Tag Archives: plan a trip

Lisa Malecha and family riding horses along the Camargue, France.

July Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

In much of the world, July is synonymous with vacation, and for good reason: It’s peak summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, with greenery (and wildlife) in full display, and festivals of arts and cuisine rolling through many destinations all month long.

The travelers whose reviews you can read below all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of July by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts (and those whom we are testing for The WOW List). You’ll find even more ideas in the July installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Seeking suggestions about where to go in July? Click the black button below for our help.

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Australia for exploring the ocean life around the Great Barrier Reef

Rachel Phillips dives with a cod fish at the Cod Hole dive site in Australia.

Traveler Rachel Phillips at the Cod Hole dive site. Photo: Traveler Andrea Phillips

“Australia is vast, and timing matters. The biggest benefit of working with Jacki is her ability to match experiences to the season and your interests. Trusting her recommendations was important, as she not only knows the highlights but also the hidden gems. The properties and guides clearly respected her, which ensured our trip ran smoothly and with a personal touch throughout. One highlight we’ll never forget was our WOW Moment—a seven-course tasting menu paired with a stunning sunset.

Even when unexpected issues arose—like a delayed island departure flight—Jacki and her team were only a WhatsApp message away, immediately offering solutions and alternatives. Having that level of support gave us complete peace of mind, especially while traveling such a long distance.” —Andrea Phillips

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

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Alaska for kayaking, humpback whales, and watching bears and sea lions catch salmon

Jackie Mandel inside a broken piece of ice from Lamplugh Glacier, Alaska.

Traveler Jackie Mandel got up close and personal with nature—and ice!—during her intimate Alaskan cruise.

Ashton recommended Uncruise Adventures, and what an amazing adventure it was! We explained that we wanted an experience where we saw animals and glaciers up close and that we were not big fans of cruise liners. Uncruise was the perfect recommendation, with 73 guests and 30 staff allowing us to go where no big boats go. As a matter of fact, we never saw another cruise liner once we left port in Juneau, nor a single soul, and felt like we were in our own world experiencing Alaska.

Each day you chose from an array of activities, such as kayaking, skiffs, bushwhacking, and ecological meandering along the shores. One day the captain came across humpback whales and stopped the boat so we could all enjoy the whales for an hour while they frolicked in the water. No large cruise liner can do that! Also, in kayaks we were able, within a safe distance, to get up close to brown bears catching salmon, and sea lions under the water trying to grab the salmon while the salmon were jumping all around us out of the water like they were on trampolines. A lifetime experience.” —Jackie Mandel

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

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India in low season for 5-star-hotel deals, fewer crowds, and heat and humidity not as bad as you’d think

Lauren Schor and a friend during after ziplining at the fort of Jodhpur, India.

Traveler Lauren Schor and a friend during their ziplining experience at the fort of Jodhpur.

“Just back from my second trip to India planned with Victoria! Both times we went during monsoon season, which is not nearly as bad as it sounds! While it is hot and humid (if you can handle that) often the rain is at night, and if it’s during the day it’s usually quick and rarely puts a damper on your schedule. Plus everywhere is a lot less crowded! After my incredible trip last summer to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, Victoria suggested exploring more of the state of Rajasthan. We stayed in the most amazing hotels in Jodhpur and Udaipur that would have been double or triple the price during high season. My husband was working in other cities while I traveled and at the end we met up in Mumbai for a couple of days, which was so different from everywhere else I have been in India. We stayed at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace which was amazing.

I had requested the same guide as we had last year, and luckily Vikram was available, which was great because we already knew each other from the week we spent traveling together last year. Vikram really made both trips amazing by understanding what was important to us and what was not. All three destinations we visited this trip were so unique from each other! A highlight was zip lining over the ancient fort in Jodpur that dominates the blue city’s skyline—it was more exciting than zip-lining in Costa Rica or Hawaii! We almost passed on this activity and I’m so glad we didn’t! Another favorite experience was exploring Mumbai at dawn, when so much action takes place before most of the city is even awake—from the fish auctions on the dock to the men who sort thousands of newspapers in multiple languages for hand-delivery. Every stop we made that morning was a wow!

India is an amazing country that I’m lucky enough to have been to twice in one year. I’m looking forward to planning even more return trips in the future with Victoria!” —Lauren Schor

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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The south of France​ for embedding in uncrowded wine country like a local

Lisa Malecha and family riding horses along the Camargue, France.

Lisa Malecha and her family riding the region’s iconic white horses in coastal Camargue.

“My husband and I embarked on a trip we had been dreaming about for years—embedding for a couple of weeks in one of France’s many world-renowned wine regions. We picked Provence because we recently did a replant at our vineyard in Northern California with a couple of Rhone varietals, and this was a good opportunity to learn more about these wines at the source.

Our desire was to spend our whole time at one location, within walking distance of a village. Jennifer found us the most amazing villa within walking distance of the iconic French village Gordes, a village built into the rock face of the Vaucluse Mountains, above the Luberon Valley. Jennifer steered us to a villa offering a view of Gordes that you only see in the movies. We walked into the village almost twice daily—for our morning coffees and shopping, and our evening cocktail or meals.

Our location was within a 15-minute drive of another handful of amazing hilltop villages. And only an hour from Marseilles and a touch further to the iconic coastal village of Cassis, where our adult kids and their significant others hiked back into the crystal-clear-blue waters of the Calanques. Followed by an amazing array of bouillabaisse options in the marina.

We hiked from the villa to the Sénanque Abbey and its amazing lavender fields; rode bikes through the Luberon Valley; rode white horses in the Camargue; went wine tasting in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region; went to the Van Gogh museum in Avignon; had a French chef cook for us at the villa; went to a lavender museum and olive oil pressing. We can’t wait to go back! What a magical area with memories of a lifetime created with our family!” —Lisa Malecha

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Copenhagen and the Danish seaside for beating the heat and crowds

Rainbow over Copenhagen.

A rainbow over Copenhagen. Photo: Traveler Lynn Herrick

“We rarely travel to Europe in the summer because of the heat and crowds, but we needed to be in Berlin in mid-July and wanted to add a week in another destination. Denmark was the PERFECT choice. Not too hot (even chilly some days!), reasonable crowds, not too expensive, and very enjoyable. Mads arranged our trip for us and he made it very easy. We did not mind driving in Denmark, so he arranged for a car and put together an itinerary that gave us a flavor of the country. Our college-age kids traveled with us and there was enough to keep everyone engaged.

We loved, loved, loved Copenhagen. The city is extremely walkable and public transportation easy to navigate. Our first morning in town was our WOW Moment and it was perfect. We sailed (electric boat) around the city with a private tour guide and lots of fun snacks.

We traveled to several cities after Copenhagen, visited castles, stayed at an inn that has been hosting guests since 1744, learned all about Hans Christian Andersen, visited museums, enjoyed a ferry ride, and stayed in a charming Danish seaside town with a great spa. We finished the trip with one more fun night in Copenhagen and stayed up late, as the sun seems to last forever.” —Lynn Herrick

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Ireland and Northern Ireland for sheep and soda bread, cliffs and country folk, whiskey and castles

sheep in a green field in Ireland

There’s a reason it’s called the Emerald Isle, and it isn’t the wool. 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. He not only took us through a small Catholic village to watch children learning the Irish sport of hurling, 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.

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 was 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 it was brilliant planning to let us decompress at this gorgeous castle for a few days before returning home.” —Michael Kelberman

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Belize for yacht charters and seafood caught and cooked on site, “fisherman style”

aerial photo of Tobacco Caye with sailboat and blue green ocean

Tobacco Caye is one of many tiny islands along Belize’s barrier reef. Photo: Absolute Belize

“We booked a 7-night cruise aboard the 52-foot Ventana al Mar with our three sons. Our days were filled cruising the sparsely populated southern reef of Belize, stopping at a couple of snorkeling spots each day. Eric, 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.

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 is always a priority. 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.” —John Livermore

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Italy’s Tuscan coast and countryside for breezes, wineries, and Andrea Bocelli

Typical stone houses with stunning vineyard in the Chianti region in Tuscany.

A verdant vineyard in Tuscany’s Chianti region. Photo: Shutterstock

“Normally we would not travel to Italy in July…too hot and too crowded. However, our goal was to see Andrea Bocelli perform at the amphitheater he built in Tuscany called Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico, his hometown. The theater is ‘silent’ except for the one concert he performs there each year in July, and we felt it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The concert was taking place during the middle of our time in Italy, so we needed an agenda before and after.

Jennifer suggested we start our trip on the Tuscan coast, staying four nights at the Hotel Il Pellicano. This gorgeous, iconic property overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, providing cool breezes throughout the day and evening—a welcome relief from the heat. Heaven in July! We then traveled inland to the countryside of Tuscany for the next four nights, where we would be closer to the Bocelli concert. Borgo Pignano is an elegant country estate close to the hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano. Again, the temperature dropped in the mornings and evenings, making it very pleasant for al fresco dining and touring.

While at these locations, Jennifer arranged for driver/guides to transport us to several wineries. A standout was Ornellaia.

The Bocelli concert was beyond our expectations. The tickets that Jennifer and her team secured were front and center, five rows back from the stage. It was more than a concert, it was a masterful production with a full orchestra, ballet company, chorus and guest artists, from opera to pop. Magical.” —Susan Ketchum

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Newfoundland and Nova Scotia for icebergs, puffins, and whales

boats in the town Joe Batt's Arm, Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Newfoundland feels tailor-made for boat excursions.

“We told our planner, Jill, we liked comfort but valued friendliness and expertise over all else, and she really delivered. In St John’s, she got the author of a well-known history of Newfoundland to give us a long walking tour, including a stop into an officers’ private club from WW2 perfectly preserved. We saw amazing whales and puffins on a boat tour. We drove to the Bonavista Peninsula, where we stayed at the amazing Fishers’ Loft Inn (what a view) and hiked the Skerwink Trail.

From there we drove to the trip’s highlight, the Fogo Island Inn, which is honestly the nicest, most comfortable place I ever stayed. The Inn was created by a not-for-profit foundation to employ the local community and keep its economy alive. The service is unbeatable—as though your cousins were keeping an eye out for you. The food was great too, and there were more awesome hikes. Don’t miss the boat ride to Little Fogo Island; we saw icebergs and dozens of whales.

The second week, we moved on to Nova Scotia, starting with two great days in Halifax—don’t miss the boardwalk along the waterfront!—and we visited Prince Edward Island (lovely drive). Newfoundland should be on everyone’s bucket list!” —Christina Brown

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Brazil for a balance of nature and city in the temperate winter

Anne Marie Seibel and family in the Brazilian Amazon.

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.

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.

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. 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—Maracanã soccer stadium and Carnival World.” —Anne Marie Seibel

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Colombia for outdoor adventure and local insights

Wax Palm Trees in the Corcora Valley, Colombia

Tracy Reller and her family hiking among wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley.

“Colombia is a beautiful country with incredibly varied landscapes, amazing agricultural bounty (mostly done by hand—saw only one tractor the entire time), wonderfully creative, fresh and delicious food everywhere, and warm locals willing to share their stories.

Boris arranged activities that we either wouldn’t have been able to do on our own or wouldn’t have been the same. For example, we toured two different poor neighborhoods in Medellin with Spanish-speaking neighborhood leaders involved in the graffiti art transforming the neighborhood. It was fascinating to see these communities up close and to hear their stories of the violence and hopes for the future.

Another favorite experience was visiting very different markets used by locals. First, Paloquemao in Bogota—very clean, well organized, items from produce to meats/fish to home goods and flowers, beautifully presented. That was in contrast to the Barzuto market in Cartagena, where we seemed to be the only tourists navigating the dirt-floor, tight winding walkways through makeshift stalls with a French chef shopping for our cooking lesson. It was a sight to see!

We would not have known about some amazing restaurants we visited for lunch that were not even in our itinerary. One of those restaurants, in Bogota, didn’t even have a sign out front, but our guide knocked and was welcomed in. Our guides were wonderful and really added to our experience. They were intelligent, interesting and informative. It’s a gift to get to spend time with a local, get to know them and share details about our lives. We gain a better understanding of a country and its people with a guide rather than just crossing tourist sites off a list.” —Tracy Reller

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Mexico City and Oaxaca for after-hours access and “an immersion in culture”

Scenic old city street and colorful colonial buildings in Oaxaca City, Mexico.

The architecture comes from a painterly palette in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our plan was to explore Mexico City after attending a conference and finishing up in Oaxaca. Our guide Jaime, a professor at the University, introduced us to the highlights and historical center of Mexico City. He provided us cultural, social and historical background which made our visit all the more relevant and personal. Jaime made us feel like locals by accompanying us to Lucha Libre, the freestyle Mexican wrestling which was an immersion in culture! The next morning came very early, with an exhilarating, not-to-be-missed balloon ride over the pyramids followed by a delicious breakfast and tour of the Teotihuacan site! Finally, I must mention a true highlight of Mexico City, our private after-hours tour of the Anthropology Museum. The stunning expanse, filled with artistic treasures, could have been overwhelming. Our knowledgeable guide provided us with just enough detail to allow us to walk away with a sense of awe for the culture of Mexico.

Off to Oaxaca. After checking into our hotel that started as a 16th-century convent, we were treated to a Mezcal tasting to learn about the spirit that is taking the world by storm. Afterwards we had dinner of grilled tlayuda, the traditional tortilla that falls into the category of ultimate comfort food! For the next few days, our skilled guide Gabriel immersed us in the culture and history of Oaxaca. From churches, art galleries, museums and historic sights Monte Alban and Mitla, Gabriel’s impressive knowledge of so many subjects became apparent.” —Ken Bohan

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Portugal’s off-the-radar locales for biking, beach shacks, and living like a local, free of crowds

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

The river Guadiana and the village of Mertola, in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Photo: Shutterstock

“We asked Goncalo and Joana to plan an authentic, off-the-beaten-path look into the south of Portugal and the Alentejo and Lisbon, and we had a perfect time. Portugal is incredible! And it’s possible to beat the summer crowds.

We loved our day in Sintra and the coast at Azenhas do Mar with our guide, Luís, and my son loved spending the day with our cooking teacher, Claudia. We loved our apartment at Lumiares in Lisbon and the breakfasts on the rooftop. One of the highlights was our Costa da Caparica beach day at Irmao. We felt like we were one of the only tourists, and it felt like a slice of life for young Lisboans.

The kids loved to roam on their bikes, and we found our favorite beach and fish shack on the quiet Costa Vicentina. We didn’t hear any English at these beaches, and the water and coves were so unique.” —Gina Schulman

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Singapore and Indonesia for temples, rice terraces, and uninhabited islands

Komodo National Park island paradise for diving and exploring. The most populat tourist destination in Indonesia, Pink beach, Nusa tenggara Indonesia

Tracy Reller’s family opted for a cruise to access Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Photo: Shutterstock

“With our younger teenagers happily engaged at sleepaway camp, my husband and I were able to spend precious quality time with our older son in Singapore and Indonesia before he left for college. Two days in Singapore was perfect to see and experience the multicultural city state. Then we stayed at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran Bay, Bali, so our son could surf with a local expert. Next was the 4-day sightseeing/cultural portion of the trip from Ubud. Our days were full of temples, rice terraces, village and market visits, a cooking class, and a volcano hike. One of the most unique and memorable days was visiting our guide’s village, seeing his home, meeting his family, and playing traditional instruments with the community.

Finally, we loved the 7-day Seatrek cruise, from Flores to Bali through Komodo Island National Park, that allowed us to see more of Indonesia’s islands, people, and fauna without the usual logistical issues. The small ship, Ombak Putih, was beautiful, the crew fabulous, the food delicious and activities amazing. We visited local, traditional communities, snorkeled, swam with whale sharks and visited uninhabited islands. I will never forget the gorgeous landscapes, sunsets, and happy, smiling locals.” —Tracy Reller

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Greece for sailing and kayaking, culinary tours and cooking classes

Authentic buildings and clear water beach in Sifnos island in Greece.

“We especially loved Sifnos for its authenticity and charm.” Photo: Shutterstock

“We spent 3 nights in Athens, 3 nights on Sifnos, 4 nights on Naxos and 3 nights on Santorini. Every detail from the moment we arrived in Athens was expertly planned. From our seamless transfers/ferries and beautiful hotel accommodations to our memorable tours and activities, we had an amazing trip start to finish.

Each island was unique and offered different experiences, including a private tour of the Acropolis and an outstanding culinary tour in Athens, incredible catamaran/boat day trips on all three islands, an intimate cooking class on Naxos, and kayaking in Santorini. We especially loved Sifnos for its authenticity and charm.” —Karen and Ed Hanley

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Malta for medieval architecture, private sailing, and an age-old salt-panning tradition

Qbajjar Salt Pans, Malta

The Qbajjar Salt Pans on Gozo offer stunning checkerboard views. Photo: Exclusively Malta

“Everything was seamless from the minute we landed in Valletta. Some of the highlights of the trip:

1) Our guide for the Valletta food and culture tour was wonderful, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She also led us on our visit to the Hypogeum, a subterranean temple thought to be 5000+ years old.

2) Gozo island exploration on ATV. This was something new for us, to explore an entire island on ATVs. We loved it! We saw incredible sites, salt pans, small bays for a quick swim, and a secret spot for an incredible view of Ramla Bay. It was a great way to spend the day.

3) A day on a beautiful yacht with a wonderful captain.

4) Visiting the enchanting medieval city of Mdina during sunset, incredible!

5) Visit with local sheep farmers, who somehow cultivated acres of olive trees on arid landscape, sampling the fruits of their labor with olive-oil tasting and a picnic lunch of local Maltese foods.

6) Private falconry experience with Lawrence. We had a great time as he explained the history of his owls and falcons. Then we were able to handle each one and watch them fly!

7) Enjoying our final day relaxing at the Beefbar beach club, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.” —Jane Banks

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Northern Australia for “vibrant” snorkeling, lush rainforest, and a koala safari

View from Captain Cooks lookout from the top of Lizard Island over the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Lizard Island.. Photo: Shutterstock

“My 22-year-old daughter and I enjoyed a fabulous trip to Australia for two weeks with help from Stuart. We loved the Silky Oaks Lodge in Daintree National Park and especially enjoyed the day we spent in the rainforest and sand flats, learning from indigenous tribespeople about their ways of life.

Lizard Island was also unforgettable. We were there during the windy season, so we were unable to take the snorkeling trip we had hoped to the outer reef or pilot the small individual skiffs around the island, but the coral reefs we were able to access snorkeling just off the beaches were vibrant and growing.

We also really enjoyed Spicers Hidden Vale and its koala research center, where our excellent guide ‘Croc’ taught us all about koala conservation, took us to see koalas in the trees, spotted more native species on our safari drive than you could imagine and, best of all, arranged a private picnic supper at the top of a high point from where we could watch the sun set and the stars come out—and later returned to tell us all about the stars and constellations.” —Cynthia Francisco

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Vietnam for low-season moments with locals and “flowers in abundance”

small rowboats in Halong Bay Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: “The beauty of the country is simply astonishing.” Photo: Shutterstock

“In my 85 years, I have seen a lot of the world. This trip to Vietnam was among the most wonderful journeys I have undertaken. The weather was hot but tolerable, with almost no rain.

The beauty of the country is simply astonishing—water everywhere; flowers in abundance; the grandeur of Ha Long Bay; the backdrop of mountains and the natural grace of the landscape. The richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture and its history were evident everywhere, from the old city of Hanoi to Chinatown in Saigon. Bustling markets, temple after beautiful temple.

In the beautiful city of Hue, my guide did a good job of keeping my WOW Moment secret until we arrived at the home of Bon and Tchi. Their hospitality was amazing, and the meal we shared was really good! Their grandson proved to be an excellent waiter; and their son was a pleasure to talk to. I very much enjoyed exploring their overgrown backyard, which contained everything from chickens to the elaborate tomb of Bon’s father.

There were unexpected ‘off-road’ moments. In Hanoi, a visit to a gallery of (very impressive) contemporary Vietnamese painting; in Hoi An, a dinner at home with my guide, his wife and two boys; in Saigon, a serendipitous trip through back alleys to an orthodox Jewish Chabad, on the sabbath no less. Though I was not able to do any daredevil Vespa-riding, I did have a spin on the back of a bike in small villages on the Mekong.” —Katherine Albert

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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African safari for catching big cats and the Great Migration

Dan Friedman

“He was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all.” Photo: Traveler Dan Friedman

Dan arranged the trip of a lifetime for me, my wife, and our son and daughter-in-law. It was a private safari in Tanzania and then a few days in Rwanda and Nairobi. Dan selected great guides for our trip. In Tanzania, our guide, Vienney, was with us the entire nine days we were there. With his deep knowledge, he was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all. Often we were the only safari vehicle at the site. While in the Serengeti we witnessed the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras head east to areas with more water—an amazing sight.

From the Serengeti we flew to Rwanda, where Dan had arranged treks to see the mountain gorillas. The treks are arduous, but very worthwhile. It’s an effort, but once you encounter a gorilla family, the experience will amaze you. Their behavior is so much more human-like than I imagined.” —Dan Friedman

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Travelers swimming in the Devil's Pool at the top of Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe

September Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

Some say the best-kept secret is stretching summer travel into early September. With mild transitional weather, dwindling crowds, and the hint of early fall colors in the Northern Hemisphere, September makes for great trips like the ones you can read about in the reviews below.

These trips were designed with the expertise of the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts, whose insider connections make the unimaginable possible. You’ll find even more ideas in the September installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Unsure where to go in September? Click the black button below for our help.

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Burgundy for a gourmet barge that floats you to a different village every day

Jill Marget and her family having lunch on the deck of their barge in Burgundy, France.

Traveler Jill Marget dines with her family aboard the Saroche.

“My family of five adults just returned from a magnificent week on a private barge cruising the canals of Burgundy.

A couple years ago, I heard some rumblings about private barge cruises in Europe. I was so intrigued. The possibilities hit all my buttons: a week visiting a rural region in Europe, experiencing the countryside, visiting a different village and/or historical site each day, and having the option to bike and/or hike along the barge or into various towns while traveling. But, where to start??

Wendy Perrin’s team to the rescue. I was connected to Ellen and Caroline, heads of a family-owned operation and, according to our barge captain, the foremost experts in the private barge-cruising business. Working with them was so helpful! We were introduced to all the different cruise types and boat options.

We landed on a wine cruise on the barge Saroche. This choice could not have been better. We are a group of active adults who love food and wine. Saroche delivered!! The barge was beautiful and comfortable, with great indoor quarters and exceptional outdoor spaces. Our captain/tour guide/resident sommelier, Jason, was so knowledgeable, fun and professional. And, the boat’s boss and gourmet chef, Dawn, was THE BEST. Each meal was better than the last—spectacular!! Jason and Dawn own the barge and have been in this business for 25-plus years. They know what they are doing!

Working with this team led us to a five-star week of unique and wonderful memories. We are all so grateful!!” —Jill Marget

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The Canadian Rockies for mountain thrills and secluded luxury after the day-trippers have left

Karen Wolfe and husband at the Canadian Rockies.

Traveler Karen Wolfe and her husband in the Canadian Rockies.

“We had such a fantastic time this September visiting the Canadian Rockies, specifically Moraine Lake and Banff, and are already missing the mountains. Moraine Lake Lodge offered us a feeling of immersion being so close to the lake and trails (canoeing on the lake was our favorite experience overall). We also felt the lodge was very private at the end of the day when most day travelers had left. It was the right balance of rustic and luxury, and we loved being in one of the cabins. The vista from our room of the Bow River and mountains was great and we liked exploring the overall hotel and spa.

The Banff Gondola, Icewalk on the Glacier, Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, and hiking within Moraine Lake were all great. Banff as a mountain town was lovely, we especially liked that it hasn’t been taken over by high-end stores and felt like a perfect mountain place.” —Karen Wolfe

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Belize for snorkeling, rainforests, and Mayan ruins in low season

Xunantunich Mayan ruins in Belize

The Xunantunich Mayan ruins in Belize’s Cayo District. Photo: Absolute Belize

“Belize is a beautiful country and has some of the nicest people I have ever met in this world. Patricia booked us beautiful villas at Chaa Creek in the Cayo District, and then for the beach portion we wanted, Ray Caye Private Island Resort, which was such an adventure. I loved that we were able to see Mayan ruins, explore and experience the jungle/rain forest, and then be at an island resort 17 miles off the shoreline where I swam with large turtles, sharks and barracudas…. I have been to 42 countries outside of the U.S., and Belize is now one of my favorites!” —Susan Cunneen

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Mexico for “history, flavor and fun”

Catherine Mathis and husband on a hot air balloon trip over the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan in Mexico.

Traveler Catherine Mathis and her husband ballooning over Teotihuacán.

Zach and José crafted a trip that was well tailored to the kinds of things we like. We had a WOW Moment our very first morning: a private tour of Museo Mural Diego Rivera, which houses his masterpiece Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park. I felt like we were traveling through time, from Mexico’s Indigenous roots to 1947, when the mural was completed. It was a vivid crash course on the country’s layered history, which made the sights we saw later more meaningful.

Early one morning we floated in a hot-air balloon over the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán. We spent an evening at the Ballet Folklorico in the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes. One night we went to see Lucha Libre, a wild cross between World Wrestling Entertainment and Cirque du Soleil.

Near Oaxaca, we visited the archaeological ruins of Monte Albán and Mitla and went to several villages, each of which specialized in a different craft—black pottery, backstrap weaving, and vibrant alebrijes (intricately painted wood carvings). We had a ball learning to make tortillas and salsa with an amazing cook who also fed us her chicken mole and stuffed peppers. It was a trip filled with history, flavor and fun. Viva la Mexico!” —Catherine Mathis

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Tahiti for island hopping during the less crowded “trade wind season”

Jan Heininger on a solo ATV ride on Raiatea, French Polynesia.

Traveler Jan Heininger explored the island of Raiatea by ATV.

Kleon planned an excellent 2½-week trip for my husband and me to Tahiti. We spent time on Mo’orea, Vahine Island, a private 50-foot catamaran, and Bora Bora.

We took a marvelous ATV ride to one of Moorea’s highest points with a great view and had a superb cooking class provided as a WOW Moment. Our second stop was tiny Vahine Island, off Raiatea Island. Kleon booked us into Vahine’s best and largest bungalow, with a superb view over a coral garden under sparkling shades of blue water. A pirogue ride got us out into the lagoon inside the outer reef, and a class in coconut palm leaf braiding gave us insight into how Tahitians creatively live off the land. Our third segment was four nights on a catamaran with a wonderful captain and cook. We made several interesting stops: a black pearl farm, a vanilla plantation, a distillery, and a culturally important archeological site. Our fourth segment included five nights on Bora Bora. Kleon booked us into Le Bora Bora resort’s largest two-room overwater bungalow at the end of the pontoon. We spent most of our time here enjoying our spacious decks and plunge pool.” —Jan Heininger

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Washington’s Olympic National Park for the “power of nature” in the fall

View from Cape Flattery, Neah Bay, WA.

Robert and Lina Grabill hiked the winding Cape Flattery trail at Neah Bay. Photo: Traveler Robert Grabill

“Our trip was to Olympic National Park—a gorgeous park and area that can be a bit overwhelming. Sheri, our trip planner, found us a great vacation rental in the 3 Crabs area of Sequim for the first half of the trip. The house sat right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, so we could watch the tides, birds and ships.

We hit the majority of the highlights of Olympic National Park. We hiked along Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent/Marymere Falls, Sol Duc, the Hoh rainforest, Kalaloch and Lake Quinault. We drove out to Neah Bay and spent time in the Makah Museum at the Makah Cultural and Research Center. We also hiked to the furthest northwest corner of the Lower 48 via the Cape Flattery trail. A gorgeous view awaited us at the end, though the trail itself wound through beautiful forests. Despite it being the off season (which was a great time to go to the park), the Hoh Rain Forest was very popular and was the busiest of all the locations we visited in the park. The Hall of Mosses is as impressive as everyone says it is—a must-see! Our only sighting of Roosevelt elk was by the roadside as we were leaving Hoh.

Kalaloch Lodge and the Pacific Coast area was another favorite of ours. We spent two nights there and even came back the next day to further enjoy its beauty. Our cabin had a great view of the ocean and sunset. It’s a place to absorb the power of nature.

A must-do drive is the loop around Lake Quinault, though drivers must be prepared for rough roads once the pavement ends. The route is like a drive-thru Hall of Mosses. Absolutely amazing….” —Robert Grabill

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Japan for outdoor fun in moderate weather (plus sushi making!)

Shelley Baker cycling along the Izu peninsula in Japan.

Traveler Shelley Baker biking along the Izu coastline.

Andrea tailored the trip to our interests. We especially enjoyed our outdoor activities like cycling through the back streets of Tokyo and then along the beautiful coastline of the Izu Peninsula, as well as sea kayaking there. It was quite windy, so our guide decided to adjust the time spent kayaking and take us on some beautiful coastal hikes instead.

A private sushi-making class in Ginza was fantastic and was the best sushi of our trip. Our hotel in Shizuoka afforded spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. We cycled to a tea plantation and had a special impromptu museum visit of Rodin’s works, which included The Thinker. A samurai experience and tea with a maiko in Kyoto were both fun. We had private guides in Tokyo and Kyoto that helped us get around on the trains and local buses, which made us feel more like locals.” —Shelley Baker

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Germany and Austria for Oktoberfest, castles, and autumn ambience

Kapitelplatz Salzburg in a sunny day.

A birthday celebration for a family of nine included three days in Salzburg. Photo: Reinhart Bryan

“We did a 30th birthday celebration for our son at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, from Sept. 24 — Oct. 1. There were nine family members, ages 24 to 57, so having Claudia work out the travel logistics was invaluable—the hotels, excursions, Oktoberfest tickets, dinner reservations, transfers and more.

We spent four days in Munich and then travelled to Salzburg, Austria, for three days. Each day of the trip had one planned excursion, but we never felt we lacked downtime or time to wander on our own. The Munich excursions included a city walking tour, an Oktoberfest tour, Dachau, Olympic Park, and Neuschwanstein Castle.

In Salzburg, we did a Sound of Music bicycle tour, strudel making, and a beer pairing dinner. My husband and I even enjoyed a WOW Moment during the trip with a lovely drink at a rooftop bar in Munich that boasted a city view. It was an incredible family celebration!” —Mary Jane Furgason

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Northern Italy for food, wine, castles, and truffle hunting in the lush green hills

The verdant Barolo wine region in Italy.

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.

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. The landscape was amazing: We were always surrounded by hills of lush green vineyards between each village, and castles in almost every one.

One of the many highlights of the trip was truffle hunting. Watching the dog track down truffles was amazing. We found four black truffles and shared them with our guide and driver, who were very appreciative.

Next, we moved on to Lake Maggiore, just outside Stresa to avoid the crowds. Our hotel room faced the Borromean Islands. We visited two of the three islands, including the rich palace and extensive gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on the Isola Bella, and had lunch on the Isola dei Pescatori. Maria exceeded our expectations by scheduling private wine tastings with experienced sommeliers and wine experts.” —Joe Lyle

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Turkey for sailing the Aegean Coast by private yacht while it’s still swimsuit weather

Sailing the Turquoise Coast on a private gulet.

Anne Hall and her husband and sister spent four days sailing the Turquoise Coast on a private gulet. Photo: Traveler Anne Hall

“My husband, sister, and I spent eight days in Turkey: four days in Istanbul and four days on a gulet sailing along the southwestern coast.

Our guide in Istanbul showed us the major sites of his city, but we liked best walking around the Asian side, where he walked us through the neighborhoods while discussing life in Istanbul. We had tea overlooking the Bosporus, lunch at a local workingmen’s lunch spot, and he set us up for massages at an ancient hammam.

After four exceptional days in Istanbul, we flew to Dalaman to board 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 two to three hours each day, then anchor 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. 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.” —Anne Hall

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Ireland for castles, food tours, and yachting when the summer crowds have left

Ashford castle and gardens.

Ashford Castle makes a “perfect” starting point for day trips to Connemara and Galway. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had a fabulous trip to Ireland in September, thanks to Jonathan and Katie! Knowing we couldn’t see everything, we still hoped for a varied sampling of the culture, history, and sights that make Ireland special, and Jonathan and Katie absolutely delivered!

We started at the stunning Ashford Castle, the perfect base for a food-tasting tour of charming Galway one day, and for exploring Sky Drive, Connemara National Park, and Kylemore Abbey on another. Then, making our way to the lovely Cashel Palace Hotel, we first enjoyed a spectacular day on a ‘Secret Ireland’ guided yacht trip on scenic Lough Derg, stopping to visit both a modern home with an inspired art collection, and a restored medieval tower castle.

Another day we spent the morning at Rock of Cashel and afternoon exploring Kilkenny, soaking up more of Ireland’s history. Our last two days in Dublin were full but not rushed—a walking tour brimming with history and stops at pubs with special literary significance (for our bibliophiles), as well as visits to Trinity College, Kilmainham Jail, and several museums.” —Heather Mcdowell

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East Africa for the Great Migration and Masai village life

Wildebeest crossing the Mara river.

Enormous herds of wildebeest cross the Mara River during the Great Migration. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just returned from a spectacular 19-day trip, arranged by Julian, Lisa and Carmella. We started in Nairobi, where we visited the Giraffe Center (fabulous), the Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary (also wonderful), stopped at a workshop where they recycle flip-flops into art products, and more. Following Nairobi, we visited three Kenya parks, each with different geography but all spectacular. We stayed at ol Donyo Lodge, Segera Retreat, and Mara Plains—all stunning, welcoming, with the nicest rooms and outstanding food. Our Kenya guides were phenomenal, all belonging to Masai tribes. We had the opportunity to visit a kindergarten, two bead cooperatives, gardens, our guide’s village, and the anti-poaching dog-training group at Segera.

We moved to Tanzania and had a highlight day waiting for and watching a wildebeest migration of 6,000-plus animals. The final stop was Rwanda; we had one terrific night at Kigali Serena before moving on to the most amazing, incredible lodge of a lifetime, Bisate Lodge. With only six rooms, the service and accommodation are an unparalleled treat. The gorilla trek is once-in-a-lifetime.” —Lynne and Bob Gaynor

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France for wine tasting and cooking classes at the start of fall

The Holder family in Les Baux-de-Provence in the south of France

The Holder family in Les Baux-de-Provence, in the south of France.

Michael planned a trip for our family of six—two adult-children couples and my husband and me. We wanted to visit the Rhone wine valley in France because my husband loves the wine and we wanted a wine-tasting experience while exploring historical and cultural sites there. We stayed at La Maison Papillon with our hosts, Caroline and Olivier, who made us feel like family. Caroline prepared delicious meals and we had a cooking class where we made our own dinner one night.

Our second stop was at La Bastide de Marie, which is an upscale boutique hotel in the middle of a winery in Provence—a beautiful property. We had excellent guides and a variety of activities: wine tasting, visiting ancient caves, kayaking, cooking classes, etc. A highlight was our last night in Paris before our trip home. Michael planned a private cruise on the Seine to see the sites. It was a great way to use a small bit of time to give us a feel for the city and included champagne!” —Julie Holder

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Croatia, Herzegovina, & Montenegro for late-season swimming weather in the Adriatic

Aerial view at amazing archipelago in front of town Hvar, Croatia Mediterranean.

Panoramic views overlooking Hvar, Croatia. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband, two children (ages 4 and 6) and I just returned from a 2.5-week trip through Croatia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro, coordinated by Ala and her fabulous team. Ala did a wonderful job of recommending hotels that were family-friendly, given the constraints she was working with (some areas in Croatia really just don’t have true luxury hotels yet like I am used to). One highlight was the Relais & Chateaux property Maslina, on the island of Hvar, which is a true gem. While on the island we also had an incredible full-day private boat charter to the Pakleni Islands, and it was magical—we swam in beautiful azure waters, saw fish, and took in incredible views. Many times, we were one of only a few boats located in our swimming area.

In Split, Ala put us in a charming hotel right in the historic palace area. When I inquired about a good public beach to visit, Ala was quick to set up an afternoon at Le Meridien outside of town—all on an hour’s notice.

On our drive to Herzegovina, Ala was happy to flex our schedule so we could stop at Kravica waterfall, where one can swim at the base of the falls. ” —Kim Segal

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Switzerland for fall hiking in the Alps and a good dose of culture

Wengen village with the Swiss Alps in the background.

The Wieders hiked the Alps while experiencing many cities and towns, like Wengen. Photo: Shutterstock

“Switzerland is more beautiful than we even imagined. The amazing itinerary that Ana on Nina’s team planned allowed us to do and see so much, and yet we felt relaxed and had time to enjoy everything. Our main goal was to hike in the Alps, but we also wanted to experience the cities, towns and beauty of Switzerland.

We went to Zurich, Zermatt, Kandersteg, Interlaken, Wengen/Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bern and Lucerne. We covered so much ground and had so many incredible experiences like kayaking on Lake Brienz, a tour of a cheese farm, learning about watch making, and a delicious chocolate tasting!

We hiked eight of our 14 days, and each hike was better than the next. Hiking in the Alps is truly incredible.” —Susan and Josh Wieder

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Peru for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Amazon rainforest in “ideal” weather

View of Machu Picchu, Peru.

The ruins at Machu Picchu in “cool and comfortable” September. Photo: Shutterstock

“From Lima to the Tambopata Reserve in the Amazon, from Arequipa to Colca Canyon, from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, we were spellbound by the warmth of the Peruvians and the beauty and diversity of the terrain and climates throughout the country.

Traveling to Peru for three weeks in September was ideal. The weather was cool and comfortable, even in the Amazon (which was an unexpected bonus). We didn’t encounter unmanageable crowds anywhere. We are thrilled that we worked with Marisol and her team to plan this fantastic trip. A definite highlight was our day spent exploring the ‘real’ Sacred Valley. The time spent with Maria and her family was priceless. From dancing with her parents to walking the Andean hills with her llama…from a spiritual ceremony giving thanks to, and toasting, the gods, to plowing the field with bulls…from sharing a lovely lunch made from locally-produced ingredients to an in-depth demonstration of their textile artistry…we felt humbled and honored to have been offered a glimpse into their daily lives.

Another highlight was our WOW Moment in Ollantaytambo. On an organic farm, we learned the traditional Inca cooking technique of pachamanca and savored the delicious alfresco lunch while admiring the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.” —Molly O’Neill-Emmi

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Prince Edward Island, Canada, for farm-to-table and artisanal delights

Sandra Quinn, Lynn Woodhouse and Debbie Zlotowitz walking goats on a farm in Canada.

Walking the goats at Island Hill Farm—a trip highlight for traveler Sandra Quinn and friends.

“Our first stop was two nights at the Inn at Bay Fortune, which was an extraordinary celebration of lovely comfortable rooms, outstanding food, and an incredible story of developing a true farm-to-table experience. With its own farmer, forager, and fabulous chef, the Fireworks Feast is not just a meal, it is an immersion in what this amazing community of people has created.

In our conversations with Jill, we talked about how we enjoyed learning about the culture and history, trying local foods, and seeing local crafts. A highlight of the trip was exploring really unique parts of P.E.I.’s culture and food. We began with a visit to Island Hill Farm, a working goat farm (with chicken, rabbits and llamas as well). Flory was the first woman farmer in the province and has built a successful and warm environment. We had a lovely visit with her, and we will always remember ‘walking the goats.’

As we drove to the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company, our guide Duncan shared more history about the farm and the preserve company. We were delighted by creative preserves, jams and more, and of course, left with goodies to take home. Their creation, the Preserve Company Potato Pie, was unique, delicious, and we left with the recipe to try on a chilly day at home.

We paid a visit to Island Honey Wine, a lovely place where they were raising bees and creating wines and other products from the honey. Our last stop of the day was Gaudreau Fine Woodworking Artisans, where we were enthralled by the variety and quality of the local art. As Duncan said when we left, ‘You certainly helped the PEI economy!” —Sandra Quinn

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Greece for beauty and a sense of calm in the shoulder season

Traditional houses in Plaka area under Acropolis, Athens, Greece.

Bright plantings are still in bloom in early fall outside houses in Athens. Photo: Shutterstock

“If anyone is considering a trip to the Greek Islands in shoulder season, we say: DO IT! My husband and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Greece. It was an absolute dream of a trip and was made so much more wonderful by Mina and her staff! Traveling toward the end of the season meant excellent weather, calmer locations, better prices, and less stress.

Athens was so incredibly educational and thrilling, we especially loved the private tour of the Acropolis slopes and Parthenon, as well as the amazing views at the GB Rooftop restaurant. From Athens we took a short flight to Paros, where we enjoyed the cooking classes at Anezina Village and the wonderful staff and team at Hotel Cove Paros. The beaches of Paros were strikingly beautiful, the bright blue water against the desert backdrop was stunning. Paros was very quiet at this point in the season, especially where we stayed in Naoussa. From Paros we took a ferry to Santorini for the final leg of our trip—a beautiful way to take in views of the islands from the water.

Once we arrived in Santorini, we were taken aback by the incredible views at our hotel Stella Rocca A Mare. We also enjoyed a wine tour to three local wineries, as well as an incredible catamaran tour with even more views and wonderful Greek barbecue.” —Mallory Cary

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Norway for fjords, hiking, and northern lights

lake in Norway with green fjords and scenery surrounding it

For both fjord activities and northern lights viewing, September can be a great month. Photo: Traveler Deborah Evans

“My husband and I just returned from a trip to Norway organized by Jan. We had explained to Jan that we wanted to see the fjords and also the northern lights, and he advised us the best time to travel would be September. He kept us apprised of changes that had to be made to our itinerary and provided options to substitute when, for example, ferries decided not to run in September. In the west of Norway to see the fjords we opted to self-drive, and Jan provided excellent driving directions enabling us to take the most scenic routes. We were lucky with the weather, after a very wet summer the sun came out and gave us spectacular views. Jan arranged excellent hiking guides who suggested routes suitable for our fitness, and were very knowledgeable about Norway’s history and culture.

We flew to Alta, far beyond the Arctic Circle, to optimize our chances of seeing the northern lights. We had three days to see the lights, days one and three were difficult due to cloud cover. However, on day two the skies cleared and we were treated to an amazing display! The area around Alta has its own beauty, which we experienced both hiking and canoeing.” —Deborah Evans

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Australia and New Zealand for cliffs and rainforests, jet boats and kayaks, koalas and kangaroos

Kathy McDermott and her husband Bob on the Dart River Adventure in New Zealand.

Traveler Kathy McDermott and her husband Bob on the “exhilarating” Dart River Adventure.

“I’ve been planning and organizing our trips for almost 40 years, but to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary and my husband’s birthday, I decided to use Wendy Perrin’s WOW List. I chose Jacki and Stuart (Australia) and Sarah and Sara (New Zealand). I never knew I even needed a planner, but this group did a splendid job.

We landed in Sydney—and what a treat it was to meet Jacki at the airport. She had a chauffeur-driven car waiting to drive us to the beautiful Capella Hotel, centrally located near Circular Quay. We flew from Sydney to Kangaroo Island, where Southern Ocean Lodge is a must. The huge windows show the stunning turquoise water, and the included excursions provided us the opportunity to see kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, seals and coastal rock formations.

Then in Adelaide we picked up a rental car and started our journey to the Great Ocean Road, with jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and lush rainforests. We spent two nights in Port Fairy at the Drift House, walking distance to Griffiths Island. Driving next to Apollo Bay, we stayed at Chocolate Gannets in a very large villa with gorgeous views of the ocean and sheep grazing next door. Thanks to Jacki and Stuart, we always had beautiful rooms, each filled with champagne, chocolate treats and anniversary and birthday wishes.

We dropped off our car in Melbourne and flew to Queenstown, New Zealand, where we picked up another rental car. Sarah booked us a lovely room at Hotel St Moritz, with gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and snow-capped mountains. Our Dart River jet boat adventure was an exhilarating ride.

We booked the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise on the Southern Secret yacht and got the Master Suite. Captain Dave and his wife Jenny provided such a wonderful experience, and it was worth the time it took to get there. We saw dolphins and penguins, kayaked, and brought in lobster traps that Jenny cooked for our dinner.

Our last stop was Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, a beautiful golf resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Our Junior Suite was huge, with great views of the golf course and ocean. It’s located within a working farm, so sheep and cows are abundant.

We will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime trip and the people who made it possible, truly miracle workers! We will definitely be using Wendy Perrin’s WOW List for our next adventure.” —Kathy McDermott

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Southern Africa for safaris, culture, and “heart-pounding” adventure

Travelers swimming in the Devil's Pool at the top of Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe

Karen Lindfors and Patrick Moore in the Devil’s Pool atop Victoria Falls.

“We had a marvelous, perfectly planned trip to Zimbabwe and Namibia in September. We began our trip with one day in Johannesburg, which we spent in Soweto with a fascinating photojournalist who seemed to know everyone in Kliptown. From Johannesburg we flew to Zimbabwe and stayed at three different safari camps. The first was on the Zambezi River, the highlight of which was a canoe trip amongst the hippos and crocodiles. Our second stop was the stunning Bumi Hills Hotel on the shores of Lake Kariba. There we enjoyed traveling to a local village and visiting an African Bush Camp Foundation school. Other highlights were fishing on the lake, where we caught about 50 bream in a couple of hours, and a wonderful sunset cruise.

Our third camp in Hwange National Park was in the classic African savannah—50,000 elephants live there and we marveled at their fascinating behavior at the camp and park-maintained watering holes. We saw many lions up close and even a leopard. Our sundowners were in open areas where we could see herds of animals traversing to the watering holes for their own evening drinks.

We spent a night in Victoria Falls and braved a heart-pounding swim in the Devil’s Pool at the top of Victoria Falls. After a helicopter ride over the Falls, it was on to Namibia and its stunning Sand Sea. We drove through the dunes, hiked on them and even took a balloon ride over the desert landscape. Throughout the trip we had fabulous guides who shared so much knowledge with us, and also their personal stories as well as the history and politics of their nations.” —Karen Lindfors

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Irene Edwards doing zip line

August Trip Ideas: Reviews to Inspire You

August is a peak month for travel—prime time for school and family vacations and a last hurrah for summer getaways. For many, it’s a month of aspiring to escape heat and crowds, and trying to find that perfect road less traveled.

The travelers whose reviews you can read below all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were tailored specifically to the month of August by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts. You’ll find even more ideas in the August installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

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The Faroe Islands for a “fascinating” mountainous archipelago landscape

Ann Miller on the Faroe Islands.

Traveler Ann Miller had a “totally immersive and cultural experience” in the Faroes.

“Our trip to the Faroe Islands was an amazing experience. Mads listened to our specific ‘wants’ and was able to incorporate them into an itinerary of equal parts hiking/boating adventures, photography, some culture, and food. In the end, we even got to see the Yarn Rock—totally worth it!

The local Faroes guides were terrific: friendly, knowledgeable,
enthusiastic about their way of life. Mikjjal was excellent while sharing his insights into local culture, art and history. And he got our sense of humor! A big win. He pivoted nicely when we changed our plans and went the extra mile to offer photography locations and suggestions as well as some other off-the-beaten-path ideas for a totally immersive and cultural experience. Did you know that the Faroes have the only roundabout in a tunnel? I loved every minute of the Faroes experience, from the fascinating landscape to the hiking. This trip offered it all.” —Ann Miller

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Western Canada for a mountain escape from summer heat

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

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

“Traveled to British Columbia and visited Whistler and Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. 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. The helicopter trip was fantastic, as was the glacier cave adventure.

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 a 5-star restaurant. One dinner was without a doubt Michelin-worthy. Another night 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.” —Todd Fitzwater

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The Azores for outdoor adventures in a temperate climate

Family hike up the mountain to Lagao do Fogo on São Miguel Island in the Azores.

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and family on a hike to Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel Island.

“For those of us who live on the east coast of the USA, the Azores are the closest point with a European and Portuguese feel. One of our guides (an American ex-pat) described them as a cross between Iceland (they are so volcanic), Ireland (they are so green) and Hawaii (a holiday destination in the middle of an ocean).

Our trip with our daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters (aged 9 and 11) started with a direct 5.5-hour flight from Newark. We spent the first three nights in the luxurious Octant Furnas Hotel. The hotel is surrounded by hot springs bringing boiling water to the surface. Highlights there were the food, including preparing and cooking a traditional stew which is buried in the hot ground for several hours; the hotel’s super-warm, mineral swimming pool; and a hike up a mountainside to Lagoa do Fogo (a lake in a former volcanic cone) followed by a swim on the beach.

We then took a short flight to the volcanic island of Pico, famous for its mountain (a former volcano, of course) and its outstanding white wine. We took day trips on ferries to the neighboring islands of Faial and São Jorge. Highlights were a trip through the lava tubes on Pico, visits to wineries, and a hike around the caldera on Faial.

Back to São Miguel for our last three nights, highlights included a private whale-watching trip with great sightings of three female sperm whales (one with a calf), an evening wine-and-food tasting tour, a morning food tour, a Jeep tour of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and finally a tour of the tea plantations with an opportunity to make our own ice cream. Thank you to Gonçalo and his co-workers for a great trip that left a multi-generational family very happy.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

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Eastern Canada for an Atlantic coastline experience that’s not crowded in summer

East Point Lighthouse on Prince Edward Island.

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 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 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.

Jill was able to get us a room at the quaint and lovely St. Martins Country Inn. We enjoyed walking the dunes at Greenwich Beach on Prince Edward Island and seeing the East Point lighthouse. On Nova Scotia, the grave site of Titanic victims, the boardwalk along the Halifax waterfront, and stops at Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay were part of the final days of a trip we loved from start to finish.”—Phil Hoch

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Disney World & Universal for VIP experiences and stress-free planning

Happily Ever After fireworks at Disney World.

Fireworks go off just above every night over Disney World’s Cinderella Castle. Photo: Disney

“Our entire family had an AMAZING Disney and Universal trip—we are very thankful to Michelle and the rest of her team. My wife and I have three daughters—14, 13 & 10. We planned four of our own previous trips to Disney, but we knew we wanted to have a new/different experience so we contacted Michelle.

Michelle and team secured a VIP guide on the day of our daughter’s birthday and our last day at Universal. We hardly had to do anything because Michelle and team took care of the personalized itinerary and all reservations.

We will always use Michelle’s office for future family Disney trips, as they are indispensable. The girls are already talking me into a trip to Disney in Anaheim and given we have never been, I’m confident Michelle’s team will make it a breeze and a slam-dunk.” —Adam Lewis

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Greece for island-hopping, remote beaches, and a rooftop pool to beat the heat

A village street of Santorini is bright white and blue, with pops of pink bougainvillea flowers

A savvy planner can help you get off the beaten path, even on Santorini. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had one of our best family trips in years, thanks to Maria’s colleague Irene. We started in Athens, where Irene booked us in a spacious, modern apartment at The Dolli, which had excellent service and food. The rooftop pool overlooking the Acropolis was a huge plus given the heat, and the day trip to the ruins at Delphi was a family favorite. Then it was on to Paros, where we enjoyed the beautiful accommodations and staff attention at the Adronis Minois. Our teens loved the amazing outdoor space with our own small pool, as well as the resident cats. Our most favorite day of the trip was on a speed boat, where we traveled to the Blue Lagoon, went cliff jumping, and visited remote beaches in Antiparos and Despotiko.

We then ferried to Santorini, where we stayed in the breathtaking Grace Hotel. The geology, ruins, and small towns in Santorini didn’t disappoint, and we enjoyed special attention at dinners that Irene arranged and various recommended restaurants, some off the beaten path. We also loved our fascinating guided tour to Akrotiri, a town even older than Pompeii that was also destroyed—and then preserved—due to a massive volcanic explosion.

Our meals, guides, and hotels were all impeccable, and even with the heat and crowds, we always felt supported and well taken care of.” —Amanda Mandel

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Florence and Tuscany for vineyard tours and extravagant meals

An outdoor cafe in next to a stone building in Tuscany, Italy.

Head to smaller Tuscan villages to avoid Italy’s summer crowds. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from a 12-day trip to Florence and Tuscany. Andrea and her team set up some great tours in Florence and experiences around Greve-in-Chianti. While we had been to Florence before, the other couple we were with had not, so Stefano arranged separate tours on the same day for each of us, which culminated in a private sunset cruise on the Arno. The Hotel Brunelleschi is a beautifully appointed property, centrally located with great service and amenities. On to Greve-in-Chianti. We stayed at the Borgo del Cabreo, another beautiful property located on a vineyard high above the town offering a 360-degree view of the Tuscan countryside. Breathtaking, especially while sipping our morning coffee or enjoying an aperitivo by the pool at sunset.

Our excursion to Montalcino and Pienza was sensational. We are big Brunello fans and Andrea’s team arranged a great experience for us at the small, family-owned Poggio Rubino vineyard. We got a tour of the winemaking operations and then sat down for a homemade Tuscan lunch (thank you, Nonna) to accompany our very generous and expertly paced Brunello tasting.

The following day we drove to the Antinori-owned Fonte de’ Medici estate, where we took a pasta-making class followed by a five-course tasting menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria di Passignano just down the road. Wow. Both experiences were eye-opening and a treat for all the senses.” —Andy Robinson

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Costa Rica for “epic” adventures—zip lining, rappelling, surfing, rafting…

Irene Edwards doing zip line

Costa Rica is the birthplace of canopy tours that let you explore the forest via zip line. Photo: GreenSpot Travel

“My family of five spent 10 days in Costa Rica planned by Irene. We were looking for engaging adventure while staying in higher-end hotels that could easily accommodate a setup for a family (villas or adjoining rooms). Our trip was an amazing, wonderful family event that we’ll remember for a lifetime. We spent 5 days in La Fortuna, residing at the Nayara Tented Camp in a family tent that easily accommodated the five of us comfortably (no bed sharing for the kids!). We did a chocolate workshop at Two Little Monkeys, which was a highlight for us, and well worth the drive. Irene organized our excursions to the Hanging Bridges, the zip lines that rip down a mountain and a canyoning tour that had us rappelling down waterfalls. All were amazing, with the rappelling being the family’s collective favorite.

We hopped a short flight and spent the last 5 days in the Manuel Antonio region. The hotel, Arenas del Mar, had a fantastic beach and wonderful restaurant. The wildlife was very active, including the white-faced monkeys that were a permanent fixture on the hotel grounds. For adventure, we got to paddle Class III and IV rapids and we had an epic day surfing.” —Jason Grapski

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Ecuador for a working hacienda and Galápagos wildlife

photo of Sea turtle swimming underwater in the Galapagos island

Adults and kids alike are captivated by the sea life in the Galápagos. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from the Galápagos Islands with our adult children, our 6-year old granddaughter and our adult nephew and his partner. Our trip started in Guayaquil, where we had one day before heading to the Galápagos. Allie sent us to La Danesa, a gorgeous, working hacienda! We visited the cacao plantation and participated in making chocolate from start to finish. Delicious! We also milked cows, went horseback riding and bicycling, and had a wonderful lunch. The grounds are beautiful and luxurious and we could have spent much more time there.

We traveled to the Galápagos the next day, where we met our wonderful guide, Viviana. She was truly one of the highlights of the trip. As a native of the Galápagos, she was knowledgeable and could share information in a way that was interesting to all of us. Even our 6-year-old peppered her with questions! We stayed at the Ikala Hotel, which had nice rooms, a lovely breakfast and restaurant area and a pool and lounge area which we all enjoyed. In our five days on the islands, we went to the Giant Tortoise Reserve; saw the lava caves and tubes; spent an incredible day walking along the beach at Tortuga Bay and snorkeling in the calmer area. We had days of boating to areas where we could go snorkeling and there we saw turtles, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, pelicans, baby sharks and schools and schools of fish.

One of the standout activities was a morning at Las Grietas, which is a swimming hole at the bottom of a lava-created crevasse. It was completely private and truly one of the highlights of our trip.” —Judy Wimpfheimer

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Romania for leaving behind the crowds and getting lessons on European history

View from a medieval fortified church in Transylvania.

Romania has medieval towns and some of Europe’s last wilderness. Photo: Tim Baker

“I traveled to Romania on a graduation trip with my daughter. Important to us was connecting with the local people and understanding the country. 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 understanding 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.

When we left Bucharest, our guide Tavi adjusted our route so we could travel the Transfăgărășan Highway. Being from Colorado, we enjoyed the winding mountain pass and Tavi’s stories of backcountry skiing the areas around the pass. We went on an amazing mountain bike ride in the hills and forests, with some fun single track as well. We saw wonderful fortressed churches and cities throughout our trip, including the beautiful Sighișoara, without crowds and with a random local who had the keys to let us in. 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 her 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 moved on to Brasov, where we had a private tour of Bran Castle and 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 helped a friend build a cabin. We met one of his friends, a local shepherd, and discussed bears threatening his flock and how the handling of these bears was different between Colorado and Romania.

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

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Tanzania for Great Migration river crossings, tented nights, cats galore…

Wildebeests crossing Mara river in Tanzania.

Wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River during the Great Migration. Photo: Andrey Gudkov / Alamy

“When I hired Cherri and Katie to plan this trip, I had one major goal—put us in a good position to see the Great Migration crossing the Mara River. The other goals were to give us a first-class trip with great camps and great guiding. Cherri and Katie succeeded in every aspect.

First stop – Sanctuary Kichikani. This is a mobile camp so bucket showers, tent, etc. However, the camp was beautiful, the staff was amazing, and the guiding was excellent. We saw a great variety of mammals and birds. The vastness of the great herd was everywhere. The predators had full bellies. We saw a leopard on day 1—what a rare amazement. Our guide got us to a crossing of the herd that was in progress when we arrived on day 2.

Second Stop – Sayari. Fantastic fixed camp. Again we saw all the animals that you hope to see including leopards, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, wart hogs, zebras. Great variety of birds. Here we had a wonderful guide who got us to a crossing of the Mara by the herd just minutes before it began. We were the first vehicle on site and had a fantastic position to appreciate the chaos and the magnificence of one of the most amazing natural events. We even saw a croc strike out trying to grab a young zebra.

Stop 3 – Namiri Planes. This is the camp to see the cats—cheetahs, lions, leopards. The short grasses and the flat planes make sighting easy. We saw the drama of failed hunts. A cheetah jumped on the front hood of our vehicle. He stood there for several moments staring at us. The guide started the engine and he jumped off.

Stop 4 – Chem Chem. We left the Serengeti and headed to Lake Manyara. Lovely camp with a great location at a watering hole. The zebras and giraffes and wildebeest would walk and run toward the watering hole in clear close view to our tent. A large herd of male elephants was nearby. Lovely walking safari ending with a beautiful meal under an immense baobab tree. We also visited a local Masai home and met the chief and his wives and children. This was very real and not touristy.

The trip was an A+. Our friends were stunned and amazed by the beauty and miracles of the parks.” —Scott Rifkin

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Mexico City for cooking lessons and hot-air ballooning over the pyramids at Teotihuacan

Helen Blumen

Hot-air balloons above one of the pyramids at Teotihuacan. Photo: Traveler Helen Blumen

“My 16-year-old granddaughter and I spent 10 days in Mexico City and Oaxaca, and we had a wonderful time! We especially loved the cooking lesson with a wonderful Zapotec lady, and the menu was adjusted for teenager tastes so that we ate quesadillas and chiles rellenos.

Another highlight was the balloon ride to see the pyramids at Teotihuacan. We are grateful for Zach’s flexibility when our original flight was delayed.” —Helen Blumen

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Sri Lanka for geographical diversity and a “great combination of relaxation and culture”

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

Lauren Schor with her husband and daughter on safari in Wilpattu National Park.

“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 Miguel and Nicola, 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 a one-day safari!

The south coast 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!

Nicola recommended fantastic properties. We loved Ulagalla—we have traveled all over the world, and it’s 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!

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!” —Lauren Schor

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Dubai and Abu Dhabi for combining city sights and desert adventures

Diane Thormodsgard

Diane Thormodsgard with her husband and grandsons on a private sunset cruise in Dubai.

“My husband and I took our grandsons (ages 14 and 13) to the U.A.E. for 10 days. Nicholas designed an itinerary that suited all of us perfectly. We started in Dubai with a stay at Atlantis the Palm, including exclusive Imperial Club access, after being met with VIP service at the airport. The boys enjoyed Aquaventure and the pool. We also had a Dubai historical tour, visited the Museum of the Future, went to the ‘top of the Burj Khalifa,’ had a helicopter ride, and went on a private sunset palm cruise.

After leaving Dubai, we ventured to Al Maha, a luxury desert resort. What a great experience with private pools at each suite (boys had their own Bedouin suite), a desert jeep ride, camel rides, beautiful sunset, early morning falconry presentation, and excellent food. Our only regret is we wished we would have spent more than one night there so we could have enjoyed other activities like archery, more time in the pool, and watching the many gazelles and rare Arabian Oryx on the property.

After touring Abu Dhabi, we finished our trip with visits to Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World and Sea World. Ferrari World was the highlight, with an individual Ferrari ride on nearby roads with a professional driver for each grandson. The trip was a nice mix of history, amazing architecture, and entertainment.” —Diane Thormodsgard

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Botswana for proximity to predators at “the perfect time of year”

A leopard walking around at a national park in Zimbabwe

“We enjoyed several close-range stare-downs with leopards.” Photo: Shutterstock

“To quote one of our travel companions, ‘I would not have changed one aspect of this trip,’ and I wholeheartedly agree. We were in the right camps with the right level of service and amenities at the perfect time of year.

Probably the most surprising aspect of our tour was the proximity within which our guides placed us to some very serious predators. On numerous occasions we could have reached out from our Land Cruiser and touched passing lions, and we enjoyed several close-range stare-downs with leopards. Upon returning back to our tent one afternoon, we found an elephant drinking from our plunge pool.

Julian did a masterful job of translating our interests and desired level of comfort into four perfectly matched camps. He guided us to Botswana and the Okavango Delta and encouraged us to select winter as the best season to visit. His services added tremendous value to the trip.” —Stephen Bajan

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A group of resting lemurs katta looking at the camera.

Thrilling Animal Encounters: Reviews of WOW Trips

For many people, seeing wild animals in their native habitat is their favorite reason to travel; that’s the common thread in the trip reviews you’ll read below. True wildlife sightings can’t be engineered, and there is a growing sensitivity to the ethics of animal encounters. The folks on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts can put you in the right place, at the right time, and with the right local trackers to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife in its natural state. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

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The Arctic: “We saw nine polar bears, including one that walked within fifty yards of our ship…”

Jeff and Lisa Wellen kayaking in Svalbard.

Travelers Jeff and Lisa Wellen saw a wide range of wildlife while kayaking, hiking, and cruising in the Arctic.

Ashton helped plan an outstanding trip on the National Geographic Resolution. We knew we wanted to go to the Arctic Circle, but we were struggling with which location to visit. With Ashton’s 25 years of experience, we quickly realized the best place for us was Svalbard. We were blessed with outstanding weather during our week around the islands, which enabled us to kayak, go on numerous hikes and zodiac rides, and of course do the famous polar plunge, which was absolutely invigorating.

We saw nine polar bears, including one that walked within fifty yards of our ship. Another two bears were sharing a recent kill of a seal. In addition, we saw Arctic foxes, walruses, whales, reindeer, and numerous species of birds. The ship is a Class 5 icebreaker, so we were able to make it easily through the ice while circumnavigating Svalbard.

We are now five-for-five using Wendy’s WOW List of advisors. If you are looking for advice on an Antarctica or Arctic trip, there is no one better to engage with than Ashton and his team.” —Jeff and Lisa Wellen

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Alaska: “The Number 1 highlight was our 2.5-hour flight by seaplane to Katmai National Park to view bears in their natural habitat…”

Alaskan brown bear sow and its cub at Brooks Falls in katmai National Park, Alaska

In the peak of fish spawning season, bears catch voluminous amounts of salmon and halibut to begin bulking up for winter. Photo: Shutterstock

Judith really listened to all that we wanted to accomplish in nine days in this vast state, including visiting Denali National Park, hiking, seeing up close as much wildlife as possible, being on a glacier, going dogsledding. She made it all happen and more!

The Number 1 highlight was our 2-1/2 hour flight by seaplane to Katmai National Park to view bears in their natural habitat, with an unscheduled stop at Lake Clark on the way back. Visitation at Katmai is limited; our plane landed in water and then parked on a beach alongside no more than 20 other small planes. It was the peak of fish spawning season, when bears catch voluminous amounts of salmon and halibut and consume 30% of their food to bulk up for winter. After attending a “bear safety” session, a naturalist from Rust’s Flying Service led us to the beginning of sprawling trails that lead to platforms above where bears live their lives. Think about being on safari…that’s what it felt like!

We were among a couple of handfuls of visitors who moved between 3 different platforms. We talked in whispers, stood quietly in awe of the activities we witnessed, and helped each other take great photos. We were watching the bears for so long we missed eating lunch, which is served in a caged picnic area back at the Park’s HQ. After taking off from Katmai, the pilot landed on a beach beside Lake Clark, we were able to munch on our forgotten lunch. The perfect end to an exhilarating day!” —Marsha Miller

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Southern Africa: “The animals exceed all expectations! We saw all the animals on our wish list and more.”

Hippos seen during a safari in Botswana.

The itinerary included three different countries—and a great diversity of wildlife. Photo: Traveler Lynn Herrick

“The perfect trip. We had been talking about visiting Africa, our last continent, for years, and I am so glad we planned our trip with Cherri. The entire process was fabulous from the first email. Cherri asked a lot of questions that helped her make suggestions and guide us toward an unforgettable trip. We also appreciated the paperwork, the app, and all the details that her company provided to make sure we were fully prepared for our journey.

We started in Capetown at the not-to-be-missed Silo Hotel and wrapped up 16 days later at the Thorntree Lodge in Zambia near Victoria Falls. In between, we had fantastic guides (shout out to Chantell who was with us for 2 full days in Capetown), rode in small planes and helicopters, visited Franschhoek for wine tasting, and 2 different campsites in Botswana for Safari. The entire trip still feels like a dream. Everyone should find an opportunity to visit Africa. I loved that we experienced three different countries on our trip. The history and people of each country were different and so interesting.

The animals exceed all expectations! We saw all the animals on our wish list and more. Our campsites were all different and I appreciated the order in which Cheri scheduled things… from the more “rustic” to the more modern. The food was amazing everywhere we went. We felt like we were at each site for just the right amount of time and really would not have changed anything in our trip. There is no way I would schedule a trip like this without an expert, and especially an expert that really listened to our likes and dislikes and thoughtfully put together an unforgettable experience.” —Lynn Herrick

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

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Brazil & Argentina: “Rincón del Socorro is one of the most wondrous places I have ever visited…”

Caiman at Ibera National Park.

“I have never seen so many species of animals so active in one vista.” Photo: Traveler John Strachan

“We spent a magnificent three weeks visiting Brazil and Argentina with our 11-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. We hit six locales in 21 days (Rio, Paraty, and Iguazú in Brazil; Buenos Aires, Iberá National Park, and San Antonio de Areca in Argentina), but Paul and Lucinda’s itinerary made it work seamlessly.

Rincón del Socorro in Iberá National Park is one of the most wondrous places I have ever visited. My wife says the closest thing is safari in Kenya, and it felt very Out of Africa. It is a former farm that was bought and rewilded by the family that founded The North Face. What they have done is stunning. We stayed in one of their old cottages and spent the next few days exploring different nearby ecosystems on foot and e-bikes, in jeeps and a boat.

Right now, we live in Quito. People here weekend in the Galápagos. The Amazon is a four-hour drive away. This region is a biodiversity paradise. But I have never seen so many species of animals so active in one vista as I did in Iberá. While our portion of the Andes has among the highest concentration of bird species in the world, the trees, forests, and mountainous terrain often hide them from view. In the wide-open wetlands of Iberá, they are all right there in front of you—storks, rheas, egrets, herons, ducks, caracara, grebes, geese, macaws, parrots, cardinals, flycatchers, swallows, and more—mating, dancing, building nests, wading, hunting. It was jaw-dropping. So was the number of active mammals we saw—foxes, boar, four species of deer, capybaras, and peccaries. Also, turtles, snakes, and caimans. This place would be on every human’s bucket list if it were more widely known.

Then we stepped back in time, to the gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco. We had a quiet little three-room inn to ourselves. At night, we sat around the outdoor fire listening to legendary local troubadours play guitar and sing songs of old. It felt like we were treasured guests in a good friend’s home. The local gauchos taught our daughter to gallop and even had her standing on horseback, albeit while stationary.

Paul and Lucinda’s expertise in these two huge countries was invaluable. They turned our trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we never knew was possible.” —John Strachan

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Los Cabos, Mexico: “The close encounters with gray whales rank in our top three lifetime wildlife experiences…”

Gray whale at sea during sunset.

The knowledge and enthusiasm of a marine expert made Traveler Jack Davis’ whale encounters even more “outstanding.” Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of 11 stayed at a stunning property in Los Cabos, Mexico, that was a little hard to get to but worth it for the solitude and breathtaking views. Julie and her team were able to tailor our requests for excursions—which initially were a problem due to the young grandchildren in our party—and made them possible. She also introduced us to our marine expert Oscar, who was exceptional; his enthusiasm, flexibility and knowledge were outstanding. The close encounters with gray whales rank in our top three lifetime wildlife experiences.” —Jack Davis

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Costa Rica: “An exciting night walk ended with our first sloth sighting—my must-see No. 1!”

A pair of scarlet macaws seen during a mangrove boat tour in Costa Rica.

A pair of scarlet macaws are technicolor exclamation points above a mangrove boat tour. Photo: Traveler Stephen Sherrard

“My husband, Steve, and I just came back from our wonderful trip to Costa Rica planned by Irene. We saw all the wildlife on our must-see list and more!

In the Osa Peninsula’s secluded jungle, an exciting night walk ended with our first sloth sighting—my must-see No.1 checked off the list on the first night! During a mangrove boat tour, squirrel monkeys, macaws, sloths, and herons, to name a few, all showed their faces. Next up was a Corcovado National Park hike. Our private hiking guide spotted an anteater, more sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, beautiful trogons, hummingbirds, and more!!

Pablo took us to Arenal Observatory Lodge bright and early, since we shared that Steve’s favorite thing to do is photograph hummingbirds. There were so many types of hummingbirds right in front of us, along with various beautiful birds! We had a wonderful time at Nayara Tented Camp, starting with in-room breakfast, listening to birds singing, hiking around looking for hummingbirds, seeing a family of howler monkeys moving from tree to tree, dipping into the hot spring, and scouting for frogs at night. We even witnessed a sloth two feet away from us, climbing back up to a tree after pooing, which they only do once a week!!

Thank you to Wendy’s WOW List for leading me to Irene for a perfectly relaxing Costa Rica trip. We will be back!” —Paychi Karen Guh

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Norway: “We had gone on dogsledding ‘rides’ before…but this dogsled experience was much more interesting…”

Dog sledding in Alta.

Dog sledding in Alta. Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen – Visit Norway

“We went on a wonderful trip (March 2025) to Alta, Norway, mainly to see the Aurora Borealis. We stayed at the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge and had activity-packed days in which we went dogsledding, snowshoeing with ice fishing, and went on a snowmobile looking for stray reindeer.

We had gone on dogsledding “rides” before, where they put you on a sled with a driver and you ride around a track and get a good photo op as you go by, but this dogsled experience was much more interesting. We first met our five dogs (out of a kennel of 60+ dogs), put our dogs into their harness, hooked them to the sled and drove the sled for a few hours’ ride through the countryside (with our excellent Sami guide on the sled in front of us, she also provided an excellent lunch for us in the middle of our sledding adventure). It was beautiful and fun.

On another day, our guide Rikki took us on a full day visiting a Sami reindeer herder where we “helped” him round up stray reindeer on snowmobiles. As for our goal to see the northern lights, we had a guide that was ready to take us out every evening. We were lucky and had two beautiful nights with the aurora borealis (and two snowy nights). The northern lights were spectacular. Overall, we had a wonderful vacation that Jan planned flawlessly.” —Marianne Hane

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Mexico: “A visit to see the monarch butterflies at their winter habitat in Michoacan, something that has been on my bucket list…”

Monarch Butterflies on tree branch in Michoacan, Mexico.

Monarch Butterflies on tree branch in Michoacan, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“It began with a visit to see the monarch butterflies at their winter habitat in Michoacan, something that has been on my bucket list for years. Unfortunately, we were surprised to find that the butterflies had already abandoned the sanctuary we visited on day 1 which we feared would be the case throughout the reserve. Luckily, our amazing guide, Amalia, made some quick calls and found that there were indeed butterflies at El Rosario sanctuary, which wasn’t on our itinerary till the next day. Our guide and driver were very flexible about extending the day and we were lucky enough to see butterflies both days at El Rosario. It is truly a magical experience and I would highly recommend it for anyone traveling to the area in January, February, or early March.

In CDMX we enjoyed a wonderful week which included a once in a lifetime experience doing a private, after-hours tour of the Anthropology Museum. Again, it was truly magical to be alone with so many important pieces of Mesoamerican history and our museum guide was a fount of knowledge.” —Melissa Pollack

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Romania: “She jumped through hoops to ensure that I was able to see bears in a viewing blind in the forest…”

Brown bear in the Carpathian Mountains near Brasov, Romania.

The “greatest wish” of traveler Tina Sarafa was to see bears in the Romanian wilderness. Photo: Shutterstock

“My trip with Raluca was incredible! She is nothing short of a miracle worker. I was a solo woman traveler and wanted to feel safe. Raluca found me a perfect lodge in Transylvania that was lovely and warm and totally safe. The food was outstanding! She also got me into all the castles I wanted to see, including Bran Castle.

She jumped through hoops to ensure that I was able to see bears in a viewing blind in the forest. That was my greatest wish, as I love animal viewing, and the largest concentration of bears in Europe is in Romania. She also provided me with the most wonderful guide and driver; Vlad got to know me and took me to his friend’s farm, where I got to see their dogs and livestock and enjoy meeting local people. My trip was so amazing that I hope to rebook with Raluca for a family vacation at a future date.” —Tina Sarafa

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Australia: “The owners of the villas are certified to do wild animal rescue…”

Two kangaroos near Oceanview Eco Villas in Australia.

Kangaroos and wallabies hop through vast open spaces around villas. Photo: Traveler Jane Shear

“One of Stuart and Jacki’s suggestions was Oceanview Eco Villas, which is two villas on a 500-acre property on Kangaroo Island. Tim and Tamsin, the owners of the villas, are fantastic hosts and do everything they can to provide an enjoyable and meaningful stay in their beautifully furnished villa with a spectacular ocean view.

Tamsin prepared fabulous meals—vegan, per our request. Tim is a certified guide and gave great tours. He is a true birder and knew which trees and areas would host rare birds, and he also found koalas for us.

Watching kangaroos and wallabies hopping through the vast open space around our villa was a unique bonus to staying at Oceanview Eco Villas. Tim and Tamsin are certified to do wild animal rescue, and we got to watch a joey (baby kangaroo), both in and out of its mother’s pouch, and even got to feed the kangaroos.” —Jane Shear

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East Africa: “It was magical waking up at 5:30 in the morning to have a giraffe waiting at your window…”

Wildlife encounters don’t get much closer than those at Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor. Photo: Shutterstock

“I don’t know how Dan did it, but he got us a night at Giraffe Manor 18 months out—and it was booked solid for months. It was magical waking up at 5:30 in the morning to have a giraffe waiting at your window for treats.

From there we flew to Sarara Camp, a really lovely place with only six tents, excellent food, and a watering hole near the lodge. The entire venture is with the Samburu community. I love that Dan supports these community conservancy efforts. In fact, when I asked about visiting Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, he suggested Reteti, which is run by the Samburu. It’s a wonderful place where the women of the tribe supply the goat’s milk used for the elephants (it’s loaded with supplements), so the entire community is involved and benefits.

The Serengeti is so large that you can’t cover it all, but it is important to have an experienced guide, as we did. Our guide had to help several guides who were lost (and he never got stuck in the many water-filled potholes). Dan really has a handle on how to match you up with a guide and has a stable of people he works with regularly.

The Ngorongoro Crater is so full of life. Here we saw rhinos (literally walked in front of our vehicle)! Finally, as we had said my husband wanted to swim with whale sharks, Dan recommended the small island of Mafia because it was close and in season for whale sharks. My husband did scuba for several days, but only snorkeling is allowed with the whale sharks, and we did that on our last day. Mind-blowing.” —Laura Ackerman-Shaw

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Uganda: “We basically experienced an episode of Chimp Empire…”

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!

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

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Ecuador: “At Mashpi Lodge, a biologist identified 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 an eyeglass frame. Photo: Traveler Robin Madden

“We just returned from a 10-day trip to Ecuador, with our two adult sons and one of their partners, and unlike most, we did not include the Galapagos in the itinerary. 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.

Though remote, the Napo Wildlife Center is both elegant and comfortable. Our experience included a local guide from the indigenous community. The lodge 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.

At Mashpi Lodge, 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. We had the extraordinary luck of witnessing a battle between a wasp and a tarantula. The wasp won, killing the tarantula and depositing her eggs inside to hatch in about 10 days. Fernando videotaped the whole encounter. It was like watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us.” —Robin Madden

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Mexico: “Four days in a remote whale-watching camp alongside private boat excursions to key wildlife sites…”

Diver swimming with whale shark

Diving with a whale shark. Photo: Journey Mexico

Zach and his wonderful team—Carolina and Jose among many others behind the scenes I’m sure—planned the most outstanding mother-daughter spring break trip to Baja California, Mexico, for my 20-year-old and me. We were interested in a nature-focused experience, spending all of our time on whale watching, sea lions, whale sharks, etc.  Zach was so thoughtful, spending a series of phone calls with me figuring out what kind of travelers we were and what kind of experiences would be right. He then proposed the perfect itinerary, including four days in a remote whale-watching camp alongside time in La Paz on private boat excursions to key wildlife sites and a transfer evening in Cabo. We weren’t excited about spending time in busy Cabo, and he found us an under-the-radar boutique hotel that checked all our boxes (quiet, beautiful, excellent service).

The trip itself was flawlessly executed.  Carolina went out of her way to figure out where we could skip logistics steps and bypass lines. It couldn’t have run more smoothly during a very crowded time in Baja. I was also so appreciative of their flexibility and help when, at the last minute, I had a medical emergency and couldn’t go with my daughter. They immediately shifted all of the reservations to a new family member who accompanied her. Hearing their glowing, joyful reports every day of the amazing time Zach and team had organized was almost as wonderful as being there myself. We can’t recommend Zach, Carolina, Jose and team more highly.” —Cate Bradley

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Canada: “We are so thankful to have experienced polar bears in the wild with a small group on foot…”

Polar bear with cubs in Canadian Arctic.

A polar bear with cubs in the Canadian Arctic. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was a fantastic trip!  I’ve been thinking about seeing polar bears for years and imagined traveling in tundra buggies outside of Churchill looking for bears. Thank goodness I reached out to Marc and his team for their help!

Marc suggested a walking safari at a remote camp. He also helped determine the optimal time and best experience based on our interests. It was amazing! The tour is 6 days—4 days at the camp and one day on either end in Winnipeg.  The camp is 60 km north of Churchill, we flew in on an 8-passenger plane and saw a polar bear from the air! The entire time we were at the lodge, there were 3 bears around the camp. We had so many opportunities to see them from the lodge, from the viewing decks outside, and walking on the tundra. Equipment was provided and very much appreciated for protecting us from the Arctic winds. We were also lucky enough to see an amazing show of the northern lights.

As we were preparing for our trip, our questions were quickly and accurately answered by Kate on Marc’s team. We appreciated their recommendations and support. We are so thankful to have experienced polar bears in the wild with a small group on foot.” —Deborah Wente

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The Galapagos Islands: “We had penguins nibbling our fins, watched sea turtles noshing underwater and sea lions performing acrobatics…”

woman snorkeling underwater in Galapagos with giant tortoise

Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. Photo: Traveler Colleen Grazioso

Ashton did an incredible job helping us plan our vacation of a lifetime to the Galapagos to celebrate our Dad’s 75th Birthday (and my 50th!).  We spent eight days aboard a sturdy and very comfortable catamaran that sleeps 16 passengers across eight passenger cabins. The ship has a crew of ten that provided amazing service. It was incredible to have the entire boat to ourselves. With no internet onboard, we spent real quality time relaxing together. My dad claims he spent more time with his grandkids on this trip than over the past 15 years combined!

We walked on young lava around volcanoes, hiked up mountains, kayaked in caves, saw tons and tons and tons of all sorts of iguanas, swam on deserted white-sand beaches, watched octopus in tide pools, walked next to giant land tortoises, and saw lots and lots of blue-footed boobies. Several of us are certified SCUBA divers and were a little upset before we got there that we wouldn’t be diving on this trip but, I have to say, the snorkels we did on this trip were more spectacular that any dives I have ever done, anywhere. We had penguins nibbling our fins, watched sea turtles noshing underwater and sea lions performing acrobatics in front of us—every single day. We saw rays and whales and sharks and eels and tons of colorful fish and starfish the size of hubcaps. If you like to snorkel, this trip will top anything you have done, I guarantee it!” —Colleen Grazioso

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Southern Africa: “My daughter and I were profoundly affected by the emphasis on sustainability and respect/harmony with nature…”

elephant close-up in Zambezi river in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Lower Zambezi River is home to massive herds of elephants. Photo: Wilderness Safaris

“My daughter and I had the most incredible trip to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, as organized by Cherri and her team. One thing I always appreciate about your specialists is their desire to understand my particular travel needs and desires. We started with 5 days in Cape Town, mixing up our need for outdoor activities—hiking and biking—with cultural and historical highlights. Then, off to Camp Moremi in Botswana, where we did 7 jeep drives that brought us so close to all the animals. Having been in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater before, I really appreciated the small and intimate camps in Botswana. When we found animals, there were only 2-3 Jeeps, and we did not crowd them. This allowed us to see animals mating, feeding, nursing, fighting, and other activities that are just part of life.

At Camp Okavango, which is surrounded by water, our safaris were by boat, canoe and on foot. We loved this—the quiet, the birds, the alarm calls! Once, on walking safari, we encountered a male elephant at close range. Our guide, Taps, quickly advised us on how to act and proceed. We felt entirely safe, and at the same time, were within 10 feet of the elephant. He even sniffed us!

Our final stop was at Dulini Leadwood in Sabi Sands, and I have to say, this was beyond fantastic. Within one day, we saw all of the Big 5 animals! Again, we were able to watch animal behaviors that are so rare, such as a leopard with her 3- month-old cub, playing.   While an African safari is never inexpensive, this one surely met all the criteria of ‘trip of a lifetime’. My daughter and I were profoundly affected by the emphasis on sustainability and respect/harmony with nature. This is my 5th trip with one of Wendy’s experts, and we have 2 more coming up. I love doing my own travel planning, but when going somewhere that has myriad options and connections, it’s just so much easier with one of your travel planners. Thanks so much.” —Milinda Martin

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Alaska: “The Kodiak Brown Bear Center was very interesting—and did we see the bears! We saw them in the water, on the land, and even in the trees…”

Alaskan brown bear sow and its cub at Brooks Falls in katmai National Park, Alaska

An Alaskan brown bear sow and its cub at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our fifth trip to Alaska was again spectacular, thanks to Judith. We wanted to visit Kodiak Island for bear viewing and also try ocean fishing. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center was very interesting—and did we see the bears!  We saw them in the water, on the land, and even in the trees!  We also enjoyed the lodge and the limited number of people that can stay at one time. There are only four cabins.

Judith also made arrangements for us to go ocean fishing in Homer with a full-service charter—meaning, not only did they provide the bait and tackle, but they also handled the cleaning and made arrangements for processing so we could ship our catch home for us to enjoy. The scenery was spectacular, and the sea was relatively flat. We saw whales and puffins, and we fished for salmon and halibut. Our hotel was on the Homer Spit, so we could watch the boats come and go. One evening we brought our dinner back to the hotel so we could watch the sunset from our picture window, and our dinner view was a group of sea otters having fun playing in the water. Another wonderful trip! Thank you, Judith, and also thank you, Wendy Perrin, for your list of travel specialists.” —Marsha Friedli

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The Galapagos Islands: “It was simply mind-boggling how many amazing animals we saw up close…”

photo of Sea turtle swimming underwater in the Galapagos island

A sea turtle in the Galapagos. Photo: Shutterstock

“My family of four (two parents, 10yr old, 12yr old) took a one-week Galapagos cruise aboard the Elite. Allie planned the trip. EVERY aspect of the journey was incredible, and none of us wanted to leave.  We plan 90% of our travel on our own, but with a trip like this, which we thought would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we wanted to be 100% sure we got it right. We are so happy Wendy linked us up with Allie. Allie was essential to helping us sort through the blizzard of options (land-based or boat-based? which of a hundred boats? large or small? monohull or cat? four-day or longer? etc.). She helped us make it perfect. So perfect that maybe it won’t be once-in-a-lifetime.

With Allie’s guidance we chose a small boat (the Elite has a 16-person max). Small boats can be rocky, so she steered us toward a catamaran for more stability, to minimize the risk of seasickness. The water was generally smooth, but on one or two nights with bigger waves, we were very happy to have two hulls, especially while watching how tippy the monohulls were. We didn’t really think about it beforehand, but being aboard a catamaran allowed for a wider beam and more spacious rooms on board.

The reason to go to the Galapagos is the geological and natural history,. We saw blue-footed boobies, courting frigate birds, gulls, Galapagos hawks (hunting and eating marine iguanas!) and more. We encountered a number of Galapagos tortoises in the wild. In the water, on numerous snorkeling activities, we saw more types of reef fish than I could name, from little gobis and half-inch baby puffers up to tuna. Small sharks skimmed the bottom, oblivious of us. Penguins flashed by, within a few feet, as they hunted, and we actually saw them catching fish. We never sought out sea lions because as soon as we hit the water, they found us, swimming within inches of us in circles and loops, trying to get us to play with them. Pods of sea turtles munched on algae as we floated above, swimming so close to us at times that we actually had to struggle to swim away in order not to contact or disturb them. It was simply mind-boggling how many amazing animals we saw up close.” —John Strachan

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Costa Rica: “We were able to see howler monkeys and troops of both white-faced capuchin and spider monkeys…”

White-Headed Capuchin monkey in Manuel Antonio, the rainforest of Costa Rica.

A white-faced Capuchin monkey in Costa Rica’s rainforest. Photo: Shutterstock

“My wife and I, along with our three children (elementary, high school, and college age), worked with Priscilla in the planning of a trip to Costa Rica in March. We were able to mix in plenty of activities with some relaxation.

Our first stay was at The Springs Resort and Spa in the Arenal Volcano area. The hotel offered plenty for the children to do beyond swimming. The waterfall rappelling excursion Priscilla recommended was very fun. At the hotel we spotted sloths and toucans, and the view of the volcano from the hotel room was spectacular.

Our next stop was La Paloma Lodge in Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula. The Sunset Rancho offered a fantastic view of the ocean, and the meals were great. Our excursion to Corcovado National Park was a highlight and we were able to see Howler Monkeys and troops of both White Faced Capuchin and Spider Monkeys. We also saw an arboreal anteater, Coatimundis, and a saltwater crocodile. Priscilla set up a wonderful night tour where we were able to see snakes, frogs, spiders, a scorpion, and even a fleeting glimpse of a Kinkajou. Cocolito Beach by the lodge offered some great waves for boogie boarding and never felt crowded. From beginning to end, Priscilla and the team provided a lot of details/organization so we could just enjoy the trip.” —Nelson Mongiovi

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Kenya & Rwanda: “It’s hard to explain the joy and wonder one experiences when face-to-face with a gorilla family, but it was extraordinary, and we are forever changed…”

A gorilla in Rwanda. Photo: Pixabay

“We recently returned from a truly amazing trip to Kenya and Rwanda, organized by Dan. We began planning our trip over a year ago, initially interviewing two companies that were rated as being in ‘the top five’ by respected travel publications. Disappointed that their representatives weren’t really listening and designing trips that met our criteria, we reached out to Wendy’s team and got connected with Dan.

Dan is a great listener and promptly put together an itinerary that excited us and met our requirements. With his guidance, we selected two locations for safaris on private lands in Kenya, the Lewa Conservancy and the Mara North Conservancy. The safari experiences at the two locations complemented each other really well.

In Lewa, we saw four of the Big Five upon arrival, just on our drive from the airstrip to camp! Home to countless unique species, there we also saw Grevy’s Zebra, white and black rhinos and even wild dogs. Fortunately, we also made it to the Maasai Mara in time to see the Migration and a drama-filled river crossing, as well as all the Big Five. Our last stop was Rwanda, where we went gorilla trekking for two days. It’s hard to explain the joy and wonder one experiences when face-to-face with a gorilla family, but it was extraordinary, and we are forever changed.” —Gina and Roger Symczak

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Barbara Schoenfeld

May Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

May is a month of opportunity. Foliage is blooming and temperatures rising in so many places, but crowds are not yet at their peak: Vacations for families ruled by school-break weeks have come and gone, and summer travel is still a glimmer on the calendar’s horizon. For travelers with flexibility, Memorial Day holds the potential for a long weekend, creatively expanded.

Read on to see what your fellow travelers have done to make the most of May, from visiting Europe’s growers and artisans to studying archaeology of Cambodia to taking in the tranquility of Tahiti (“no noise other than the wind, the waves and the coconut tree”).

These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of May by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts. You’ll find even more ideas in the May installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Unsure where to go in May? Click the black button below for our help.

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The Balkans for coastal beauty, hiking, and bringing rich complex history to life

Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traveler Jeannie Mullen’s “most pleasant surprise of the trip.” Photo: Shutterstock

“It is really difficult to condense a 28-day, five-country trip into a review that does justice to the incredibly detailed work that went into my recent solo trip to the Balkans. Ala and Arina listened attentively, offered a lot of variety to choose from, provided counsel when necessary, and followed through on every single detail.

The trip included five of the six Balkan countries formerly known as Yugoslavia: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. While a complicated and extensive political and religious history connects these countries, each has its own fascinating identity, culture and people. My local guides were phenomenal, most having been born and raised in each city/town that I toured, which made their storytelling all the more rich with unique detail. Milan, my guide in Belgrade, was also a professor of art history at the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, as well as an opera singer and actor. He had just published a book, which he graciously signed and gifted to me.

Old Town Ljubljana was a delightful mix of history, art, architecture, nightlife and shopping. I could plan a trip there this fall and do ALL of my Christmas shopping.… A day trip to picturesque and historic Lake Bled provided a great contrast.

Croatia was a fascinating combination of food and cultures (depending upon which border we were close to): truffle hunting with a cute young brother and sister in Prodani, casual strolls through picturesque historic walled towns in the mountains of Istria, fresh oysters and mussels prepared by a local farmer in Ston, a stunning flight along the Adriatic coastline from Istria to Dalmatia, waterfront dining in harbors tucked away among the Pakleni Islands, a private cooking class in Split, and a sunset boat ride accompanied by dolphins off the coast of Rovinj.

In Belgrade I did a deep dive into the history of Yugoslavia and Tito’s regime from a scholar’s perspective, had personal time with a master violin maker and local ‘naive’ artists in Kovačica, and shopped at a local grocery store for the foods Serbs like to eat.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was my biggest and most pleasant surprise of the trip. Sarajevo was a fascinating city with something to see and learn about around every corner. My local guide, Muhammad, was instrumental in describing a very complicated history, but also showing me the vibrant multicultural atmosphere that is now his adopted city.

Montenegro…a coastline and atmosphere that consistently make you think you are on a movie set. I took a boat tour of the hidden submarine tunnels from WWI, and a day trip up the historic Serpentine Road (22 switchbacks that follow the caravan route that Roman traders used) to the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje.

A few weeks before my departure, I developed some concerns about political unrest in Bosnia and Serbia. Arina, who lives in Belgrade, was able to assure me that everything remained very peaceful. I’m really pleased that I followed her advice because I didn’t find anything remotely similar ‘on the ground’ to what I was reading in the international press.” —Jeannie Mullen

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Iceland for exploring glaciers when it’s not too cold, too hot, or too crowded

Daren and Sue Tobert on the Sólheimajökull glacial tongue after a hike.

Daren and Sue Tobert on the Sólheimajökull glacial tongue after a three-hour hike.

“After a two week vacation in Europe we did a six day stopover in Iceland on our way home. We worked with Mads in Denmark. Mads arranged a fantastic tour of Reykjavik, and the west and south areas of the island for us. We had a ton of fun exploring the waterfalls, beaches, caves and glaciers. The accommodations at the Black Pearl, Hotel Budir and Hotel Ranga were top notch. We had so many wonderfully surprising experiences as we immersed ourselves in the history, culture and landscape of the island we couldn’t help but fall in love with Iceland. It is on our list to return to soon.

Some highlights included a self-guided driving tour around Snaefellsnes Peninsula, exploring the rift valley at Thingvellir National Park, and sampling a variety of foods with our knowledgeable guide, Nori. Who knew Rye Bread ice cream was a real thing? Our WOW came while hiking on the glacial tongue at Sólheimajökull in the south. The three-hour hike included peeking over the edges of crevasses and glacial moulins where meltwater pours in making deep shafts. We remain humbled and in awe of the power of nature in Iceland!” —Susan Tobert

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Norway for fjord country and summer stays in the Arctic Circle

Susan Freeman on the fjord swing at Trandal.

On a wing and a prayer, Norwegian wind in her hair—traveler Susan Freeman soars on the fjord swing at Trandal.

“We just returned from a 25-day trip to Scandinavia planned by Torunn. In my opinion, Norway is THE most beautiful country on earth. It simply must be experienced for travelers who want beauty of nature, few people, and a place where everything works!

We spent five nights in Oslo, two in Bergen, and the rest of the time in gorgeous fjord country, ending with stays just north of the Arctic Circle. We e-biked to an 11th-century stave church on the Romantic Road, visited an artisanal brown cheese maker, had dinner with a farmer and his wife in their summer pasture cabin high above the fjords, fished, sea kayaked, and of course hiked.

The most unusual part of the trip was visiting a former trading lodge in the Arctic Circle on a private island owned and run by the first Norwegian woman to summit Everest, as well as the highest mountains on all seven continents. We loved meeting her and learning from her. This was one of our all-time favorite trips anywhere in the world!” —Susan Freeman

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Switzerland for active outdoor adventures

Andy Shafran and family spelling OHIO during private kayak trip on Lake Brienz

Andy Shafran and family spelling OHIO during a private kayak trip on Lake Brienz.

“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.

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

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Malta for history and archaeology before the busy summer months

Blue Grotto sea caves in Malta.

Malta’s Blue Grotto of dramatic sea caverns on the south coast. Photo: Shutterstock

“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. 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.

The food in Malta was great. 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 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.” —Samantha Michaels

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Thailand for high to low foodie experiences and off-season rates

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.

“A two-day board meeting in Bangkok gave us the opportunity to combine this with a two-week trip to Thailand. We worked with Dan to figure out where to go and decided to start with Bangkok and then spend time in Northern Thailand.

We explored the waterways of Bangkok in a private longboat and 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 and Le Du.

We then flew up to Chiang Mai and stayed at the wonderful 137 Pillars House. We drove around in an electric tuk-tuk, ate local specialties in the night market, and went bamboo rafting. We had specifically requested to learn about some of the textile weavings for which Northern Thailand is famous, so Dan arranged for us to go to Studio Naenna to meet Patricia Cheeseman, a renowned textile expert and author, where we had a hands-on experience with tie-dying with natural indigo dye.

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 three-bedroom villa to ourselves, complete with exercise room, steam room, and private pool. 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 in 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 Locus Native Food Lab is a short walk from the villa.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

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Turkey for hiking, balloon rides, and a private sailing experience

Tina Hunt

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 started with a three-day gulet voyage on the Prima Donna. 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. The-8 person gondola was piloted expertly over the otherworldly landscape. Even after seeing photos of how beautiful it could be, in-person was jaw-dropping.

All too soon it was time to head back to Istanbul for our last three nights of our adventure. We typically aren’t much for big cities and were surprised by the playfulness and welcome vibe of Istanbul. Our guide Cenk helped make this very memorable with his quick wit, fast pace, and love of the city. Our foodie tour was a blast, with a mix of local tasty bits, drinks, and followed up with some sweets from one of his favorite shops.

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

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France for Roland-Garros tennis and the beaches of Normandy

Marsha Friedli and her husband at The French Open in Roland Garros Stadium, in Paris, France.

Marsha Friedli and her husband at the French Open.

“Magnificent! That is the best word to describe the experiences Jennifer put together! We wanted to visit the beaches of Normandy as my father-in-law was part of the invasion support during WWII, and finish with Paris and the Roland-Garros competition. We also visited Giverny and the Bayeux tapestry museum. Our stay at Château La Chenevière was just lovely.

Even though the weather did not cooperate in Paris—it was mostly light drizzle and cloudy skies—our time at Roland-Garros, center court, was under cover. Excellent seats and transportation arranged by Jennifer. We had tickets for both day and night sessions. Jennifer made our trip into an experience of a lifetime.”—Marsha Friedli

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Eastern Europe for rich history & storybook cities

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. 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!

We traveled by train to Vienna, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where we got a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the oldest libraries in Europe. We visited the Belvedere Palace and Gardens and enjoyed its art collection, including the Gustav Klimt collection. When we arrived at the new ‘Shoah Wall of Names,’ a quartet was playing music. We were very moved.

We love trains, so off we went to Prague by train! We loved storybook Prague, especially behind-the-scenes tours in so many places. Prague has a rich history and beautiful architecture. We toured historic buildings, palaces and libraries as old as any in Europe. Our private guide, Kamila, also took us to the historic sites of Terezin and Lidice, both terribly impacted by World War II. She talked through our emotions with us so we felt heard and understood. It was such a powerful visit. Kamila was able to arrange behind-the-scenes visits and was able to tweak timing to optimize our visit. We loved it!” —Tammy and Yehuda Schmidt

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Japan for traditional lodging and experiences after the cherry-blossom crowds disperse

A traditional onsen ryokan hot spring inn Japanese hotel in the middle of nature.

Onsen ryokan are traditional inns with hot springs bathing. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of 6 (mom, dad, and four 20-something kids) recently got home from a 16-day trip in Japan created by Scott’s colleague Jason. Jason helped us shape a trip that worked well for our family and really took into account our interests and preferences. We started in Tokyo with our guide Narumi, who stayed with us for the whole trip. Our guide met us the first day and suggested we go ‘off itinerary’ for a special local event, the Kanda Myojin Shrine Parade, and we watched hundreds of people from many neighborhoods celebrate and dance with their shrines. We also saw all the major sites and had a few special and memorable experiences: our favorites in and near Tokyo were a cooking class at the home of a chef with an amazing history, visiting a sword maker, and a sake (actually nihonshu) tasting class. For the rest of our trip we had fun finding and ordering sakes of different types.

We next visited Kanazawa to see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that were beautiful and interesting and stayed in a fantastic onsen ryokan that gave us a taste of hot-spring bathing and provided more of a Japanese feeling than traditional western hotels. In Kyoto, we visited temples—some with amazing views—a bamboo forest, a building housing 1,000 Buddha statues from the 1200s, and some terrific shrines. We had a Taiko drum class—a real hoot for the whole family—and had a moving and relaxing Zen Buddhism experience. We saw many gorgeous meditative gardens where we could have spent hours. Our daughter also found a ‘Pig Café’ (think ‘Cat Café’ but with little pigs) which was…different and fun.

We specifically requested a stop in Hiroshima, which we found particularly moving and profound and such a testament to the evil of nuclear weapons and resilience of the Japanese people. Another favorite location was Naoshima, which was completely Jason’s suggestion. We’ve told several friends about ‘the art islands’ since we’ve been back. We could have easily spent an extra day or two, and the art and experience was truly memorable.” —Andy Kaplan

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France for markets and villages with a local feel

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

The Seine glows at night in Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“We started in the South, staying at the world-renowned Hôtel du Cap—unavailable if you try to book it yourself, but available if you have Philip’s team working with you. We spent four days touring Southern France with expert driver-guides arranged by Philip, having the opportunity to compare places like Cannes, Nice, and Monaco—all excellent, yet each very unique. 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. The Picasso museum in Antibes, the hilltop villages of Eze and St. Paul de Vence were all amazing experiences.

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. Wonderful tours of Provence, including a stop at the weekly markets in Cucuron (highly recommend!) and St. Remy, along with a Vincent van Gogh tour. Our driver-guides helped us compare and contrast the various villages and markets that were touristy vs. those that were frequented more by the locals—both were great and yet very different. An excellent way to get a feel for the uniqueness of Provence and the people that live there.

From Provence we took the 3-hour bullet-train ride from Aix to Paris, absolutely the best way to travel from the South of France to the North—takes less than half the time that driving would take. 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

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Italy’s countryside with smart planning that avoids the crowds

Typical stone houses with stunning vineyard in the Chianti region in Tuscany.

Tuscany is filled with artisans as well as vineyards. Photo: Shutterstock

“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.

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.

One of the most surprising events was a last-minute opportunity provided by Maria to go to the opera in Parma. My husband, who is not an opera fan, has been telling everyone that one of the highlights was seeing the opera with 280 performers on stage. This may be the highest of compliments for a perfect trip.” —Lynne Golomb

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Egypt for early-bird Giza touring, cruising the Nile

Travelers Jeff and Linda Stengel on camels, near Giza pyramids in Cairo, Egypt.

Travelers Jeff and Linda Stengel in Cairo.

Jim did a wonderful job of planning a trip that met our preferences for the right amount of history with modern comforts. Our Egyptologist and guide did an amazing job of showing us all the sights while avoiding large crowds. At the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (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. 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. From Cairo we flew to Aswan, enroute stopping to visit Abu Simbel. The next day we boarded the Oberoi Zahara for a Nile cruise.

Our last stop was 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.

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.” —Jeff Stengel

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Bolivia & Chile for hiking, wildlife, and the salt flats

Salar de Uyuni salt flat during the starry night, Bolivia

Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats are a great place for stargazing. Photo: Shutterstock

Mark created a 14-day adventure that catered to each of our individual interests from hiking, food, tapestries, and photo opportunities. Our trip would not have been as enjoyable without our amazing drivers—who somehow got us to each of our destinations and who spotted and stopped so we could photograph foxes, llamas, vicunas, guanacos, viscacha, flamingos, ducks, Suri alpacas, and were always on the ready to stop for an armadillo.

It was fascinating to learn about traditional indigenous life not only through food, but by visiting the Tarabuco market, visiting master weavers in their homes, and visiting Elizabeth’s (our Sucre guide) hacienda in Candelaria, where we helped to make a traditional countryside lunch (we are looking forward to making the Sunday soup for our families). We also enjoyed the stunning views of the Uyuni salt flats—we had a delicious lunch alongside a small patch of water with flamingos; hiked a small island; were mesmerized by the reflections on the water at sunset where we enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine and some treats; and were awed at seeing the sky full of stars twinkling over the salt flats!” —Peggy Murphy

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Uzbekistan for high-speed trains to Silk Road gems

Poi Kalon Mosque and Minaret in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

“Eye-catching” mosques and minarets are around every corner in Bukhara. Photo: Shutterstock

“After much planning and two false starts at the beginning of the pandemic, we finally made it to Uzbekistan. Our first stop was Khiva, where we explored what could be best described as a ‘living museum,’ with some of the best-preserved historical architecture. The city is a delight to wander around—with its eye-catching towers, mosques, and medressehs—and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where people still live within the city walls.

Our next stop was Bukhara. Staying in the center of the old town allowed us to explore on foot the many sites and also allowed for breaks to sip green tea in the various caravanserais. In Bukhara we had a WOW Moment when we attended an Uzbek wedding ceremony and participated in the singing and dancing and admired (and tried on) the traditional attire. A wonderful introduction to Uzbek culture!

A high-speed train took us on to Samarkand, the other major gem on the Silk Road, with its famous Registan Square and the mausoleum of Tamarlane. A day trip took us to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Tamarlane and the site of the remains of his giant summer palace. Another high-speed train journey brought us back to Tashkent. This is a very modern city but it has the best food, an extraordinary subway system, and we will never forget seeing from a distance a performance of The Lion King in Uzbek, with a background of pulsating fountains in multiple colors. It was also a great base to head up to the mountains, ride a ski gondola, and see the snow-capped mountains.

Uzbekistan is full of European tourists, but we met very few Americans. More Americans should go to this unique destination.” —Tony and Jane Ford-Hutchinson

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Sicily for food markets and historic ruins

Aquamarine blue waters of sea near Taormina resorts and Etna volcano mount. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

Sicily’s Mt. Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain. Photo: Shutterstock

“We spent two full weeks in Sicily, the first near Noto (east) and the second in the southwest (near Menfi). The first week, we had a wide variety of historic, cultural, and food-centered activities in the east near Noto. Matteo kept the geographic range of each day’s activities pretty tight so we were not in the car all day. We enjoyed everything, and sometimes the unexpected delighted. For instance, I had to persuade my husband to do the experience with a chef in Siracusa, where the chef took us through the food market, then we went back to his restaurant and helped him prepare a meal for us. Some of the best activities were out in the countryside, like a visit to a sustainable family farm and lunch of home cooking, and the discussions we had with the farmer about his way of life (through our guide translating).

The second week, we saw various historic and cultural sites in the west, including Agrigento/Valley of the Temples, Trapani, and Salemi, a beautiful small village on a hilltop. We had several relaxation days built into that week. The only place that was crowded was Valley of the Temples, but the ancient temples and ruins were about the best I’ve seen anywhere, including Athens.” —Dana Perry

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Greece for local experiences and island culture

Karrie Evans and family on a private catamaran cruise in Santorini.

Karrie Evans and family on a private catamaran cruise in Santorini.

“We had the privilege of working with Jacoline on our trip to Greece. Our trip included Athens, Hydra and Santorini. She made the most of our short trip and somehow turned every single day into a highlight. There were 5 adults on this trip and we all had our favorites, which is a credit to her. Jacoline created experiences that we would have never done on our own, like spending time with a wonderful family on their farm feeding their animals and making spanakopita as part of a huge feast on their terrace, as well as private wine tours, personal guides to archeological sites, pottery classes, and a private cooking lesson on more amazing Greek food. We loved really getting to meet the people and understanding the culture. We loved the unique boutique hotels especially on Hydra, an island we never knew existed but quickly became our favorite. We never felt like a ‘tourist’ but more like students in history class which we found fascinating.

Jacoline is also gifted in providing us with balance. We pushed hard upon our arrival in Athens to make the most of the few days we were there before heading off to the island of Hydra. We had never heard of this island but after talking with Jacoline, she booked us in a wonderful mansion-turned-boutique hotel (Hydrea) that served us breakfast each morning on the terrace overlooking the water/town. There are no cars or motorcycles so we enjoyed the peace and quiet, especially after a few days in Athens. If you get a chance, don’t miss this gem!

We left Hydra to spend our last days in Oia (Santorini). Our pace picked back up for a grand finale day, touring vineyards before boarding our own catamaran for a half-day excursion which concluded with chasing the sunset.

I didn’t understand what the big deal was about sunsets in Santorini. Now I know!!” —Karrie Evans

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New Zealand for mild, pre-winter hiking, fishing, boating

Milford Sound, in New Zealand from a touristic aircraft.

Epic scenery in Milford Sound. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were traveling with 6 people from 13 to 80 years old, and Jean-Michel did a great job finding activities that we would all love. We had only 9 days so we stayed on the west coast of the South Island and there was plenty to explore. We started in Te Anu at the Fiordland Lodge and loved the beautiful lodge and surroundings. We hiked, went fishing, and explored Milford Sound by boat. The scenery was beyond breathtaking everywhere we went! Our next stop was Queenstown and we stayed at the historic Eichardt’s Private Hotel. We had a lovely wine-tasting day in Central Otago and our daughter even went bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. She loved it!!

The city of Queenstown & surroundings were great—plenty of walking trails, gardens, gorgeous lake and mountain views. The last place we visited was Wild Earth Lodge in Makarora. It was the most serene and beautiful little inn run from the home of Pete and Janine. They took great care of our whole family & cooked the most delicious meals! We spent our days there hiking to the Blue Pools and having some relaxing down time. We also had our most exciting day—a helicopter tour over Mt Aspiring National Park, a hike through Siberia Valley, and a thrilling jet boat ride back down the Wilkin River.” —Alana Jacobson

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Italy for Puglia’s biking and homemade burrata

Barbara Schoenfeld

The Schoenfeld and Silverman friends biking in Puglia.

“A highlight of our slow and ‘smell the poppies’ week in Puglia was the day we biked and made burrata. We passed by brilliant fields of red flowers and lush grasses on quiet roads. The outfitter supplied us with e-bikes and a van following behind. Couldn’t have been a more delightful afternoon gliding between the trulli houses—the round white limestone structures capped with interlocking stones for roofs. People in Puglia have lived in them for centuries and still do today.

Our route took us to Itria Bonta, an organic dairy farm. There, we watched the owner stretch out the mozzarella he had made hours earlier and stuff it with stracciatella to make balls of burrata. He let us make some too. I can testify that it’s delicious because at the end of the visit we had a ‘snack’ of cheeses, bread, sausage, olives and wine. Everything except the water and the salt was produced on the farm.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

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Morocco for villages, markets, and a camel ride in the dunes

Camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco.

Camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco. Photo: Traveler Geri Krauss

“My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Morocco planned by Michael. The trip was superb. To begin with, we had a wonderful guide who stayed with us throughout the two-week-plus trip. He was not only a talented guide—sharing with us his deep knowledge of the country and its culture—but a kind, thoughtful and devout person who truly cared about our enjoyment, well-being and how we experienced Morocco.

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!” —Geri Krauss

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Cambodia and Laos for a nearly tourist-free experience in shoulder season

Jeannie Mullen

Jeannie Mullen at the Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary near Luang Prabang, Laos.

“On a lark, and with spot-on advice and counsel from Wendy about where to go on short notice, I booked a trip to Southeast Asia. I don’t think I’ve been to that many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one single trip, ever. Siem Reap, Cambodia—the place around which the entire trip was planned—was phenomenal. Traipsing in and around the temple complexes and experiencing sunrise at Angkor Wat was a major bucket-list item. Major shout-out to Silen, my guide and Ethan’s friend, for her attention to every detail and working our way into and out of the temple complexes in such a way as to avoid other tourists. She was also a master at pacing the day so as to provide relief from the heat and humidity.

Surpassing those experiences was the day that I flew by helicopter to the even more remote and off-the-radar locations of Preah Vihear and Prasat Banteay Chhmar with Po-Thai Khan, a renowned Cambodian archaeologist. Walking these temple complexes with Thai was one of those pinch-me experiences… He was so interesting, engaging and affirming. And the temples were totally without tourists. Something I will never forget.” —Jeannie Mullen

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Spain for flamenco, tapas, and architecture

Ken Rempell

Ken and Jeryl Rempell with guide, David, in Besalu, touring Spain’s south and east.

“Wendy hooked us up with Iván, specializing in Southern Spain. Iván listened to what our wishes were—to see cultural, historical, and architectural highlights as well as obscure places, enjoy nature, walk a lot, meander, and eat well, and crafted a terrific itinerary that nailed our wishes.

We ought to say by way of an overall description, we have A LOT of energy and love packing a lot into a day, and also don’t mind covering a lot of territory staying in several hotels. We visited Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, Figueres, Besalu, and Gerona. The guides were all just plain terrific. They were professional, knowledgeable, warm, responsive and easy to be with. All were exceptionally educated, with specialties ranging from history and architecture to landscaping and cuisine. We had a terrific variety of experiences—from a sherry bar in Madrid, numerous extraordinary cathedrals and mosques, a flamenco show, tapas bars, Gaudí’s blend of nature and architecture, Dalí’s whimsy, and finally, to a medieval village, to offer just some of what we saw. We loved every moment.” —Kenneth Rempell

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Tahitian Islands for tranquil beaches—“wind, waves, and coconut trees”

Beach in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

“This small island stop helped us relax, reset and realize what truly is Tahitian beauty and calm.” Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“We traveled to Tahiti, visiting 3 different islands. Our first stop was Vahine Island Resort and Spa. With 9 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.

We travelled to Bora Bora next. 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 overwater 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. We were immediately impressed by the impeccable service, manicured grounds, and natural beauty.

While I had delayed a foray into long distance travel to a beach vacation, I must admit Tahiti is burned into our memories with its unforgettably blue waters, tranquil relaxing days, vivid and abundant sea life and unique island vibes.” —Michael Ruma

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Travelers and the elephant at the Dera Amer sanctuary in India.

February Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

If you’re looking to travel in February and wondering where on earth to go, take inspiration from your fellow travelers: Check out their reviews recounting their favorite February trips. Our intrepid travelers have scouted wintry destinations for the northern lights, warm-weather escapes in the southern hemisphere where February is summertime, and close-to-home getaways in Mexico and Costa Rica. These trips were optimized for February by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts. 

You’ll find even more ideas in the February installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Unsure where to go in February? Click the black button below for our help.

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Oman for mosques, fjords, and splashing in a desert wadi

People swimming in a wadi, in Oman.

Oman is known for its wadis that form in rock wall crevasses. Photo: Timothy Baker

“Thanks to Dan, my friend and I experienced all that Oman has to offer. We flew into Dubai and were driven to the Musandam Peninsula, also known as the Norway of the Arabian world. This area is known for its majestic fjords, best experienced via a day on the water in a local dhow. We saw dolphins, snorkeled, and did our best to get over jet lag during our time in this little pocket of Oman.

We loved our stay at the stunning Chedi hotel in Muscat and marveled at the opera house and, of course, the Grand Mosque. We spent a great day snorkeling/scuba diving in the Daymaniyat Islands. We also enjoyed dinner at the home of a local Omani family and experienced firsthand the hospitality that this country is known for.

Oman is famous for its wadis (rocky river gorge swimming holes). My research uncovered a fairly strenuous and lesser-known wadi, which Dan arranged for us to do. That was another major highlight, and we are so glad Dan was able to make it happen for us.

Dan managed to incorporate fantastic hiking, ample culture, lots of new experiences, some great hotels with character, all wrapped up into a wonderful 12-day exotic adventure.” —Jenifer Bunis

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Norway for the northern lights (and daytime adventures with reindeer)

Northern lights explosion on snowy mountain range near coastline at Lofoten islands, Norway

Northern lights in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

“Seeing the northern lights was on my bucket list, and Jan helped me plan every detail of the trip. The hotels were excellent, and we received many upgrades. Our hotel in Alta was particularly lovely, and our dinners there were incredible. Knowing how much we wanted to see the lights, and being disappointed twice before in Iceland, Jan steered us to Alta, in the northernmost part of Norway. He said it would give us the best shot. How right he was! We saw them three out of three nights!

Much of this is due to the incredible guides Jan arranged. Despite the fact that it was cloudy and snowing the first two nights, our guides looked at all the weather maps and found the area that had the most potential to clear up. It was a real drive, but the clouds disappeared and the lights danced.

Jan also suggested a visit to the area where the Sami live and herd reindeer. It was the best advice! These indigenous people live the same way their ancestors did, and it was a privilege to spend the day with them. Mathis, a Sami elder, met us and drove us over 30 miles on snowmobiles to watch the Sami move a herd of 2,500+ reindeer to higher terrain. After that, we snowmobiled back to his home, where he had prepared a delicious lunch of salmon and Arctic char. He generously and patiently answered all our questions and made us feel like welcomed guests. Our day with this incredible gentleman was truly the highlight of our trip, and it is an experience that will not be forgotten.” —Judy Wimpfheimer

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Cuba for a Caribbean getaway that’s a cultural deep dive

Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba on a sunny day.

The cathedral in Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city. Photo: Shutterstock

“The Wendy Perrin team scores again. Needing expert advice on travel to Cuba, I reached out and they connected me with Rob and Ana, who planned a wonderful trip! I am researching a book that involves Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city, and a less-visited destination than Havana. Ana understood instinctively what I needed, first steering me to an on-the-ground researcher, Alicia Howland, who did much advance work that narrowed my itinerary, and then putting me in the kind and extremely capable hands of Tania Vivar, a peerless guide during my four-day stay. I could not have asked for a better experience, from the first pickup at the Santiago airport to my last poignant goodbye.

Rob and Ana’s team booked me into a lovely private casa in a leafy suburban neighborhood, near the sites I most wanted to see, where the on-site garden provided daily fresh produce in a place where basic foodstuffs are in short supply. My spacious, air-conditioned room with ensuite bath was the perfect refuge at day’s end. Alicia and Tania’s knowledge of the city, and of Cuban history, made my stay so much richer, and Tania’s perfect English made communication a breeze.

Economic conditions in Cuba are grim indeed—especially in the eastern part of the island—but the resilience and fortitude of the Cuban people is inspiring, and so is the country’s rich cultural and social history. I simply could not have asked for more caring or capable shepherds to a destination that can be challenging, especially for a non-Spanish-speaking American. I am everlastingly grateful and cannot recommend Rob and Ana highly enough!” —Todd Purdum

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

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Venice and Rome for a romantic Valentine’s Day without Italy’s usual crowds

Marsha Friedli and her husband during their gondola ride in Venice on a foggy day.

Marsha Friedli said the fog during her gondola ride made Venice “beautiful and evocative.”

WOW! A foggy gondola ride with guitar player and singer (part of our WOW Moment) was our introduction to Italy, specifically Venice, on Valentine’s Day. Around every turn, under every bridge, were sites to behold and cause wonder. The heavy fog made Venice so beautiful and evocative. We stayed at the Sina Palazzo Sant’Angelo Venice Hotel on the Grand Canal. Our room balcony was a perfect location to watch the water traffic comings and goings of daily life in Venice.

Another part of our WOW Moment was visiting the 1499 textile weaver, Tessitura Bevilacqua! My background is in textile & clothing so I was extremely surprised and pleased to experience this working factory/museum. Seeing the weavers work and delighting in their skill with the looms. Their patience with me and my many questions!

From Venice we went to Rome via the high speed train—fantastic way to travel! Arrived at the Rome train station where our escort and driver were waiting. So glad Jennifer arranged this as we would not have had an easy time with all the construction closures.

Our hotel for the next 6 nights was Martius Private Suites, just steps from the Pantheon. This was the perfect location as we walked to/from most of our touring sites and wonderful restaurants.  A very fun happening was taking a golf-cart tour in Rome! Just a fun way to scoot around and visit some of the sites! We visited the Trevi fountain during its cleaning session. The size is enormous and with it filled with water you don’t really get the scale of the fountain.

Our driver dropped us off at a private Art Restoration experience that Jennifer and her team arranged for us. This was a truly wonderful experience for me to actually see and watch a 15th-century artwork being restored. This was a private experience and we were able to ask as many questions as we wanted and get up close to the work being restored and yes, take pictures! This experience helped me to appreciate the art even more during our visit. Without Jennifer and her contacts we would not have had this truly memorable experience.” —Marsha Friedli

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Brazil for Carnival and Caipirinhas

Sugarloaf Mountain and Botafogo Neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro by Sunset with Full Moon in the Sky

Imagine mixing your own caipirinha at the top of Rio’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Photo: Shutterstock

“We booked a two-week trip to Brazil with Paul, and he came through big time. The best tour guide we’ve ever had, Lais, met us at the airport on arrival and transported us to the beautiful Hotel Fasano right on Ipanema Beach. We were able to spend two full days on the beach, where we really got a feel for the local culture.

My wife had wanted to see the dancers at Carnival, but we didn’t arrive in Rio until it was over. Somehow Lais pulled off a miracle and found a group that was meeting in a public park and recreating their Carnival performance. It was called a Samba Hangover Dance. We were able to hang out with the locals for a few hours and see the performance up close.

Then we went to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, where we were met by a master craftsman who taught us how to make the best Caipirinhas we had on the entire trip. While in Rio we were able to eat at Garota de Ipanema, the cafe where Vinicius de Moraes originally saw the famous ‘girl from Ipanema’ go by before writing the lyrics to the song. On Paul’s advice, we also went to eat at Aprazivel restaurant in the hills above Rio for a delicious meal in a beautiful restaurant with an amazing view of the city below.

Next, we boarded a plane to Iguassu Falls. We stayed at the Hotel das Cataratas in the national park and only 100 yards from the falls. The hotel is the only one in the park and you often had the viewing areas to yourself. Our guide took us on a tour the next day of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of these gigantic, 2 ½-mile-wide falls. Seeing them was awe-inspiring, but taking a boat ride under them was exhilarating and an experience not to be missed. At Niagara Falls you get misted when taking the boat ride, but at Iguassu you actually go under the falls. It was safe and great fun.

We ended our trip with a stay in the colonial town of Paraty. We’d seen the big city while in Rio, the jungle in Iguassu, and now a peaceful, historical small town in the center of the country. Our stay at Casa Turquesa was magical. It’s a 9-room inn with a beautiful pool and lovely rooms. We enjoyed navigating the original rocky streets while visiting the shops in town. Paul had arranged a day trip on a schooner where we visited several bays and beaches and had lunch at a place that was only accessible by boat. It was a perfect, relaxing way to end our trip.

A final note about safety. In the United States we’d read traveler warnings and received a notice to beware of dengue fever from our government. Some friends were wary of us going to Brazil. In response I’d like to note that we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe for even a minute during our trip. Are there places in the city of Rio that you shouldn’t visit? Of course, just like in New York City. So don’t go there. Your guides will help you with that. I’ve told friends that Rio is like NYC, but with a better view. Even though we’d taken mosquito repellent to avoid getting dengue fever, we only used it once the whole trip and I never saw a mosquito the whole time.” —Ted Embacher

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Paris for unusual perspectives on the City of Light, from sidecar tours to macaron classes

View over the River Seine, Paris, France

Sunset over the River Seine, Paris. Photo: Bruno Abatti/Unsplash

“My teen daughter and I had a wonderful trip over her February week-long break. Jennifer was full of ideas to interest both of us. The perfume and macaron classes were big hits. We both enjoyed the sidecar tour and didn’t find it scary. I’m so glad we did it.

Jennifer listened carefully to our interests and suggested multiple properties in different areas. We chose Relais Christine for the historic beauty and lively neighborhood. We were pleased with this beautiful property with very kind and fast service.

I LOVED the VIP greeter service Jennifer recommended upon landing. Such a lifesaver, with efficient and speedy shepherding of us through the airport. Our flight to Paris had been delayed the night before and had a change of outbound airport, so it was a little stressful in the lead-up to departure. Landing with someone to take care of us immediately was a treat.” —Jane Kasey

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Mexico for its colonial cities that too many beach-resort-goers miss

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane at Monte Alban, a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Mexico.

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane explored Monte Alban, a pre-Columbian archaeological site.

“As our previous trips to Mexico have all been to resort areas, Jane and I realized we really needed to go to Mexico City to understand what the country is all about, including its complicated history.

Zach organized an outstanding trip. We stayed in the boutique hotel Casa Polanco, right in the Polanco neighborhood with restaurants, etc. all within walking distance. Zach was able to snag reservations at top restaurants, including Pujol, which was a short walk from the hotel and lived up to its reputation of being one of the world’s top restaurants. We visited Teotihuacan, the City’s historical center, and Frida Kahlo’s house. We also had a private after-hours tour around the Museum of Anthropology, a climb through Chapultepec Park to the Castle and its museums, and prime seats at a Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) match, followed by drinks and snacks in a Mezcaleria.

Then, in Oaxaca, Zach arranged several private artist studio tours. Many artists have made Oaxaca their home. We walked all around the town, ran into a Carnival procession, and met multiple wedding processions, all unexpected. With so many great restaurants and bars in Oaxaca, what is there not to like!

Finally, we flew to Tijuana and walked across the border from the air terminal (very easy) to meet our son in San Diego. Quite surreal.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

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Ecuador for nature’s extravaganza in the rainforest and cloud forest

A frog clinging on the traveler's glasses frame.

A Mashpi glass frog clings to the rim of a pair of glasses. Photo: Traveler Robin Madden

“We just returned from a 10-day trip to Ecuador, with our two adult sons and one of their partners, and unlike most, we did not include the Galapagos in the itinerary. 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.

Though remote, the Napo Wildlife Center is both elegant and comfortable. Our experience included a local guide from the indigenous community. The lodge 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.

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. We had the extraordinary luck of witnessing a battle between a wasp and a tarantula. The wasp won, killing the tarantula and depositing her eggs inside to hatch in about 10 days. Fernando videotaped the whole encounter. It was like watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us.” —Robin Madden

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Malta for temperate beaches and tranquil monasteries

Molly Borque and nine-month-old Jude on a sunset boat ride from Valletta to Senglea.

Molly Borque and nine-month-old Jude on a sunset boat ride from Valletta to Senglea.

“I just returned from a trip to Malta with my wife, Molly, and nine-month-old son, Jude. I knew from my initial conversations with Damon that he was going to plan a trip tailored well to our needs and tastes, but throughout our seven days in Malta, it got better and better! He put us in a hotel perfectly located in Senglea, walking distance from Birgu and a quick boat ride or short drive over to the capital city of Valletta. He scheduled our days perfectly to see everything Malta has to offer, while also balancing the needs of a nine-month-old!

Our guide Robert was one of the most knowledgeable, flexible, kind individuals I have ever encountered! We had more than one wow experience on our trip, but the one that stands out to me (due to our Catholic faith) was when Damon and Robert surprised us with a visit with one of the cloistered Jerosolimitan nuns at the Church and Monastery of Saint Ursula in Valletta. We felt so lucky and blessed to have that experience!

I also want to give a shout-out to our driver Alex, who was so good to us! Both he and Robert watched our son Jude so my wife and I could enjoy certain times, such as wow experience #2: On our day trip to the island of Gozo, Damon arranged for a private picnic on a secluded beach. Waves rolling in, champagne, local cheeses and meats, etc. Truly stunning!” —Craig Borque

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Egypt for a luxe desert oasis, a Nile cruise, warm and welcoming people…

Jeannie Mullen

Jeannie Mullen and friends enjoying a private sunset dinner cruise 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.

An unexpected treat was the tranquility and beauty of an eco-lodge in Siwa, a desert oasis west of Cairo and about 250 miles from the Libyan border. Adrere Almallal is a stunning lodge which offers guests an opportunity to unplug (no electricity and no wifi) and experience the life and pace that the desert affords. The tranquility, the staff, the FOOD, the candlelit rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and the night sky bursting with stars was such a gift. Highlights in Siwa were a trip into town to tour the Temple of the Oracle of Amun and the Spring of Juba (Cleopatra’s pool), a visit to an all-women’s workshop, shopping and sharing tea with the local Siwa merchants, and a 4×4 trip into the desert to ride the dunes, dune surf, hunt for fossils and watch a stunning sunset.

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. Our trip was made all the more special by the lovely Egyptians that we crossed paths with along the way.” —Jeannie Mullen

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Costa Rica for a combo of cloud-forest adventures and beach relaxation

A waterfall in the Nectandra Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

A misty waterfall in the Nectandra Cloud Forest. Photo: Traveler Mary Ann Smith

Irene could not have planned a better trip for us. Visiting the Nectandra Cloud Forest was magical with the mist and educational with our expert guide, Arturo. It was great to start there to understand the ecological mindset of Costa Rica.

Our time at Nayara Tented Camp was beyond wonderful. Irene had balloons, a card, and a bottle of champagne in the room to celebrate my 80th birthday when we arrived. We also really enjoyed kayaking on Lake Arenal, doing the zip lines over the trees, and the Hanging Bridges Park. Thanks to your seminar on taking photos with cell phones, we got some wonderful pictures of waterfalls, birds, the yellow pit viper, and the red dart frog.

While on the drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, it was very interesting to see the countryside with coffee beans growing and all the tropical plants (under netting) that they grow for export. Upon arrival at Arenas del Mar we enjoyed another lovely room with a beautiful view, plus a great restaurant, a private beach, and great service.

Our white water rafting on the Savegre River was one of our best days. Jesus and Juan were great guides and despite the early questions about being able to do it at our age, they kept saying ‘excellente’ as we went through the rapids. We loved it!

Irene had arranged for us to fly back to San Jose from Quepos rather than driving which was a wonderful way to end the trip with views of the mountain range and 30 minutes of flying versus several hours of driving. It was more than we could have imagined!” —Mary Ann Smith

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Morocco for a sunny, exotic getaway just across the Atlantic

Travelers Craig and Stephanie Smith with their driver and guide having dinner on the rooftop terrace of Essaouira's Salut Maroc, Morocco.

Craig and Stephanie Smith enjoyed a farewell dinner with new friends: private guide Jamal and driver Majid.

“We just returned from an amazing two weeks in Morocco. We told Radia that what was most important to us was to have a stellar guide. We also told her that we have a strong interest in music and would like to incorporate learning about Gnawa music in some way. And we told her that our hotel preference was to stay in riads instead of international chain hotels.

From the moment we were met at the Casablanca airport by our private guide Jamal and private driver Majid, we knew that we were in for an incredible trip. They were both so hospitable! Jamal was incredibly knowledgeable about the culture and history of his country. He was very attentive to all of our needs, and he made us laugh a lot. He made sure that we saw everything on the itinerary and then some.

Majid drove us many miles in a huge loop, from Casablanca to Volubilis, to Fes, to Ifrane, to Merzouga, to Todra Valley, to Dades Gorge, to Skoura, to Marrakech, to Imlil, to Essaouira, and back to Marrakech. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel, and he had a great sense of humor.

We stayed in beautiful riads with a very personal touch and enjoyed all kinds of delicious food. In addition to seeing many historic sites (mosques, synagogues, palaces, medinas, souks, tanneries), we also had adventures. We went for a camel ride and rode ATVs in the desert. We went for a hot air balloon ride outside of Marrakech. We went for a hike in the High Atlas Mountains from Imlil to Armed. One of our favorite activities was the sunset motorcycle sidecar tour of Marrakech, suggested by Radia. We felt like we were in a movie, riding through the Palmerie and the medina in comfortable, roomy, sidecars. A definite must-do!

Another highlight was an impromptu visit to the Todra Valley for lunch at Jamal’s family’s home. We were so honored and humbled to be invited into their home for lively conversation and a delicious lunch. And, to satisfy our musical interest, Radia organized a thoroughly enjoyable private Gnawa music workshop with master musician Najib Soudani in Essaouira.

With Jamal and Majid at our sides, it felt like we were traveling with friends we had known for a lifetime. The itinerary was wonderful, but they made the trip into an experience that we will cherish forever.” —Stephanie and Craig Smith

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India for Rajasthan’s wedding season, lavish palace hotels, ethical elephant sanctuaries…

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. Any glitches were handled and fixed immediately. Most notable, after I left a packing cube with my husband’s polo shirts in the Delhi hotel, Victoria’s team managed to retrieve them and get them to us, via a variety of drivers and tour guides, at a later destination. Meanwhile, our guide Vanch suggested we get some shirts made, which was fun, inexpensive, and quick.

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. Even the staff was impressed.

One of our favorite stops was the Dera Amer camp, an animal sanctuary and home of elephant rescues. We fed and took a walk with Rangmala and her mahout, and she allowed us to pet her and pose for photos.” —Lisa Riggs

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New Zealand for unusual summertime experiences far above the crowds…

Travelers Joe Tobin and Mary Lou Voytko on a glacier in Whitcombe Valley, New Zealand.

Joe Tobin and Mary Lou Voytko got to perch on the edge of a glacier in the Whitcombe Valley.

“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

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Thailand and Vietnam for optimal weather and local delicacies…

Vietnamese soup- pho ga in bowl with chicken and rice noodles, mint and cilantro, red onion, chili, bean sprouts and lime on grey background.

Traditional Vietnamese pho makes a hearty breakfast. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from an amazing 12 days in the Far East, visiting both Thailand and Vietnam and including five cities total (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hoi An and Saigon). From the moment we landed to the moment we departed, our trip was flawless. Dan and his team listened to and responded to all of our concerns and suggestions and came up with an itinerary that was right on spot.

The food everywhere was terrific, with a bit more spice in Thailand than Vietnam. We especially enjoyed ‘pho’ for breakfast! All of our local hosts were fluent in English, extremely knowledgeable and overly concerned with making sure we had everything we needed. It was so helpful to have them as we navigated each city, and they showed us all the local favorites, from the markets to stores to food and to the delicious egg and salt coffee that Vietnam is known for.

The highlight of our trip was a visit to the elephant rescue in Chiang Mai. Wow! The project was so well managed and allowed us to spend five hours with the four elephants that have been rescued, including a 6-year-old baby boy elephant. It was a surreal feeling to walk alongside an elephant while feeding them bananas out of our bag and ultimately joining them in a swim in their watering hole. Must do!” —Laura McDermott

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Sri Lanka for tropical landscapes, an exotic culture, and very few other tourists (which makes the local people especially welcoming!)

Sri Lanka's Cinnamon Country

Sri Lanka’s beautiful—and uncrowded—Cinnamon Country. Photo: Sri Lanka In Style

“There were many highlights of our trip. One of them was a general lack of other tourists, which is bad for the country but was excellent for us. We would highly recommend Sri Lanka as a destination and would encourage others to visit without hesitation. While there was some political unrest there in 2022, we felt perfectly safe at all times.

Our two nights that Miguel and Donovan arranged for us in the high tea country were a definite highlight, as was a fabulous private farewell dinner, arranged even though the venue has a seven-to-eight-month waiting list for reservations.” —John Schroeder

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Dubai and Abu Dhabi for sunny beaches but with skyscrapers, camel treks, dune bashing…

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is a can’t-miss for visitors to Dubai. Photo: BS1920/Pixabay

“We had a wonderful time during our trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi that was planned by Justin. The trip was very professionally arranged, from picking us up at the airport to all activities and transportation. We stayed at Jumeirah Beach hotel, which has beautiful views of the ocean and you can see the Burj Al Arab from it as well. Over the next few days we had our personal guide, who gave us a comprehensive tour of Dubai. We learnt about the city’s Bedouin heritage, bold architecture, Emirati culture, politics/sheiks. We got to see all the major attractions, the gold souk, Atlantis, and of course the Burj Khalifa. The guide had our tickets ready for us, which was nice. It took us 60 seconds in the lift to get to the top of the world’s tallest building. The views from there were spectacular. Once you exit the Burj Khalifa you end up in Dubai Mall (one of the world’s largest shopping malls), so we ended up walking around the mall and ate at the food court. Our kids had to try the McArabia from McDonald’s, which they thought was pretty good.

After a few days in Dubai we went to the desert. The highlight of our trip was the desert/Qasr Al Sarab Resort. It was a magical place, absolutely breathtaking. The desert sand is so soft, fine and has multicolored hues of khaki and orange. We all enjoyed rolling around in the sand dunes, and seeing the magical sunsets. Getting from Dubai to Qasr Al Sarab was flawlessly planned. We had our own private driver who was flexible in case we needed to make stops, as we were traveling with two kids (ages 6 & 7). Arriving there felt like arriving at a Arabian palace, the kind you see in Aladdin. They greeted us with some dates and a yogurt drink which was cooling in the hot weather. The breakfast was amazing, a lavish buffet having a mix of local delights. We enjoyed the dates, local jams, omelettes, and fresh juices. All the excursions were perfectly organized. We went on a camel trek, which was a great experience and felt like something out of a movie. In the evenings we got a chance to have some fine Arabic cuisine set in a beautiful ambiance amidst the desert lit up by lanterns, fire pits and the stars above. Certainly a dream. We dined amidst the desert dunes, a Bedouin set-up of plush carpets and cushions serving lamb, cherry rice, variety of dips/hummus, and breads. Another highlight of our trip was dune bashing. My oldest son loved it and said he would do it again, while my youngest said it was terrible. I would say it was exhilarating, however not for everyone. I would recommend not eating an hour before doing it.

Our next stop was Abu Dhabi. It was a quick two-hour drive from the desert. We only spent a day in Abu Dhabi, and then went back to Dubai. Abu Dhabi’s highlight was the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. We were greeted by our tour guide, who was well prepared. She had an extra head scarf for my wife, as the dress code is very strictly enforced. She was a wealth of information and was able to get us into the mosque the most efficient way. The architecture and design of the mosque is something quite special. It has intricate designs of flowers and geometric designs carved on the walls and exquisite carpets and chandeliers inside. After the mosque our guide gave us a tour of Abu Dhabi. We requested to go to some local markets, as we needed to get some souvenirs. She took us to a quaint market where they had camel key chains, local embroidered pillowcases, Aladdin lamps which my kids loved.” —Adi Derasari

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Bhutan and India for Buddhist enlightenment (plus the Taj Mahal)

Herbal bath with a view at Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan.

An herbal bath with a view at Bhutan’s Gangtey Lodge. Photo: Traveler Wendy Tucker

“My husband and I just returned from a fantastic two-week-plus trip to India and Bhutan. We have been lucky enough to travel to many places, but we both declared at our return that this was our favorite destination. Sanjay planned a perfect trip and we are so grateful to him and his local agencies for their knowledge, punctuality, kindness and seamless handling of everything. When I initially contacted Sanjay, our plan only included Bhutan. There are no flights to Bhutan from the US or Europe—you need to go through India or Thailand. We had never been to India, so Sanjay suggested that we fly into Delhi (one of the cities you can access Bhutan from) and spend a few days to see the Taj Mahal. We were so glad we took his advice.

Overall, we found Bhutan to be peaceful, calm, clean, welcoming, safe and fascinating, with people full of warmth, interest and kindness. We stayed at four incredible properties, each with their own flavor, beauty and charm. My favorite was Gangtey Lodge. Gangtey Lodge was the furthest east we traveled and is high above a beautiful valley. It snowed when we were there, so we enjoyed herbal baths gazing from the tub out over the valley.

We filled our days with visits to fortresses, nunneries, temples and monasteries—we loved them all, although our favorite was Gangtey Goenpa Monastery. We spent almost three hours there participating in a tea ceremony with the monks and discussing Buddhism and life in a monastery with a senior monk.” —Wendy Tucker

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African safari for shoulder-season value and animals galore

An elephant in Tarangire Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

An elephant in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. Photo: Carole Henderson from Pixabay

“We had a great trip arranged by Cherri and Katie, to Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking and then to the Serengeti in Tanzania for more wildlife viewing. The experience of being able to get so close to and observe elephants, giraffes, lions, gazelle, zebras, cheetah, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, leopard, hippos, golden and vervet monkeys, not to mention gorillas, in their natural habitat, is incomparable. Also incredible were the gorgeous birds, including storks and flamingos. We were also lucky to see black rhinos both in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater.

The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge was outstanding. The cottages were lovely. A wood-burning fire was lit every evening in our room, and sometimes on very cold mornings as well, by Felicien, our butler, who also brought coffee to the room. He helped us gear up for the gorilla treks, and assisted with hiking boot and leg gaiter removal when we were done. The treks themselves were physically demanding at high altitude but well worth it, and we were completely pampered when we got back to the lodge.

The lodge is community owned, and many staff members are from the nearby village. Felicien gave us a great tour and we were delighted to meet many of the people, including the beekeeper, the doctor/herbalist, and some charming women who showed me how to grind flour from sorghum. Easier than it looks!

We stayed at two different camps in Tanzania and our guides were outstanding. The game drives were amazing and the guides well informed. Our favorite was the Namiri Plains Camp, where you could look out your deck and watch elephants stroll by.” —Lisa Riggs

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Lynn Casper

June Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

June is a popular month for travel around the world, and for good reason: The Northern Hemisphere is starting to warm up for summer and the kids are officially out of school; some of the world’s best-loved wildlife is out, too, and summer festivals are in full swing.

The travelers whose reviews you can read below all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of June by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts (and those whom we are testing for The WOW List). You’ll find even more ideas in the June installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

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Malta for cobbled streets, Baroque art, and war history

Chapel in Palazzo del Prelato, in Mdina, Malta.

Traveler Vanessa Hulme got a private tour of the Palazzo del Prelato with its owner, above. Photo: Timothy Baker

Damon put together an itinerary that ticked all of our boxes, plus more. Our time in Mdina was incredible. It is a truly remarkable place with cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, and a huge range of architecture. It was here that we had a private visit to the Palazzo del Prelato, where the owner showed us through the home his family has lived in for centuries. We especially loved Mdina at night, when we walked the streets and felt like we were the only people in the city.

In Valletta, there were numerous highlights: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, an unbelievable Baroque masterpiece that also includes Caravaggio’s only signed painting; a visit to the Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra temples, structures 1,000 years older than the Great Pyramid; a guided tour through the Hypogeum, a magnificent underground burial complex which was in use between 4000 BC and 1500 BC (they only allow 10 visitors per hour, so we were extremely lucky to experience this); a close-up view of the cannon firing at the Upper Barrakka Gardens; a superb lunch at the King’s Own Band Club, established in 1874; and a private tour of the Lascaris War Rooms, the underground complex that was responsible for air defense of Malta during World War II. We are convinced these experiences would not have been possible without Damon’s connections.” —Vanessa Hulme

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Switzerland for “intimate, uncrowded” green hills and wineries

Deborah Wente

Deb Wente with her husband and the winemaker at a 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. We stayed in 3 different locations. First was Ascona, on Lake Maggiore. What a lovely small town. One day our guide took us into the Bavona Valley where we hiked to the top of a waterfall, then had a picnic lunch at a spluia (a living space built under a boulder). We may have seen a dozen other hikers and all were Swiss Italian. It was extraordinary.

On our drive from Ascona we arrived to the top of 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. Zermatt and the railway were a bit more crowded, but as we hiked down the mountain with our guide we were able to spread out and felt as though we had the mountain to ourselves.

Our last stop was Vevey, on the shores of Lake Geneva. 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

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Mallorca for early-season sun & sea on an isle fit for the stars

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.

“In Palma de Mallorca, Iván made sure we had a local guide to introduce us to the city. While winding us through the narrow streets, pointing out landmarks and helping us learn our way around, our guide 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 never have been able to get into on our own.

My husband had asked to see the scenic restaurant featured in the mini-series The Night Manager. Much to our surprise, Laura spoke to the restaurant matriarch, and we were able to have lunch in this gorgeous, exclusive setting. And when we finally arrived at our spectacular hotel on the cliffs of Port de Sóller, we felt like movie stars. We reveled in luxurious lounging at our hotel.

Later in the week, Iván 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.” —Elizabeth Crawford

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Paris and Provence with strategies to manage the busy season

Julie Schulman

Gordes, a hilltop village in Provence, is famous for its stunning views. Photo: Traveler Leah Schulman

“We recently returned from a 9-night trip to Paris and the South of France, an active and engaging itinerary for 2 adults and 2 teenagers.

We spent 5 nights in Paris and Sarah, our local representative, connected us with an outstanding private tour guide for 3 separate excursions, including a scavenger hunt at the Louvre, a driving tour of all the city highlights and a day trip to Versailles. She also shared walking directions to explore Paris on our own, excellent dinner recommendations and tickets to a fun Seine river cruise.

After our time in Paris, we took a high-speed train to Avignon, where we picked up a rental car. With recommendations from Philip and Julie, we spent 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence and 2 nights in Cap d’Antibes. Our drive included exploring several small villages of interest including Gordes, Mougins, Rousillon and St. Paul de Vence. We enjoyed a half-day tour in Aix-en-Provence and a full-day tour of Nice, Eze and Monaco. Our private guides provided engaging information to our teens and shared out-of-the way spots known to locals.

France was definitely busy during our travel, but with the guidance of the team and the knowledge and access of our tour guides, we had very little waiting time at any of our stops. It was an active and engaging vacation and a lot of ground covered during the 9 days.” —Julie Schulman

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Hawaii for a multi-generational gathering with beach, volcano, and snorkel appeal

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park CR NPS

Volcanoes National Park (on the Big Island) has two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Photo: National Park Service

“With expert help from Dani and Jen, we had a wonderful multi-generational family vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii in June. We needed a house big enough for all of us that would be a great home base and enjoyable place for my mother to spend time when others were venturing out for more active days. We had a spectacular house with a large pool and amazing views of the beach and sunsets. The house was just a 5 or so minute walk down to the hotel’s great beach (best on the island, including one very friendly turtle), which made it easy for different members of the group to peel off for beach time while others stayed ‘at home.’

Before Kona, we spent a few days at Volcano House in Volcanoes National Park. The park is like no place on earth and the hotel is steps away from one of the largest volcanic craters. Other highlights included an amazing helicopter trip for me and my son with Blue Hawaii and driving the Chain of Craters Road in Volcanoes Park—both are must-do activities on the island—as well as the Waimea Saturday farmers’ market, snorkeling in Puako Bay (nearby to Mauna Kea) and eating shaved ice at every opportunity!” —Jeremy Silverman

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Panama for relaxing beaches (plus howler monkeys) without the crowds

Bungalow of a private resport in Panama.

Isla Palenque is a private-island resort located on the Pacific coast of Panama. Photo: Isla Palenque

“We worked with Pierre to plan a trip for our family of two adults and two teens that would include plenty of adventure and activity, along with great food and some relaxation. We started off in Panama City, where we immediately went to the Canal to view ships that stick to a strict schedule. After a stay at the gorgeous Hotel La Compania and an incredible dinner at Fondo Lo Que Hay, we flew up to Boquete for some mountain adventures! Our kids loved the swinging bridges hike, and the zip line adventure was awesome.

Isla Palenque. Wow, where do I start? The seafood was delicious and the fresh farm-to-table produce, homemade pasta, homemade ice cream (new flavors daily), fresh eggs, etc. were all so wonderful. The guided adventures and tours were so much fun! We tried them all: bird watching, hikes, snorkeling and island hopping adventure with a picnic, rock fishing, kayaking, bracelet making, and a cooking class! We also SUP’d multiple times and swam every day. I’d be remiss not to mention the howler monkeys on the island.

The kids liked it better than Hawaii because it was so relaxing and NOT CROWDED!” —Laura Jordan

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Italy for an “action-packed” trip with special access

Andrea's daughter on her private wakeboarding session on Lake Como.

Andrea Phillips’ daughter Claire wakeboarding on Lake Como, with Villa Balbianello in the background. Photo: Traveler Andrea Phillips

“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. This trip was also to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and Maria had suggested two stops along the way that were very special: 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 a dream. 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.

The other amazing stop was the Grand Hotel 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! We enjoyed the spa, the many pools and casual restaurants, and even had a private wakeboarding session one morning on the Lake! 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.

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 Il Campo (definitely because of Maria’s connections!). In Lucca, we rode bikes around the medieval walls where we crossed paths with a special parade of classic Fiat 500s. 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!” —Andrea Phillips

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Greece for archaeology, pottery lessons, and kayaking to red, white, and black beaches

Parthenon temple in Athens on a sunset.

The Parthenon temple in Athens is an enduring symbol of ancient Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

Jacoline and her associates planned the absolutely perfect trip for our family of four (two late-teen daughters, my husband and I) to Greece. We planned to travel to Greece at the request of my daughter when she graduated from high school and began college as a classical archeology major. In Athens, we had a private tour of the Acropolis and the associated museum, and a fantastic food tour with an Athens native who took us through the meat and fish markets and to several non-touristy but locally-owned cafes, restaurants and small shops.

In Nafplio, we saw the known archaeological sites, but also hiked to a remote monastery up in the cliffs (straight out of Game of Thrones) and visited a remote village where we met the ‘town Grandma,’ who invited us into her home and served us coffee and fresh-baked treats on her porch overlooking the town, followed by lunch at a local tavern that my husband and daughter have declared the ‘best meal of their lives.’

In Santorini, we had a wine-tasting at a vineyard overlooking the Caldera, kayaked to Santorini’s various red, white and black beaches, had a pottery lesson with a 5th generation potter, and finished our visit with a private sunset cruise on a catamaran.” —Jennifer Rosenberg

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Peru for hiking to Machu Picchu and dune-buggying in the desert

Machu Picchu on a cloudy day with mountains in the background.

If you can, make plans to approach Machu Picchu on foot. Photo: Brook Wilkinson

“My wife, kids (10 and 12 years old) and I had a fantastic trip to Peru, hiking four days on the Inca trail, visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Paracas. We were blown away by all that we learned about and saw of the Inca civilization. Visiting the Sacred Valley, which is in the Cusco region, was a great way to start. We saw a number of Inca ruins, and learned a great deal from our guide Ronny. The Inca architecture, engineering, farming, food storage, religion, social systems, political systems, communication systems, and on and on…. Every bit of it was jaw-dropping and fascinating.

But for me, what heightened the impact was four days hiking and camping on the Inca Trail. Akin to taking a Nile cruise to see sights that would otherwise be inaccessible, hiking from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu gave us the chance to see not just individual, hard-to-access sites, but even better, to see the connections between them all and get a sense of how the Incas knit it all together—areas with different climates, environments, agriculture, foods, etc. Walking the centuries-old trail and encountering still-standing aqueducts, temples, waystations, and granaries along the way had a profound impact that I do not think would have hit us had we only hopped from site to site by train or car.

When we got to Machu Picchu late the fourth day…what a reward. Everyone has seen pictures, but to pass through the Gateway of the Sun and see the complex surrounded, even dwarfed, by the dramatic topography around it, well, it leaves me without words just thinking about it.

At any other time, the rest of our trip would have shined more brightly, but honestly, it pales in comparison with Machu Picchu. We had fun in the desert/beach region of Paracas, and saw some cool stuff—penguins, flamingos, sea lions, cormorants in the wild—and we ate well, but hey, we had just hiked the freaking Inca Trail! Of this part of the trip, the big highlight was the stunning Huacachina oasis and the roller-coaster-like dune buggy ride around its environs. Big fun.” —John Strachan

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England & Scotland for castles, manors, abbeys, and rural villages

Candice Woodworth

View from Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. Photo: Traveler Melvin Woodworth

“What we wanted most of all was a sensory experience of Great Britain, bringing to life a broad sampling of the different historical, regional and hierarchical offerings of the island. Our wish list included castles, abbeys, manor houses, local foods and gardens. We wanted to visit the big cities, small villages and rural farmlands. Several of our favorite stops had not been on our list of desires, such as the Two Chairmen Pub, Castle Howard, Writer’s Museum in Old Town Edinburgh, up close and personal with Highland Coos, Eilean Donan Castle, Dalmally-Lochawe, Whitby-Goathland train station, a Tartan factory and Inverary Jail.

Our visceral learnings were all through our senses: the peaceful and rich openness of the moors; the smell of salt air, sound of waves, beauty of dunes and beaches of the North Sea; the sights and sounds of Morris Men in Bampton; the timeless cry of bagpipes near the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle; calm, clear waters of the many Lochs reflecting sky and mountains; and the feel of cobbles underfoot in the early morning and late at night walks.” —Candice and Melvin Woodworth

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Turkey for a city-and-sea adventure

A gulet on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. Photo: Timothy Baker

Karen planned a 9-day trip for me and my family to Istanbul and the Turkish Coast. Istanbul is busy and overwhelming and our guide Saleem navigated us seamlessly throughout and we learned so much from him too! Next, we flew to Bodrum for a 5-night cruise aboard a Turkish gulet.

The excitement and joy on my 11-year-old son’s face when he saw the cruise we were about to embark on was a memory I will cherish. Captain Nihat and the rest of the crew on the boat were professional and the service was high-level. It is rare to get service like this in the States, or anywhere we travel. The cruise was gorgeous, the food was amazing, and we had the best time.” —Lisa Manning

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Norway for agritourism above and below the Arctic Circle

View of 292 Aurland.

Aurland, on Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

“We traveled from Oslo to Nesseby, which is past the Arctic Circle near the Russian border. Torunn tailored the trip to our preferences, which lean toward a bit of adventure and agritourism. 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. He served the crab we caught in 3 different preparations, each of which was excellent.

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.

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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Croatia for medieval history, biking on Hvar, and sailing in Dubrovnik

Andrea Shaver

Andrea Shaver Carpenter and her husband biking on Hvar Island.

“We had a lovely, romantic trip down the coast of Croatia, planned by Ala. Since my husband loves Roman and medieval history, we asked for a mixture of knowledgeable guides and fun activities. Hvar was the definite highlight of our trip. After hearing that we love (casually) biking, Ala put together a 22-mile custom bike tour for us on Hvar. My husband and I agree that the bike ride through the island’s small towns, followed by a picnic lunch cooked by a local farmer on her coastal olive farm before we rode back along the coast, was an absolutely unbeatable experience.

We wrapped up the trip in Dubrovnik, immersing ourselves back in the history of Croatia. We especially liked the sailing trip on our last day. It was a lovely way to end an excellent trip.” —Andrea Shaver

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Belize for father-daughter adventure and scuba certification

Kate Nury learning the fine art of chocolate making from Jose at Hidden Valley Inn, Belize.

Traveler Kate Nury in Belize learning how to make chocolate.

“My daughter and I have begun a tradition of taking a father/daughter adventure trip each summer. Our trip was a mix of mountains, ocean, and jungle. Hidden Valley Inn is a secluded eco-lodge on 7,200 acres in the central mountains, our suite overlooking a verdant, green valley. Our first adventure of the trip was a hike to Butterfly Falls, a secluded, beautiful waterfall with a crystal pool at the bottom that beckoned us to take a dip. Refreshing! The restaurant and bar at Hidden Valley are a real treat, but the best culinary experience is the chocolate production class to learn how chocolate is made.

After the mountains, Brainard drove us to the beautiful beaches at Turtle Inn in the little town of Placencia. The next day began our true adventure: scuba certification. Benji made our three-day class fun and kept us safe throughout the entire process. Before long, we were diving to see sharks, rays, jellyfish, and so much more.

The last day of the trip was a jungle adventure. We hiked high into the mountains to the top of Antelope Falls, where we rappelled down a waterfall into the foliage below. ” —Doug Nury

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Galápagos for perfect temps, the Amazon for jungle and indigenous culture

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The pristine water of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Photo: Shutterstock

“The weather in the Galápagos in early June was a perfect temperature (high 70’s/low 80’s). The water temperature was warm enough that some fellow passengers chose not to wear the full-length wetsuits we were given. Our Naturalist guide, Harry, born and bred in the Galápagos, was very knowledgeable, very patient and made each excursion entertaining. We swam with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, sharks and an array of fish. On our hikes, we observed tortoises, flamingoes, iguanas, sea lions and several varieties of boobies and birds.

Our next stop was La Selva Lodge in the Amazon. The transportation to the lodge, a motorized large canoe (water taxi) on the Napo River followed by a smaller canoe, is an adventure in itself. The staff at the Lodge as well as our Naturalist Guide (Danny), who was from the local indigenous community along with his uncle who worked with him, were all amazing. They could spot the smallest of creatures even in the dark of the jungle.

The Amazon is naturally hot and humid and you definitely have the feeling of being in the jungle. We rarely saw a mosquito as Ecuador is working with other countries to eradicate malaria. We were lucky to see diverse selection of flora and fauna including a sloth, caimans, spiders, several varieties of monkeys, birds, tree frogs as well as a large variety of interesting plant life and trees. A highlight was visiting the local indigenous community and seeing a snapshot of their life.

As with most wildlife excursions, you are up early almost every day both in the Galápagos and the Amazon. In both locations we had time midday when the sun is at its strongest to read, rest (or have an amazing massage at La Selva).” —Martha Rubenstein

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Portugal for antiquities, beaches, vineyards, and festival revelry

Noreen and Rick Carvolth

Noreen and Rick Carvolth with friends in Porto, overlooking the Douro River.

“Just returning from an amazing trip to Portugal, along with our good friends Ivan and Carolyn Gowan. Gonçalo’s planning process was super-friendly, easy and thorough, resulting in a trip that perfectly met all our goals and expectations. We gathered in Porto and over three days got to know the city and its historic sites with the help of two private tour guides.

Our next leg was an incredible drive into the magnificent Douro Valley. In addition to private winery tours, a highlight was an afternoon cruise on the Douro River. Then we were off to Coimbra with a stay at the historic Quinta das Lagrimas, an 18th-century palace in the heart of the city. The Roman ruins of Conimbriga were eye-opening with their detailed mosaics and preserved peristyles. We then drove through the beautiful Alentejo country, stopping in the little medieval towns of Belmonte and Marvao with the Castles panoramic views into Southern Spain. At the Torre de Palma Hotel we lunched in an olive grove amid its own Roman ruin. Then we were on to the Algarve region, stopping in Evora and Mertola, two ancient but vibrant cities.

Next stop came the town of Tavira, with its charming beachside hustle and bustle. Out of the port of Portimao we took an all-day sailing cruise complete with sightseeing, swimming, and exquisite cuisine. We were fortunate to visit Lisbon during the Festival of St. Anthony. The city was alive with revelers, music, and many friendly people—natives and visitors alike.

It’s safe to say that with this trip we experienced a slice of almost all that Portugal has to offer—old and new, urban and rural, coast, mountains, rivers, and countryside.” —Noreen and Rick Carvolth

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Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland for gastronomy tours and e-bike excursions that sidestep summer crowds

Tom Redburn

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

“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.

Some of our most memorable moments were a gastronomic walking tour of Bologna, a guided E-bike ride along the Appian Way in Rome, a guided cable car ride and walk to the top of Anacapri, and two hikes in the Dolomites. And that’s just Italy.

In Croatia and Slovenia, we enjoyed a guided walk up Mt. Srd above Dubrovnik, where two women 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 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 (18-course tasting menu), 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!) 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.

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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Bora Bora for a catamaran charter during the pleasant trade-wind season

yellow fish underwater in tahaa Island Tahiti

An underwater view off Tahaa Island, French Polynesia. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

“Our family enlisted Kleon to plan our trip to French Polynesia, where we spent a week on a catamaran sailing between the islands and a stop in Bora Bora for several days.

Because there were six of us, and three generations, Kleon suggested a number of activities that would suit us all. We snorkeled with manta rays and sharks, kayaked and paddleboarded. There were also visits to a pearl farm, vanilla farm, and rum factory, all of which we truly enjoyed.

The catamaran was a perfect choice for us. There was a very professional and cordial captain, and Virginie a perfect hostess and incredible cook. Because of them, we enjoyed spending time on the cat just relaxing, reading, snoozing, etc., as much as we enjoyed our excursions.

On Bora Bora, Kleon suggested the Pearl Resort, which suited us fine. We all had overwater bungalows with patios and direct lagoon access. It was also interesting to be able to feed the myriad of fish from an opening at the bottom of the bed!” —Vanessa Hulme

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Australia for cooler days, outback adventures, and ideal conditions on the Great Barrier Reef

boat sailing in water on Sydney Harbour Australia with famous bridge in background

Sailing on Sydney Harbour. Photo: Tourism Australia

“This was our 4th trip to the wonderful country of Australia, and we decided to visit Queensland and the Northern Territory. Kylie was invaluable with regards to arranging travel partners and visiting the natural and historic aboriginal sites. We started our adventure with 3 days in Sydney, having been to Australia before but never had time allotted for enjoying Sydney. We also completed a desire of mine—Sydney Bridge Climb!

After Sydney, we stayed in the lovely town of Port Douglas. Several good walk/hiking paths and Four Mile Beach both were steps from our hotel. Then on to a lovely lodge in the rainforest. We went river rafting, drift snorkeling in the Mossman River. Visited the Great Barrier Reef for more snorkeling and a sunset cruise. After leaving the very relaxing Port Douglas area we traveled to Darwin for our next adventure.

This is where we traveled by heavy-duty, all-terrain transport to the aboriginal parks of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. The wildlife we saw—flying foxes chattering in the trees and also flying overhead; crocs sunning on the banks of the billabong and swimming; too many birds to keep track of, all delightful! We went hiking in the parks to reach very old aboriginal rock artwork. Since we were in the north country, safety was paramount as we were in some very remote areas, no cell service or even people for miles and miles around. We went fishing. And we had to be mindful of crocs—no hands over the side of the boat. As one of our fellow travelers was reeling in a fish and ready to take it off the hook a shark came and bit the fish clean off, only leaving the head! That was an eye opener!! We also went mud crabbing — delicious to eat! Our camp was quite nice for being in the very top end of the Cobourg Peninsula. And an added bonus was being able to fly from Cobourg to Darwin, by 5-seat private plane. It was so interesting to see the terrain we had traveled by SUV from the air.

Staying at Uluru at the end of our trip was really a highlight! From the arranged hikes, to the meals with wine, and dinner under the stars with an astronomer who was able to tell the aboriginal stories and point out the constellations—a magical night under the Milky Way!!” —Marsha Friedli

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South Africa for celebrating graduation with whale-watching, hiking, and a safari

Lynn Casper

Lynn Casper planned a safari to celebrate the college graduation of her son Thomas (shown here atop Table Mountain in Cape Town). Photo: Traveler Clare Casper

“My two children and I celebrated my son’s college graduation by taking a trip for the ages! 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! 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. I knew I would see the animals but did not expect to learn so much from the guides at each camp.” —Lynn Casper

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Indonesia for prime weather to snorkel, ride horses, climb an active volcano…

Chris Kloes

Chris Kloes and her family in East Java, Indonesia, viewing Mount Bromo and its caldera at sunset.

“We thought Indonesia was an exceptionally beautiful country, with interesting history, gorgeous art and relics, and incredible food. Our family trip (me, my husband, and my 12-year-old son) was 3 weeks long and had 4 distinct chapters, which flowed very well.

Mt. Bromo
We rode horses across a sea of sand and climbed an active volcano! We especially appreciated the sunset tour of Mt. Bromo and the caldera. We were virtually alone to watch the sunset and had some unparalleled views.

Yogyakarta
We loved visiting the temple—it is truly amazing and so beautiful. We had an excursion and our son really enjoyed learning how to make batik. Plataran Bromo was an exceptional property. We lucked into an incredible room, with a private pool overlooking Borobudur. It was incredible to look out as the sun set, the bats dipped in and out of our pool, and the numerous calls to prayer competed in a hypnotic melody. We enjoyed seeing Yogyakarta, touring the Water Castle and Sultan’s Palace—we took local rickshaws, which was a ton of fun and a great way to see the area.

Gilli Trawangan
We are glad that we stayed at the north end of the island, close to Turtle Beach. It was stunningly beautiful and much quieter than the east side, which is more of a party area. Being able to snorkel at the beach right across from our villa was amazing, and we saw many sea turtles, which was a magical experience.

Lombok
This felt like the most authentic leg of our stay. Diane recommended the gorgeous Hotel Tugu Lombok, which is rich with antiques and local art. We visited a fantastic local market that was only about 1 hour from the Tugu. We also took a cooking class arranged by the hotel, which we all really enjoyed. We cooked local specialties and then ate our creations at a feast of a lunch.” —Chris Kloes

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Vietnam for fishing villages, their extraordinary bounty and cuisine

Fishermen casting a net from a boat in Vietnam.

Stunning coastal scenery and fishing-community culture are central to summer in Vietnam. Photo: Traveler Robyn Needham

“Vietnam is the land of opportunity today and a place we highly recommend you visit. We spent 17 days exploring from the North to the South on a trip planned by Ethan and Sandy. The Vietnamese people are welcoming, friendly and fantastic to be around. We quickly learned that Vietnamese culture is centered around family, and families come together every day to share the fantastic Vietnamese food.

We began our journey in Hanoi. We toured the bustling city, from the historic Hanoi Hilton (where American POWs were kept during the war) to the food-market streets. We traveled to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spent two nights on a four-cabin ship sailing amazing areas. Highlights of our experience were hiking to caves in this limestone cliff region, kayaking through a fishing village where houses are on the water, and kayaking to a secluded bay to swim without any crowds.

In Huế, we had unique opportunities to visit two family homes. The first was the home of a professional calligrapher, and we all participated in practicing calligraphy. In the second home we practiced Vietnamese as we enjoyed an amazing meal and homemade rice wine (don’t think sake but, rather, more like vodka).

We were then off to Hội An and Da Nang. We toured the rivers, took a ride on a ’round boat’ that fishermen still use and that can rotate at such a rate that I am still dizzy thinking about it—such fun. We also visited a fishing village and raised the fishing nets and threw casting nets to truly experience their daily lives.

In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), highlights included two boat trips up and down the Saigon River—to the Củ Chi Tunnels, which are preserved Viet Cong tunnels, and to the Mekong Delta area where we rode bikes to a temple and shared rice wine at the home of a local producer.

It was in the 90s each day and humid, but the guides were very attentive to hydrating us and cooling us down at needed intervals. Our primary goal in travel is to meet locals, learn their culture, values and experience a little of how they live. We accomplished that in Vietnam and are forever changed for the positive from this amazing trip.” —Robyn and Dan Needham

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Traveler in the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen, Morocco.

October Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

October is widely considered one of the best months to travel, and for good reason. While summer’s peak crowds disperse, winter’s chill remains at bay and autumn descends as gently as leaves in the Northern Hemisphere, with mild weather, vibrant landscapes, and savory meals. Cooler temperatures make outdoor exploration more comfortable—hiking the Alps, touring cities to the south—while Mediterranean and Adriatic travels offer lingering warmth without the sweltering heat of summer.

These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of October by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts (and those we are testing for The WOW List). You’ll find even more ideas in the October installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

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Morocco for exploring medinas, history, and ancient arts while “seeing life like a local”

Traveler in the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen, Morocco.

Milinda Martin in the famous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen.

“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, 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. 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 Marrakech, 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.

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 Marrakech 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

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Italy for historical sites, artisans, and sidestepping crowds with savvy guides

Beautiful cityscape skyline of Firenze (Florence), Italy, with the bridges over the river Arno

Florence: “Despite the crowds, we were able to thoroughly enjoy the major historical sights due to the superb guides.” Photo: Shutterstock

“We recently completed a wonderful two-week October trip to Venice, Florence, Rome and Positano, all of which was expertly designed and executed by Andrea and her team. It’s been well-documented that Italy has been very crowded with tourists, and this has seemingly extended the peak travel season into October. Despite the crowds, we were able to thoroughly enjoy the major historical sights due to the superb guides we were paired with. Advance reservations allowed us to skip most of the lines, and our guides were very savvy about finding ways to lessen the impact of the many tourists. Beyond helping us to navigate the crowds, our guides were historical experts, adding lots of background and insights about each place we visited and giving us a sense of life in Italy then and now.

Apart from the traditional historical spots, the experiences that Andrea suggested and arranged were a major highlight of our trip. There were too many to list them all here, but they included a private demonstration with a master glassblower and a visit to a weaving factory in Venice, a culinary food tour in Bologna while in transit from Venice to Florence, a Tuscan cooking class at the home of a chef in Florence, a hike in the hills outside of Florence ending with an amazing picnic lunch at the villa of a family with a historical and current connection to local art, and a full-day tour of small-town areas near Positano—including an excellent private lunch in Tramonti. Extra bonus—thanks to lots of walking, we enjoyed all of these food experiences without gaining a pound!” —Roger and Cheryl Fiery

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Greece for island-hopping “rest and relaxation” during a quieter month

Oia town on Santorini island, Greece. Traditional and famous houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera, Aegean sea

Santorini is more subdued in October, after summer’s crowds and heat abate. Photo: Shutterstock

“With so many Greek islands to choose from, I quickly became overwhelmed, especially when I tried to also figure out the logistics of island hopping. Marianna on Maria’s team came to the rescue! She worked with me to custom-plan an itinerary that would allow us to visit five islands and also to get some needed rest and relaxation by structuring our trip to take advantage of beach time at the beginning and to do more excursions toward the middle and end.

From the moment we landed in Athens we were treated like rock stars. She had someone waiting for us right after we deplaned who took us on the fast track, past all the people waiting in line at customs, and got us right through in about two minutes.

We then went to the Mykonos Grand, which was an absolutely delightful property on a bay and one that captured my heart. When we checked in, we were told that our accommodations had been upgraded. Little did we know that this was going to become a common theme.

In Santorini we took a sunset cruise that Marianna booked for us and that was one of the highlights of the trip. On Corfu, we enjoyed three wonderful nights at the Olivar Suites, where we also were upgraded upon check-in (as we were in Paros and in Santorini). While on Corfu we did a private olive oil tour that Marianna booked for us and that was another highlight of our vacation.” —Beth Jaworski and Mark Blumenberg

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Japan for meeting artisans, waterfall meditation, and vaulting down the red torii gates by the sea

Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato, Japan.

Motonosumi Inari Shrine’s 123 red torii gates overlook the Sea of Japan.

“I am forever grateful to Andrea for helping me with designing my dream trip to Japan. Having lived in Japan as a child, I wanted to go where few tourists go and engage in activities that would be a challenge to arrange. There are almost too many highlights of my customized trip to Japan to even list, let alone describe, but here are a handful:

* Vaulting down through Motonosumi Inari Shrine’s 123 brilliant red torii gates to a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan.

* Practicing ‘takigyo’ (waterfall meditation) with two Buddhist monks, by standing directly beneath a sacred waterfall—its strong cold water taking one’s breath away as it pelts one’s head and shoulders—before being revived and uplifted by its force.

* Meeting with so many artisans: potters in Hagi who showed me their hand-built kilns and exquisite Hagi ware; elderly basket weavers at a bamboo-basket-weaving studio; a glass-crystal-etching expert who instructed me in producing an etched crystal glass of my own; and masters of indigo dying who helped me create my own dyed tee-shirt in their studio workshop.

* In the home of a fisherman’s wife, learning how to make several classic fish dishes and then sharing a delightful meal with her and my guide—three older women exchanging intimate life stories while dining on the dishes we’d prepared.

* Strolling through Kyoto’s Gion district and enjoying a private tea ceremony and dance performance there by a young maiko (an apprentice geisha), and being given the opportunity to ask her candid questions about her life and her art.” —Lynn Savarese

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Turkey for fall ballooning and “aha moments”

Hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey.

A colorful ride over Cappadocia. Photo: Traveler Lary Barton

“We started in Istanbul, then to Cappadocia, Izmir/Ephesus, and Bodrum. Earl had it all taken care of! Each city had an amazing tour guide, luxury transportation, great drivers, and lots of aha moments. There were four total in our group, and we all agreed the balloon ride in Cappadocia was truly the top. The pilot actually landed the balloon basket on the trailer that would take the balloon away. None of the other 156 balloons made that magnificent landing.

The food! The wine! The people! The water! The mountains! I will use Wendy Perrin for all future travels, and we continue to recommend your amazing company.” —Lary Barton

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Canada for optimal timing to view polar bears on foot

Polar bear with cubs in Canadian Arctic.

“We are so thankful to have experienced polar bears in the wild.” Photo: Shutterstock

“I’d been thinking about seeing polar bears for years and imagined traveling in tundra buggies outside of Churchill looking for bears. Thank goodness I reached out to Marc! Marc suggested a walking safari at a remote camp. He also helped determine the optimal time and best experience based on our interests. It was amazing! The camp is 60 km north of Churchill, we flew in on an 8-passenger plane and saw a polar bear from the air!

The entire time we were at the lodge there were 3 bears around the camp. We had so many opportunities to see them from the lodge, from the viewing decks outside, and walking on the tundra. Equipment was provided and very much appreciated for protecting us from the Arctic winds. We were also lucky enough to see an amazing show of the northern lights. We are so thankful to have experienced polar bears in the wild with a small group on foot.” —Deborah Wente

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Southern France for temperate fall vineyard visits

Sunny day in Provence with Aiguines castle surrounded by vineyard and the beautiful turquoise St Croix lake in background.

Aiguines castle is surrounded by vineyards and the turquoise St-Croix Lake. Photo: Shutterstock

“We spent four days in Provence and were based in historic Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming and easily walkable little village. We stayed at the Hotel de Tourrel, a beautifully renovated 17th-century palace and our favorite hotel of the trip. Our first day of touring took us to Arles for a little history and then to the Camargue region to visit a working manade. We weren’t aware that ‘bull fighting’ (which is more like tag football with a bull, and no one gets hurt) was popular in France, but the form that is practiced there has a huge following in the South. It was fascinating to learn the history of the sport and see the farm where the French cowboys raise the bulls.

On our way to Lyon, our guide, Sebastien, picked us up at the train station and took us to Beaujolais. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, as it had been raining and the sun was peeking out behind the mist over the vineyards. Sebastien asked if we wanted to stop for lunch or pick up cheese and charcuterie and head straight for the winery we were scheduled to visit. Our preference was the latter, but when we asked if that would be OK with the winery, Sebastien grinned and said, ‘I’m the owner and I have the keys.’ We spent an absolutely delightful afternoon tasting amazing Beaujolais wines and learning about owning a small family winery in that part of France. From there we visited Lyon, where walking through the old city felt like being on a movie set—it was so French it didn’t look real!” —Lisa and Bruce Rosenfeld

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Australia for “glorious” beach weeks and wildlife

Crowds have waned in October but sun and surf are still epic on Bondi Beach. Photo: Shutterstock

“We cannot thank Stuart and Jacki enough for arranging the most wonderful, memorable trip for my 18-year-old son and me—two-and-a-half glorious weeks running around beautiful Australia. They both spent real time talking to us about our likes and hopes. Every element of the itinerary they came back with was flawlessly executed and fun-filled, tailored perfectly to our quirky interests. We loved it—wow! It was nonstop terrific. Highlights especially were our time at Arkaba Station, our day at MONA and walking in Mt Field in Tasmania, and—so touristy, but oh boy so fun—petting all those kangaroos at the wildlife reserve near Hobart. Who knew kangaroos were like dogs, just wanting a cuddle and scratch?

My son adds that he also especially loved surfing on Bondi Beach, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and taking a cocktail mixology class at Saffire. In addition to the thoughtful itinerary, Jacki and Stuart paired us with some truly terrific guides, very well matched to us. For example, in Sydney, they found us a professor of architecture to give us a tour of the wonderful architecture there. It is such a beautiful country, and we can tell we only just dipped our toes in. We will certainly be back for more, with the whole family next time.” —Cate Bradley

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Ireland for cliffs & countryside, artisans & distilleries, and crystal-laid banquets

Travelers at Dublin's Pearse Lyons Distillery, which is housed in a former church.

Travel Vicky Pendell and family at Dublin’s Pearse Lyons Distillery, which is housed in a former church.

“There were ten of us, ranging in age from early 40s to mid 70s. Jonathan and Katie suggested a variety of activities that made everyone happy, including a falconry walk at our first hotel, Dromoland, a 16th-century castle that truly set the tone for what a spectacular trip this was going to be.

Our outing to the Cliffs of Moher was truly breathtaking…and en route, the countryside alone was worth the trip. A trip to a farm provided us with an incredible sheepdog demonstration, followed by our getting to know the pups up close and personal, followed by artisanal cheeses and hot toddies served in a charming back room of the farm shop.

Weather was beautiful for us our first few days, but the day that our daughter and sons were set to play Dooks, one of the oldest golf courses in Ireland, winds kicked up and rain pelted down, yet they played anyway and said they would do it all again for the experience of playing that course!

We sadly left Dromoland after two nights and went to Killarney for three nights where we completely enjoyed all of the amenities offered at The Europe Hotel & Resort. Every one of us utilized the fitness center, spa treatments, pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, all while enjoying the most gorgeous views from our rooms overlooking Lough Leane….

On to Dublin for our last three nights and the Shelbourne Hotel did not disappoint either—incredible staff, a sumptuous high tea service, delicious foods and drink, and within walking distance to some very cool parts of the city. Seeing The Book of Kells and the ‘Long Room’ (the massive library at Trinity College) nearly had us in tears; the books are shelved floor-to-ceiling, and it was a sight never to be repeated, at least not in my mind.

Our final evening here, Nikita helped me arrange a special dinner in a private room for our family, next to a smaller room alongside where an Irish duo came to entertain us before dinner. The Irish pipes and the violinist were incredible—we were clapping, laughing, singing, playing flutes along with the duo, and ended up dancing before they were done! The dinner was exquisite, with a gorgeous linen-laid table, crystal, and servers timing the ‘reveal’ of each dish just perfectly. We felt like royalty. What a way to end our time together!!” —Vicky Pendell

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South Korea for city sights, decadent dining, and the “quietude” of Buddhist temples

A tea sommelier at the Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Village Hanok Hotel, South Korea.

A tea sommelier leads a tasting at Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Village Hanok Hotel. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“Drawn to Seoul to attend a business meeting, we decided to extend our Korean journey to explore a loop of the southern half of the country. Our first stop was the Park Hyatt Seoul, which was a stunning and well-situated hotel with superb service. Greeted by our guide the following day, we oriented ourselves to the massive city, hitting all the major sightseeing stops and learning how to manage the Seoul subway with the ever-convenient transit card included in our booking. During our time in the Korean capital, we sampled the highest quality Korean BBQ, innumerable variations of seafood, a tea tasting and a Korean liquor tasting.

Following Seoul, we travelled to Jeonju. After an efficient high-speed train ride, we checked into the Lahan Hotel overlooking the traditional Hanok village, which allowed for an easy stroll to any of the shops or restaurants that make this area a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Following the recommendation from the chef who taught us how to make beef bulgogi in Seoul, we went to her favorite place for bibimbap and seafood pajeon.

After eating and drinking our way around Jeonju, we traveled by car to Gwanju in the southwestern portion of the country. On our drive, we were immersed in the beauty of the Korean countryside, taking a moment to stretch our legs with a nice autumn walk at Hwaeomsa temple. A stunningly beautiful site of quietude, we wandered the numerous Buddhist temple buildings and pagodas with each vantage point offering a better view of the surrounding mountains. Informed by our guide that guests are allowed to reside overnight in this special place, we plan to come back soon to try out a ‘temple stay.’

We were pleasantly surprised by our visit to Korea’s second largest city, Busan. Located on the water with sublime city views, we checked into the Park Hyatt Busan, which rivaled the service of its sister hotel in Seoul. While in Busan, we took in incredible oceanside views, decadent dining, and a bit of relaxation at the hotel spa. While uncertain what Korea would hold, we were delighted by its massive, clean, and well-organized cities, its infinite delicious dining, and its helpful, caring, and thoughtful people.” —Michael Ruma

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Madagascar for lemur sightings and snorkeling with whale sharks

A group of resting lemurs katta looking at the camera.

Ring-tailed lemurs are the unofficial mascots of Madagascar. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just back from a 12-day trip to Madagascar to see the lemurs. Madagascar is extremely poor, and road conditions and travel can be quite something. We asked to minimize as much as possible while maximizing our opportunities to see the lemurs and enjoy the best of Madagascar. Elise on Cherri’s team chose four great properties—Maison Gallieni in Antananarivo, Mantadia Lodge, Anjajavy le Lodge and Tsara Komba Lodge—also arranging a private driver, shared charter flight, and private charter flight to lessen road travel and scheduled flights (a few people we had spoken to had lost luggage and cancelled flights with the national carrier).

We loved all the lemur sightings and felt that we were given premium villas at two of the lodges. Most of all, we felt safe and looked after, and had great activities to fulfill our wishes! Surprisingly, food and beverage was extremely good at all our locations, and the snorkeling around Nosy Be (Tsara Komba Lodge) was outstanding, especially the whale sharks where Elise had organized a private excursion, which is really the way to do it.” —Judy Calvert

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Vietnam and Cambodia for Angkor Wat and breezy evening Vespa-tour “heaven”

Photo of Angkor Wat temple complex taken by the traveler.

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex is filled with intricate carvings. Photo: Traveler Joe McBrine

“We travel to see the world, experience other cultures, and meet those who live like us but only differently. Sandy and Ethan provided us with the opportunities to do that. Each experience forced us out of our comfort zone as passive tourists and made us engage in the best possible way.

The Vespa tour of Ho Chi Minh City was beyond. At first I was a bit anxious at the thought of getting on a Vespa. It was hot and I was worried we might have a collision—or, worse, I’d fall off. However the drivers were expert and put us instantly at ease. Once we set off and felt the breeze against our skin, took in the beautiful twinkling lights, and smelled the aromas of this city—including all the delicious food we tried at the three different restaurants we stopped at—we were in heaven. One particularly memorable moment occurred as we zipped down a small alleyway passing by residents cooking their evening meals, eating, and socializing—a sight familiar no matter where one is in the world. Amazing. Additionally, the flower market was also especially beautiful at night.

In Cambodia, one of the highlights of our trip was getting up before dawn and being able to enjoy sunrise at the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Seeing this beautiful and immense temple complex appear out of the mist as the sun rises is an experience too ethereal and intense for words. Along those lines, we visited a Cambodian Buddhist monastery for blessings and prayers with a young Buddhist monk. Truly a trip to remember, and we owe that to Sandy and Ethan.” —Joe McBrine

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Switzerland in fall for uncrowded hiking, local customs, and luxe watches

matterhorn-Switzerland Alps CR Pixabay

Farmers bring their cows down from the Alps in the autumn. Photo: Pixabay

“We just came home from a wonderful trip in Switzerland. October is a fabulous time to visit. We ran into very few tourists, got to see the beautiful green countryside, and still experienced enough snow by visiting the Matterhorn and other sites. Nina, Ana, and Simon created a perfect itinerary that enabled us to visit Zurich, Appenzellerland, the Rheinfall, Zermatt and Lucerne in our short 7-day trip.

In Zurich, we took an informative ‘insider’ walking tour our first day and felt completely oriented to the city by the end of our 3 hours. We also had a special WOW Moment dinner in a private vineyard hut overlooking the city. The rain only added to the romantic ambiance of the evening. Appenzellerland was very special and very Swiss! We saw cows returning from the Alps, were invited into local homes and marveled at the customs and traditions of this region. We loved our time in Zermatt. The recommended hotel was unusual (our bed was suspended in glass over the main floor) but charming and our guide took us on a hike that resulted in the PERFECT photo of the Matterhorn. Lucerne was a very quick visit, but the stop at Chronoswiss was very special, and expensive after we fell in love with these unique Swiss watches.” —Lynn Herrick

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Brazil and Argentina for seeing Iguaçu Falls (minus the crowds!)

Part of The Iguazu Falls seen from the Argentinian National Park.

Stay the night within the national park for virtually private viewings of Iguaçu Falls. Photo: Shutterstock

Paul and his team did an excellent job in planning our trip to Brazil and Argentina. He listened to our requests, such as keeping our tours to no more than four hours a day to give us time each afternoon to relax. The guides that Paul was able to arrange for us in each location (São Paulo, Paraty, Rio, Iguaçu Falls and Buenos Aires) were all excellent. Getting to know them and their personal stories was very interesting.

One of the highlights was the fact that Paul arranged for us to stay in Iguaçu Falls at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, which was located in the national park overlooking the falls. I was able to see the falls early in the morning before the park opened and after 5pm when the park closed to the public. Seeing the falls without the crowds was truly special.” —Shawn Rosenzweig

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Croatia for cooking classes, wine and oyster tastings, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea

Travelers next to a private sailboat on the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Traveler Donna Praskach and a friend exploring the Elaphiti Islands, near Dubrovnik, by private sailboat.

“My girlfriend and I just returned from a most PERFECT and fabulous trip to Croatia. I can’t express enough how amazing the guides, drivers, hotels, etc. were. Our guides were some of the most incredible people during our visit to beautiful Croatia. I was so impressed with the knowledge of not only their country, but history, economics, culture, language, religions and so willing to answer any question we had. It truly was an interactive experience with them.

The 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. 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. We had 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!” —Donna Praskach

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Norway for glacier hikes, fishing in a 160-year-old rowboat, and cabin-cooked meals

Veitastrondsvatnet lake reflecting the mountains, Sogndal, Norway.

Norway is an outdoor paradise; this is Veitastrondsvatnet Lake. Photo: Norwegian Adventures

“This was by far the best vacation we’ve ever experienced–and to such a beautiful country. Jan planned every aspect perfectly: It was creative, interesting, adventurous and fun. From hiking on a glacier, to having a traditional lunch prepared by a charming woman in her quaint cabin, to fishing in a small, 160-year-old Oselvar rowboat with an amazing guide and his dog. Not to mention catching fish and having him fry it up on shore, along with a hot pot of coffee!

Incredible sites and attractions, either by private RIB, ferries, hiking, or driving. Beautiful, charming accommodations with lovely meals. I could go on and on. We miss Norway and look forward to returning.” —Patti and Don Maltase

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Germany for Bavarian food, hikes, and lager amid the changing color of the trees

Germany

A Bavarian band playing at the Braeustueberl Tegernsee beer garden. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“Impromptu trip planned to visit friends stationed in the area turned out to be a well-needed time for relaxation and a stunning experience of Bavaria’s autumn colors and culture. Gwen and her team curated a delightful itinerary based on our requests for a few city tours, hiking, wine tasting and excellent food. What evolved from there really was a sublimely pleasing trip.

I’ll highlight just a few of the many wonderful perks we experienced traveling across Bavaria with Gwen’s assistance. First, we received complimentary upgrades at two of the four hotels where we stayed, with more space, gorgeous balcony views and little treats every night. Second, we had really extraordinary guides in each locale giving us the inside scoop on the finest restaurants, hidden museums and the best ways to enjoy each city.

With superb itinerary planning, smooth transportation and a watchful guide wherever and whenever we needed it, we were left with the freedom to simply relax and immerse ourselves into each site we visited. What this meant to us included walks each morning along the beautifully forested river walk, the Lichtentaler Allee, admiring the changing colors of the trees, spending half a day soaking at a thermal spa, wondering how much more grand Neuschwanstein Castle could be from a bridge suspended hundreds of feet above a roaring waterfall, sampling fine chocolates in Strasbourg, learning about riesling quality designations from our wine-loving guide, finding the local spot for wild boar and dumplings, and hiking over ten miles high above Lake Tegernsee and enjoying a crisp German lager to celebrate the view of the Alps at the local brewery with a live Bavarian band playing next to us.” —Michael Ruma

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The Galápagos Islands for a small-ship experience of diverse wildlife and rich geography

Blue-footed Booby on rocks, in Galapagos Islands.

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

“We just returned from Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands celebrating our 50th anniversary. We shared with Allie our desire to focus on the Galápagos: the variety of wildlife, geography, and culture. We were interested in cruising on a small ship but were also concerned about seasickness. Allie suggested we select a catamaran.

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 Galápagos 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. With Allie’s advice and help, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —Scott and Lorna Conroy

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Sicily for autumn sailing, biking, and food & wine experiences

Aquamarine blue waters of sea near Taormina resorts and Etna volcano mount. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

“The weather was perfect and the crowds were present, but certainly less than high season.” Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from a fantastic trip to Sicily planned by Matteo and Marcello. We spent 3 nights in Palermo, 2 nights in Agrigento, and 4 nights in Siracusa. October is a great time to visit Sicily. The weather was perfect and the crowds were present but certainly less than high season.

We wanted a food tour of the Sicily markets—Matteo got us a fantastic guide for a great Street Food tour. We wanted to shop and cook with a chef—Matteo arranged this with a charismatic great chef. We wanted a day on the water to sail and enjoy the sea—Matteo arranged a phenomenal afternoon and sunset sail with Salvo, a very special person who set up an amazing afternoon for us. We wanted an e-bike tour and this too was arranged for us. The vulcanologist on Mt Etna, the archeologist who led us through the Villa Romana del Casale, and the guide at the Agrigento temples were all also fantastic.

A few suggestions for other travelers considering Sicily. Listen to Matteo and Marcello about Palermo. It was very interesting to visit and the market tour is a must. Spend an evening in the town of Agrigento and have dinner there. It’s a very quaint town with very nice shops and restaurants. We are glad we stayed at the (very expensive) Villa Athena with an amazing view of the temples (15 min from town); this is a unique property with a great restaurant that is a bit formal, so another dinner experience in the city of Agrigento is worth it. We had two wine tastings with lunch. These were not winery visits like we have experienced in the U.S., Tuscany, France or Istria. No tour of the vineyards or facilities, no meeting the winemaker; just tasting the wines and a brief description with your meal. The meals and wine were good and we are glad we booked these, but just be aware of this kind of experience..” —Jonathan Scharfstein

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Chile for hiking amid a “bucket list” of natural beauty

A landscape of the Torres del Paine national park from the Explora Lodge.

A view from Explora’s lodge in Torres del Paine. Photo: Explora

“Patagonia, specifically Torres del Paine, has been a bucket-list destination for as long as I can remember. So there was a bit of pressure to get everything just right for our trip to the end of the Earth. During the initial planning phase, Jordan listened carefully and helped us narrow our options for how to explore the area’s beauty. After careful consideration and with his and Krista’s guidance, we expanded our trip to include the Atacama Desert to see more of Chile’s beauty. Additional conversations led us to pick Explora for our lodgings. Explora was the perfect mix of luxurious and laid-back, with a friendly vibe that led us to meet other travelers, which added to our experience. The hikes led by the Explora staff were challenging and rewarding. We saw and learned new things that helped us realize a lifelong dream of visiting a place we’d only read about in travel magazines. Krista also helped us enjoy our brief stay in Santiago with personal recommendations for where to stay, eat, and enjoy the best pisco sours.

Thanks to Jordan and team, our bucket-list trip was everything we hoped it would be. For anyone who has ever considered seeing the beauty of Chile, we say ‘just go,’ and go with Jordan.” —David Dubow

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Malaysia and Indonesia for waterfalls, cultural experiences, and ceremonies

Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo, Malaysia.

The Schoenfelds on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo, looking for proboscis monkeys. Photo: Traveler Barbara Schoenfeld

“Over a three-week period, we visited Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Although we approached the consultation with ideas of where we wanted to go, Andrea’s suggestions for itinerary design were considerably better. For example, he advised that we visit Borobudur, near Yogyakarta in Indonesia. We did, and it was a highlight.

One special experience was the Sala Waterfall Temple in Bali. It went beyond most of the Balinese blessing ceremonies because it involved wading in a freshwater spring, led by a guide, stopping at 21 stations to undertake ritual cleansing steps and prayers. It culminates in climbing to a rushing waterfall, where you stick your head under the cascade and scream three times. It’s a surprisingly calming experience.

The trip was all we hoped for and more—to gain an understanding of the countries and cultures we visited, enjoying discovery on a special vacation.”—Barbara Schoenfeld

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Traveler Julie Silbermann feeding reindeer in Norway.

March Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

So you’ve got a window of time in March when you can travel, and you have no idea where to go. Not to worry: Your fellow travelers are here to help you find the perfect destination. Read on for reviews of their favorite March trips, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific and from Europe to the Middle East. These adventures were all made possible through the knowledge and insider connections of the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts.

You’ll find even more ideas in the March installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here, including imaginative ideas for spring break.

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Sicily for ideal weather to hike, bike, take a cooking class, and visit the San Giuseppe festival

Richard Rediker and friends at a cooking class in Siracusa, Sicily.

“One of the highlights was a cooking class at a restaurant in the Siracusa area…ending with a selfie taken by the chef himself!”

“We are two couples who spent 17 glorious days in Sicily on a trip arranged by Matteo. For decades, I have planned my own trips all over the world. However, using Wendy’s WOW List last year for Morocco and this year for Sicily saved a lot of time and provided us with local experiences we never would have had otherwise. We biked, hiked, took cooking classes, learned a lot of history, saw many ruins, and ate Sicilian cuisine. Matteo arranged for local drivers and guides at each stop—people who were from the places we visited and seemed to know everyone we passed.

When I mentioned that we enjoy remote destinations, Matteo suggested visiting the car-free island of Marettimo for the San Giuseppe festival. Marettimo is located 90 minutes off the west coast of Sicily by hydrofoil. We had a local guide who grew up on the island and whose father was the mayor. As we joined the festivities, we seemed to be the only tourists there, aside from locals who had grown up on the island and return each year for San Giuseppe.

Each day, lunch was included at special restaurants or private homes. Everywhere we went, we were treated like VIPs. Throughout our trip, Matteo checked in to ensure everything was going smoothly, even joining us for pizza one evening and again when we were in his hometown of Noto.

One of the highlights was a cooking class at a restaurant in the Siracusa area. First we visited the market to select fresh, locally sourced ingredients, then we returned to the restaurant to prepare and plate our own meals—ending with a selfie taken by the chef himself!” —Rich Rediker

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India for joining the community spring festival of Holi and “painting the town”

Ron Klausner, his wife, and two friends covered in paint at the Holi festival in India.

Ron Klausner, his wife, and two friends joined in the community’s Hindu festival of Holi.

“My wife and I are avid travelers and have visited over 70 countries, but we have always avoided going to India for fear of getting intestinal problems. We finally bit the bullet and decided to go, did not get sick, and loved India! The people, the people, the people.

We went for three weeks with another couple in March. Although we were between earning WOW Moments, I feel Sanjay made our entire trip a WOW Moment. In Varanasi we had private sunset and sunrise boat cruises on the Ganges River, and a sitar concert at the home of Ravi Shankar’s cousin. We also participated in Holi, where we celebrated spring by joining different groups of locals and covering each other with paint and water and then dancing together in joy.

In Jaipur we had dinner at the home of a very special family. They are royalty, but what makes them special is the parents have one biological child and adopted nine children from age 8 to 19! The children, all girls, were abandoned as babies because their biological parents wanted boys, not girls. This family is now raising them as their own. We ate, we sang, and we all danced together. What joy!

One of our most memorable moments occurred when we saw a bunch of women, all dressed in magnificent yellow, dancing on a side street. One of the women gestured for my wife to join her. The women were celebrating because one of them just had a daughter who got engaged. They went down the street knocking on doors, and neighbors kept joining. My wife had a wonderful time.

Without reservation, I implore you to visit India if you have not already done so.” —Ron Klausner

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Cuba for a fascinating, thought-provoking Caribbean spring break

Farmers working on the tabacco field collecting tabacco fields.

Cuba climate and soil contribute to its tobacco cultivation and world-renown cigars. Photo: Terraversed

“Our trip to Cuba in March was nothing short of extraordinary. Rob and Ana Maria took the time to truly understand what we hoped to gain from our time in Cuba. Their thoughtfulness, in partnership with their phenomenal on-the-ground team, Raquel and Diana, made all the difference. Raquel met us at the airport and became our amazing guide and companion throughout our stay. Diana, our 24/7 concierge, partnered with Raquel to work magic behind the scenes to make sure every moment was seamless. Their level of commitment went far beyond professionalism: By the end of the trip, we had met their families and were invited to attend Diana’s daughter’s birthday party. These personal touches allowed us to experience Cuba through the eyes and hearts of the local people.

Some of the most memorable experiences included a private concert at the home of a celebrated Cuban guitarist (Molina) and sharing lunch in the home of a Cuban family. The meal rivaled the top restaurants we visited, but what stayed with us was the intimate conversation and powerful connection we felt around their table and their efforts to improve their community. Another surprise: attending a local baseball game. It was another glimpse into the everyday Cuban spirit.

There was also a day trip to Viñales, where we explored tobacco and coffee farms and gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions and resilience of Cuba’s farming communities. The trip could not have been more thoughtfully and beautifully curated. The warmth, resourcefulness, and hospitality of the Cuban people was front-and-center in every interaction. It was an experience we will carry with us forever.” —Ann Marie Bell

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Iceland for glacier hikes, dog sledding, and black beach drives (yes beaches in March!)

Gail Fennell and family next to a monster on a black beach in Iceland.

Gail Fennell and her family cruised in a monster truck along the black beach.

“Iceland March 4-9, 2025
I highly recommend my travel consultant Mads. He helped me plan a 5-day trip to Iceland for my family (my husband, myself, my 3 grown sons with their significant others, and my 5-month-old granddaughter). There was not one aspect of the trip that I would have changed. We climbed glaciers on foot and in a monster truck, went dog sledding (even the baby), soaked in the hot springs, drove down the black beach and relaxed in a fabulous villa in the country where we saw a spectular show of the Northern Lights. Every one of his recommendations worked with our family situation and one day was more exciting than the next. We will definitely be using Wendy Perrin’s WOW List again!” —Gail Fennell

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Italy (including the Amalfi Coast) for shirt-sleeve weather and no crowds

Travelers Dan Gorbett and husband Mike Wellner on a private yacht exploring the Amalfi Coast with Positano in the background, Italy.

Dan Gorbett and husband Mike Wellner exploring the Amalfi Coast by private yacht in March.

“We highly recommend utilizing Andrea for your Italian vacation. My husband and I toured Italy March 16th-March 31st. We started in Rome, then went on to the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Venice, Lake Como and finally flew out of Milan. The true gem of this experience was the local guides. We had an art historian show us around Florence, and our guide who took us to the Murano glass-blowing factories in Venice was part of one of the families of artisans who have been doing glass blowing for hundreds of years.

Another highlight of the trip was the yacht day in Amalfi. They arranged for us to go down the coast to Capri, and then our boat captain and first mate told us about the different aspects of the coast and the people who lived there while enjoying the sun and the water.

In each different area the guides were able to give us recommendations of small mom-and-pop restaurants with truly amazing food. As expected on an Italian vacation, we had the best food and drinks of our lives. The days were never over-planned. There was always time to slow down and enjoy the cities and the meals.

One particularly impressive action by the team was related to our trip home. Our flight home was changed at the last minute, and Andrea’s concierge was able to adjust our morning driver from Lake Como to the Milan airport, and we were picked up at 5 AM on Easter Sunday!” —Dan Gorbett and Mike Wellner

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Belize for better-value Caribbean islands

sharks swimming underwater in Shark Ray Alley in Belize

Shark Ray Alley is one of dozens of crystal-clear snorkeling spots on Belize’s barrier reef.  Photo: Absolute Belize

“We travel a lot but generally to the beaten-track destinations, so Belize was a bit exciting and scary when we were planning! But with Patricia’s help it was an amazing trip that was an unforgettable experience for the whole family—everyone (6 people ranging in age from 17 to 60) loved it (which is rare) and Patricia’s help was just invaluable—so thank you!

In Ambergris Caye we stayed at the Alaia—loved this resort and our villa! Obviously the seaweed situation now is unfortunate, but nothing anyone can do and it affects many Caribbean and Mexican destinations. Loved our snorkeling trip—the reef here is amazing! Then we moved on to the jungle and Ka-Ana resort—the rooms were very nice and the people were lovely and the special birthday dinner they put together for two members of our party who had a birthday while there was just amazing! This was our favorite part of the trip.  The Caracol and Xunantunich Mayan ruin tours were amazing (lots of monkeys and wildlife too!), but the pontoon boat trip was an amazing highlight—I don’t think the description in the brochure does it justice! We all had the most amazing day.

Finally we stayed in Placencia at Itzana—loved the resort and the villa and the location. Adored the snorkeling trip to that amazing small island (bird something?); such a fun day in the Caribbean. We enjoyed the spice-farm and chocolate-farm tours as well as a Mayan cooking and drumming demonstration. We also all loved the boat tour of the bioluminescent lagoon and are very glad we added it!” —Regina Olshan

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The Yukon for Northern Lights, dogsledding, and feeling the vast low-season wilderness all to yourself

Dog sledding in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in Canada.

“The dogs have distinct personalities and are hysterically adorable.” Photo: Shutterstock

“Northern lights, and then some, in breathtaking Yukon, Canada. Marc put together a well-organized and well-crafted itinerary to the Yukon in March that had a little of everything—nature, a wide variety of activities, culture, and history—for my sister and me. In my 40+ years of travel, I do not recall having as much fun as I did on this adventure. Our excursions were all private, from a director-led museum visit, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, hiking in the Tombstone Territorial Park and then flying back in a Cessna, formulating a skin cream with an herbalist/healer, to a city walking tour with a Parks Canada guide, who had keys to all the historic buildings.

The aurora viewing was one of the highlights of our trip. Marc astutely provided us with five opportunities to see the aurora, and we saw it on three separate nights. The sky was on fire during two of the three nights. Marc engaged photographers as guides, as we knew nothing about shooting the night sky. A yurt with a hot stove was much welcomed. We were having so much fun taking pictures, we begrudgingly went in to warm up only when our fingers started to go numb. Seeing the northern lights is an unbelievable experience.

The other highlight, much to our surprise, was dogsledding. I have gone dogsledding in the past, but this experience was totally different. Our guide, Ben, is a musher who participates in races. Our adventure started at his outdoor kennel, where he selected and harnessed nine excited dogs. We loved meeting his dogs up close and learning how he cares for them during a race and outside of racing. It was fascinating to learn about the race itself—the rules, people involved, checkpoints, gear, etc. The dogs have distinct personalities and are hysterically adorable. My sister and I talked about it for days.

We told Marc during our initial discussion that seeing the northern lights was our priority, and we let him choose the dates and locations. Aside from it being a province of Canada, we knew nothing about the Yukon. But we placed our trust in Marc, and he nailed it. And because it was low season, we felt we had the breathtaking, snowy landscape, and vast wilderness of the Yukon all to ourselves. Does life get any better than that?” —Linda Bailey

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Morocco for Ramadan, when fewer tourists visit

Traveler Rich Rediker and friends on a sunset camel ride in the Sahara, Morocco.

Rich Rediker and friends on a sunset camel ride in the Sahara.

“Ten of us (five couples in our 60’s and 70’s) just returned from an amazing two weeks in Morocco. While I normally plan these group trips myself, I decided to save time and try using Wendy’s WOW List Morocco recommendation. We were not disappointed. In fact, everything promised turned out to be nicer and better than expected.

The key to a successful trip is a great guide and bus driver, and we had the best in guide Mohamed and driver Khalid. We were promised a 12-seat bus (plus two seats in the front for the driver and guide). Instead, we received a very comfortable 16-seat (plus two) bus, allowing us to spread out.

Our entire trip was during Ramadan, which we thought was a benefit. There were fewer tourists, people didn’t smoke in the crowded medinas, and we participated in delicious Iftar dinners. It was also interesting walking through the markets in the late afternoon, as everyone was scurrying to buy food for their Iftar meal.

On many days, our itinerary said, ‘picnic lunch included.’ This was an amazing understatement, as these lunches were often feasts in unique and incredible locations.

We are active travelers, and our trip used excellent local guides for our activities, including hikes, e-biking, a cooking class, wine tasting, and a gorgeous sunset camel ride in the Sahara. We chose our lodging together, and each place was unique and comfortable without being too expensive. At many riads, the ten of us occupied almost every room, and we had the place to ourselves. Our favorite riad was Dar Rihana in Dades. It is owned by three brothers who are amazing gourmet cooks. After dinner, they led us in local music and dances.” —Richard Rediker

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London for historic sights without the crowds

Wynne Wages

Wynne Wages and her family at Windsor Castle.

“This was our best family vacation by far. My ‘royalist’ daughter was in literal tears when we walked up to Buckingham Palace…and her enthusiasm didn’t wane throughout the entire trip. Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London…so many places were thrilling for her (and for all of us!). When Tanner wanted to go by the Lindo Wing steps, our London guide, Mark, made the time…and made her day! Trey was enthralled with the behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill War Rooms. We all were, actually.

In Oxford, our guide Elizabeth had such grace, knowledge, and love for Oxford. Not only do I want to be her best friend, but I want to be in her book club! Stratford-Upon-Avon was great; unfortunately, Anne Hathaway’s cottage was closed, so we missed going there. But we added a stop to Holy Trinity Church and Shakespeare’s grave, so that eased the pain! Both hotels—the Chesterfield Mayfair in London and the Old Bank in Oxford—were lovely, with perfect locations. Jennifer listened to our desires, planned a wonderful trip which checked all of the boxes for our various family members, and was incredibly patient and kind throughout the entire process.” —Wynne Wages

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Norway for northern lights by night, reindeer herding and dog sledding by day

Traveler Julie Silbermann feeding reindeer in Norway.

Julie Silbermann spent a day with Sami people and got to help feed their reindeer.

“WOW! What a trip we had to Finnmark in northern Norway! We can’t thank Wendy enough for connecting us with Jan and Miriam for our trip March 7-15. They crafted an exciting trip of one adventure after another. We flew to Alta, which is 400 miles inside the Arctic Circle, and stayed at the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge. It is remote and incredibly beautiful. We stayed in a room overlooking the river and mountains with floor-to-ceiling windows. We went dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. We even caught Arctic char, which our guide, Kalle, expertly cooked for us inside our warming tent for lunch! We were very lucky to see the Northern Lights on three out of four nights, and Helle knew just where to bring us to see the spectacular light show.

One of our most special expeditions was spending the day with the Sami people, helping them herd and feed their reindeer! We were in the middle of a herd of hundreds of reindeer, watching them and admiring their beauty inside an Arctic wonderland. Just an amazing experience. Big thanks to Trygve Nygard, Kalle, Helle, and Emilie for their special care on our expeditions. Everything was taken care of for us—there wasn’t a detail left to chance.” —Julie Silbermann

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Portugal for warm spring yachting in the Algarve and through the wine country

Marci Shapiro on a private yacht cruise in Portugal.

Marci Shapiro feeling the “obrigado” spirit during a sunset charter in the Algarve. Photo: Traveler Andy Shapiro

“My wife and I have been working with WOW List Experts for many years on many amazing trips. Our expectations are very high, and occasionally a WOW Expert we are working with exceeds them, which was exactly the case with Gonçalo and Sofia.

Our adventure began with three nights in the Algarve at a resort overlooking the dramatic and spectacular cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights included long beautiful hikes with a guide and a private sunset cruise. Somehow Gonçalo and Sofia arranged for a significant upgrade on the yacht we chartered, which was a welcome surprise and treat!

Next was three nights in Porto at a fabulous luxury hotel fronting the Douro River with incredible views. The private tours and tastings we had at Taylor Fladgate, Graham’s and Quinta do Noval were mind-boggling! Seeing huge crowds of people (at Taylor and Graham’s) and then to be whisked away for the ‘private experience’ that only WOW Experts like Gonçalo and Sofia can arrange, is always a pleasure. Last, but certainly not least, was the private yacht (another upgrade!) cruise down the Douro River through the Douro Valley wine region! What FUN!

Our final stop was Lisbon. We stayed at a former palace that was converted to a luxury 5-star hotel with what we thought was the absolute best location—even better than the Four Seasons, where we stay often when we travel. Our guide in Lisbon just prior to us took around the former Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau; before that was Magic Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson with their wives, as well as many other notable people. My wife and I could not believe he was our guide too! We loved hearing the fascinating stories and learning all about Lisbon and Sintra from such a master at his craft!

The pacing of the trip—very important to us, allowing for strategic down time—was flawless. We thought the trip pricing was extremely fair and reasonable and most cost effective, compared to other trips we have taken. We will forever be so grateful and appreciative for everything Gonçalo and Sofia did on our behalf! OBRIGADO!” —Andy Shapiro

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Costa Rica for an easy combo of rainforest and beach

Hanging Bridges in cloud forest Monteverde - Costa Rica

A hanging bridge provide a treetop perspective on the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were absolutely thrilled with the spring break trip that Pierre planned for our family. We wanted one place that we could enjoy for a week that offered both a beach and a rainforest experience. Manuel Antonio and the Arenas Del Mar hotel were absolutely perfect for that.

I cannot say enough good things about the hotel. The wildlife sightings there were far and away better than in the national park. There were squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws. iguanas, and two- and three-fingered sloths right outside our doors. But what really set the hotel apart was the staff. I have never visited a place with kinder or more caring staff. At the end of the week our son announced that he would not be leaving and would henceforth be living there.

The activities that Pierre planned for us were perfect (zip-lining, a waterfall hike, surfing lessons), again with guides that could not have been kinder or more accommodating. I’ll never forget our son’s 7th birthday and watching him leap from a platform hundreds of feet in the air to swing on a Tarzan rope while our zip-lining guides sang happy birthday to him.” —Anne Lloyd

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Spain for castles without the crowds

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

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Malta and Sardinia for sunny Mediterranean islands in winter

The famous arch of Blue Grotto in Malta.

The arch outside Malta’s Blue Grotto. 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 BC 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

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Switzerland for an “epic” ski trip, complete with fondue

Traveler Wendy Mueller and son Evan riding the gondola with the Matterhorn in the background on the Swiss Side of Zermatt, Switzerland.

Wendy Mueller and son Evan riding the gondola in Zermatt, with the Matterhorn in the background.

“I took my son (age 19) to Zermatt for a ski trip the first week of March. I wanted a special mom-and-son trip. I reached out to WendyPerrin.​com for a referral to help and was connected with Nina and Simon. They took my wishes and planned an EPIC trip for me. The accommodations were amazing, the ski guide was so good I booked him an additional day, and they added to the itinerary a gorge trip and a special nighttime fondue and another evening tapas tour.

What made it more spectacular were the guides hired. We are very accomplished skiers in the U.S., living in Colorado and Tahoe. We knew Zermatt was a little more complicated of a mountain, with the lifts and the Swiss and Italian sides. They recommended a ski guide, and we are so very happy they did! Made the skiing more efficient and fun! One of the more memorable moments was a walk down into town from the evening fondue, and as we passed through one of the small hamlets, a small white one-room church—like the kind in old western towns—was lit, and our guide noticed my interest so he went over to see if it was open. It was and I was able to make a small donation in the box and light a candle and have a prayer of gratitude. I will remember this forever.

I rarely use travel services, as I do travel a lot and am comfortable booking on my own. However I wanted to have a bonding experience with my son and be stress-free. I feel more connected to my son, as we did activities together without worry. I would definitely recommend Nina and Simon when you want to be taken care of and have special moments.” —Wendy Mueller

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Scotland for beautiful countryside in March—and surprisingly mild weather

Kinnoull Hill tower ruins, Perth Scotland, overlooking the River Tay on a clear day

Kinnoull Tower overlooks the River Tay, Scotland. Photo: Shutterstock

Jonathan and Katie planned our March trip to Scotland and England. The weather in early March was surprisingly mild. As a result our itinerary was unaffected and we experienced the full beauty of Scotland. We had a great introduction to the whisky industry during our WOW Moment at The Pot Still in Glasgow. It was a great way to start our journey. Our guide John was a true difference maker, driving us through the country with high-speed Internet available to us for the inevitable interruption.

The hotels we used were all top-notch and we will look forward to returning to Gleneagles to take advantage of all the activities they have to offer. The American Bar at Gleneagles is a must-visit if you are a hotel guest. Our guide in Edinburgh was Val, and she pointed out many out-of-the-way places that truly brought the city to life for us. Neil toured us through Stonehenge and Oxford, providing a lifetime of knowledge about that part of England. Our experiences were greatly enhanced by the services of these people. We were able to see and learn so much more by not wasting time being lost or trying to figure out which side of the road to drive on.” —Robert Hussey

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Mexico City for fantastic food and vibrant neighborhoods

An empty coyoacan street in Mexico.

Coyoacan Street in Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“We wanted to explore neighborhoods and culture and avoid crowded museums and other tourist sites. Zach and his team delivered right on point. We were able to visit the historic downtown, stroll through neighborhoods like Roma, Condessa and Polanca in the heart of Mexico City, and visit the district of Coyoacan with the charming Colonia del Carmen neighborhood and village center with our guide Amalia.

If you are a foodie, you will love your options: We had a wonderful taco tour with Frederico and two wonderful meals with private chefs Alfredo and Graciela. Everything was absolutely delicious. Another highlight was a shopping afternoon with Cristina, who took us to wonderful off-the-beaten-path shops where we were able to purchase items we will cherish forever and a beautiful selection of clothing for my wife. We had a wonderful time and will definitely use Zach next time we go to Mexico.” —Susan and Blake Hancock

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Colombia for a Caribbean getaway with colonial charm

The pool in Casa San Agustín with sun-beds.

The pool at Casa San Agustín, Cartagena. Photo: Casa San Agustin

“We were thrilled with our trip to Cartagena from Boris and his team. (1) Everything went flawlessly, and it really was great to have the same guide and driver every day. (2) The hotel (Casa San Agustin) was the most wonderful hotel we have ever stayed in, with the combination of its history, the service, and the design. (3) The restaurants suggested were the perfect combination of unique and delicious. And (4) everyone we interacted with was kind, welcoming, and eager to answer our questions.

I think Colombia is a very special place that has these characteristics itself, but having Boris and his team made the trip just even more special and easy.” —Anne Lloyd

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Chile for a wine-and-desert alternative to “crowded and expensive Europe”

Atacama Desert Chile night stars

The Atacama Desert’s clear skies spotlight the Milky Way. Photo: Shutterstock

“We picked Chile to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday. We loved our previous South American trips to Peru and the Galapagos, so we decided to head to Chile instead of crowded and expensive Europe. Jordan put together a one-week trip involving wine tasting and relaxation at Clos Apalta Residence, followed by four days of outdoor explorations in the Atacama Desert.

We had no idea we were in for such a treat at Clos Apalta! Staff is very attentive and meticulous, leaving no details to chance. The accommodation is gorgeous, with a view to die for, overlooking the winery. Visiting the on-site wine cellar was the cherry on top for our stay!

Our four-day stay in San Pedro de Atacama was at Explora Atacama. Visiting the driest place on Earth was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that excited us. Hiking through the canyons and walking through the salt flats reminded us how little of this world we have seen in our lifetime so far. My favorite part was seeing all the flamingos that live in the salt flats, as well as all the wildlife like the vicuñas and vizcachas that thrive in the highlands. The Explora resort had its own telescope for stargazing at night. What a fun experience that was!” —Wenlan Cheng

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Tahiti and Bora Bora for a romantic escape

Overwater bungalow and dock over turquoise water in Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

There’s nothing dreamier than an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora. Photo: Shutterstock

“It was a trip of a lifetime, and Kleon made it happen for us! We went to Taha’a and Bora Bora and had the most relaxing and enjoyable time together because he managed all the details, which allowed us to just focus on each other.

Kleon set up the most romantic, private dinner on the beach, with live Polynesian music. The table was set with linen, flowers, a bottle of champagne chilling, all surrounded by tiki torches. It was picture-perfect.

Kleon’s relationships with French Polynesian locals gave us a unique opportunity to meet many extraordinary people: the family-owned vanilla plantation, the operation of a pearl farm, etc. He also arranged a boat tour around one of the islands. The captain and his first mate were so personable, and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. It was fun listening to them talk about their backgrounds and their knowledge of the area and ocean life. It was a perfect day on a beautiful boat with snorkeling, swimming with sharks, seeing a huge, beautiful manta ray, spinner dolphins who gave us quite a show, and enjoying coconut water and snacks. Kleon shared that it was our anniversary, and the captain surprised us with real wine glasses and a bottle of chilled wine for a truly special day!” —John and Kimberly Redmon

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Japan for quiet moments with locals even in peak season

A traditional tea ceremony performance in Japan.

WOW Listers can arrange a private experience of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Photo: Shutterstock

“When we discovered that neither of our husbands was interested in traveling to Japan, my girlfriend and I decided to go for it. Our travel window was limited to the last two weeks of March, high season for Japan travel, and this was only a month away. The first three travel agents that I spoke to turned me down outright; small group trips were also fully booked. When we were about to give up, Wendy Perrin introduced us to Andrea.

Andrea managed to pull off the impossible — a rich and varied itinerary customized to our taste, drivers and guides (all excellent) when desired, free time when requested, train tickets reserved, even some unusual experiences along the way. He and his team were in constant contact with us via a dedicated WhatsApp group (appropriately called “Guardian Angels in Japan”) to check in and keep us updated on the itinerary.

There were several moments that Andrea planned — a tea ceremony and visit with a bonsai master in Tokyo, crafting in Kanazawa and Takayama, a traditional dinner in Kyoto with a Maiko (Geisha in training) — that were unexpected highlights. I have traveled with other experts before, but Andrea’s attention to detail was extraordinary.” —Janet Fattal

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Vietnam and Cambodia in shoulder season (when you can have Angkor Wat to yourself)

Travelers Mike and Lindsay Lanaux during sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Mike and Lindsay Lanaux—and no one else—at Angkor Wat at sunrise.

“After listening to the way that we like to travel, Sandy and Ethan planned a trip that catered to our interests in history, architecture, culture and food. We started in Hanoi where we stayed at the Metropole. We really appreciated the history and architecture of the Metropole, as well as the bunker tour of the hotel. In Hue, we were simply awed by the Imperial Palace and the Tombs of the Emperors. Lunch at the home of a local family was one of the highlights of the trip. It was fascinating to see the kitchen where they cooked and to talk to the host about his family history. It truly was one of the best meals of the trip.

In Hoi An, we loved our hotel situated on the river. Watching the boat traffic at night was magical. We also enjoyed our eco tour where we got to ride bikes through the rice paddies and try farming and fishing Vietnamese style. In Saigon, we loved the rooftop bar at our hotel and the history associated with it. The powerboat ride down the Mekong River to the Cu Chi tunnels was fascinating. But the highlight had to be the nighttime Vespa tour exploring the back alleys of Saigon and eating some great street food.

Ending the trip in Siem Reap was a dream come true. The Jaya House River Park Hotel is an excellent mix of luxury and intimacy. Another rooftop bar and spa treatments every day. Our guide was able to time our sunrise visit to Angkor Wat so well that we thought we had the temple complex to ourselves. But the most outstanding experience was being blessed by a 19-year-old monk at his temple and being able to talk with him afterwards. It was truly an exceptional trip that we will always remember.” —Lindsay Lanaux

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Oman for cultural immersion in the “Pearl of Arabia”

Delicious dishes of traditional omani food served on carpet in traditional restaurant, Oman.

Traditional Omani dishes. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our trip to Oman (March 9 – 20) was an amazing experience. Dan did an amazing job of putting a diverse itinerary together using his knowledge of traveling in the country years ago. He truly nailed it!

Highlight of the trip was immersion into Omani culture through being welcomed into private homes for lunch, dinner and a pre-wedding women’s gathering. A real treat! The Omani folks are welcoming, gracious, a peaceful people and accepting of all cultures and faiths.

The country is beautiful — from the amazingly pristine capital of Muscat with souks, fish, fruit and vegetable markets, to the Grand Mosque and Sultan’s Palace, along with glimpses of his two mega yachts at the Marina, to the mountains with donkeys and goats freely roaming, to the desert with camels — to name just a few of the unique experiences. Always something new to see and locals to meet. And the boat excursion to the Daymaniyat Islands is not to be missed!

Oman is called ‘The Pearl of Arabia.’ So true! A definite bucket-list destination for the adventurous traveler.” —Joanne Henton

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Southern Africa for a high-value, shoulder-season safari

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

March sees some of the highest water levels over Victoria Falls. Photo: Shutterstock

“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 6 nights in Botswana: 2 nights in Savute, 2 nights in Camp Moremi, and 2 nights in Shinde. Fabulous. 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.” —Nancy Megehee

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Bernirene Ramos

January Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

The wide array of places that are great in January may surprise you.  If that’s your time frame for a trip, take inspiration from your fellow travelers’ reviews of their favorite January trips—to locales as varied as Italy (even including Sicily), Scandinavia for the northern lights, Belize for a more affordable Caribbean vacation, Colombia for a sunny getaway for food lovers, Australia (where January is the height of summer), and the list goes on.

These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of January by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts (and those whom we are testing for The WOW List).  You’ll find even more ideas in the January installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Unsure where to go in January? Click the black button below for our help.

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Spain for new viniculture discoveries, and the culture in the White Villages

Aerial view of ancient white Spanish hill top town Vejer de la Frontera, Andalusia.

“Vejer de la Frontera was my favorite village, where I plan on returning for a few weeks next winter…” Photo: Shutterstock

“My wife and I had travelled extensively to 30+ countries around the world. We had been to Spain five times and loved the country more each trip. After being together for over 35 years, she passed away last year. After nine months as a 75-year-old widower, I decided to take my first solo trip. Andalusia kept popping into my head. My wife had been on Wendy Perrin’s email list and had always spoken about her, but we had never used her…now was the time!

Wendy put me in touch with Iván, her Andalusia specialist. He and I had an hour-long Zoom call where he listened to what I wanted out of this trip. I had been to most of the World Heritage Sites in the area and therefore wanted to focus on architecture, gastronomy, viniculture, lifestyle, and the culture of the people in and around the White Villages.

The trip was amazing! 11 days with seven different guides, each of whom was friendly, courteous, extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. Seville, Cadiz and Ronda were my country bases before returning to Madrid for the trip back to New York.

There was not one event Iván planned that was not exceptional. He even showed up at a small vineyard I was visiting to personally introduce himself and give me some wine that wasn’t available in the U.S. The immersion I had originally requested was handled perfectly. All the hotels, White Villages, restaurants, sights in the cities and guides were exactly what I wanted. Vejer de la Frontera was my favorite village, where I plan on returning for a few weeks next winter.” —Patrick Mackay

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Japan for skiing in powder “so light it barely seemed to exist”

Julie Lee skiing in Japan.

Skier Julie Lee pushes off and drops into snow “so light it barely seemed to exist.” Photo: Traveler Anson Lee

“Skiing in Japan. The dream. The whispered tales of bottomless powder so light it evaporates between your fingers. A place where ramen shacks sit at the base of lifts, vending machines dispense hot coffee in cans, and après means soaking in an outdoor onsen while steam curls into the icy air.

Japan has 500 ski areas. Let that sink in. The variety is staggering. Planning a ski trip to Japan feels like solving a puzzle where the pieces keep shifting—terrain, snowfall, logistics, and that delicate balance between adventure and efficiency. Factor in unpredictable storms, a labyrinth of train schedules, and the desire to do more than just ski—to eat, explore, experience—and it quickly becomes overwhelming.

Enter Wendy Perrin, who connected us with Andrea and his team of mountain people who wake up every day thinking about snow, who know the difference between a storm and the storm, who talk about microclimates the way chefs talk about ingredients. Andrea’s drivers, fixers, handlers moved us seamlessly from powder to train platform to ramen counter in a kind of quiet choreography that never felt rushed, only right. We were never hungry. Never under-caffeinated. Never left staring at a timetable, wondering what came next. If we needed a last-minute dinner reservation, a weather update, or flight confirmation numbers at just the right moment, someone was already on it.

And then—the snow. On a crisp bluebird morning after 30 centimeters of fresh snow—the kind of day that, back home, would mean hour-long gondola lineups—our ski guide in Japan pointed off into the distance and asked: “Are you okay if we hike a bit?”

Now, if travel has taught us anything, it’s that when a local asks this kind of question, the answer is always yes. We kicked off our skis, shouldered them, and started bootpacking away from the lift-served terrain. What had looked like a sheer drop was, in fact, the entry point—a barely visible opening in the forest, a portal to something deeper, quieter. We pushed off and dropped into snow so light it barely seemed to exist. Halfway down, we pulled into a clearing, breathless, needing air, needing to process what had just happened. These are called “wow moments,” but that feels insufficient. It was more than that. Something closer to reverence.

Before dropping into untracked powder, Japanese skiers often say: Itadakimasu (いただきます). A phrase traditionally spoken before a meal, a way of expressing gratitude. But here, it means something just as sacred. A quiet thank-you to the mountain before taking what it has offered. Because powder—like the best meals, the best moments—isn’t something to be consumed. It’s something to be received.

From the planning to the execution, from the perfectly timed detours to the unshakable calm in the face of our endless questions, Andrea and his team made it all seamless. And for that, Itadakimasu.” —Anson Lee

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Italy for art and history in the cultural capitals

Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

To avoid crowds (and take advantage of post-holiday sales) in Florence, go in January. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I had an amazing trip to Italy in January! Jennifer had everything so well planned out it was one of the most stress-free and special trips we have taken. We spent two weeks in Italy, splitting our time in Florence, Milan, and Rome. We specifically chose January because the crowds would be less, and they were. It was the perfect time to go for us. Not hot or crowded.

She gave us ideas of things to see we were not aware of, such as touring the outside of the cathedral in Milan from the top. Touring the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Lunch at the special winery on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius near Pompeii. And touring a private museum in Florence where we saw original drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci and the cartoon by Raphael he did for the School of Athens painting.” —Kim and Kevin Cronin

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Portugal for beautiful landscapes and seascapes (yes, in January!)

Wanchee Lowe

Sunset at the Pousada de Sagres on Portugal’s Algarve coast in January. Photo: Traveler Benjamin Lowe

“My husband and I went to Portugal for a week in mid-January, spending two nights in Cascais (near Lisbon), then four nights in Sagres in the Algarve, and the last night in Lisbon. Gonçalo gave us good suggestions of where to go. We told him we were interested in photographing land and seascapes, especially during sunrise and sunsets.

Patricia on Goncalo’s team booked pousadas for us because we like the historic nature of the accommodations and our rooms overlooked the ocean and we could see sunsets from our rooms in Cascais and Sagres. Free breakfasts were included in all our lodgings. She arranged a rental car and accommodated our request for a hybrid car. She also booked a full day of palace and castle tours in Sintra with a private driver and guide. In Lisbon we also did a private half-day walking/food tour, which she arranged.” —Wanchee Lowe

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Costa Rica for a combo of relaxation and outdoor adventure (and cooking lessons!)

Travelers at the cacao workshop at Two Little Monkeys, Costa Rica.

Geralyn, Elise, and Rob Westervelt loved their cacao workshop at Two Little Monkeys.

“My husband and I, both in our 60s, wanted a vacation that combined relaxation with outdoor activities, culture, nature, adventure, and eco-friendly accommodations. We began planning with Irene who asked many questions to customize our trip. Mid-way through planning, we added our 26-year-old daughter to the trip and Irene seamlessly made the adjustments.

We visited three locations during our 8 night stay. This pace allowed just enough time in each location. Our guide, Pablo, and driver, Jenkins, met us at the airport and brought us to our first location, the Arenal Volcano area. Our activities here included a sloth visit, hike up the volcano, and our two favorite experiences, a cooking class with Dona Mara and a cacao workshop at Two Little Monkeys. These are not to be missed!

Irene arranged for transport to our next location, the Senda Monteverde Hotel. We had a night walk and hanging bridges tour. With each activity, we were impressed by the vast knowledge of the guides. My daughter is in her last year of veterinarian school and she had in depth conversations about animals and ecology with many of them. We were also very pleased that every transport was punctual and safe! Our final destination was the beautiful Manuel Antonio area. The plan was to relax here, but we found ourselves hiking, zip lining, and taking a sunset tour of the property!” —Geralyn Westervelt

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Colombia for “a beautiful climate” and a peaceful vibe that’s “far from the world’s chaos”

You’ll find serenity at Hacienda Bambusa in Colombia’s coffee country. Photo: Ryan Damm

“We traveled to Colombia as two couples who were well-traveled and anxious to learn, visit, and immerse ourselves into a new destination. It was snowing here in New York, and Colombia has a beautiful climate. Boris and his team planned us a wonderful trip. We started in Medellin for three nights, where we saw great street art and learned about cacao and the complicated past of this country. We also visited a magnificent orchid and hydrangea farm. From there we moved on to the coffee area, which is lush and peaceful. Bambusa is a small, quaint hacienda where we felt far from the world’s chaos.

On to coastal Cartagena, and the pace quickened with lively streets and great restaurants. We ended in Bogota, where we could have used another two days. Bogota is cosmopolitan and rich in history, art, and great restaurants. We really saw a huge cross-section of Colombia, and the hotels were all different and well-chosen. We felt very safe and educated during our stay, and I would highly recommend Boris to any traveler with a thirst to explore and learn.” —Bobbi Malzman

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Paris for having museums (and chefs and fashion designers) to yourself

Louvre Museum at night, Paris, France

The Louvre Museum, Paris. Photo: EdiNugraha/Pixabay

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

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Antarctica for otherworldly adventure but with all the creature comforts

Travelers celebrated their arrival in Antarctica with champagne.

Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld celebrated their arrival in Antarctica with champagne.

“We told Ashton that we wanted a small ship with top-notch scientific experts on board. I was hyper-focused on the potential for unpleasantness crossing the Drake Passage. Comfortable cabins and good food wouldn’t hurt. And, we were not very flexible with travel dates.

Ashton quickly produced a short list of recommendations, despite the availability constraints due to the surge in demand for travel to Antarctica. We sailed on the Seabourn Pursuit. It is a luxurious new ship and is outfitted with stabilizers, which softened the rocky ride across the Drake. While in Antarctica, there were two excursions via Zodiacs daily—usually involving a hike on land or an island. They included walking among penguins and seals, floating among jaw-droppingly beautiful sculptural icebergs, traversing the rim of a caldera, and seeing ruins of former explorers and whalers.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

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The Galapagos for an action-packed wildlife agenda with teen appeal

Shelby Willets and her family posing with a giant tortoise in the Galapagos, Ecuador.

Shelby Willets with her family and a giant tortoise.

Allie planned an adventurous, two-week, land-based trip to the Galápagos for our family of three. Traveling with our teenage son, we like to keep an active schedule. Allie understood the assignment and delivered an action-packed vacation.

Highlights included a private kayaking excursion where we had access to sites rarely seen by visitors, snorkeling with playful sea lions and scuba diving with schooling hammerhead sharks—a bucket-list item. For our WOW Moment, we were treated to a private photo shoot with the giant tortugas!

Since we booked our trip less than a year in advance, Allie had to work some magic to find large hotel rooms that would accommodate the three of us. As a result, we stayed at three different hotels—which was not a hassle, as Allie arranged for our luggage to be transported from hotel to hotel while we were out exploring. We actually enjoyed experiencing three different properties.

We enjoy traveling with Wendy Perrin’s trusted travel experts, as it makes our vacations true vacations: We know that the details are taken care of, so we can relax and enjoy our time together as a family.” —Shelby Willets

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Belize for a Caribbean vacation that combines jungle, beach, and culture

Our travelers Salena and Allen Kern with WOW Lister Patricia Johnson in Belize.

Travelers Salena and Allen Kern during lunch with their WOW List trip-planning expert Patricia Johnson

“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. And Patricia met us there for lunch.

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.” —Salena Kern

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Tahiti and Bora Bora for a boat charter and the ultimate beach resort

Hammock in a beach in Tikehau, Tahiti

French Polynesia is great for snorkeling, diving, birding, or just relaxing in a hammock. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of six adult children and a four-year-old grandchild recently returned from a trip to Tahiti (December 29 to January 12) organized by Kleon. Kleon did such a good job getting quotes for various options from chartering a boat to picking out the best resort for our family for the week stay. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui was perfect for this holiday adventure with the entire family. My husband and I added a five-night stay at The Brando, which was an incredible resort, especially for the privacy, the beautiful units, and numerous activities offered there. The most unique travel experience was observing 80 or more baby turtles being released twice during our stay at The Brando.” —Carol Powell

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Peru for adventures at Machu Picchu and in the Amazon

The view of the Sacred Valley in Peru.

The Sacred Valley in Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

“My granddaughter and I just returned from our third New Year’s adventure organized by Allie. This trip’s primary objective was the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Our base in the Sacred Valley was the Sol y Luna Hotel. Could not have asked for better accommodations. We visited many Inca sites. We also had a day of whitewater rafting. The Urubamba market is open twice a week, so we took the opportunity to shop with the locals. Being the new year, the flowers were aplenty, yellow, a color of note to the Peruvians at New Year. The highlight of the trip was Machu Picchu citadel. Pictures do not do it justice. The vastness of the site in the clouds and the river far below. It was beautiful!

On New Year’s Eve we had good intentions on staying up to ring in the new year, but Allie had other plans, gratefully and thankfully. The next morning we returned very early to the citadel. Allie was able to obtain tickets for Huayna Picchu. Tickets are in a limited number. We were very fortunate, as many people are disappointed when they find out tickets are not available. Allie had procured ours well in advance. My granddaughter climbed Huayna Picchu, also known as ‘the stairs of death,’ an experience she will never forget.

We returned to Cusco for a day, then it was off to the Amazon. Our flight was followed by a 45-minute powered canoe ride to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, an eco lodge and our home for the next three days. We had a riverside cabana on the Madre del Dias River. In the mornings, we could hear howler monkeys and other unknown critters. It was the rainy season, so we had rain and thunderstorms daily. The weather did not hamper our activities, actually the weather was part of the experience. Although we had a twilight boat excursion and jungle canopy walks, our highlight was fishing on Lake Valencia. We went piranha fishing, followed by a shore lunch.” —Jim Stock

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Dubai for perfect weather for desert safaris

Bernirene Ramos

Bernirene Ramos and friends in Dubai’s Heritage Desert.

“Our group chat was called, ‘Dubai, Here We Are!’ Nick planned my ‘ladies’ trip,’ from accommodation to our daily itinerary. January was the perfect time. It was sunny, low-mid 80s during the day and low 70s in the evening. It was Dubai’s winter season, therefore popular sites were not crowded. We were able to capture great photos without being blocked by others.

We were in Dubai for 7 days and we made every day count. The itinerary was well coordinated to cover all the amazing ‘must-sees’ and still allowed for daily free time. We had to switch our visit to Abu Dhabi to a different day because of a last-minute intel of a private event at the Qasr A Watan. And, we wanted to add a couple of ‘must-sees and photo-ops’ during our trip. Nick was able to rearrange our schedule and coordinate with our tour guides seamlessly. It worked out perfectly. He was accessible 24/7. We were taken care of from the time we disembarked the plane at arrival to the time we departed Dubai. Our drivers were great, tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be around. We did the Heritage Safari Desert trip on our last day. It was the perfect ending to an amazing trip! Thank you Nick!” —Bernirene Ramos

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Norway for the northern lights (plus dogsledding, snowmobiling, and saunas)

View of the Northern Lights in Alta, Norway.

Alta, Norway, is one of the best places for spotting the northern lights in January. Photo: Shutterstock

“Truly a trip of a lifetime. My family of 4 (me, my husband and two adult boys) went to Alta where we went dogsledding, snowmobiling, and saw the northern lights. In Oslo we went on a very interesting architecture tour. The highlight was relaxing in the lodge sauna after a day spent snowmobiling and getting called by the lodge staff to come outside to watch the northern lights!

The staff at all of the places Torunn and Mari sent us to were exceptional and would go out of their way to provide assistance. We can’t wait to go back sometime in the summer now and see the same location again.” —Neha Vyas

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Panama for the legendary Canal and an “amazing” private-island resort

Bungalow of a private resport in Panama.

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

Pierre organized a great trip to Panama for us—two 60-plus-year-olds who were looking for some cultural moments as well as some serious relaxation. We started in Panama City and with Pierre’s guidance organized our vacation dates around a fascinating partial transit tour of the Panama Canal, which is only available a few days each week. We also enjoyed our visit to the Embera indigenous village, especially the boat ride to the waterfalls. I was worried that this might be exploitative, but the tours are run by the Embera themselves. Lunch of fish and plantains in a palm leaf was delicious.

Our city tour the next day was hindered by the fact that it was a national holiday, but Pierre’s team came through and organized a hike to the top of Ancon Hill for great views over the city and a visit to the fish market, with lunch. Our hotel, La Compania, in the old city was amazing, and Pierre wisely booked us a courtyard room to avoid the street noise. We loved being in the old city with its restaurants, bars and ambiance.

We then enjoyed the relaxation part of the trip, six nights at the amazing Isla Palenque. This very small resort where everybody knows your name was everything we wanted: peaceful, beautiful, great food and drinks. When we felt the urge to move a bit we went hiking in the rainforest, kayaking and did an island-hopping trip with snorkeling and lunch on a deserted beach that was wonderful.” —Christine Zufelt

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Australia for Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

The Bengtzen family on a private yacht at Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

The Bengtzen family spent a day snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef from a private yacht.

“New Year’s in Australia had been a dream of mine since I was 14. We began in Sydney, where we stayed at the Shangri-La hotel. It gave us an amazing view for the fireworks, which were absolutely incredible. It was perfect for us and our adult kids to watch and not have to fight the crowds.

From Sydney we went to Hayman Island in the Whitsundays islands. This was a one-of -a-kind experience. From here we were able to have a private snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef—both the inner and outer reefs. Restaurants on the island were fantastic, and the beach is heaven. From Hayman we went to Noosa, where we had an incredible experience kayaking on the ocean. The shopping and food were wonderful and gave us a great end to our trip.

None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t found Wendy Perrin and her referral of Stuart. Stuart and Jacki then took our dates, our family info, and planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us. I cannot recommend them enough.” —Keri Bengtzen

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Sicily for meeting “wonderful people” over archaeology hikes and culinary experiences

Mt. Etna, Sicily.

Mt. Etna stands out from a dusting of snow in winter. Photo: Pixabay

“While January might not be the ideal time to visit Sicily (with the weather less than cooperative!), we saw, learned, engaged, and met wonderful people all along the way—from Palermo and surrounding towns Monreale, Castelbuono, Cefalu to Villa Romana del Casale, Agrigento, Testa dell’Acqua, Noto, Siracusa/Ortigia to Mt Etna. More than anything, getting to know Sicilians—over good conversations, culinary experiences, archaeology hikes, tours, food and wine—was the highlight of the entire trip. Marcello’s selection of guides and hosts was superb.

Perhaps the highlight of many highlights was the final day at Mt. Etna guided by Salvo (a volcanologist) followed by our visit to the Santa Maria La Nave Winery for a tour, wine tasting, and lunch hosted by Vera and Carmello. They epitomized the warmth, welcome and pride of purpose we found every day during this first visit to Sicily. We look forward to returning soon to this stunning, fascinating, history-filled island.” —Barbara Gross

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Sri Lanka for an exotic (yet affordable) island with welcoming people and delicious cuisine

Travelers surrounded by village kids on their Tea Trail hike in Sri Lanka.

Jan Heininger and husband Jamie Reuter meeting village kids on a Tea Trail hike.

“We had a three-week trip to Sri Lanka planned by Miguel. This very interesting trip covered almost the entire country from the Cultural Triangle with its archaeological ruins, cave temples and Buddhist sacred sites, its historic capitals of Anuradhapura and Kandy, its largest national park (Yala) famed for its leopards, its gorgeous Indian Ocean beaches, its colonial past displayed in the Galle Fort, and its myriad of agricultural products, especially tea and cinnamon.

Miguel ensured that we had a flexible schedule. Our driver, Thissa, could say, ‘Let’s stop and see that bird,’ or we could stop and taste a Golden coconut or visit a local market where we were introduced to many unfamiliar vegetables and fruits that are essential elements of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Miguel had us stay in wonderful places, including two Aman resorts on the south coast. At Amanwella, we took one of the best cooking classes we’ve ever had with the Executive Chef. At Amangalla in Galle Fort, we went for a bike ride in the countryside (beware of heat exhaustion), toured the Fort with a terrific local guide, and had a workshop making and painting traditional Sri Lankan masks. Miguel also booked us into Castlereagh, a five-room, former tea plantation manager’s bungalow. We were told to treat it like our home—just tell them what we wanted to eat and when.

Miguel set up wonderful experiences including the cooking class, a mask carving and painting workshop and visits to a cinnamon plantation and to a tea factory. He had us hike a segment of the Tea Trail where we interacted with women tea pickers and with kids and villagers we encountered along the way. The mask my husband carved from a block of balsa wood and the two we painted are off being framed right now and will always be physical reminders of our time in Sri Lanka.” —Jan Heininger

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Chile for Patagonia’s unique nature and wildlife

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. One wall of our room was a window onto the fjord and the activity of so many birds. We loved our bird-watching excursion there. With our great guide, we spent literally the entire day hiking through forest, pampa and the wetlands, spotting 41 species of birds. When we got to the end, and were pretty spent, our guide and driver served wine, water, tea, lentil soup and cheese, sausages and crackers. That certainly refreshed us. We enjoyed an afternoon empanada class and an interesting trek to three different caves. The Singular is definitely worth the stay.

From there, we drove to Tierra Patagonia, just outside Torres del Paine National Park. Magnificent view from our huge window in our room!!! We seized the opportunity for multiple excursions, as well as enjoying massages in the spa, taking a swim, and braving the wind for the outdoor hot tub. 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.

We spent our last night in the Singular Santiago, our second stay there, and it is a lovely hotel in a great location. 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. With Tatan and Gary, we learned more about life in Santiago and Chile. By the end of the evening, we had begun questioning whether this trip, our third to Chile, would be our last, as we learned more about other places and things to do.” —Sandra Quinn

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Finland for the northern lights and other Arctic adventures (ice fishing, dogsledding…)

The cozy and warm Glass House Suite at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Finland.

Between outdoor adventures, Michael Ruma warmed up in his Glass House Suite. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“My wife said she’d like to see the aurora borealis and, with Wendy’s help, we were quickly introduced to Leigh, who created a delightful week of fun in Finland.

We hopped an easy flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, which lies directly on the latitude of the Arctic Circle. An efficient, private transfer brought us to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. Met with warm blueberry juice, we checked into our Glass House suite. Our room had a centrally located living room with an enclosed wood-burning stove along with two bathrooms, one of which had our very own dry sauna.

Advised to download the Aurora app, we learned about the KP index which predicts the probability of witnessing the northern lights. Fortunately, after dinner at the hotel, a notification from the app informed us at 9pm the chance was high! Intent on seeing the natural phenomenon, we bundled up and hiked up a trail to a 50-foot observation tower specifically designed for viewing the lights. Finnish myths say the lights are caused when a fox runs across the Arctic landscape whipping up snow from its tail, sparking the lights in the night sky.

Regardless of the cause, we were blessed by an hour display of a gray hazy line emerging in the distance and evolving into a bright green glow right in front of our eyes. As we watched and photographed the sky, the lights blew around us along our walk back to our room.

Our next two days were filled with other Arctic adventures which included an exciting jaunt by snowmobile to learn how to ice fish on a frozen lake and then dog sledding on a snowy day in the beautiful and vast northern Finnish countryside. We concluded our trip with a train ride from Rovaniemi back to Helsinki. On our last day in Helsinki, we splurged and dined at Restaurant Savoy.

We would happily come back to Finland for a future visit either in the winter to take in the unique night sky, but this time much further north, or during the summer to take in the lively and sunny long days in Helsinki filled with so much to see, taste, and do. Delighted by its vast country, small polite population, and compact capital, its seasonally focused food, and its matter-of-fact and kind people. We had such fun in Finland.” —Michael Ruma

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Southeast Asia for Bourdain-esque travel experiences and a “deeper understanding” of very different cultures

Chris and Lisa Wollan alongside an organic farmer near Hoi An in Vietnam.

January blooms: Travelers Chris and Lisa Wollan worked alongside an organic farmer near Hoi An.

“Our 22-day trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! We worked with Ethan. We’ve traveled a fair amount and have done lots of planning but have never had such a seamless trip. From being met at airports, getting our visa in Cambodia, transfers between hotels, cars, tuk tuks, meals, entrance into sights, being flexible and accommodating us when we had a request, all went without a visual hitch. We know this took TONS of planning beforehand and lots of coordination by our planners, guides, drivers, etc.

We saw the typical tourist sights (which were amazing), but also were given access to behind-the-scenes experiences that we couldn’t have done on our own. We’ve watched Anthony Bourdain travel segments and commented on how it would be cool to have such unique experiences like he did. This trip was filled with them, from meeting an organic farmer and working on her farm, to getting a glimpse into the life of the floating villagers near Tonlé Sap, to morning meditation with monks. Coming out from watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, we had a table set with china in a field for breakfast. Nearby three local kids were singing happy birthday to us and giggling.

Our wish and goal for our trip was to get a deeper understanding of the countries we visited, their history and the lives of the people who live there. We came away with that and much more.” —Lisa Wollan

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

Where to Go in May: The Best Places to Travel

May is an oh-so-lovely time to be hiking, sightseeing, or simply people-watching at an outdoor café in many destinations. Below are some of your smartest May trip options. Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.

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The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Kolb studio.

Kolb Studio is a historic relic perched on the edge of the Grand Canyon. Photo: Mike Buchheit

Beat the summer crowds and head to the canyon in springtime, when the weather is still pleasant. The right local fixer can have you flying over the canyon, hiking or riding mules into it, and gazing into its vastness from the best vantage points along the rim. (The South Rim is open year-round; the North Rim opens in mid-May.)
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Los Cabos, Mexico

a villa with a firepit and pool in Cabo Mexico

May in Los Cabos means less crowded beaches and restaurants—and more comfortable temperatures. Photo: CaboVillas

In May, the weather is mild and there’s little chance of rain. The bustle of spring break has passed, so it’s much less busy than just a month prior. That means less crowded beaches and restaurants—but more comfortable temperatures than the very hot summer months ahead. Plus, villa rates are lower than in high season (December through April), with great deals to be had.
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Scandinavia

Reine, Lofoten, Norway. The village of Reine under a sunny, blue sky, with the typical rorbu houses. View from the top

The village of Reine in Lofoten, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

After months of darkness, May’s longer days bring locals out to soak up the sunlight, making the outdoor cafés lively. You’ll also find an abundance of freshly caught seafood, and celebrations throughout the countryside leading up to the summer solstice.
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Sicily

Sun setting behind Mount Etna, casting a warm glow over the colorful hillside town of Cesarò, Sicily.

Explore Sicily’s smaller towns, like Cesarò, in spring. Photo: Adobe Stock

May offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and local festivals like the Infiorata di Noto. It’s an ideal time for exploring Baroque towns and enjoying fresh seafood along the coast. Locals are also more relaxed prior to the busy summer season, making it easier to experience the true rhythm of Sicilian life.
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Santorini and Mykonos, Greece

Oia town on Santorini island, Greece. Traditional and famous houses and churches with blue domes over the Caldera, Aegean sea

Oia town, on Santorini, is famous for its blue-domed churches and white houses. Photo: Shutterstock

May through early June is one of the most beautiful times to travel to the Cyclades—the group of Greek islands that includes the iconic spots of Santorini and Mykonos, but also less-crowded favorites of our travelers, including Naxos, Paros, and Sifnos. Days are warm, but the sun is not as relentless as it is in summer. Wildflowers blossom, beaches are empty, and locals welcome you with smiles.
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European Canal Barge Cruises

Wendy biking near a barge in the Burgundy canal in France.

Wendy biking near a barge canal in Burgundy, France. Photo: Timothy Baker

In May, the weather is best (not too hot, not too cool), and the crowds haven’t yet arrived, making this a perfect month to get to know a small slice of the Continent intimately and thoroughly. Read what Wendy loved about her own barge cruise in Burgundy in May.
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Portugal

Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal

Vineyards in Portugal’s Douro Valley are lush and green in May. Photo: Shutterstock

The country’s weather is beautiful from March to mid-June. In the Algarve, the coastal towns are not too busy yet, so you can get a table in restaurants and enjoy uncrowded beaches. The Douro Valley’s rolling hills are lush and green from the winter rains, and there is excitement in Porto as the city prepares for summer festivities.
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Spain

La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain

La Rambla, in Barcelona, is far less crowded in May than it will be in July. Photo: Ronny Siegel/Flickr

Café terraces open in May, and residents head outdoors to enjoy Spain’s beautiful cities before the heat sets in and the crowds arrive. Spring is the perfect time for strolling and picnicking in the sparkling Mediterranean light. In Madrid, everyone pours into the streets in mid-May to celebrate San Isidro.
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France

the hilltop village of Gordes, Provence, France

Provence and its pretty villages, like Gordes, are less busy in May. Photo: Pixabay

Paris is already crowded by late spring, but May is the optimal time to explore France’s countryside: Down south in Provence, the weather is lovely, there aren’t as many tourists, and fields of poppies are in colorful bloom. In Burgundy, temperatures have usually warmed up after the feast days of the Saint de Glace (which fall in the second week of the month and seem to bring showers or even frost). Later in May, flowers on trees bloom and the vineyards turn a bright springy green. May is also filled with bank holidays and tends to be any French person’s favorite—and it never hurts to see the French in the right mood.
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Japan

Beautiful Cherry Blossom, Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom trees are still in bloom in May.

May (after Golden Week, which ends on May 5) brings great weather throughout the entire country. While the cherry blossoms generally peak in April, you can still enjoy the sweet scent and beauty of the blooms in May, but without the crowds.
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Croatia

Panoramic view of Fortresses Lovrijenac and old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a summertime tourist magnet, is much more pleasant in May. Photo: Shutterstock

In late April and May, you have glorious weather, the crowds are thinner, and prices are a little lower than at the height of summer.
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The Cotswolds, England

England, Cotswolds, Hidcote gardens. Photo: Jonathan Epstein

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

By May, spring has taken hold, so flowers are blooming across the Cotswolds—fruit-tree blossoms, clematis, and wisteria are everywhere. The air smells fresh, and there are so many shades of green. Hotel rates are also lower than in the summer high season.
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Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

The view of the Sacred Valley in Peru.

The Sacred Valley is a hiker’s paradise in May. Photo: Shutterstock

May is a wonderful month to be outdoors exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Choose from a wide variety of hiking trails for easy day hikes or overnight treks through the Andes. Skies are mostly clear, hillsides are green following the heavier rains that have ended by mid-April, and there are fewer crowds. Temperatures are also warmer on average than during the peak season (June through August). Base yourself in the Sacred Valley and enjoy convenient side trips to Machu Picchu and Cusco.
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Brazil’s City and Countryside

Tropical view of Copacabana Beach with city skyline of Rio de Janeiro Brazil aerial view

May is ideal for combining Rio’s beaches—this is Copacabana—with the Pantanal’s wetlands. Photo: Shutterstock

Given its large mass and varied geography, the perfect time to visit Brazil depends on what parts of the country you hope to see. May makes for a good city-country combo: some of the best animal sightings in the Pantanal wetlands, and the sunniest skies and a gentler mood in Rio.
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Chile’s Atacama Desert

Atacama desert, Andes, Chile

The Atacama desert is at its prime in May. Photo: Shutterstock

This geological wonder is typically dry by May—though the Atacama is one of the driest places on the planet, in recent years it’s seen rain showers and even flooding from January to March—and many dormant desert plants are in bloom, transforming the arid landscape. Try to visit during the new moon, when the Atacama’s famously dark sky is at its prime for stargazing.
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Bolivia

small piles of sand dot the Salar de Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia. A snowy mountaintop is in the background

The Salar de Uyuni salt flat, Bolivia. Photo: Shutterstock

May is the sweet spot at the Salar de Uyuni salt flats: It’s not too cold, not too crowded, and the Salar is dry enough to cross in a vehicle but you still get some reflections off its surface.
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Scotland

Kinnoull Hill tower ruins, Perth Scotland, overlooking the River Tay on a clear day

The Kinnoull Hill tower ruins overlook the River Tay. Photo: Shutterstock

In May the weather is mild and even warm on occasion, and you won’t have to deal with the August crowds. Since this month falls before peak season (June–September), you can find some bargains, and the hills and roadways are dotted with blooming gorse, a bright-yellow flower.
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Mediterranean Cruises

Celebrity Reflection cruise ship

The Celebrity Reflection. Photo: Celebrity Cruises

May is the sweet spot: The weather is gorgeous, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing, and crowds are not as abundant as in summer, when kids are out of school and both overseas visitors and Europeans flock to the Mediterranean.
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Turkey’s Aegean Coast

view from a wooden gulet boat on Turkey's Aegean Coast

A wooden gulet is an enticing way to explore the hidden islands of the Aegean. Photo: Sea Song Tours

In May the sun is out but it’s not sweltering, the sea is calm, and summer crowds haven’t arrived. Plus, rates are up to 50% lower than during the high season of July and August.
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Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Quito plaza, Ecuador

Quito’s famously changeable weather is usually mild in May. Photo: Myths & Mountains

Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, is called the City of Four Seasons for a reason: The weather can change in the blink of an eye. May falls during the shoulder season, when the temperature is mild, usually reaching the high 60s, and there are fewer travelers. It’s also a great month to combine mainland Ecuador with the Galápagos Islands, before all the families descend in summertime, filling the boats there.
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A Safari in Namibia

Sorris Sorris Lodge, Namibia

Sorris Sorris Lodge, Namibia. Photo: Tino De Njis/Namibia Exclusive

In May, temperatures are mild night and day, the occasional rains tease the desert wildflowers into bloom, and the animals are fat and happy. Read what Brook loved about Namibia in spring.
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A Safari in Zambia and Zimbabwe

two people paddle past elephants on the Zambezi River in Chiawa, Zimbabwe

You can navigate Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park via canoe safari. Photo: EXPLORE

In May, everything is still verdantly green from the rains and the temperature is delightful, but it’s dry enough that you see plenty of wildlife and there are virtually no mosquitoes or tsetse flies. Game viewing during this time is not quite as intense as later in the season, when it is very dry and dusty, but the landscape is more beautiful and the animals more at ease.
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Romania

The view of Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania.

Bran Castle, in Transylvania, inspired Bram Stoker’s description of Dracula’s castle. Photo: Tim Baker

May and June offer prime weather with the fewest crowds at the country’s dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Available activities range from horseback riding and skydiving to truffle hunting and wine tasting.
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Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why May is a good time to go.

North America

Hawaii: Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island

Mexico: Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya

Montana and Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park

Utah’s national parks

 

Central America & Caribbean

Bahamas and the Leeward Islands (St. Martin, St. Barts): yacht charter

Costa Rica: Pacific and Central regions

Cuba

 

Europe

England: castles, manor houses, and gardens

France: Paris apartment rentals

Germany: Bavaria

Hungary

Ireland: Killarney and County Kerry

Italy: Puglia, Rome, Umbria and Venice

Malta

Norway

Turkey: Cappadocia and Istanbul

 

Asia and Pacific

Australia’s Outback

China: big cities and small villages, and Yunnan Province

India: Trekking and tiger reserves

Indonesia: Bali without the crowds

Nepal

New Zealand, including Queenstown hiking and cycling

The Philippines

Southeast Asia

 

Africa and Middle East

Madagascar

Morocco

Seychelles

South Africa: Cape Town and Winelands

 

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Lupins bloom above the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao in the Andes, Peru

Where to Go in April: The Best Places to Travel

Flowers in full bloom, festive celebrations, and mild temperatures make April a lovely time to visit many parts of the globe. Below are some of your smartest April trip options. Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.

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Hawaii

Makena, Maui beach Hawaii

If you’re going to Maui in April, plan around spring break. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

April means an optimal combination of great weather and relatively low prices in the islands. (Just make sure to avoid the crush of visitors and higher rates that Spring Break brings.)
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Belize

Tiny island with coconut trees and boat in Belize

Charter a private boat to explore the cayes off Belize’s coast. Photo: Shutterstock

In April, the trade winds are fresh, rains are rare, there are barely any bugs, and high season is winding down. Explore world-class coral reefs, visit uncrowded Mayan ruins, learn to scuba dive (as Wendy’s son did), fish for 100-pound tarpon (which kept her husband busy), laze beside sparkling Caribbean waters—or charter your own private yacht.
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Paris

The Eiffel Tower with the river Seine in the front.

Early spring is the smart traveler’s pick for Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

Discover the first hints of spring in Paris while strolling through the Tuileries or pausing a moment under the blossoming trees by Notre-Dame Cathedral; in April, the weather is usually mild and the city is bedecked in blossoms. You’ll beat the tourist crowds before they arrive later in the spring and likely catch some excellent art exhibits, too.
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Mexico’s Riviera Maya

empty Beach at Caribbean sea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with footprints

Playa del Carmen in April: lovely weather without the crowds. Photo: Shutterstock

Starting a week after Easter Sunday and running through May, rates are low, resorts aren’t too crowded, and the weather is pleasant (mid to high 80s) with little rain.
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Southern Spain: Seville and Andalusia

City Of Cazorla And Yedra Castle - Cazorla, Jaen, Andalusia, Spain, Europe

Andalusia’s villages host many fiestas in April. Photo: Shutterstock

Come April, the temperatures throughout Andalusia are pleasant, the aroma of orange blossoms is in the air, the light is beautiful, and there are fiestas (and bullfights) all over the region, including all the events during Easter Week.
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Morocco

camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco.

Wendy and family on a camel trek through the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

Contrywide, the weather is comfortable in April. Temperature extremes are common in the desert, but at this time of year days are warm and nights are just chilly rather than unbearably cold.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Morocco here and here. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

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Peru

Lupins bloom above the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao in the Andes, Peru

Lupins bloom above the ancient Inca ruins of Choquequirao in the Andes, Peru. Photo: Adriana Von Hagen

April sees the best mix of weather both inland and on Peru’s coast; it’s sunny and warm in Lima, and dry and temperate in the Andes. Since the rainy season has just ended, the air is clear, and the fields are green and lush, dotted with the yellow, pink, and mauve hues of quinoa, amaranth, lupines, and potatoes ready to harvest.
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The Netherlands

tulips and windmill at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

Spring is tulip time in the Netherlands. Photo: Keukenhof Gardens

April is bright and pleasant, and it’s prime time for Tulipmania, when the Keukenhof — one of the world’s largest flower gardens — is full of blooms. King’s Day (April 27) is the biggest street party of the year in Amsterdam; it’s very busy, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Dutch joie de vivre (you can also enjoy the parades and festivities in a more rural setting). By traveling in April, you’ll also miss the public holidays in May that bring out large crowds.
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Crete, Greece

The island of Spinalonga, Crete, Greece. Photo: Blue Palace Resort and Spa

Spinalonga Island lies just off the coast of Crete. Photo: Blue Palace Resort and Spa

Renowned for its rich local culture, Crete is a wonderful place to visit in April when Greek Orthodox Easter falls during that month (as it does in 2025 and 2026). Experience renowned Cretan hospitality throughout the festive celebrations, which are distinctive to Greece’s most southern (and thus warmest) island. There are also beautiful wildflowers in April, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates than you’ll find later in spring.
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Istanbul

gardens and flowers around a pond at Dolmabahce Palace Istanbul Turkey

All of Istanbul—including the Dolmabahce Palace—is in bloom in April.

During the annual tulip festival in April, the city is awash in millions (literally) of colorful blooms. The weather is temperate, perfect for visiting the outdoor ancient sites that can be scorching in summer — and the tourist hordes have not yet arrived. Since it’s shoulder season, there are deals to be had at hotels.
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Mediterranean Cruises

Seabourn Ovation cruise ship

The Seabourn Ovation anchored off Montenegro.

April is the perfect month to enjoy the brilliant blue skies in the Mediterranean, when the sunny days start to outnumber the cold and cloudy ones of winter. Cruise ships have just repositioned to the region, so you can explore iconic ports such as Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, and Venice without the crowds and heat of summertime. And fares are lower, since this is considered the off-season.
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The Maldives

overwater bungalow at Joali resort in the maldives

The cantilevered hammocks at JOALI Maldives’ villas. Photo: Ryan Damm

European vacationers drive up prices from Christmas through Easter, but for the few weeks after this period, you’ll find a sweet spot of lower hotel rates and ideal weather: Temperatures are consistently in the high 80s year-round, but in late April there is almost no rain or wind, so the water is calm for snorkeling and diving.
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Namibia

Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib Desert extends right up to the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: Shutterstock

Starting in mid-April, the temperatures are mild night and day, the occasional rains tease the desert wildflowers into bloom, and the animals are fat and happy. (Brook took her own family on a fun-filled trip to Namibia in April.)
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Laos

Brook getting water-splashed by a local during Songkran Water Festival.

Editor Brook gets doused by locals during Laos New Year. Photo: Ryan Damm

Songkran, the Lao New Year, is celebrated in mid-April with a whole week of parades, street markets, and concerts. Tradition holds that revelers douse one another with water in order to wash away the past year’s sins; unlike in Thailand, where you might well be ambushed outside your hotel in the morning, in Laos the locals usually ask before splashing you. (See photos of Brook’s experience in Laos over New Year.)
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Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic

Cityscape views of one of Europe's most beautiful town- Vienna. Peoples on streets, urban life in Vienna Austria

Rub shoulders with locals, not tourists, in Vienna in April. Photo: Shutterstock

April means mild weather, springtime flowers, and no bus-tour crowds in Central Europe. In Budapest, the Spring Fair runs all month long with folk music, dancing, and concerts. Crowded summertime destinations, such as Lake Balaton in Hungary and the Wachau Valley in Austria, are relatively tranquil. In the Czech Republic, all the countryside castles are just reopening from their winter dormancy.
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Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why April is a good time to go.

North America

California: Yosemite National Park

Mexico City

Utah’s national parks

 

Caribbean

Bahamas and British Virgin Islands: yacht charter

Cuba

St. Barts

 

Central and South America

Bolivia

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

Colombia: Bogota

Costa Rica: Pacific and Central regions

Ecuador: Galápagos family travel

Patagonia

 

Europe

Croatia (second half of the month)

England: Castles, Manor Houses, and Gardens

European Canal Barge Cruises: deals and tulips

Germany: Bavaria

Greece: Athens

Ireland: Killarney and County Kerry

Italy: Amalfi Coast, Florence, Lake Como villas, Puglia, Rome, and Sicily

Portugal

Romania (second half of April)

Scotland: wildflowers and deals

Spain: Madrid

 

Asia and Pacific

Asia Cruises

Australia’s Outback

China: big cities and small villages, and Yunnan Province

India: trekking and tiger viewing

Indonesia: Bali without crowds

Nepal

New Zealand, including Bay of Islands and Queenstown hiking and cycling

The Philippines

Seychelles

Vietnam: north and central regions

 

Africa and Middle East

Israel and Jerusalem (after Easter and Passover)

South Africa: Cape Town and Winelands

Zambia (second half of the month)

 


 

 

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Skyline in the Old Quarter of Seville, Spain

Where to Go in March: The Best Places to Travel

It may still feel like winter at home, but March finds wildflowers blooming and festivals of all sorts happening around the globe. Here’s a round-up of destinations that are at their prime in March. Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.

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The Galápagos, Ecuador

underwater photo of a sea lion in the Galapagos islands

If you’re lucky, sea lions will come this close to you when you’re snorkeling in the Galápagos.

In March, water temperatures and clarity are the best they get all year, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It’s also hatching season for Galápagos tortoises, and male frigate birds can be seen with their telltale neck pouches puffed up and flared out to attract females. Adults who don’t want to travel with lots of kids should avoid the spring-break weeks that range from late March to mid-April. The opposite is true for families: Book way ahead for those peak spring-break weeks that often feature family-focused departures.
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A Caribbean Yacht Charter

A yacht charter on the island of Virgin Gorda in the Caribbean.

With a private yacht you can sail wherever you want—like this quiet bay off Virgin Gorda. Photo: WLMS Yacht Charters

The Caribbean trade winds that prevail in March and April make for ideal sailing conditions in the British Virgin Islands and Belize. The summer humidity hasn’t yet arrived, and evenings are fresh and breezy. You can charter a crewed catamaran that will take you wherever you want to go: tiny, palm-studded islands with hardly another soul in sight, or spots with open-air beach bars and restaurants.
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Andalusia, Spain

Skyline in the Old Quarter of Seville, Spain

Visit the Old Quarter of Seville in March, before the crowds arrive. Photo: Shutterstock

By late March in southern Spain, temps are in the 60s, the aroma of orange blossoms is in the air, the light is beautiful, and there are fiestas (and bullfights) all over the region. Before the crowds descend for Holy Week and the spring festivals, March is a great time to visit the iconic sites in Seville and Granada, or go off-the-beaten path in Ubeda and Baeza.
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Puglia, Italy

Beautiful town of Alberobello with trulli houses among green plants and flowers, Puglia.

Cone-shaped trulli houses, like these in Alberobello, are Puglia’s signature architecture. Photo: Shutterstock

Many of Puglia’s charming boutique hotels and seaside osterias reopen in March after the winter off-season, making this a lovely time to visit while the locals are still well-rested from their time off and the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. Learn the art of making burrata—a local speciality of this food-focused region—picnic in an olive grove, and visit a glass artisan’s atelier. (Just don’t expect to go for a dip in the ocean, as water temperatures are in the 50s.)
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Crete, Greece

Elouda villa, Crete, Greece. Photo: Blue Palace Resort

Hotel rates on Crete are more attractive in March. Photo: Blue Palace Resort

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, 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.
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Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Islas de Rosario, Colombia

No visit to Cartagena is complete without a day trip out to the Islas de Rosario. Photo: Shutterstock

March is a great month to visit Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast: You’ll find sunny days, clear skies, and a fresh breeze that makes the temperature much more comfortable.
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London

London Eye

A quintessential view of some of London’s landmarks. Photo: Visit London

If you think Notting Hill couldn’t get any more colorful, you should see it in the early spring, decked out with blossoms on its tree-lined streets. March brings glorious fields of daffodils to Kensington Gardens too—and everything’s in bloom in Chelsea. The icing on the cake is Kew Gardens, just a short trip outside central London and the perfect spot to celebrate the arrival of spring.
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Malta and Gozo

Ancient walls and streets of Valetta, the capital of Malta. Photo: Shutterstock

You won’t find cruise ships calling at Valletta, the capital of Malta, in March. Photo: Shutterstock

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. Here’s what Wendy loves about Malta.
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Chile

A view of Torres del Paine's lakes from the French Valley

Patagonia—and much of the rest of Chile—is at its prime in March.

Chile is roughly twice the length of California, so it covers vast latitudes and corresponding climates. March sees some of the best weather throughout the country: warm temperatures in Patagonia, dry days in the Lakes District, and lacking the oppressive summer heat in central Chile and Easter Island. You’ll also avoid high season, which starts before Christmas and lasts through February.
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Cape Town and South Africa’s Winelands

harbor of Cape Town, South Africa with boats and table mountain

March sees Cape Town’s most reliably good weather. Photo: HPBotha/Pixabay

By March, temperatures have begun to cool, and the fierce southeasterly wind calms down—which means that outdoor activities (sea kayaking, shark diving, trips to Robben Island) are seldom canceled due to weather. It’s also one of the best months for hiking and cycling, and the “March lilies” are flowering all over the city. This being harvest time, there is frenetic activity at the nearby wine estates, accompanied by many jovial festivals.
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Norway

Northern Lights, Norway

March gives you the best shot of seeing the northern lights. Photo: Gaute Bruvik – visitnorway.com

In March there is still a lot of snow for all of Norway’s great winter activities—skiing, of course, and also dogsledding, snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, and so on—but also lots of sunshine, average daytimes highs in the 30s, and long days. Statistically, this is also the best month to see the northern lights.
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New Zealand

Mount Nicholas Station, Queenstown, New Zealand

The southern-hemisphere fall is an ideal time to visit Queenstown and other spots in New Zealand.

It’s the end of summer down south, and the weather is just warm enough: around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the day, with nice cool evenings. You have access to all of the back-country activities that bring people to this world capital of outdoor adventure.
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Northern India

Holi Festival at Nandgaon temple complex, Uttar Pradesh, India

Wear something white to the Holi Festival—it won’t stay that way for long. Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta/Flickr

The date for Holi—India’s famous festival of colors—is set by the Hindu calendar, but it almost always falls during March; in 2026, the date will be March 4. (This is one celebration where you simply can’t be a bystander, and you don’t want to show up in your best attire: Everyone throws vibrantly colored powder and water at one another.) Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur are all great places to be during the merriment that is Holi.
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Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why March is a good time to go.

North America

Alaska: winter activities

Canada: British Columbia spring skiing

Hawaii: Oahu whale-watching

 

Caribbean and Central America

Cuba

Panama

 

South America

Brazil: Salvador and Trancoso

Colombia: Bogota

 

Europe

Italy: Rome

Portugal: Algarve’s almond blossom

 

Africa and Middle East

Dubai

Israel

Morocco: Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains

Oman

 

Asia and Pacific

India: Mumbai and wildlife parks and Himalaya hiking

Nepal

The Philippines

Sri Lanka

Seychelles

 

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Where to Go in November: The Best Places to Travel

November is a smart time to travel—between the summer and holiday high seasons—and fall light and often-clear skies make it a great month for photography too. Below are some of your smartest November trip options. Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.

GET A PERSONALIZED TRIP RECOMMENDATION


Northern Italy

view of Canelli, a town in the Piedmont region of Italy with greernery, old buildings and blue skies

November is truffle season in Piedmont.

In November head to Piedmont for truffle season; the White Truffle Fair in Alba runs the entire month. Try truffle hunting, taste the local Barolo wines, watch artisanal cheese makers, cycle among the vineyards (electric bikes are available!), hike the rolling hills beneath the crisp blue skies…or do it all with your family in a villa for Thanksgiving. This is also harvest time for olives and wine. Learn to cook al fresco in an olive grove, on a goat-cheese farm, or in a vineyard.
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Provence, France

the hilltop village of Gordes, Provence, France

Provence and its pretty villages are incredibly popular, so try to visit in shoulder season. Photo: Pixabay

The light in Provence in winter is why so many famous artists moved there, and the sunshine makes al fresco lunches possible well into November. Provencal markets bustle in the fall, and truffle hunting starts in November. Hike amid the glorious autumn landscapes and hilltop villages of the Luberon, and cycle through the wine country around Gigondas and Vacqueyras, where there are few cars and great eateries.
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Andalusia, Spain

Skyline in the Old Quarter of Seville, Spain

In November, Seville is a city of locals, not tourists. Photo: Shutterstock

One highlight of this magical part of Spain is the culture—an aspect that can be very hard to experience during the summer high season, when the numbers of tourists and residents are imbalanced. In November, by contrast, most of the visitors are gone, making it much easier to interact with locals (and to enjoy some breathing room in the region’s UNESCO World Heritage sites). The weather is still quite pleasant, with temperatures near 70 degrees during the day.
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Portugal

Beautiful nature view on Azores with small villages, tows, green nature fields. Amazing Azores. View of typical Azores village in Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal.

The Azores combine European-inflected villages with outstanding hiking and biking opportunities. Photo: Shutterstock

Temperatures remain in the 60s well into November, when it’s still warm enough for dinner outdoors; heat lamps aren’t needed till late in the month. Private river boats—which are much better for sightseeing than your typical river cruises—sail the Douro through the end of the month too. And the weather is even more mild on the subtropical islands of Madeira—known for outstanding hiking opportunities—and the Azores, where you can also hike, bike, and off-road around the postcard-perfect lagoons.
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Greece: Crete, Corfu, or Rhodes

Corfu is one of a few Greek islands that stays open and lively through the winter months.

Many Greek islands shut down in late October or early November, but Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes operate year-round, offering traditional cultural and culinary experiences and festivities in the winter months. November is a great time for sheep farms, olive orchards, and the wine harvest.
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Sicily

Aquamarine blue waters of sea near Taormina resorts and Etna volcano mount. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

Hike Sicily’s Mt. Etna in the fall. Photo: Shutterstock

If your goal is to combine culture and outdoor beauty, fall is this island’s best season. Autumn brings the olive, almond, and wine harvests, and sunny, mild weather. Outdoor activities include exploring Sicily’s Greek and Roman ruins, hiking Mt. Etna, and cycling though nature reserves and wine country.
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Morocco

Earlier this year Wendy and her family traveled through the #2 country on our list: Morocco. Here they are at the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou.

The ksar (fortified village) of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco.

The weather is perfect at this time of year: sunny days and crisp, clear evenings that make for great star-gazing in the desert. It’s also ideal for hiking in the Atlas Mountains, as it’s starting to cool down and the peaks are often photogenically snowcapped. Plus, it’s harvest time: You can see saffron being picked, and olives turned to oil, right in front of your eyes.
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Argentina and Chile, including Patagonia

Torres del Paine National Park view of mountains and water

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile. Photo: Luis Felipa, Southwind Adventures

Most of Argentina and Chile are great at this time of year (think Buenos Aires, the Atacama Desert, even Easter Island), but Patagonia is an especially smart move in November because the lodges have a quieter, more relaxed ambiance and there is less traffic on the roads than during the busiest weeks of December and January. November is also the best time to spot Patagonia’s elusive wildlife, such as nandu, guanaco, puma, huemul, and condor, as all of the animals are more active during their breeding time. The region has a reputation for changeable windy weather, but November feels like spring, with snows melting off the high peaks and flowers beginning to bloom. Rates are sometimes also a bit lower this early in the season.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Patagonia, and elsewhere in Chile and Argentina. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

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The Brazilian Amazon

Aerial view of Anavilhanas National Park Islands, Rio Negro, Brazilian Amazon

White beaches form on the Rio Negro, in the Brazilian Amazon, in November. Photo: Shutterstock

River levels are lowest in November, so all of the beaches are out in their full splendor. (People are often shocked by the beauty of the white-sand beaches that form here, making a trip to Brazil’s region of the Amazon unique from the experiences one can have in Ecuador or Peru’s swaths of the same river system.) An ideal trip extends over five days, so it’s easy to fit into a Thanksgiving break. And the area around the Negro River, which is acidic, is not good for mosquito reproduction, so there is little chance of malaria or zika.
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Belize

aerial shot of Belize ocean with sailboat

Explore Belize on the water or in the jungle. Photo: Belize Sailing Vacations

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 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.
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Mexico

Candles lighten up for Día de Muertos in Michoacan.

Día de Muertos in Michoacan. Photo: Journey Mexico

Day of the Dead (celebrated on November 1 and 2), is a significant cultural holiday deeply ingrained in tradition, and a time when Mexican families and communities unite to pay tribute to and commemorate their departed loved ones. Celebrations vary across the country, ranging from grand public festivities to more intimate private gatherings. Our WOW Listers can arrange culturally sensitive experiences in Mexico City, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
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London for Thanksgiving break

 

Christmas in London

Christmas decorations appear in London by mid-November. Photo: visitlondon.com

November is a great month for museum lovers, as many of the blockbuster exhibitions open in the fall; there’s also the London Jazz Festival, where world-class stars and hot emerging artists share the bill. And the Christmas spirit is already in the air starting in mid-November, with holiday lights on all the shopping streets, a plethora of Christmas markets, high tea at gorgeous hotels, and holiday cheer everywhere. If you can’t wait until then, Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks on November 5.
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The Galápagos Islands

underwater photo of a sea lion in the Galapagos islands

Predator-free Galapagos sea lions may come this close to you when you’re snorkeling.

The Galápagos 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 week). 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 Galápagos from June through November.
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Guatemala

A handmade kite at Santiago Sacatepéquez's Festival de Barriletes Gigantes in Guatemala.

A handmade kite at Santiago Sacatepéquez’s Festival de Barriletes Gigantes. Photo: Shutterstock

Every November 1 in Sumpago (about 30 minutes north of Antigua), the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes—Festival of Giant Kites—merges a Catholic celebration with a 3,000-year-old Mayan tradition of communing with spirits of the deceased (one that is less morbid than most Mexican Day of the Dead customs). Today, the handmade kites address social themes and the festival features lots of special dishes sold in restaurants and around the square. There is a sister festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez on the same day, which is a bit harder to get to but draws smaller crowds. November is the finish of the wet season, so plan to visit the festival early in your trip and take advantage of drier weather in the following weeks.
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Nepal

Durbar Square in Patan village Nepal

Patan’s Durbar Square, Nepal. Photo: Shutterstock

November is the perfect time in Nepal, whether you’re a trekker or just want to explore a fascinating culture. And there’s more to tempt the latter crowd than ever before, with roads leading to villages once accessible only on foot. In November, the air is crisp and clear, without the pre-monsoon dust, so the mountain views are best. And festivals abound: Near Everest, Manu Rimdu is an exorcism festival designed to purge evil from the area, ensure a bountiful harvest, and confer blessings with dancing, prayers, and comic relief. Then there is the Festival of Lights, or Tihar, honoring the gods, humans, and animals, which falls each year in either November or late October.
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Thailand

The view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand

From north (here, near Chiang Rai) to south, Thailand is at its best in November. Photo: Anantara

Much of Thailand is at its very best in November, when the mountains are lush and green from the recently receded monsoon, the mornings are diffused with a subtle mist suspended in the valleys, and the sun is gentler as the seasons ease into cooler weather. The rivers are deep and navigable, and the waterfalls are at optimum volume. All in all, it’s an ideal window to travel, before the crowds and costs rise in December.
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India

Drummers at the Kalapthy Festival in Kerala, India

Drummers at the Kalpathi Festival in Kerala, India. Photo: Sanjay Saxena

November is an ideal time to visit almost all of India—except the Himalayas—thanks to the temperate weather. The just-passed monsoon season has given way to relatively clear skies in Delhi and Mumbai, and there are festivals throughout the country, from the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan to the grand Kalpathi Chariot Festival in Kerala.
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Norway

Northern Lights, Norway

You have a good chance of spotting the northern lights in November. Photo: Gaute Bruvik – visitnorway.com

If you’re prepared for some unsettled weather, the benefits of visiting Norway in November include seeing the aurora borealis; trying out glass-blowing, ceramics, or knitting with local artists; and discovering the Norwegian art of “kos,” roughly translated as the practice of gratitude and of consciously appreciating one’s surroundings. During this quieter period locals have more time to share with visitors, now that the busy summer months have passed. There’s also plenty of hiking, kayaking, and even arctic surfing when the weather allows, and whales to be spotted along the country’s coast at this time of year. Here’s why Brook found Norway delightful in November.
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Australia and/or New Zealand

aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef from an airplane

November sees calm water around the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Tourism Whitsundays

November is one of the best months for a wide-ranging trip to several different parts of these countries: The water around the Great Barrier Reef is calm, making for good visibility; and the weather is spring-time pleasant in Auckland, Sydney, Kangaroo Island, and the outback; and the peaks on New Zealand’s South Island are still picturesquely snow-capped.
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Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why November is a good time to go.

North America

Arizona: Grand Canyon

Florida: Disney World, Orlando

Hawaii: Maui and Oahu (for whale-watching)

 

Caribbean & South America

Caribbean yacht charter (British Virgin Islands)

Argentina: Mendoza

Colombia: Cartagena and Bogota

Cuba

 

Europe

England: The Cotswolds

Greece: Athens

Italy: Rome and Sicily

Scotland

Malta

 

Asia

Cambodia: Angkor Wat

China: Beijing

Indonesia: Bali

Thailand: Bangkok

Vietnam (southern)

 

Africa

Madagascar: whale sharks

 

Cruises

Africa Cruises

Antarctica Cruises

 

 

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Atacama Desert Chile night stars

Where to Go in February: The Best Places to Travel

February is a prime time for many spots in the tropics and the Southern Hemisphere. Below are some of your smartest February trip options. Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.

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Belize

Tobacco Caye - Relaxing at Cabin or bungalow on small tropical island at Barrier Reef with paradise beach, Caribbean Sea, Belize, Central America

Picture yourself enjoying this overwater bungalow on Tobacco Caye, off the coast of Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

Nonstop flights to Belize take off from several U.S. cities that are only about three hours away. Once you’re there you can explore world-class coral reefs, visit uncrowded Mayan ruins, learn to scuba dive (as Wendy’s son did), fish for 100-pound tarpon (which kept her husband busy), and laze beside sparkling Caribbean waters—or you can charter your own private yacht, enjoying fabulous snorkeling, sunbathing, and kayaking.
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Chile and Argentina

Atacama Desert Chile night stars

Chile’s Atacama Desert is a stargazer’s paradise.

It’s summertime in the Southern Hemisphere: That means ideal weather just about everywhere in Chile and Argentina, from Chile’s Lakes District to Mendoza’s wine region to Patagonia. (But be warned: Temperatures in Buenos Aires can reach the high 90s.) If you’re headed to the Atacama Desert, time your trip for the new moon, when the lack of moonlight makes the night skies even more impressive than usual.
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Mexico

Monarch butterflies, Michoacán, Mexico

Monarch butterflies are in full display in Michoacán in February. Photo: Scott Clark/Flickr

February is the best time to see the monarch butterfly migration in the Oyamel forests of Michoacan. After a 3,000-mile journey from the U.S. and Canada, millions of butterflies start to arrive at their wintering grounds in mid-November. They stay until late March, but February is ideal because the butterflies flutter more in the sun as temperatures rise.
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Nicaragua’s Colonial Cities and Coastlines

floating dock in Lake Nicaragua of Jicaro Island eco lodge

Enjoy the tranquility of Jicaro Island, a private-island resort on Lake Nicaragua. Photo: Jicaro Island

February is the height of Nicaragua’s dry season, and the last month before temperatures get uncomfortably hot. The best-quality properties are small and intimate: comfy colonial restorations in cities like León and Granada, and ecolodges along the San Juan River, on an island in Lake Nicaragua, and on the Caribbean and southern Pacific coasts. Despite its reputation from decades past, Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in the Americas, with a very low crime rate. It’s not a democracy, but the only danger is for those in active political opposition to the government.
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Skiing in the Alps

Ski resort in the Alps in a sunny day during winter.

February is the ideal timing for a ski trip to Europe. Photo: Shutterstock

February is the sweet spot for European skiing: It’s late enough in the season that you can count on fabulous, well-manicured snow, and the longer days give you more time on the slopes (or strolling a charming Alpine village nearby). Whether your desired homebase is a ski-in/ski-out hotel or a staffed chalet with room for the whole family, we can connect you to the right expert.
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Costa Rica

Quetzal, Costa Rica. Photo: William Grandados R. Photography

February is the start of the quetzal’s mating season—and a great time to spot them—in Costa Rica’s cloud forests. Photo: William Grandados R. Photography

February falls in the middle of Costa Rica’s dry season. Fill your days with hikes through the jungle, birdwatching in the cloud forest, visits to small sugar-cane and coffee plantations—and of course, plenty of time relaxing along the country’s storied coastlines.
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Panama

The popular Red frog beach on Basimentos Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Bastimentos Island is a 10-minute boat ride from the busier Bocas del Toro, off Panama’s coast. Photo: Shutterstock

January and February see the best weather of the year in Panama, with less humidity and a cool breeze in the mornings and afternoons. The sun goes down a bit earlier, but the sunsets are amazing.
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Lake Titicaca, Peru

dancer in traditional Andean dress at the Fiesta de la Candelaria Lake Titicaca Peru

The Fiesta de la Candelaria is one of Peru’s largest festivals.

Every February, a mix of Catholicism and Andean traditions are brought together in the Fiesta de la Candelaria, which takes place in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This is one of the largest festivals in the country, celebrated by dancers who come from all over Peru and Bolivia for several days of performances, processions, and competitions.
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Iceland

northern lights over snowy flat plateau and lake in iceland

February’s darkness improves your chances of seeing the northern lights. Photo: kamilgrygo/Pixabay

February is one of the darkest months of the year in Iceland, bettering your chances of seeing the spectacular display of the northern lights. It’s also when the Winter Lights Festival takes place, with beautiful art installations and cultural events happening all around Reykjavik. Winters can be harsh and unpredictable, and some activities will be unavailable, but the dramatic snowy scenery—not to mention the extra time that locals have available for visitors—can make this a particularly satisfying month to visit and enjoy glacier hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and heli-skiing, topped off with a dip in a natural hot spring (which you may well have to yourself at this time of year) to rest your weary muscles.
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Antarctica Cruises

Zodiac cruise through the ice, Antarctica. Photo: Abby Suplizio

Zodiac rides off Antarctica turn into whale-watching excursions in February. Photo: Abby Suplizio

By February the sea ice has melted, allowing for longer voyages and prime whale-watching when the humpbacks surface and feed. These shorter autumn days also allow glimpses of the Aurora Australis, or southern lights. What’s more, the icebergs have been beautifully sculpted by summer winds—reflecting the sun’s rays like giant crystal chandeliers—and special offers often come available for these late-season departures.
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Southern Thailand

boats on turquoise water of Ko Phi Phi Le with limestone cliffs coming out of the water in Thailand

February is a goldilocks month for southern Thailand, including Ko Phi Phi Le. Photo: Juan_Luis Pixabay

Southern Thailand is ideal in February, when the oceans are still relatively calm after the crowded peak season, and sunny skies and cooler temperatures prevail before the heat returns in April.
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Cambodia

Angkor Wat at sunrise

These monks have Angkor Wat to themselves at sunrise. Photo: Timothy Baker

In early February, the worst of the hot and steamy weather has not yet arrived—but the huge crowds that descend on Angkor Wat in January have already departed (just make sure to arrive before February 17 in 2026, to avoid the crowds that Chinese New Year brings).
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Botswana

Elephants tussle in Botswana. Photo: Wilderness Safaris/Caroline Culbert

Elephants tussle in Botswana. Photo: Wilderness Safaris/Caroline Culbert

Prices are as much as 40 percent cheaper in February than during peak season, and the vegetation is lush and green from the rains. The periodic thunderstorms that roll through often provide beautiful rainbows, which form a great backdrop for your photos. Plus, many of the wildlife have babies—zebra, wildebeest, antelope—and the predators tend to be more prolific with the greater availability of prey. This is also a time when migratory birds in full, exquisitely colored breeding plumage are in residence.
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United Arab Emirates and Oman

Abu Dhabi Qasr al Sarab camel caravan

A camel caravan near Qasr al Sarab, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Timothy Baker

February is one of the cooler months of the year for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. This makes it a great time to camp out in Oman’s Empty Quarter, where the sand dunes seem endless; visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi (a good portion of which is outside); or stroll among Dubai’s towering skyscrapers.
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Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why February is a good time to go.

North America

British Columbia: snow sports & northern lights

Jackson Hole & the Grand Tetons: skiing

Oahu: whale-watching

The Rocky Mountains: skiing (first half of the month)

 

Caribbean

British Virgin Islands yacht charter

Cuba

 

South America

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro and Trancoso

Colombia: Cartagena and Bogota

Galápagos Islands: swimming and snorkeling

 

Europe

Athens

Norway: northern lights and winter activities

Rome

Paris: winter sales

Switzerland: skiing and winter fun

Venice: Carnevale

 

Asia

Asia Cruises

China: Yunnan Province

India: Delhi, Agra & the Taj Mahal and Mumbai

Nepal’s lower elevations

The Philippines

Seychelles

Sri Lanka

Vietnam: central coast

 

Africa and Middle East

Africa Cruises

Cape Town and Winelands, South Africa

 

Australia and Pacific

New Zealand: Bay of Islands and Queenstown

Sydney

 

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Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

Where to Go in October: The Best Places to Travel

Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and shoulder-season deals make October a great time to travel to a large swath of the globe. Since you can’t go everywhere, we’ve pinpointed a few of the most optimal spots. Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.

GET A PERSONALIZED TRIP RECOMMENDATION


Italy: From the Cinque Terre to Puglia

Castello di Grinzane and village in Piedmont - one of the most famous wine regions of Italy

From Piedmont (shown here) in the north to Sicily in the south, Italy is lovely in October. Photo: Shutterstock

From the northern coastline to the boot of the heel—and just about everywhere in between—Italy is gorgeous in October. The weather is pleasant, hotels aren’t charging their peak-season rates, and you’ll enjoy a more authentic experience when the people dining beside you at the trattorias are locals, not tourists. On the Amalfi Coast, October is when the throngs of cruise-ship passengers have thinned, prices have dropped (a little), there’s plenty of sun, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. In Tuscany, festivals for the olive and grape harvests abound, and the fall foliage is stunning. In Rome, you don’t need to wait in line for an outside table in the city’s iconic piazze.
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Burgundy, France

The castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois viewed from a barge.

A canal winds past the castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Photo: Timothy Baker

The chaos of harvest is over and the grapes are in—which means there’s still lots of activity in the wineries, since the wines are fermenting and the vinification is in full throe, but the winemakers themselves have a little more time to spend with visitors. It’s also the prettiest time: The leaves on the vines turn yellow and gold, and you realize why they call it the Côte d’Or (the golden slopes). And beyond the wines, it’s the most interesting time for seasonal produce: Mushrooms and squashes complement wild game on the menus of the local restaurants.
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The Big Island, Hawaii

Wai'pio Valley Lookout, Hawaii

The Big Island is at its best, weatherwise, in October.

October is the choicest month for the Big Island, as the weather is driest—with daytime temperatures hovering around 85 degrees—and families aren’t traveling, so prices are lower. (The only thing it’s not an ideal time for is surfing.)
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Olympic National Park, Washington

A beautiful sunset on the ocean among the rocks, Cape flattery trail , Olympic Peninsula, Washington state

Sunsets are particularly spectacular on the Olympic Peninsula in October. Photo: Shutterstock

In October, the weather is usually pleasant across all three of the park’s environments: the Olympic Mountains, the temperate Hoh Rain Forest, and the rugged Pacific coastline. There may be snow at the high elevations and some rain lower down, but the waterfalls will be flowing, and the area is very lush. Sunsets also tend to be spectacular at this time of year.
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Madrid, Spain

Old cozy street in Madrid, Spain. Architecture and landmark of Madrid, postcard of Madrid

Cultural events pick up in fall in Madrid. Photo: Shutterstock

In September and October, the blistering summer heat abates and cultural events pick up, with festivals, theater shows, and concerts. It’s also much easier to get a room at one of the luxury hotels that has opened in the city in recent years, from the Four Seasons to the Rosewood to the Edition.
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Austria’s Danube Valley

Wachau, Austria

October is harvest time in Austria’s vineyards. Photo: Austrian Tourist Board

October is at the end of peak season, there’s gorgeous fall scenery, and it’s harvest time in the vineyards, which means that the Heuriger (wine taverns) are especially fun and lively and you’ll probably get to try new wines. More important, especially for wine buffs, many of the smaller (and better) Heurigers aren’t open year-round, but they’re all open in October.
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Sicily and Malta

coast of Cefalu, Palermo Sicily Italy

The seas around Sicily are still warm enough for swimming in October. Photo: Shutterstock

October is harvest season in Sicily, which means fresh olives, almonds, and chestnuts—not to mention wild mushrooms, prickly pears, and carob—complement the island’s always-bountiful variety of culinary offerings. In nearby Malta, it is still warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or a romantic overnight sail to the island of Gozo with nobody else around. Throughout the region, the air and sea temperatures are still inviting, flights and accommodations are less expensive than during the summer, and the fewer tourists mean you get a more intimate experience with the local people. Here’s what Wendy loved about Malta in October.
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Croatia

aerial view of Hvar island and surrounding sea Croatia

On Hvar, it’s still swimsuit season but the party crowds have gone. Photo: Exeter International

Visit Croatia in the first half of October and you’ll find good weather, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices than during peak season.
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Greece

sunset over sailboats Naxos Town Greece

Boats off the island of Naxos. Photo: Billie Cohen

Smart travelers will let the summer crowds die down, then go to Greece in the fall. As with Croatia, at that time of year you’ll find pleasant temperatures, quieter streets, and lower prices.
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Turkey

rainbow umbrellas hover over a street of shops and restaurants in Istanbul turkey

Enjoy a crowd-free stroll through Istanbul. Photo: Tim Baker

The fall shoulder season is a sweet spot for Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia are sunny and mild, while on the Aegean Coast, it’s warm but not sweltering, and the sea is calm.
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Utah’s National Parks

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah

Utah’s Highway 12 runs alongside the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

October is one of the best months to explore Utah’s stunning national parks: The temperatures are generally moderate and the crowds thin. An insider can show you the parks on foot, by vehicle, and even from a helicopter.
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Japan

A traditional onsen ryokan hot spring inn Japanese hotel in the middle of nature.

A traditional onsen ryokan. Photo: Shutterstock

Autumn in Kyoto brings cooler air and bright red maples (which last into November), magnificent to behold alongside Zen gardens and royal villas.
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Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Hindu temple on Bratan lake landscape, one of famous tourist attraction in Bali, Indonesia - Image

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu temple on Bali’s Bratan Lake. Photo: Shutterstock

While October falls during the rainy season, showers are usually limited to a few hours in the afternoon or overnight. It’s also less busy than the high season, making hotel rates more attractive.
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Northern Thailand

The view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Northern Thailand is lush and green in October. Photo: Anantara

Northern Thailand is at its best at the end of the green season: From mid-October to mid-December, the rains have diminished but the waterfalls and rivers are full, and the crowds and higher prices of the late-December to mid-January peak season have yet to arrive. The mountains are lush and green, and morning mists hanging in the valleys send shivers up your spine. (Bangkok is a year-round destination, and short bursts of rain can easily be dodged in the city.)
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Northern Chile and Argentina

the red sand of Chile's Atacama desert with tall mountains in the distance

The Atacama Desert pairs well with Argentina, or even Easter Island, in October. Photo: Awasi

While both the Atacama Desert in Chile and the region around Salta, Argentina, are year-round destinations, October and November see fewer visitors than other times of year—leaving your vistas of these wide-open landscapes largely free of other travelers. (These are also excellent months to hop a flight to Easter Island, when the place is nearly empty and the weather ideal.)
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China

October sees the best weather in Beijing (shown here) and across a wide swath of China.

China is huge, of course, and has a wide array of weather patterns, depending on location and elevation. But for a classic China itinerary, October is hard to beat: Skies are blue in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, and temperatures are so agreeable you won’t need heat or air-conditioning.
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Oman

Dhow boat Cruise in Arabian Peninsula, boat on blue water with desert mountains in background

A dhow cruise on the Arabian Peninsula in Oman. Photo: Shutterstock

From mid-September through October, Oman’s weather is perfect: It’s not too hot in the desert and not too chilly in the mountains.
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Mongolia

An eagle hunter on horseback in Mongolia holding an eagle

An eagle hunter in Mongolia. Photo: Chris Rainier/Nomadic Expeditions

October is when you can attend the one-of-a-kind Golden Eagle Festival—a colorful celebration of a centuries-old Kazakh hunting tradition in the Altai Mountains. When the festival was founded in 1999, only 40 families still hunted with eagles; today more than 400 do so, and many locals rely on the income they earn during the event. Our Trusted Travel Expert can even arrange for you to have dinner with the competitors.
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Vietnam

Wonderful view of the East Gate (Hien Nhon Gate) to the Citadel and a moat surrounding the Imperial City with the Purple Forbidden City in Hue, Vietnam. Hue is a popular tourist destination of Asia.

October sees clear skies for exploring Hue’s historic landmarks. Photo: Shutterstock

Since the monsoons hit northern, central, and southern Vietnam at different times, weather across Vietnam varies widely. If your goal is to travel throughout the country, the driest months to visit are October and March. Fall is when you’ll find the best weather conditions in Ho Chi Minh City and the south.
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The Seychelles

Maia Luxury Resort, Anse Louis Beach, Seychelles

October brings a mix of good weather and value. Photo: Maia Luxury Resort/Lindsey Wallace

October represents a nice balance of great weather (not too hot and little to no rain) and great value (since many of the resorts still have low-season rates). It’s also the best month for snorkeling and diving with whale sharks.
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Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why October is a good time to go.

North America

California Coast

Canada: Québec

Hawaii: Maui

Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons National Park (first half of the month)

Mexico: Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya (all for the second half of the month)

Yellowstone National Park (first half of the month)

 

Central and South America

Bolivia

Brazilian Amazon

Buenos Aires

Colombia: Bogotá

Costa Rica: fishing, wildlife and turtle hatching

Patagonia (second half of the month)

Peru

 

Europe

Canal Barge Cruises

Czech Republic

England: Cotswolds and London

France: Paris

Greece: Athens

Hungary

Ireland: Killarney and County Kerry

Portugal, including The Algarve

Romania (first half of the month)

Scotland

Spain: Andalusia

 

Asia

India: Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, and Trekking in the Himalayas

Bhutan

China: Yunnan Province

Laos

Nepal

 

Africa and Middle East

Botswana

Madagascar

Morocco: Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains

South Africa: Cape Town and the Winelands

 

Australia and Pacific

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

French Polynesia (first half of the month)

New Zealand: Queenstown hiking and cycling

 

Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.