to Dubai and Egypt. Jim and his team did a wonderful job of planning a trip that met our preferences for the right amount of history with modern comforts. We spent the first two days at the Address Dubai Mall. It is an excellent hotel attached to the Dubai mall with a view of the Burj Khalifa from the balcony of our room. Jim arranged a tour of the city that gave us a great overview and better understanding of old and new Dubai.

From there we were on to Cairo. We spent two days touring the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), Khan el Khalili Bazaar, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Giza, Valley Temple and Sakkara. Our Egyptologist and guide did an amazing job of showing us all the sights while avoiding large crowds. At the impressive GEM, which is undergoing a soft opening, we were the first visitors in the complex prior to its opening time and seemed to have the entire place to ourselves for over 30 min.

The best part of Cairo for us was the morning we toured Giza. We entered through the back gate to the Pyramid complex when it was just opening and the vendors were arriving, including a group of at least 50 camels and their handlers. What a spectacular sight to see all these huge animals entering the historic Giza plateau. Later in the morning we would ride two of those camels with the Pyramids in the background. As we continued inside the gate we were the only people in the area of the Sphinx. Our guide was able to explain the history of the pyramids and the plateau to us in the shadow of the Sphinx with no tourists to be seen. Later that day at Sakkara our guide arranged for us to enter several tombs that were closed to the public that day. Again, no other tourists.

From Cairo we flew to Aswan, enroute stopping to visit Abu Simbel. That night we stayed at the Old Cataract Hotel with a room that had an astounding view of the Nile and the Nubian archeological dig across the river. The hotel is a treasure trove of history and its 1902 Restaurant is a wonderful nod to the area’s nostalgia. The next day we boarded the Oberoi Zahara for a Nile cruise. Jim had told us this was the nicest small cruise ship on the Nile. He was certainly correct. The boat was very comfortable, the food very good and the crew outstanding. We cruised for a couple of days down the Nile, touring several temples along the way and enjoying the view of the small ribbon of civilization that the river supports along its banks.

Our last stop was Luxor. In Luxor we visited Medinat Habu, the Valley of the Kings (including the tomb of King Tut and Seti I), Karnak Temple, the Temple of Luxor, and the Luxor Museum. During our time in Luxor, the temperature had become unusually high, about 20 degrees above normal, with the high approaching 115 degrees. Thanks to Jim we had a private guide the entire time who made sure we avoided the hottest part of the day and took well-spaced breaks when we explored all the important sites. We noticed another tour group that was also traveling on the Oberoi Zahara who was out for an extensive time touring and returned to the boat very hot and tired at the end of the day.

During all of our travels, we felt completely safe. The arrangements made by Jim and his team of operations people, guides and drivers were spot-on and flexible enough to meet any changing conditions.

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Contact Jim

Bali: lesser-known gems in a “Hawaii on steroids”…

DON SCHERER | JULY 20, 2024

Bali is incredibly beautiful, Hawaii on steroids. The biggest challenge is avoiding traffic and crowds as much as possible. For that reason, we followed Diane’s advice and avoided southern Bali. We did go to Ubud, where that’s also an issue. Our strongest advice to others would be to seek out less well-known places, such as Munduk and Sideman, which are less developed and more like the Bali of old. We’d also suggest avoiding some of the best-known temples, parks, rice fields and waterfalls, because the lesser-known places are almost as impressive and a lot less crowded.

We loved all 5 hotels where we stayed. We can see why Diane says that Como Shambhala is her favorite in all of Bali, even though it’s quite a bit less expensive than some other places in Ubud. Amankila was our splurge and lived up to expectations as a fabulous place. Our most pleasant surprise was Munduk Moding, where we loved the surrounding area, our room, the food, the service, and the activities, all at a very reasonable price. Because all the hotels were so great, we avoided a lot of the traffic and crowds by seeing most sites on transfer days, so that on non-transfer days, we could enjoy the hotel grounds and their immediate surrounding areas and activities. That made for an active yet relaxing vacation.

A couple activities near Ubud that we’d highly recommend were the Mask and Puppet Museum; ARMA; the Bird Park and adjoining Reptile Park; and the walk through the rice fields at Subak Sukabayu. And massages were great and inexpensive almost everywhere, especially at Munduk Moding.

A real highlight was visiting a traditional village where Diane is worshipped by the locals. We were the only tourists there and interacted with the villagers to make offerings and hats; walk the fields and observe the farmers hard at work; eat a delicious traditional lunch; and participate in their traditional music and dance. Not only did we like it, but the villagers also seemed to genuinely enjoy it. It wasn’t touristy at all and seemed very authentic.

Another highlight was our WOW Moment on our final evening: a traditional Balinese dinner at Amankila with a great bottle of Australian wine.

All in all, a very good vacation.

Ask Wendy

Peru: traditional crafts, Machu Picchu by train, cooking class…

GERALD PENA | JULY 20, 2024

Mark planned an amazing 10-day trip for the four us (two couples) in Peru that spanned across Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. We ate at some excellent restaurants (Maido, Central, MIL), with very good local restaurants mixed in as well. Our guide Jonathan throughout the trip was one of the best we’ve ever had, immense knowledge and extremely friendly, he almost felt like a family member by the end of the trip!

Other than Machu Picchu, the highlight of the trip was the Hiram Bingham train from Machu Picchu to Cusco — what an incredible experience with dinner and entertainment that made the 3.5-hr journey fly by! We loved the unique experiences Mark arranged, such as the visit to the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, where we learned about textile weaving from local women; MIL Immersion Experience where we spent 2-3 hrs walking through the native lands to learn about local ingredients from a farmer then ending with lunch; and an in-home cooking class with a local chef that started with a walk through the farmers’ market and ended with a delicious 3-course lunch atop the chef’s balcony.

Jessica and the in-country team were simply tremendous with their concierge support throughout our trip, as there were several instances where schedule/timings had to be changed, and especially at the end of our trip where our return flights home were cancelled/delayed twice. Overall, we had an awesome vacation and big thanks to Marisol’s team!

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Contact Marisol

Brazil: combining big cities, coast, and Amazon…

ANNE MARIE SEIBEL | JULY 20, 2024

Anne Marie Seibel and family in the Brazilian Amazon.

We just returned from an incredible trip to Brazil planned by Paul. We had our children with us, ages 19 and 16. Paul helped us plan out a trip that balanced the wonders of the Amazon with the big cities of Rio and São Paulo. We also made a stop in Paraty.

Our guide in São Paulo, Maissa, picked us up at the airport after our overnight flight from Atlanta and conducted a tour crafted to our interests. We stopped at a local market, saw the famous murals, found a shop to buy organically grown coffee, visited a street where only musical instruments were sold, and checked off key historic monuments. She also saved the day the next morning when our flight time changed to an earlier time and she helped us all the way until security to be sure we made it.

The Cristalino Lodge in the Amazon was nothing short of magical. Our guide Rafael was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the animals and plant life all around us. He skillfully guided us, along with our boat driver who knew the river like the back of his hand. The 50-meter towers were both highlights and challenges for those of us scared of heights. But, being above the top of the rainforest canopy to watch the rainforest wake up was worth it. Food and facilities at the lodge were excellent and we left with a deep appreciation for the work being done to preserve the Amazon.

In Rio, our guide, Ricardo helped navigate cloudy weather to adjust our two-day plan on the fly. He received a call as soon as Christ the Redeemer was out of clouds and we beat the crowds up to the top. The weather held out for our WOW Moment of flying by helicopter over the city. Rain disrupted a planned hike, but we replaced it with two tours that were a hit — the Maracanã soccer stadium and Carnival World. Both ended up being a welcome opportunity to get a feel for culture in Rio and we thoroughly enjoyed them.

Our highlight in Paraty was an in-home cooking lesson by Yara Castro and Richard Roberts. They welcomed us into their home with lessons on history and food. We stayed at the beautiful Pousada Literária de Paraty.

We were thankful that Paul’s team made wonderful hotel and restaurant selections in each location and their app was easy to use.

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Contact Paul

Arizona and Utah national parks: off-roading, hiking, canyoning…

BRUCE MITTLEMAN | JULY 14, 2024

We had a wonderful experience with Melissa, and recommend her without reservation. We were a family of four traveling with two teens. Melissa was informative, friendly, and available to us from start to finish. We had several phone conversations before the trip, adjusting the itinerary based on our preferences and budget. Melissa patiently answered all of our questions, and even helped us when our rental car broke down. We started our trip in Sedona, AZ, continued to the Grand Canyon, then to Page, AZ, Bryce Canyon, UT, Zion, and Las Vegas, NV.

Highlights of the trip were: the exciting Pink Jeep tour in Sedona, exploring the hoodoos of Bryce, the spectacular beauty of Antelope Canyon, and canyoning in Zion, a new experience for us. We enjoyed hiking the Narrows in Zion, though would recommend an earlier start, since it was crowded while we were there. Melissa thoughtfully chose accommodations to maximize space and privacy, while keeping costs down. We especially loved the accommodations in Sedona and in Bryce, both adorable cottages. This trip was an amazing adventure.

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Lisbon & Mallorca: hip guide, navigating Taylor Swift crowds, beachside lounging…

ELIZABETH CRAWFORD | JULY 11, 2024

Elizabeth Crawford and her family at a waterfront restaurant featured in The Night Manager mini-series in Mallorca, Spain.

Elizabeth Crawford and family at a waterfront restaurant featured in The Night Manager mini-series.

We recently enjoyed a 2-week trip to Lisbon and Mallorca beautifully planned by WOW expert Ivan. Ivan took the time to really understand our goals in the trip, and created an itinerary that prized creating memories with our kids. My daughter and I arrived separately from my husband and son, so it was very reassuring to be met and escorted by a driver in a very nice Mercedes minivan upon arrival to Lisbon. The hotel Ivan arranged for us was a “postcard-perfect” palace in a central location perfect for mom and daughter to explore from for a few days.

Once the rest of the family arrived, Ivan arranged a Foodie tour with local guide AnnElise. She spoke excellent English, was a history expert, but was also young and fun so our kids felt like she was just hanging out with us. As we explored, AnnElise used her personal connections with the culinary community to guide us to memorable experiences more authentic than touristy: We tasted Iberian ham from a small grocer, Bifana sandwiches from a lunch counter, pastries from a historic baker, and cherry liqueur from the “original” maker. We even shared beer from a horn in an old tavern. We were ultimately in Lisbon to see the Taylor Swift concert. Ivan arranged for an experienced driver, who provided invaluable white-glove treatment in the midst of huge crowds. Our driver was able to drive us right to the stadium, and then waited for us to escort us home after the concert. We felt secure and really enjoyed his company as he navigated the crowds and entertained us with stories of his celebrity driving experiences.

When we transferred to Palma de Mallorca, Ivan again made sure we had a local guide to introduce us to the city. Laura was charming and well connected to the local restaurants. While winding us through the narrow streets, pointing out landmarks and helping us learn our way around, Laura introduced us to local tapas bars and wines. The food was excellent and we had our favorite wine of the trip in an exclusive wine bar that we would’ve never been able to get into on our own.

Ivan was in constant contact with us throughout our trip, making sure we knew what to expect as well as checking in daily to make sure our experiences had gone well. At Ivan’s suggestion, we took the opportunity to explore the historic inland towns with our local guide, Laura. My husband had asked to see the scenic restaurant featured in the mini-series The Night Manager along our route. Much to our surprise, Laura spoke to the restaurant matriarch, and we were able to have lunch in this gorgeous, exclusive setting—yet another restaurant we would never have been able to get into on our own.

And when we finally arrived at our spectacular hotel on the cliffs of Port de Soller, we felt like movie stars. We reveled in luxurious lounging at our hotel. Then later in the week, Ivan arranged for a private sailboat excursion with a very experienced captain for us. We appreciated that we actually sailed (not something you can always count on) along the stunning coastline, and loved swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Our trip was spectacular, and Ivan succeeded in making it feel personally tailored to us, with local access and expertise that only a WOW specialist can provide.

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Hawaii: city and beach from a “serene home base”…

JENNIFER CHENG | JULY 10, 2024

Jennifer Cheng's family with a dinosaur puppet that the guide brought during their UTV raptor tour at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii.

A smart private guide (like the one who surprised Jennifer Cheng’s family with a dinosaur puppet) know how to keep kids entertained.

We decided in early May to take a summer family trip to Hawaii for our son’s graduation. We’re a family of 5, and the kids had never been to Hawaii but my husband wanted a city vacation, so I picked Waikiki, which I hadn’t visited since college. It was a busy time of the year for us and I was overwhelmed with all the choices, so I filled out the trip questionnaire and started the process with Dani and Jen. We traveled at the end of June/early July for a week, so we had less than 6 weeks to plan. It was such a relief to not have to research everything and know that I was getting vetted recommendations and a thoughtful itinerary. I’m so glad I had their bookings, guidance, and their app with all the details and documents.

Based on what I told them, they recommended the Halekulani, which I marveled at as the right choice every time we returned to the hotel — so beautiful and calm and pampering in the middle of hectic Waikiki. The kids loved all the shopping and food options right outside the hotel, and it was so nice to have a serene home base with amazing service. Dani and Jen’s booking included room upgrades and daily breakfast for 5. I was also able to enjoy the hotel’s morning fitness class a few times.

We had a mix of busy days and relaxing days, and Jen made sure we had dinner reservations each night. The teens took surf lessons and we did the Kualoa ranch UTV raptor tour, all arranged by Jen. They also made the arrangements for a fantastic Diamond Head sunrise hike. When we visited the North Shore, we ate at the shrimp trucks and did the Haleiwa stand up paddleboarding on their recommendations. Overall, a memorable and wonderful family vacation. Everyone loved it. Thank you!

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Azores: outdoor adventures, fascinating geology, easy logistics…

SUSAN CRANDELL | JULY 10, 2024

Susan Crandell and her family on the coast of São Jorge Island in the Azores, Portugal.

Susan Crandell and family near a tide pool on the coast of São Jorge Island in the Azores.

Just back from 11 days in the Azores. That’s more time than many tourists spend, because the islands are often an add-on to mainland Portugal. I am so glad my family invested more time to explore this archipelago, rich in geology and history. A skillfully drawn itinerary by travel planner Gonçalo allowed us to see four islands with only two changes of lodging. We stayed at two hotels on the main island, São Miguel, and in a spacious two-bedroom villa on the vineyard-rich island of Pico. Ferry rides so pretty they made transportation an event in itself took us to Faial, where a dramatic lava formation soars into the sky, from an eruption in the 1950s, and to São Jorge, where lava flows and landslides have created fajãs—level land at the foot of volcanic cliffs that support small seaside communities. The volcanoes that shaped this archipelago gave each island a different geography, every one beautiful in a unique way.

Our itinerary had us outdoors every day, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, tasting local wines and cheeses, even cooking our dinner underground in the geothermal area of an inactive volcano. We visited a town inside a caldera, did an off-road Jeep tour, and spotted two species of whales, three species of dolphins, and an elusive hammerhead shark on a private boat tour. Most of our guides were locals who conveyed deep knowledge and even deeper passion for their islands. We soothed jet-lagged bones in geothermally heated pools on our first day; on our last full day, I had one of the top massages of my life (ask for Andre at the Octant Hotel in Ponta Delgada). I encourage anybody to mimic our extended itinerary and give the Azores their due.

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Tanzania: cheetah and lion sightings, meeting photographers and conservationists…

ELANE ZELCER | JULY 7, 2024

A female lion rebuffs the approach of a male, Tanzania.

A female lion rebuffs the approach of a male. Photo: Traveler Elane Zelcer

Having returned from East & Southern Africa yesterday, I’m still reliving those wonderful moments that come from having excellent guides that ensure extraordinary experiences alongside deep knowledge.

Cherri’ team, Katie and Yaqana, set this all in place knowing that I wanted to see and photograph big cats and elephants in the Serengeti Plains, Tanzania from 7-14 June. I’d been to Namibia, Botswana & Zambia, but not Tanzania. And this time I was travelling alone.

Namiri Plains, my first stop, was amazing — a really glorious lodge. My guide, Hatibu, met me at the Seronera airstrip, and over 4 days we were close to cheetah including a coalition of three males; a coalition of three lions that were pursuing a single male; a mother cheetah with five very young babies, fur-balls that romped & played in the deep grass while she called them as they disappeared & reappeared; and a young curious elephant that was comfortable with us being close by.

My last night included dinner with Kelvin Munisi, Project Manager with the Cheetah Conservation Initiative in Tanzania — this is an important program that is ensuring survival of cheetah in various African countries. It was good to learn about this.

Flying to Grumeti Airstrip, I saw more of Tanzania from the air — my next location was Mila Tented Camp, with “tents” that provided excellent accommodation and where I was looked after superbly. My guide Isack met me at the airstrip and soon we were watching three lions with 15 young cubs, then ostrich displaying their feathers, and we found two cheetah hiding in the deep grass. The next morning we spent several hours with a big male lion who was pursuing a disinterested female — even when she lashed out and her cubs appeared, he continued. All sightings were fascinating and provided great learnings and photo opportunities.

And to top it all off, my WOW Moment was an afternoon with Stanley Raymond, a fantastic photographer. We tried to photograph Mt Kilimanjaro, but the weather wasn’t helpful, so we had a great several hours photographing other sights and talking all things photography.

A big thank you to all those who helped make this trip so enjoyable — there is no doubt that your knowledge and guidance helped make this safe, fascinating and definitely unforgettable.

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Galapagos: small-yacht cruise plus a boutique hotel stay…

ANDREA PHILLIPS | JULY 7, 2024

Travelers Claire, Andrea, Rachel and Dave Phillips bonding with sea lions at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island, Galapagos.

Claire, Andrea, Rachel and Dave Phillips bonding with sea lions at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island. Photo: Gideon Kleinman

Standing in LAX on a delayed departure morning with 2 phones in hand—one connected with the airline agent and one with Allie—made me realize the true value of having a Trusted Travel Expert. This was our 7th Wendy Perrin trip, but who would have thought that engine trouble on our first flight would make us miss our connecting flight and almost ruin a trip to the Galapagos Islands planned a year in advance?! Thanks to Allie’s quick thinking, we were rerouted to a different city in Ecuador, on the only available flight over the weekend. She was able to alter our migration cards and flights to ensure we made it for our full 7-night cruise, saving us from missing out on the incredible first stops! Fortunately, this was our only hiccup and the rest of the trip went smoothly under Allie’s exceptional care. And by securing our trip with travel insurance from Travelex, another Wendy Perrin recommendation, we will also get a good portion of reimbursement back on the services lost and the extra services paid for.

As travelers who love adventures with animals, the Galapagos Islands were an ideal pick for a special trip for our graduating senior. With Allie’s help, we selected to sail on the Endemic on June 9th on Itinerary 8B. We picked this route for the specific island stops and the types of animals and unique environments we could possibly see. We’re not typically fans of cruising, so we were initially nervous about spending a week on a cruise. However, with so many daily excursions and visits to new islands—sometimes 2-3 in a day—the time on board felt necessary and well-balanced. The islands are simply breathtaking: pristine, unspoiled, and teeming with wildlife at every turn! You had to carefully watch your step, as baby and adult sea lions, blue-footed boobies nesting with their chicks, and land and marine iguanas sprawled across the pathways, eagerly inviting your admiration. The entire experience felt like stepping into a living, breathing nature documentary!

The Endemic, a double-hulled catamaran, has the charm of a modern boutique hotel that transports you from island to island with 8 large staterooms (only 16 passengers max), each with its own balcony, Wifi, and was very stable, minus a few rough nights on some longer crossings! It was lovely getting to know our fellow passengers quite well, being on a small ship, as we were always with the same group for excursions and meals. Our naturalist guide and crew of 11 were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with warm towels, fresh drinks, and smiles. The meals were delicious and plentiful with many special meal requests being honored. The weather at this time was warm without being too hot and the water was only chilly at first entry, as we had nice wetsuits provided by the Endemic to wear while snorkeling.

My older daughter and I embarked on a special side trip to scuba dive at Kicker Rock near San Cristobal on our first full day. It was an unforgettable experience, especially when a group of curious sea lions joined us, playfully diving alongside. They truly are the stars of the islands! Our sailing route was filled with incredible highlights: On Española Island, we frolicked with sea lions at Gardner Bay’s beautiful beach and hiked to Suarez Point to witness the mesmerizing albatross mating dance; on Santa Cruz Island, we marveled at the massive Highland Tortoises in their natural habitat; on Bartolomé, we snorkeled with penguins and hiked up for a breathtaking view of Pinnacle Rock; on Floreana, we snorkeled at Devil’s Crown, visited Post Office Bay, and kayaked around mangroves with marine iguanas and sea turtles; and near Sombrero Chino, we snorkeled with numerous sharks and sea lions.

For the second part of our trip, we stayed at the relaxing Finch Bay Hotel on Santa Cruz Island. This wonderful hotel boasts a serene pool area frequented by amusing local ducks and a beach that feels like a hidden paradise. Our days were a mix of exploring the charming town of Puerto Ayora, hiking to secluded beaches and breathtaking lava rock formations, and biking through the island landscape. We indulged in spa treatments, enjoyed ocean kayaking, and experienced another unforgettable day of scuba diving at Gordon Rocks, where we encountered majestic hammerheads and other sharks. Allie also arranged for a family photo shoot at Tortuga Bay, giving us lasting memories of our trip. The combination of a week-long luxurious cruise and a few days of a tranquil island stay gave us a truly immersive Galapagos experience, one that we will cherish forever.

Without Allie’s expertise in planning our route and saving our trip, our experience wouldn’t have been nearly as incredible. For anyone planning a journey to the Galapagos, know it can be challenging and her advice is invaluable: allow yourself 2-3 days (preferably on weekdays) to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil to ensure you catch the limited island flights. Allie is a true Galapagos expert, and we couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else with our adventure. Thanks to her, our trip was unforgettable!

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Spain: art and architecture, landscapes, smart pacing…

MARY ARZT | JULY 7, 2024

Mary Arzt and her husband Len seized a photo op during the annual Cordoba Fair.

After decades-long procrastination, we were finally ready to visit the many places in Spain that had accumulated over the years. Since it would be a complex trip in a new country with several stops, we turned to Wendy’s WOW List for guidance. Virginia and her staff were the obvious choice and they created a trip well beyond our already high expectations.

Since both my husband and I are on the older side, we needed to pace ourselves and still see everything we wanted to see. Virginia helped us accomplish this by pacing the trip perfectly, giving us plenty of downtime and moving the trip along when it was time.

Lifetime memories of our trip include the view of the Summer Palace from our room at the Alhambra, the timeless Granada Hammam, the shady garden courtyard outside our room in Cordoba during an otherwise hot afternoon, the overwhelmingly huge Mosque, an amazing three-hour jewel-like lunch in Seville, multiple delicious tapas tours with gracious guides showing us where the locals go, a delightful tutorial on Cervantes in the neighborhood where he lived and worked, seeing Velazquez’s Las Meninas at the Prado in Madrid and Picasso’s multiple deconstruction at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona (!), visiting the amazing Guggenheim in Bilbao, seeing San Sebastian’s bay for the first time, and drinking in Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona — to name just a few.

What made all these memories even better were each of Virginia’s tour guides. They were knowledgeable, thoughtful, intelligent, and to a person excellent ambassadors of their respective regions and areas of expertise. All of what they shared with us, the evocative art work, stunning historic and modern architecture, amazing geographical vistas, and the extraordinary meals spoke to our hearts, souls — and stomachs!

Unfortunately, during our trip my husband fell quite ill and Virginia’s team shone during these challenging times. They helped us get medical service in multiple hotel rooms, navigate the medical system in a foreign country (no small thing), and guided us in the use of our travel insurance policy in order to have him get well as quickly as possible. Their ongoing check-ins and authentic concern helped us feel supported and cared for while we were far away from home. It also allowed my husband to feel better more quickly and get back to enjoying our trip.

We unreservedly recommend Virginia and her team to anyone who is interested in having a quintessential Spanish experience customized to their unique interests.

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Japan: exquisite ryokans, flawless logistics…

ELLEN LIEBMAN | JULY 5, 2024

A trip of a lifetime! Andrea’s office exceeded our expectations in planning and executing our trip to Japan while staying within our budget. The team went above and beyond in terms of accommodating our needs and dreams. We can’t say enough about the time and attention put in to planning this trip. In fact, at the last minute they were able to add our cousins to the trip, making sure we would be following the exact same itinerary.

Andrea and his team made sure that all aspects of the trip ran like a well-oiled machine. As a result, we were able to see far more of Japan in 15 days than we expected. We were able to visit Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Naoshima (Art Island) & Hakone. We had a private car and driver with informative guides leading us on our tours of museums, temples, shrines and gardens. Most of our accommodations were at exquisite Ryokans. The surrounding beauty and quality of the food was amazing. All of our transportation was flawlessly planned, and we even had a guide traveling with us on the bullet trains for all but one leg of our trip. Additionally, Andrea’s office created a WhatsApp chat which allowed the four of us to have 24/7 access to his team, giving us tremendous peace of mind in case of an emergency. We are very grateful to have been introduced to Andrea and will certainly keep him in mind for future trips.

Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.

London & Paris: great introduction to both cities in a week…

LAURA MCDERMOTT | JULY 2, 2024

We just returned from a 6-day trip to London (3 nights) and Paris (3 nights). Was a fabulous introductory trip to both countries, as we traveled abroad with our two youngest children (13 and 18 years old) for their first time. Jennifer and staff were terrific at arranging transportation, hotel and guides. Every plan was smooth, and we never had a moment’s worry. The itinerary was full, but we were able to truly see the iconic sights and places of interest for our first time in London and Paris. Both hotels we stayed in were excellent, with connecting rooms that allowed us to be “with” each other while keeping a little privacy. The Rubens at the Palace hotel in London was especially fun for us, with a porter greeting all guests at the door in full palace costume. Both hotels also had delicious, included breakfast which made for an easy start to each day.

Highlights in London included the Churchill War Rooms and museum which was probably everyone’s favorite place we visited, dinner at the Shard (we chose to eat at Oblix West and Jennifer made sure we had pre-booked a window table during sunset…amazing!), and the Borough Market for their famous chocolate-covered strawberries (they did not disappoint!).

Highlights in Paris included a dinner boat cruise on the Seine, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night and strolling along the Champs-Élysées toward the Arc (which we climbed up to a spectacular view of Paris).

This was truly a seamless, memorable and fantastic trip! Many thanks to Jennifer and her team for the effort they put in to make our vacation wonderful.

Read more reviews of Jennifer. Or request your own trip.

Malta: crowd-free experiences, insider access to local people and places…

SAMANTHA MICHAELS | JUNE 30, 2024

We traveled to Malta with another couple in May. Damon Allan did an outstanding job of planning our 6-day trip for us. It was clear from the beginning that he truly loves Malta and wants his clients to love it as much as he does. We worked with Damon for several months, planning and tweaking our itinerary, and at one point ended up with a potential package that exceeded our budget. When we asked him to pare it back a bit Damon graciously and quickly came up with suggestions and options to bring it back in line.

We knew we were in good hands when we landed in Malta and were met on the (hot) tarmac and whisked to our (cool) private car whilst fellow travelers were herded onto (hot) buses to be driven to the terminal to collect luggage. We’re very committed to carry-on luggage only and this commitment, along with Damon’s organization and planning, resulted in us being driven directly to our hotel without stepping foot inside the airport terminal. This likely pared at least an hour off of what was already a very long travel day.

We stayed at the Iniala hotel in Valletta and, as a benefit of being Damon’s clients, received a food and beverage credit and a welcome gift of wine and snacks in our room. The hotel is lovely and the view of the harbor is even lovelier. We can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Valletta. In the fascinating old walled city of Mdina we stayed at the Xara Palace and had the delightful experience of walking through the streets after dark, when it seemed as though we were the only people in the city.

Damon arranged for us to have a driver and a guide for our entire week in Malta. This was crucial to the success of our trip as our itinerary was very full and we certainly couldn’t have seen and done as much as we did had we not had transportation arranged to and from — and between — each excursion. Our guide Pierre is hands-down the best guide we’ve ever had. He is extremely knowledgeable about Malta’s very complex military and political history and is equally well versed in architectural and art history. We simply would not have had as rich an experience in Malta had we not had the benefit of his wonderful story-telling style of explaining what we were seeing and experiencing. Pierre is not only an incredibly well informed guide, he’s also very good at assessing his clients’ needs and interests and adapting to same. When we started to lag a bit on a very hot day he sensed our need for a rest and quickly found us a shady spot for a drink. When he noted we were starting to overdose on church artifacts he suggested a change of pace. And on one occasion when a scheduled car didn’t show up as planned he quickly ushered us to an interesting shopping street while he sorted things out. The delay wasn’t a big issue and certainly wasn’t a problem for us, but his handling of the situation speaks to his commitment to customer service and his desire to shield his clients from any inconvenience. Similarly, he accompanied us with our driver back to the front door of our hotel at the end of every day, even though some days our activities ended close to his own home. His insistence on escorting us to our hotel likely added another hour or so to his work day but he wanted to ensure that all went well for us.

The food in Malta was great. Damon booked reservations for us at very good restaurants and we unfailingly had the best tables.

Everything we saw and did in Malta was interesting and enjoyable. Some of the more unique experiences (lunch in an olive grove with a surprise presentation — thank you Damon — by a scholar/maker of traditional Maltese musical instruments, a picnic on the beach in Gozo, a visit to a private palazzo hosted by the owner) were possible because of Damon’s personal connections in Malta. These experiences simply wouldn’t have been available to tourists traveling/booking on their own and were a huge part of the value in working with Damon. Similarly, tourists traveling on their own would likely not have ended up with a guide of Pierre’s calibre.

We’ve not previously worked with a travel planner to the extent that we worked with Damon. Having done so, we’ll likely never travel again without dealing with someone on Wendy’s WOW List. We’re converts. Our trip to Malta was not inexpensive but we came away knowing we received incredible value for our expenditure. As noted, we believe we had unique experiences due to Damon’s personal connections. While we were in Pierre’s very capable hands every day, we also had the benefit of Damon’s long-distance involvement while we were in Malta. When it looked like the weather was not going to be favorable for a boat trip to the island of Gozo, he and Pierre worked their magic to juggle things and postpone the trip to the following day. This is something we could not have done on our own without considerable stress and without sacrificing other parts of our itinerary. As it was, everything was seamlessly reorganized for us such that we didn’t miss out on anything. It’s difficult to put a price tag on that kind of service/attention.

We’ve been home from our trip for just over a month and are still digesting all that we saw and learned. Now when we run into any kind of a day-to-day glitch (a lineup at the grocery store, an inability to get reservations at a favourite restaurant, difficulty finding a parking spot) we look at each other and say “Where are Damon and Pierre? Surely they could sort this out for us!“ Does this tell you how much Damon deserves to be on Wendy Perrin’s WOW List?

Contact Jason and Damon

Switzerland: hiking, chocolate, making family memories…

JENNIFER DATWYLER | JUNE 24, 2024

Travelers hiking with St. Bernards in Switzerland.

Jennifer, David, Veronica, and Reed Datwyler hiking with St. Bernards.

My daughter recently graduated from high school. She chose a family trip to Switzerland as a celebration of her accomplishments. My husband and I, along with our 18-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son, left home May 25, 2024 for a ten-day trip to three distinct regions of Switzerland. This trip was expertly planned by Nina and Annina.

We flew direct from San Francisco to Zurich. The afternoon of our arrival, we toured the city of Zurich in a Tuk Tuk, where we were welcomed with chocolate fondue en route. The next day, we took a short train ride to the town of Appenzell, where we visited with a local bell maker who demonstrated the art of forging cow bells. My daughter even got to participate in the forging process! From there we visited an organic farm. The farmer, Sep, prepared an incredible lunch from products harvested on his farm.

From Zurich we traveled by train to Interlaken. We stayed in a beautiful wellness hotel right on the water outside of town. Our time in Interlaken included a private chocolate-making workshop and the highlight of the trip for my daughter, a hike with Konstantine’s St. Bernard dogs.

The third stop on our trip was to the Italian region of Switzerland, where we stayed in the town of Ascona. Here we rode E-bikes to a small family-run grotto where we learned to make risotto. We spent another day exploring the Bavona valley. We enjoyed a hike through the most beautiful terrain we have ever seen. My son commented that he felt as if he were in “middle-earth” and was expecting to encounter a hobbit at any moment.

The entire trip was flawless. All the details were handled expertly. We will never forget this time together as a family.

Read more reviews of Nina. Or request your own trip.

Contact Marcello and Matteo

Sicily: private lunches, illuminated temples, birthday surprises…

ANDREA SCHEIN | JUNE 23, 2024

We had a wonderful trip to Sicily at the end of May with Matteo. We booked the trip after reading the reviews on WendyPerrin.com. I had some reservations about booking the trip completely online, but after disappointing vacations with personal travel agents, I figured why not. I have to say everything written about their tours is 100% true. They are meticulous planners and they know each guide personally, which makes the experience even better!

While in Palermo, in addition to seeing the city and the markets, we had a marvelous trip to Monreale—the mosaics are incredible—followed by a private lunch at a winery.

On to Agrigento, where we celebrated my 70th birthday. Matteo advised us to stay at Villa Athena in the National Park. It was fabulous—especially dinner on the hotel terrace overlooking the illuminated temples. Following dinner, there was a knock at our door. Matteo sent me a birthday cake! Our second night was special as well—spending it in a small local town with a culinary guide, and a private dinner as per her suggestions in a local restaurant.

Finally, on to Sircusa—we stayed in the historic island of Ortigia. We visited Mount Etna with a geologist followed by another fabulous lunch at a Mount Etna winery—with a celebrity guide who has actually published books about the vineyards there. Our last day was spent on a trip to Noto and Noto Antica followed by lunch at an incredible self-sustaining slow-food farm.

BTW—we actually got to meet Matteo when he surprised us at a gelato cafe in Ortigia.

This really was a fantastic trip with a great mix of culture, outdoor excursions and fabulous food. I just wish they had other tours in the rest of Italy!

The Cotswolds: scenic villages, hands-on experiences like foraging with a chef…

VANESSA HULME | JUNE 23, 2024

When my husband and I wanted to plan a week in the Cotswolds, we knew Jonathan and Katie and their group were the ones to contact. We had utilized them previously for a trip to Ireland, and trusted their knowledge and professionalism.

As before, they excelled in every facet of this trip. We explained that we wanted to spend days with cultural activities, hands-on experiences, plus have downtime just to be. The accommodations and itinerary they put together suited us perfectly (thanks, Jonathan, for encouraging us to stay at the Whatley Manor; it is a VERY special place).

From visits to a cheese-making factory, a trip to a brewery that uses the same equipment and techniques it has for hundreds of years, to a tasting at the wonderful Cotswold Distillery (the first full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds), to visiting Bath and the myriad of beautiful villages in the area, everything worked perfectly. The drivers and guides who took us on these adventures were second to none, and provided us with so much information on the area.

As if that were not enough, Wendy and Jonathan’s staff arranged for an incredible WOW Moment during our stay at Whatley Manor. We spent a day with Ricki Weston, their Executive Chef, foraging in his favorite places and then returned to his kitchen where he gave us a lesson in cooking, and even prepared a meal for us. What a special experience; thanks to you both, Wendy & Jonathan!

Jonathan’s team made our vacation a smooth and seamless experience, and we will not hesitate to call on them again.

Read more reviews of Jonathan. Or request your own trip.

Norway expedition cruise: fjords, villages, polar bears…

TOM REDBURN | JUNE 23, 2024

Passengers and a photography guide from the National Geographic Endurance in Spitsbergen capturing a group of short reindeer were hanging out on a steep grassy slope.

Passengers and a photography guide from the National Geographic Endurance in Spitsbergen. Photo: Traveler Tom Redburn

We enjoyed a wonderful expedition trip on the National Geographic Endurance along the Norway coast, continuing above the Arctic Circle to Svalbard. The trip ran from May 31 to June 15, starting in Bergen and ending in Oslo, after a charter flight from Longyearbyen. We already had a good idea of what we wanted to do, but Ashton Palmer helped confirm that we had made the right choice in choosing a Lindblad/Nat Geo ship over any of the other possible ways of visiting Norway and Svalbard. Lindblad/Nat Geo created the perfect itinerary for us and the friends we were traveling with, poking in and out of fjords, visiting picturesque villages and incredible scenery along the coast for 9 days before heading to Svalbard and its rugged landscape, where we were fortunate to see about 10 polar bears, dozens of walruses, hundreds of thousands of birds and more, from our ship, Zodiac expeditions, kayaking, and walks on land.

I can’t imagine a better way of traveling to this part of the world than on the Endurance, which can take no more than 128 passengers (we had 110), with the large majority of cabins having balconies for private viewing, while also providing terrific public spaces, fantastic meals, an excellent gym and spa, and absolutely first-rate guides, wonderful daily presentations, and a staff that met all our needs — and more. It’s not inexpensive, but I thought the value was worth the money.

The schedule is somewhat flexible, depending on weather and other factors, but among the highlights were viewing Briksdal Glacier, enjoying waffles and jam at a couple of charming restaurants set on a lake and one of the Lofoten islands, visiting a husky farm for training dogs for racing, kayaking along a cliff with roosts for thousands of birds, and spotting polar bears along the coast of Svalbard that the captain and expedition leader found along the route. There are no guarantees and the rules forbid getting too close to the bears (I think 200 meters is the minimum distance) but every time we saw a bear and were able to photograph it or view through binoculars, it was a thrill. It was late spring/early summer and most days the sun never went down. The weather was usually right around freezing, and we had everything from brilliant sunshine to cloud bursts of rain, even some snowflakes, and bitter wind. We were given heavy coats as part of the trip and rented waterproof boots and always felt well protected despite the constantly changing conditions.

At the same time, what made the trip special was the amazing experience and background of the guides, the two photography experts: Tim Laman, a NatGeo photographer, took some terrific pictures and showed off some of his even more stunning photos (many of birds) from his other adventures around the world.

We did have a couple of hiccups along the way. Both Lisa and I, along with two of our friends, came down with Covid fairly early in the trip. But that barely put a crimp in what we were able to enjoy. The doctor on board prescribed Paxlovid and our symptoms were mild. We were required to eat in our room for five days, but otherwise were able to wander the ship as long as we were wearing masks and managed to see just about everything the other passengers witnessed (we missed a couple of hikes and a Zodiac trip but that’s about it.). And the final day in Longyearbyen when we disembarked before flying to Oslo was poorly planned and should be rethought by Lindblad.

This is the kind of trip where the WOW List planner is not as deeply involved as on most trips, but we were grateful that Ashton and his team suggested a cabin on the starboard side for better viewing, advised us to sign up early for the night on deck in a clear dome, and gave us several other options so that we could feel extremely pleased by our choice of going on the top-of-the-line Nat Geo Endurance. I really can’t imagine a more luxurious, more beautiful, more stable and more accommodating ship for expedition cruising. I dont think I’ll ever go on a conventional cruise (I simply can’t imagine traveling in one of those mega ships) but we feel confident with Ashton so that I plan on consulting with him again on a future small-boat trip we hope to take in 2026 to the South Pacific.

Finally, I’d like to offer a shout-out for Torunn Trosvang, another WOW travel advisor. We planned five days in Norway at the end of our cruise, with 3 days in Oslo and 2 we expected to spend in Flam. But I noticed in Torunn’s Insider’s Guide that she recommended not staying in Flan and instead going to the nearby 29/2 Aurland, a truly special small inn with a fascinating history in one family for several generations, and an excellent young chef (22!) who happens to be the son of the owner. We never would have found it without that mention on Wendy’s website, and highly recommend reading the helpful advice that most of her recommended local advisers offer — for free!

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Zambia: three generations on safari, at Victoria Falls…

TRACY GOBLE | JUNE 21, 2024

Tracy Goble and her family enjoying lunch on a sandbar of the Zambezi River, Zambia.

Tracy Goble and family enjoying lunch on a sandbar of the Zambezi River.

WOW!! We just returned from Zambia and had a fabulous experience, planned by Daniel! We normally travel to Zambia for work with a university in Ndola, but this year we brought our oldest kids and grandkids with us and wanted a special safari experience. Daniel found an amazing safari camp and arranged a seamless trip for us! First, we did our work in Ndola. We had a great deal of luggage, and knew before we left it would be a problem for the small plane we were on for safari. Daniel went to work in a WOW way, and found a tour group in Lusaka that could store our hard-sided bags for 4 days!! I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but he found a way to get us to safari and still be able to carry everything we needed for our trip.

On to safari in the Lower Zambezi…we arrived in Sausage Tree Camp and had an absolutely fantastic experience!! Henry met us at the Jeki airport on the dirt air strip. We climbed into the open jeep for our transport to camp, but Henry asked a question. “Would you like to get settled in your rooms, or would you prefer we go find the wild dogs we just had spotted in the park?” We knew how hard it was to see wild dogs, so we said, “Let’s go!” and off we went on safari!! Henry was amazing, and my grandchildren were so happy they could understand him since many who speak English in Zambia have accents that are hard for Americans to understand. Our time at Sausage Tree Camp was definitely special, with surprise lunches on a sandbar with our feet in the water, unexpected sundown cocktail parties set up on the river bank, and dinner under the stars one night! The resort is staffed with amazing people who cared for us like family!! I would never have found this safari camp by myself, but Daniel knew all about it.

When we left the camp (after seeing so many amazing things, like lionesses eating a water buck, a leopard retrieving a kill out of a tree, fishing on the Zambezi River, 2-week-old elephants surrounded by protective parents, and so much more), we headed to Livingstone to experience Victoria Falls! We stayed at the Royal Livingstone Resort, which is an experience every traveler needs in their lifetime!! My favorite place in the world is sitting on the deck by the river at sunset, listening to the nearby Falls thundering with hippos calling in the distance. The breakfast at the Royal Livingstone is an epic buffet, and most likely you will see zebras and giraffes walking by on the grass. Daniel also arranged for us to visit the nearby park to see White Rhinos. They are heavily protected, but you still get to drive near them, and then get out of the jeep to walk near them for photo ops!! What a wild experience!! Our trip as a family was a dream come true, and we cannot thank Daniel and his team enough for this great adventure!!

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Peru: far more than just Machu Picchu…

TIM TRICHE | JUNE 21, 2024

A woman weaving in Lamay, Peru. Photo: Tim Triche

Despite a disastrous beginning due to airline travel delays and cancelled flights, Mark and Jessica rose to the occasion and successfully rearranged our itinerary so that despite over two lost days of travel we were nonetheless able to do almost everything that was originally scheduled. Kudos to them for dealing with a very difficult situation. The trip itinerary they arranged was truly exceptional; I have never had a better travel experience. They arranged all the things we requested and added many more that enriched our experience far beyond our expectations.

Our guides were absolutely top notch; Claudio in particular deserves a shout-out. He accompanied us for most of the trip and was the consummate travel guide—knowledgeable, engaging, experienced, and a truly nice guy. And, an accomplished photographer who identified some fantastic photo ops for us that resulted in many keepers that will enable us to remember this trip for years. I have done photography as a serious hobby for decades, and another shout-out to Adriana, the photographer who took us around Cusco at the end of our trip. I learned a great deal from her, and took some creative photos that would otherwise never have occurred to me. All in all, the trip couldn’t have been better, and my entire family will never forget the experience.

Everyone thinks of Machu Picchu when thinking of a trip to Peru, as we did, but we now realize it is much, more more than that. Cusco and the Sacred Valley were the heart of the Inca civilization; Machu Picchu just epitomizes that lost culture, but it lives on in many ways in the people you meet along the way. In contrast, Lima is a cosmopolitan urban city with fantastic food and art, and hotels to match, a delightful contrast to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. And lest you consider bypassing the Sanctuary Lodge at the entrance gate to Machu Picchu: don’t. It is worth every penny, and such a pleasure to simply walk to your hotel from the gates of Machu Picchu after hiking up and down all day long.

And a word to photographers: Be sure to use a polarizing filter on your camera; the light is harsh and unforgiving. And, a wide-angle lens is a must; many views in the cities and in Machu Picchu are in tight spaces or benefit from a wide-angle view of things, like street photography in the cities and the panoramic views from Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu (the smaller of the two peaks overlooking Machu Picchu). And finally, a note about hotels: They were all great, but Sol y Luna in the Sacred Valley and Monasterio in Cusco were unforgettable; truly remarkable hotels. And worth noting: All of this was put together on rather short notice at high season by the folks in Marisol’s office. We couldn’t have been more pleased with our trip, thanks to their efforts.

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French Polynesia: cruising the Marquesas on a unique ship with local flavor…

ANNE HALL | JUNE 19, 2024

The view of Taioha'e Bay seen from Nuku Hiva, the largest island of the Marquesas, French Polynesia.

Taioha’e Bay as seen from Nuku Hiva, the largest island of the Marquesas. Photo: Anne Hall

I’ve wanted to travel to the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific since I first heard the Crosby, Stills & Nash song Southern Cross. To do so, my husband and I contacted WOW Lister Kleon for advice. Kleon set us up on the Aranui 5, a hybrid cargo and passenger ship that sails to the six inhabited Marquesas Islands twice a month. The Aranui has less than 200 passengers of all nationalities, has some of the amenities of a cruise ship but was an experience beyond—three-course lunch and dinner with wine, all-passenger trips ashore to wander the islands, Marquesan meals in secluded areas of the islands, access to cultural dancing and art and music, and several opportunities to experience the Marquesans’ quest to return to their language, traditions, and culture. We went to the village where Herman Melville jumped ship (and wrote about it in his book Typee), to the island where Paul Gaugin painted, and to the island where Thor Heyerdahl developed his theory of Pacific Ocean migration. The staff was made up of people who are natives of the Marquesas. They were delightful, solicitous about the needs of the passengers, and so friendly. It felt like there was no divide between crew and passengers.

Kleon suggested we spend a week afterward on Vahine Island, a very small resort on a small island several miles to the south of Bora Bora. We flew from Papeete to Raiatea, where the resort boatsman picked us up for the 45-minute trip to the island. We stayed in one of 6 bungalows along the lagoon where black-tip reef sharks and rays swim every day. The food (we had 1/2 board of breakfast and dinner) was luscious. We couldn’t be more sincere in describing the staff as warm, kind, and generous. We urge everyone interested in the most idyllic place in the world to go to Vahine Island.

Our hats are off to Kleon. He knows the South Pacific very, very, very well. He guided us in the best, most gentle way to devise a trip that we would enjoy. Certainly this trip was one of our top ten experiences of a lifetime. Thank you, Kleon.

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Morocco: personal touches, guides who go the extra mile…

SARA BENDA | JUNE 19, 2024

Sara Benda and her family riding camels in the Sahara, Morocco.

Sara Benda and family rode camels from their luxury camp in the Sahara.

Our trip organized by Hicham’s office was everything we hoped for and more to help us discover the beautiful country of Morocco. Every little detail was arranged to make the whole experience seamless. The lodging and restaurants they chose for us based on our preferences were wonderful, and there is absolutely no way we would have known how to find them otherwise. There were personal touches that went above and beyond, like providing us with Moroccan cash when we arrived, knowing it would be difficult to obtain right away, or always having fresh water bottles and snacks available. They connected us with fabulous local people. Best of all, they provided us with an absolutely amazing guide, Mustapha Asri, who was with us the entire trip. He provided us such a rich education about the history and culture of Morocco, through his itinerary and guidance, with such a warm personality. He made sure every element of our experience was exactly how we liked it. If that weren’t enough, we were provided with a fantastic driver and very comfortable van for the whole trip as well. The entire experience was flawless and perfect—everything we could have hoped for and more. This was a trip of a lifetime for our family.

There was nothing about our trip we would avoid. Every stop along the way was special and shouldn’t be missed. Casablanca, Fes, camping in the Sahara, Ouarzazate/Benhaddou, Marrakesh, and hiking in the Atlas mountains. I wouldn’t give up any of those experiences.

The most unusual experience we had was having our Berber hiking guide take us into his own home for tea and to meet his wife and young boy. It was precious. The luxury camping in the Sahara was an out-of-this-world experience.

This trip was worth every penny. Thank you!

Contact Hicham and Radia

Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Paradise Valley…

AMY STERN | JUNE 19, 2024

My husband and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Montana’s Paradise Valley and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, expertly arranged by Melissa. It was an amazing trip! Melissa was a joy to work with, always responding quickly and cheerfully with great advice and recommendations. She is so knowledgeable about Montana and Wyoming, and especially with our US national parks. She was able to easily make hard-to-get reservations at national park lodges, particularly at Jenny Lake Lodge. The hotels she reserved outside the parks were incredible! She also arranged private tours of the parks with excellent guides. Throughout the trip process, she was always available to answer questions, and the written trip material she provided was specific, thorough and helpful. I highly recommend working with Melissa if you are planning to visit the US national parks and western states.

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Southern Africa: Cape Town, safaris, Victoria Falls…

ARTHUR EVERLY | JUNE 18, 2024

We recently returned from a remarkable 16-day vacation in Africa, meticulously planned by Julian, and I couldn’t wait to share our incredible experience.

Planning and Preparation:
We began planning our dream safari trip a year in advance with Julian, which turned out to be a wise decision as many of the safari camps and lodges get booked well in advance. Julian’s expertise and attention to detail were evident from the start. He took the time to understand our preferences and crafted an itinerary that perfectly matched our interests and expectations.

Accommodations:
Throughout our journey, we stayed in a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxurious lodges to intimate tented camps. Each place was unique and provided a different experience of Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. The lodgings were not only comfortable but also strategically located to offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The staff at each camp was incredibly welcoming, making us feel at home in the heart of the wilderness.

Cape Town Adventures:
Our first stop was Cape Town, where we stayed at the beautiful Table Bay Hotel on the waterfront. The hotel offered stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and convenient access to all the city’s attractions. We were greeted by Stephen, our driver and guide for this portion of our trip. Stephen’s knowledge and enthusiasm made our time in Cape Town truly special.

With Stephen as our guide, we enjoyed three amazing day trips:

Table Mountain and Cape Town Tour: On our first day, we took a breathtaking trip up Table Mountain, which offered panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. This was followed by a comprehensive tour of Cape Town, including a visit to the historic Castle of Good Hope. Stephen’s insights into the city’s history and culture were invaluable.

Cape Point: Our second day was dedicated to exploring Cape Point. The scenic drive down the peninsula was filled with stunning coastal views, and the experience of standing at the tip of Africa was unforgettable. We took in the rugged beauty of the area, enjoyed the local wildlife, and marveled at the dramatic landscapes.

Wine Region Tour: The last day in Cape Town was a delightful tour of the renowned wine region. We visited several vineyards, tasted exquisite wines, and had a delicious lunch at Sir Richard Branson’s vineyard. The picturesque scenery and the quality of the wines made this day a highlight of our stay in Cape Town.

Botswana Safari:
After our wonderful time in Cape Town, we were off to Botswana for the safari portion of our trip. Julian planned for us to stay in three different camps, each offering a unique and immersive experience.

Sable Alley: Our first camp in Botswana was Sable Alley, which provided us with breathtaking views of the hippo pond right from our comfortable deck. The accommodations were luxurious yet perfectly blended into the natural surroundings. Watching hippos from the deck was an incredible way to start our safari adventure. The game drives were exciting, offering sightings of a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and an abundance of bird species.

Dukes Camp: Our second camp was Dukes Camp, situated right on the Okavango Delta. The daily game drives were wonderful, allowing us to see all the animals we had hoped for, but the highlight of our stay was the sunset power boat ride and our sundowner on the delta. The serene beauty of the delta at sunset, combined with the thrill of the boat ride, made for an unforgettable experience. The Okavango Delta is truly a magical place, and our time there was a perfect blend of adventure and beautiful landscapes.

Savuti Elephant Lodge: Our third camp was the Savuti Elephant Lodge in Chobe National Park. Although this camp had fewer animals due to the lower water levels, it was our favorite. The people here were exceptional—not only were they great guides, hosts, cooks, and servers, but one night they all got together to sing, dance, and put on a show for the seven guests. Their warmth, hospitality, and talent made this an unforgettable experience. Simply the best!

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe:
Lastly, we traveled to Zimbabwe to visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls. This natural wonder is not to be missed on any trip to southern Africa. The sheer power and beauty of the falls were awe-inspiring. We enjoyed a guided tour, learning about the history and geology of the area, and took in the spectacular views from various vantage points. The experience of seeing Victoria Falls was a fantastic way to conclude our African adventure.

Safari Experience:
The safaris were the highlight of our trip. Thanks to Julian’s thoughtful planning, we were able to visit several renowned national parks and reserves. We had the chance to see the Big Five up close and personal, as well as countless other animals in their natural habitats. Our guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and truly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of the wildlife and ecosystems we were exploring.

Standout Experiences:
Several moments stood out during our trip, thanks to Julian’s careful planning. A surprise lunch in the bush, arranged by one of our lodges, was an unforgettable highlight.

Special Thanks:
Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Julian, Lisa, and their entire team for a perfectly planned trip. Our itinerary included 10 flights, 5 different lodgings, and countless connections that had to be just right—and they were. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.

We wholeheartedly recommend Julian to anyone looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Africa. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a journey that created lasting memories and deepened our love for this extraordinary continent.

Thank you, Julian and team, for making our African dream come true!

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Switzerland: farm visits, hikes, all local guides…

JEFF STAUFFER | JUNE 17, 2024

We visited Switzerland for the first time from May 29-Jun 10 and had Nina & Karolina make our arrangements. They put together an itinerary that gave us a great cross-section of the country. We started in Ascona and ended in Zurich, with Zermatt, Lausanne and Gstaad in between…it was a fabulous trip!

Our experiences focused on the natural beauty of Switzerland and local experiences. We especially enjoyed the farm visits, cheese making, hikes, restaurants and Swiss wine. It’s hard to pick a favorite when pretty much every day and every event was well planned and mostly unique to Swiss culture.

There is no way we could have made all the plans that Nina’s office did and experienced as much of the country as their efforts allowed us. We especially appreciated that all of the guides were local and very much part of the fabric of their community.

Karolina was great at responding to our requests and adjusting our itinerary many times to accommodate our wishes.

All in all, it was a great experience, and we look forward to visiting Switzerland again with the help of Nina and team!

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Italy: back-of-the-house theater tour, private boat trips in the Lakes region…

JEANNIE MULLEN | JUNE 15, 2024

Traveler Jeannie Mullen approaching Isola dei Pescatori by boat, Italy.

Approaching Isola dei Pescatori by boat. Photo: Traveler Jeannie Mullen

I had a short window of opportunity to squeeze in a trip to Milano and the Lake District in northern Italy recently and turned to Wendy for advice on how best to approach a private trip with local guides and drivers that worked with my schedule. With very short notice (three weeks) during what is a very busy season in Europe in general and northern Italy in particular, Andrea and Creta put together a lovely and well-balanced itinerary that met all of my particulars. They were prompt, detailed, responsive to all of my questions and delivered in spades.

The trip started with two days of guided walking tours in Milano…on day one, we visited Basilica di Santa Maria Delle Grazie, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, and the canals, shops and neighborhoods in the Berra district…afternoon food stops included saffron risotto, charcuterie, limoncello AND the obligatory gelato. Molto bene! The second day started with a back-of-the-house tour of Teatro alla Scala or La Scala (the opera house), followed by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Duomo (too many flying buttresses to count!).

I had been to most other parts of Italy on previous trips but never the Lake District, so the rest of the short time that I had available was spent enjoying Lago Como and then Lago Maggiore. They were similar in beauty, but very different in feel (Como was a good bit busier and suffered a little more from the traffic on narrow, winding lakefront roads). I spent my first afternoon on Lago Como investigating the shops and restaurants in Mennagio. It is such a photogenic area, particularly along the lakeside promenade. The following day was spent with a private boat tour of the villages, gardens (Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo was stunning) and villas around Como. Everything looks better from a boat! And, no joke, our boat captain’s name was George (just not THAT George!). I took the ferry across Como to Bellagio on my second full day, met with a darling local guide, Emanuele, who proudly introduced me to and shared stories about the numerous Bellagio hamlets that we passed through on our way to lunch at a local restaurant which boasted a gorgeous view of the upper end of the lake. On our way to the top (5K in total with a 1,400 ft elevation change which took place mostly in the last 1/3 of what started out as a walk and ended up being a “hike”), we walked through the hamlet where he, his parents and grandparents live. We also shared fresh black cherries from a tree in his grandmother’s garden! On our return by car to the city center Emanuele helped me find a local shop to purchase local olive and truffle oils before I boarded the local ferry back to Mennagio. The weather had been threatening each afternoon of the trip and unfortunately did not cooperate for the WOW Moment that had been scheduled for later that evening, a sunset cruise around the lake.

My next three days were spent on Lago Maggiore in Stresa, another beautiful lakeside village where every photo fairly jumps into your camera by itself. I explored the shops and narrow alleys of Stresa on my own the first afternoon and took a long walk along the lakefront the following morning. I met Kate, a local guide, that afternoon for a tour of two of the three Borromean Islands on Maggiore…Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. The Baroque palace (complete with underground grottos) and Italian gardens on Isola Bella were stunning despite threatening weather. After a short boat transfer we had Isola dei Pescatori basically to ourselves. It was a lovely and picturesque island, where a small number of fishermen still live and work to supply the local eateries. The small church on the island, the Church of San Vittori, dates back to the 11th century. Headstones in the local cemetery just around the corner had some wonderful stories to tell. The next day we drove to the opposite side of Lago Maggiore for a walk through the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania. Kate brought Taranto alive with her many stories behind the history and development of the gardens. Afterward we walked to the next lakeside village, Sintra, and enjoyed a tasty charcuterie lunch before returning to Stresa for the evening.

In sum, this trip which was planned on short notice at a very busy time during the travel season, turned out to be just the ticket for an 8-day getaway to what has now become my new favorite part of Italy. Andrea and Creta listened closely to my stated trip goals and came through brilliantly. All of the logistics were taken care of in great detail. And, in a very nice touch before my departure…Giulio contacted me directly and reviewed the details of the itinerary (and how to access it through their portal) to be sure that I was content with the final itinerary and logistics before I headed to the the airport the next morning. I was also contacted multiple times during the trip by the local tour coordinator to be sure that everything was going according to plan. Each of the local guides and drivers were well chosen and ensured that the logistics were seamless. Last but not least, the fast-track arrival and departure services in Milano were perfect given the long lines I witnessed at immigration and security.

Grazie mille, Wendy, Andrea, Creta and Giulio!

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Italy: finding off-season gems and avoiding crowds in the busy spots…

DEBORAH WENTE | JUNE 13, 2024

Travelers Deb and John Wente in their private boat tour on Lake Como, Itlay.

Deb and John Wente in their private boat on Lake Como.

We just returned from a trip to northern Italy planned by Andrea’s office (May 28-June 8, 2024). The primary destination was lake country, but we started with a few days in Cogne in the Aosta Valley. It was off season, many shops and restaurants were closed, and we loved it! Hotel Bellevue was wonderful, and there were hiking trails accessible just out the front door. We had a guided hike into Gran Paradiso Valley complete with a wonderful picnic lunch.

Next we traveled to Lake Country. We visited Lake Orta, Lake Mergozza, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. At times we hit crowds, but mostly we were able to escape into the surrounding countryside thanks to our guides. We were lucky and the weather was beautiful. Andrea and her team planned a number of hikes around the lakes which gave us an opportunity for solitude, and the chance to chat with the local guides.

We explored the Borromean Islands in southern Lake Maggiore — very interesting. We stayed on one of the islands, Isola Bella. It was lovely but it’s important to be prepared for the closing of all shops, bars, and restaurants after the last ferry leaves around 6:30 pm.

A stop in Lugano for lunch and shopping was fun, then on to Lake Como. We loved Hotel du Lac in Varenna. Our terrace looked out over the lake with the smell of jasmine in the air. It was magical. We took a couple of hikes, explored Bellagio, had an amazing lunch at Baita Belvedere and explored the lake by boat. Staff at the hotel told us we had to go home to rest because we did “everything” while we were there.

Then, our WOW Moment! We pulled up to a dock and there was a musical group founded in 1807 from the village of Lezzeno waiting on the shore to entertain us. We even waltzed a bit! One of the members made focaccia and pizza for our snack and we toasted with sparkling wine with our guide Rita. Family and friends of the group waved us off as we got back on our boat.

Friends ask me how I find these destinations and experiences and I explained it is the expertise of the Trusted Travel Experts recommended by Wendy Perrin. Andrea lives in Bellagio on Lake Como and personally knows the guides she recommends. They were fantastic. It makes all the difference to have good, local guides and interesting, hospitable places to stay.

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Japan: hands-on with artisans, ryokan stays, farm visit…

BARBARA FIERMAN | JUNE 10, 2024

Barbara and Robert Fierman at Senbon Torii in Kyoto.

Andrea planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband Bob and me and our friends as a joint anniversary celebration. The trip was well-paced and balanced, but also so exciting. Our guides were outstanding—they were well-prepared to share history and culture with us as we navigated through the trip. They went above and beyond each day to maximize our experience.

I expected to visit impressive shrines and temples, and beautiful gardens, but wow! They exceeded all of our expectations. Each of our special activities was a blast! My favorites included taiko drumming, where our drumming expert got us to perform a brief but lively routine and then performed for us; having a private tea ceremony with a geisha; and attending a sumo wrestling tournament. We also enjoyed learning from the youngest of many generations who have practiced pottery, candy, and soba noodle-making.

We stayed in an outstanding array of accommodations. The Capitol Hotel in Tokyo was perfect for our introduction to a new, foreign city; at the boutique Hiramatsu Kyoto we experienced the height of service and elegance. The three ryokans—one each in Kaga, Naoshima, and Kawaguchiko—were beautiful and Zen. Our favorite was Fu Fu Kawaguchiko, where we had spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. The location was accessible to many sites, and it was in an idyllic setting.

In addition to the cities, we visited an organic tea farm in Uji where we learned about the industry, picked tea leaves, and were treated to a delicious lunch which included tea leaves prepared a la tempura-style. We spent a day in Nikko where we hiked along a massive waterfall to a lake and then visited the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, set in a beautiful forest. Our overnight on the island of Naoshima provided a glimpse of restored homes turned museums as well as state-of-the-art museums designed by famed architect Tadao Ando and outdoor installations, including the pumpkin, created by Yauyoi Kusama.

Andrea and his team did an amazing job of coordinating the multitude of details this experience involved. We can’t thank him and his team enough.

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Contact Ellen and Caroline

France: deliciously slow travel via canal barge…

WILLIAM FISHER | JUNE 10, 2024

Bill Fisher and his wife in the garden before dinner at the home of their barge captain’s parents.

If you want a super-relaxing weeklong vacation in France and love to sample a wide variety of wines and cheeses, look no further than a barge cruise through Burgundy. We spent a week on the Magnolia arranged by Caroline. Choosing a canal cruise can be somewhat overwhelming but Carloline’s insight made the process seamless and her recommendation was perfect. The crew on the Magnolia was wonderful (5 crew for 6 guests) and the food and wine pairings were spot-on. The daily excursions were intimate with such a small group and our visits to local markets, truffle hunting, and dinner with one of the crew members’ parents in their own home were truly memorable. A typical day included bike rides on the path next to the canal (the boat goes REALLY slow) and leisurely four-course meals at the end of the day. This is a great way to unwind and sample the food and wine while cruising the canals of France. If you want to investigate opportunities, make sure and give Caroline a call.

Italy: “treated like royalty” on 50th-anniversary trip

ROBIN AND WARREN LEVY | JUNE 10, 2024

As we sit alone on chaise lounges after swimming at the indoor pool at our final hotel (we already lounged at their private beach in total solitude), we are looking out at a cloudless sky and the beautiful blue waters of the Tyrrhenian sea. We have been treated like royalty for 10 days, with wonderful drivers and incredible guides giving us the experience of a lifetime. Although we still enjoy planning our trips sometimes, there is something to be said for having everything done for you by a first-class tour agency. Spoiled? Just a bit!

Andrea’s team planned our 50th wedding anniversary trip to Italy with ease and professionalism. After speaking with Andrea via zoom, she planned a wonderful 10 days to Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre for our celebration. She recommended hotels, tours, and restaurants for us to decide upon as well as guides and drivers to take us around. Stefano and Alessandra followed up with us before and during the trip, making us feel like we were always being taken care of behind the scenes. We wouldn’t change a thing and only wish we had extended the trip a little longer! We loved all the hotels, which were in perfect locations, had wonderful breakfasts and were planned in the perfect order of the trip. The guides were outstanding, especially Chiara (Florence) and Andrea (Cinque Terre). The drivers were also outstanding, especially Mauro (beginning of the trip) and Gianni (towards the end of the trip). The food, the people, and of course the scenery was amazing and we can’t wait to return to Italy again.

Finding Andrea and her agency through The WOW List was easy and we would absolutely do it again in the future. Thank you everyone for our trip of a lifetime as we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary!

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Contact Antonello and Alison

Egypt and Jordan: “We felt safe throughout our journey…”

RICK DISHNICA | JUNE 10, 2024

I recently planned a trip with a friend to Egypt and Jordan from April 21 through May 5, 2024 with the help of Arlene. Given the recent events in the Middle East, we had many concerns about our trip, but with Arlene’s and her team’s help, we embarked on our journey with a high degree of confidence that we would have good support during our trip and were prepared with options if the conflict widened.

Everyone we interacted with in both countries were well trained and experienced professionals. We were greeted by members of the local management teams when we arrived in the airports to guide us through security and to our hotels. All of our guides were highly educated and fluent in English and each of the three guides we worked with gave us deep insight into the history, culture, and people from past civilizations. They are all among the best guides I’ve had the pleasure of working with and would highly recommend all three of them. The drivers were experienced and very pleasant to travel with and we always felt safe driving with them. We felt safe throughout our journey and would highly recommend traveling to Egypt and Jordan now.

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Mediterranean cruise: private touring in Greece, Turkey, Italy…

SUSAN KETCHUM | JUNE 9, 2024

Travelers Tom Philbrick and Susan Ketchum in front of Ephesus in Turkey.

Tom Philbrick and Susan Ketchum at Ephesus.

We recently returned from a Seabourn cruise from Athens to Venice booked through Cheri on Mary Jean’s team. This is the second time we had Cheri book a Seabourn cruise for us and she makes it so much easier than booking directly with the cruise line.

When we cruise we prefer to book private land tours and drivers so Cheri referred us to Gavin Crawford, also in Mary Jean’s office. We had an initial call with Gavin and knew immediately he was the right person for us. We landed in Athens and stayed 3 nights prior to our cruise at Amanzoe in the Peloponnese. This Aman property is outstanding and was a great beginning to our trip. From there, we returned to Athens for one day before embarking on Seabourn Quest. While in Athens, Gavin arranged for a private tour of the Acropolis with a guide who knew how to get around the crowds that were already there in early May.

Gavin has traveled extensively, including to the ports on our cruise, and also understands Seabourn and when we would tender and when we would dock at the ports. He was so helpful in guiding us about whether to hire a guide and driver or skip it and explore on our own at some ports. At one point, close to the start of our trip, Seabourn adjusted the itinerary to go to Turkey first and stop in Greece after, the reverse of the original route. Gavin was quick to contact the guides and rearranged our schedule. As a result, in Bodrum, Turkey our private cooking class at a vineyard was changed to a private class at the home of the chef, with her 87-year-old mother, Ila, instructing instead. It could not have been more perfect! Ila had us prepare 5 dishes using fresh ingredients from her garden. It was a special treat to sit outside on her terrace overlooking the hills and ocean as we worked, all the while listening to Ila’s fascinating life story. We will never forget this special day and personal connection.

Another great memory was the evening in the amphitheater at Ephesus that Seabourn arranged with a concert by the very talented Aegean Chamber Orchestra. Enchanting!

The cruise ended in Venice and as we had been several times we wanted to stay somewhere we had not in the past. Gavin recommended the Belmond Cipriani and it was the perfect choice for us. Far from the crowds (already packed in May!), yet only a 7-minute water shuttle compliments of Cipriani to St. Mark’s Square. We loved our room and the service.

All of our guides were first class, very knowledgeable, pleasant and flexible. Because it was just the 2 of us, we were free to adjust our schedule during the tours. In addition, we were able to leave later in the morning from the ship than the passengers going on the bus tours that Seabourn arranged and return when we wanted. The drivers were excellent, all professional in very clean, comfortable, Mercedes vehicles. We felt very cared for. Gavin arranged for VIP airport assistance in Athens at the start of our trip and in Venice at the end. We use this service whenever possible traveling internationally as it saves us so much time.

We have had so many wonderful experiences on our travels thanks to Wendy and her list of trusted advisors. Although this trip went off without any issues, I know we had backup if we needed it. We have already planned another vacation, in August, to Scotland. And of course we are planning it with another expert from Wendy’s WOW List!

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Greece: hotel rooms with a view, prime restaurant seats, private sunset cruise…

MOLLY WHISENANT | JUNE 8, 2024

The happy couple, Connor and Coyann Whisenant on their honeymoon trip at the Acropolis, Greece.

The happy couple, Connor and Coyann Whisenant, at the Acropolis.

A honeymoon HAS to be PERFECT as you cannot do them over. I booked a honeymoon trip for my son and daughter-in-law with Maria’s office. Eleni and her team are THE BEST!!! Eleni worked with my son, daughter-in-law and me to discuss what the couple wanted in a perfect honeymoon. The happy couple picked from amazing choices for excursions, sites, cooking classes, boating adventures, wine tastings, etc. Eleni delivered BEYOND their wildest expectations!!! From the moment they were picked up at the Athens airport until they boarded their flight to go home in Santorini, Eleni had it planned to perfection. She handled any special requests with ease and made them happen…at one location wine was offered but my son likes beer so she had Greek beer ready, cold and waiting for him. She also was a huge help with dinner reservations. She gave the couple an extensive and descriptive list of different restaurants in each of their honeymoon locations (Athens, Mykonos and Santorini) and made suggestions as well. She made the reservations as requested. One restaurant location in Mykonos was in a cave along the water. My daughter-in-law said she felt like a VIP as the best table in the restaurant was ready and waiting for them when they arrived.

Eleni was also very good at explaining why some excursions were priced higher than I initially thought they should be…i.e. the boating excursions. Once she explained more detail regarding the type of boat, that the couple would have the entire boat to themselves for the sunset cruise, and the private dinner that was cooked and served on the boat for them, I happily booked the boating excursion. This turned out to be one of the couple’s favorite things they did on their honeymoon. They said it was the perfect way to end their honeymoon…a private sunset cruise in Santorini with a fantastic dinner…just the two of them. The crew even played their song that they first danced to at their wedding for them!!!

Other things they enjoyed were the cooking class which was at a farm. My son is not an adventurous eater but he loved the different cheeses made on the farm and tried everything. The hotels that Eleni booked were amazing. In Athens, they had a view of the Acropolis at night, and in Mykonos and Santorini she booked rooms with a hot tub and another with a plunge pool.

When they returned, I asked them what they would change and the answer was “absolutely nothing!!! We loved our honeymoon and thanks so much!!!” This is exactly what you want to hear as a parent, because as I stated at the beginning, a honeymoon HAS to be perfect because you only have one! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Eleni and her crew!!!!!!

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Norway: RIB boating, helicopter tour, mountain climbing…

BARBARA LICH | JUNE 7, 2024

Barbara Lich’s son climbing in Norway’s mountaineering capital of Andelsnes.

Our trip (planned by Torunn and Karin) exceeded expectations! Wow! Norway. My husband and I wanted to take our four children on a graduation trip to Norway. When we first talked with Torunn, she listened to what worked for my family in previous trips, what we were looking for (an active trip to see and experience as much as possible). And she delivered!

Our children are ages 25, 22, 18 and 14. Our trip started in Oslo where we dined at the amazing Solsiden Restaurant. My family has a multitude of food allergies and Torunn’s office managed this expertly by advising the restaurants ahead of time and helping select restaurants that could manage them. We ate very well! The hotel selections were perfect for my family. When Torunn heard that our daughter is a competitive figure skater and wanted to see sights near the 1994 Olympic venue in Lillehammer, she arranged that we would stop in Lillehammer and even set up bobsledding (!) at the Olympic Training site! That was an experience to remember.

We next enjoyed a beautiful train ride to Andelsnes! Our historic hotel was so beautiful! We felt like we were sitting in the middle of a postcard. Andelsnes is near the most gorgeous mountains and a top destination for mountain climbers. Our oldest son is a climber and has earned some certifications for climbing. Karin arranged the most expert mountaineering guide with international certification and amazing demeanor for my oldest son—it was the highlight of his trip. They climbed for 12 hours and the Alpine Hike was one of the most difficult. It was an experience he will never forget…and the lovely staff at Hotel Aak held his dinner for him to enjoy when he returned at 11 pm at night! The hotel was not only beautiful but the staff was so helpful and kind. From Hotel Aak we went to Nikkahuset, a villa owned and run by Leif. My family enjoyed two days with him preparing outstanding meals and he took us to see Trollsvegen since it was closed near Andalsnes. We loved to sleep listening to the running river and seeing the adorable sheep across the way.

From Valldall and Nikkahuset, we took a very long and scenic drive through the mountains to Hotel Walaker in the Lusterfjord. What a beautiful place. Here we enjoyed a RIB boat ride and gorgeous waterfall hike! Not to mention the outstanding meals we ate at the hotel. Friendly and helpful staff. Gorgeous location on the fjord. Karin arranged for us to end our trip in Bergen. There my daughter and I had a great morning horseback ride with the most friendly and kind trainer. That afternoon, my husband and children took a 90-minute helicopter tour over Hardangerfjord. Karin called and confirmed that morning that the weather was good for the helicopter and that it might be a bit windy. My family loved that helicopter experience. Sadly it was time to depart the next morning. What a beautiful country and special family time! We really loved every minute and would recommend Torunn’s team to everyone.

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Thailand: taking advantage of rainy season, with clear skies and off-peak rates…

TONY FORD-HUTCHINSON | JUNE 7, 2024

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and his wife Jane having a drink in Bangkok, with Wat Arun aglow in the background.

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane in Bangkok, with Wat Arun aglow in the background.

Despite having visited all the surrounding countries, for some reason we have never got beyond Bangkok airport! A two-day board meeting in Bangkok gave us the opportunity to combine this with a two-week trip to Thailand. The beginning of May is not peak tourist season and was hot. However, we lucked out as a bit of rain up north reduced the air pollution levels and the real rains started just after we left. We worked with Dan to figure out where to go and what we liked and did not like, and decided to start with Bangkok and then spend time in Northern Thailand at Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The key to a personalized trip like this is the guides. We had two exceptional guides, Kob in Bangkok and Berm in Northern Thailand. Both were extremely flexible, very knowledgeable and took us to all sorts of interesting restaurants to try all the different Thai cuisines. In Bangkok on Day 1 we toured the creative district (Jane got two dresses made using a contact from a friend) and explored the waterways of Bangkok with a private longboat. Day 2 we explored all the key sites in Bangkok and on Day 3 we drove out to Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital. Other highlights of Bangkok were a foodie’s tour around Chinatown, a cooking experience for Jane while I was in meetings and dining at two of the top 50 restaurants in the world, Gaggan Annand and Le Du.

We then flew up in the evening to Chiang Mai and stayed at the wonderful 137 Pillars House. On our first day we went up Doi Suthep, the mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, and explored the temples around there. The weather had cleared as a result of rains and we actually had great views. In the evening we drove around Chiang Mai in an electric Tuk Tuk and ate local specialties in the night market. We had specifically requested to learn about some of the textile weavings for which Northern Thailand is famous. Dan arranged for us to go to Studio Naena to meet Patricia Cheeseman, a renowned textile expert and author, where we had hands-on experience with tie-dying with natural indigo dye. The next day took us north of Chiang Mai for hiking and bamboo rafting down the Mae Tang river.

Our road trip to Chiang Rai was no ordinary road trip as we skirted the Myanmar border, stopping at various points including cooking lunch in bamboo containers with the Lahu hill tribe. In Chiang Rai we stayed at Pa Sak Tong (at very off-season rates!) where we had a whole 3-bedroom villa to ourselves complete with exercise room, steam room, private pool etc. To look after our every need, we had two excellent cooks, Nid and Kwanjai, and three outstanding butlers, Tai, Benny and Pleaw, all this on 28 acres looked after by 13 gardeners and overseen by the estate manager, John Dunbar! Needless to say, we tried to maximize our stay on the villa, although we did make a day trip to the Golden Triangle where we set foot in Myanmar, Laos and Thailand all on the same day. Another bonus for this location is that the dining experience at Native Food Lab is a short walk from the Villa. All in all, an amazing trip and thank you to Dan and his staff for organizing everything.

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Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro: farm visit, beach time, living history…

CATHERINE MATHIS | JUNE 4, 2024

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro that was planned for us by Ala. With her in-depth and firsthand knowledge of this part of the world, she was able to help us sequence and plan the trip in a way that made it interesting, educational and fun. This is the third trip we’ve taken with Ala’s company. We also traveled with them to Russia and to Austria and Poland, and have been impressed with their attention to detail, selection of hotels and restaurants, and the quality of their guides and drivers.

Ala recommended that we start the trip in Sarajevo, which turned out to be an excellent suggestion. History came alive through the talks we had with our fabulous guide who had been a child at the time of the siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996). One of the highlights of our time in Split, Croatia, was a tour of the beautiful Mestrovic Gallery with the curator, who had worked there for 15 years. We loved the cooking class Ala arranged for us at a farm just outside Dubrovnik. So fun to harvest the vegetables we had for lunch and collect the eggs for the cake we made!

We had shared with Ala that we also like some down time on our vacations. We spent two nights at the stunning Maslina Resort on Hvar with its gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea. The staff at the hotel could not have been nicer or more accommodating. In Montenegro, we stayed in a beautiful hotel right on the Bay of Kotor. All in all, this was a well planned trip that we greatly enjoyed!

Read more reviews of Ala. Or request your own trip.

Contact Ala

Malta: touring palazzos, being guided by a knight…

CAROLE PINSTEIN | MAY 31, 2024

When we were trying to decide where to go next, we looked at some of the reviews from Wendy Perrin for inspiration. We were immediately drawn to Malta with Damon and Jason. This was our 109th country (we’re old). We wanted to do something a little different instead of just walking around old cities and visiting churches. We were intrigued with the many different activities we could choose from that were so different from anything we had done in the past.

I can’t even put into words how great it was. Unfortunately, we had to reschedule the trip 3 separate times. Damon remained the incredible professional, and changed everything repeatedly. I just wouldn’t give up. I was determined we were going to Malta.

Where to start? Damon. Never have I worked with someone who is so kind and great at his job. We were even lucky enough to meet him. He now lives in London, but obviously he spends time in Malta. He timed his trip so he could surprise us. We just adore him.

Hotel. He put us at the Domus Zamittello on the pedestrian street in Valletta. We loved it. Great location, great room, and wonderful staff. Damon booked us dinner reservations every night that were only a short distance from the hotel.

Guide and driver. We had Martin, who is a Knight of Malta. We were just fascinated with the knight history. He knows his stuff, and it was a pleasure to have him. Manwell was our driver and I just loved him. What a sweet unassuming man. I have some mobility issues, and he took such good care of me. (Damon even bought a foldable seat for me so I could sit down.)

Sights. Loved everything. Damon worked really hard to make sure our itinerary didn’t have a ton of steps and too much walking. Martin took it from there and adapted when necessary.

I loved all the unusual activities like the sheep farm, lunch in the olive grove, the picnic on the beach, the tour of the palazzo, the guilder, etc. We could go back and pick all different activities and be just as happy. Everything could have been our WOW Moment. That’s how special it all was.

I really can’t think of one thing I would change. It was just perfect, and I’m not the easiest to please. I suggest if you’re looking for something a little different, book Malta immediately.

Contact Jason and Damon

Italy: exclusive winery visits, private boat in Portofino…

ELAINE PATTERSON | MAY 27, 2024

Elaine and Gregg Patterson on the rooftop of the Marrone Winery in La Morra, Piedmont, Italy after a lunch in their restaurant and before the private tour of the winery.

Elaine and Gregg Patterson on the rooftop of the Marrone Winery in La Morra, Piedmont, where they had lunch and a private tour.

My husband and I just returned from our fifth trip to Italy with Maria and Brian. We had been to different parts of Italy about a dozen times before we started working with Maria and Brian and quickly learned that they can deliver itineraries and experiences that we could never arrange on our own. (And I say that even though I love doing travel research and have planned dozens of trips for us over 40 years.)

For this trip, we gave Maria our wish list of Turin, Piedmont wine region, Genoa, Portofino and Lake Maggiore. Having worked with her before, she knows our favorite kind of hotel, activities, and restaurants and her recommended itinerary checked every box. Wonderful hotels with spacious rooms and beautiful views, private vineyard/winery visits (most with amazing lunches), and the best tour guides who were great travel companions and also helped us plan our free days. I think great guides help you fall in love with a place, because they love it, and that’s exactly what happened to us in every location.

Maria’s recommendation for a day on a private boat in Portofino was magical in every way, the restaurants she suggested were all local, delicious, and down to earth, and all the transportation arrangements (excellent drivers, comfortable vehicles) were totally seamless. Our WOW Moment—a private lesson making cocktails at Martini headquarters near Turin—was completely unexpected and completely fun! We learned so much and have so many unforgettable memories from this trip thanks to Maria & Brian and their network of exceptional people on the ground. We’re already thinking about where to go next with their help.

Contact Maria and Brian

Puglia, Italy: family-run farms, olive groves, historic villages…

MARIO QUEIROZ | MAY 17, 2024

Isabel, Mario, Julia, and Martha Queiroz in the town of Alberobello.

Alison and Elisa prepared an excellent itinerary for our eight days in Puglia. We’re a family of four, with two adult daughters in their 20s. We had a fantastic experience in this beautiful and authentic part of Italy. We’ve been to the more classic Italian tourist destinations and to multiple Mediterranean spots in other countries, and we strongly recommend a visit to this less explored region near the heel of the Italian boot. Alison and Elisa were professional, detailed, creative, and responsive in understanding our travel interests to select accommodations and experiences for our itinerary. They really know Puglia!

All of the hotels were upscale and welcoming, with excellent service. The boutique hotel in Ostuni (Paragon 700) was perfectly located for exploring the northern part of Puglia, where we stayed for four nights. My wife is a relatively discerning interior designer and loved the Paragon 700. While in Ostuni, we went on an e-bike tour of the countryside through the endless olive groves, past numerous trullis, and visited the towns of Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Alberobello, the old town of the latter being composed entirely of trullis. On the bike tour, we stopped at a family-run farm, where our girls (and mom and dad!) marveled at the site of a day-old litter of 12 piglets and 1-month old little calves. We experienced mozzarella making, including burrata, and then had an amazing meal — the ultimate farm-to-table experience. Our guide on the bike tour, Silvia, was knowledgeable, interesting, and super pleasant to be with. The two support vans were key to getting the most out of the day (biking, walking around in the towns, carrying some of our stuff, safety, etc). Our favorite restaurant for dinner during this first part of our trip was Taverna della Gelosia in Ostuni, recommended and reserved for us by Alison’s office. While in Ostuni, Alison stopped by our hotel to greet us and have a drink. It was a nice, genuine touch for Alison to drop by.

The second part of our Puglia trip was in the south, near Lecce, where we stayed at Masseria Trapana for three nights. The Masseria was fabulous, with fewer than 10 suites and everything we needed for relaxing in luxury. One of the coolest things was the underground hot tub, literally a cave, with an opening on the roof for natural light. Alison’s team prepared two experiences for us on this part of the trip which were also fabulous: A private visit to the Duca Carlo Guarini winery which has been in the same family for nearly 1,000 years, or 24 generations! The visit to the winery was supposed to last 2 ½ hours and we were there for more than four hours, including another excellent meal and a tour of the town palace where the adult sons of Don Giovanni (the patriarch who runs the wine business) are building their own winery and wine business.

The day after the winery we went on a private boat tour of the beautiful coast to see the idyllic Lecce limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lots of little bays and coves for swimming. Fabbrizio, the captain of the Tortuga, was pleasant, competent, and did a great job taking care of us, including serving a meal which his mother had prepared. The Tortuga is docked in the port of the ancient town of Otronto. Going in and out of Otronto felt like being in a small, undiscovered San Tropez. Somewhat surprisingly, Lecce was probably our favorite town of all of the Puglian towns we visited, and that’s a pretty high bar. I guess there’s a reason they call it the Florence of the South.

Alison and Elisa were available at all times for our questions and for a few last-minute itinerary and restaurant changes, and they always got things done with immediacy and with the most pleasant attitude. We strongly recommend a visit to Puglia, in partnership with Alison’s team to make it special.

India: exploring way off the beaten path…

DALE HAYES | MAY 18, 2024

I had long heard about the Forbidden Frontier of India, tucked away in the Northeast part of the country between Bhutan, Burma, and Tibet in the Highlands. Arunachal Pradesh is India’s newest state and difficult to visit, but Sanjay and his team made it happen for me. They took care of all the permits, even as an election threatened to undo my itinerary, found great hotels in this remote part of the world, and made sure I had fabulous guides, drivers and vehicles. I did not see another non-national person as I explored remote villages, monasteries, and breathtaking scenery unlike anywhere else in India.

Sanjay also recommended some time in another part of India — Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling — to balance the trip. The places he recommended provided great opportunities to see the Himalaya and experience yet another very different way of life. Sanjay knows India!!!

But Sanjay really saved the trip when the airline cancelled my flight from Newark to Delhi while I was in flight to Newark! Within minutes of landing, Sanjay was on the phone giving me options, and one got me to Delhi on a different airline at about the same time I was scheduled to arrive. The airline that cancelled my flight did not give me the option Sanjay found, as they wanted to keep me “in the family,” but using the information Sanjay provided the airline agreed to transfer my ticket at no additional cost!! I knew I was in safe hands for the next month.

Read more reviews of Sanjay. Or request your own trip.

Contact Sanjay

Paris: family-friendly experiences, assistance with a medical emergency…

JAN HEININGER | MAY 2, 2024

Traveler Jan Heininger and her family in Paris, France.

Jan Heininger and family enjoying Paris.

This is a two-part review because there were two trips during the ten days my husband Jamie Reuter and I spent in Paris in April 2024 on a trip designed by Jennifer. The first was a wonderful week of Paris with kids — a trip with grandparents (us), our daughter and son-in-law and their three kids ages 2, almost 4 and almost 7. The other trip is how Jamie actually spent the entire time in a Paris hospital having broken his leg/hip the first day. Jennifer’s role and assistance for both was essential. The former is why you should use Wendy’s experts because they design creative and wonderful itineraries executed to perfection; the latter is why when calamity strikes, you need the kind of assistance that no regular travel agent or group-trip company can provide.

Jennifer knew exactly how to design a trip geared towards introducing three very young children to foreign travel and Paris in particular. She had us go up the Eiffel Tower (something I’d never done in seven previous trips to Paris), thoroughly exciting the two older kids, take a boat trip on the Seine so we could see the Tower from the river, have a personal guide take us around for a “Paris with Kids” tour that included Notre Dame (nearly four-year-old Simon made me go over every single board around Notre Dame that detailed the post-fire reconstruction process — budding engineer here), sailing boats in Luxembourg gardens, sample chocolates and much more. Jennifer sent us to the Science and Industry Museum that has a wonderful kids’ section, to Musée des Forains, a terrific museum of historical carnival exhibits with three historic carousels we all rode, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, Paris’ answer to Disney World but far more manageable and enjoyable even for adults, l’Atelier des Lumières, a surround-sound and light show now focusing on Ancient Egypt that even the two-year-old was enthralled by, and an excellent food tour. The highlight was a cooking class my husband and I were supposed to do but instead I took six-year-old Oliver, who proceeded to make the entire dinner under the wonderful chef’s direction, including making and piping pâte à choux for profiteroles, making, rolling and cutting fresh pasta, making chicken roulades with the stuffing he’d made and piped into them plus individual cheese soufflés he piped into ramekins. My contribution was to cut ½ an onion and four mushrooms. Oliver beamed when Simon announced it was such a wonderful dinner Oliver should make dinner for the family every night! Jennifer had us stay in a lovely three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment with daily service in Marais. We went everywhere by metro and probably walked 5-6 miles a day. FYI: With young kids, be prepared to stop and ride every carousel you come across — there are a LOT of carousels in Paris.

While the rest of us were doing these wonderful activities, an ambulance had taken poor Jamie, who’d fallen along the Seine just seven hours after our arrival in Paris, to the emergency room where it was found he’d broken his leg badly next to his artificial hip. Suffice it to say we could not have managed without Jennifer. While I erred in not immediately calling her directly but her emergency number instead, once Jennifer found out, she dispatched her head of French and UK operations Albin Fady-Bonnet who devoted his already busy week to shepherding us through a very frustrating ten days of dealing with a vastly different medical system from ours. My husband languished in hospital for six days before he finally had surgery. He was in Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière, France’s best hospital with the best doctors. But as this is Paris’s trauma hospital (where Princess Diana was taken), my husband kept getting bumped by other more traumatic cases. My French is passable but insufficient for medical nuances. In a medical system where doctors rule all and feel little need to communicate with patients and not at all with their families, I was constantly scrambling to get information, try to arrange for medical evacuation, set up matters for our US doctors to operate if necessary when we got back, negotiate with our health insurance company and deal with our financial adviser. There is no way I could have handled it all without the assistance (multiple times daily) of Jennifer and French-speaking Albin, who intervened repeatedly with the hospital on our behalf to get information we could not get ourselves. It involved much more than I’m going into. Suffice it to say, we were the nightmare clients that no one ever wants to be (or have) and Jennifer and Albin handled it with grace and aplomb, rearranging our itinerary at the drop of a hat and getting me a (wonderful) hotel to stay in after the kids departed. We were to go to London afterwards, which obviously wasn’t possible. That entailed a great deal of effort for Jennifer in canceling pre-paid reservations and negotiating refunds where possible.

We’ve taken at least twenty trips with Wendy’s experts because they listen carefully to what their clients want, design itineraries with excellent and unusual activities, many of which we could not arrange on our own, and then execute them flawlessly. For rare glitches, they jump in to fix things immediately. We know our expert is monitoring everything. Seldom have we had to call upon our trip organizer while traveling for anything. This time we did. I had confidence that Jennifer, just like every one of Wendy’s carefully vetted specialists, would jump in to do whatever was needed to get us safely home. Even Wendy herself helped out and checked in to see how Jamie was doing.

I cannot praise Jennifer highly enough. She is a delight to work with — and she’s smart enough to hire such superb staff as Albin Fady-Bonnet. Our trip could have been a disaster. It wasn’t and we had a wonderful time in Paris with kids. We never could have gotten the assistance we did in dealing with Jamie’s medical situation had we not had them by our side.

FYI: Follow Wendy’s advice and get trip insurance even for easy trips to places like Paris. I had not as this wasn’t Sri Lanka (our most recent trip), Africa or Bhutan. I should have. No one wants to have to put up what I was asked for to medically evacuate my husband — 140,000 Euros in cash up front. Fortunately we were able to avoid the medical evacuation route. We flew home five days after the surgery in business class (the only way the French doctors would let him go) with Jennifer having arranged a car and driver and a person who expedited our way with wheelchairs through to the airport to the plane.

Read more reviews of Jennifer. Or request your own trip.

Contact Ellen and Caroline

Spain: meeting farmers, winemakers, restaurateurs…

SALLY BELL | MAY 6, 2024

The view of Alhambra in Granada,Spain on a sunny day.

The Alhambra in Granada. Photo: Traveler Sally Bell

Wow! Just Wow! When Wendy indicates her travel fixers can plan a “WOW trip” for you, you can absolutely believe it!

Our group (3 couples) had an incredible 19-day trip to Spain—all of it planned perfectly and expertly by Ivan. After our initial Facetime meeting, Ivan put a sensational itinerary together which catered to our interests in culture, history, architecture and food. Through his knowledge, dedication and carefully cultivated contacts and friends throughout Spain, every detail was handled.

All of our drivers were prompt, courteous & efficient. Every single one of our guides were bright, friendly, well-versed and quick-witted. We enjoyed getting to know them & came away from each tour or experience with increased knowledge of the history and culture of Spain.

In addition to city walking tours and seeing the historic sights in Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, Ronda, Vejer de la Frontera, Granada, Nerja, Frigiliana, Barcelona, Toledo & Madrid, we hiked in the natural park of the straits of Gibraltar, the valley of the Genal River visiting Benadalid & Benalauria, and in the nature reserve of el Torcal de Antequera along with a visit to the dolmens.

Our favorite days were when we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves into the lives of farmers of brave bulls, Spanish horses, and tropical fruits—along with owners of vineyards and family-owned restaurants. We enjoyed delicious home-cooked meals, wonderful sherry and wine, and had our “best days” learning about their lives and their work.

Ivan was in contact with us daily—making sure we enjoyed our day & the hotel in which we were staying, as well as providing details for the following day. He and his office staff handled every question promptly.

We loved visiting Spain. Not only is it a beautiful country with so much history and tradition, the people are welcoming and kind. This was one of those trips you hope to experience when you travel. And thanks to Ivan, his team and all the wonderful people we met along the way, our trip far exceeded our dreams!

Read more reviews of Iván. Or request your own trip.

Contact Iván

France: barge cruise in Burgundy…

JOHN BRADUNAS | MAY 6, 2024

Caroline suggested a week-long cruise in North Burgundy aboard La Belle Epoque, a 12-passenger barge to ply the inland waterways of wine country; she was spot on. Caroline got me an upgrade to a suite and I was ready to cast off. Captain Craig, Pilot Luke and Matalo Brice safely and SLOWLY (at 2 to 4 knots) ferried myself and 6 other vacationers around the farmlands southeast of Paris. Chef Jan and his hostesses Ola and Emma kept plying us with wines from the region, cheeses made from the cows we passed on our cruise, and fresh baguettes and croissants every morning (and tasty fish and beef entrees)!!

We visited chateaus, churches, abbeys and vineyards…sampled (more) local fares and were entertained by amazing people. Imagine being buzzed by an eagle during a falconry demonstration or dining with the baron and baroness (friends with the former Queen Mother and Diana), tasting their family’s latest champagne vintage!!

Ecuador & the Galapagos: meeting artisans, cruise on a small yacht…

BONNIE RASKIN | MAY 6, 2024

This trip—to Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos—was my husband and my 5th WOW List professional experience, and like all of our previous trips, it was exceptional. We worked with Allie Almario, and Allie and her team guided and supported us start to finish, planning the perfect, individualized itinerary for us exploring Quito and then placing us on the fabulous Horizon trimaran ship for a 5-day cruise in the Galapagos. Our charming hotel in Quito—Casa El Eden—was delightful. The owners treated us like family and we lacked for nothing. Our guide and driver took us to places and activities that we never would have been able to research and discover on our own, translating effortlessly so we missed nothing from the local artisans we met.

The Horizon was so much more than what we requested: a small and stable ship. We had a crew of 13 for 8 passengers. Our naturalist was incredible. All of the equipment—snorkeling and hiking gear—was top flight; the food was sensational and the accommodations luxurious and so comfortable. I had tears when it was time to leave.

Allie made sure that we had EVERY conceivable detail and information that we needed before we departed the U.S. and she always answered any of my questions or concerns with crazy-fast speed and thoroughness. Also with a wonderful sense of humor.

I can’t imagine EVER planning a bucket list trip without the aid and assistance of a WOW specialist. Next June we’re off to the Maldives—thank you beyond words Wendy and team!

Read more reviews of Allie. Or request your own trip.

Paris: private access at the Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier…

JOHN BRADUNAS | MAY 6, 2024

On my first evening in the city, I was given a private tour of the Eiffel Tower (no waiting in lines for me!!) and got to see everything from the underground operations to the recently-restored office of Eiffel on the summit. Dalida provided amazing insights of what it took to build such a structure and what it takes to keep it running—with millions of visitors each year. The evening was topped by a 7-course dinner (with wine, of course) at the Michelin two-star restaurant Jules Verne on the second level of the tower.

Jennifer also got me a private tour of the Palais Garnier—one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. Sophie led me through the many practice rooms, the massive stage and scenery storage (5 floors above and five floors below the stage!!). And for those aficionados of the Phantom of the Opera, do NOT reserve Box 5—it comes with bad luck….and yes, there IS a lake under the opera house, complete with live fish and small boats.

Finally, I was paired with a fellow historian—Frederic—who guided me through the city for 5 days. I revisited some old haunts—Montmarte, Rodin Museum, Saint Chapelle, the Concierge, the Marais and Les Invalides, and ventured to Giverny and Versailles to get my fill of Louis XIV and Monet. When it was time to return to reality, Jennifer’s team whisked me to the airport, through security and customs to my waiting aircraft. I am so grateful to Jennifer, all of her local experts, and to Walid and Camille for keeping me on schedule for this amazing journey.

Read more reviews of Jennifer. Or request your own trip.

* Although we have compiled and reviewed these reviews for trip planners to earn a spot on The WOW List, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or truthfulness of the reviews we receive and cannot assure that all travelers will have the same experience.

Romantic Travel Ideas for an Anniversary Trip, or Any Trip

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Considering what we’ve all been through in the past few years, it feels more important than ever to celebrate joyous milestones. So we’ve collected these unforgettable wedding-anniversary trips enjoyed by your fellow travelers. They all used The WOW List to find the right trip planner who could deliver the maximized experience and VIP treatment that people who are celebrating a special anniversary deserve. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

START A ROMANTIC TRIP

“A great, relaxing way to experience the Mediterranean and see the islands from a different viewpoint”

Mdina, the old capital of Malta surrounded by nature.

Traveler Tracy Reller called Malta “easy, seamless, and carefree” for their 25th anniversary. Photo: Exclusively Malta

“In one word, our 8-day Malta trip in July was awesome! Our schedule included a lot of activities, but they didn’t feel rushed and were all so interesting. Having drivers show up everywhere felt so indulgent but made things easy, seamless, and carefree—perfect for our 25th anniversary!

Our guide, Matthew, was incredible—so knowledgeable, gracious in answering our many questions, and kind in making any changes on the fly. He’s exactly why I like to use Wendy’s travel experts! We learn so much about the country, its people, history, customs, food from locals that we would never get on our own.

Some of our favorite excursions included exploring Valletta, the private Grand Master’s Palace visit, the Ta Betta wine tasting (wish we could get the wine in the U.S.), exploring Mdina including private palazzo visit, meeting a pastizzi maker in his home, sunset dinner with Charlie (very interesting guy who showed my gardener husband how to graft and propagate trees/bushes), and meeting a pipe organ restorer. Most surprising excursion was ancient Malta—visiting the Hypogeum and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. They were fascinating to see and to think about ancient people building them 1,000 years before the pyramids of Giza!

Do not miss Gozo island when in Malta—it’s quieter, less crowded and fun to explore. Traveling there by sailboat was also a great, relaxing way to experience the Mediterranean and see the islands from a different viewpoint.” —Tracy Reller

Read more reviews of Malta trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Italy for 50th anniversary, “treated like royalty” for 10 days

Colorful harbor at Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“As we sit alone on chaise lounges after swimming at the indoor pool at our final hotel (we already lounged at their private beach in total solitude), we are looking out at a cloudless sky and the beautiful blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We have been treated like royalty for 10 days, with wonderful drivers and incredible guides giving us the experience of a lifetime. Although we still enjoy planning our trips sometimes, there is something to be said for having everything done for you by a first-class tour agency. Spoiled? Just a bit!

After speaking with Andrea via Zoom, she planned a wonderful 10 days to Florence, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre for our celebration. She recommended hotels, tours, and restaurants for us to decide upon, as well as guides and drivers to take us around. We wouldn’t change a thing and only wish we had extended the trip a little longer! We loved all the hotels, which were in perfect locations, had wonderful breakfasts, and were planned in the perfect order of the trip. Finding Andrea through The WOW List was easy, and we would absolutely do it again in the future. Thank you for our trip of a lifetime!” —Robin and Warren Levy

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

40th anniversary trip to the Maldives: “Emma arranged for a special anniversary dinner on the beach, with a view of the stunning sunset…”

Barbara Mace and husband Joe at their anniversary dinner on the beach at the Vakkaru Maldives resort during sunset.

Barbara Mace and husband Joe sit down for an anniversary dinner on the beach at the Vakkaru Maldives resort.

“We worked with Justin to plan the trip, and he did a fantastic job. We traveled to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and then took a seaplane to Vakkaru Island and the Vakkaru Maldives resort. While waiting for the seaplane, Vakkaru had a private lounge for its guests. The seaplane was a great experience, taking off from and landing in the water, and we had beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.

At the Vakkaru International Airport (a pier off the island), we were greeted by many, including Emma, our butler, and Patrick Duff, the resort manager. Emma was the Best Butler Ever! Emma greeted us by name, and then took us on a quick tour of the island. Our overwater bungalow was beautiful. In addition to the indoor living room, bedroom, dressing area, and luxurious bath, we had an outdoor living room, outdoor dining room, lounge chairs, and a full-size pool with ocean views. We were also given a bottle of champagne in the room.

Vakkaru is in the Baa Atoll, which has blue holes. These suddenly deeper bodies of water, denoted by the sudden deep blue color, have more and varied aquatic life. There were several blue holes right off the island—so beautiful.

The resort has complimentary bikes for our use; we biked to breakfast every morning! We enjoyed lounging by and luxuriating in our residence pool immensely. Our room had steps to the ocean, which we used for snorkeling.

Emma arranged for a special anniversary dinner at Vakku (the resort’s signature restaurant) on the beach, with a view of the stunning sunset. Emma and Chili (housekeeping) decorated our bed and drew a bath for us in the huge tub that evening. Emma also wished us a happy anniversary in sand art outside our door. There were so many special touches for our stay as well as for our anniversary—we are grateful for the personal service!” —Barbara Mace

Read more reviews of Maldives trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MALDIVES

15th Anniversary trip to Paris: “Only Philip’s office could arrange an over-the-top private river cruise on a Venetian river craft…”

The Eiffel Tower with the river Seine in the front.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“Philip and his team did an outstanding job in planning, delivering and communicating our dream 15th Wedding Anniversary trip. In our initial interview with Philip, he listened to our interests in art, architecture, history, food and wine. From that point, he and his team began to develop an itinerary for us that was everything we dreamed of and more.

We started our 16-day adventure, beginning with Provence, then Lyon, and ending in Paris. In Provence, our personal guide, Cedric, drove us through beautiful countrysides loaded with red poppies, Market Day, beautiful historic hillsides villages and led us through the worlds of Impressionist artists, like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Dora Mar, and a modern art sculptural collection in a vineyard. We visited the best wineries in the region of Chateauneuf du Pape, walked inside the UNESCO Roman aqueduct of Le Pont du Gard, toured small historic villages learning about the impact and historic value.

In Lyon, we were met by Sebastian, our private tour guide for the next two days. We learned besides Lyon being the Food Gastronomy center of the world, the historic importance of Lyon in French history and how the weaving industry and craftsmanship made this city. An unexpected experience was the private time we spent with a craftsman, Philibert Virginie at Maison des Canuts, who took us through the labor-intensive loom weaving of the Renaissance. For our final day, Sebastian took us to his family-owned vineyard and winery in Beaujolais. Here was another WOW moment.

In Paris, for our last night, we had to do the Seine River Cruise. But only Philip’s office could arrange an over-the-top private river cruise on a Venetian River craft. Looking at Paris from the River gave us the full glory of this beautiful city. A bottle of Roederer champagne aboard our tour added the sparkle and the effervescence to enjoy the Eiffel Tower, Alexander Bridge, Notre Dame and Île de la Cité even more. What a great way to end our French adventure.” —Tom Festa

Read more reviews of France trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ANTARCTICA

25th Anniversary trip to Panama: “I never would have found this hotel on my own. It is on a private island…”

Bungalow of a private resport in Panama.

An eco-friendly private-island resort, Isla Palenque is on Panama’s Pacific coast. Photo: Isla Palenque

“My husband and I had a fabulous 25th anniversary trip to Panama planned by Pierre. We started out with one night staying in the Old City in Panama City. At Pierre’s suggestion, we stayed at the American Trade hotel. It was fabulous. It was like a throwback in time but with all the modern luxuries. And the location was perfect for exploring the Old City and going out to eat. Pierre arranged a dinner reservation at a nearby restaurant that could accommodate all of my husband’s dietary restrictions. To our surprise, they seated us at a secluded table on a balcony overlooking a plaza.

The next day was on to Isla Palenque. Absolute paradise. Pierre arranged all of the travel, from the car to the airport to the pickup at the airport in David and the boat ride then to Paradise. I never would have found this hotel on my own. I have never been to such a fabulous hotel. It is on a private island. 400 acres. Eight casitas and one villa. There are nearly 50 staff members for less than 20 guests. The water was 85°. The sand was soft as silk. The restaurant was excellent and very accommodating to our dietary restrictions. We went snorkeling, see kayaking, paddle boarding and dolphin watching. We still had plenty of time to do nothing on the private beach.

On the final day we had about 8 hours in Panama City before our evening flight back to the States. Pierre arranged a private guided tour of the Canal and the city. That was also fabulous.” —Randi Maidman

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30th Anniversary trip to Antarctica: “When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne…”

Jeff and Lisa Wellen having a ball in Antarctica.

“From the first Zoom call with Ashton and Christine, we knew we were in great hands for our dream trip to Antarctica. On this trip, we were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and I asked if there could be something special I could do to surprise my wife on the trip. They took care of everything. They first surprised us with an anniversary bottle of champagne and a cake at our hotel in Santiago.

One of the things you can do on the ship is sleep in an igloo on the top deck. It was first come, first serve. We were able to get the igloo reserved for one night. When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne and treats. It was so emotional that it brought my wife and I to tears.

The Lindblad Resolution was spectacular, and we are so thankful Ashton pushed us to take this ship. This is their newest ship and we saw every day why this is the best ship to take to the Great White Continent….This ship’s capabilities allowed us to go to the eastern side of the peninsula. Not one of the other sixty ships in the area had the capabilities to do that. It allowed us to sail through the Weddell Sea and see enormous tabular icebergs the size of three or four football stadiums, 100’s of Emperor Penguin chicks, thousands of penguins, pods of killer whales and watched pods of humpbacks eating fifty yards from the ship.” —Jeff Wellen

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50th Anniversary trip to Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland: “Following in some of the footsteps of our original honeymoon…”

Lisa Redburn at a cooking lesson at Tatjana Ciciliani’s home in Trojir, Croatia. Photo: Traveler Tom Redburn

“Lisa and I have had a lot of wonderful adventures in our more than 50 years together, but for our 50th wedding anniversary trip to Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Switzerland, the extraordinary planning of Claudia and Luisa took our travel experience to a whole new level. It’s true that Europe was already getting overrun with tourists during our six-week trip, but we rarely felt it because time after time Claudia and Luisa arranged guides and outings that took us away from the crowds and to hidden corners we never would have found on our own.

There are too many highlights to include all of them, but some of our most memorable moments were a gastronomic walking tour of Bologna with Giacomo, a guided E-bike ride along the Appian Way in Rome with Gioia, who spontaneously added in a visit to the multi-layered Church of San Clemente when we expressed interest in it, a guided cable car ride and walk to the top of Anacapri with Melania, and two hikes in the Dolomites with Paola, who revised her plans to reflect our own capacities for strenuous walking (there’s a theme here: nearly all our best guides were women). And that’s just Italy.

In Croatia and Slovenia, we enjoyed a guided walk up Mt. Srd above Dubrovnik, where two women from Piknik Dubrovnik had set up an extraordinary sunset picnic dinner just for us, two guided trips (one by E-bike, the other walking) in the backcountry of the islands of Korcula and Hvar that both included amazing private lunches far from the madding crowds, and an extraordinary tour by the charismatic Mario Bartulovic of his family’s winery and steep-sided vineyard on one of our only rainy days. We nearly cancelled but are so thankful that we didn’t. We also had a food shopping and cooking session with the charming Tatjana Ciciliani at her home in Trojir, near Split.

And the discovery of the trip, for us, was Slovenia, where we dined at the famous Hisa Franko (a 3 1/2-hour, 18-course tasting menu from chef Ana Ros), with a stay at tiny Chalets Nebesa, which is not to be missed if you are anywhere in the area. Four-room Nebesa (reserve far in advance!) is owned and run by Ana’s charming mother, father, sister and brother-in-law, and enjoys an extraordinary view in the Julian Alps over Kobarid, where there are still trenches from the devastating fighting along a front of World War I.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that, with only one or two exceptions, every guide was sensational, just about every accommodation was terrific, and nearly all the reserved dinners were a delight. And that’s not to mention our WOW Moment from Wendy of a lunch and wine tasting at the extraordinary BIBICh Winery, on a day when we traveled from Split to Zadar, right after visiting Krka National Park.

Luisa and Claudia took my idea of following in some of the footsteps of our original honeymoon trip to Europe (10 months on $6,000 in 1973-74 to Italy, Yugoslavia, Austria, Greece, Switzerland and France) and built it into an equally memorable highlight in our lives together. We spent our actual anniversary at a pension in the car-free Fex Valley in the Engadin that was one of the top places we stayed on our honeymoon. Our trip lived up to everything I had been dreaming about since we first thought of the idea more than two years in advance.” —Tom Redburn

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50th Anniversary trip to the Galapagos Islands: “A bouquet of five dozen roses and a bottle of wine…”

Blue-footed Booby on rocks, in Galapagos Islands.

Blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands celebrating our 50th Anniversary. We shared with Allie our desire to focus on the Galapagos: the variety of wildlife, geography, and culture. The trip was wonderful. Celeste, our mainland guide, met us at the airport and checked us in at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil. Our room, on the executive floor, was decorated with rose petals covering the bed and an assortment of chocolates in celebration of our anniversary (thanks, Allie).

We flew to the Islands and boarded the Endemic, a 16-passenger catamaran with floor to ceiling windows and balconies in each large stateroom. Carlos, a native of the Galapagos Islands, was our terrific naturalist guide. We visited the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolome, Isabella, Fernandina, and Rabida. We snorkeled with marine iguanas, crabs, sharks, penguins, green Pacific turtles, flightless cormorants, and sea lions. We also saw land iguanas, flamingos, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, giant tortoises, pelicans, hawks, frigatebirds and many other endemic species. We took numerous hikes learning about the geology and geography of the Islands and viewing wildlife. Carlos kept us very busy, with four planned activities each day, including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and panga rides. Guests were welcome to stay and relax onboard if they wanted to skip an activity.

Celeste escorted us from the Guayaquil airport to the Hotel del Parque on our return to the mainland. We were greeted in our suite with a bouquet of five dozen roses and a bottle of wine in celebration of our Anniversary (thanks again, Allie). With Allie’s advice and help, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —Scott and Lorna Conroy

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20th Anniversary trip to Italy: “Exploring the gardens and farm…eating the farm-to-table food…all set in a serene oasis in the heart of Tuscany…”

Traveler Andrea Phillips and family enjoying a summer evening in Tuscany during their WOW trip.

“My family of four, with two teen girls, had a wonderful and action-packed trip to Italy in mid to late June covering Umbria, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan, planned with Maria. We stayed at hotels that were the perfect fit (like the one in Florence that had a rooftop pool to beat the heat!), had the best rooms and locations and such personal service, all due to Maria’s connections. Italy was busy with travelers while we were there, but I can honestly say that it did not affect our plans at all, as Maria had it coordinated and timed out so perfectly.

This trip was also to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and Maria had suggested two stops along the way that were very special. Wow, were they ever! Borgo Santo Pietro, a working farm & wellness resort in west Tuscany, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, near Bellagio in Lake Como. Both resorts resembled something made out of a dream. Beautiful landscapes, amazing service, delicious food, gorgeous rooms, and so many amenities. At Borgo Santo Pietro, you had the feeling of being in a fairy garden wherever you went and around every corner, there was something new to discover. Bicycles & e-bikes, animal-tending sessions, exploring the gardens and farm, tennis courts, the spa & classes, eating the farm-to-table food in their lovely restaurants, all set in a serene oasis in the heart of Tuscany. We did not want to leave!

The other amazing stop was the Hotel Grand Tremezzo, which is a standout feature on any Lake Como ferry ride with its striking architecture, gardens and in-lake floating pool in front, so actually staying there was quite a treat! The inner decor of the hotel and outer gardens were magical and so were the concierges and staff that were always ready to help. We enjoyed the spa, the many pools and casual restaurants and even had a private wakeboarding session one morning on the Lake! That is a memory that will never be forgotten and made this stop my girls’ favorite! Maria also arranged a great private boat tour to visit Bellagio and the famous villas of the lake with a lovely private guide, who had access to go inside the villas and educate us on all of the historic collections and stories. It was fascinating!

We were surprised with our WOW Moment early in this trip. We were given a special opportunity to be dressed up for the night in the Foligno Quintana traditional costumes for their festival later in the week. That was a unique experience and one that we would never have been able to arrange or even be allowed to do without Maria’s network in Italy. Thank you Wendy and Maria!

We had many other activities that were also highlights. In Umbria, we went canyoning through a roaring mountain river, had an in-depth local cooking class, a gelato-making class, and went truffle hunting with the cutest, yet very talented dogs. In Siena, we had lunch on the exact alleyway where the Mille Miglia Race of Classic Cars were driving through to enter the Il Campo (definitely because of Maria’s connections in Italy!). In Florence, we climbed the Brunelleschi Duomo, took a lively pizza-making class, saw the awe-inspiring David & the Uffizi Gallery, and took a relaxing Arno River boat ride. In Lucca, we rode bikes around the medieval walls where we crossed paths with a special parade of classic Fiat 500’s. In Bologna, we visited one of the world’s oldest universities, and in nearby Maranello, drove Ferraris through the streets of the town where they are made! In Milan, we had the privilege of being able to see the Last Supper, which was breathtaking. Needless to say, we were very busy on this trip!

It was a trip full of variety, which I had specifically asked Maria for when planning this vacation last fall, and she delivered! When we head to Italy again, I will definitely have Maria help me plan our route around the country, but next time, we will stay longer than 3 nights at each stop to really experience the culture and have some more free time to explore on our own!” —Andrea Phillips

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50th Anniversary safari: “A bush dinner with an open bonfire and full moon celebrating our anniversary. Local folks came in their native dress, danced and sang…”

Two young lion cubs ( Panthera Leo) looking at the camera, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Two young lion cubs at the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

“To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, we decided we wanted to take our two daughters and their families on an African safari. The trip Daniel planned for us was fantastic. Since we and our daughters live in 3 different U.S. cities, we met in Nairobi and stayed for 2 nights. The accommodations at the House of Waine were outstanding and the staff very accommodating, given two of our arrivals were very late and the 4 grandkids varied in age from 6 to 13. This gave us time to get over some jet lag and see some of Nairobi. We then flew via private charter for 4 nights to a Saruni camp in Samburu, followed by another private charter to a Saruni camp in Maasai Mara for 4 nights, before returning to Nairobi for our flights home.

The staff and guides at the camps were friendly and went out of their way to please us. They had a special celebration for our anniversary at all three locations. They also celebrated one of our son-in-law’s birthdays while we were on the trip with a cake and singing at each location.

Samburu is semi-arid and Maasai Mara lush and green. It was great to see the two different areas and experience the different as well as similar animals in each. Daniel is the one that recommended the two different areas and we are quite happy he did. The pace of the trip which he planned was good; having 4 days at each camp gave us the time to truly experience and appreciate each area.

Our experience suggests that other travelers should pace their trip similar to ours. Two of our international flights were extremely late and having 2 nights in Nairobi before going to the safari camps allowed us to catch our breath. Also spending 4 nights at a camp allows you to settle in and appreciate the uniqueness of the location.

Seeing all the animals with our extended family at each location made this a special travel experience. Some of the most outstanding were seeing the 5 animals unique to the Samburu area, lions along with some cubs, leopards, cheetah, elephants, giraffes and hippos. The sundowners and meals in the bush also were very special times. Of these, the most memorable was having a bush dinner with an open bonfire and full moon celebrating our anniversary. Local folks came in their native dress, danced and sang. They encouraged the kids and adults to participate and we all had a grand time. We would not have had all these wonderful experiences if it had not been for Daniel.” —David Magdanz

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Norway: “We were serenaded by a musician playing a Norwegian Hardanger fiddle…”

Reine village with traditional red rorbu cottages, fishing boats and high mountains in the background on Lofoten islands in Norway.

Reine village surrounded by high mountains in Lofoten Islands in Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

The next day we toured the area with a Sami reindeer herder. We also spent time on a small island well out in the Atlantic where we kayaked along the seashore to a lighthouse; foraged in Trondheim with a professional forager picking plants for our lunch; visited a dairy near Oslo producing a unique cheese product and advocating a more humane way to treat dairy cattle; and spent 3 nights at a farm with a gourmet chef specializing in dishes featuring fruit and vegetables from the farm. We received very personal treatment from the hosts at our smaller venues and each of them indicated how much they valued their relationship with Torunn.

Our wedding anniversary occurred during the trip and Torunn arranged a WOW Moment for us that was great fun. We were in Aurland at a farm set in a stunningly beautiful valley with steep mountainsides and many waterfalls. We were serenaded by a musician playing a Norwegian Hardanger fiddle, a type of double-strung violin. The venue was a small shelter with a magnificent view, and we toasted ourselves and the trip with homemade pear Kombucha made by the chef. We thoroughly enjoyed it.” –George Stephens

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20th Anniversary trip to Tahiti: “No noise other than the wind, the waves, and the coconut trees…”

Rainbow over Tahiti. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“We traveled to Tahiti, visiting three different islands. I had held off on faraway, remote beach destinations for decades under the notion of the value for your money and the ease of travel of Mexico and the Caribbean. But given this trip was meant to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, I threw caution to the winds and went all in.

Getting to Tahiti is not the hard part. The adventure starts as soon as you begin booking your inter-island air travel, boat transfers, a sundry of activities, and actually coordinate all of the above to achieve a relaxing visit to the islands. We did not have to worry about any of this with Kleon at the helm. He asked important questions about our likes and dislikes and then crafted an itinerary which slowly evolved into a spectacular journey with three ever-better chapters in a jaw-dropping beautiful region.

Our first stop was Vahine Island Resort and Spa. With nine acres and only a handful of rooms, this small island stop helped us relax, reset and realize what truly is Tahitian beauty and calm. No noise other than the wind, the waves, and the coconut trees. No thinking about meal choices with simple, but elegant prix fixe dinner menus. No people (there were a few other couples which we visited with over meals and activities), but a private tranquil island where my wife and I watched the sunset on the dock with baby blacktip reef sharks swimming underneath, cracked open fresh coconuts when thirsty, and went paddle boarding in the large bay between Vahine and Tahaa…all alone. The privacy, intimacy, and peace on this island with such a limited number of guests began to open my eyes to why we made the long journey to this beach.

We traveled to Bora Bora next. A water taxi with an impromptu stop to see over a hundred blacktip reef sharks in pristinely clear water was an unexpected highlight during our ride to the airport. No airport security made the trip even better. Upon arrival to Bora Bora, another boat awaited to transfer us to the St. Regis. While significantly more tourists visit this island, the number of hotels and additional guests did not diminish the striking beauty of Mount Otemanu. We enjoyed our over-the-water bungalow immensely, in particular, leaping off the deck into the refreshing turquoise lagoon water. We chose to refresh our diving skills and were incredibly fortunate to have two massive reef mantas swim two feet over our heads while we gazed upward from 40 feet below on the white sand bottom.

Immensely relaxed, in beach mode and thrilled with our first two hotel stays, we topped off our travel with our final nights at the Brando in Tetiaroa. Lunch at your private pool, scuba diving outside amongst a mountain of colorful coral, cocktails at sunset at the bar above the treeline…simply ask and your wish is their command. Getting to the hotel is equally spectacular using a singular private charter which whisked us to and from paradise without a worry and with ease. And for my wife who seems to attract mosquito bites wherever we may be, the hotel has an answer for that as well. Their island scientists eradicated the pest from the island without the use of any chemicals, allowing for outdoor enjoyment unlike any other experience where you may encounter the often annoying bugs. The experience at the Brando can only be described as sublime perfection, where any of your needs or desires instantly come to fruition.

Tahiti is burned into our memories with its unforgettably blue waters, tranquil relaxing days, vivid and abundant sea life and unique island vibes. Now home, we daydream daily of when we will return.” —Michael Ruma

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25th Anniversary trip to Italy’s Cinque Terre: “All of our dinner reservations included the best tables and the best views…”

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I had a fabulous trip to the Cinque Terre, Italy, for our 25th anniversary.

I had an initial meeting over Zoom with Anna to discuss the purpose of our trip and our style of travel, things we enjoy, etc. and then Anna basically took it from there. She came up with a suggested itinerary which we then discussed and finalized together. I had no idea what to expect and we were WOWED from the moment we arrived. All of our transfers included first-class transportation services, each of our hotels provided a complimentary upgrade along with a welcome gift, and all of our dinner reservations included the best tables and the best views.

We especially loved our two boat days: One included a tour of Portofino and lunch at a restaurant overlooking the cove of San Fruttuoso, and another included a trip to Portovenere and lunch onboard in a beautiful bay. Anna’s advice was spot-on and we felt as though we were in excellent hands. We had the perfect balance of activities and down time and never felt overscheduled.” —Kim Brown

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30th Anniversary safari: “At each stop we were made to feel so special, with an incredible ‘sundowner’ experience at Old Drift, along with cakes and celebrations…”

Rainbow over Victoria Falls on Zambezi River, border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A rainbow hangs in the mist from Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our 30th wedding anniversary was coming up, and I landed on an African safari as the perfect way to celebrate. We’ve just returned from this spectacular trip: Four days in Cape Town visiting Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and of course the Winelands, along with a fantastic lunch at Glen Carlou; two nights at Victoria Falls in the lovely Old Drift Lodge; and six nights in Botswana: two at Savute, two at Camp Moremi, and two at Shinde. All the accommodations were outstanding, and the transport between camps was flawless.

At each stop we were made to feel so special, with an incredible ‘sundowner’ experience at Old Drift, along with cakes and celebrations at each safari camp for our anniversary. It was clear that Julian and team had taken exceptional effort to ensure all the camps were aware of our special event, which was a wonderful surprise that we really appreciated.

This complicated trip was made so easy! While I often plan trips myself, I can highly recommend arranging a trip like this through an expert. Julian’s services took all the stress out and we were left with nothing but fantastic fun and great memories.” —Nancy Megehee

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25th Anniversary trip to Portugal: “They secured one of the few very best rooms with the best view at our resort on the Algarve…”

Beautiful sandy beach near Lagos in Ponta da Piedade, Algarve region, Portugal

A beach near Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve region. Photo: Shutterstock

“Goncalo and his team planned a Portugal trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. They secured one of the few very best rooms with the best view at our resort on the Algarve, which we could not have obtained ourselves. Very few rooms at the very large hotel had ocean views, so this was a big deal (we even had two balconies facing the ocean). All of their recommendations as to where to stay were great and took into account our preferences, which we discussed in a planning call. They planned great activities, like a lovely large private sailboat from Sintra back to Lisbon, a visit to an observatory (at night of course), and a private cruise along the cliffs of the Algarve. We would not have known about the lovely hotel converted from a farming village in the Alentejo if we hadn’t used a Portugal expert, and we wouldn’t have known which towns to visit. We loved the itinerary they planned and will use them again if we return to Portugal!” —Rita Solomon

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Belize: “While my husband played golf, she arranged a tour for me of the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich…”

The Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. Photo: Absolute Belize

“Patricia is my new best friend. We told her that our trip to Belize was to celebrate our wedding anniversary. She listened to our wants and needs and more than delivered. She suggested that we split our January trip between inland and the coast and set us up with activities that satisfied both of our desires, since they were not necessarily the same.

My husband wanted to play golf, and Patricia made the arrangements for him. She satisfied our interest in culture and history with the Garifuna Cultural immersion. Additionally, while my husband played golf, she arranged a tour for me of the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and a day at the San Antonio Women’s Co-op to learn about the ancient Mayan life. Patricia joined me for my tour of Xunantunich, and my husband was jealous that he didn’t get to meet her in person.

On the coast we both wanted water sports. She arranged two wonderful boat/snorkel adventures for us, and one included a barbecue of freshly caught fish. Yes, my husband had the opportunity to reel in one fish while we were on the boat. I cannot say enough good things about how we were treated by Patricia, our guides, the staff of the hotels that she recommended, and the activities that she arranged.” —Bonnie Warton

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10th Anniversary trip to Peru: “When we arrived at our picnic, we were amazed to see a canopy tent popped up in a field that overlooked the Andes…”

Peru's Sacred Valley mountains and rivers

A quiet stretch of the Urubamba River, Peru’s Sacred Valley. Photo: Aracari

“Our favorite experience in Peru was on the afternoon of our 10th wedding anniversary. We thought we would be having a simple picnic lunch, but when we arrived at our picnic, we were amazed to see a canopy tent popped up in a field that overlooked the Andes. The table was tastefully decorated with linens, lace, fresh flowers, and local decor pieces. Wow! A three-man cooking team prepared a lovely four-course meal in a separate tent while we sipped wine. There was even a portable toilet in a third small tent! Nothing was overlooked. In fact, during our ten-day trip arranged by Marisol, no detail was left unturned, from our beautiful accommodations to our awesome local guide to the snacks in our vehicle. We had an incredible trip.” —Erica Stanforth

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30th Anniversary trip to Australia: “Stuart must have told everyone that we were celebrating an anniversary…”

rustic beach bungalow overwater suite at Haggerstone Island resort at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

The remote Haggerstone Island resort at the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Haggerstone Island

“Stuart planned the perfect trip for our 30th wedding anniversary: We spent three weeks in Australia, taking multiple in-country flights and visiting Melbourne, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, Uluru, the Daintree Rainforest, and Sydney. We wanted luxury lodges and unique experiences, and our expectations were exceeded.

Stuart must have told everyone that we were celebrating an anniversary because, at each location, we received not only cards and good wishes but sometimes cakes or champagne or chocolates. But this is what blew us away: In Tasmania, at Saffire Freciynet, we tasted several excellent local gins one evening and commented to the staff on how much we liked them, and when we reached Sydney at the end of the trip, there was a gift of three bottles of gin and a lovely note from Stuart. That is one of the above-and-beyond gestures that made this trip extraordinary.” —Robin and Josh Madden

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Disney World: “Everyone knew it was our anniversary!”

Happily Ever After fireworks at Disney World. Photo: Disney

“While we take fairly involved adventure vacations (safaris, a dog-sledding expedition, and scuba diving, rafting and trekking trips), none have involved the degree of planning that our recent Disney trip did! Disney World can be overwhelming: To maximize your time there, you need to carefully plan out your schedule for each day and manage restaurant reservations, show times, and Fast Passes.

Michelle’s advice was invaluable in this regard. She took into consideration that this was an adults-only vacation and made great suggestions such as visiting a practically empty and childless Magic Kingdom with an After Dark ticket. She managed to fit in a coveted reservation for Be Our Guest, and her recommendations for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival helped us navigate that fun event. Michelle’s hard work enabled us to have a wonderful anniversary trip—and everyone knew it was our anniversary because Michelle told them!” —Barbara Sheridan

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2nd Anniversary trip to Spain: “Pablo was able to secure reservations at three Michelin-star restaurants…”

Madrid, Spain. Gran Via, main shopping street at twilight.

Madrid’s Gran Via shopping strip lights up at night. Photo: Shutterstock

“I used Pablo to arrange a celebration trip to Spain—Barcelona, San Sebastian, and Madrid—for my son and his wife for their 2nd wedding anniversary. One of their interests was to try different exclusive restaurants and wineries, and Pablo was able to secure reservations at three Michelin-star restaurants. He arranged tours of boutique-style wineries, including a special wine-tour bike ride in Barcelona. Since my son is a guitar enthusiast, Pablo arranged for a Spanish guitar lesson and also got him into a special Flamenco show. Pablo had the ability to secure unique, private, and culturally enriching activities, allowing my son and daughter-in-law to experience Spanish cuisine and culture in a way that I am sure would not have been possible otherwise.” —Jeffrey Bernfield

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Paris: “I wanted to present her with the diamond ring she never got when we first got together 10 years ago”

Pont Alexandre III (Alexander the third bridge) over river Seine in Paris, France. Architecture and landmarks of Paris.

River Seine in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“I wanted to make the most of a short trip to Paris to celebrate my wife’s birthday and to present her with the diamond ring she never got when we first got together 10 years ago. Jennifer made a variety of suggestions, and we decided I would surprise my wife with the ring in a renewal proposal aboard a private yacht. I had originally requested a Venetian boat, but at the last minute it had mechanical problems, rendering it unavailable. Jennifer quickly replaced it with Sophia Loren’s private yacht and assured me that the furnishings and seating would be altered to make it more intimate and romantic. The result was spot-on, resulting in the highlight of our trip.” —William Harwayne

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START A TRIP TO CAPRI AND THE AMALFI COAST

10th Anniversary trip to Italy: “Our private boat captain picked us up in Capri, toured us around the island, let us swim in the grottos, and eventually dropped us off for the rest of our stay in Positano…”

Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I rarely use a travel agent because we love to do the research and plan every detail of our vacations. However, this trip to Capri and the Amalfi Coast was for our 10-year wedding anniversary, so we wanted the ultimate luxury experience without having to worry about anything. Andrea really listened to what we wanted and tailored the trip accordingly. And there wasn’t a minute of it that went by that my husband and I didn’t think, ‘This was worth every penny and more.’ From the knowledgeable drivers to awesome tour guides and boat captains, it was beyond perfect. Our favorite day of the trip, and arguably in our lives, was when our private boat captain picked us up in Capri, toured us around the island, let us swim in the grottos, and eventually dropped us off for the rest of our stay in Positano. The views were stunning, but the captain really made our experience so special. Andrea has the connections with all of the right people, which makes the entire experience unlike any other.” —Meredith Still

Read more reviews of Capri and The Amalfi Coast trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Hawaii: “A sunrise visit to the top of Mt. Haleakalā and a subsequent bike ride down, surfing lessons in Lahaina, a helicopter tour of the Big Island…”

Maui, Hawaii. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority.

“We used Dani’s help to put together our trip to Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a great trip packed with hiking, a sunrise visit to the top of Mt. Haleakalā and a subsequent bike ride down, surfing lessons in Lahaina, and a helicopter tour of the Big Island, including the active volcano. Dani was in constant contact with us throughout, which was greatly appreciated, as we had questions about various things while we were there. We had mentioned this trip was a celebration of our wedding anniversary, and at both of our hotels there was chilled champagne and sweet treats, courtesy of Dani. She even managed to snag us an upgrade to a suite at the Four Seasons Hualalai, which was a pleasant surprise.” —Joseph McBrine

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A CRUISE EXPERIENCE

60th Anniversary cruise in the Caribbean: “We were a family of 10 traveling for my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary…”

Idyllic tropical beach with white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky at Antigua island in Caribbean

An empty beach on Antigua. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were a family of 10 traveling for my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. We had first-time cruisers and seasoned cruisers, and we wanted an itinerary that would enable us to spend time together as well as enjoy personal time. For our specific needs, Tom suggested Celebrity Cruises, and we selected an itinerary in the ‘ABC islands’ with several days at sea. Everyone was very happy. Both the sea days and the days in port offered everyone enough sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation options to keep as busy (or not) as we wanted. Some of us went to the beach, while others went to town and sightseeing. We all met for cocktails in the Martini Bar before our family dinner each night. It was a fun and successful cruise for everyone, and my parents especially appreciated the special touches that Tom provided—including champagne, flowers, and a delicious chocolate cake in their cabin.” —Lorraine Victor

Read more reviews of cruise trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Great Inspiration for Graduation Trips

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The gift we can give our graduates—and the gift they’ll give back to us

Graduation trips are among the most popular family trips we see here at WendyPerrin.com, and we agree that an academic achievement deserves to be marked with a fun, memorable (and yes, sometimes even educational) experience. To provide inspiration for your own travels with your favorite grad this year, we’ve looked back at the graduation trips arranged by our WOW List destination experts that have most delighted your fellow travelers. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

START A WOW TRIP FOR YOUR GRAD

Post-diploma diversions in camps and falls in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Quad biking in the Namib desert. Photo: Traveler Julie Heimark

“To celebrate our older son’s high school graduation, we planned a 28-day Southern Africa trip with Julian for July/August 2024. Julian planned a truly amazing trip. Every detail was perfect and seamless. For the entire month, we literally just showed up—whether at a hotel or an air strip or a border crossing—and our guides/fixers took care of it all.

We did Cape Town, three Namibia camps (Little Kulala, Hoanib Skeleton Coast, Serra Cafema), three Botswana camps (Vumbura South, Duba Plains, Selinda) and Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe.

First, Julian guided us to a more modern, design-forward Cape Town hotel (The Silo) that we loved. Second, every camp was unique, and for each camp we said ‘Ah, now we know why Julian selected this one.’ Finally, our particular path, from Cape Town to Namibia to Bots to Vic Falls, allowed the continent to unfold before us.

Read more reviews of African safari trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO AFRICA

Iceland: commencing twins with a thermal spring soak and ATMs on black-sand beaches

Brook and her family rode ATVs into this river gorge in Iceland.

Moving on, indeed: Riding ATVs on Iceland’s black-sand beaches.

“Our trip to Iceland was a post-graduation trip with my twin daughters. Overall, we had a great time, and the topography of Iceland evokes a shaken, not stirred, blend of Point Reyes, California, and Yellowstone National Park.

The itinerary set by Chris was primarily self-directed, interspersed with private guides for specific activities. Getting around is easy, but crowds were ubiquitous and unavoidable at most attractions in southeast Iceland, so the guides arranged by Chris for specific activities were excellent and able to create space from the larger tourist groups.

Highlights of our trip include a remote outdoor soak in a thermal stream followed by a salmon lunch prepared over a nearby steam vent, riding ATVs along the expansive black sand beaches, glacier hiking through an ice cave, and snorkeling near the tectonic plates. Chris certainly delivered the best product available, given Iceland’s inherent resource limitations and growing popularity as a tourist destination.” —Bill Bartholomay

Read more reviews of Iceland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ICELAND

The Galapagos: “The islands are simply breathtaking: pristine, unspoiled, and teeming with wildlife at every turn!”

Claire, Andrea, Rachel and Dave Phillips bonding with sea lions at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island. Photo: Gideon Kleinman

“Standing in LAX on a delayed-departure morning with two phones in hand—one connected with the airline agent, and one with Allie—made me realize the true value of having a Trusted Travel Expert. This was our 7th Wendy Perrin trip, but who would have thought that engine trouble on our first flight would make us miss our connecting flight and almost ruin a trip to the Galapagos Islands planned a year in advance?!

Thanks to Allie’s quick thinking, we were rerouted to a different city in Ecuador, on the only available flight over the weekend. She was able to alter our migration cards and flights to ensure we made it for our full 7-night cruise, saving us from missing out on the incredible first stops! And, by securing our trip with travel insurance from Travelex, another Wendy Perrin recommendation, we will also get a good portion of reimbursement back on the services lost and the extra services paid for.

As travelers who love adventures with animals, the Galapagos Islands were an ideal pick for a special trip for our graduating senior. With Allie’s help, we selected to sail on the Endemic. We picked this route for the specific island stops and the types of animals and unique environments we could possibly see.

Andrea Phillips and family next to a giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

The islands are simply breathtaking: pristine, unspoiled, and teeming with wildlife at every turn! You had to carefully watch your step, as baby and adult sea lions, blue-footed boobies nesting with their chicks, and land and marine iguanas sprawled across the pathways, eagerly inviting your admiration. The entire experience felt like stepping into a living, breathing nature documentary!

Without Allie’s expertise in planning our route and saving our trip, our experience wouldn’t have been nearly as incredible. For anyone planning a journey to the Galapagos, know it can be challenging and her advice is invaluable: Allow yourself two to three days (preferably on weekdays) to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil to ensure you catch the limited island flights. Allie is a true Galapagos expert, and we couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else with our adventure. Thanks to her, our trip was unforgettable!” —Andrea Phillips

Read more reviews of Galapagos trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS

Hawaii: “We had a mix of busy days and relaxing days, and Jen made sure we had dinner reservations each night…”

Dad and kids paddleboarding near the North Shore of Oahu. Photo: Traveler Jennifer Cheng

“We decided to take a summer family trip to Hawaii for our son’s graduation. We’re a family of five, and the kids had never been to Hawaii but my husband wanted a city vacation, so I picked Waikiki. It was a busy time of the year for us, and I was overwhelmed with all the choices, so I filled out your trip questionnaire and started the process with Dani and Jen. It was such a relief to not have to research everything and know that I was getting vetted recommendations and a thoughtful itinerary.

Based on what I told them, they recommended the Halekulani, which I marveled at as the right choice every time we returned to the hotel—so beautiful and calm and pampering in the middle of hectic Waikiki. The kids loved all the shopping and food options right outside the hotel, and it was so nice to have a serene homebase with amazing service. Dani and Jen’s booking included room upgrades and daily breakfast for five. I was also able to enjoy the hotel’s morning fitness class a few times.

We had a mix of busy days and relaxing days, and Jen made sure we had dinner reservations each night. The teens took surf lessons, and we did the Kualoa Ranch UTV raptor tour, all arranged by Jen. They also made the arrangements for a fantastic Diamond Head sunrise hike. When we visited the North Shore, we ate at the shrimp trucks and did the Haleiwa stand-up paddleboarding on their recommendations. Overall, a memorable and wonderful family vacation. Everyone loved it. Thank you!” —Jennifer Cheng

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND

Switzerland: “Our time in Interlaken included a private chocolate-making workshop and the highlight of the trip for my daughter, a hike with St. Bernard dogs…”

Jennifer, David, Veronica, and Reed Datwyler hiking with St. Bernards.

“My daughter recently graduated from high school. She chose a family trip to Switzerland as a celebration of her accomplishments. My husband and I, along with our 18-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son, had a ten-day trip to three distinct regions of Switzerland. This trip was expertly planned by Nina and Annina.

We flew direct from San Francisco to Zurich. The afternoon of our arrival, we toured the city of Zurich in a tuk-tuk where we were welcomed with chocolate fondue en route. The next day, we took a short train ride to the town of Appenzell, where we visited with a local bell maker who demonstrated the art of forging cow bells. My daughter even got to participate in the forging process!

The third stop was the Italian region of Switzerland, where we stayed in the town of Ascona. Here we rode E-bikes to a small family-run grotto where we learned to make risotto. We spent another day exploring the Bavona Valley. We enjoyed a hike through the most beautiful terrain we have ever seen. The entire trip was flawless. We will never forget this time together as a family.” —Jennifer Datwyler

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

African safari: “My two children and I celebrated my son’s college graduation by taking a trip for the ages!”

Thomas Casper celebrated his college graduation with a safari. Here, he’s atop Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Traveler Clare Casper

“Just back from South Africa and Botswana! My two children and I celebrated my son’s college graduation by taking a trip for the ages! We worked with Christian from Julian‘s office, who put together an itinerary that included places we had not even considered. Five days in South Africa included the awe-inspiring Grootbos Nature Preserve at the bottom of the continent. We explored ancient caves, went whale watching, hiking and thoroughly enjoyed the unforgettable cuisine at Grootbos! We loved our guide Hosea who gave us such in-depth history and cultural insight on the area. It was a small gesture, but my kids really appreciated Hosea taking them into a local market in Cape Town’s Bo-Kapp neighborhood to enjoy a mid-day snack.

After a day touring and hiking on the magnificent Table Mountain, we set off to Botswana for 6 days at 3 different safari camps. Each camp was in a different ecosystem, which was something we never would have considered and were so appreciative of Christian to plan in that manner. I knew I would see the animals but did not expect to learn so much from the guides at each camp. The magnificent birds were also an unexpected surprise. The delicious food and lovely staff will never be forgotten and really made the trip our favorite so far!

Kudos to Christian for setting up this amazing experience!”—Lynn Casper

Read more reviews of South Africa and Botswana trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA AND BOTSWANA

Paris: “Our January trip to Paris was for our daughter’s college graduation. She was interested in fashion, food, and the Louvre…”

The Louvre Museum at night, Paris. Photo: EdiNugraha/Pixabay

“Our January trip to Paris was for our daughter’s college graduation. She was interested in fashion, food, and the Louvre. Let’s start by how incredibly smooth our airport arrival was! Upon exiting the aircraft, we were whisked away by Mohammad, who led us through customs, helped us with our luggage, and delivered us to our driver. I bet we saved two hours not having to wait in the line at customs.

Jennifer, our trip planner, did a great job planning our tours and making our dining reservations! We were very impressed with each tour guide: our private half-day tour of the Louvre could not have been better! We loved our croissant-making class and our chef was fabulous. We were pleasantly surprised with our tour of the Dior museum—so unexpected and maybe one of our most favorite things. We had the museum to ourselves and our guide was fantastic! Jennifer secured a fashion expert who took us to neighborhood boutiques featuring up and coming Parisian designers, and this was a real treat! We loved meeting the shop owners, and we felt like locals shopping for the afternoon.

Each and every restaurant reservation that Jennifer procured provided the best table in the restaurant with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. One of the restaurants surprised us with a sparkler in my daughter’s dessert, which was so fun.” —Kim Brown

Read more reviews of Paris trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Norway: “My husband and I wanted to take our four children on a graduation trip to Norway…”

Barbara Lich’s son climbing in Norway’s mountaineering capital of Andelsnes.

Our trip (planned by Torunn and Karin) exceeded expectations! Wow! My husband and I wanted to take our four children on a graduation trip to Norway. When we first talked with Torunn, she listened to what worked for my family in previous trips, what we were looking for (an active trip to see and experience as much as possible). And she delivered!

Our children are ages 25, 22, 18 and 14. When Torunn heard that our daughter is a competitive figure skater and wanted to see sights near the 1994 Olympic venue in Lillehammer, she arranged that we would stop in Lillehammer and even set up bobsledding (!) at the Olympic Training site! That was an experience to remember.

In Bergen my daughter and I had a great morning horseback riding! with the most friendly and kind trainer. That afternoon, my husband and children took a 90-minute helicopter tour over Hardangerfjord. My family loved that helicopter experience. Sadly, it was time to depart the next morning. What a beautiful country and special family time! We really loved every minute and would recommend Torunn to everyone.”—Barbara Lich

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines: “Taking advantage of the time left before my 18-year-old daughter leaves to start college, the two of us jetted off…”

Traveler Andrea Phillips and daughter Rachel underwater, diving off Balicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines.

Andrea Phillips and daughter Rachel diving off Balicasag Island in the Philippines. Photo: Sander

“Taking advantage of the time left before my 18-year-old daughter leaves to start college, the two of us jetted off on a 10-day scuba diving trip to the Philippines. After in-depth planning with Andrea, an expert on unique travel in Asia, we chose the Dauin coast and Panglao Island, off Bohol, for our trip, as this was an excellent time to visit for great weather and diving conditions. Our goals were simple: level up our scuba certifications, immerse ourselves in welcoming cultures, and, finally, cross off swimming with whale sharks from our bucket list!

Andrea and his team planned it perfectly, starting with a special airport welcome that whisked us from the arrival gate and quickly through a chaotic Manila airport. Our first stop was Atmosphere Resort, where my daughter earned her Advanced Open Water Diver certification under the guidance of their skilled dive masters. We explored local dive spots and Apo Island, a beautiful marine reserve. The relaxing resort was wonderful after diving, with its refreshing pools, delicious food, a sanctuary spa, all while being cared for as a VIP guest by the warm and friendly Filipino staff. It all brought back memories of doing my own AOW certification in Asia 25 years ago.

Moving on to Amorita Resort, we spent our days diving at Balicasag & Pamilacan Islands with another great dive team recommended by Andrea and earned our Enriched Air Diver certifications. Andrea also surprised us by sending an underwater photographer along on our first dive to capture a forever moment on our mother-daughter adventure under the sea. Saving one of the best days for last, our Bohol countryside tour was incredible, from swimming with a group of large whale sharks to cruising on a private Lomboc River boat with live music, hanging out with Tarsier and macaque monkeys, admiring the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol and even enjoying coconut wine at a local’s home. It was a perfect conclusion to our unforgettable journey in the Philippines.

This trip was tailored-made for our needs, combining the best dive resort locations for our goals, avoiding crowded tourist spots for the whale shark encounter, and adding in authentic cultural stops and touches to make each day unforgettable, including celebrating my birthday. Pushing ourselves to try somewhere new, and doing it together, made it even more thrilling.” —Andrea Phillips

Read more reviews of the Philippines trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Switzerland: “We booked a trip with our 18- and 21-year-old children to celebrate graduation and be outdoors as much as possible…”

Andy Shafran and family spelling out OHIO on top of Switzerland’s Mt. Jungfrau during their graduation trip.

“Switzerland was a beautiful country and our active hiking, kayaking, paragliding trip was exactly what we were looking for. We booked a trip with our 18- and 21-year-old children to celebrate graduation and be outdoors as much as possible. Nina and her staff helped us build an itinerary that maximized the experiences and minimized the hassle and travel time. We spent two days in Zurich/Rhine Falls, three days in Grindelwald, and three days in Lucerne. There is so much to do that we felt we could have stayed an extra week just in these three locations.

Our major interest was hiking, and we had a guided tour up Mt. Grindelwald first, which included a gondola ride up and a Trottibike ride down (highly, highly recommended). Then we took the train to the Jungfrau and even though it was pricey for that part of the trip, well worth it for the views and incredible Alpine experience. Thumbs up: Rhine Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, Aare Gorge hike, Lake Brienz kayak trip, and our full-day peak-to-peak hike on Mt. Rigi where we ate lunch at Berghaus Unterstetten on the side of the mountain with incredible views and good food.

All three hotels we stayed in were unique, terrific locations, and have fun quirks, such as the private funicular car that takes you up from Lake Lucerne to the Art Deco Hotel Montana…” —Andy Shafran

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND

Uzbekistan: “My son was graduating from Harvard’s Kennedy School with a degree in public policy, and his interest is Central Asia…”

Poi Kalon Mosque and Minaret in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Photo: Shutterstock

“My son was graduating from Harvard’s Kennedy School with a degree in public policy, and his interest is Central Asia, so as a graduation present we took him to Uzbekistan. Not only would I recommend Uzbekistan as a travel destination, but I would highly recommend Zulya to anyone planning a trip there. She arranged for a wonderful guide to accompany us throughout the country; our guide stayed with us day and night, shared meals and her culture, and helped us navigate a very foreign language. Zulya even arranged for us to have lunch with her family in Bukhara. It was amazing. Her mother taught my son how to make Plov. The lunch was a true feast, with about 20 family members. After lunch we all got up and danced together. It was an experience my wife, son, daughter-in-law, and I will cherish forever.” —Ron Klausner

Read more reviews of Uzbekistan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO UZBEKISTAN

Portugal: “It was a special trip to celebrate our son’s graduation from college…”

The river Guadiana and the village of Mertola. Alentejo Region. Portugal

The village of Mertola in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was our first trip using a recommended Wendy Perrin trip planner. We travelled to Portugal March 8th—March 15th, 2024. It was a special trip to celebrate our son’s graduation from college. Our trip was planned by Goncalo and Joanna. WOW! What an amazing trip they planned for us. The accommodations that they chose for us were fantastic! Very unique and customer oriented. The destinations and route they planned—from Lisbon to the Alentejo region and the West Region—were perfect. Our driver, Sandru, was amazing and he made sure everything was taken care of when we reached our destinations. (He also knew our itinerary and was always able to answer questions.) Sandru went above and beyond to make our trip very special.

We had a wonderful cooking class and gastronomic tour with Lara in Lisbon and even attended a Benefica Football game. In the Alentejo region we experienced an outstanding lunch with a wine pairing, horseback ride, cork factory and hikes. In the West Region, a full day tour which included Obidos, Nazre, and Alcobaca. The details were taken care of for us, from tours to restaurant reservations, it was the best trip I have ever been on. I can’t wait to plan our next trip with a Wendy Perrin recommended trip planner.” —Lori Bentley

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SCANDINAVIA

Scandinavia: “Will is graduating from high school this spring, and so we let him choose the destination for a family vacation…”

Kate Ogg and son Will see the northern lights from the driveway of their lodge in Alta.

Kate and Will Ogg view the northern lights from their lodge in Alta, Norway. Photo: Traveler Ryan Ogg

“My husband, Ryan Ogg and I (Kate Ogg), and our three children, Will (17), Charlotte (15), and Wyatt (12), went to Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo and Alta, Norway, from December 28 through January 6. Will is graduating from high school this spring, and so we let him choose the destination for a family vacation this year. He wanted to go someplace cold, snowy and dark, where we could do some fun outdoor adventures, and hopefully see the Northern Lights (which we had tried and failed to do in Iceland a couple of years ago).

It was a fantastic trip. Copenhagen was still pretty magical the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and we found some good restaurants despite a few of the ones we had hoped for being closed. We got to see the Christmas lights in Tivoli Gardens and took a ride on a wild roller coaster, wandered with some hot drinks, shopped and just enjoyed the festive vibe. The next day we started the day with a boat ride through the harbor and some of the bigger canals, which gave us a sense of the city’s geography as well as a lot of the architecture.

Oslo was all closed while we were there because it was both Sunday and New Year’s Eve, but a walk through the sculpture garden, to the Fram museum to see a polar expedition ship, and a chance to see the Nobel buildings and then along the harbor was a nice way to spend the day before a fancy dinner at our hotel (The Thief) and a midnight toast on the roof. On New Year’s morning in a snowstorm, we made it to Oslo airport and up to dark Alta. The Sorrisniva Hotel was fully booked by the time we planned our trip (August), so we stayed in a little fishing lodge in the woods, down the driveway from Tristin and Trine Restaurant and past some sled dogs.

It was absolutely charming, and best of all, the very first night as we walked out of our lodge to dinner, the sky lit up with northern lights that continued to brighten and dance until we gave up and went to bed. I credit our very dark spot in the woods for the fantastic viewing. Our adventures in snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, and king crab fishing all showed us different parts of the landscape and culture in northern Norway, and it was just…magical. We truly loved it.” —Kate Ogg

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Romania: “Since the trip was last-minute (before my daughter began her new career as a RN), and it was the height of tourist season, we wanted to pick a destination that was less traveled…”

Legendary Bran (Dracula) historical castle of Transylvania, Brasov region, Romania, Eastern Europe

Bran Castle (a.k.a. “Dracula’s Castle”) in Transylvania, Romania. Photo: Shutterstock

“I traveled to Romania on a last-minute graduation trip with my daughter, Amelia, in August 2023. We have done numerous trips with Wendy’s WOW List agents before and knew that finding an agent through Wendy was the only way to go. Even the destination of our trip was inspired by articles written by Wendy.

Since the trip was last-minute (before my daughter began her new career as a RN), and it was the height of tourist season, we wanted to pick a destination that was less traveled. We chose Romania, and Wendy matched us up with Raluca and Ioana. Important to us was connecting with the local people and understanding the country.

Raluca and Ioana set us up with a local guide, Tavi, whose personality matched well with us, which was a good thing since we drove around Romania for 10 days with him. We started in Bucharest, which was great for my daughter to learn what can happen to a country if you vote in a narcissist authoritarian as a leader and to understand what life was like under the latter parts of communist ruling. We had a university history professor give us a tour of an apartment frozen in time from the 1980s under communist rule. We enjoyed wonderful restaurants, an amazing art exhibit, and historical sites in the city.

In Transylvania we enjoyed visiting the Cris Bethlen Castle. It was particularly fun for us since one of our favorite horror movies, The Nun, was shot there. A local man who lives in town jumped in and gave us a detailed tour, including side stories on the actors during the filming. We went on an amazing mountain bike ride (about 20 miles) primarily in the hills and forests with some fun single track as well. The mountain bike guide had helped to build the trails, which will eventually connect a large portion of Transylvania for mountain bike tours.

We saw wonderful fortressed churches and cities throughout our trip, including the beautiful Sighisoara. Always enjoying them without crowds and with a random local who had the keys to let us in the church or describe some interesting tidbit of history through our guide as the interpreter.

We met a local weaver whose family had been doing traditional weaving for generations and who rescued a loom headed for destruction. We enjoyed a visit with a local herbalist whose herb garden was expansive and whose knowledge of remedies was sought out throughout the area. Here we enjoyed a dinner in her home, again understanding her story and her life and sharing ours. We enjoyed seeing the UNESCO site Viscri, supported by King Charles, and enjoyed the views from the fortressed church over the rolling hills.

We moved on to Brasov. Here we had a private tour of Bran Castle and had the opportunity to climb into the highest turret to view the mountain pass that the lookouts would use in centuries past. When we expressed interest in a hike, Tavi took us up a mountainside where he had helped a friend build a cabin. We met one of his friends, a local shepherd, and discussed bears threatening his flock.

Bottom line our visit was filled with unique experiences where we connected with the people of Romania and attempted to understand their stories. Romania is a beautiful, relatively undiscovered country with rich medieval history and more recent history of the rise and fall of communism. It is not as restored as other places in Western Europe, but its beauty, its history, and its people are wonderful to experience. The smaller crowds allow for a much more enjoyable visit than other European countries.”—Theresa Boone

Read more reviews of Romania trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ROMANIA

Japan: “I wanted to take my youngest daughter to Japan to celebrate her high school graduation…”

Kyoto, Japan gardens at Heian Shrine in the spring season. - Image

Heian Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, during cherry blossom season. Photo: Shutterstock

“I wanted to take my youngest daughter to Japan to celebrate her high school graduation. Scott planned a fabulous and varied itinerary, and our guides were fantastic: They were very flexible to accommodate our interests and energy levels and very understanding of how a teenager would like to travel.

Scott arranged several special experiences based on the relationships he has formed. We had a cooking lesson with an amazing woman in her home, a fascinating dinner at a club with geishas, and a calligraphy lesson with an excellent teacher. We both loved Studio Ghibli and the Monkey Park.

Scott’s choice of hotels was wonderful. We slept so well every night, particularly at our ryokan. The Mandarin Oriental serves a fantastic breakfast buffet. The Ritz-Carlton was very luxurious (and yes—we did see Leonardo Di Caprio there). We were particularly fortunate that the cherry blossoms came out when we got there and we got to experience the beauty of the season. Throughout the trip, I was able to sit back and relax and enjoy everything because of Scott’s careful planning and knowledge of Japan. I would absolutely use him again and recommend him. I have been a fan of Wendy’s since her Condé Nast days. This is now my second special trip with her experts, and I plan on more. The level of professionalism is exceptional.” —Patricia Klein

Read more reviews of Japan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO JAPAN

Austria: “The official occasion for the trip was my son’s graduation from high school and sending him off to music school…”

Mirabell Gardens with the old historic Fortress Hohensalzburg in the background in Salzburg, Austria.

Salzburg, Austria, is Mozart’s birthplace and home to the Salzburg Music Festival. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from a 14-day family trip in Austria planned by Gwen. I can only describe the experience as life-affirming. The official occasion for the trip was my son’s graduation from high school and sending him off to music school in the fall, so we had a heavy musical focus, but there was truly something for everyone in the family. We toured palaces and cathedrals in Vienna, experienced local food, watched the Lipizzaner stallions perform and had a private tour of the stables.

We moved on to the Wachau Valley for wine tasting and breathtaking Danube scenery, then visited the abbeys of Melk and Stift-Admont. In Salzburg, we soaked up the music festival, saw the fortress and countless Sound of Music film locations, attended a Mozart opera, a Vienna Philharmonic concert, and a world-class string quartet. We learned to make apple strudel and Salzburg Nockerl, and visited the charming lake district outside Salzburg. We rounded out our trip with several days in Innsbruck and a final train ride to Munich, where we celebrated my son’s birthday at a beer hall and caught our flight home.

Gwen was helpful and responsive and understood my family’s diverse needs. She steered us away from tourist traps and embraced our interest in some off-the-beaten-path locations. She suggested lovely boutique hotel experiences and guides with extraordinary depth of knowledge of their cities.” —Katherine Stadler

Read more reviews of Austria trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO AUSTRIA

Italy: “Our eight-day food tour was requested by our 21-year-old son who was graduating from university…”

Bologna, Italy Food store food market showcase full of food in Bologna city in Italy

Bologna’s markets are a great place to learn about the renowned foods of the region. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our eight-day food tour of Italy was requested by our 21-year-old son, who was graduating from university. Milan was the starting point, next was Bologna to learn about the renowned foods of the region, and then a repeat visit to Florence—and we absolutely loved everything Maria planned. The drivers, guides, food tours, wine tasting, cooking class were all impeccable. In Milan, when our guide found out our son loved fashion, she made a call to a fashion designer, and we were able to meet with the designer. We spent an hour-plus speaking with him, trying on his designs, and buying some of his pieces.

In Bologna our guide took us on a delicious food tasting that culminated in copious amounts of prosciutto, hams, cheeses, bread, balsamic vinegar, wine. Our all-day food tour through Parma and Emilia-Romagna was incredible, as was the private wine tasting where we sat in the cellar with the vineyard owner for more than two hours, tasting food and wine pairings. The vineyard owner then asked our driver to detour us through the medieval village of Fontanellato, to view the castle and moat and to indulge in gelato.” —Deb Lurie

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO BRITISH COLUMBIA

Western Canada: “We recently traveled to British Columbia to celebrate our son’s high school graduation…”

Turquoise Wedgemount Lake and wild alpine flowers, Whistler, British Columbia Canada

Whistler, British Columbia, is a mecca for sporty travelers. Photo: Shutterstock

“We recently traveled to British Columbia to celebrate our son’s high school graduation. On Wendy Perrin’s recommendation, we contacted Sheri, who suggested that, given our time constraints, we limit our visit to Whistler and Tofino. That proved to be an excellent recommendation which allowed us to enjoy our vacation without being rushed. Our son wanted to mountain bike on Whistler/Blackcomb and truly enjoyed it.

Sheri suggested other activities which kept the rest of us active while our son spent the day on the mountain. Her recommendation that we stay at the Four Seasons Whistler was great. It’s a beautiful hotel with great staff and a wonderful breakfast. We enjoyed our time in Tofino as well; Sheri’s recommendations for lodging, food, and activities were perfect for us.” —John Masko

Read more reviews of British Columbia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Peru: “This was a special trip to Peru for my niece just graduating from high school. She is about to study marine biology in college…”

Aerial view of Amazon Rainforest, near Iquitos in Peru.

The Peruvian Amazon is a great place to learn about river wildlife. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was a special trip to Peru for my niece just graduating from high school. She is about to study marine biology in college, so Marisol steered us toward the right Amazon basin area we hadn’t even considered. My husband, niece, and I just returned yesterday from Peru and wanted to send a HUGE GRACIAS to Marisol and her crew for making this trip one of a lifetime! There’s no way I ever could have constructed such a wonderful journey on my own. For sure, it was packed, but we came back feeling we’d seen such a diversity in Peru.

It was a perfect balance of wildlife, culture, adventure and a bit of relaxation. And although the weather was terrible during our one-day Inca Trail hike, with rain and clouds obscuring Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, we still wouldn’t change a thing. I will of course recommend and tell everyone I know to use Marisol—and to once again trust a Wendy Perrin specialist. Over the years, I have used and vetted many of Wendy’s travel specialists—and, no doubt, Marisol and her team are top of the list.” —Jon Paul Buchmeyer

Read more reviews of Peru trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO PERU

This Is WOW: Surprise WOW Moments Described by Real Travelers

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Have you heard of my WOW Moments project? “Wendy’s WOW Moments” are surprise insider experiences that help make a trip extraordinary. WOW List travelers earn them by submitting reviews of their trips. After you take two qualifying trips, we will send you a WOW Moment certificate to redeem on a future qualifying trip. Learn how to get your own surprise in Wendy Wants To Amp Up Your Trip! Then travel vicariously via the WOW Moment reviews below and give yourself something to look forward to!

START AN EXCEPTIONAL TRIP

Southern Africa: “For our WOW Moment, we were picked up in a vintage Jaguar…”

African tours, camps, and safaris kicked off with a pickup in a vintage Jaguar.

“Our amazing first safari was thanks to Frankie in Cherri’s office. We asked for suggestions on where to go and what time of year, and Frankie suggested a mid-August start, with a trip including Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Zambia because we wanted a place that included water activities.

For our WOW Moment, we were picked up in a vintage Jaguar. Our first stop was the Bo-Kaap area for a tour and Cape Malay cooking class. Then we went for a drive along the coast en route for a private tour of the Zeitz MOCAA, followed by a drive up to the top of Signal Hill for magnificent views, including Table Mountain.

Because we were flying into Zimbabwe from Cape Town, Frankie arranged for us to tour Victoria Falls right from the airport, so we didn’t have to cross borders multiple times. The driver she arranged for us was especially helpful in expediting our crossing into Zambia.

We stayed in three camps, and all were first-rate. I told Frankie that I wanted a camp with photo hides, and she sent us to Kiango in South Luangwa National Park. We were fortunate to be there to see the red carmine bee-eaters, with the hide a few feet away from the nesting site. What an incredible sight!

Red Carmine bee-eaters in Kiango, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

Red carmine bee-eaters in Zambia. Photo: Traveler Nancy Wolf

They also had an elephant hide and a hippo hide. By the first day at Kiango, we had already seen the Big Five, as well as a chase of three male lions (we saw the white rhino at Tongabezi Lodge near Victoria Falls). We didn’t think there were any animals left to see, other than the wild dogs, but we saw them our first day at Sausage Tree Lodge.

Read more reviews of African Safari trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO AFRICA

France: “He had prepared a beautifully laid-out table beneath the shade of a large tree….”

Karen's husband and two grandchildren at their surprise picnic during the WOW Moment in the Provençal countryside, France.

The WOW Moment surprise began when a man on the ancient Roman bridge invited them to a picnic. Photo: Traveler Karen Dalfen

“The trip with our two adolescent grandkids, 16 and 14, started off rather rockily. Our American Airlines flight suffered mechanical problems, which resulted in the flight being cancelled, and thus we missed our first afternoon as well as a delicious dinner in Paris. Fortunately for us, Jennifer took care of the Paris issues, and when we arrived early the next morning, we were able to fully enjoy the day and the rest of the vacation.

Paris was a whirlwind of sights and sounds. We had private tours of The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the trendy district of Marais. We created our own perfume, saw the Dior permanent show (Jennifer was right: It is special), had time to shop, visited the stadium, ate and ate. We had a blast on the sidecars riding through Paris, rain and all!

We traveled to Aix via train. While in Aix, our grandson had his 14th birthday, and as he loves to cook, Jennifer and her team arranged a private five-hour cooking course with a Michelin-star chef and her trusted staff. Our grandkids learned about solar ovens and how to cook using one. They also scoured the garden looking for the right flowers and leaves to put the finishing touches on the food.

Our WOW Moment occurred when we were standing on an ancient Roman bridge and were approached by a young man who invited us to a picnic lunch. He led us to an area where he had prepared a beautifully laid-out table beneath the shade of a large tree facing the ancient bridge and the river. It was so special, so perfectly arranged, so delicious, such a great surprise.” —Karen Dalfen

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

France: “We were picked up and taken on a motorcycle sidecar tour of the Calanques National Park…”

View from balcony at Villa La Coste in Provence, France. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“We traveled with our goddaughters to Paris and onward to Lyon, Antibes, Cassis, and Provence. Unknown to our goddaughters, we had acquired tickets to see Taylor Swift in Lyon months prior. Philip and Neslihan presented us with an itinerary starting in Paris, traveling by train to Lyon, and secured unattainable hotels and the best drivers and guides to ensure we would be able to surprise our goddaughters with their concert tickets.

Upon arrival to Paris, we were met planeside and escorted through immigration and customs, saving us at least two hours in lines. Arriving at the Hotel Grand Powers, we were welcomed like family, offered a quick lunch before our walking tour, and introduced to a beautiful Eiffel Tower suite.

The following morning, we took the high-speed train south to Mâcon. Met by our driver-guide, Sebastian, we made a leisurely drive through Beaujolais, stopping at his family’s centuries-old winery. In Lyon, Sebastian showed off his insider knowledge, whisking us to the back entrance of the Groupama Stadium for the evening concert. The Eras Tour was epic!

In Antibes, our days were spent visiting the Old Town, learning to blow glass from a master artisan, sampling the local absinthe, and dining in many enchanting spots. From Antibes, we moved on to Cassis, with a stop for a tasting of rosé at Château Pradeaux, one of the oldest Bandol vineyards in the region.

View from Cap Canaille in Calanques National Park, in Southern France. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

With our goddaughters headed to Nice for their return flight home, we were surprised by a WOW Moment from Wendy as we were picked up and taken on a motorcycle sidecar tour of the Calanques National Park. Cool breezes and endless views of Cassis from the top of Cap Canaille are seared into our memory, and now we know why the Côte d’Azur has its name.

Relaxed and refreshed from our time by the blue sea, we traveled back north for a few days at Villa La Coste. If one could stay somewhere forever and stare out over vineyards, art, mountain, hills, and the sunset, Villa La Coste is the place.” —Michael Ruma

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Uganda: “My husband commented that he is hard to surprise and to impress, but that this truly was a WOW experience!”

Karen and Rod Baesman enjoying a private dinner for their WOW Moment in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.

Karen and Rod Baesman enjoying a private dinner in the bush.

“My husband and I just returned from a bucket-list trip to Uganda! This is my eighth trip using The WOW List, so I knew we would have excellent accommodations and experiences, but what I most appreciated about working with Cherri and Katie was their guidance in helping me narrow down exactly where we should go.

We spent the first two nights in Kampala. Most tourists just stay in Entebbe, but we wanted to see a larger city and we are so glad we did. We had a full day taking in the city, including visiting a couple of art galleries (we purchased a painting), sampling fried grasshoppers (delicious), walking through a market (the locals were confused by our presence, but my husband is fascinated by markets and is telling everyone about this one), and being consistently astonished at the driving and loads of all the boda-bodas (small motorcycles).

The next three nights were spent in Murchison Falls. We saw too many different types of animals and birds to name them all here, but if you are a birder, you will drool at the fact that we saw a pair of Shoebills on our delta cruise! The Ugandan President’s daughter and her family were staying at our lodge, which made security interesting. One evening, we were doing a game drive and we saw a set-up in the distance that we thought might be for the first daughter and her family because we saw men with guns. It turned out that it was a WOW Moment for the two of us! We watched the sunset and had dinner in the park. Thank you, Wendy Perrin! My husband commented that he is hard to surprise and to impress, but that this truly was a WOW experience!

Karen and Rod Baesman enjoying a private dinner in the bush.

Next we spent two nights in Kibale to trek for chimpanzees. We basically experienced an episode of Chimp Empire (Netflix). We saw chimps in the trees, on the ground, grooming, feeding, pounding on trees, making so much noise, mating, and having a tussle with a black and white Colobus monkey. Next stop was three nights in Mgahinga National Park. We trekked for Golden Monkeys and were rewarded with a large group, including so many young ones that we watched playing for almost the entire hour. That afternoon we visited the Batwa community (tribe displaced from the forest in 1991 to protect the gorilla habitat). Next day was our first gorilla trek. The family we saw has three silverbacks in a group of nine. We were amazed by how close the gorillas came to us. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park we had our final primate experience, a gorilla habituation experience.

While the impetus for the trip was seeing wildlife, we always want to interact with the people of the places we visit. The Ugandan people were just lovely. While most survive by growing their own food and selling what extra they have, we found them to be happy, friendly, and as interested in us as we with them. The employees of the lodges went out of their way to ensure we had everything we could possibly want. The hospitality was above what anyone could expect.” —Karen Baesman

Read more reviews of Uganda trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO UGANDA

Thailand: “One canoe offered us coconuts, and then the other made us special Thai treats—not easy to do while staying balanced on the water…”

A woman on a boat delivers Thai snacks to April Milford and her family on their WOW Moment in Bangkok, Thailand.

A woman delivers Thai snacks to April Milford and her family. Photo: Traveler April Milford

“I recently returned from a family trip to Thailand for my son’s graduation. I worked with Dan and his team. They were amazing and made planning this trip a true pleasure! The highlight of our time in Bangkok was our boat tour through the canals. We had a private longtail boat that took us through the different riverside communities, making several stops to see temples, markets and for lunch.

We were surprised with an incredible WOW Moment when two small canoes pulled up alongside us. At first we didn’t realize they were there specifically for us. One canoe offered us coconuts, and then the other made us special Thai treats—not easy to do while staying balanced on the water—which we were given along with a bottle of champagne. We loved it. Thank you, Wendy!” —April Milford

Read more reviews of Thailand trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THAILAND

Pacific Northwest: “A personal tour with a photographer to get unique photos of Portland where the locals live and eat…”

The Columbia River creates beautiful road-trip scenery in Oregon. Photo: Pixabay

“My husband and I worked with Sheri to create a two-week self-driving tour of the coast of Washington and Oregon. Sheri recommended wonderful lodging options that were beautiful and had very attentive staff. She created an amazingly detailed itinerary with specific driving and ferry directions and important information about where to stop to eat, when to gas up, and options for short detours for a spectacular view or to visit a historical site. The extensive itinerary made the drive seamless and was easy to follow using an app on our phones.

We were fortunate enough to receive a surprise WOW Moment, which was one of the highlights of our trip: a personal tour with a photographer to get unique photos of Portland where the locals live and eat (Food Pods). I would recommend working with Sheri and allowing her to create a truly special trip using her intimate knowledge of the region.” —Jan Rowland

Read more reviews of Pacific Northwest trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “We pulled up to a dock, and there was a musical group founded in 1807 from the village of Lezzeno, waiting on the shore to entertain us…”

Deb and John Wente in their private boat on Lake Como.

“We just returned from a trip to northern Italy planned by Andrea. We visited Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Then, our WOW Moment! We pulled up to a dock, and there was a musical group founded in 1807 from the village of Lezzeno, waiting on the shore to entertain us. We even waltzed a bit! One of the members made focaccia and pizza for our snack, and we toasted with sparkling wine. Family and friends of the group waved us off as we got back on our boat. Friends ask me how I find these destinations and experiences, and I explain it is the expertise of the Trusted Travel Experts recommended by Wendy Perrin.” —Deborah Wente

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO EASTERN EUROPE

England: “We spent a day with Ricki Weston, their Executive Chef, foraging in his favorite places and then returned to his kitchen where he gave us a lesson…”

England, Cotswolds, Hidcote gardens. Photo: Jonathan Epstein

Hidcote Manor Gardens in the Cotswolds, England. Photo: Jonathan Epstein

“When my husband and I wanted to plan a week in the Cotswolds, we contacted Jonathan and Katie. We explained that we wanted to spend days with cultural activities, hands-on experiences, plus have down-time just to be. The accommodations and itinerary they put together suited us perfectly (thanks, Jonathan, for encouraging us to stay at the Whatley Manor; it is a VERY special place).

From visits to a cheese-making factory, a trip to a brewery that uses the same equipment and techniques it has for hundreds of years, to a tasting at the wonderful Cotswolds Distillery, to visiting Bath and the myriad of beautiful villages in the area, everything worked perfectly.

As if that were not enough, Wendy and Jonathan arranged for an incredible WOW Moment during our stay at Whatley Manor. We spent a day with Ricki Weston, their Executive Chef, foraging in his favorite places and then returned to his kitchen where he gave us a lesson in cooking and even prepared a meal for us. What a special experience!” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of United Kingdom trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ENGLAND

Budapest, Vienna, Prague: “An evening wine tasting floating down the Danube at night…”

Travelers Yehuda and Tammy Schmidt enjoying their WOW Moment during their private Danube cruise in Budapest, Hungary.

Yehuda and Tammy Schmidt during their private Danube cruise in Budapest.

“We are still in a glow from our amazing trip to Eastern Europe. We reached out to Wendy, who matched us with Gwen. Gwen organized the trip of a lifetime! We began in Budapest, a gorgeous city with a very rich history. We absolutely loved our WOW Moment of an evening wine tasting floating down the Danube at night, seeing Budapest’s Parliament and other buildings glowing at night. Simply gorgeous!” —Tammy and Yehuda Schmidt

Read more reviews of Eastern Europe trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “a private lesson making cocktails at Martini & Rossi headquarters…”

Elaine and Gregg Patterson on the rooftop of the Marrone Winery in La Morra, Piedmont, where they had lunch and a private tour.

“We had been to different parts of Italy about a dozen times before we started working with Maria and Brian and quickly learned that they can deliver itineraries and experiences that we could never arrange on our own. (And I say that even though I love doing travel research and have planned dozens of trips for us over 40 years.) For this trip, we gave Maria our wish list of Turin, Piedmont wine region, Genoa, Portofino and Lake Maggiore.

Our WOW Moment—a private lesson making cocktails at Martini & Rossi headquarters near Turin—was completely unexpected and completely fun! We learned so much and have so many unforgettable memories from this trip, thanks to Maria and Brian and their network of exceptional people on the ground.” —Elaine Patterson

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Malta: “It is not currently open to the public due to renovation; it is where Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived…”

The inside of the Palazzo Falson, in Mdina, Malta.

Palazzo Falson, in Mdina, Malta. Photo: Shutterstock

“Damon made arrangements for us to stay in a quieter part of Valletta, and all of our activities were structured to avoid the crowds arriving and departing on two huge cruise ships. Our hotel was in a 16th-century building, with a lovely view of the harbor, friendly staff, and excellent breakfasts. We could walk or take a little dghajsa boat during our free time to visit other parts of the city. We got to contemplate the two Caravaggios at St. John’s Co-Cathedral a bit ahead of the crowd.

Wendy arranged for us to have a unique WOW Moment, touring the Villa Guardamangia with the curator—and it was a WOW! It is not currently open to the public due to renovation; it is where Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived during the early years of their marriage, while Philip was in the Navy. We all loved the TV series The Crown and, of course, were thrilled to be able to visit!

We also loved being able to visit a private palazzo in Mdina, which the owner had not yet opened to the public. We learned about his family history, including a political murder that took place on his balcony, knick-knacks and treasures found in the attic, and what it takes to renovate a home dating back 400 years!

We also loved a private dinner at the Markus Divinus Winery during which the owner told us what is involved in growing grapes and making wine on this relatively small island. My inner nerd was pleased to visit the Hagar Qim, a prehistoric temple built to worship the fertility goddess and, according to UNESCO, the oldest continuously standing structure in the world.” —Stephanie Wright

Read more reviews of Malta trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

China: “We had an amazing dinner prepared and cooked in a private space…”

Emma Jacobs and her husband dining on the Great Wall of China.

“Our trip to China was excellent. We had an amazing dinner prepared and cooked in a private space by a chef and his team, curated by Mei’s office, as our WOW Moment in Beijing. Having a gourmet lunch prepared on the Great Wall was a very special moment. One of a kind!! Shanghai took us by surprise, what a great city with exceptional food. We had a wonderful foodie tour there too.” —Emma Jacobs

Read more reviews of China trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHINA

Ireland: “A private Irish dancing demonstration and lesson…”

The hiking trail at the top of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, Ireland. Behind, the sun plays with the clouds reflected in the sea. - Image

Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park, Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had a fantastic trip to Ireland planned primarily by Katie on Jonathan’s team, who got us to spectacular parts of the country and opened doors we couldn’t have on our own. We focused on the west coast of Ireland mostly along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoyed stunning scenery, excellent food, and welcoming locals.

The true highlight was a private food tour in Galway with Sheena, who highlighted the best of the new Irish culinary scene in the city. The WOW Moment Sheena and Katie arranged was something we never would have thought to do on our own but was amazing. We had a private Irish dancing demonstration and lesson with a highly accomplished dancer and musical accompaniment by an excellent fiddle player. While I can’t say I got any good at Irish dancing, I can say that my wife and I had a blast and can’t wait to go back to Ireland to explore even more.” —Harrison Earl

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ARGENTINA OR CHILE

Argentina: “We delighted in a 7-course-with-Argentinian-wine-pairings gastronomic experience!”

A chef and sommelier guided the travelers through their WOW Moment dinner in a private restaurant, Argentina.

A chef and sommelier guided the Shapiros through their WOW Moment dinner in a private restaurant. Photo: Traveler Andy Shapiro

“We’ve worked with many WOW experts on numerous trips all over the world throughout the years, and if there was a ‘WOW Mount Rushmore,’ Jordan would be on it! In Buenos Aires we were driven to a penthouse apartment to ‘experience’ our WOW Moment that we had earned based on previous WP WOW trips. There, with a private gourmet chef and a sommelier, with the backdrop of a beautiful Buenos Aires night skyline, we delighted in a 7-course-with-Argentinian-wine-pairings gastronomic experience! The sommelier provided a valuable introductory education about Argentinian wines, using maps, which we loved and appreciated. AMAZING!” —Andy and Marci Shapiro

Read more reviews of Argentina and Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

India: “We enjoyed the experience of ‘renewing our vows’ in a different culture…”

Travelers and the elephant at the Dera Amer sanctuary in India.

Michael and Lisa Riggs with new friend Rangmala at the Dera Amer sanctuary.

“As with every WOW List specialist we have worked with over the past five years, we found that Victoria had everything planned and arranged to perfection. The hotels were 5-star, gorgeous, and even historic. At The Imperial in New Delhi, the site of many historic meetings, we enjoyed sitting at the same table Gandhi did!

In Agra, we were surprised by our WOW Moment: an authentic Hindu marriage ceremony for us! We participated in the rituals, learned a lot, and enjoyed the experience of ‘renewing our vows’ in a different culture. Now we will be together for 7 lifetimes, the priest told us. Luckily, we’re good with that.

Our WOW celebration continued with an excellent dinner of Mughal tandoor cuisine, with a traditional Santoor musician, at the highly rated Esphahan restaurant in our hotel, the Oberoi.

It was wedding season in Rajasthan, and it was fun to see things even more ornately decorated than usual, including horses, elephants, vehicles in the streets and our hotel, The Taj Rambagh Palace (a former Jaipur Maharaja’s palace). The elaborate Mughal gardens were the site of a large and lavish wedding reception, all day and into the night. It was fun and interesting to witness.” —Lisa Riggs

Read more reviews of India trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO INDIA

Peru: “We went all over the city, sampling different types of ceviche and learning about this rich Peruvian tradition…”

Ceviche at Amaz Restaurant in Lima, Peru. Photo: Amaz

“Just returned from Chile, Peru, and Bolivia! Recently, Wendy has been recommending South America, and I’m so grateful I took advantage of this. Despite the warm temperatures, there were few tourists, which ensured a really authentic experience. Ashton helped me plan an extended trip to all my desired destinations: Torres Del Paine, the Amazon Basin, Lima, Santiago, Valparaiso, the Atacama, and the Altiplano of Bolivia.

In Lima, Ashton and Wendy arranged a WOW Moment, which was right up my street: a ceviche lesson, tasting, and tour with Marisol. We went all over the city, sampling different types of ceviche and learning about this rich Peruvian tradition.

My favorite aspects of working with one of Wendy’s experts is the ability to customize when/where I’m going, to focus on places that are not overrun with tourists, to meet the local people and see how they live, and to get outside and really feel a part of the stunning landscape. Onwards!” —Milinda Martin

Read more reviews of South America trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA

Belize: “A local family served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. And Patricia met us there for lunch…”

Our travelers Salena and Allen Kern with WOW Lister Patricia Johnson in Belize.

WOW Lister Patricia Johnson joined Salena and Allen Kern for lunch one day.

“My criteria was a direct flight from Newark, warmth, a place we’d never been to with lots to do if we wished, and a Wendy Perrin advisor. It took about a minute to find Belize and Patricia. And we were off…. We climbed ruins, rafted through a cave that should have been a cathedral, and visited an entrepreneurial coffee “factory” amongst other things. Most important to me, however, was that we got to know something about the current economy of this young country and much about its varied cultures.

On our first full day, we were surprised by our WOW Moment. At this most beautiful site, overlooking a series of waterfalls, we were served lunch by a local family (now, Patricia did know that I am a bit of a foodie) who served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. The family has a catering company called U Janal Masewal, Ancient Recipes for a Modern World. That sort of sums up my worldview too. We were happy! And Patricia met us there for lunch. Thank you, Patricia and Wendy.

This lunch opened our eyes to what was happening in the local communities. The Mayan culture isn’t stuck in the past or lost, as it is in Chiapas, Mexico, where I visited last year. The Belizeans are creating a wonderful and mixed culture ripe for all sorts of tourism. Our week in Belize was full of surprises.” —Salena Kern

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO PATAGONIA

Ecuador: “A new species, the ‘Mashpi glass frog,’ which he found for us on a night walk…”

A frog clinging on the traveler's glasses frame.

A Mashpi glass frog clings to a traveler’s glasses frame. Photo: Traveler Robin Madden

“We chose to visit the Amazon and stay at Napo Wildlife Center, and Mashpi Lodge in the Cloud Forest. These two places were chosen due to their commitment to the local communities and preservation of the incredibly biologically diverse ecosystems in which they are each set. Carmen on Jordan’s team put together a seamless experience.

The Napo Wildlife Center is owned and operated by the local community—a rarity in luxury lodges. Mornings started early, 5:30, but oh, the payoff! We saw multiple species of monkeys, more than 40 different birds, caiman, river otters, and a sloth, as well as various snakes and insects. Our WOW Moment occurred while being paddled on the lake at sunset, when chilled wine was served along with gifts of handmade jewelry and a gorgeous bowl made by the local women. Then upon arriving back at the dock, there was a sumptuous spread of food and more wine! Enough to share with many others.

At Mashpi, Fernando was our guide, and he is the ‘frog whisperer.’ He is a biologist who did research there prior to becoming a guide and identified a new species, the ‘Mashpi glass frog,’ which he found for us on a night walk. It was like watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us.” —Robin Madden

Read more reviews of Ecuador trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Chile: “A cooking class and dinner with a chef who hosted us at his home…”

Travelers on a field of lupine during a birdwatching excursion in Chilean Patagonia.

Bill Livingood, Lynn Woodhouse, Sandra Quinn, and Stephen Thomas walk through a field of lupine during a birdwatching excursion in Chilean Patagonia.

“My husband, two friends and I have just returned from our trip to Chilean Patagonia, and once again, we were in the expert hands of Maita and her team. We began with a 3-night stay at the Singular Patagonia, outside of Puerto Natales. What a stunning and unique small hotel in a gorgeous setting overlooking a fjord. With our great guide, we spent literally an entire day hiking through forest, pampa and the wetlands, spotting 41 species of birds…. From there, we drove to Tierra Patagonia, just outside Torres del Paine National Park. Magnificent view from our huge window in our room!!! We saw lots of wildlife, wildflowers, stunning sunsets, and on our last morning, the entire dining room was abuzz when we saw a puma saunter across the property in front of us.

Before our departure for the US, we had an extraordinary WOW Moment: Maita and team had arranged a cooking class and dinner with Tatan, a chef who hosted us at his home overlooking the city and mountains. He was gracious, interesting, and charming. We began with luscious appetizers on the balcony, and moved to the kitchen where he had organized work stations and assignments for each of us as we made ceviche and pisco sours. In addition to having fun, we learned new cooking skills. Gary, our escort to the airport, had to drag us away as we enjoyed our meal and delicious cheesecake on the balcony.” —Sandra Quinn

Read more reviews of Patagonia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Belize: “A private concert with up-and-coming Belizian vocalist Kylon Eiley on our villa patio…”

Turquoise water in the Caribbean Caye Caulker island, Belize.

The Caribbean island of Caye Caulker, Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just back from a wonderful week in Belize with our adult daughters (23 and 25). Patricia, Rachael and their team did a great job. They exemplify why I use your planners—they really listened and planned accordingly, were easy to communicate with, have in-country expertise and contacts (Rachael met us at the airport!), and were able to adjust on the fly. We were looking for a Christmas-week alternative to our typical beach-resort experience where we stay at the hotel and rarely venture out. Instead, we had a 2-bedroom villa in a small hotel right on the lagoon, with day trips tailored to our desires. That first morning when I opened my door and walked 20 steps in my PJs to the completely quiet beach and into the still, clear waters was magical. All alone in paradise. We snorkeled, zip lined, floated on the river, visited a spice farm and learned all about cacao and chocolate. We also relaxed on the beach, ate lots of ceviche, and discovered a new taste for rum.

Rachael planned a lovely WOW Moment—a private concert with up-and-coming Belizian vocalist Kylon Eiley on our villa patio, complete with margaritas….” —Kathryn Barden

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Paris: “Since we couldn’t go to Israel, this was a Jerusalem-Paris dining experience…”

Versailles Palace, Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had three weeks to plan a Paris trip with our adult children after our Israel trip was canceled. Jennifer, a WOW planner through Wendy Perrin, created a trip fit for royalty. We stayed in a gorgeous, boutique hotel in the Marais district and had private car and tour guides for the Louvre, Versailles, Chateau, Jewish and History Tours. We saw the Eiffel Tower with a private tour, the Dior Exhibit at the Foundation, we had an amazing time.

Our WOW Moment started with a car picking us up at noon, taking us to an unknown destination which was a fabulous restaurant, Shabour. The owner told us that since we couldn’t go to Israel, this was a Jerusalem-Paris dining experience. We sat at the bar to watch the chefs prepare a delicious, fun, memorable lunch. It was awesome. We have traveled the world with Wendy Perrin’s WOW List. It is the best way and the only way we travel.” —Adrienne, Phil, Lindsey, Billy Goldberg

Read more reviews of Paris trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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New Zealand: “A studio visit with Delani Brown, a Maori/Irish wood artist in Taupo…”

Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld birdwatching at the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological park.

“Jean-Michel’s colleague Clare organized five days of interesting, off-the-beaten path experiences in New Zealand. One of the highlights was a private guided tour of Maungatautari, a Sanctuary Mountain. It’s an incredible conservation area where they constructed one of the world’s largest pest-proof fences and succeeded in rejuvenating tree and bird species, especially New Zealand’s endangered kiwis. She also arranged for my husband and me to accompany a Maori leader on a spiritual ceremony greeting the dawn, followed by a visit and discussion about Orakei Marae, his tribal community in the hills near Auckland.

The next day, we spent a fascinating few hours with Mamakan, a botanical artist who led us through her forest restoration project in Parau and then served us an elegant foraged lunch. A highlight of our trip was the Wendy WOW Moment, a studio visit with Delani Brown, a Maori/Irish wood artist in Taupo who produces giant columns and edifices for buildings and public spaces worldwide.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

Read more reviews of New Zealand trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Sicily: “A private dinner at the home of chef Gabriella Garajo…”

The view of Sicily's western coastline and Monte Cofano seen from Erice.

Sicily’s western coastline and Monte Cofano, as seen from Erice. Photo: Traveler Nancy Footer

“I took the advice found in many reviews by previous clients and gave Marcello and Matteo free rein to design the itinerary, and I am so glad I did. I spent my first day in Palermo—such a bustling and exquisite city—seeing all the key historic sites, the waterfront, and the Capo Mercato with Giorgio, a thoroughly charming and expert guide….We traveled next into the hills near Camporeale for a private tour, lunch and tasting at Porta del Vento winery. Marco, the owner, was a generous and engaging host, and I appreciated learning about his wines and his journey to becoming a vintner. It was a treat to see the harvest, learn about the winemaking process and then taste his award-winning wines.

And then, when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, I was surprised with a WOW Moment—a private dinner at the home of chef Gabriella Garajo. The meal was remarkable—contemporary versions of Sicilian classics made with local ingredients served at Gabriella’s dining table set with her family china and silver. It was a perfect finish to a most memorable day.” —Nancy Footer

Read more reviews of Sicily trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Italy: “A cocktail class at the Martini and Rossi headquarters…”

The verdant Barolo wine region in Italy. Photo: Traveler Joe Lyle

“Our trip to Piedmont was excellently planned and executed by Maria and her team. We started in Torino, where the highlights were a chocolate tasting and a tour of the Egyptian Museum (which has the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt). Before leaving Torino, we were treated to a fun WOW Moment: a cocktail class at the Martini and Rossi headquarters outside of Torino.

Then the real fun began as we moved on to the winemaking region of Piedmont, touring its villages, staying in restored castles in Sinio and Guarene, and tasting Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbara and white wines of the region while sampling the regional dishes. One of the many highlights of the trip was truffle hunting. Watching the dog track down truffles was amazing. Unlike the French, Italians don’t use pigs for truffle hunting. Why? Pigs don’t listen, and they eat the truffles.” —Joe Lyle

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “A private cooking demo in the kitchen with chef Anna Barbina…”

Morning seascape of Adriatic sea with the Miramare Castle.

Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jennifer helped us plan a two-week trip to Friuli Venezia Giulia. The area is a melting pot of northern Italian, Austrian and Slovenian cuisines and has great wines (mostly white). Inexplicably, the region doesn’t seem to be on the tourist radar, so of course we decided that this was the place for us! The accommodation Jennifer suggested to us in the Collio was outstanding—just what we were hoping for! The property was lovely, with a spa and walking paths through the surrounding vineyards. After our break in the countryside, we moved on to Udine. A highlight was seeing Tiepolo’s amazing ceiling frescoes.

We also had a WOW Moment while staying in Udine: We had a private cooking demo in the kitchen with chef Anna Barbina and her mother, who serves as her sommelier. Anna made five traditional dishes for us to sample (with wine served by her mother, of course), then we had lunch in her osteria, AB Osteria Contemporanea, where she serves contemporary twists on traditional cooking. Heavenly! Anna and her mother were delightful and couldn’t have been more gracious. FVG was full of beautiful scenery and art, brimming over with fascinating history, and the food and wine were simply spectacular. We’ve had many incredible meals in Italy over the years, but we had more standouts on this trip than any other. If food is your religion, you should make your way to FVG.” —Rachel Webber

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Turkey: “One day we traveled via flat-bottomed boat through the reeds to the Lycian Rock Tombs…”

Sailing the Turquoise Coast on a private gulet.

Anne Hall and her husband and sister sailed the Turquoise Coast on a private gulet. Photo: Traveler Anne Hall

“My husband, sister, and I spent eight days in Turkey. Many thanks to Karen for a unique and amazing trip. After four exceptional days in Istanbul, we flew to Dalaman, where a driver and guide took us to Gocek marina to board the Serenity 70, a lovely two-masted gulet. We three were the only passengers. How do you define perfect? We can’t say enough about the incredible crew (captain, first mate, and chef) and the four days of sailing the southwestern coast of Turkey. We would sail for 2 to 3 hours each day, then anchored at one of the coast’s many bays. Each day we swam in the silky, blue waters and toured an ancient site on land.

One day we traveled via flat-bottomed boat through the reeds to the Lycian Rock Tombs and toured ancient villages. This was my WOW Moment provided by Wendy Perrin (thanks, Wendy!). The old tombs were amazing—like Petra in Jordan. We swam through the ruins of Cleopatra’s bath house and hiked Gemiler Island. Otherwise, we read, napped, or sat up above with the captain while he steered the boat. At the end of the voyage the chef baked a cake for our newly retired sister, which congratulated her in Turkish on the top of the cake, and the whole crew joined us in the celebration.” —Anne Hall

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Croatia: “You arranged to have a gorgeous private sailboat to sail around the Elaphiti Islands…”

Karen Bennett and Donna Praskach’s day on the water included a dip in the Adriatic.

“My girlfriend and I just returned from a most PERFECT and fabulous trip to Croatia that your expert agents designed for us (Sept. 27-Oct. 8, 2023). The specific agent that we worked with, Ala, was just a wealth of knowledge. She arranged cooking classes, wine tastings, walking tours, visiting an oyster farm and having a private oyster and mussel tasting, but still plenty of time to relax and swim in the Adriatic Sea. It really was a trip of a lifetime and one of the most enjoyable trips I’ve taken abroad. And everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, came together without one hiccup happening. Truly, a PERFECT experience.

My friend had used WendyPerrin.com previously and, therefore, we were granted a WOW Moment and, oh my goodness, was it a WOW Moment! Probably the highlight of our trip. You arranged to have a gorgeous private sailboat to sail around the Elaphiti Islands right off the coast of Dubrovnik. What an over-the-top experience that was for us and culminated our trip on the last day. It couldn’t have been more perfect, again, perfect! Thank you, Wendy Perrin, and your incredible team of experts. A trip of a lifetime thanks to you!”—Donna Praskach

Read more reviews of Croatia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Italy: “A romantic dinner for my wife and me on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo…”

A view of Lake Como was key to Adam Amsterdam’s villa vacation and WOW Moment. Photo: Traveler Adam Amsterdam

“We worked with Andrea and her excellent team to rent a wonderful villa for three weeks in Ossuccio, a small comune on the western shore of Lake Como (about 12 miles northeast of the city of Como). Andrea’s team found the perfect villa for us and our two adult children and made all the necessary arrangements with the owner and property manager. They even made sure that any groceries and household items we wanted were ordered and stocked for our arrival. Andrea arranged a cooking class for us in Bellagio with an award-winning celebrity chef. We made beautiful tri-color pasta and feasted on a delicious lunch. Andrea also arranged a boat with an English-speaking captain to take us to several towns along the western and eastern shores of Lake Como where we stopped for lunch, shopping, and gelato.

I also must mention that we had a WOW Moment, which was a romantic dinner for my wife and me on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como and the twinkling lights of Bellagio, all framed by the pre-Alps in the distance.” —Adam Amsterdam

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Canada: “We were treated to a private lobster dinner on the Bay of Fundy…”

East Point Lighthouse on Prince Edward Island. Photo: Traveler Phil Hoch

“We just returned from a trip to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and could not be happier that we chose Jill as our travel expert. Jill was excellent at listening to our thoughts and wishes and crafted a beautiful itinerary that kept us mostly focused on smaller towns and areas for walking/hiking. From St. Andrews to St. Martins, we could not have had a better introduction to the Bay of Fundy and life outside the big cities. Of particular note were our guides. Genny was fabulous in St. Andrews and got us on Ministers Island, which you can only drive to at low tide.

In St. Martins, Mike, Jordan, and Joe from Bay of Fundy Adventures took us hiking/walking, kayaking in the Bay and, best of all, our WOW Moment. We were treated to a private lobster dinner on the Bay of Fundy, watching the tide disappear, with enough scallops, lobster and more to feed us for a week. We tried to eat it all and failed!”—Phil Hoch

Read more reviews of Canada trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Turkey: “Our WOW Moment was extra special—reminiscent of Skyfall on the roof of the Grand Bazaar…”

Tina Hunt and family on the rooftop of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

“If you like to travel and experience diverse culture, food, history, and enjoy meeting welcoming people, then Turkey is not to be missed! We worked with Karen to curate and customize our adventure. We started with a three-day gulet voyage on the Prima Donna. Our chef, Zekai, was a wonder as he quietly turned out fantastic food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Just over-the-top fun. After the relaxing gulet, we did a whirlwind tour of Ephesus, which was not to be missed if you enjoy ancient history and beautiful ruins. Cappadocia was a place of pure joy for us. The fairy landscape with the “mushroom”-capped chimneys and cave churches and dwellings provided a much needed bit of exercise with short hikes. Our sunrise balloon experience was pure early morning magic.

All too soon it was time to head back to Istanbul for our last three nights of our adventure. The history just permeates the entire vibe of the city and feels vibrant and modern while mixing seamlessly into structures that are thousands of years old…. Our WOW Moment was extra special—reminiscent of Skyfall on the roof of the Grand Bazaar. We found ourselves wishing for more time at almost every stop in Turkey and can’t wait to return!” —Tina Hunt

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Portugal: “The surprise was a fantastic candlelight concert in a church courtyard…”

the colorful yellow and red turrets of Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

The Pena Palace, in Sintra, Portugal, is an outstanding example of the Romanticism style of architecture. Photo: Pixabay

“Goncalo and Sara did a wonderful job planning and executing the details of our trip. We started our trip in the Alentejo region and wish we had had more time to explore! Our next stop was Lisbon, a beautiful and fascinating city, great for exploring and lots of walking up and down hills!

A highlight of our time in Lisbon was a wonderful WOW Moment arranged by Goncalo. We learned of this surprise when we checked into our hotel and received a note instructing us that a driver would pick us up one evening for a surprise and then return us to the hotel after. The surprise was a fantastic candlelight concert in a church courtyard. Wonderful musicians and setting! The guide and driver organized for us to explore Sintra were both terrific and on point in every way—getting to explore Sintra alone before its official opening was a treat.” —Jen Kasoff

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “We were given a special opportunity to be dressed up for the night in the Foligno Quintana traditional costumes for their festival…”

Andrea Phillips and family during their WOW moment in Foligno, Umbria, dressing up in the traditional Quintana festival costumes.

“My family of four, with two teen girls, had a wonderful and action-packed trip to Italy covering Umbria, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan, planned with Maria. Italy was busy with travelers while we were there, but I can honestly say that it did not affect our plans at all, as Maria had it coordinated and timed out so perfectly. This trip was also to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and Maria had suggested two stops along the way that were very special. Wow, were they ever! Borgo Santo Pietro, a working farm and wellness resort in west Tuscany, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, near Bellagio in Lake Como. Both resorts resembled something out of dream.

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Turkey: “We also had the pleasure of our most memorable WOW Moment in Datca…”

Travelers Vanessa and Colin Hulme aboard their private yacht on the Turquoise Coast.

“Karen and her team planned an absolutely flawless vacation for my husband and me for 3 days in Istanbul and a 6-day cruise on a gulet along the Turkish coast. Our incredible guide in Istanbul, Sinan, not only showed us the tourist highlights, but out-of-the ordinary places we would never have found on our own. He also introduced us to real Turkish food, even going so far as booking a dinner reservation and pre-ordering a menu that suited us perfectly. From Istanbul, we flew to Bodrum and boarded our private gulet. The crew was professional, accommodating, and went out of their way to make the trip special. The stops were beautiful and the food amazing.

We also had the pleasure of our most memorable WOW Moment in Datca, being the first and only guests at a hotel just prior to the opening! We had the facility to ourselves, were served a gourmet dinner that was overseen by the General Manager and Food Service Manager, and were offered a gorgeous suite for an overnight stay; to say this was very, very special is an understatement. (Thank you, Wendy, Karen and Mustafa.) Karen and those that work with her obviously have an in-depth knowledge of Turkey.” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Iceland: “My favorite part? The WOW Moment at the Blue Lagoon…”

Blue Lagoon, Iceland. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions

“Due to problems with a previous agent, we had our first conversation with Mads two months before our Icelandic adventure was set to begin. It was in the few first minutes that Mads noted that he is turning customers away as Iceland is sold out. Obviously freaking out, he quickly added, for Wendy and Brook VIPs, I have rooms/cars/guides. Across multiple calls, in a week, he hit our budget and planned our trip. It was amazing. What our first agent couldn’t do over six months, Mads did in six days…

This trip was to celebrate my birthday. Mads arranged for dinner at the best restaurant in Reykjavík (a pull I couldn’t make on my own), surprised me with not only birthday gifts, but a full hotel property upgrade AND his insistence of an adventure activity (snowmobiling) gave my wife her favorite part of the trip. My favorite part? The WOW Moment at the Blue Lagoon, thank you Wendy & Brook, never had a floating massage before…drifted to relaxation.” –Eric Hammer

Read more reviews of Iceland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Egypt: “A VIP/behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), not yet open to the public…”

Travelers posing in front of one of Giza pyramids

Beth Nury’s kids got to see the Pyramids without crowds marring their view. Photo: Traveler Beth Nury

“Arlene on Jim’s staff meticulously planned a 17-day adventure for our family of four that began in Egypt. Egypt continues to be an international tourist hot spot, and since we started planning a bit late, few accommodations were available. However, she was able to use her contacts for stays at the Four Seasons Cairo, where we took advantage of the strong USD and had two five-star dinners. Arlene recommended the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile cruise ship, a recently refurbished ship. Her insight paid off—the ship was great! As we sailed down the Nile over four days, we happened to see that our ship was one of the only that had an outdoor balcony, which my husband and I used regularly.

Once back on land in Cairo, we really enjoyed our WOW Moment, a VIP/behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), not yet open to the public. Very few crowds. We then drove over to Giza, where our guide cleverly started our Pyramid/Sphinx tour backwards, avoiding long lines. Our photos were incredible! They look like we had a private tour of Giza, since there are very few tourists in the background.” —Beth Nury

Read more reviews of Egypt trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Ireland: “A wine and cheese tasting in the wine vault of Ashford Castle…”

Nancy and Guy Mazarin enjoying their WOW Moment in the wine vault of Ashford Castle.

“My husband and I just returned from a fabulous two-week vacation in Ireland, spending time at some spectacular locations, particularly Ballyfin and Ashford Castle, where we enjoyed the extensive onsite activities and amenities. The food at Ballyfin and Ashford, as well as the restaurants selected, was delicious and the pubs were as much fun as expected. My husband started drinking Guinness and I tried a different gin every night.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip occurred at Ashford Castle, where we were treated to a special WOW Moment, a wine and cheese tasting in the wine vault of Ashford Castle. Jonathan coordinated our entire trip down to the smallest detail, providing expert advice about where to stay, what to see, and even when to visit.” —Nancy Mazarin

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Morocco: “A camel ride up the dunes with hor d’oeuvres and champagne as the sun set…”

Camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco. Photo: Geri Krauss

“My husband and I recently returned from a superb trip to Morocco planned by Michael. The trip spanned much of the country—from the cities of Marrakesh and Fes to the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the seashore. While we had to drive long distances to cover everything we wanted to see, the time passed quickly as the scenery throughout the country was gorgeous and dramatic. The hotels Michael recommended were each special in their own way (riads in the cities, kasbahs in the mountains and a tent in the desert) and the experiences he planned for us – cooking classes, dinner with a university professor to speak to us about the Sufis, walks through villages, markets and the old cities – were truly special.

Wendy treated us to a WOW Moment in the desert—a camel ride up the dunes with hor d’oeuvres and champagne as the sun set—which was truly WOW! T he country itself is fascinating—and we learned so much about its history, politics, culture and role in the world. We have traveled extensively with Wendy’s experts, and every trip has been great.” —Geri Krauss

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Norway: “We were in Aurland at a farm set in a stunningly beautiful valley…”

Panoramic view of Aurland, Norway.

“We traveled from Oslo to Nesseby, which is past the Arctic Circle near the Russian border, spending 3 nights each in 7 venues. Torunn tailored the trip to our preferences, which lean toward a bit of adventure and agri-tourism. In the north we stayed at a 2-room lodge run by a Sami fisherman and spent a morning crab fishing on his boat and an afternoon on an archaeological walk with his wife. He was an excellent cook and served foods he and his wife had caught, shot, or foraged from the landscape. The next day we toured the area with a Sami reindeer herder. We also spent time on a small island well out in the Atlantic where we kayaked along the seashore to a lighthouse; foraged in Trondheim with a professional forager picking plants for our lunch; visited a dairy near Oslo producing a unique cheese product and advocating a more humane way to treat dairy cattle; and spent 3 nights at a farm with a gourmet chef specializing in dishes featuring fruit and vegetables from the farm.

Read more reviews of Norway trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Japan: “Incredible multi-course dinner at the Michelin-star French/Japanese restaurant Motoï…”

Japanese garden with trees, cherry blossoms, and buildings next to the river.

Japanese garden in Heian Shrine, Kyoto, Japan. Photo: Shutterstock

“I wanted a mix of urban and rural life, so Scott made a number of recommendations that would fulfill my desires. Besides vibrant Tokyo and Kyoto, we included a trip through the Japanese Alps, through the Kiso Valley and its enchanting post towns and fairytale villages untouched by time, to the charming towns of Takayama and Kanazawa.

The trip was topped off with a two-day stay in beautiful Hakone. And the WOW Moment! Made even more special by the happy coincidence of Scott being in Kyoto for business. So he was able to join us at the incredible multi-course dinner at the Michelin-star French/Japanese restaurant Motoï, a beautifully atmospheric restaurant with divine food, made extra special by the talented chef visiting us at our table.” —Roseanne Horn

Read more reviews of Japan trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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France: “A tour of the Paris monuments by night in an open-top deux-chevaux…”

River Seine in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“We started in the South, staying at the world-renowned Hotel du Cap—unavailable if you try to book it yourself, but available if you have Philip’s team working with you. One of the best, if not the best, hotel we’ve ever stayed at. We spent four days touring Southern France with expert driver-guides arranged by Philip. We enjoyed a personal glass-blowing experience where we made our own sculpture (I can’t believe we were shaping 1,000-degree glass by hand, with only a wet newspaper to insulate us) and ate at some of the best restaurants on the French Riviera. From the South of France, we moved on to Aix-en-Provence, where we stayed for three nights at the superb Villa Gallici, a beautiful hotel tucked into the hillside above Aix with an easy walk into town. From Provence we took the 3-hour bullet-train ride from Aix to Paris. Dinner at the 3-Michelin-star Epicure restaurant—again, arranged by Philip when no reservations were available—was an absolute highlight of the trip.

On our final night in Paris, Wendy surprised us with a WOW Moment—a tour of the Paris monuments by night in an open-top deux-chevaux. What an amazing way to see the city on uncrowded streets and with all of the famous landmarks lit up at night.” —Larry Bridge

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Switzerland: “It was opened especially for us…”

Deb Wente with her husband and the winemaker at the winery overlooking Lake Geneva.

“We just returned from a fabulous trip to Switzerland arranged by Nina and David. There is so much talk of the crowds this summer, but we had many experiences that were intimate and uncrowded…. On our drive from Ascona we arrived to the top of the Gotthard Pass, where we had our WOW Moment. The mountains are hollowed out with tunnels and bunkers from WWII. One bunker has been turned into a hotel/restaurant, La Clavstra. It was opened especially for us for a tour, then a lovely meal 70 meters underground. It was fascinating.

Our next stop was Zermatt, where the skies cleared up for a beautiful view of the Matterhorn. We took the cog railway up to the Gornergrat. Our last stop was Vevey, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Another incredibly special experience awaited us the afternoon of our arrival. We met our guide at our hotel, walked across the street and hopped in a 1966 Riva wooden boat. We drove along the Swiss Riviera, docked, and were driven to a vineyard in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lavaux. Wine and fondue with the winemaker, it was magical.” —Deb Wente

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “WOW does not do justice to the opportunity to meet Marta Cucchia…”

Typical stone houses with stunning vineyard in the Chianti region in Tuscany.

Stunning vineyard in the Chianti region in Tuscany. Photo: Shutterstock

“Maria planned an amazing trip for us. We traveled through Umbria and Tuscany with a focus on food, wine, and culture. Montefalco is a charming Umbrian town nestled in the hills with a focus on wine and olive oil. Maria had booked us into a charming hotel and made dinner reservations for our first night. The next day we went truffle hunting and shared perhaps the best meal of the trip with the family. Each of the seven courses were delicious and I could have eaten the entire tray of the homemade onion foccacia.

The next morning was our WOW Moment. WOW does not do justice to the opportunity to meet Marta Cucchia, the great-granddaughter of the founder Giuditta Brozzetti who has carried forward the textile workshops. Working on looms from the 15th century, she provided us with a look into the art of weaving. Her joy in the work and understanding of the complexity and history of this art form was enthralling. This experience set the tone for the remainder of the trip meeting artisans, wine stewards, wine growers, balsamic vinegar artists, parmesan cheese makers, prosciutto ham makers, sculptors, cooks and guides and hoteliers that made us feel welcome. Although it was crowded already in Italy, we always felt as if we had our own private pathways to each activity.” —Lynne Golomb

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia: “Such a beautiful evening on the water seeing the sun go down and having the boat to ourselves…”

The Brando resort, Tahiti. Photo: The Brando

“Our eight days of paradise were stunning, fun, relaxing, and so much more. Kleon listened to all my questions and desires and put together the perfect itinerary. Our WOW Moment in Bora Bora with the sunset cruise was stunning and such a beautiful evening on the water seeing the sun go down and having the boat to ourselves. Our Captain was outstanding!! He sang and made drinks and had snacks for us but, most importantly, he sat and answered all the questions my friends were asking about life in French Polynesia and told us all about his family! He was so sweet and stayed out past all the other boats and we had a wonderful time with him that evening!

One of the treasures we will remember at The Brando is the early wake-up call to see the baby turtles released into the ocean after being born overnight. We were so lucky to be able to see this beautiful and unique experience. One of the biggest things that we all commented on was how wonderful all the local Polynesians were and so genuine and happy to have visitors and talk or help us in any way. ” —Mary Frances

Read more reviews of French Polynesia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Costa Rica: “A multi-hour sea voyage that enabled us to visit with the dolphins…”

Wavy Garza beach inn Costa Rica, surrounded by mountains.

Garza beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“Priscilla planned and executed a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for my multi-generational family. The needs and wants of teenagers, adults, and seniors were all addressed. We saw too many ‘creatures’ to list, including a breaching whale, dolphin pod, sloths, quetzals, trogons, etc. —something for everyone, which isn’t easy, given the age difference and some dietary restrictions. Thanks, Wendy, for the marvelous WOW Moment—a multi-hour sea voyage that enabled us to visit with the dolphins while learning the area’s history from the charming captain.

Priscilla ensured we saw the area highlights yet had sufficient time to just relax and enjoy where we were. I was able to reunite with guides I had first met in the early 90s. Also spoke with the owner of the local coffee company established in 1994 and selling me beans ever since. In thinking about highlights, the hanging bridges at Monteverde and the breaching whale rise to the top of the list, unless you count the smiles of the grandchildren throughout the day… every day. Who says you can’t relive the past? We did!” —Linda and Joe Rothman

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO COSTA RICA

Egypt: “Wendy arranged for a private sunset dinner cruise…”

WOW List traveler Jeannie Mullen and friends enjoying their WOW Moment on the Nile.

“Two friends and I just returned from a private three-week trip to Egypt planned by Jim. We started in Cairo on the Giza plateau with a private tour of the Sphinx, then moved on to the pyramids, temples and tombs that we all see in our dreams when we think of Egypt. Our WOW Moment came in Aswan, after we disembarked from a Nile cruise and checked into the famous Old Cataract Hotel on the Nile. Wendy arranged for a private sunset dinner cruise that night which was just stunning. The crew members were lovely and the scenery was fabulous! Thank you again, Wendy! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that, among the many, many experiences we had, the thing that stood out to each of us the most was the warm and welcoming spirits of the Egyptian people.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Egypt trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO EGYPT

Mexico: “A special lunch at Los Danzantes, including our own personal mariachis…”

Palacio de Bellas Artes or Palace of Fine Arts, a famous theater,museum and music venue in Mexico City

The Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was our second time using Zach’s services, this time for travels to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, and, yet again, they excelled. The tours and activities planned in Mexico City (historical city tour, visit to San Angel, Coyoacan, Casa Azul, etc.) were exactly what we wanted. They even arranged a private after-hours visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. We had the entire Museum to ourselves! Wandering through the galleries with an expert was definitely a magical experience and brought the cultures to life. Before leaving Mexico City, we were treated to a WOW Moment with a special lunch at Los Danzantes, including our own personal mariachis (thanks, Wendy).” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Mexico trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Chile: “We had a private stargazing evening, hosted by French astronomer Alain Maury…”

Alain Maury’s SPACE Observatory, Chile. Photo: Barbara Schoenfeld

“Tom designed a Christmas/New Year’s trip to Chile for our family of six. He rose to the challenge of transporting us down and back up half the length of the continent. He organized visits to both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert, securing rooms at Hotel Las Torres in Patagonia and Explora Atacama. Both were excellent choices for their top-notch adventure staff and boutique experience.

And I’m not just saying this because I’m writing a review for Wendy’s WOW List, but the best part of the trip was the Wendy WOW Moment. We had a private stargazing evening, hosted by French astronomer Alain Maury, at his observatory called SPACE (San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations). Above is the photo he took of us in front of one of his telescopes. Plus we have a video he recorded on my son’s cell phone where he described what we were seeing on the Sea of Tranquility on the moon—particularly the smudge where the US Apollo 11 landed.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

Read more reviews of Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Australia: “On Christmas Day we drove the Great Ocean Road and were completely surprised with a WOW Moment…”

two women in a helicopter flying over the 12 apostles

WOW Moment: A helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. Photo: Jennifer Mann

“We just returned from an Australian holiday trip with our two teenage daughters. Stuart and Jacki put together a phenomenal itinerary with something for everyone! We began our trip in Melbourne. On Christmas Day we drove the Great Ocean Road and were completely surprised with a WOW Moment of a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. It was breathtaking! The next day we drove through the wine country of the Yarra Valley—with tastings, lots of animal sightings, and delicious food—followed by a two-night stay at the Jackalope Hotel in the Mornington Peninsula area, about an hour-and-a-half from Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula was also filled with award-winning wine and food, along with charming little beachside towns….” —Jennifer Mann

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO COSTA RICA

Costa Rica: “Our private table was in a glassed-in small private dining area in the treetops…”

Monteverde, Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“Priscilla did a fabulous job of planning a special family trip for us. In Tortuguero, a highlight was the kayaking trip down an inland waterway and a short detour into a small, seemingly endless series of creeks on the side of the main waterway. It was like going into another world, even in the otherworldliness of the jungle. When our guide asked us all to stop paddling, close our eyes, and just listen to the jungle sounds, it was magical.

We had a special WOW Moment in Monteverde when we were taken to the San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience. Each of the delicious small nine courses represented an area of Costa Rica that was explained to us as it was served. Our private table was in a glassed-in small private dining area in the treetops overlooking the town. We were there at sunset, and the view was amazing.” —Beverly Cameron

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Portugal: “A WOW Moment at Claus Porto, a private workshop that started in Porto in 1887…”

a house and vineyard in Douro Valley, Portugal

Douro Valley, Portugal. Photo: Mike Korn

“Goncalo planned every detail of our Portugal trip to perfection. We started in the Alentejo—which we had not even thought of going to—and it was the perfect place to get over jet lag and recover in a gorgeous hotel and setting. From there we went to Porto, where he planned amazing walking tours and a day trip to the Douro with an incredible winery visit and lunch. We also had a WOW Moment at Claus Porto, a private workshop that started in Porto in 1887, and we had an incredible experience making soap.

After Porto came Lisbon. Goncalo planned our itinerary so that we had stops with tours on the way to each city, and everyone who toured us or drove us around knew so much about Portugal’s history. December was a great time to be in Portugal, and Goncalo made it a truly wonderful experience from the second we landed until we got on the plane to come home. We did not have to think of anything—he already had it all figured out. We can’t wait to go back!” —Jennifer Andrews

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BORA BORA

Bora Bora: “A private sunset cruise and photo shoot…”

Bora Bora. Photo: Traveler Albert Cemel

“The photos and videos we had seen of French Polynesia hardly compare to the breathtaking views and exhilaration you feel when you set foot on these islands. The lagoons around the Tahitian islands are crystal clear and brightened by every shade of blue you can imagine. Kleon has vast experience in the South Pacific islands and made some great recommendations on things we hadn’t even thought of….

Our final stop was Bora Bora, where the view at the airport was like a WOW Moment in and of itself! The dazzling turquoise lagoon, a tiny palm-covered islet in the middle, and the beautiful green shades of the iconic Mount Otemanu in the background, makes for an unforgettable, jaw-dropping scene. In Bora Bora we were fortunate to receive a WOW Moment selected by Wendy Perrin and Kleon. It was a private sunset cruise and photo shoot on a luxurious 21-foot Bayliner named “Love Boat.” It was a beautiful, romantic experience. The captain was a charming man raised on the French Riviera who had moved to Bora Bora 20 years ago and never looked back. We were given a USB key with close to 100 HD photos at the end of our cruise. The photos of my wife and me against beautiful background colors of the setting sun have provided us with wonderful memories of our trip to paradise.” —Al Cemel

Read more reviews of Bora Bora trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Panama: “We were picked up in a Panama school bus—Diablo Rojo—with all the neon lights flashing and the salsa music playing…”

National Theatre of Panama, Casco Antiguo, Panama City. Photo: Shutterstock

“Even though our trip was short notice and over the New Year holidays, Pierre put together a really wonderful and memorable trip for us to Panama. We started out in Panama City, where we were given our WOW Moment—and what a Moment it was! We were picked up in a Panama school bus—Diablo Rojo—with all the neon lights flashing and the salsa music playing! It took us from the hotel to the Historic Old City where we had a great typical Panamanian dinner at a local restaurant, then enjoyed the view from a rooftop bar with a glass of wine. Finally, back to the hotel on Diablo Rojo! What a fun outing!!

On Christmas Day we toured an agro-organic farm called Hacienda Mamecillo, where the family produces all their food organically, as well as a special coffee. It was so interesting and impressive. The meal they served was, honestly, one of the best meals we have ever had—worthy of any fine dining anywhere.” —Sally Boland

Read more reviews of Panama trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO PANAMA

Bolivia & Peru: “The unobstructed expanse of the isolated salt flats make star-gazing on the Salar de Uyuni a truly spellbinding experience…”

Salar de Uyuni salt flat during the starry night, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni starry night, Bolivia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our trip was amazing—from visiting the salt flats to checking out a silver mine, boating on Lake Titicaca, visiting cathedrals and museums, eating delicious foods, and meeting wonderful people. We were delighted from start to finish with Marisol and Mark’s exceptional advice and service, and a big thank-you to Wendy for the WOW Moment: The unobstructed expanse of the isolated salt flats make star-gazing on the Salar de Uyuni a truly spellbinding experience, as the full breadth and immensity of the night sky can be observed and appreciated with the telescope provided or with the naked eye. Located at altitude with almost no light pollution thanks to a sparse population, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the best places to stargaze in South America.” —Dominique Tran

Read more reviews of Bolivia and Peru trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BOLIVIA AND PERU

Israel & Jordan: “We were flying simulated F-16 planes…”

Aerial sun set view of Mediterranean Seashore of Tel Aviv, Israel.

Mediterranean Seashore of Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just back from an amazing trip to Israel and Jordan arranged by Joe and Jonathan. We had a WOW Moment on this trip where we were flying simulated F-16 planes—super fun, also very humbling, giving us an even greater respect for our fighter pilots. We had a graffiti tour of Tel Aviv with a very talented artist, as well as a food tour in the souk of Jerusalem. As for Jordan, Petra was beyond incredible. It was quite an experience walking across the Israeli border into no man’s land and then walking to the Jordan border. We were thankful we had our trusted guides on either side of the border to guide us.” —Toni Casamento

Read more reviews of Israel and Jordan trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN

Scotland: “That afternoon was the highlight of our trip…”

St Andrews Cathedral in St. Andrews, Scotland. Photo: Shutterstock

“To plan our 12 days in Scotland, we worked with Jonathan and Katie. Scotland is an incredibly picturesque country, and the people we met there could not have been more welcoming and enjoyable. Highlights included our walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh with Paul, who pointed out architectural details and many things we would have missed on our own that made us understand and appreciate the city even more; St. Andrews, a picture-perfect town with amazing golf, pubs, and restaurants; and our drive through The Great Glen, whose natural awesome beauty was breathtaking. Every hotel we stayed at was amazing, and we were given exceptional treatment while there, no doubt because of the relationships they shared with Jonathan.

We had our WOW Moment in Glasgow at The Pot Still pub, a small homey place with hundreds of whiskies lining the walls. We sat at a table in the back, with locals all around us enjoying drinks with friends. There we were welcomed by Chris, who knew more about whisky than anyone I’d ever met. He spent two-plus hours explaining the intricacies of Scottish whisky, the differences between single malt, single grain, and blends. He told us where the various distilleries are and how the locations and production styles affect taste. And while we listened, we ate haggis pies and tasted a variety of different whiskies. That afternoon was the highlight of our trip and one of the reasons we’re already talking about a return trip to Scotland.” —Cindy Kelly

Read more reviews of Scotland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO SCOTLAND

Greece: “A wonderful dinner cooked by the mama of the house and a Greek dance performance…”

Traditional Greek food, Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jacoline listened to our travel preferences and hit the nail on the head: We focused on activities where we interacted with the locals. First was our WOW Moment: We had a wonderful dinner cooked by the mama of the house and a Greek dance performance which we eventually joined in. We sat in a beautiful courtyard, eating delicious food and enjoying the company of lovely people. The language barrier didn’t interfere with the wonderful evening.

Another highlight was visiting a farm in Kythira. I cooked lunch with Anastasia, and my husband spent the morning with Anastasia’s husband, watering the animals and riding the tractor. Lunch was delicious, and the warmth and kindness of these people so impressed us. I could go on and on describing similar experiences. When we missed our flight from Athens to Santorini and were standing in line hoping to rebook a flight that night, my husband’s phone rang, and it was Jacoline’s team letting us know they had already booked us on another flight. That is why I work with Wendy’s WOW people. They are on top of everything.” —Leslie Goldenberg

Read more reviews of Greece trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO GREECE

Italy: “Two local artisan workshops to see classic Venetian crafts—mosaics in hard stone, and paper marbling…”

Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“We worked with Jennifer to craft a remarkable trip through Italy this September, and she was fantastic! There were 6 of us in our group – my husband and me, another couple we have known for decades, and their 25-year-old daughter and her boyfriend. We began our adventures at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, on the shores of Lake Como. Our first morning was spent in a beautiful classic wooden speedboat, touring the shores of the lake, learning about history, architecture, and celebrity gossip. We had timed tickets to tour Villa Balbianello, had a wonderful lunch at a quiet café, and strolled around Bellagio. (As you can imagine, we had many great meals in Italy, and Jennifer secured dining reservations at several restaurants that we were unable to book on our own.)

It was in Florence that we had our WOW Moment. Late afternoon we were met at the lobby of our hotel, where we discovered we would be visiting two local artisan workshops to see classic Venetian crafts – mosaics in hard stone, and paper marbling – and afterwards have a chance to relax with aperitifs and nibbles while talking with our wonderful guide. It was EXACTLY what I wanted.” —Bonnie Thompson

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Malta: “We had an incredibly beautiful picnic on the water with a solo musician playing guitar…”

colorful boats in Marsaxlokk Harbour, Malta

Marsaxlokk Harbour, Malta. Photo: Exclusively Malta

“Jason was right to have us start in Gozo. The hotel (Cesca Lodge) was a beautifully converted ancient stone building. We were tempted not to go out to dinner, but we pushed ourselves to go out to where Jason had booked us—and are we glad we did!! The owner was amazing…treated us like old friends, and the food was delicious too! It was such a fun night. The next day we had an amazing tour with our private guide of Gozo which included some stunning views of the turquoise water from a hidden cave. Later that evening we had our WOW Moment, which was truly spectacular!! We had an incredibly beautiful picnic on the water with a solo musician playing guitar…some songs which Jason had personally requested that he knew we would like! We watched the sunset while drinking champagne, sitting on blankets and pillows, surrounded by twinkle lights.

The next day we took a private boat transfer to Malta. Along the way we passed Comino Island and the gorgeous waters of the blue lagoon. Jason arranged a picnic basket of food for us on the boat which was such a thoughtful touch…although the water was too rough for us to eat, once we got to the hotel we were certainly grateful to have some food. Our driver had been waiting for us…everything was organized perfectly. The hotel Jason recommended (Iniala) was beautiful and right on the Grand Harbour—an amazing location with a fabulous view. That afternoon we went exploring on our own and had dinner on an incredible rooftop terrace where an opera soloist was singing. Once again, the owner treated us like royalty, as we were guests of Jason’s.” —Elliot Laskin

Read more reviews of Malta trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Germany: “In Berlin, we had the joy of our surprise WOW Moment…”

Aerial view of Berlin skyline with famous TV tower and Spree river in beautiful evening light at sunset in summer, Germany

Berlin, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

“We have just returned from a spectacular two-and-a-half-week trip to Germany. We found a beautiful, diverse country with friendly people and an interesting but complex history. Claudia listened to our needs and desires and addressed them admirably. She contributed great ideas and arranged outstanding driver/guides, hotels, and restaurants. To cover a broad swath of Germany in the time available, we moved every third day. Each time, we regretted leaving our wonderful hotel. Especially memorable were our room in a real castle with a patio overlooking the Rhine River and our balcony overlooking Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles in the Alps.

A variety of special experiences planned by Claudia enhanced our trip. They included visits to the Berlin Wall and Potsdam, castle visits, boat trips on the Rhine and Lake Constance, and a side trip to Strasbourg, France. In Berlin, we had the joy of our surprise WOW Moment, earned after two Wendy Perrin trips. It was a special riverside gourmet dinner followed by a wonderful nighttime cruise on the Spree River. This cruise, with all the city lights and activity, gave us a whole new perspective of Berlin. I could go on and on because we can’t stop talking about this trip.” —William and Lynn Martin

Read more reviews of Germany trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO GERMANY

Peru: “A tour of the ‘real’ Lima with a local guide…”

Lima’s Miraflores, Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

“How many different ways can you say the word ‘amazing’??? Marisol and the experts on her staff were the sum of all the ways it can be expressed. One example is upon landing in Lima our first day. One of her team went out at 11pm at night and found and DELIVERED a new knee brace to our hotel, as the one my husband packed had been “misplaced” by the airline. We had an early flight in the morning, so this was nothing short of miraculous. Without this brace, my husband may not have been able to explore Machu Picchu or the other sites planned.

Our WOW Moment was a tour of the ‘real’ Lima with a local guide. We got the scoop of the good, the bad, and the ugly related to the nuances of life in Lima. Not just the tourist façade view of things. The fabulously in-depth tour was capped off with a visit to the Circuito Magico del Agua, a light/laser/fountain show in Lima. The projection show story was the perfect synopsis of all of the history we had learned that day in addition to being beautifully magical! We even convinced our guide to run through the water tunnel with us where we all got drenched! A good laugh is a good laugh in any language! ” —Andrea Reed

Read more reviews of Peru trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO PERU

Ireland: “Sitting on one of the columns at the Giant’s Causeway sipping Bushmill’s Reserve whiskey gives a new meaning to ‘whiskey on the rocks’…”

Giant's Causeway in a beautiful summer day, Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway on a beautiful summer day, Northern Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Because we were traveling to different cities (Belfast, Dublin, Killarney, Cong and Galway), Jonathan suggested a driver rather than self-driving, and he was so right! Having the pressure of driving removed gave us so much more freedom to explore the areas and enjoy the days. Also, the drivers did not just drive, they provided historical facts, made suggestions of out-of-the-way places to visit, knew the best local places for a pub lunch, the best place to buy a special gift, the place to stop for the best view/photos, etc. Many of our outstanding experiences—a day trip to the Aran Islands, a sheepdog demonstration, a food tour in Galway, etc.—we would not have known about, had it not been for the suggestion of Jonathan and his team.

Thank you, Wendy, for another memorable WOW Moment. Sitting on one of the columns at the Giant’s Causeway sipping Bushmill’s Reserve whiskey gives a new meaning to ‘whiskey on the rocks’. Everyone passing by us was jealous!” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO EGYPT AND JORDAN

Greece: “The e-bike tour that we had there was incredible, especially the sunset—a true WOW Moment!”

Varlaam monastery_Meteora_Greece-cr-Shutterstock

Varlaam monastery, Meteora, Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

“My son and I traveled in Greece together, and Mina’s team did a great job of identifying activities and places of interest for us. The most breathtaking place we went was Meteora, where we got to see, close-up and personal, the monasteries that were built on cliffs and how they functioned. The e-bike tour that we had there was incredible, especially the sunset—a true WOW Moment! On the island of Naxos, on our river walk hike, our guide led us through the backcountry to unique places off the beaten path and showed us old water mills and different plants, wild herbs and vegetables that cover the landscape. Our catamaran day cruise was also an amazing experience, with snorkeling and great food. My son and I are now officially addicted to tzatziki! Thanks so much for helping us plan this once-in-a-lifetime trip together.” —George Powers

Read more reviews of Greece trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO GREECE

Egypt & Jordan: “We felt like Egyptian royalty sailing on our own private yacht on the Nile…”

Photo of a boat sailing down the Nile in Egypt

A sail along the Nile in Egypt. Photo: Billie Cohen

“Jim crafted a mind-blowing three-week journey through Egypt and Jordan for us. Our itinerary was amazing at every turn. Highlights included: In Cairo, walking along the narrow, shop-lined streets of Old Cairo and then the even narrower alleys of the Khan al Khalili. We gained a true feeling of what the city was like in ancient times. In Aswan, we appreciated being able to speak with a local in the Nubian Village and visit his home and learn about a part of Egyptian culture you hear little about. In the Valley of the Kings, the most magnificent tomb was that of Nefertari, where we were the only people inside and our guide was very gracious in allowing us extra time there so that I could take photos of everything! And in Jordan, our guide worked his connections to gain us access to the Petra by Night experience an hour before it officially opened to the public! Walking through the candlelit Siq alone and coming upon the candlelit Treasury, we were awestruck.

Wendy, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for arranging with Jim our very special WOW Moment. Imagine our faces when we were taken to a yacht for a private sunset cruise on the Nile all around Elephantine and other islands. Sunset was magical as the colors of the sky, Nile waters, and surrounding land changed from yellow to golden to pink and then deep purple, followed by the twinkling lights of Aswan as night fell. This glorious sunset experience was followed by a seafood feast on the boat with a private chef. We felt like Egyptian royalty sailing on our own private yacht on the Nile!” —Mary Lou Voytko

Read more reviews of Egypt and Jordan trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Hawaii: “We toasted the beautiful scenery, our gorgeous picnic, the kids below on their surfboards…”

Aerial view of Kualoa Point at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just came back from a three-generation trip to Oahu, Hawaii, which included a WOW Moment. First, your WOW List travel advisor, Dani, was fabulous—she knew just what we were interested in seeing and doing, and planned the trip we wanted around the grandchildren. She made sure we had the best rooms, provided amenities at both resorts, and made this one of the best trips ever!

And now the WOW Moment—I have to say we were all impressed beyond words! We had planned a surfing lesson at Turtle Bay for our two grandchildren at the Jamie O’Brien Surfing School. Dani arranged, on a promontory above where the lesson was taking place, the most sumptuous gourmet picnic we have ever enjoyed, complete with champagne. We toasted the beautiful scenery, our gorgeous picnic, the kids below on their surfboards—and Dani and Wendy Perrin!!!! It was a perfect day, a perfect spot, and we loved every minute of it. But that was not to be all —when the lesson was over, who came out to greet us but Jamie O’Brien himself! Needless to say, we were all dazzled—especially the kids who had been watching this Hawaiian surfing legend on YouTube! This was all perfectly orchestrated—and was a WOW Moment my family will never forget. By the way, my grandkids are now asking when they can be in our next WOW Moment!!!!!” —Nancy Bern

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO KENYA AND RWANDA

Kenya & Rwanda: “We had a private tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservatory Northern White Rhino Project…”

African white rhino, National park of Kenya, Africa

White rhinos in Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

“My main focus for the trip was not just an animal safari, but also to experience the African culture, see the local conservation efforts, witness the labors to preserve endangered species, and incorporate my interest in the work of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall. Dan’s connections with the best local operators and guides made things so much easier. At Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages in Kenya, we had a very private and secluded cottage with a verandah for dining and just relaxing. We received royal treatment from the moment we arrived.

Our WOW Moment was perfect! We had a private tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservatory Northern White Rhino Project, met the two remaining Northern White Rhinos, and learned about the global efforts and cooperation amongst countries to save the species.” —Sue Newton

Read more reviews of Kenya and Rwanda trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Rwanda & Uganda: “Lunch out there at an amazing lodge with rapids rushing all around us…”

Waterside scenery showing the River Nile with lots of greenery on the sides.

The Nile River near Jinja, in Uganda. Photo: Shutterstock

“We travelled to Rwanda and Uganda for the month of January. Cherri did a wonderful job of putting together all the pieces of a complicated multi-country trip with multiple lodgings in both countries. We saw very few other tourists. On safari we rarely saw another Land Rover. The genocide museum in Kigali was empty, as was the art gallery we went to. As for the WOW Moment arranged by Cherri, all I can say is WOW WOW WOW! We flew by private helicopter from Entebbe to Jinja, the beginning of the Nile River, had lunch out there at an amazing lodge with rapids rushing all around us and then returned in time to catch our flight back home.” —Ron Klausner

Read more reviews of Rwanda and Uganda trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO RWANDA AND UGANDA

Italy: “An artist’s studio where she helped us make our own mosaics in her found-object style…”

Beautiful cityscape skyline of Firenze (Florence), Italy, with the bridges over the river Arno

Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My family of six—including four daughters, ages 5 through 11—traveled to Italy and Switzerland in November/December 2021. Maria pulled it all together on relatively short notice. She arranged for great hotels, fun excursions, and private guides in Florence and Zurich who were fantastic with the girls. We had a fantastic time making pizza in Florence, and another major highlight was our WOW Moment. Thank you so much, Wendy, we really enjoyed it! We walked across the river in Florence to a more residential neighborhood and visited an artist’s studio, where she welcomed us and helped us make our own mosaics in her found-object style. While they dried, we enjoyed sandwiches and cake in the cafe. The artist and Elvira (our guide) were so friendly and welcoming it was a real treat to spend the afternoon with them.” —Rebecca Bartlett

Read more reviews of Italy and Switzerland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Belize: “After we wore ourselves out dancing, we were guided to a beautifully laid table on the beach and served an extraordinary 6-course private dinner…”

Ambergris Caye, Belize. Photo: Absolute Belize

“Patricia planned an excellent itinerary, matched by superior management of all logistics. Our family of five, with our three active teenagers, spent four nights in the jungle, then seven nights at the beach. While based in the jungle, we kept our three teenagers busy with horseback riding, cave tubing and visiting the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. We enjoyed fantastic gourmet meals and even squeezed in some time at the spa and the pool. Then, at the beach, we enjoyed leisurely days at the pool and also snorkeling, fishing, and barbequing on the beach.

The highlight of the itinerary was the unexpected WOW Moment. Knowing that we have a strong interest in learning about local culture, Patricia arranged with the Black&White Garifuna Restaurant to come to our hotel for a private, immersive evening focused on the Garifuna Afro-Caribbean culture. We were treated to a magical singing and dancing performance, and then got dancing lessons and drumming lessons. We also received short, digestible lessons on Garifuna history, language, holidays, and cuisine. After we wore ourselves out dancing, we were guided to a beautifully laid table on the beach and served an extraordinary 6-course private dinner prepared by O Restaurant at Las Terrazas resort. While we dined, the singing and dancing continued. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —Robyn Smyers

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “We were meeting the Marchesa Elena Torrigiani at her estate and grounds in the middle of Florence!”

Giardini Torrigiani, Florence. Photo: Brian Dore.

“We just returned from a fantastic 3-week trip to Italy that Maria had arranged for us….When we thought it couldn’t get any better in our 3 days in Florence we had a Wendy WOW Moment that was over the top!! We saw that Maria listed “a one of a kind experience” in the early evening. Of course, we tried getting hints from [our guide] Elvira, but she was not sharing anything, until we were almost at our destination and told us that we were meeting the Marchesa Elena Torrigiani at her estate and grounds in the middle of Florence! Her family goes back generations and is considered royalty in Italy. The garden is 17 acres and she personally led us through the gardens and explained all the monuments, trees, etc. The best site on the grounds was a neo gothic tower and walls from the Middle Ages! Elena was so charming and a wonderful host as she told us her interesting family history up to the present. She finally led us to an outside bistro where we had a wonderful dinner. What a way to end the day. Thank you Wendy!” —Sandy Collins

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO SAN JOSE DEL CABO

Cabo, Mexico: “We took a private boat to a secluded cove for a private snorkel…”

El Arco, Cabo San Lucas Photo: Roberto Trama Mexico

Boating and fishing in Los Cabos. Photo: Roberto Trama

“We rented a very private home near San Jose del Cabo—with a gorgeous outdoor living space and pool—and felt completely safe. Julie helped us all along the way, including helping us decide to stay closer to San Jose Del Cabo than to the more touristy Cabo San Lucas. That turned out to be a great decision. We were traveling with our small family of three, including our young son. We had a 24/7 concierge named Hector the whole time, and he did a great job with questions about the house, activities, grocery stores, restaurants, and the like.

We were also lucky enough to have a WOW Moment on this trip: We were picked up at our house by our guide, Oscar, who is a lovely man with a great knowledge of the local area, its geology, history, traditions, culture, and food. Oscar took us to the marina in Cabo San Lucas, where we took a private boat to a secluded cove for a private snorkel. We were so happy with the location, especially as we saw how crowded the other snorkel locations were. Oscar helped our 10-year old son learn how to snorkel and helped him spot puffer fish, angel fish, and other cool wildlife. And then Oscar made us the most amazing gourmet lunch on the boat! We had some delicious local fish, sashimi style, and a ridiculously amazing guacamole. He loves food almost as much as I do! To top it off, Oscar helped us find a local fishmonger on the way back. I bought marlin and bonito, both caught that day and cleaned and cut to my specs, with a friendly pelican who enjoyed eating the fish scraps. We grilled the fish over the next two days, and they were amazing! A total home run, and we were so grateful for this outing. Julie, Wendy, and team, a sincere thank-you!” —Chris Kloes

Read more reviews of San Jose del Cabo trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Costa Rica: “We drove to the lake where a boat was waiting. There was a three-piece band and a dance teacher aboard…”

Amazing panoramic view of beautiful nature of Costa Rica with smoking volcano Arenal background. Panorama of volcano Arenal reflected on wonderful picturesque lake, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. Photo: Shutterstock

“My daughters (ages 15 and 16) and I went to Costa Rica, and Irene arranged a trip exactly to my specifications. We had adventure, culture, relaxation, and beautiful accommodations. We enjoyed so many experiences, from hiking to zip lining, an ATV tour, a private cooking class, a chocolate farm tour and tasting….

We also had our WOW Moment, which was really something special. Edgar picked us up in the late afternoon, and we drove to the lake where a boat was waiting. There was a three-piece band and a dance teacher aboard. We were serenaded and taught to dance the salsa. Back on shore, we were taken to the private home of a chef in town. He and his wife prepared a delicious four-course dinner, and we could see the prep, as the kitchen was outside by the table. The food was fantastic. Little did we know that Edgar had been observing our food preferences throughout our trip, and dinner was chosen from his recommendations. So much thought was put into the experience. My daughters and I will remember that night fondly.” —Karyn Sallus

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO COSTA RICA

Belize: “We were driven to a pool by a waterfall where lunch had been set up with table and chairs…”

Tiger Fern waterfall in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize.

Tiger Fern waterfall, Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“Patricia could not have been more helpful and we ended up staying in three places. Her first recommendation was Cayo Espanto, a private island with a few luxury villas and with two butlers assigned to each villa. It could not have been a better choice, with great private snorkeling trips, bone fishing and water sports at the island. She then arranged a charter flight on Tropic Air to take us over the Blue Hole (well worth doing) and then to fly us out to Hidden Valley.

A highlight there was a WOW Moment when we were driven to a pool by a waterfall where lunch had been set up with table and chairs, sparkling wine in an ice bucket, a hammock and towels for bathing. We transferred from there via the Mayan site of Caracol to the Lodge at Chaa Creek, a magical place we last visited 25 years ago. It may be more modern, but it is still magical with the same owners who live on site. There Patricia organized a birding trip for us with a local expert, we canoed on the Macal River, lounged in our private plunge pool and hiked throughout the property.” —Tony & Jane Ford-Hutchinson

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THE MALDIVES

The Maldives: “We headed across the atoll to use a drone to try to find whale sharks and manta rays…”

Arial view of an uninhabited, tropical island with lots of trees and turquoise water in Maldives.

Arial view of a tropical island in the Maldives. Photo: Shutterstock

“Justin was fantastic! We planned our eight-day trip to the Maldives to split time between two resorts. He was quite right in discouraging two seaplane-distance resorts, given our short time in the country and the unscheduled nature of seaplanes in the Maldives. His recommendations for restaurants to prioritize at both resorts was spot on, and he was very helpful with plans for scuba, advising on better house reefs, etc.

Our WOW Moment at Gili Lankanfushi was such fun! We and the dive master and two naturalists headed out and we had a fantastic dive. Then we headed across the atoll to use a drone to try to find whale sharks and manta rays. While none were to be found, it was still a blast to watch the naturalists use the drone to hunt for them!” —Kim Prater

Read more reviews of the Maldives trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Hawaii: “A fantastic hike to Pololu Valley and Beach…”

family posing at Pololu Valley with cliffs and ocean in background Big Island Hawaii

Traveler Kathy Gardner and her family hiking Pololu Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island.

“Hawaii expert Dani planned a fabulous vacation to the Big Island for our family and kindly included my sister and her family in our plans/reservations at the almost last minute. We really enjoyed the Fairmont Orchid, which Dani highly recommended. It was perfect for our families (parents and teens). She ensured we had lovely rooms with wonderful views and fantastic, attentive service. Dani recommended a snorkeling trip just for our two families.

Thanks to Wendy, our WOW Moment, a fantastic hike to Pololu Valley and Beach, was delightful. Dani engaged Derek Stuart, of Active Families Hawaii, as a personal guide, including visiting the Waimea Market, a stunning drive to the northeast of the Big Island and the above mentioned hike and picnic on the black sand beach.” —Kathy Gardner

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Belize: “A very special horseback riding morning and WOW Moment overlooking the entire property…”

A river surrounded by the Belizean jungle.

“Patricia was amazing to work with, and her recommendations of the Lodge at Chaa Creek and Belize Sailing Vacations were the perfect combination for our family of five. The experience at Chaa Creek was incredible… from our outing to the ATM caves (one of the most amazing things we’ve ever done) to a very special horseback riding morning and WOW Moment overlooking the entire property along with an outdoor cooking experience, we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

From the jungle, we headed back towards town to meet our catamaran and crew. As new “sailors,” we can’t say enough about this adventure. Our chef, Ellen, fed us better than we could have imagined, all while giving us a taste of local flavor, including conch ceviche and conch fritters. Our captain made the adventure especially fun for our 11-year-old son by allowing him the chance to help onboard the boat with the anchor, fishing rods, etc… ” —Kate Rader

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THE AMERICAN WEST

The U.S. Southwest: “We had more time to go further into the canyon and do more repels and obstacles…”

woman rappelling and rock climbing in Zion national park

Amy Evers rock climbing in Zion National Park.

“Phoenix to Salt Lake City, with so much in between! Melissa put together an amazing trip for my husband and I! We went mountain biking twice and white water rafting. We went on a hot air balloon flight. We hiked in many gorgeous locales. We did a cooking class (the food was out of this world), a sunset tour in the dessert, a UTV tour, a stargazing experience, and jeep tours. We had some time to explore on our own as well. Our two favorite experiences were exploring the very narrow slot canyons in Escalante with a guide that took us off the tourist grid (we didn’t see anyone else!) and canyoneering near Zion. No doubt we are slight adrenaline junkies, but this trip really fulfilled our desires!

We also had a WOW Moment while canyoneering. We thought we were doing a half day trip but it turns out it was an entire day! And we had a photographer with us to take pictures of us all day! I am elated that we had more time to go further into the canyon and do more repels and obstacles. I haven’t seen the pictures yet but I’m guessing they are epic! There was even one small section that got me out of my comfort zone and that is usually what I’m looking for! ” —Amy Evers

Read more reviews of trips in the American West. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Uruguay: “We were serenaded at a private dinner outdoors and then rode back to the barn under the stars…”

Ron Klausner enjoys his WOW Moment in Uruguay.

The Klausners enjoying their WOW Moment in Uruguay.

“For our first stop in Uruguay, Maita sent us to a property north of Punte del Este called Sacromonte. It was heaven. Four cottages in the middle of a vineyard on more than 500 acres. The owner treated us like royalty. A local Belgian-French couple had recently opened a ‘private’ restaurant in their home that we wanted to try, but there was a minimum group size necessary for dinner, so Maita called the next door neighbors, a Canadian couple, to ask if they would join us for dinner. After an incredible meal, the Canadian couple, who live a 10-minute drive away on 1,000 acres, invited us to join them at their recently renovated estancia for coffee the next day. What a great experience!

Our next stop was lunch at the Bodega Garzon, a Francis Mallman restaurant at the top of a hill in the middle of an even greater vineyard. After lunch we then drove to the beach town of Jose Ignacio and stayed at another small, intimate property, Playa Vik. While there we went to a polo match at its sister property, Estancia Vik—our first—and it was spectacular. After the match we ate and drank with the players and exchanged stories; the polo players were from around the world and were all fluent in English and had very interesting personal lives. Our WOW Moment was the following night, back at the Estancia: We took a horseback ride at sunset, played golf on a ‘homemade’ course, were serenaded at a private dinner outdoors and then rode back to the barn under the stars. Magnificent! ” —Ron Klausner

Read more reviews of Uruguay trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO URUGUAY

London: “A private tour and tasting in The Stafford’s amazing wine cellar, which was built in the 17th century…”

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge on a cold, snowy winter day, London, United Kingdom

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge, London. Photo: Shutterstock

“It has become our practice to consult Wendy Perrin’s WOW List whenever we plan a trip. This time our goal was to spend Christmas in London. We spoke with Jonathan about our previous visits to London and our desire to see and do something new. As we had already seen most of the highlights of London, Jonathan suggested other tours we would not have thought of. One was a Charles Dickens walking tour; our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, and we now understand how London during Dickens’ time influenced his writing. Another highlight was a private ‘Behind the Glass’ after-hours tour of the Churchill War Rooms. We had seen the War Rooms before, but nothing can compare with going there in the evening when it’s closed and actually going into the rooms that are not accessible to the public.

Jonathan also executed a surprise “Wendy WOW Moment” for us during our stay. It was a private tour and tasting in The Stafford’s amazing wine cellar, which was built in the 17th century and used as an air raid shelter during WWII! The master sommelier, Gino, gave us the tour and made the experience very special!.” —Susan Ketchum

Read more reviews of London trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO LONDON

Rome: “The food tour in Testaccio was so much fun…”

Gina Melton and her husband enjoying their WOW Moment in Rome, Italy.

“Jennifer’s team provided top-notch, personalized service throughout our week in Rome. The private guides she selected for us were experts in their fields and added so much nuance and color to our personal tours. For example, I have a love of Baroque art, and our art guide was a former art-history academic who specialized in the Baroque period. Not only was Susanna able to really dig in and educate me more about art from this period, but we also did a specialized Caravaggio tour that culminated in visiting an art restoration studio with restorers who had worked on some of the Caravaggios that I had just seen hours before. Being in that studio, up close and personal with the art, was one of the most impactful travel experiences I have ever had—so much so that I was brought to tears.

I also want to thank Wendy and her team for the wonderful WOW Moment in Rome! The food tour in Testaccio was so much fun! We loved trying the Trapizzini (at Trapizzino), and I really enjoyed Mastro. Jason loved meeting the owners of Giolitti. Thank you for making our trip special.” —Gina Melton

Read more reviews of Rome trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ROME

Africa: “A spectacular sunset and sundowners with about a dozen local Masai…”

man and guide looking over view in Africa

Paul Bennett at Sundowner Rock, Africa. Photo: Traveler Catherine Olsen

“We have many vivid memories of Africa, thanks to Cherri. We had one morning in the Southern Serengeti, where the day began with a visit to our Masai guide’s uncle’s traditional boma. We were invited inside his grandmother’s mud-and-dung hut for a tour of her humble home, but only after she’d carefully swept the mud floor and cleared a seat for us on her husband’s simple cot. Her son, who spoke fairly good English, explained why they’d moved up into the hills until the wildebeests and the tourists left the area. We continued for a bush walk through the hills, accompanied by more Masai; the hike culminated with breakfast, cooked over the fire, at a stunning cliff-edge perch overlooking the Rift Valley.

You’d think the day couldn’t get much better, but we still had our WOW Moment ahead of us. In the late afternoon, we were taken to a very special, quite spiritual escarpment called Sundowner Rock. After a spectacular sunset and sundowners with about a dozen local Masai, we were led around the back side of the rock, where a surprise dinner was being cooked for us in a cave over an open fire. Two fires, actually—one with local goat roasting on sticks for the Masai, and the other grilling chicken and beef for us. After we’d all feasted, the Masai sang and danced and entertained themselves (and us) by the campfire, and we reveled in how lucky we all were. It was truly magical. Thank you, Wendy, for a once-in-a-lifetime WOW Moment!” —Paul Bennett and Catherine Olsen

Read more reviews of Africa trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO AFRICA

Romania: “We visited the highest tower at Bran Castle, an area generally off-limits to the public…”

Bran Castle (a.k.a. “Dracula’s Castle”) in Transylvania, Romania. Photo: Shutterstock

“Raluca found us extraordinary accommodations in Romania. She tracked down a private residence in Bucharest where we had a private suite and were treated like personal friends of the family. We had three nights in Brasov in a lovely three-room hotel and four nights in Maremures in our own house on a 70-hectare property. The house was probably 100 years old and had been saved from destruction in the local village, moved to the host’s property, and completely remodeled inside. Raluca even arranged for a cook to come to the house and make us breakfast and dinner—truly special. And Wendy, thanks for the WOW Moment. We really enjoyed getting to visit the highest tower at Bran Castle, an area generally off-limits to the public. Our very experienced guide had never been there.” —George Stephens

Read more reviews of Romania trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ROMANIA

Colombia: “We were surprised with a cooking class at Carmen’s, the best restaurant in Cartagena…”

colorfully painted walls on a block of Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Boris and Marc organized a wonderful itinerary in Colombia that kept me, my husband, and our two teenagers completely engaged. We loved visiting the very different regions of the country and learning about each area’s distinct history and culture. The best part about working with Wendy’s WOW team are the WOW Moments: We were surprised with a cooking class at Carmen’s, the best restaurant in Cartagena. We all enjoyed learning about the local cuisine, preparing, cooking, and ultimately eating what we had prepared! The restaurant was truly lovely, and we won’t forget our time spent there.” —Barbara Palter

Read more reviews of Colombia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO COLOMBIA

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada: “We had an unbelievable meal that lasted the entire evening…”

Inn at Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island.

“Jill planned a fabulous trip for us in the Canadian Maritimes that included an evening of Nova Scotia wines and local specialties at Le Caveau (you haven’t lived until you’ve eaten Brant Lake Wagyu beef), staying at Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island, and dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Panorama at the Cabot Links golf course.

The pièce de résistance was our WOW Moment at The Inn at Bay Fortune on Prince Edward Island, where we had an unbelievable meal that lasted the entire evening. A farmer regaled us with stories about his farm and some of what we would be eating, we had a feast of oysters, and everything was cooked over an open flame! Little did we know there would be another WOW Moment the next morning, when we met the chef carving up a 322-pound tuna in the kitchen. ” —Sonja & Brian Haggert

Read more reviews of Canadian Maritimes trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES

Paris: “We were guided to a beautiful shop in a charming neighborhood and into a private room…”

Caves Legrande is one of the oldest wine shops in Paris

Caves Legrande wine shop in Paris. Photo: Caves Legrande

“Jennifer had a great feel for the kind of experience of Paris that my husband and I desired. We had an incredible food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and a private cooking class with a chef who taught us how to prepare the most amazing duck recipes per our request. He also took us food shopping prior to the class; visiting all of the little shops in Paris for bread, cheese, wine, and our duck was a treat! In addition, Jennifer was able to secure some very hard-to-get dinner reservations; we were able to dine everywhere on my wish list.

Lastly, thank you, Wendy, for an incredible WOW Moment! Jennifer arranged our surprise WOW Moment at the oldest wine shop in Paris. We were guided to a beautiful shop in a charming neighborhood and into a private room for a wine tasting with a sommelier who said he was opening bottles that he had actually never been able to taste himself before, as they were that rare. He was thrilled with our WOW Moment too!” —Tina Sarafa

Read more reviews of Paris trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Vienna: “A private tour at the Kunsthistorisches Museum with a curator who gave us special insight into the Klimt brothers’ paintings…”

The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna Austria

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo: Shutterstock

“Gwen provided excellent recommendations for ways to enjoy our time in Austria. The hotels and guides she selected were amazing, the transportation (train, driver, and rental car) seamless. She even teamed up with Wendy for our WOW Moment in Vienna—a private tour at the Kunsthistorisches Museum with a curator who gave us special insight into the Klimt brothers’ paintings on the Museum’s walls and ceiling. Not only did Julia teach us so much about the history of the works and the artists, but she had high-resolution photos of the works on her tablet that allowed us to zoom in on artistic details that you cannot see with the naked eye. This gave us a completely different perspective; the works of art are even more amazing when you see them through that lens. Thanks to Gwen (and Wendy!), we had a trip we will remember for a lifetime.” — Jennifer Webb

Read more reviews of Austria trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO AUSTRIA

Croatia: “A private boat ride from the new harbor to the old harbor just outside the Ancient Walls…”

Aerial view at famous european travel destination in Croatia, Dubrovnik old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were traveling over Easter and wanted to maximize our time in Croatia. We wanted a mix of history, art, culture, Jewish history, and Game of Thrones—and each of our three guides delivered. Gwen was able to help us secure reservations at the restaurants we wanted, including Michelin-starred Restaurant 360 in Dubrovnik. We also loved her suggestions of Restaurant Dubrovnik and Adriatic Graso in Split — we had amazing meals and service.

While in Dubrovnik we were surprised with our WOW Moment. We had a private boat ride from the new harbor to the old harbor just outside the Ancient Walls of Dubrovnik. We were served wine and charcuterie. Despite the rough waters, Captain Chris gave us a wonderful tour and a new perspective of Dubrovnik. It was such a treat. Croatia is a magical place, and Gwen and her team are there to roll out the red carpet for you.” —Joellen Shelden

Read more reviews of Croatia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CROATIA

Australia: “A seaplane ride over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House…”

seaplane flying over Sydney Harbour with bridge and opera house

A seaplane tour over Sydney Harbour. Photo: Stuart Rigg

“We would use Stuart again—our Australia trip was outstanding and everything went off without a hitch. Great properties, people, and experiences!! We also had our first Wendy Perrin WOW Moment, which happened to be a seaplane ride over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. This is something that we would not have thought to do ourselves—and we would have missed out big-time! An amazing and fun experience. We even happened to get to travel up the coast a bit because the seaplane company needed to drop some passengers at a small resort destination. The views were stunning and provided a perspective we would not have had without Wendy’s WOW. Thank you, Wendy, for such a magnificent addition to an already outstanding adventure.” —Bill Schierl & Sarena Melotte

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Bali: “It was magnificent and thrilling—and what a surprise!”

Balinese dancer Dewi Aryani performs for travelers during a special presentation

Balinese dancer Dewi Aryani performs for travelers during a special WOW Moment. Photo: Edith Netter

“The WOW Moment that Diane arranged for us in Bali was magnificent and thrilling —and what a surprise! Four days into our trip (so we were still jet lagged), we were invited to a private area of our beautiful hotel to watch something riveting. We quickly forgot our jet lag. It was contemporary Balinese dancing at our doorstep. Dewi Aryani danced for us, and Rucina Ballinger responded to our many questions. We shared stories and learned about Balinese dancing. Dewi even got the two of us on our feet and dancing. Any dances we saw later in the trip could in no way approximate our experience with them. I should add that we had a lovely Balinese ‘tea,’ but the star of the show was Dewi .” —Edy Netter

Read more reviews of Bali trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BALI

Belize: “The entire resort came out to watch and dance with us…”

The Lerner family in Belize.

“We worked with Patricia to plan a special vacation to Belize with our adult children and a girlfriend. We loved literally every minute but, if there is one aspect of the trip that deserves special mention, it is our WOW Moment at Naia Resort in Placencia, on the Caribbean coast. We really didn’t know what to expect as we were escorted down to the beach… until we could hear the beating of the drums and see the flaming bonfire awaiting us at sunset. Richard and his family taught us about the indigenous Garifuna people and their very interesting history and culture. The many dances, including the ‘Go Mommy’ chant for my wife Julie’s birthday, were so much fun. The entire resort came out to watch and dance with us.” —Stephen and Julie Lerner

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

San Diego: “We spent the day riding electric bikes around the quaint residential areas, and then we kayaked out into the Bay…”

The Gill family WOW Moment.

“Our teenagers are still talking about our Southern California paragliding adventure over the beaches and golf course at Torrey Pines and our beach barbeque at Crystal Cove State Park while watching the sunset with our toes in the sand. Sheri was very helpful in recommending and organizing hotel stays at both the new hipster Pendry Hotel in San Diego and the luxurious Pelican Hill Resort outside of Newport Beach. We initially had a little misunderstanding with the resort regarding our room location, but after a short conversation with Sheri, we were quickly upgraded to a room with a much better view (thanks, Sheri). This type of personalized service is the reason we plan most of our trips using Wendy Perrin’s trusted travel experts.

Since this was our third qualifying trip, Wendy surprised us with a WOW Moment—a day of adventure on charming Coronado Island. Our guide for the day picked us up at our hotel for a short ferry ride over to the historic island, where we spent the day riding electric bikes around the quaint residential areas, and then we kayaked out into the Bay. Thanks, Wendy and Sheri, for a very memorable day for all of us!”—Janette Gill

Read more reviews of Southern California trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Chile: “We arrived at a spot in the middle of nowhere and were led by flashlight…”

Atacama desert, Andes, Chile. Photo: Shutterstock

“Maita planned a flawless trip for us to Chile. At the end of long days of hiking we had beautiful meals and fine Chilean wines to celebrate. The Explora lodges in the Atacama Desert and on Easter Island were amazing. And Wendy gave us a WOW Moment in the Atacama. We were picked up at 17:30 by our guide and told to bring a windbreaker and blanket. Then we traveled on gravel roads for what seemed like an hour. Our guide kept us in suspense until the last minute, when we arrived at a spot in the middle of nowhere and were led by flashlight to a table set for two. I felt like we were on the set of a Hollywood movie. We were on the Moon Crater in the Atacama Desert, having a gourmet dinner under the stars. This does not happen in the real world. After a lovely dinner we were treated to an hour of stargazing. The laser point was the only thing that made us feel like we were connected to the 21st century. It was an amazing evening and one we will never forget. Thank you, Wendy.” —Jeanne Lee

Read more reviews of Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHILE

Belize: “Lobster hunting! Those who wanted to went freediving with a spear…”

Snorkeling in the clear water in Belize. Photo: Brook Wilkinson

“Without Patricia’s input, I would never have thought of chartering a catamaran for our trip to Belize. We very much enjoyed traveling along the reef in the boat and loved the snorkeling. The food was delicious! And being able to fish off the back of the boat was an unexpected bonus. And then we could eat what we caught! The stars at night were spectacular.

Our WOW Moment was really cool too. We were in a dinghy on our way to go snorkeling when we saw a plastic bottle floating in the water. I asked if we were going to pick it up, and Captain Dan said no, we’re going lobster hunting! Those who wanted to went freediving with a spear and shot lobsters (it took me five tries). Then Kainie made ceviche and served it with all the fixings and a bottle of Prosecco. It was a really great experience that I’ve been sharing with friends and family.” —Deborah Wente

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Paris: “A private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Palais Garnier, the Beaux-Arts Paris opera house…”

interior view of the stage at Palais Garnier, Opera National de Paris France

Palais Garnier, Opera National de Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our trip to France arranged by Jennifer was wonderful. The surprise for my daughter’s birthday on a Seine river cruise was spectacular, and my daughter and grandchildren were shocked—and pleased. Our guided tour of the Eiffel Tower was superb. Our WOW Moment was a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Palais Garnier, the Beaux-Arts Paris opera house—and it was very special for all of us. Jennifer also arranged for a rental car, all hotels, and recommended events and restaurants as we drove from Paris to Strasbourg, Colmar, Dijon, Burgundy and back to Paris. Each hotel she chose was extremely well located.” —Richard Goldin

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Paris: “A secret food adventure with a young chef who brought us to the best specialty shops…”

aerial view of Famous palace Versailles with beautiful gardens and fountains in France

Versailles palace gardens, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“In Paris, it was all about special access, skip the line, and going to the private areas not accessible to the public. Our excellent guide to Versailles, Marie-Ange, is one of a kind. She knows the history and the palace very well, and she got permission for us to enter the “not for the public” sites in the palace. At the Louvre, Jennifer managed to arrange an amazing tour with one of the curators, followed by a secret food adventure—part of our WOW Moment—with a young chef who brought us to the best specialty shops for meat, seafood, chocolate, jam, puff pastry, and macarons. We managed to taste them all in two hours, then go to the Eiffel Tower for another skip-the-line service. Despite the packed itinerary in Paris, we still had a whole day for shopping on our last day.” —Suryo Wibowo

Read more reviews of Paris trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Australia: “The boat ride on the Yarra River gave us an amazing perspective of the city…”

Aerial view of the tip of Mornington Peninsula.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Stuart put together a wonderful month-long visit to Australia for my husband and me, with a great balance of programmed activity and free time. We had a variety of activities—a sailing trip; driving the Great Ocean Road; wonderful, knowledgeable guides for our hikes—but we also had ample time to walk and hike on our own in the national parks and the cities.

I also want to thank Wendy for our WOW Moment in Melbourne. The boat ride on the Yarra River gave us an amazing perspective of the city. It was a very enjoyable addition to our 53rd wedding-anniversary day. Thank you!” —Sandra Southwick

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia, Canada: “A photographer gave us a personal tour of several waterfalls…”

aerial view of Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia

Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia. Photo: Tim Baker

“My husband and I and our two teenage daughters wanted to go to British Columbia, but to avoid any really crowded areas. Marc suggested we spend a few days in Whistler, then a few days on Sonora Island, and end in Vancouver. He set us up for fun activities in Whistler—RZR cars, white-water rafting, zip lining—and we were treated to a WOW Moment: A photographer gave us a personal tour of several waterfalls, giving us photography tips along the way and taking family photos; although I am the photography buff in the family, he was able to engage the whole family and everyone really enjoyed the experience (thank you, Wendy!).

We then took a seaplane to Sonora Resort, which the entire family agreed was heavenly. So remote, with beautiful scenery and gourmet food. On our eco-adventure tour we were lucky enough to be in the middle of a pod of about 100 dolphins. Finally, in Vancouver, Marc suggested the Fairmont Pacific Rim for us, which also was in a fabulous location. Since we are foodies, he planned a food tour at Granville Island, where there are so many booths that it was helpful to have an expert direct us; the tour allowed us to sample more items in small quantities than we could have done on our own.” —Nancy Wolf

Read more reviews of British Columbia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Australia: “A not-to-be-missed helicopter ride over Uluru and Kata Tjuta…”

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Photo Tourism Australia

“My husband and I spent five weeks in Australia on a spectacular trip planned and executed by Stuart and Debbie. We had long wanted to visit our seventh continent but quickly realized that even with five weeks we couldn’t see the entire country. My top priority was to see The Kimberley, a remote area in northwestern Australia that even many Australians never get to. We could not have had a better trip. That it was topped by one of Wendy’s WOW Moments—a not-to-be-missed helicopter ride over Uluru and Kata Tjuta—is just one more reason why Wendy Perrin’s experts are the best. Wendy’s experts (and we’ve used a lot of them) all share two essential traits—attention to detail in planning and careful execution of arrangements. Where they—and Stuart—are unmatched is in their ability to intuit what their clients want, need and, most important, will delight in. Kudos.” —Jan Heininger

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

GET A PERSONALIZED TRIP RECOMMENDATION

Shanghai: “We would never have known such an experience exists, nor that it would be so cool…”

The Bund at night, Shanghai, China

“The trip to Beijing and Shanghai that Mei arranged for my wife and me was outstanding. We requested ‘local’ hotels, and they exceeded our expectations; we ended up in areas with few other foreigners. Our food tour was one of our most memorable evenings; eating locally was a cultural plus. In Shanghai, we had the pleasure of receiving our WOW Moment—a motorcycle sidecar tour of the area near the Bund. We would never have known such an experience exists, nor that it would be so cool. The champagne toast on the bridge overlooking the amazing Shanghai skyline was a superb touch.” —Bill Schierl & Sarena Melotte

Read more reviews of China trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHINA

Vancouver and an Alaska cruise: “It truly was a moveable feast…”

Aerial view of Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska. Photo: Shutterstock

“Tom planned a magical trip to Alaska for our multigenerational family that included our 10- and 12-year-old grandsons. He booked us adjoining rooms on Holland America’s Westerdam, which turned out to be an excellent choice and value. He arranged all our shore excursions with a private company. Each excursion was better than the description and a good value compared to what the ship was offering. The helicopter ride to the top of the glacier in Juneau was an otherworldly experience that thrilled every member of our family. Tom even arranged for all six of us to go in one helicopter, which is out of the ordinary. He also recommended a small zodiac tour in Ketchikan; we were divided 3 and 3, with my husband and son each driving a zodiac, following the guide. The best was when the guide waved a dead fish in the air and threw it into the water about 100 feet away where an eagle swooped right over us, picking it up. It then flew the fish back to its nest where we had just seen the fuzzy head of an eaglet. So memorable.

But the absolute best was our WOW Moment. During our three days in Vancouver, we were surprised with a private food tour of Granville Island Market. We sampled salmon with wine, cheese and specialty meats, light-as-air donuts, and much more. It truly was a moveable feast.” —Christine Stoll

Read more reviews of Alaska trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ALASKA

Easter Island, Chile: “It began with a private guided walk through fields, caves and coastline…”

woman toasting with wine on Easter Island

Eva Strasburger enjoying her WOW Moment on Easter Island.

“I contacted Jordan to organize a surprise birthday trip for my husband to Chile with a focus on Easter Island and stopovers at a Casablanca Valley vineyard and a night in Valparaiso. The trip was hugely successful and my husband was both surprised and delighted. Highlights of the trip were meeting the people who looked after us – all very warm, friendly and knowledgeable, the unexpected surprise experiences along the way, like the graffiti lesson in Valparaiso and Wendy’s fabulous WOW Moment on our trip to Easter Island. It began with a private guided walk through fields, caves and coastline and ended with music, pisco sours, delicious bites, a presentation of a book on Rapa Nui, birthday cake and a sunset overlooking the moais and the ocean. It could not have been more perfect! Thank you for this unforgettable moment and we were wowed.” —Eva Strasburger

Read more reviews of Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHILE

Wendy Wants To Amp Up Your Trip!

On every third qualifying trip, Wendy will add to your itinerary a surprise WOW Moment. A WOW Moment is an exclusive insider experience that helps make a trip extraordinary. Each WOW Moment is totally different. They vary depending on a huge range of factors, including the country you’re headed to, the timing of your trip, logistics, availability, and more. You can read a sampling of the more over-the-top WOW Moments (those most conducive to editorial coverage) here. Learn which trips qualify, and how the process works, here: Wendy Wants To Amp Up Your Trip!

How to Buy Travel Insurance: What It Covers, When You Need It

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Travel insurance can be confusing—which is why we’ve received countless questions about it from readers. So we’ve created this primer that lays out the basics of travel insurance, including when you need it—and when you don’t.

What is travel insurance anyway?

Essentially, travel insurance serves two purposes, both financial. The first is to protect the investment you’ve already made—the cost of your trip—in the event that you need to cancel. The second is to cover future potential costs because of unforeseen events—for example, the cost of medical evacuation, should you get injured during your trip.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance policies cover some or all of the following (“comprehensive” policies cover most or all of these situations):

Trip cancellation or interruption (if the reason for doing so is one allowed by that policy)
Medical expenses, and sometimes evacuation (transportation to an appropriate medical facility)
Expenses related to a trip delay and lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage
A lump-sum payment if you’re injured or killed while traveling
Emergency assistance
Financial default of the travel supplier

A policy kicks in only if your situation fits within its specific conditions (those are the pages of fine print at the back of every policy). You can’t, for instance, get your money back if you decide to cancel because your cousin dies; that’s because most policies cover cancellation due to the death of only certain close family members.

Here are three examples of how travel insurance can help. These are scenarios that a traveler might run into—and ways in which the right travel insurance policy could protect the traveler in each scenario. Remember that every policy’s benefits are different:

Beth is headed to the Caribbean during hurricane season, since she knows that prices are lower at that time of year and that the chance of a storm hitting any particular island is low. But a week before she leaves, Hurricane Peter wreaks havoc at her beachfront resort.
Since Beth purchased an insurance policy with trip-cancellation coverage before the storm was named and her hotel is now uninhabitable, she can cancel the trip and get all of her money back.

Halfway through a hiking trip in the Alps, Joe slips and falls, breaking his ankle.
Joe’s travel insurance policy has a medical expense limit of $10,000, so it covers some—but not all—of his medical bills. Because he can’t continue with his trip, his trip-interruption benefit reimburses him for the unused portion of his prepaid expenses.

While Amy is walking from the train station to her hotel, a thief steals her luggage.
Amy’s insurance covers the value of the items in her luggage, up to her benefit limit of $750. Too bad she didn’t leave that diamond necklace at home, though; her policy will only reimburse up to $500 total for jewelry and electronics.

Do I really need travel insurance?

It depends on whether you’re making large nonrefundable advance payments, and whether you’re concerned about potential medical bills.

Are you reserving rooms at hotels that let you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in, and renting a car that you don’t have to pay for until you show up at the counter? In that case, don’t bother with a comprehensive policy that covers cancellation, since you’re not out-of-pocket for many expenses. (Even so, you may still want medical insurance, which is very affordable; you can get quotes for this coverage by entering $0 as your trip cost when researching policies online—see “Which policy should I buy?” below.)

Or are you prepaying for most of the pricey elements of your trip—hotels, private guides, transportation, a cruise—which often means that your deposit and subsequent payments are nonrefundable? In that case, you probably want travel insurance. When you choose a policy, consider the specific reasons you may end up filing a claim. For instance, most policies will cover Covid-related medical bills, but not all of them will cover the costs of isolating at your destination because you’re sick but not hospitalized.

Don’t I already have insurance?

You might. Some—but not all—medical plans, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, and credit cards offer benefits to travelers. But Medicare, for instance, doesn’t cover members when they are overseas (though some Medigap plans do), and most health plans won’t cover evacuation (meaning, transportation to an adequate medical facility), which can be expensive if you’re somewhere remote. Check with your insurers to see what’s included.

Some premium credit cards include a level of protection. This coverage probably isn’t itself worth the card’s annual fee—but if you already have such a card, you should know what benefits it offers so that you don’t pay for redundant coverage. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve (one of Wendy’s favorite credit cards for travelers) has some good insurance benefits, but with set limits (so, for instance, you can get back only up to $10,000 per traveler and $20,000 per trip if you cancel a trip you paid for with the card—even if your African safari cost your family of four $15,000 per person).

Some travel firms and tour operators also include certain insurance coverage in all of their trips. Don’t waste your money buying coverage that’s already built into the cost of your trip. However, don’t assume that this coverage is comprehensive; depending on your circumstances, you might want to buy an additional policy.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Premiums for a comprehensive policy range from about four to 15 percent of your total trip cost. So if you and your spouse are spending $20,000 total on a week in France, expect to pay $400 to $1,500 per person for travel insurance.

Each premium is calculated based on the length and cost of the trip, where you’re going, and how old you are. For travelers above age 50, policies get significantly more expensive, while children can often be added to a parent’s plan for free: Travelex’s Travel Select Plan allows you to add any children under 18 to a parent’s or grandparent’s plan at no additional cost, while most Travel Guard plans include one child under 18 for every paying adult.

At what point during my trip planning should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase your policy as soon as you put down a deposit toward your trip. That’s because certain desirable benefits (e.g., coverage for cancellation because of pre-existing medical conditions, coverage for financial default of the travel supplier, a cancel-for-any-reason upgrade) may kick in only if you buy your policy within 14 days or so of your initial trip payment. This “initial trip payment” is usually defined as the first payment that will go toward your trip cost and could be included in an insurance claim, not the separate planning fee that some travel agents charge.

As a potential cost-savings measure, consider starting out by insuring not the total cost of your trip, but only the amount you have paid so far. Each time you make an additional trip payment, update your insurance with the new trip cost and pay the additional premium. This could save you money if you have to cancel before you’ve fully paid for the trip. Remember to increase your insurance after each trip payment, or you will not be properly insured.

Your premium will be lower if you cover only your nonrefundable costs; however, not covering the full amount of your payment(s) could invalidate coverage for pre-existing conditions. Requirements vary from one insurance provider to the next, so when you calculate the amount of coverage you need, read the policy carefully and also speak with the insurer to confirm you are understanding it correctly.

What is third-party travel insurance?

Some travel companies—cruise lines, tour operators, and the like—sell their own insurance or “protection” policies, whereas third-party insurance is sold by someone other than the travel company that is operating your trip. Third-party policies are usually a better choice: They pay you back in cash rather than trip credits, they can protect you in case the travel company goes out of business, and you can choose the plan with the coverage that best fits your specific circumstances.

My travel planner recommends that I purchase a policy through a specific insurer; should I follow their advice?

Some travel planners, tour companies, and outfitters have relationships with a particular insurance provider. They might push you to buy a certain type of insurance because they’ll earn a commission; on the other hand, their relationship with that insurer could benefit you if you have to file a claim. Wendy has seen many cases where Trusted Travel Experts on The WOW List, thanks to their relationship with a particular insurer, have been able to act as advocates for their travelers and get their claims paid.

Should I cover the cost of my flights too?

That depends. If you have to cancel your trip, you can usually put the cost of any unused airline tickets toward a future flight, sometimes minus a change fee. Calculate how much your premium will increase if you insure your flights; if the difference is less than the airline’s change fee, it’s worth insuring the flights. (You might also want to insure flights on any local carrier that you aren’t likely to fly with again—in which case a credit toward future travel would be worthless.)

What does it mean if a travel medical insurance plan is primary or secondary?

“Primary” means that the plan pays any bills first, without having to go through your home health insurance provider; “secondary” means the plan will only cover whatever you owe after you’ve filed a claim with your health insurance provider. You’ll typically get a bit more coverage per dollar with a secondary plan—but you’ll have to deal with more paperwork if you file a claim.

I have a medical condition. Will expenses related to it be covered?

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage—but some plans will waive that exclusion if you purchase them soon after making the first payment on your trip (generally within 7 to 21 days of that initial deposit). You also usually have to insure the entire nonrefundable cost of your trip, including flights. Without coverage for pre-existing conditions, you’re on the hook for any expenses related to a condition that wasn’t medically stable at the time you booked.

How does travel insurance handle Covid?

Pretty much like any other illness. Most comprehensive policies will cover you if you test positive right before your trip and have to cancel, or if you come down with Covid during your trip and incur medical expenses. If you are sick enough to be hospitalized, a Medjet membership will get you home. If your symptoms are mild, some insurance policies will cover self-isolation costs under your “Trip Delay” benefit. There are often both daily and total limits to this benefit, so you may not be reimbursed for all of your additional hotel, meal, and airfare costs.

What if I’m hurt doing an adventure activity (say, bungee jumping)?

Most policies won’t cover injuries you receive while taking part in certain “hazardous activities”—a category that can include everything from skydiving and rock climbing to scuba diving and heli-skiing. Some plans will allow you to pay a higher premium to cover these activities. (Dive Accident Insurance from the Divers Alert Network, for instance, covers most bills related to scuba-diving accidents.)

Will insurance pay for me to come home if I get sick or injured on the road?

Not usually. Most policies will pay for transportation to what they consider to be the nearest adequate medical facility (such transport is known as medical evacuation)—but that could be thousands of miles from your loved ones and the doctors you trust. If you want to know that you can get home, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage from a company such as Medjet, which arranges and pays for transportation from a hospital in your destination to one back home. For more details, read What Medical Evacuation Coverage Do You Need?

Can I call off my trip for any reason and be reimbursed?

No. Each policy defines the allowable reasons for which you can cancel and get your money back. To cancel your trip because of a terrorist attack, for instance, the attack typically has to happen in a city listed on your itinerary—not just anywhere in the country you’re visiting.

You can purchase additional “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, but it’s pricey, and even then, you’ll generally only be reimbursed 50% to 75% of your trip cost. As with pre-existing condition benefits, you usually have to purchase CFAR coverage soon after your initial trip deposit; you also have to insure the total cost of the trip, and you must cancel more than 48 hours prior to your departure. Read more about CFAR coverage in our article “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance: What It Is and How It Works.

What if the State Department issues a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for my destination, and I want to cancel my trip?

Standard travel-insurance policies rarely cover cancellation due to war, border closures, lockdowns, or government travel warnings/advisories. (But also note that the 21 countries currently with a Level 4 advisory are not common travel destinations right now, but rather places like Russia and Afghanistan.) Some insurance providers offer “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage; for the pros and cons of that, read “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance: What It Is and How It Works. If security is a concern, consider a MedjetHorizon membership, which includes access to a Crisis Response Center if at any point during a trip you feel that your safety may be threatened—because of a political incident, terror attack, or other crisis.

How do I protect myself against the travel company I’m working with going out of business?

If you paid by credit card—which we always recommend—your first step should be to file a billing dispute with the credit-card company. The Fair Credit Billing Act stipulates that you are protected against charges for goods or services you do not receive. If you can prove that’s the case, those charges will be credited back to your account.

Some third-party travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation due to financial default—meaning that an airline, tour operator, cruise line, or other supplier ceases operations, leaving you without a trip. (Travel insurance usually will not cover you if the company declares bankruptcy or if you booked via a travel agency or other intermediary that goes out of business.) Click here to read more about insurance coverage for financial default. As with pre-existing medical conditions, financial default clauses often require that you purchase the insurance soon after making your first payment, and the coverage typically doesn’t start until 10 to 14 days after you’ve purchased the policy.

Here are a couple of examples: Let’s say you’ve booked a Mediterranean cruise and flights to Venice, where you’ll board the ship. The day after paying your initial deposit, you insured the entire purchase with a carrier that protects against financial default. Two days before you’re due to leave, your airline goes belly-up, and all other flights to Venice from your hometown are booked, so you’re unable to make it to the ship. Your insurance provider reimburses you for the costs of your flights and the cruise you missed.

In another scenario, let’s say you’ve booked a trip to see the Pyramids in Egypt. A month after putting down a deposit on the trip, it occurs to you to insure your considerable investment. A few weeks before your departure, your Egypt tour operator ceases operations, and it turns out that none of your in-country arrangements have been confirmed or paid for. Even though your insurance policy covers financial default, it won’t pay out in this case because you didn’t purchase the policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Should I pay for the car-rental upgrade to my comprehensive insurance policy?

Pay attention to when that benefit kicks in; coverage through your rental agency may be better tuned to the likeliest risks in your destination. For instance, when I rented a car in Iceland, my Travelex policy upgrade would cover me only for damage due to collision, vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail, or flood. Hertz’s options, on the other hand, included coverage for damage from gravel or ash—both far more common than vandals in Iceland.

I travel frequently. Is an annual travel-insurance plan a better choice than individual policies for each trip?

Many annual plans do not cover trip cancellation and thus are missing the coverage you want when you have significant nonrefundable expenses. Also keep in mind that annual plans limit you to the same coverage for all of your trips. For example, say you take a few shorter trips a year that cost $5,000, and one large trip that costs $25,000. An annual plan with a trip-cancellation benefit limit of $15,000 means that you’ll be overinsured for your shorter trips, and underinsured for your larger one.

Which policy should I buy?

It would be so easy if one size fit all—but it doesn’t. To know which policy is right for you, think about what keeps you up at night. Are you most concerned about testing positive for Covid a day before your trip? Or about having to fly home early because a loved one there falls ill? Or deciding to cancel your trip because of a terrorist attack at your destination—or even one in an entirely different country?

Several websites allow you to input your details and compare multiple policies at once, narrowing in on which one is right for you: Check out TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip, SquareMouth.com, and, if you just want medical coverage and don’t need cancellation protection, Medical.TravelInsurance.com. Before you purchase any policy, though, it’s important to get on the phone with that insurer and ask how their policies would work, if the hypothetical reasons why you’re considering travel insurance (e.g., you end up hospitalized with Covid in your destination) were to actually occur.

The insurance that we’ve received the best traveler feedback about is Travelex’s Travel Select policy. It operates as primary coverage, allows a wide range of reasons to cancel, and, based on the feedback we’ve heard, is relatively likely to reimburse you quickly. This policy must be purchased at least 14 days before your trip starts (this is waived for last-minute trips if you are still within 15 days of your first trip payment). Travelex also offers an optional “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade that must be bought within two weeks after making your first trip payment.

Transparency disclosure: Medjet is a sponsor of WendyPerrin.com. That’s because Wendy has had a membership herself since her kids were little and believes in it. Travelex Insurance Services pays WendyPerrin.com a referral fee when a policy is purchased through this link. Wendy chooses Travelex because it has generous policies (see above) and good customer service. (Travelex Insurance Services is not related in any way to the defunct currency-exchange business Travelex.) When you use the links in this article for your insurance/assistance purchases, it allows us to continue the rigorous and honest work we do on behalf of consumers, as well as to continue our Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation service. Thank you for your support.

Find Your Perfect Island Vacation Based on When You Can Travel

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Every island has a perfect time to go. But figuring out that optimal timing can be tricky. “Peak season” often does not mean the best time to go; it just means the most expensive time, based on when school’s out in the countries that send the most vacationers to that island. “Low season” might mean peaceful and lovely, with a brief and pleasantly cooling shower each afternoon, or it might mean that every restaurant and famous site shuts down entirely. In addition to seasonal changes in weather, most islands have limited lodging—which can drive rates to extortionate levels—and some islands can get crowds that will overtax the small tourism infrastructure, especially when cruise ships stop there.

We’re here to help—by suggesting a few islands for each month of the year. These are the opportune moments when each destination is at its best yet, in most instances, offers shoulder-season pricing.

Seeking the right island or island-trip-planning specialist for your specific needs? Click on the black button below and we can help.

January	May	September
February	June	October
March	July	November
April	August	December

JANUARY

British Virgin Islands yacht charter

Sea Esta, a 10-passenger Leopard 5800 catamaran at anchor in a quiet cove in the British Virgin Islands.

On a private yacht charter, you can have a quiet cove all to yourself, like this one in the British Virgin Islands. Photo: Where Land Meets Sea Yacht Charters

Mid-January through February is the calm-water sweet spot between the holiday rush (which includes peak rates and 7-night minimums) and “March Madness,” when spring break brings in lots of vacationers but trade winds also bring rough sailing conditions. (The BVI’s geography also protects you from cold fronts that hit other parts of the Caribbean at this time of year.)

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
YACHT CHARTER REVIEWS

Madeira, Portugal

On Madeira, you’ll find flowers in bloom even in winter. Photo: Shutterstock

This sub-tropical Portuguese island may be small, but it puts on a New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks show that rivals the ones in Sydney, London, and Rio. (Book early!) Later in the month, Madeira’s world-class hotels will be far more affordable, yet you can still enjoy virgin laurel forest, panoramic hiking, and great local gastronomy, including the island’s namesake wine.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MADEIRA
PORTUGAL + MADEIRA REVIEWS

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

January sees lower prices and drier weather in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands. Photo: Amanresorts

Located where the Pacific currents meet the Indian Ocean, this archipelago is a marine Eden with more than 1,300 species of fish and three-quarters of all the hard corals found in the world. Above the water line, the forested karst islands are home to fantastical creatures such as birds of paradise and tree kangaroos. October through April is Raja Ampat’s dry season; in January, just after the holidays, prices drop considerably.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO RAJA AMPAT

Sri Lanka

January is an ideal time to explore Sri Lanka. Photo: Timothy Baker

Sri Lanka’s weather in January is delightful—springlike temperatures and blue skies. If possible, aim for the last two weeks of the month, after the holiday celebrations (and peak rates) have wound down.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SRI LANKA
SRI LANKA REVIEWS

FEBRUARY

Isla Palenque, Panama

Isla Palenque is an eco-friendly private-island resort off the Pacific coast of Panama.

Isla Palenque is an eco-friendly private-island resort off Panama’s Pacific coast. Photo: Isla Palenque Resort

A private-island resort off the Pacific coast of Panama, Isla Palenque offers both environmental sustainability and barefoot luxury. Just a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland, it’s easily combined with other parts of Panama or even Costa Rica, and once there you’ll find seven different beaches, the surrounding Chiriqui National Marine Park, and a jungle full of monkeys and birds. February sees gorgeous weather—and with just eight thatch-roofed casitas and one villa on the 400-acre island, you’ll never encounter crowds.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ISLA PALENQUE
PANAMA + ISLA PALENQUE REVIEWS

Venice, Italy

February in Venice is Carnevale season. Photo: Shutterstock.

All that is sumptuous and extravagant about Venice is kicked up several notches in February, thanks to Carnevale. A month’s worth of elaborate celebrations—marked by Baroque costumes, masked balls, sinful sweets, and general bacchanalian overindulgence—reach a fever pitch in the “Fat Days” preceding Martedì Grasso (Shrove Tuesday). Carnevale dates vary from year to year but always include at least part of February.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO VENICE
ITALY + VENICE REVIEWS

New Zealand’s South Island

aerial view of Queenstown New Zealand on water

Queenstown is at its summery best in February. Photo: Shutterstock

February is the height of summer in the southern hemisphere and an excellent time for New Zealand’s outdoor playground: Queenstown enjoys daytime temperatures in the 80s, with refreshingly cool evenings.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND REVIEWS

MARCH

Crete, Greece

Crete is one of the few Greek islands where most businesses stay open year-round. Photo: Shutterstock

While many Greek islands go into hibernation in the winter, with resorts and restaurants shuttering for the season, Crete is large enough that it stays vibrant year-round. It’s also Greece’s most southern—and thus warmest—island. Not everything will be open in March, and it’s not bikini weather, but it’s a great time to get a dose of local culture, and hotel rates are lower than you’ll find later in spring.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CRETE
GREEK ISLAND REVIEWS

Malta and Gozo

In March, Malta’s harbors are free of cruise ships. Photo: Exclusively Malta

March sees few of the cruise-ship visitors who arrive daily in Malta come summer. With highs in the mid-60s and a lush green coating on the hills brought out by winter rains, this is a particularly great time of year for countryside walks and cycling on neighboring Gozo, which is smaller and more rural than Malta.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MALTA AND GOZO
MALTA + GOZO REVIEWS

Cuba

Cuba sees prime weather and fewer crowds in March. Photo: Shutterstock

March is a lovely time for a mix of Cuba’s cultural heritage and natural attractions (and we know specialists who can arrange it all within U.S. regulations). At this time of year, the weather is comfortably warm but not overly humid, flowers are in bloom, and there are always music festivals and art exhibitions. The most popular sites will also be less crowded than during the peak months of December, January, and February.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CUBA
CUBA REVIEWS

APRIL

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

New Zealand’s Waiheke Island is affectionately known as the Island of Wine. Photo: Shutterstock

Local kids return to school in February, so by April New Zealand’s coastal spots have resumed their slower pace of life and hotel rates have dropped; it’s also typically the country’s lowest rainfall month. On Waiheke Island—which is a quick ferry ride from Auckland—the ocean is still warm enough for swimming (if you believe the locals), and it’s harvest time in the vineyards and olive groves.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND REVIEWS

The Azores

Springtime in the Azores (this is São Jorge Island) means great hiking and whale watching. Photo: Ryan Damm

You won’t find ultra-luxe resorts and 24-hour concierge service in the Azores, but you will find whale- and dolphin-watching (sightings of migrating cetaceans peak in April), breathtaking natural beauty, and locals who are genuinely happy to see tourists at this time of year. For a slower-paced trip, stay just on the main island of São Miguel; if you prefer to see a bit more, base yourself on Faial and take day trips by ferry to Pico and São Jorge.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE AZORES
PORTUGAL + AZORES REVIEWS

The Maldives

April sees the best conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Maldives. Photo: Cheval Blanc Randheli

April (after Easter) is when you’ll find a sweet spot of lower hotel rates and ideal weather: Temperatures are consistently in the high 80s year-round, but in April there is almost no rain or wind, so the water is calm for snorkeling and diving.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE MALDIVES
MALDIVES REVIEWS

Sardinia, Italy

Combine history (here, the ancient Phoenician city of Nora) and hiking on Sardinia. Photo: Shutterstock

Sardinia is a little-known hiker’s paradise. Its trails have views of white-sand beaches and crystalline water on one side, and craggy mountain peaks on the other. But if you go there to walk in summer, you’ll melt. Visit in April instead, when it’s not too crowded, the temperature is pleasant, and the wildflowers are in bloom.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SARDINIA
ITALIAN ISLAND REVIEWS

MAY

Isla Holbox, Mexico

Holbox Island beach street in Quintana Roo of Mexico.

On Isla Holbox, the roads are for bikes, motorcycles, and golf carts—no cars allowed. Photo: Shutterstock

This chilled-out island off the Yucatan Peninsula has gotten popular lately, as travelers seek out the next Tulum. The ferry from the mainland is passenger-only, as cars aren’t allowed on Holbox. Go in the “shoulder season” (late April through May, and October through November) to avoid the crowds and enjoy ideal weather.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ISLA HOLBOX
MEXICO REVIEWS

Santorini, Greece

Oia town on Santorini island, Greece. Traditional and famous houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera, Aegean sea

Santorini is at its best in May, before summer’s crowds and heat set in. Photo: Shutterstock

May weather is warm but not hot, and hotel rates are lower than from mid-June through September. The crowds are less too, which has the added benefit of ensuring the service will be better. During the hectic summer months, when hordes of cruise-ship passengers invade the island, service suffers; you can barely even find an available taxi.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SANTORINI
GREEK ISLAND REVIEWS

Capri, Italy

Beat the crowds to Capri by visiting in May. Photo: IC Bellagio

Mild spring temperatures make it pleasant to explore this legendary island in May, while it is still in a state of tranquility, before the mad crush invades in June. The lemon, orange, and jasmine flowers in bloom lend wonderful scents and colors; it’s also the time of year for many sailing events, as well as the annual celebration of the island’s Patron Saint San Costanzo.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CAPRI
ITALY + CAPRI REVIEWS

Corsica, France

Corsica’s hiking trails are ideal in May. Photo: Philip Haslett

While summer is Corsica’s high season, May and June are hard to beat: The temperatures are a bit lower, the crowds fewer, and the hotels don’t impose minimum-stay requirements. It’s a great time for the hiking, cycling, and canyoning that the island is known for—but if you want to spend a lot of time in the water, you’re better off waiting until September, when the sea is warmer.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CORSICA
SOUTHERN FRANCE REVIEWS

Oahu, Hawaii

May is a quieter month on Oahu. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Mark Kushimi

Oahu’s temps are consistently pleasant year-round (usually between 78 and 82 degrees). The reason May is ideal—except for the Japanese holiday of Golden Week, at the start of the month—is that airfare is less expensive and there are fewer tourists.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO OAHU
HAWAII REVIEWS

JUNE

Bali

June ushers in Bali’s best weather. Photo: Shutterstock

June has the most reliably pleasant weather in Bali—daytime temps in the 80s and gentle breezes to keep the sun from feeling too hot—and better prices: High-season hotel rates don’t kick in until July.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO BALI

Spitsbergen, Norway

Polar bears appear in Svalbard by June. Photo: Shelley Fry

Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago, is one of the world’s best places to see polar bears. While Arctic voyages set sail throughout the summer, going in June maximizes your chances of seeing these magnificent animals before the sea ice recedes.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SPITSBERGEN
POLAR + EXPEDITION REVIEWS

Mallorca and Menorca, Spain

sailboats moored in turquoise water off a rocky shore in Menorca Spain

Menorca is the least crowded of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Photo: Pixabay

Early in June, you’ll find great weather without the crowds of beachgoers who invade in summertime. Mallorca is a golfer’s dream, with a wide range of hotels, while Menorca is off the typical tourist circuit and ideal for those who want to relax by the sea and enjoy life as the locals do.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MALLORCA & MENORCA
SPANISH ISLAND REVIEWS

Kodiak Island, Alaska

Kodiak Island’s brown bears are best spotted in the summer months. Photo: Entree Destinations

Alaska is one of those places best visited in high season, when the weather is at its prime, the days are long, and you have the full array of activities to choose from. Come June on Kodiak Island, that includes hiking trails lined with Sitka spruce, fishing in fresh and salt water, and spotting the brown bears that share the island’s name.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO KODIAK ISLAND
ALASKA REVIEWS

Yakushima, Japan

Yakushima streams and waterfalls are at their best in June. Photo: Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima

This sub-tropical island, located in the waters just south of Kyushu, is ideal for intrepid travelers: Its mountains and vast forest of ancient cedar trees are crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging ascents. June signals the end of the rainy season, so you’ll find stunning waterfalls along the trails; it’s also when endangered loggerhead sea turtles return to Yakushima’s beaches to nest.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO YAKUSHIMA
JAPAN REVIEWS

JULY

Aeolian Islands, Italy

View of Panarea island with white houses, Aeolian islands, Sicily, Italy.

The whitewashed villages of Panarea don’t feel crowded, even in July. Photo: Shutterstock

Italy in July, you say? Isn’t it jam-packed? Not in this chain of islands—some of the most pristine left in Europe—that are just a short sail from Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in their entirety. While the mainland is mobbed, charter a yacht with a captain who was born on the islands and who can show you beautiful and lush Salina; the jet-setters’ getaway of Panarea; and magnificent Stromboli, where volcanic eruptions frequently light up the night sky.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
ITALY REVIEWS

Tahiti

If you time your trip right, you can witness the spectacle of Heiva in French Polynesia. Photo: Tahiti Tourism

French Polynesia’s Heiva festival falls in July, with the culmination of ceremonies in Papeete, Tahiti, around the 20th. Heiva is a celebration of life and all things Polynesian. The outer islands hold local contests—in everything from outrigger racing to stone carrying and spear throwing, traditional dancing and singing to tifaifai (quilt) making—and the best go to Tahiti for the main festival. It’s a great time weather-wise as well; the trade winds keep temps in the low 80s and the humidity low.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO TAHITI
TAHITI + SOUTH PACIFIC REVIEWS

Zanzibar

July means sunny days on Zanzibar—and great wildlife spotting in the Serengeti. Photo: Zuri Zanzibar

July is a perfect time to cap off a safari with a few days on Zanzibar’s gorgeous white-sand beaches. It’s one of the island’s driest and sunniest months, with daytime temperatures in the low 80s and not much humidity. Plus, the Great Migration is usually in Tanzania’s northern Serengeti in early July, with the enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara by mid-month.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ZANZIBAR
SAFARI + ISLAND REVIEWS

Iceland’s Westman Islands

puffins on green hillside on Westmand Island Iceland

The Westman Islands are one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins. Photo: Shutterstock

In the height of summer, when even as remote a place as Iceland is in the throes of peak season, catch a ferry to this collection of islands off the country’s southern coast. Here you can glimpse puffins in the wild, scale a dormant volcano, and zoom around the archipelago via RIB boat, all in near solitude even in July.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE WESTMAN ISLANDS
ICELAND REVIEWS

Newfoundland, Canada

July and August bring great whale sightings. Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Animal lovers take note: July and August are prime whale-watching time in this most easterly province of Canada. In these months, 5,000 to 10,000 humpbacks make their way into the surrounding fish-rich water, followed by 21 other species of whales and dolphins and an astonishing 35 million seabirds.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NEWFOUNDLAND
CANADA REVIEWS

AUGUST

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Gásadalur on Vagar Island, Faroe Islands. Photo: Tina Thorman

The Faroe Islands enjoy their best weather in summer. Photo: Tina Thorman

The weather in the Faroe Islands is notoriously dramatic and unpredictable—but your surest chance of warm and sunny days comes in August. There is great hiking on the islands, more sheep than there are humans, and a rustic charm and sense of welcome that could have you sharing a home-cooked meal with a local family. Luxury here is not in the bathroom fixtures or the thread count of the sheets, but in the time and space to clear your mind and recenter your soul.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE FAROE ISLANDS
DENMARK REVIEWS

Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef’s waters are clearest in August. Photo: Shutterstock

August brings warm weather, good visibility for divers and snorkelers, and calm seas (the wind dies down at the end of July). It’s also the best time to view whales—dwarf minke whales visiting the northern reefs and humpbacks on their annual migration to Antarctica. Every August, Hamilton Island also hosts Race Week, a sailing regatta with festivities on and off the water.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
GREAT BARRIER REEF + AUSTRALIA REVIEWS

Madagascar

A group of resting lemurs katta looking at the camera.

August is the sweet spot for uncrowded wildlife viewing in Madagascar. Photo: Shutterstock

August is deep enough into the dry season that the wildlife viewing is very good (the lush foliage of rainy season makes it hard to see the animals) yet it also precedes the peak season of September and October, when the parks are more crowded (and the weather hotter).

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MADAGASCAR
SAFARI + ISLAND REVIEWS

Ionian Islands, Greece

Navagio beach, shipwreck beach, famous overhead summer lanscape of Zakinthos island, Greece with flowers

Greece’s Ionian Islands are known for their tucked-away beaches and bright blue waters. Photo: Shutterstock

If August is your only time to travel to Greece and you don’t love tourist crowds, charter a yacht in the Ionians. Many of the smaller islands in this group are accessible only by boat, so you’ll be free of the swarms that plague Santorini and Mykonos this month. Instead, you’ll find a temperate climate, spectacular beaches, lush vegetation, beautiful mountains, and the true flavor of Greece when you disembark from your boat and head into a tiny town for a meal at a local taverna.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE IONIAN ISLANDS
GREEK ISLAND REVIEWS

SEPTEMBER

Vancouver Island, Canada

From grizzlies to whales, wildlife abounds around Vancouver Island in September. Photo: Shutterstock

September still has beautiful weather on this island—whose attractions include glaciered peaks, a rugged coastline, and British Columbia’s capital city—but without the summer crowds now that kids are back in school. This is also the best time of year to spot grizzly bears, and you can often still see whales and other marine animals.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO VANCOUVER ISLAND
CANADA REVIEWS

Prince Edward Island, Canada

East Point Lighthouse on Prince Edward Island. Photo: traveler Phil Hoch

PEI is renowned for its lobster rolls and oysters, and September brings chefs and tasters from all over for the International Shellfish Festival. But fall is harvest season for much more than shellfish, and you’ll find bountiful farmers’ markets all over this agricultural island. Rumor has it that locals have perfected the art of the chocolate-covered potato chip, but you’ll have to see for yourself….

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
CANADA REVIEWS

Ibiza

September brings lovely weather and fewer crowds to Ibiza. Photo: Queen of Clubs

Come September, it’s not nearly as crowded at the beach clubs, restaurants, and nightclubs (or on the roads). Rates for hotels and private boating excursions drop, but the weather is still lovely, and it’s warm enough to swim (with ideal air temperatures for hiking and biking as well) right up until the hot spots’ closing parties in early October.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO IBIZA

Hvar, Croatia

It’s still warm enough to swim off Hvar in September. Photo: traveler Andrea Shaver

It’s still swimsuit season in September, but the atmosphere is much more laid-back than in July and August, and the travelers are more sophisticated than the summer party crowds. Croatia is known for its excellent wine, and September also coincides with the grape harvest. Later in the month, hotel rates drop.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO HVAR
CROATIAN ISLAND REVIEWS

The San Juan Islands, Washington State

Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, Haro Straight, San Juan Islands, Washington

The Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse in Washington’s San Juan Islands. Photo: Shutterstock

The weather in the San Juans (and the Olympic Peninsula) is usually still very nice in September, and there are fewer tourists than you’ll find in July and August. (The best time to see the resident orca whales, though, is June.)

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REVIEWS

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Reine, Lofoten, Norway. The village of Reine under a sunny, blue sky, with the typical rorbu houses. View from the top

Spectacular scenery around the village of Reine in Lofoten, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

In September and October, the crowds are gone, the weather is still pleasant, and the days are long enough to enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other activities—but with enough darkness that you stand a good chance of seeing the northern lights.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS
ARCTIC NORWAY REVIEWS

OCTOBER

Sicily

Cefalu’s markets are bursting with fresh produce in October. Photo: Shutterstock

October is one of the most colorful and flavorful months in Sicily. It is the season of the harvest, which means fresh olives, almonds, chestnuts, wild mushrooms, prickly pears, and carob complement the usual variety of culinary offerings. Air and sea temperatures are still warm and inviting, the ancient cultural sites are bathed in a crisp autumn light, and flights and hotels are less expensive than during the summer.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SICILY
SICILY REVIEWS

The Seychelles

The Seychelles are popular with Europeans—but not in October. Photo: Maia Luxury Resort.

October brings calm winds and beautiful temperatures, but it’s not a popular time for Europeans to travel—so rates are lower than usual. It’s also the best month for spotting whale sharks.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE SEYCHELLES
SEYCHELLES REVIEWS

Hawaii’s Big Island

Deals are likely on the Big Island in October. Photo: Susan Tanzman

October is one of the Big Island’s driest months, with daytime temps hovering around 85 degrees. It’s also a month when you are more likely to snag a deal, given that so few families are traveling.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND
HAWAII REVIEWS

The Canary Islands, Spain

View of the public square and a side of Parroquia de San Gines in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain.

A new nonstop flight from the U.S. makes the Canary Islands more accessible. Photo: Shutterstock

Don’t assume that the entirety of this subtropical island chain located off the coast of Morocco is devoted to huge resorts and mass-market tourism. On unspoiled islands like Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and El Hierro, you can find great hiking, scuba diving, and even a hidden village squeezed into the nooks and crannies of a rocky cove. There is a new nonstop flight on United from Newark to the Canary Islands, and in October the islands are less busy and enjoy mild weather with little chance of rain.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE CANARY ISLANDS

NOVEMBER

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Wendy Perrin snorkeling in Belize underwater with a smiling fish.

Here’s Wendy, snorkeling off Ambergris Caye in Belize’s low season. Photo: Timothy Baker

Before Thanksgiving, hotel rates are at their lowest. The days are hot, but the humidity is dropping, and the evenings are cool and breezy. November 19 is Garifuna Settlement Day and is best spent on mainland Belize in either Dangriga or Hopkins, where the Garifuna people celebrate—with drumming, dancing, and parades—the arrival of their Afro-indigenous ancestors more than 200 years ago.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO AMBERGRIS CAYE
BELIZE ISLAND REVIEWS

The Galapagos Islands

November (except Thanksgiving) is a quieter month for the Galapagos. Photo: Pixabay/Peter Stuart Miller

The Galapagos is a magnet for families with kids during summer and other school vacations; if you’re looking for a quieter time, think November (except Thanksgiving). Blue whales, humpback whales, and whale sharks—the largest fish in the sea, growing up to 40 feet in length and weighing as much as 40,000 pounds—are most likely to be spotted in the Galapagos from June through November.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS
ECUADOR + GALAPAGOS REVIEWS

Papua New Guinea

Go diving off Papua New Guinea in November. Photo: Pixabay/freesally

Milne Bay is home to the most varied scuba diving in Papua New Guinea: Here you’ll find coral structures, exotic creatures hiding in the sandy bottom, and WWII wrecks to explore. The diving in Milne Bay is at its best from November through January, which is the dry season for this part of the country.

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START A TRIP TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA

South Georgia Island

Animals—like these king penguins—abound on South Georgia Island in November. Photo: ExpeditionTrips

A jewel in the Southern Ocean, South Georgia Island will appeal to anyone interested in wildlife, wild places, or the history of Antarctic exploration. The season here runs roughly from late October through early March, but what makes November special—in addition to the king penguins stretching as far as the eye can see—is the plethora of elephant seals and fur seals on shore.

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ANTARCTICA + SOUTH GEORGIA REVIEWS

St. Barts

St. Barts emerges from hurricane season in November. Photo: Hotel Christopher

Come November, many resorts, boutiques, and restaurants that closed during the height of hurricane season have reopened, and everything feels fresh and new. The Saint Barth Gourmet Festival also takes place this month, attracting star chefs from France and elsewhere. Plus, hotel and villa rates don’t jump up until mid-December.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ST. BARTS
CARIBBEAN ISLAND REVIEWS

DECEMBER

The Caribbean

Antigua and its Caribbean neighbors are a great value in early December. Photo: Shutterstock

From the Monday after Thanksgiving until about December 15, you have lovely weather and can enjoy savings of up to 40% off peak-season rates. (Peak season starts with the Christmas rush and lasts until Easter.)

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN
CARIBBEAN ISLAND REVIEWS

Palawan, the Philippines

Sailboat on the beach in Palawan, Philippines.

Crystal-clear water is a hallmark of Palawan in December. Photo: Banwa Private Island

Palawan—one of the most beautiful spots in this island archipelago—shines brightest in early December, before the holiday crowds rush in. The weather is at its warm-and-dry best, perfect for exploring pristine beaches, hidden coves, and stunning limestone cliffs. And the water visibility is excellent for snorkelers and divers attracted by the area’s coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

To get a WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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PHILIPPINES REVIEWS

Fiji

December is cyclone season in Fiji, but Mamanuca Island is drier than most. Photo: Pixabay/KuyaAndy

At the start of cyclone season, in December, you’ll find tropical afternoon showers but also great resort deals: free nights, free massages, even free domestic airfares. The Yasawa and Mamanuca islands are your best bet for dry days at this time of year.

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START A TRIP TO FIJI
SOUTH PACIFIC REVIEWS

Real Connections with Locals: WOW Trip Reviews

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From cooking up regional recipes in a chef’s home to learning old-world crafts in an artisan’s workshop to getting invited to a traditional wedding, there are many ways to meet noteworthy local characters (as well as normal, everyday people) and gain a much deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of the places we explore. Our Trusted Travel Experts shine at making these connections that enrich travel. The reviews below illustrate just a handful of the people you can meet and friends you can make when you have a savvy travel fixer in your corner. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

START A ONE-OF-A-KIND TRIP

Copenhagen: watching furniture makers and artists at work, Easter dinner in a local home…

Cari Bender and her family with the dinner’s local hosts in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“We just returned from a wonderful trip to Copenhagen to visit our daughter who is studying abroad there. Mads helped us plan a lovely vacation where we got to explore all over the area. We learned about Danish food on a food tour and loved seeing the city from a private boat excursion along the canal.

Our favorite day was the Danish design day! We love Danish design, and Mads arranged for us to have a private tour of a furniture manufacturer and meet some current local artists in their own studio. It was a special and memorable day. My son and I probably took 1,000 photographs, and we all loved learning about the history of prominent furniture design. We had a terrific hotel right in Nyhavn, the famous canal with the colored buildings that was centrally located and super charming.

The other incredibly memorable adventure was Dine with Danes, where we had a truly special evening at the home of a local couple. They prepared a Danish Easter dinner for us—they must have cooked for two days! We simply adored them and we had a wonderful evening together. It was very special.” —Cari Bender

Read more reviews of Denmark trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO DENMARK

New Zealand: one-on-one time with Maori artisans…

Maori green jade Koru pendant on wood log.

Maori jade Koru pendant. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just completed an absolutely fabulous month-long trip to New Zealand. With his extensive relationships, especially with the Maori, Jean-Michel crafted a truly unique trip that we would never have been able to create on our own. Besides cruising Milford Sound, we had three major interests for our trip: interacting with Maori to learn about their culture, going to the MacKenzie-designated Dark Sky region to stargaze, and being on a glacier.

Instead of going to touristy places to see the Maori, Jean-Michel set us up with several unbelievable one-on-one days with individual Maori, including Tom Loughlin, who cooked us a fabulous traditional Hangi meal in the ground at his 5,000-acre wilderness cabin; Delani Brown, a famous master carver who creates enormous masterpieces of complexly intricate carved wood scenes of Maori culture; and Bevan Climo, a master pounamu (New Zealand greenstone or jade) carver, who took us to his tribe’s portion of the Arahura River, where I found a lovely piece of greenstone!

For our Dark Sky experience, Jean-Michel arranged for a privately guided astral viewing at the Matuka Lodge in Twizel where we were staying. The stargazing was fabulous, and to not to have to do the 3-hour roundtrip to the St. John’s Observatory was priceless.

As for the glacier, Jean-Michel again came up with an amazing intimate experience in the Whitcombe Valley, instead of the over-touristy Franz Josef Glacier. Matt, our helicopter pilot, came with over 30 years of flying experience and was even the pilot for Tom Cruise when he was filming in the region! Matt created a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with views of numerous glaciers and glacier lakes, highlighted by a landing at a glacier that we walked up to and sat on! Talk about being at the top of the world and having your dream come true!” —Mary Lou Voytko

Read more reviews of New Zealand trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND

Spain: lunch in the private quarters of a castlewith the owner…

Travelers Lorin and Jeremy Seidman with their family met the WOW Lister Virginia Irurita in Madrid, Spain.

Lorin and Jeremy Seidman with their family and WOW Lister Virginia Irurita in Madrid.

“Virginia and her team planned an incredible trip to Spain for our family, with the kind of experiences that we’re quite sure no other travel agent would have had access to. Our teenage kids’ favorite part of the trip was a visit to Almodovar Castle, near Sevilla. The owner of the castle, Eva Morejon, greeted us upon our arrival, and then invited us to have lunch with her in the family’s private quarters of the castle.

We sat in Eva’s dining room enjoying the most delicious authentic Spanish cuisine, which was cooked by her family’s personal chef, while she told us the history of the castle. She then took us on a private tour of the castle, including parts that were used for the filming of Game of Thrones.” —Lorin Seidman

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SPAIN

Norway: lunch with a Sami elder, dogsledding with an Iditarod racer…

Traveler Kathye Faries with a Sami reindeer herder, in the village of Maze, Norway.

Kathye Faries with Johan, a Sami reindeer herder, in the Norwegian village of Maze. Photo: Traveler Jim Braun

“Seeing the Aurora Borealis has been on my bucket list for ages and it was time to make it happen! With Wendy’s help we were connected with Torunn, who planned a terrific 10-day adventure for us in northern Norway in February, 2024. I worked with Karin Andresen on many of the details and Karin did a wonderful job too. My focus was seeing the lights (we saw them twice, yippee!), but the entire trip turned out to be way better than we expected due to the fun activities Torunn and Karin planned for us.

We started in Alta, well north of the Arctic Circle, and stayed at a great property outside of the town in a beautiful setting on the banks of a frozen river. We went snowshoeing (easier than I thought it would be) and ice fishing with Kelle of Glod Explorer, and his husky Bruno. Jim caught an Arctic Char so our lunch was as fresh is it could get! Sitting in a lavvu, around a fire, sipping hot chocolate and eating fresh-caught fish was a real treat. We also took a snowmobile ride at night at Bjornfjeld Mountain Lodge. We were cozy in a beautiful mountaintop glass igloo, cooked our dinner over a fire and looked for the lights. On our last day in Alta we spent several hours dog sledding in the beautiful Finnmark forest and on frozen lakes, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Our guide, Hannah, ran the Iditarod two years ago and was so expert on the trails. We loved our day with her and her dog teams.

While en route to our next destination (we saw moose, reindeer and foxes along the way), we had lunch with Johan, a Sami elder, in the village of Maze. His family has raised and herded reindeer for generations and his sons are poised to take care of the business someday. We learned so much from him about his profession, about the Sami, and got to meet some of his reindeer. Fascinating.

In Karasjok we stayed at one of the most unique, exceptional small properties we’ve ever seen. Every cabin and all of the furniture in each of the 7 cabins has been built by hand from natural materials. This place is a hidden gem, set in the forest and truly magical. On property were 45 Alaskan Huskies who were very friendly and loved “cuddles” from everyone. One of our days was spent with Magrit, a Sami woman who has spent her entire life raising and herding reindeer. We went with her by snowmobile, up high in the mountains, to see and feed some of her family’s herd. We spent time in the forest around a warm fire and she shared stories with us about her life. On our last day there, I went dog sledding with the Alaskan Huskies—it was an exciting ride where the dogs broke a new trail in deep, newly fallen snow on the frozen lake. It was a wonderful experience I will never forget.

The last few days of the trip were spent in Oslo where our expert guide took us to the Nobel Peace Prize Museum (very, very moving), and the National Museum (which houses Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”). We saw several contemporary buildings—the Library and the Opera House—watched some young men run from the sauna and jump into the 32-degree water of the harbor (yikes!); and toured the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

The Aurora was as wondrous as I expected and we were so lucky to see it. Northern Norway is a beautiful part of the world with clean water, clean air, warm and friendly people and so accessible to the outdoors. When we asked local guides (who grew up in Alta and Karasjok) if they ever wanted to move away, their answer was NO!!!! We could understand why.

The trip was so smooth due to Torunn and Karin’s expertise. Prior to and during the trip we made a few itinerary adjustments and all went perfectly. All of the guides and ground transportation services were there when and where they were supposed to be, and the outfitters and lodging choices were a great fit for us. We are so glad we saw the lights but we are also so appreciative of the adventures we experienced on this wonderful, enchanting trip.” —Kathye Faries

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Belize: “A local family served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. And Patricia met us there for lunch…”

WOW Lister Patricia Johnson joined Salena and Allen Kern for lunch one day.

“My criteria was a direct flight from Newark, warmth, a place we’d never been to with lots to do if we wished, and a Wendy Perrin advisor. It took about a minute to find Belize and Patricia. And we were off…. Patricia recommended a few places to stay, and two of the resorts (one in the jungle and the other on the beach) were owned by Francis Ford Coppola. Who knew? Not I, for sure. Well, my husband was an extra in Apocalypse Now many years ago and that was that. He was thrilled to be seeing what Coppola had created in Belize. Both resorts were beautiful but Blancaneaux Lodge was one of the nicest places I have stayed in my life.

We climbed ruins, rafted through a cave that should have been a cathedral, and visited an entrepreneurial coffee “factory” amongst other things. Most important to me, however, was that we got to know something about the current economy of this young country and much about its varied cultures. On our first full day, we were surprised by our WOW Moment. At this most beautiful site, overlooking a series of waterfalls, we were served lunch by a local family (now, Patricia did know that I am a bit of a foodie) who served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. The family has a catering company called U Janal Masewal, Ancient Recipes for a Modern World. That sort of sums up my worldview too. We were happy! And Patricia met us there for lunch. Thank you, Patricia and Wendy.

Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO EAST AFRICA

East Africa: hunting with bushmen, visiting a local women’s organization…

Traveler taking a selfie with with local kids during a community visit to the Mukundusi Village in Tanzania.

Traveler Jeannie Mullen snapped a selfie with local kids during a community visit to the Mukundusi Village in Tanzania.

“I just returned from a trip to East Africa planned by Cherri and her team. The lodges and their phenomenal staffs, the wildlife, the guides, the available local activities, the holiday and birthday celebrations along with numerous personal touches…I cannot say enough about the locals that I met and the recurring personal interactions I had.

Normally I schedule every day of a trip down to the minute. Since this trip was so long (and as I get older!) I left some time open in the itinerary in the event that I just needed to chill here and there. Doing so enabled me to schedule some additional, non-game-viewing activities at each location which really enriched my overall experience. Highlights included: Following bushmen on a game hunt (and taste-testing the grilled results!) in Tanzania, participating in an anti-poaching demonstration (I played the poacher and hid out in the bush) at Sirikoi in Kenya, multiple community/village visits, and a visit to an inspiring women’s organization (Ride 4 A Woman) in Uganda.

On New Year’s Eve I was at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania. At the conclusion of a tribal dance ritual at the north lodge, we all followed their torch-lit procession (singing, chanting and dancing the entire way) down to the south lodge where the Maasai then put on a spectacular dance demonstration which told the story of their customs and rituals.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of East Africa trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Italy: fishing and cheesemaking with locals, watching glass artisans at work…

Scenic overlook of the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“From the moment we were picked up in Rome to the time we were dropped at the airport after 15 days in this beautiful country, we would have changed nothing! The food and wine were incredible, the hotels were spectacular and the guides and their tours were unforgettable. While the trip was overall the most memorable experience of our lifetimes, there are a few things that we cannot go without highlighting:

1. The boat ride along the Amalfi Coast was nothing short of spectacular, and our captain and first mate made it truly enjoyable. Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea is something we will never forget;

2. The cooking class and lunch with Mrs. Luciana and Maria Cristina were so incredibly enjoyable and delicious that we wished we could have stayed forever;

3. Watching Benedetto create his masterpiece of mozzarella and burrata cheese and tasting the delicious virgin olive oils, followed by the private tour of his amazing lemon orchard, was an unforgettable experience.

4. Our visit to Murano and the Vetreria Estevan Rossetto glass factory was inspirational. To see the centuries-old workmanship of glass making and learning the history of this profession was incredible. We actually purchased artworks made by two of the most prominent glass artisans known to Italy, Walter Furan and Amedeo Rossetto. Our guides, Daria and Piero, were so knowledgeable and spent hours teaching us about glass making and the history behind it. Piero is the grandson of Walter Furan, and being able to purchase one of his grandfather’s pieces was truly special.

5. And finally, only to keep this review from being too lengthy, trout fishing with Luca. While I did not catch a monster, the beautiful little brown trout I did catch brought a smile to my face, and the lunch we shared and our time together was terrific.

We would like to thank Wendy, Maria Gabriella, Maria Cristina, our fabulous guides, our amazing drivers, and all of the employees and staff at the hotels in which we stayed for their incredible hospitality. We cannot wait for our next WOW experience.” —Lizzy and Jay Bryan

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO OMAN AND JORDAN

Oman and Jordan: “It is always good to learn more, have more awareness and to become better global citizens…”

Amy Avers and her husband having coffee and dates with Omani locals.

Amy Evers and her husband talking world politics with Omani locals over coffee and dates.

“Our trip to Oman and Jordan October 14th- Nov. 1st, 2023, was extraordinary! Even with the slight unease regarding the war, while in Oman and Jordan, all was well and safe. There did seem to be some extra military presence in Amman but that didn’t interfere with our trip. We are very happy we did not cancel!

Out trip planner, Daniel, did a wonderful job talking through everything with us ahead of time. He was honest about his thoughts about things that are worth it and that aren’t. Some of the highlights of our trip were:

Oman: Eating and drinking dates and Omani coffee with locals, dinner with a local family in Muscat, learning about the culture, talking with a local at the Grand Mosque to learn more about Islam, swimming and exploring Wadi Shaab and Wadi Bani Khalid, dune bashing in Wahiba Sands, the via ferrata course in Jebel Akhdar, biking down the mountains in Jabel Shams, the random barber shop experience for my husband to get his beard trimmed (hilarious and wonderful cultural experience), and the balcony hike in Jebel Shams.

Jordan: Petra during the day/night and the back door hike in, SCUBA diving the wreck in the Red Sea (not organized by Dan), ‘soft’ canyoning in Wadi Al Mujib, floating in the Dead Sea (so unique and funny!), and discussions about current issues with our guide.

I feel very lucky to have experienced this trip, especially in today’s political climate. It is always good to learn more, have more awareness and to become better global citizens. Thank you!” —Amy Evers

Read more reviews of Oman and Jordan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Morocco: learning history and culture from scholars and artisans…

Our traveler's guide outside his family home in Tangier's Medina, Morocco.

Milinda Martin’s guide AbdulRahman outside his family home in Tangier’s Medina. Photo: Traveler Milinda Martin

“It had been 20 years since I had visited Morocco, and I have to say, the country is going through such a positive time. People are happy there! The government is building tons of affordable housing, redoing the waterfront areas, and spiffing up all the cities. It’s a good time to visit.

Thanks to Radia and her team, I was able to indulge my desire to learn more about the history of this country, especially the Berber culture, the invasion of the Arabs, and the long history of the Moors and Jews. Radia did not disappoint; all of my guides were experts and very willing to discuss the benefits and challenges of being such a rich land where everyone wants to be. My guide in Tangier, AbdulRahman, was OUTSTANDING. He was born in the Medina and his family still lived there, and he was able to share stories of how Tangier has changed over the centuries with all the invaders. He shared the local delicacies — mint tea and amazing cookies — with me, and we truly felt like friends by the time I moved on to Chefchaouen.

With Radia’s guidance, I visited Casablanca, and the amazing Hassan II mosque, with a Muslim scholar who could really immerse me in the religion, far beyond the 5 pillars. The trip ended in Marrakesh, where I had the most unique experience of learning how to make mosaics. This wasn’t a “tourist activity”; this was a visit to a gentleman’s workshop where we cut the tiles, arranged the mosaics and eventually plastered the mosaics into place. Radia provided a translator because the artist — having mastered this trade 40 years ago — did not speak English.

And I have to give a strong shout-out to my driver, Rachid. Throughout my tour, he was always on time, always kind, always conversational, and a great driver to boot. This is what I like about planning with Wendy Perrin: meeting the people and seeing life like a local. We visited the communal bakery and the hammam, two vital components of life for every Moroccan. I was able to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, obtain early entry to the Majorelle Gardens, and have someone guide me through the mazes of the Medinas. The riad in Marrakesh was truly divine! Unlike other tours that whisk you here and there, in international hotels, where you never meet a local, Radia and her team ensured that I felt like a Moroccan from the very start.” —Milinda Martin

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MOROCCO

Norway: meeting a local fisherman, reindeer herder, and even an acclaimed actress

Jeannie Mullen suited up to fish for king crab and halibut with boat captain Albert.

“Just returned from a solo trip to Norway September 11-20, 2023. After my pet sitter bailed on me at the last minute, I reached out to Jan to see what he could do to adjust the 3-week driving itinerary through Norway that he and I had just finalized. Jan was very flexible, gave me several options to choose from and before long we had whittled a 21-day trip down to 10, maintaining the main focus of trip…seeing the northern lights.

I started out at Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge in Alta, above the Arctic Circle in the northern fjords. By day I was entertained with king-crab fishing in Storekorsnes, lunch with and storytelling by a local reindeer herder, a visit to the nearby UNESCO site featuring northern Europe’s largest concentration of petroglyphs (rock art) made by hunter-gathers dating back 2000-7000 years, and a boat ride on the Alta River with Tor, one of the lodge owners. Each night after dinner I was driven to different locations to search for the lights…. It was such a great experience. I had been coached beforehand that not everyone gets to see the lights every night and sometimes not at all over a period of several nights. Fortunately I saw them each of the four nights that I was there and got some great photos. On my last night in Alta I came back early enough to see the lights with a cup of hot chocolate from the warmth of my bed. It was an experience that I will never forget.

I had shared with Jan that I had a very broad range of interests coming into this trip, so the tenor and tempo changed quickly when I arrived back in Oslo. At my request, it was all about art, architecture, history and culture. In a very fun surprise, I was treated to a WOW Moment as I walked out of the elevator my first morning there. Jan knew from our trip-planning discussions that I am involved with a professional theatre company in my hometown and had made arrangements for his sister-in-law, Ingjerd Egeberg, a Norwegian actress (and national treasure), to spend an hour with me prior to the start of my planned day. Over coffee we had a lovely discussion about the theatre and then walked across the street together to the National Theatre for a backstage tour. It was truly delightful! Thank you again, Jan and Wendy! And THEN the day started.… The museums, art, architecture and parks in Oslo were beautiful…the Munch (The Scream) Museum, City Hall, the Opera House, the Deichman Bjorvika (the world’s best new public library), the Nobel Peace Center, the Harbour Promenade in Oslo Fjord, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and the Vigeland Sculpture Park. The next day was spent away from the city at the Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker, one of the most important outdoor sculpture parks for contemporary art.

And then it was time to head home. I cannot say enough about Wendy’s suggestion to use Jan.… His detailed planning, choice of hotels, guides, drivers, and restaurant suggestions were all spot-on. I enjoyed myself so much on this trip that I had Jan plan a 10-day itinerary to Denmark for the fast-approaching Thanksgiving holidays. And next summer I’ll work in the driving portion of the Norway trip that I missed out on this year.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO POLAND AND AUSTRIA

Poland & Austria: master classes in amber jewelry, pierogis, Christmas ornaments…

Beautiful Krakow market square, Poland, Europe.

Krakow market square in Poland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Gwen knows we have traveled the world on all seven continents. Many of our trips (at least eighteen) have been curated by Wendy’s trip specialists. Gwen knows we increasingly value experiences over mere sightseeing. This itinerary included many hands-on and personal experiences. In Gdansk, we visited an amber workshop and created our own amber jewelry using the workshop’s professional tools overseen by a friendly jeweler. We took home the two amber pendants we made.

In Warsaw, Gwen had another wonderful special experience for us: a visit with an artisanal nalewka (pronounced na lef ka) producer. This cordial is made in many homes. But this producer elevates the quality to the nth degree. Made of macerated fruits (or flowers or pine shoots or even milk), water, alcohol and sugar, the mixture sits in huge glass jars in his backyard for at least ten months, then matures in huge plastic barrels for at least three years before bottling. While visiting with this fascinating man, we tasted twelve of his varieties. We brought home two bottles and wish we’d brought a lot more.

In Krakow, we had a great lesson on how to make one of Poland’s national foods, pierogis (filled dumplings.) The private class was in the home of the woman who runs the annual Krakow Pierogi Festival. We had such a good time with her that we stayed far beyond our scheduled time.

Also in Krakow, we visited a small workshop that makes hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments. My husband and I each painted our own ornaments with direction from the chief painter. We ended up bringing a dozen or so ornaments home. In Vienna, we had a great food safari that took us off the tourist circuit and introduced us to stores and producers of traditional Viennese foods.” —Jan Heininger

Read more reviews of Poland and Austria trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Italy: Palio horse race with local family, outing with a truffle hunter and lunch at his farmhouse…

Palio horse race in Italy. Photo: Traveler Jessica Tolmach

“Four special highlights that Maria secured for our group during our Tuscany stay: A spectacularly situated apartment in Siena overlooking the town square for perfect viewing of the wild, medieval, spectacular Palio horse race and dinner with the family who graciously opened their home, shared wine, food and stories of the history of the races over the centuries.

Another highlight was an outing with a truffle hunter and his dog into the hills and woods where the dog found truffles and after we were hosted at their farmhouse overlooking the valley while they served us a multi-course lunch of truffle-focused dishes that were scrumptious, along with their own wines. We also adored a private tour and lunch prepared for us at a little-known but spectacular vineyard in Chianti, with tastings paired with each course.

And, last but not least, we will all remember forever our lunch at an agriturismo farm with a most generous host and chef that happily went on for hours, on a glorious afternoon, on their patio on the edge of their fields, where we were served mind-blowing grilled meats and the best lasagna and tiramisu any of us has ever tasted. My boys wanted to stay and work on the farm and never come home! And I got his grandmother’s recipes!” —Jessica Tolmach

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CENTRAL EUROPE

Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland: cooking lesson in the chef’s home, charming family-run inn…

Lisa Redburn during a cooking lesson at Tatjana Ciciliani’s home in Trojir, Croatia. Photo: Tom Redburn

“Lisa and I have had a lot of wonderful adventures in our more than 50 years together, but for our 50th wedding anniversary trip to Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Switzerland, the extraordinary planning of Claudia and Luisa took our travel experience to a whole new level. It’s true that Europe was already getting overrun with tourists during our six-week trip, but we rarely felt it because time after time Claudia and Luisa arranged guides and outings that took us away from the crowds and to hidden corners we never would have found on our own.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that, with only one or two exceptions, every guide was sensational, just about every accommodation was terrific, and nearly all the reserved dinners were a delight. And that’s not to mention our WOW Moment from Wendy of a lunch and wine tasting at the extraordinary BIBICh Winery, on a day when we traveled from Split to Zadar, right after visiting Krka National Park.

Read more reviews of Central Europe trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Norway: learning from locals about fishing, reindeer hunting, village life…

Beautiful Nature Norway natural landscape aerial photography. lovatnet lake.

Lovatnet Lake, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

“Torunn quickly grasped our interests, desires, travel style, and preferences. She promised to connect us to ‘the real Norway.’ This came to mean experiencing the spectacular environment, meeting people of all kinds, and learning about the Norwegian way of life.

The people Torunn arranged for us to meet at various venues are special and memorable. They were warm, welcoming, informative, and above all, interesting. Among them is Sven, the entrepreneurial owner of Knutholmen in Kalvag, who works harder to please his clients than anyone we have met. He became an instant friend.

Fjord skipper Roy taught us about commercial fishing and graciously shared much of his life story, helping us learn what growing up in remote Norway is all about. Driver Per delighted in taking us to see a replica Viking ship. Dinner with Edith and Jon at their hilltop ‘summer pasture’ cabin near Oye was a memorable experience filled with stories about Jon’s longtime mink business and special Norwegian delicacies to try, topped off with Edith’s handmade chocolates.

Fjord skipper Daniel took us to his family guest house at Trandal, where we were thrilled by the famous swing and braved deer-burgers and brown cheese ice cream, both delicious. Guide Britt, also an osteopath, was unusually informative and interesting. She took us on a delightful hike, showed us around the Tafjord village where she grew up, described her annual reindeer hunt, and escorted us to a friend’s guest house for a delicious lunch of deer lasagna.

Our hotels were superb and often historical. Without exception, they were situated in gorgeous surroundings and well managed with great service. Remarkable hotel staffers came from all over Norway and beyond. Each hotel was unique and memorable but our favorites were Knutholmen in Kalvag, Hotel Union Oye, and the amazing Storfjord Hotel. As is evident, Torunn did indeed connect us to ‘the real Norway.’ We will long remember this spectacular trip and the special people we met.”—Bill and Lynn Martin

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Northern Ireland & Ireland: making soda bread, helping shear sheep, a lesson in hurling…

Sheep in a green field in Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“It was Jonathan’s strong suggestion that we include Northern Ireland in our itinerary instead of just Ireland, and we are glad that we did. Our experience in Northern Ireland was the soul of our trip, and we could never have understood the country without that experience and the help of our guide for three days while there, Mark Murphy. His authenticity was palpable, in addition to being a consummate professional.

For example, he not only took us through a small Catholic village to watch children learning the Irish sport of hurling on a field surrounded by Irish national flags, but then took out his equipment so we could all give the game a try on an adjacent field. Every experience with Mark was like that, including his lessons on tasting Irish Whiskey at Bushmills and getting me the opportunity to hold the great Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s PGA championship trophy at his home golf club in Belfast!

We also spent a morning at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, making (and eating) delicious soda bread, along with other delectables. Like all the folks we encountered, Tracey was an absolute delight, and we loved getting to go out to the countryside and spend some quality time with people who were so happy to share their lives with us.

We then went on to spend three days in Dublin, staying at a classic property called The Shelbourne. This gorgeous masterpiece offered impeccable service and a perfect location. One of the benefits of working through Jonathan are some small perks offered to you at each of the hotels, and we enjoyed oysters and Guinness in the beautiful lobby bar at the Shelbourne one early evening before heading to dinner.

Galway was our next stop, and we used that as the base for our exploration of the Connemara National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Another absolute highlight of the trip is the Killary Sheep Farm. It’s on an absolutely beautiful fjord, and it’s fascinating to watch the sheepdogs in action and to participate in shearing the wool off the sheep. Tom, a third-generation proprietor, is eager to share his place, and it helps keep the lights on for these family businesses.

Our last stop was Dromoland Castle. At this point we had been on the move constantly for 10 days, and I think it was brilliant planning to let us decompress at this gorgeous castle for a few days before returning home.” —Michael Kelberman

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Malta and Sardinia: a sixth-generation gilder, a food-market expert, a real Knight of Malta…

The famous arch of Blue Grotto in Malta.

Picnics on isolated cliffs are a Malta highlight, but so are the many people you can meet elsewhere on the Mediterranean island. Photo: Shutterstock

“The nine-day itinerary Jason created for us to Malta and Sardinia in March was crammed with memorable experiences: entrance to the 4000 B.C. Hypogeum underground burial complex (tickets difficult to come by); a fascinating visit with a sixth-generation gilder; the tastiest private tour of a food market I’ve ever been on; a walk in the Sardinian countryside to see the island’s wild four-foot-tall horses; and—my favorite—a fabulous multi-course lunch set up just for us on an isolated cliff in Gozo above the crashing waves.

Jason’s ground teams were as interesting as the sights and scenery—our Malta guide, Martin, is a practicing Knight of Malta whose title goes back generations, as well as a professional photographer and former coach of Australia’s Olympic bobsled team (go figure); our driver there, Mario, is a former comptroller and auditor in addition to being an all-around great guy; guide Paola got her start translating for Tony Ryan when he was setting up his Ryanair empire in Sardinia; Marcello, our driver in Sardinia, had recently returned from the Polish border as a volunteer transporting Ukrainian orphans by bus to safety.

And if you ever want to feel like Bill Gates, now is your moment: Thanks to the VIP service Jason arranges at the airport, you wait in a private lounge before being escorted past the frenzied crowds to a town car on the tarmac that drives you to your plane, all before boarding officially begins.” —Priscilla Eakeley

Read more reviews of Malta and Sardinia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.