Wondering what a WOW trip looks like? Read the trip reviews below, all written in your fellow travelers’ own words. WOW trips are custom-tailored exactly to your interests, maximizing your experience, minimizing logistics, whisking you past lines, and avoiding crowds (yes, even this summer in Europe—read on to see how that’s possible).
Learn how to get your own WOW trip. Then, browse our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts to find the right specialist for the trip you’re dreaming of. If you’d like help figuring out where to go or how to plan it, write to Ask Wendy. And you’ll find lots of other ideas in our other compilations of traveler reviews.
Eastern Europe: castles, salt mine, walking Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, cruising the Vistula river
LEILA BEASLEY | JUNE 20, 2025
When you get to the Charles Bridge at sunrise, you have Prague to yourself even in peak season.
Jay’s colleague Melita helped us coordinate a trip to Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland in June 2025, handing us off to Prague-based Adam, our wonderfully helpful direct contact. From the driver who picked us up at the airport in Budapest at the start of our adventure to the driver who transferred us to the Krakow airport at the end—and every transfer driver and private guide in between—our experience was magical. Those who dislike crowds would be advised to visit this part of the world earlier in the season than we did. Budapest and Prague are enormous cities—much bigger than we’re normally comfortable exploring—and they are absolutely FULL of tourists, just like us. Nevertheless, our guides helped us navigate and begin to understand their rhythms. Esther, our walking tour guide in Buda, got us out to Fisherman’s Bastion for pictures before the crowds arrived; by the time the other daytrippers had descended on Buda, we were quietly exploring a deserted side street!
Our guide in Prague suggested we wake early to best enjoy the Charles Bridge; we took her advice and got out to the bridge at sunrise the next morning—and had the place essentially to ourselves.
Our guide in Wroclaw suggested we hop on a Vistula river cruise. She helped us buy tickets right there on the spot, and we ended up discovering Japanese Gardens and more hidden delights upriver.
In Krakow, our guide pointed out restaurants and viewpoints and helped us determine what to see at Wawel Castle when we returned a couple of days later.
Private transfers enabled us to enjoy a few of our favorite moments of the entire trip. For example, we had lunch and a fascinating walking tour in Bratislava on our way to Cesky Krumlov. We toured fabulous Hluboka Castle, which I’d never even heard of, en route to Prague. And the rural architecture museum in Opole between Wroclaw and Krakow bowled us right over.
Our entire trip was eye-opening, exciting, and magical—but Poland stole our hearts. From the moment we arrived in Wroclaw, we were enchanted. Krakow streets are lined with breathtaking churches and chapels; each one is a marvel. And of course no trip to Krakow is complete without a solemn visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau; there are no words to describe that experience, so I won’t even try. A trip to the breathtaking Wieliczka salt mine, one of the very first UNESCO World Heritage sites, completed our Polish adventure. From the food to the architecture to the music to the people, we loved Poland and look forward to returning.
Every hotel was ideally located and exceedingly comfortable; Amber Design Residence in Krakow in particular was a gem, and a place we never would have found on our own. We’re so grateful to Melita, Adam, and their team for designing such a magnificent adventure for us!
Read more reviews of Jay. Or request your own trip.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: farmers, fishermen, coconut boats, and exploring an uncle’s wartime past
MILINDA MARTIN | JUNE 19, 2025
Milinda Martin rides with a farmer in Siem Reap, where water buffalo are used as draft animals.
Ethan and Corban were excellent partners for my 24-day trip through Southeast Asia. I spent the bulk of my time in Vietnam, a country so rich in culture, history, culinary talents, and kindness. As an independent traveler, the team really delivered in providing outstanding guides who are now new friends. I went into their homes, met their families, and saw parts of their hometowns that are far off the tourist track. My uncle served and died in Vietnam in 1968 and I wanted to really understand the war with far greater context. Tu, my guide in Central Vietnam, introduced me to many locals who remembered the Tet Offensive, whose relatives served on both sides of the civil war, and who spoke of the good things that came out of that terrible time.
I loved Hanoi as seen through the eyes of my guide Long, and enjoyed Ho Chi Minh city with my new friend Thuy, including riding around on the back of her motorbike. I had a blissful time in Lan Ha Bay, the more secluded part of HaLong Bay, including kayaking, caving, and hiking, as well as village tours. I visited two national parks for trekking, and spent a few relaxing days at the beautiful Zannier Bai San Ho resort. On a boat near Hoi An, Vietnam, we cruised through the Vinh Cua Dai delta meeting fishermen and going around the palm farms (used to harvest palm sugar) and tried out what are called coconut boats (the round rowboat). Then, as the day ended, the crew all changed into traditional costumes and sang/danced prior to dinner.
My last 8 days were split between Siem Reap, Cambodia and Luang Prabang, Laos, both with stellar guides. Si Len in Cambodia was charming and took me to many local villages to meet people and learn about their lives. We wove baskets and met textile weavers and visited farms. In Laos, Paan took me to her home to meet all of her relatives and prepare dinner plus meals for the monks at the local temple. We gave alms one morning, and visited an outstanding elephant sanctuary.
Throughout the trip I stayed at lovely hotels, ate far too much delicious food, and was shuttled in a variety of transport vehicles, all adding to the adventure. My favorite part of travel, aside from learning the history, is connecting with locals, and that really is the difference that Ethan’s company and Wendy Perrin provide. Whether it’s an outstanding guide who shares their life with you, or walking you through a village so you can meet a local farmer and spend time plowing their field with them (as I did outside of Hoi An), these are the memories that stay with you for a lifetime.
One interesting element of working with Ethan and his colleagues is their flexibility. In each city, the guide is really a host, and all days are up for grabs. You get to design your stay on the spot, as you see fit. I loved being able to move things around between days if the humidity was too high or rain was due. Traveling like this is so much richer than an organized tour. And even richer than traveling solo because you truly meet people who live there, not just other tourists.
Lastly, as a note, I traveled in May and June, which is NOT the tourist season in SE Asia. We discussed, in advance, what this would mean in terms of the weather (hot, humid, rainy), but also the benefits of seeing places without a throng of tourists. For UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Angkor Wat, being there, with just you and your guide, is magical. And the welcome from locals is all the warmer because you are the only tourist they’ve seen that week. My bonus for enduring the heat: lunch with Corban from Ethan’s company in Siem Reap! Yes, he just happened to be there at the same time. Lucky me!
Read more reviews of Sandy and Ethan. Or request your own trip.
Italy: solo travel done right, from vespa tour and group hike to spa and Sicilian street food
ANDREA PHILLIPS | JUNE 17, 2025
“Riding on the back of a Vespa felt effortless and fun.”
Italy, April 2025
Traveling solo can be amazing—but only when it’s done right. And that’s exactly what happened when I worked with Andrea and the team to plan my last-minute birthday trip to Rome and Sicily during a busy Easter time frame. From the moment we connected, I felt understood as a solo traveler with a clear vision of how I wanted this trip to feel: meaningful, effortless, and a little indulgent. I told Andrea I didn’t want to rush from one site to another. I wanted to experience Italy in a more personal, connected way. And that’s exactly what she delivered.
In Rome—my third visit, but by far the best—I wasn’t trying to see it all again. Andrea arranged an amazing local guide, Serena, who brought a totally different side of the city to life. We explored neighborhoods, visited local markets, stopped at charming restaurants, and just soaked in the everyday beauty of the city. Even riding on the back of a Vespa felt effortless and fun—like I was living in a movie, not racing through a tour. The Bvlgari Hotel Roma was the perfect home base—calm, beautiful, and with the dreamiest spa. And with Andrea’s, I was treated like a VIP the whole time.
Sicily was just as great. Before joining a hiking group from Cefalu to Taormina, I had a Saturday night street food tour through Palermo, which was a wild, delicious intro to Sicily! And even while I was trekking with the hiking group, Andrea’s team was only a message away through the AXUS app—helping me with reservations in a busy Taormina and making sure everything stayed smooth, including setting up my Ape car tour through the towns above the seaside. Ending the trip at the gorgeous San Domenico Palace (Andrea’s recommendation!) was the perfect send-off and left me dreaming of my return.
Everything—hotels, guides, transfers, little surprises—was exactly right. It felt like the whole trip had been designed with me in mind. As a solo traveler, that kind of attention makes all the difference. I never felt rushed, I never felt out of place, and I never felt alone—just totally free to enjoy. And honestly, I loved it so much that I booked another trip with Andrea and her team just a few weeks after getting home. Next stop: the Dolomites and Italian Lakes this August!
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Turkey: mosques and hammams with teens, cruising by yacht, ballooning in Cappadocia
AMY EVERS | JUNE 15, 2025
“I think the clouds in the sky made the sunrise that much more beautiful.” Photo: Traveler Amy Evers
Turkey, May 24-June 1, 2025
This trip was amazing. Everyone really should consider going to Turkey! Earl put together a wonderful trip for my kids and I. We had a decent amount of rain while we were there, but our incredible guides just changed things up on the fly to keep us as dry as possible. They also switched things up to avoid long lines as needed too. We ate incredible food, with great restaurant recommendations each night.
We visited many Mosques but surprisingly, my kids didn’t tire of them. Riza, our wonderful guide in Istanbul, kept things educational but fun too. The cruise on the Bosphorus was beautiful. The yacht was gorgeous and the weather even cooperated. Our experience at the Turkish Hammam was wonderful, thoroughly enjoyed by all 3 of us, even the 13 year old!
Riza felt like we had a lot to do in Istanbul so switched our cooking class to Cappadocia. This was a great decision. The cooking class was at a family’s house. It was as much a cultural experience as it was a learning experience. And the food was delicious! Having said all of that, I think the highlight of the trip was the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. I was a little worried it would get canceled because of the weather but it didn’t, and I think the clouds in the sky made the sunrise that much more beautiful. It was breathtaking! Wow!
Read more reviews of Earl. Or request your own trip.
Croatia & Slovenia: seaside Rovinj, Lake Bled, Motovun, Plitvice National Park, Dubrovnik, Hvar
MARCY FIELDS | JUNE 14, 2025
The picnic in Istria, with food provided from their guide’s own farm, was “beyond imagination.”
From the moment we stepped off the plane in Ljubljana, our trip went perfectly as planned. No glitches, delays or issues checking into our rooms. Tea, who met us at the airport, set the tone for what we could expect on this trip. Everyone we encountered, whether the tour guide or the driver, could not have been more pleasant and full of pride for their respective countries.
We connected instantly with our guide/driver, Miro, on our trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia, and were so pleased he was our driver the next day to Rovinj. We were sad to see him go. Rovinj was a beautiful waterfront town and we loved how it’s a bit off the beaten path. Not too crowded but with many things to do and see. Our day trip to Motovun was a true highlight of our trip. Maslinka, our tour guide, was so interesting and shared so much history about the Istria region. The picnic she provided with food from her farm was beyond imagination. It felt like we were in a movie. Plitvice National Park was also amazing and we were so glad it was included in our itinerary.
When we got to Hvar, it was next level. The water was like nothing we’d seen before. It felt like each place we visited got a little bit better. We enjoyed the outdoor restaurants and Pakleni Islands as well while there. While a bit crowded, we very much enjoyed Dubrovnik and a highlight of our stay there was lunch at the Panorama Restaurant on top of Mt Srd. The views were stunning and it was absolutely heavenly there. Our tour of the walled city with Vlaho was better than we expected. What a knowledgeable and interesting young man.
I have to say in closing Martina, our travel representative, made our trip. She could not have been more responsive and also on top of everything before we arrived somewhere. It was such a wonderful touch meeting her in person in Dubrovnik. I could go on and on but I think it’s evident we had a fabulous trip! Thank you.
Read more reviews of Jay. Or request your own trip.
Japan: sake tasting, onsen bathing, tea with a Buddhist monk, private knife-making workshop
DAVID KINSLER | JUNE 13, 2025
In Echizen, David Kinsler had private knife- and paper-making experiences.
Our May trip to Japan, arranged by Andrea and seamlessly supported by his exceptional assistant Dewi, exceeded every expectation. From the moment we landed to our final departure, every detail was meticulously crafted for a truly immersive, luxurious, and stress-free experience.
In Tokyo, we were treated to a sumo wrestling experience, followed by a visit to the Imperial Palace and a fascinating walk through the bustling fish market. One day, we enjoyed a private tempura-making workshop—a definite highlight. After Tokyo, we continued on to Kaga Onsen, where we stayed at a fabulous ryokan. During our time there, we enjoyed a sake tasting and visited an artisan porcelain maker. From Kaga, we traveled to Echizen, where we experienced the serenity of a Buddhist temple, took part in a private knife-making experience, and learned the craft of traditional papermaking.
At Lake Biwa, we stayed at a fabulous resort and were treated to our WOW Moment: a peaceful boat ride along the canals, capped off with a charcoal dinner cooked specifically for us—a truly unforgettable evening.
Our journey concluded in Kyoto, where we had a meaningful tea ceremony with a Buddhist monk and an unforgettable private geisha dinner.
We’ve traveled extensively and have used many of Wendy Perrin’s WOW List recommendations—but Andrea and Dewi stand out above them all. Andrea’s deep cultural insight, impeccable taste, and thoughtful curation turned each day into something extraordinary. His ability to blend authenticity with comfort is rare and unforgettable.
Dewi was equally outstanding—always one step ahead, incredibly responsive, and quietly ensuring everything ran perfectly. Her warmth and professionalism made a real difference throughout the trip.
This journey was in a class of its own. Andrea and Demi delivered not just a vacation, but a true experience of Japan. We are already looking forward to planning our next adventure with them.
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Norway: dining with farmers, visiting Fjord country & a private island with its explorer-owner
SUSAN FREEMAN | JUNE 12, 2025
On a wing and a prayer, Norwegian wind in her hair—Susan Freeman soars on the fjord swing at Trandal.
We just returned from a 25-day trip to Scandinavia planned by Torunn. We were thrilled with her company’s recommendations, including suggested itinerary, length of time in each place and hotel recommendations. This was the longest time we had ever been away, and yet it felt so well-paced that we weren’t exhausted or burned out as we often are, especially with shorter trips. 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 5 nights in Oslo, 2 in Bergen, and the rest of the time in the 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 guides were excellent, with one exception.
The most unusual or unique part of the trip was visiting a former trading lodge in Arctic Circle on private island owned and run by the first Norwegian woman to summit Everest, as well as the highest mountains on all 7 continents. We loved meeting her and learning from her, as well as the other guests.
The combination of cities at the front end and nature for the rest of the trip worked extremely well for us. Innkeepers were all very hospitable, kind, and generous. Torunn’s team uses an app and everything for your trip is loaded into it, which once I got the hang of it, was fantastic; everything at my fingertips all the time. If you are considering a trip to Scandinavia, I highly recommend Torunn with the highest recommendation. It was one of our all-time favorite trips anywhere in the world!
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Japan: meditating with spiritual guides, meeting artisans & families, night in a Naoshima museum
BEATRICE BANU | JUNE 9, 2025
Traveler Beatrice Banu donned a kimono hand-painted by the master’s son. “It was quite an experience being put into a kimono.”
I used Andrea and his talented team to plan my trip to Japan from May to early June, 2025. This was my first experience working with an agent on all details of a solo trip to Japan, a belated retirement present to myself. “My team” really pushed to find out what I wanted and needed. Be sure you are as specific as possible about what you want and do not want. The more they know the better they can meet your expectations. Even do a little research in advance. I did not. Despite the fact that I was not clear about certain things, they did a fabulous job. I was able to avoid certain pitfalls in traveling to and around Japan because my team provided detailed practical information in advance and uploaded an itinerary to an app, which could be updated as things changed on the ground. I also had group of Guardian Angels on call if I needed help or had questions. Travel from place to place was meticulously timed out. The only glitches were my getting lost at various train stations, which can be fun since the stations are more like food/shopping malls.
The best thing the agents provided were fantastic guides, people with varied experiences that were matched to my interests. Long conversations about life in Japan were as valuable to my understanding the culture a little better as visiting historic sites. I am interested in spirituality, especially in Shintoism, unique to Japan, and the special bond between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan. I had one guide who was a Shingon monk and another who was a devoted practitioner of Shintoism. As a special experience, the agency organized a special interview with a Buddhist monk. We talked through the guide for an hour, meditated, and then he performed the tea ceremony in which I participated as well. Amazing.
Since the material culture, fashion and architecture and design are also interests, I was able to visit with 2 master artisans and their families, an 88-year-old silk kimono painter, his son and daughter-in-law, all in the business. In Kanazawa, the silk painter had laid out one of their kimonos for me to try. This one had been hand-painted in an iris motif by the son of the master. It was quite an experience being put into a kimono. Also, I spent time with an 80+ inkstone maker and his family. It was such an honor to listen to how they pursued the perfection of their crafts. One of the most unique features of the trip was staying in the Benesse Museum Hotel on Naoshima. As a hotel guest you get to wander the museum after closing and before opening. I was thrilled, my own “Night in the Museum.” I loved the art islands. In addition, one of my guides in Tokyo who knew Japanese fashion, my passion, acquainted me with several second-hand stores because I mentioned that interest to the planners. I brought back several garments from these shops!
This was an intricate trip which I could not have done on my own. The agents were invaluable. I would have experienced half of what I did without the guides and the travel arrangements all planned out. My trip, without the agents, would have been good but not extraordinary. That’s why they are called “WOW.”
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Norway: dogsledding, fjord manor house, wood-burning sauna, beer-paired Viking meal
CHOQUETTE GUINEY | JUNE 5, 2025
The port village of Flam is surrounded by mountains at the innermost bank of the Aurlandsfjord. Photo: Traveler Choquette Guiney
We visited many areas and in each one Torunn arranged local guides/hosts that were interesting, passionate, and a joy to spend time with. A few of our favorite activities include having an Oslo tour guide; visiting a Sami reindeer herder (reindeer racing and fantastic stories!); dog sledding (with Iditarod musher); fine dining prepared with local ingredients and in a remote setting (say yes to the wine pairing!); wood-burning sauna; cooking education and hands-on class (fun even for those who enjoy food but rarely cook); train travel (the views); Viking dinner (get the 5 course meal paired with beer); fjord cruise (stunning scenery!) and baking lefse, a Norwegian treat, at a family-run farm (beautiful setting and lively conversation with locals!). By not being overscheduled we had time to hike, kicksled, explore, relax and simply enjoy our time together (aka Norwegian kos).
Special thanks to Roger (our full day guide in the far north) for his Finnmark insights and personal stories as well as his thoughtfulness and suggestions. And to Trine—my mom was able to relax and enjoy the dog sledding experience traveling with you. That would not have been the case if she had been traveling with me or my sister! Shout out to Johnny who is not only an amazing chef but also owner of a fantastic record collection.
The accommodations Torunn picked were perfect for us and enhanced our experience. We enjoyed our stay at elegant hotels in city centers, a historic manor house on a fjord (so peaceful in the winter) and the cabins in the far north. Yes, we saw the northern lights just outside our cabin 4 of the 5 nights!
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Nova Scotia: walk through maritime history, private ship tour with captain, lobster encounter
BEV CAMERON | JUNE 4, 2025
Traveler Beverly Cameron’s grandson was able to hold a massive lobster. Photo: Bev Cameron
My grandson Wyatt and I have just completed the arranged part of a trip to Nova Scotia that Jill planned for us. My grandson is 10 years old and I’m 79 years old. This was a special one-on-one trip.
Jill did a fantastic job of planning activities for a 10-year-old boy and having the tour operators give him special attention. We’ve both had a great time.
All of the events were great fun but likely most special was Jill arranging through a friend of hers to have the Captain of the Bluenose give us a private tour at a time when the ship was not open to the public. The Bluenose is special in Nova Scotian and Canadian history as a very fast fishing and racing ship. It’s even pictured on the back of the Canadian dime.
We had private tours of the Maritime Museum and Pier 21, the historic immigration entry point into Canada for people coming to start new lives, a harbor tour, a ghost walk, a tour of Oak Island by a man who is a diver on the documentary TV show, and a great driver/guide for a day and a half of touring to Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Malone Bay and Chester. Our guide even took us to a small lobster store where Wyatt was able to hold several live lobsters, including a massive 9 pounder who is going back into the sea at the end of the season.
Jill did a great job. Thanks for having her on your WOW List.
Read more reviews of Jill. Or request your own trip.
Africa: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Franschhoek vineyards, Botswana safaris
LYNN HERRICK | JUNE 2, 2025
“The animals exceed all expectations! We saw all the animals on our wish list and more.” 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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town), 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.
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Japan: hiking between the Kiso Valley post towns, hitting a baseball game and a Maid Cafe
SAMANTHA SQUIRES | JUNE 1, 2025
Samantha and family: “On the days we had to ourselves, we fell into nooks and crannies we hardly expected.”
Tokyo -> Kanazawa -> Kyoto -> Mt. Koya -> Kiso Valley -> Tokyo
Our trip to Japan was amazing. Each day was better than the next, which is really hard to believe, but it was.
Months ago, when we thought about going to Japan, we felt overwhelmed by the logistics of researching what we wanted to do and booking it. That’s why we turned to a travel planner from Wendy Perrin’s WOW List. If we were going to invest in what for us was a trip of a lifetime, we wanted to ensure that those expectations were met. And they were. They exceeded anything we could have imagined.
We met with Andrea and his team a few months before our desired trip date. Going to Japan is hard to do frugally, but he worked with us to find the best dates that allowed for our budget, and we discovered May to be an ideal time. It’s after the peak of March and April, but the weather is still pleasant and there were plenty of flowers to see, like azaleas, wisteria and irises. Andrea loves what he does, and loves Japan, so it was easy to tell him about our wants and wishes for the trip because he was excited about them, too. Could we see a baseball game in Tokyo? Yes. How about going to a quirky Maid Cafe? One that’s family friendly? Also yes.
It was important to us to learn about the history and culture of the country, and he worked up an itinerary that was ambitious but not overwhelming. He set us up with multiple guides and each and every one was fascinating and fun and such an expert about their area. We learned so much from them. Andrea also made the trip feel balanced. On the days we had to ourselves, we fell into nooks and crannies we hardly expected and found incredible places to eat this way.
Since we’ve come home everyone’s been asking, What was the highlight of the trip? This is so hard to answer! A monastery in Mt. Koya was definitely one. It’s a beautiful and serene place, the seat of Japanese Buddhism, and we just loved being there. This was something we would never have found on our own, or known to even look for were it not for Andrea telling us about it. We also went hiking in Kiso Valley, stopping in a few post towns along the way. This is where samurai and merchants walked back and forth between Kyoto and Tokyo. Again, we’d never have known about this without Andrea’s knowledge. We stayed in a traditional Ryokan and just loved every minute of it.
We left Japan buoyed by a sense of having been on a journey in the truest sense. We’re already saving to go back again. It’s a magical place.
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Norway: private fjord cruise, deep-sea fishing, fishing villages and dramatic mountains
DEBORAH WENTE | MAY 30, 2025
John Wente lands a big one while deep-sea fishing in Nusfjord. Photo: Traveler Deborah Wente
We had a wonderful trip to Norway! It is such a big country with so many options, and we were thrilled with the choices suggested by Torunn and her team. We spent one night in Bergen, which suited us perfectly. It was fun to see Bryggen and do a little souvenir shopping. The next morning we picked up a rental car and drove a couple of hours to Utne on the Hardangerfjord. The village has a population of about 200, we stayed in a house on a cider farm overlooking the fjord. Our time in Hardangerfjord was a perfect blend of activity and time to enjoy the view of the fjord from our rental. We ate in most evenings, very enjoyable after an active day. We enjoyed a private fjord cruise, a hike up to a beautiful viewpoint and a tour of a cider farm. I can still picture the innumerable colors of green.
We then returned to Bergen and flew up to the Lofoten Islands. What a contrast! Fishing villages, dramatic mountains dropping down to the sea, and a taste of life in the islands. I really appreciate the recommendation to stay in two locations, Reine and Nusfjord. They were only an hour apart, but gave us a chance to explore different areas without a lot of driving. We explored on our own, hiked with a guide, and went deep sea fishing. That was so much more fun than expected!
On our last night, we were surprised with our WOW Moment, one of the best ever. We were told to meet at 10pm when we suited up in inflatable insulated suits, climbed into a rigid inflatable boat and straddled our seats. The captain (and GM of the resort) took us north up the coast cruising at about 30 knots. We stopped near a cave where remains of people and cod have been found from 6000 years ago! Then we pulled into a harbor and sampled some Norwegian whiskey. A fun adventure!
I really appreciate the planning that allowed us to explore Norway, talk to people, and stay away from crowds. We were a couple of weeks before the season started in the Lofoten Islands and were very thankful to not be dealing with the traffic and crowds.
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Iceland: waterfalls, history, Thingvellir National Park, glacial hiking at Sólheimajökull
SUSAN TOBERT | MAY 29, 2025
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!
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Morocco: ballooning over Atlas Mountains, tea with a Berber family, Volubilis, medina by sidecar
MOLLY O’NEILL-EMMI | MAY 28, 2025
Molly and her husband Tom on a sunset ATV ride through the Sahara Desert.
Our April trip to Morocco was captivating, filled with vibrant culture, rich history, and memorable experiences. We were fortunate to have a fantastic guide, Widad, who was personable, knowledgeable, and flexible. Her extensive insights into the history, culture, architecture, music and religion of Morocco enriched our understanding and appreciation of this fascinating country. Our driver, Aziz, was equally outstanding—ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transport, thereby making every part of our travel seamless and stress-free. Both Widad and Aziz were passionate, authentic ambassadors of their beloved country. We were so grateful that they were with us for the duration of the trip, as they significantly enhanced our experience.
One of the highlights of our trip was the valuable and meaningful interaction with the locals. Whether engaging in conversations at bustling markets, sharing stories over cups of mint tea and traditional Moroccan sweets, dining with a family in their Riad, learning to prepare mint tea with a Berber family in their village home in the High Atlas Mountains, or receiving warm reactions and assistance as we attempted to speak Darija, Arabic, and Tamazight, all of those moments were truly memorable.
Our enjoyment of the country was further enhanced by riding ATVs across the ochre dunes of the Sahara at sunset; watching the sunrise and savoring the calmness and serenity of the vast desert; experiencing the thrill of a hot air balloon ride while admiring the majestic views of the Moroccan countryside and High Atlas mountains; exploring the Roman ruins of Volubilis; riding through the Marrakech medina and palm groves in a motorcycle sidecar; and exploring the intricate pathways of the medinas.
We stayed in beautiful riads and boutique hotels that exuded charm and offered exceptional service. The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with thoughtfully designed interiors that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Most notable were Dar Ahlam and Kasbah Tamadot, where we savored every moment and were sad to leave.
The culinary aspect of our trip was nothing short of excellent and diverse. We especially loved our cooking class, which included shopping for ingredients in the souk while sampling food items along the way. It was a vibrant and colorful experience, during which I discovered that orange blossom water is my new favorite baking ingredient! Additionally, our evening food tour of the Fez medina was a fun, memorable exploration of flavors and traditions.
Our trip to Morocco was a captivating journey that was enriched by our guide Widad and driver Aziz. Engaging with locals, exploring villages and medinas, and learning about various Moroccan traditions created meaningful moments. Staying in beautiful riads and enjoying diverse culinary experiences contributed to unforgettable memories in Morocco.
Read more reviews of Hicham. Or request your own trip.
Balkans: “phenomenal” guides in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro
JEANNIE MULLEN | MAY 26, 2025
Jeannie and Chef Ivana on their way from market to private cooking class on narrow “Let Me Pass Street” in Old Town Split.
It is really difficult to condense a 28-day, 5-country trip into a review that does justice to the incredibly detailed work that went into my recent solo trip to the Balkans. I initiated trip planning with Greg, whose team curated a phenomenal trip to Russia for me in the days immediately after the country opened in the on again/off again days of Covid. After hearing my level of interest in the Balkan Region, Greg referred me to Ala and Arina for next level planning. Ala and Arina listened attentively, offered a lot of variety to choose from, provided advice and counsel when necessary, and followed through on every single detail. Both were a joy to work with.
The trip included travel to five of the six Balkan countries formerly known as Yugoslavia… Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro (Macedonia is the sixth). While a complicated and extensive political and religious history connects these countries, each had 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 an actor. He had just published a book which he graciously signed and gifted to me.
Highlights from each country…
Slovenia… 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… 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 ( just outside of Dubrovnik), 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.
Serbia… in Belgrade a deep dive into the history of Yugoslavia and Tito’s regime from a scholar’s perspective… personal time with a master violin maker and local “naive” artists and their galleries in Kovacica… and shopping at a local grocery store for the favorite foods Serbs like to eat.
Bosnia and Herzegovina… my biggest and most pleasant surprise of the trip (Belgrade came in a close second)… 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 very vibrant multicultural atmosphere that it is now his adopted city.
Montenegro… a coastline and atmosphere that consistently makes you think you are on a movie set… Kotor, Perast, and Herzeg Novi… a tour by boat of the hidden submarine tunnels from WWI, and a day trip up the historic Serpentine Road (22 switchbacks that follow the old caravan route that Roman traders used) to the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say a word about the very personal attention that Arina paid both leading up to my departure and also as my trip progressed in real time. A few weeks before my departure I developed some concerns about news that I was reading 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. Arina also arranged many lovely personal touches during my travels and helped me understand occasionally unique local logistics.
Lastly, the timing of my trip overlapped with travel plans that Greg had in Belgrade and that Arina had in Ljubljana and Dubrovnik. As a result, I was able to meet both of them personally, which was an extra treat.
Read more reviews of Ala. Or request your own trip.
Japan: from Alps to arts with a private cooking class, kintsugi workshop, and “deeply moving” meditation session
MAUREEN FERRARI | MAY 26, 2025
Maureen and John Ferrari bid goodbye to their guide Emiko before boarding Shinkansen Nozomi back to Tokyo.
Unforgettable Journey Through Japan – Thanks to Wendy Perrin, Scott Gilman, and Our Wonderful Guide Emiko
I’ve used Wendy Perrin’s recommendations for years—Bhutan, Myanmar, Chile, Oman, to name a few—and each trip has been extraordinary. This year, my husband John and I decided to travel to Japan, and once again, Wendy did not disappoint. One of her top suggestions was Japan expert Scott Gilman, and working with him was a true pleasure.
Scott took the time to understand our needs and interests—two active 69- and 71-year-olds who love to explore, learn about local culture, and delve into a country’s history. He crafted a detailed, thoughtful itinerary and introduced us to our fabulous guide, Emiko, with whom we instantly connected. Her energy, deep knowledge, and warm personality made her an ideal companion for our two-week adventure.
We began in Tokyo on May 8, staying at the elegant Mandarin Oriental, where the service was impeccable. Emiko guided us through the Tsukiji Outer Market, Hamarikyu Garden, Asakusa, Kappabashi-dori, and the Imperial Palace grounds, capping the day with an unforgettable dinner at Sushi Kidoguchi. One of our Tokyo highlights was meeting architect Michel van Acre in Omotesando to learn about the city’s stunning contemporary architecture—fascinating and highly recommended! We also took a private cooking class with Kyoko Hattori, who was delightful and generously shared recipes and goodies to bring home.
From there, we journeyed through the Japanese Alps to Matsumoto, where we visited the 400-year-old Matsumoto Castle and stayed at the serene Myojinkan Ryokan, complete with a private onsen. We explored the beautiful dam nearby and continued on to Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa, soaking up the charm of historical quarters, vibrant markets, and heritage houses along the way.
In Kyoto, we were awed by Kiyomizudera, Gion, and the Kennin-ji Zen Temple. A private Zen meditation session with a Buddhist priest and father of two was deeply moving. Other Kyoto highlights included the moss garden at Gio-ji Temple, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, and a hands-on kintsugi workshop with Koishihara-san, a master artisan—especially meaningful to me as a ceramist.
Our day trip to Nara was magical. Seeing the freely roaming deer in Nara Park, revered as Shinto messengers, was a beautiful contrast to how we view deer back home in New York. The visit to Todai-ji Temple, with its enormous Buddha and the architectural grandeur of the building, was awe-inspiring. We also met Noguchi-san, a fifth-generation gold leaf artisan, whose artistry, personality, and warm family left a lasting impression.
As if the trip couldn’t get better, we then visited Naoshima, where art and nature blend seamlessly. Staying at Benesse House, located within the museum, was a dream. We toured Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and Valley Gallery by Tadao Ando. On Teshima Island, the Teshima Art Museum was another major highlight, made even more memorable by the atmospheric fog and a dramatic race to beat the canceled ferries—magically solved by Emiko, who summoned a private water taxi to get us safely back.
Our final days brought us to Kurashiki, known as the “Venice of Japan,” and a stay in a charming central ryokan. We ended the journey with a visit to Korakuen Garden, where we were lucky enough to see a bride and groom in traditional wedding attire—such a special moment. Then it was back to Tokyo and onward to New York, our hearts and bags full of unforgettable memories.
This trip would not have been possible without Scott’s expert planning and Emiko’s flawless execution. Her grace, insight, and attention to detail brought every moment to life.
Our only complaint? We ate way too much! (But oh, was it worth it!)
Read more reviews of Scott. Or request your own trip.
Puglia: visiting cheese and gelato-makers, working with a sculptor, staying in masserias
PAULA KRAMER | MAY 23, 2025
Jeff Weiss spent an afternoon learning from a renowned sculptor in his home atelier. Photo: Paula Kramer
For two weeks this April 2025 we had the incredible privilege of traveling through Puglia – our first time in the region, but not our last – thanks to the expert planning of Antonello and Valeria. From our initial meeting, they were incredibly helpful, despite the fact that we didn’t give them a whole lot of lead time. Mindful of the timeframe, they carefully listened to our interests and preferences, and then leveraged their substantial network to create a bespoke itinerary that reflected them, but also included experiences that we would not have known to ask for and that wound up elevating our trip beyond our wildest dreams.
We stayed in an array of wonderful hotels and masserias – fabulous experiences unto themselves – and were educated by outstanding guides. We chose to do our own driving for 90% of the trip, and even here the team was so helpful, electronically sharing target destinations and parking facilities which enabled us to go from points A to B with confidence, independence and the least amount of stress. Except for driving in Naples (NOT for the faint of heart), driving through Italy, especially Puglia, at springtime is a feast for the senses and we encourage those willing to do so to give it a try. If not, the planners can easily provide drivers, when needed.
My husband and I are seasoned, low maintenance travelers (3-6 trips per year); he excels at research, and finding travel companies with perspectives that align with ours, and the credentials to help us plan incredible journeys. This was our first trip using Wendy Perrin and her WOW List, which led us to this team; both organizations distinguished themselves in the best of ways. This was best reflected in three value-added factors provided by the company.
First, attention to detail. They created a trip that was truly a reflection of us, our interests, and abilities, but they went the extra mile and anticipated our needs such that every detail was covered. After our very first day we realized that working through Wendy Perrin and her WOW List were great decisions. Second, our planners provided SUPERLATIVE guides – individuals truly dedicated to their work, and deeply thoughtful and knowledgeable about their areas of expertise and the experience they can offer the tourists they work with. Their knowledge, personal connections, insights and enthusiasm were truly transformative in our understanding of the places and people we were visiting. But the bonus was that they were all incredibly delightful to be with, which made them feel more like friends than people doing their job. We also liked the fact that in the majority of places we had our guides for at least two days each.
Last, but by no means least, the third and most remarkable factor that transformed our trip into something unique and superlative was the unique set of experiences planned by our team. Mind you, every single day of this trip had a WOW factor – whether it was visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum, our cave-turned-hotel in Matera (Sextantio), or our stays at delightful masserias in Salento. But beyond that, having the chance to sample the delights of a renowned cheesemaker, learn from the 3rd generation owners of a family-owned flour mill, get expert insights into the complexities of olive oil, or to sample gelato with a young woman who is combining innovation with tradition as she expands the gelato business started by her grandfather – these are culinary experiences we could only encounter thanks to our team’s deep understanding of and connection with the hidden gems of Puglia. Trust me…you are not going to find these on your own.
If all this wasn’t enough, we spent an afternoon in the home/atelier of a renowned sculptor, and another afternoon with a couple that makes jewelry. I confess that when I first read our itinerary I thought these sounded weird – neither my husband or I would become the next Michaelangelo or make jewelry anytime in the near future, so why take time to do this? I could not have been more wrong! These artists were so genuinely interested in sharing their craft, their food, and their kindness. We were besotted by these one-of-a-kind experiences, making friends and actual art along the way. We even got to visit the private home of a potter who showed us the ancient and Byzantine relics, and the Byzantine chapel that he discovered on his property during renovation.
We could not be more grateful to Wendy Perrin and especially to our planners for thoughtfully crafting an incredible and memorable sojourn through Southern Italy. We can’t wait to use them again for our return trip!
Read more reviews of Antonello. Or request your own trip.
Peru: Machu Picchu, fly fishing, Hiram Bingham train, “inventive” Incan cuisine
LYNNE WILLETT | MAY 16, 2025
Lynne Willett and her husband spent a “flawless” week in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
We just returned from a 2 week tour of Peru planned by Mark on Marisol’s team. Five stars are definitely not enough! Mark listened and crafted a trip including dinner reservations at the best restaurants in the world. From incredible guides to personalized special moments we could not have asked for more. Everything was flawless! We felt cared for and safe but best of all we learned so much, did so much, and came home feeling we had an incredible adventure.
A WOW Moment was included on this trip at MIL, a restaurant in the Sacred Valley (sister restaurant to Central, the 2023 best restaurant in the world). It was an 8-course lunch that was the most inventive, educational and delicious experience we’ve ever had. They are preserving Incan agriculture and technique paired with dishes and utensils that were pure art! This was a cherished experience we felt so fortunate to have!
We spent 3 days in Lima followed by a week in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, then a 4 day Amazon boat cruise. Excursions included fly fishing, horseback riding, the Hiram Bingham train, gourmet picnics, and personal BBQs and many archeological sites. Peru’s reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved! Our guides—shout out to Angie, Erika and Maria Antoinette—made our experience unforgettable. The lodging choices were exquisite. Most of all, in our early 70s, I felt so blessed to be able to see and fully experience this bucket list destination. Thanks to our guide, I did it all!
We travel a lot and this company is remarkable! I really liked their travel app too—all your travel info at your fingertips. We didn’t have a single problem. They made absolutely sure of that!!
Read more reviews of Marisol. Or request your own trip.
Loire Valley: biking among vineyards & chateaux, hot-air ballooning, light show at Blois
VANESSA LEW | MAY 15, 2025
Traveler Vanessa Lew particularly enjoyed riding through small towns in the Loire region.
This was my first trip solo was to Loire Valley for 4/12-4/17, and it was amazing!! My guides were informative, helpful and friendly!!
I had gone to a Chateau Chambord, Amboise, Clos Luce & Blois. I had gone to three vineyards, stayed at Fleur de Loire with a two-Michelin-Star restaurant on the grounds, which was delightful. I would highly recommend staying there.
Even though I had days planned and free I was able to add in a few things that seemed interesting, I highly recommend the hot air balloon excursion over the chateaux (I went during sunset but they also have sunrise) & the light show at Château of Blois—it was beautiful!!
One day me and my guide rode from Blois to Chambord and around Chambord which was about 30 miles that day, but lovely to ride through small towns in the Loire region.
I highly recommend this trip for anyone who doesn’t want the craziness of Paris but wants to see learn more about the history of France.
Read more reviews of Philip. Or request your own trip.
New Zealand: a “bucket list” trip exploring islands, caves, and river kayaking
SARAH CHEN | MAY 14, 2025
Milford Sound lies deep within Fiordland National Park. Photo: Traveler Sarah Chen
Wow New Zealand! A bucket list trip and a 30th Wedding Anniversary celebration trip, it did not disappoint. We travelled March 15-30th, technically shoulder season, which helped keep expenses intact and summer visitors at a minimum. To start off we give credit to Gillian and her “play by play” team Catherina and Ellen. We couldn’t have asked for better people—Gillian listened carefully to what we wanted, and together a great trip was executed. With only 2 weeks to travel, we were able to explore both the North and South Island. Checking out the caves with blue glow worms, and Auckland on the North Island, ocean and river kayaking on the South Island in addition to hiking and exploring Milford Sound via helicopter—our adventures were fun.
The lodging was top notch and hosts were very personable (not to mention the fabulous food they prepared). Perhaps that was the best part—every person we met took an interest in us and shared their stories as though we had known each other already. While my husband and I are seasoned world travels, we chose to use Wendy Perrin and her team to support our high expectations for our dream vacation. It was fantastic and we are already planning another trip! Thanks for a memorable experience.
Read more reviews of Jean-Michel. Or request your own trip.
South Korea: hiking Jeju Island, seeing Bulguksa temple, UNESCO sites & Seokguram Grotto
TONY FORD-HUTCHINSON | MAY 13, 2025
Travelers Jane and Anthony on Jeju Island: “a must for anyone travelling around the country.”
Having visited Seoul for business trips and given the fact that we have already visited most of the South East Asian Countries, we felt it was time to understand what South Korea was all about. Our trip planning started with a zoom call with Grant, where we outlined our wants and he came up with an itinerary that covered some of the highlights of the country.
Our trip started with an overnight in Seoul followed by four nights in the luxury JW Marriot Resort and Spa on Jeju Island. The island in our opinion is a must for anyone travelling around the country. Jeju Island could be described as the Florida of South Korea with its milder weather and distinct culture, although with its volcanic origins the beaches are more limited. Thus, it is full of “attractions” (think Teddy Bear museum) but we choose instead to focus on the natural beauty, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Seogsan Ichulbong Peak and the Jusangjeolli Cliffs. It is definitely an island for hiking, either along the coastal paths running past our resort, which we did, or mountain trails, which we did not. Another highlight for us was seeing and learning about the world famous Haenyeo women who have practiced free diving for sea food for generations.
Leaving Jeju Island we flew to Busan and were then driven to the historic city of Gyeongju, the original capital of the ancient Sila Kingdom. Highlights of the visit were the Bulguksa temple, including the Seokguram Grotto, and the ancient burial mounds in Tumuli Park, one of which you can enter and view how the tomb would have looked with all its gold artifacts. After two nights we were driven to Jeonju and our accommodation for the next two nights was in a historical Hanok House (very modernized with jacuzzi and plunge pool) right in the historical district where we could walk around all the streets and alleys, admire the historical buildings and graze through the restaurants, cafes and bars.
From Jeonju we were whisked by high-speed train back to Seoul to spend four nights at the Four Seasons Hotel in the heart of old Seoul. Seoul was largely destroyed during the Korean war and is a very modern city. However, the old palaces have been restored and the highlight is the Changdeokgung Palace together with its beautiful hidden gardens. Another highlight was the ancient walled city of Suwon, an hour’s drive from the center of Seoul. Getting around Seoul is easy, either on foot, using uber taxis or the ultra-modern subway system. There are multiple outstanding restaurants with extensive tasting menus and Michelin stars. We visited three, Jun-Sik, Solbam and Jueon. Top restaurants in Seoul are not easy to get in to and booking well in advance was a necessity. Korea is definitely worth a visit with its unique culture and food and for its mountainous terrain and its historical sights. Pity it is such a long flight from the USA!
This trip was arranged by WOW List candidate. Here’s what that means.
Belize: Mayan sites, manatee encounter, snorkeling the reef, cooking with a Garifuna family
BILL BUCHANAN AND GAIL SEVERN | MAY 12, 2025
Archaeological ruins and “warm encounters” with a local family were highlights of Belize.
When we encountered difficulties in trying to find special accommodations and convenient air connections for a spur of the moment trip for two to the Caribbean, we once again turned to Wendy Perrin for recommendations. Patricia and Rachael’s team were recommended and Belize was the suggested destination. Belize had not been on our radar, but after a brief call the prospects of warm Caribbean water coupled with Mayan archaeological sites won us over in a hurry. Patricia quickly came through with three recommended sites for our 12-day trip, and presented a choice of three possible accommodations at each site. After questions that further defined our tastes, they booked us and the trip was set.
After an easy connecting flight from Dallas to Belize City, we boarded an internal flight to Placencia. Upon arrival we were met by a representative from Francis Ford Coppola’s “Turtle Inn Resort” and whisked away to our seaside cabin under the palms. Our stop was well-planned to incorporate a private sailing charter with snorkeling on the barrier reef. Alas, high winds curtailed the open water sailing and snorkeling but Patricia and team pivoted us quickly to a sunset sail and manatee encounter. In addition, they arranged a three-hour “cultural experience” with a local indigenous Garifuna family. We cooked, laughed and even played some drums. The food, service and cabin at Turtle Inn were top notch.
After four nights we were picked up by Darryl, our driver and guide for the next four days, and driven to the Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge for a completely different experience in the highlands of Belize. While there Darryl guided us through the Caracol ruins, explored a cave, and joined a Mayan family for another round of cooking and fellowship. The Hidden Valley staff went out of their way to treat us to special culinary experiences. The ruins and the warm encounter with the local family were highlights of our trip.
After another four nights we boarded and internal flight to the northern part of the coast and a stay at the Matachica Resort on Ambergris Caye. It was here that we got to enjoy snorkeling on the reef in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and immersed ourselves in lazy days. And once again the accommodations were a beachfront casita that perfectly matched our desires.
This was our second trip with a Wendy Perrin WOW List planner, the first being for a trip to Croatia and Slovenia in 2023. And we are about to book a trip to Japan with a third advisor. It goes without saying that the ease of using these carefully vetted travel experts has been a rewarding experience and we do not hesitate to recommend using them.
Read more reviews of Patricia and Rachael. Or request your own trip.
Chile & Rapa Nui: hiking to see the Moai on Rapa Nui; viticulture and the secrets of the Maipo Valley
MICHAEL RUMA | MAY 11, 2025
“We will never forget the serene silence of the island and the mystery of how the Rapa Nui people carved and carried the innumerable statues.” Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma
Unique and Unforgettable: From Moai to Maipo
We flew to Santiago on February 16 and spent two nights in Chile’s capital city before traveling to Rapa Nui for a blissful week, topped off by a few days in the birthplace of Chilean viticulture before returning home on February 28, 2025.
Navigating the higher costs of airline travel today, I seized the opportunity to secure a reasonable fare to Santiago. We have been fortunate to spend time in Santiago, Patagonia, and Chile in prior travels. Ranked as one of the most remote places on earth, Rapa Nui seemed like a perfect place filled with wanderlust for our first trip of 2025. It also seemed to be a popular choice; as most hotels were fully booked, with luck, I reserved the last room at the Explora Lodge. With airfare and a place to stay, I began to wonder how we would fill in the gaps. With luck, Wendy and her trusted travel expert Maita, along with her itinerary planner Alexander, were quick to answer my questions. We set up time to visit on a virtual call to discuss ideas for yet another perfect itinerary to Chile. With the expertise and local knowledge of Maita and Alexander, they curated outstanding hotels, exceptional drivers, and marvelous guides.
Landing early in Santiago, we made our way through immigration and customs and were carefully chauffeured to the Singular Santiago Hotel. We dropped our bags and enjoyed a guided tour to reorient ourselves to the capital of Chile. Awakening the next day, we charted out a full day to explore the city. From a funicular ride, a trip to the top of the tallest building in South America, a stop for the best empanada in town, and dinner and wine tasting at our favorite, Boca Nariz, Santiago delighted our senses.
The following morning, we enjoyed the nearly 6-hour flight to Rapa Nui. Enjoying all the bustle of the big city but constantly drawn to the connections made in countryside spots, we grew excited to land in Rapa Nui, home to only 9,000 locals and the two daily flights of tourists. Picked up by Explora staff, we were rapidly transferred to the hotel and introduced to the daily program of the lodge. Before lunch, we joined a casual walk to explore the island countryside right out our back door.
Most visitors spend 2 or 3 nights, but we were grateful to have booked a solid week as there is plenty to discover on the island. We spent our days hiking each of the three extinct volcanoes, snorkeling and scuba diving, discovering caves and lava tubes, and dining on nearly everything offered by the lodge. The highlight of our time in Rapa Nui is exceedingly difficult to select as the Moai at sunrise and at the quarry were indescribable, the peak of the Bird Man hike had views of the bluest sea glimmering below the volcanic crater, and the clarity of the ocean water beneath the surface was beyond description. However, we will never forget the serene silence of the island and the mystery of how the Rapa Nui people carved and carried the innumerable statues all around the island.
After hiking many miles and visiting numerous archaeological sites, we left Rapa Nui with a new appreciation of the culture and countless memories. As we boarded our flight back to Santiago, we were reminded of yet another benefit of traveling under the guide of a trusted travel partner. Just prior to takeoff, Alexander sent me a text to inform us nearly the entire country of Chile was suffering a blackout. He assured me the airport was fully operational due to backup generators and our ride to our hotel in Pirque in the Maipo Valley was on their way and would be waiting for us despite the national power outage. Reassured with the seamless teamwork occurring behind the scenes, we enjoyed our departure and flight back to Santiago.
Arriving late to Hotel Las Majadas, we quickly checked in and fell to sleep. Awakening the next day, we explored the beautiful palatial grounds and enjoyed a great breakfast before heading out midday for wine tasting followed by a cocktail making class before dinner.
Recognizing our love of wine, the hotel concierge, Pablo Garcés, joined us at our late lunch, poured us numerous local wines, and made sure to share the secrets of the Maipo Valley and places we should not miss during our stay. One of these closely held secrets included Viña Don Melchor, which recently had their cabernet sauvignon named Wine Spectator’s 2024 Wine of the Year. While we had planned on a hike the last day of our trip, we queried Pablo to see if it was possible to schedule a tasting at Don Melchor and likely due to his relationship with the vineyard, we were able to book a private tasting the next day. Met by the vineyard manager at the large gates of Viña Don Melchor, we were guided through the private gardens, down to the cellar of Casillero del Diablo, and then into the former private home of Don Melchor. We were then seated in an exquisite, contemporary conference room for a private blending tasting to demonstrate how the winemaker creates the best-in-class cabernet.
It may be possible to purchase a plane ticket and book a hotel room. However, without the assistance of Wendy Perrin and her network, we as travelers would never be able to sew the patchwork of professional drivers and adept guides who created the exemplary experiences and special moments during our trip to the Moai and the Maipo.
Read more reviews of Maita. Or request your own trip.
Australia: the sights and harbor of Sydney, the vast open spaces and wildlife on Kangaroo Island
JANE SHEAR | MAY 9, 2025
“Watching kangaroos and wallabies hopping through the vast open space around our villa was a unique bonus…”
My husband and I returned on February 19 from a two-week trip to Australia (February 4 to 19, 2025). I had long wanted to visit Australia, but was intimidated because the country is so large that I couldn’t envision a meaningful trip within only two weeks (the amount of time we can get away for a vacation). Wendy Perrin’s staff referred us to Stuart and his colleague Jacki. We had a planning session with Stuart, in which I told him that I wanted to start in Sydney and then see beautiful nature and animals and only in places that weren’t full of tourists. Stuart proposed a wonderful itinerary: three days in Sydney, including a private harbor tour, one day in the Blue Mountains (while still staying in the wonderful Park Hyatt in Sydney, with a magnificent view of the opera house from our room and balcony), three nights on Lord Howe Island and then three nights at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.
After our planning session we had several Zoom conversations with Jacki. She planned an itinerary that we exactly what we wanted. But Jacki’s true value as a travel agent came when we came to an unexpected glitch in our itinerary. We were already at the airport waiting to board our flight to Lord Howe Island when there was a sudden severe thunderstorm. After delaying our flight for several hours, our flight was cancelled. There were no available seats on the plane the following day, which meant that we needed to abandon our plan to visit Lord Howe Island. Unfortunately, it made no sense to visit an island by arriving in the late afternoon of what should have been our second day and then leaving the following morning.
I called Jacki from the airport and told her of our predicament. She answered her phone and immediately began proposing alternative destinations. One of her suggestions was Oceanview Eco Villas, which is actually two villas on a 500-acre property on Nepean Bay, also on Kangaroo Island, but in an entirely different location and with very different topography. We asked Jacki to make a reservation there for us for two nights and then to add an extra night to our stay at Southern Ocean Lodge. Jacki made the reservations, re-worked all of our transfers, including rebooking a night at an airport hotel in Adelaide. We were able to continue our vacation with no further interruptions.
We were very impressed with how quickly and efficiently Jacki made the necessary changes to our itinerary. We were very unhappy to miss Lord Howe Island, but our stay at Oceanview Eco Villas was wonderful. 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 true birder, and knew which trees and areas would host rare birds—and 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 (we were there during a drought so food and water were scarce).
Our stay at Southern Ocean Lodge was also wonderful. SOL is a magnificent, more than 5 star property. With the extra night that we added because of our cancelled stay on Lord Howe Island we were able to participate in more guided tours, and enjoy more of their creative and delicious meals (also specially prepared for us to be vegan). We also had more time to enjoy the wild and pristine environment of southern Kangaroo Island. Neither our stay at Oceanview Eco Villas nor our extra night at SOL of would have happened without Jacki’s reworking our trip after our inability to get to Lord Howe Island and we were very appreciative of how she rescued our vacation.
With Jacki’s and Stuart’s help, we were able to accomplish my original goal. With only two weeks in Australia we were able to see something of Sydney and enjoy some of Australia’s vast open spaces, including unique wild animals and birds.
This was our second trip with a Wendy Perrin WOW List travel expert. Our first trip was our 2024 vacation in Fiji. I am very appreciative of Wendy and her company and look forward to more wonderful trips in the future.
Read more reviews of Stuart. Or request your own trip.
Sicily: ideal weather to hike, bike, and visit the San Giuseppe festival on Marettimo Island
RICH REDIKER | MAY 9, 2025
“One of the highlights was a cooking class at a restaurant in the Siracusa area…ending with a selfie taken by the chef himself!”
Sicily March 18 to April 3rd, 2025
17 Days in Sicily
We are two couples in our 70s 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. Over 17 days 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.
Over many months, Matteo and I tweaked and refined our itinerary. When I mentioned that we enjoy remote destinations, he suggested visiting the car-free island of Marettimo for the San Giuseppe festival on March 19th. Marettimo is located 90 minutes off the west coast of Sicily by hydrofoil. Matteo ensured that accommodations and restaurants would be available despite the off-season. 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.
On Marettimo, we ate at a fantastic restaurant where the owner’s husband had caught the tuna we enjoyed that day. When high winds were forecast for the day we were supposed to leave, Matteo quickly arranged for us to depart early, booked us a wonderful boutique hotel in Trapani, and set up a guided tour for the following day.
Each day, lunch was included at special restaurants or private homes. We hiked, biked, took cooking classes, and visited a couple of wineries. Everywhere we went, we were treated like VIPs. Our guides and drivers were always early and went out of their way to accommodate any requests. While Sicily can be very hot and crowded, traveling from March 18th through April 3rd was ideal—the weather was comfortable, ranging from the 50s to 60s, and there were very few tourists. Aside from a few stray showers, we had only two days of rain during the entire trip.
After Marettimo and Trapani, we spent four days in Palermo, two in Agrigento, and six in the Siracusa area.
Together, Matteo and I selected our accommodations in each location. The company allows travelers to choose their own rooms and pay hotels directly. Many travel agencies bundle hotel costs into their tour prices and provide only the lowest-category rooms.
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 returned to the restaurant to prepare and plate our own meals—ending with a selfie taken by the chef himself!
Read more reviews of Marcello and Matteo. Or request your own trip.
New Zealand: learning to shear sheep, Ben Lomond Station, stargazing, yacht in Milford Sound
KATHYE FARIES | MAY 8, 2025
Kathye Faries shearing a sheep in New Zealand.
We spent about a month in New Zealand in March, 2025 and it was one of the very best vacations we’ve had (and the fourth planned by Wendy Perrin’s group of WOW List experts). The trip was curated by our travel planners Sara and Sarah, and they did a fantastic job of selecting places for us to stay so we could enjoy 6 days on the North Island and the rest of the month on the South Island. Our only request was to set up a tee time at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course—a bucket list item for me!
Each lodge was very different and extremely special—and most of them had a maximum of 10 guests! They were in fairly remote locations and we loved the peaceful, secluded, beautiful settings. Due to the vastness of the South Island, we drove and flew from top to bottom and coast to coast. We were blessed with gorgeous weather so our travels went smoothly.
Some of our most memorable adventures included trying our hand at shearing a sheep, enjoying a wine and cheese tasting, exploring a 6,000 acre stunning ranch on Hawke’s Bay via ATV, hiking through beautiful landscapes, driving the scenic road to Milford Sound and taking a small yacht cruise into the mouth of the sound, buying some gorgeous merino + possum sweaters, exploring the spectacular Ben Lomond Station (33,000 acre ranch) and meeting the owner (this is a MUST DO for those near Queenstown), stargazing and scaling the mountains in an ATV in the Ahuriri Valley, getting pampered with massages now and then, seeing the rare Hectors dolphins in Akaroa, taking a private cooking class with a master chef at our lodge near Christchurch, cruising the waters surrounding Abel Tasman National Park, and winding up our stay at a luxury retreat and wellness spa near Nelson. A perfect ending to a perfect trip.
The food was excellent throughout our journey and the chefs at the various lodges were made aware of my dietary preferences before we arrived. The team helped facilitate the return of a jacket I’d left at one of our lodges, and made some changes to our itinerary on the fly. They were outstanding in helping me plan this rather complicated trip (eight lodges, four flights around the country and lots of miles driven). The Kiwis we met were super friendly and I have now dubbed the places we stayed as “The Lands of Yes.” If you are thinking of exploring New Zealand, make your plans now— it’s a spectacular country.
Read more reviews of Sarah. Or request your own trip.
Vietnam: Ha Long Bay, war history, biking, local life, and beaches
MILRAY AND MIKE HOWELL | MAY 7, 2025
Milray admires the Hue Imperial Citadel. Photo: Traveler Mike Howell
We used Sandy and Ethan to plan a 15-day trip to Vietnam and it was truly excellent! They were wonderful to work with especially from a communication, planning, and recommendations standpoint. I can’t think of anything I’d change and the local guides were all excellent!
We started in Hanoi on April 11 and ended in Saigon on April 27. We did so many things: war history and memorials, boating on Ha Long Bay, Ninh Bin, the Perfume River, and the Mekong. Biking in central Vietnam and a Vespa tour in Saigon. All the hotels were fantastic and luxurious with excellent locations and amazing breakfast buffets.
It was the most luxurious and least stressful trip we’ve ever been on. We saw local life, rural scenery, history, busy cities, and some wonderful relaxing beach time. We also had the luck to be in Saigon for some of the celebrations for their independence day. What a trip! I’d very highly recommend this company for any trips to that area!
Read more reviews of Sandy and Ethan. Or request your own trip.
England: well-guided through the hidden gems of the Cotwolds, ablaze with bluebells
CHARLOTTE ROTH | MAY 7, 2025
Travelers Charlotte and Todd at St. Edward’s Church in Stow on the Wold, rumored to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin.
My husband and I had a wonderful first trip to England, which Katie and Shelbie planned. I’m thankful to Katie for encouraging us to stay four nights in London, rather than three, and she was so right! We were sure three was plenty, but seven would not have been too many. That’s why it’s important for us, for a first-time visit, to turn to Wendy’s advisors.
After London, we took the train to York and the Yorkshire area, then to the Cotswolds, where I fantasized about moving. We landed in the Cotswolds just in time to see the glorious wisteria and bluebells—Katie recommended visiting in the Spring, and she was spot on.
We had guides in all areas who were full of personality, knowledge, and insight. The staff at the recommended hotels in London and the Yorkshire area were over the top with service and sincere friendliness. We felt like part of the family.
Our guide Nick, in York, went above and beyond to make our trip special and to seek out things that we could never find on our own.
After four days touring with Jon, we left the Cotswolds with a new best friend. Having grown up in the Cotswolds, his knowledge was invaluable. When he learned we loved nature and flowers, he drove out of the way to a small wooded area known as the Bluebell Forest, where the entire forest floor was covered in Bluebells. It was stunning, and something we wouldn’t have seen on our own. The next day, he surprised us with a visit to the church where he was married, in a small off-the-path village. The church was small and one of the oldest in the Cotswolds, with a tapestry of the Lord’s Prayer dated to the 1600s. It was the highlight of our trip! This is why a trip planner with connections has so much value.
Read more reviews of Jonathan. Or request your own trip.
Ireland: hawk walk at Ashford Castle, “sights & pints” in Dublin, Titanic Belfast
NATALIE TOMARAS | MAY 6, 2025
Natalie Tomaras with a Harris Hawk at Ashford Castle. Photo: Tim Hauber
Our trip to Ireland was just fantastic. We were very happy with the itinerary as our trip planner listened to our interests (animals, ancestry, and more authentic experiences) and managed to orchestrate a wide range of locales in our 10 days. I would say that some days felt a bit ambitious, but we always felt as if we could exercise control over editing the daily itinerary.
Things to check out: Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic museum in Belfast/Antrim Coast are must-sees. You would think that these things would be touristy and they are—but still very worth it. The museum is done in such an engrossing way—it sets the context of the era, and then draws you into the story completely. Tracy’s Farmhouse kitchen, our sheep farm tour, the hawk walk at Ashford castle and the food tour in Galway were absolutely enjoyable. We were able to have meaningful conversations with people in each of these activities and I discovered that this is really what makes a trip stick with you. The EPIC museum in Dublin was equally as engrossing as the Titanic and also a must-see.
We had a pints and sights tour when we arrived in Dublin—this was scheduled for 4 hours and that was a LONG TIME to be walking and drinking! I would definitely try to shorten this to 2 hours, though our guide was also fantastic and another person with whom we had connected conversations. Plus, after that, we were able to navigate Dublin on foot quite easily.
The most unique experience was definitely the hawk walk at Ashford Castle. Although this might not appeal to everyone, it was a true highlight for me.
We had 2 driver guides and they were amazing! Especially for the 2nd portion of our trip in Ireland. He took care of everything, was flexible, responsive, intrepid in the face of having to navigate a marathon route that kept us from our itinerary, and just a lovely human being. Martin (our driver) took it upon himself to locate a priest in a town where my husband’s relatives were buried in an ancient cemetery. Martin arranged a meeting on the fly with the priest so that my husband could validate his ancestral research. This was WAY above and beyond his call of duty.
We also toured a number of castles, learning about the history of Ireland along the way. Finally, we just got SICK of eating out, and specifically at expensive, posh restaurants. While touring Kilkenny, we sourced fresh bread, cheese, salami, and a bottle of wine to enjoy on the grounds of our hotel which was isolated from any town. This was a highlight for sure. Martin was more than willing to take us back into town for dinner, but eating out for every meal got to be tedious and expensive.
Our trip planner did a fantastic job of listening to our interests and planning a trip to hit on each one in addition to finding great places to stay and unbeatable driver guides.
Read more reviews of Jonathan. Or request your own trip.
Japan: drums, baseball, temples, & the arts— culinary, knives, and papermaking
BOB URBAN | MAY 6, 2025
Party of four for paper-making (plus local experts) at the Yanasi Washi factory.
Andrea and his team put together a wonderful trip for four to Japan. The trip was designed, in part, to sample the culinary arts of Japan from food tasting to food artistry, sake tasting, and even the production of handmade knives. One day we participated in the preparation and cooking of savory pancakes called onomiyaki and gyoza dumplings. They made a delicious lunch! Another day we tasted sake with a very knowledgeable guide. For our tea ceremony, we all dressed in kimono, an experience in itself. Dining with a geisha gave us a window into the past, but with a modern touch. We visited the Ryusen factory which has been producing handmade knives for decades, a skill that evolved over centuries from sword making and handed down in the family.
The trip was not wholly devoted to food, however, as we visited another small manufactory where we made our own paper. We took a lesson in taiko drumming, immersed ourselves in the moving digital light show at TeamLab Borderless, visited the Studio Ghibli Museum, even went to a Tokyo Giants baseball game! Nor did we neglect the ancient history of Japan, visiting important temples and even spending a day in Nara, the capital of Japan during the 8th century.
Our guides proved knowledgeable and accommodating, helping us negotiate the transportation systems and even altering the planned itinerary as requested, on the spur of the moment. Further, the team set up a What’s App “guardian communication avenue, which proved most helpful on a day-to-day basis.
We are happy to recommend Andrea and his planning team to any travelers wishing to visit Japan.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Ecuador and The Galápagos Islands: Ecuadorian chocolate, Cotopaxi volcano, excursions & animals galore
JOE AND KRIS NAGLICH | MAY 6, 2025
Traveler Kris Naglich swinging above Quito after riding the teleferico to the peak.
We traveled to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands from 4/3/25 to 4/16/25. Our trip was planned by Ashton from Expedition Trips. After our zoom call with Ashton and deciding we wanted to go to the Galapagos, we worked mainly with Ashley and Monica planning our trip. They were super helpful with our planning and very receptive to changing day trips according to our wishes. They always got back to us in a very timely matter and answered all of our questions. We really appreciated this and we felt well informed about our destination. When I use a planner I really appreciate when they let us know what to pack, how much money to bring, tipping of guides etc… We had all of this information and more.
We started our trip in Quito, Ecuador. Our guide met us at the airport. Vanessa was an excellent guide and having her meet us at the airport gave us all the information we would need for our next day’s tour. We had a full day tour of the old town and a full day tour to Cotopaxi National Park. Both days were so different and we enjoyed every moment. We loved riding the teleferico to the top and hiking to the swing. The churches in the old town were amazing and we learned all about Ecuadorian chocolate from bean to bar. We also enjoyed our hike around the lake and seeing Cotopaxi volcano up close. The lunch we had after at Chilcabamba and the very bumpy ride when it was pouring rain was quite the adventure. Luckily we had the best driver and he tried to miss as many ruts in the road as possible.
Next we flew to the Galapagos for a cruise with National Geographic on the Islander II. The boat was lovely and the service was perfect. We really enjoyed all of our excursions to the islands and seeing the animals of the Galapagos that you can’t see anywhere else. The food was delicious and it was nice to meet other travelers on the boat. I wished our cruise was longer. If I was giving advice for the Galapagos, I would say go for a longer cruise on a smaller boat. It was so amazing that I hope I can go back and see more someday.
Last we stayed at the Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest for three nights. The lodge was beautiful and peaceful. We felt like we really escaped from it all. We were paired with another family for our hikes and we all had such a good time. Seeing the birds, swimming in the waterfall, our private hot tub night, and watching the hummingbirds were our favorite activities but we really enjoyed everything.
Visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos was never on my bucket list but I’m so glad Ashton suggested it. We will always remember this wonderful trip. We want to plan a trip to Antartica soon and we will be contacting Ashton to help us do our planning.
Read more reviews of Ashton. Or request your own trip.
Costa Rica: celebratory rafting, rappelling & zip-lining, ceviche lessons on the beach
ANNA KUO | MAY 5, 2025
Staying afloat! “We were celebrating a couple of birthdays and a retirement, and it was such a thoughtful surprise.”
Irene planned an 8 day adventure-filled vacation for our group of 9 adults for the end of March 2025. We knew we wanted to white-water raft on the Pacuare River, followed by a few days on the beach. Irene suggested a few beach destinations and we decided on the Manuel Antonio area.
After an overnight stay in San Jose we were transported to the Pacuare River put-in, about a 2.5 hours drive from San Jose. When we arrived at the river we were greeted by the river guides who showed us how to gear up, and then handed us our helmets that were all decorated with balloons—even the rafts were decorated with balloons! We were celebrating a couple of birthdays and a retirement, and it was such a thoughtful surprise. We rafted on class 11-111 rapids for about 90 minutes and arrived at the incredible Pacuare Lodge, where we stayed for two nights. The lodge was luxurious, well maintained, and the food was delicious.
We signed up to do zip lining and rappelling, which we originally thought would be a bit tame but ended up being another highlight of the trip. The guides took our safety seriously but also made it really fun to step off a platform 30 feet in the air! To depart the Pacuare Lodge we had to also raft out, and that particular leg of the trip had some class 111-1v rapids. There is a section of the river where the water is calm and flows between a high walled canyon—we were allowed to jump out of the rafts and float downstream in this magical place. After enjoying lunch riverside, we rafted to the take-out where we able to shower and then shuttle to the local airstrip for our chartered flight to Manuel Antonio Park.
We stayed three nights at the incredible Arenas del Mar resort. We were immediately greeted by iguanas, sloths and monkeys. The beach was beautiful, as well as the pool overlooking the ocean. The guys spent one day fishing sailfish and also came back with a mahi that the chef served as ceviche that night for dinner. We also took surfing lessons and toured Manuel Antonio Park. The staff at the hotel were incredibly attentive and gracious. On our last night Irene arranged for our whole group to have a cocktail making lesson, followed by a ceviche making lesson, followed by a Latin dance lesson, all on the beach!
The transportation and arrangements throughout the trip were flawless, and Irene’s attention to detail was much appreciated. All of us agreed this was one of the best trips the family ever had, and we are grateful to Irene for helping us create many lasting memories.
Read more reviews of Irene. Or request your own trip.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: tree-covered ancient temples, prioritizing greenspace, walking with elephants & water buffalo
ELLEN EISENBERG | MAY 2, 2025
Visiting gentle water buffalo in the countryside.
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, April 2-21, 2025
Just about a month before my desired travel period, I reached out to Ethan to plan a trip to Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which had both been on my list of places to visit. I would have been open to other modes of transportation than flying from city to city, but the pacing of this entire experience was just perfect. After speaking with Ethan, we even added a couple of extra days and Laos to the itinerary. Ethan reminded me that, despite my greater interest in spending time in the countryside, so much to see in Vietnam would be in the cities.
My favorite hotel in Southeast Asia was in Siem Reap, the Jaya House River Park, where the boutique atmosphere, friendly staff, daily massages and delicious breakfasts won the day. My introduction to the region came from Ken Ya, my thoughtful guide (and talented photographer), who carefully gauged my interests and accommodated them thoroughly. The order and pacing of visiting the stunning tree-covered ancient temples and stilt homes (Tonle Sap) was just right. The Khmer cuisine planned for me far exceeded my expectations, and the quiet sunrise snacks were a nice treat. In Laos, the highlight was the Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary, where we got to feed and walk with those special creatures as they get used to a life that feels more like the freedom they were born to experience; no riding them, no sharp picks.
Besides the unique strolling through day and night markets, I was also lucky enough to experience a Buddhist welcome ceremony in my guide Ek’s home, along with his warm and friendly troupe of villagers/relatives. In Vietnam, the highlights were the food-nights-out in Hanoi by foot and in Saigon by Vespa. The food and company were delightful. Outside of Hanoi, while the side trip to not-at-all-ancient Bat Trang should be avoided (we went at my insistence, and it wasn’t a good use of time, though I did purchase my granddaughter’s new tea set there, her favorite gift from the trip), the overnights in Halong Bay were very special, from the sound bowl experience to the beautifully designed, crave-able lunches.
Also worthy of mention, the hard work and kindness by guide Mimi in Central Vietnam to accommodate my needs and interests (from local family food, laundry and custom clothing to water buffalo, extra cycling and the hilltop Hands Bridge) along the way. Also note that Thuy in Saigon was a great companion for this solo traveler, tirelessly finding me greenspace, the perfect Vietnamese coffee in a tiny antiques shop, local Phó and rice wine, as well as fun Vietnamese purchases to round out my whole experience.
Read more reviews of Sandy and Ethan. Or request your own trip.
Morocco: Casablanca markets, Marrakech by sidecar, sunrise balloon ride, hiking the Atlas peaks
JENNIFER FLICK | MAY 2, 2025
Jennifer Flick, hiking the Atlas Mountains, pauses for a tea stop with the hosts in their family kitchen.
We spent 8 full days on the ground in Morocco February 4-11, 2025. When friends ask about our trip to Morocco, we truthfully say that our trip was flawless from the moment we left our front door to the moment we walked back in. In summary, we feel like we got a pretty comprehensive “tasting” of Morocco—history, geography, culture, architecture, religion, food, specialty arts/products, employment situations, both metro and mountains, music, older generations vs. newer mentalities, current “scene,” and some silly fun.
For many years, I have been the trip planner, and a very good one! But this time I just didn’t feel like doing all the research and work, so I used WendyPerrin.com to find someone to do the work for me. Wow, did they deliver! I chose between two companies, both seemed amazing, but I just resonated more with what I read about one. We met with Sara on Zoom, where she reviewed our form that had come to her through WendyPerrin.com. She asked additional questions about our preferences for timing, activities, pace, and personal interests. She noted our requests, and made suggestions we didn’t know about that were great! Although the default itinerary was 1 week, Sara worked with us to design it for 8 full days as we requested.
Initially we thought we wanted to go in December. Sara explained it would be high season due to holidays, very busy, and less choice of preferred accommodations. We appreciate her input on this—that was NOT the experience we wanted! So we pushed our travel back to February. For us the weather was perfect with daytime in the 60s and low 70s; too cool to get into the pools, a little nippy at night on the rooftop patios, so slightly off season. This meant far less people to navigate, shorter lines, more quality time with locals.
We flew into Casablanca and were met by our always-smiling tour guide Mustafa and our safe, kind driver, Abdul. It was FANTASTIC to have the same guide and driver for the entire 8 days. We could adjust the pace and ask endless questions about Moroccan life. When we went through the markets, we noticed that because he is a large man with a tour guide badge, the sales-seas parted—we were not approached repeatedly like the other tourists were. When we wanted to make purchases, Mustafa quietly gave us his input on negotiating pricing. When we suddenly needed a pharmacy item, he talked with locals to quickly find it for us. Abdul, our driver, was always punctual, friendly, but focused on the road at all times—a VERY safe and patient driver! He kept the Mercedes van spotless and filled with snacks and cold water for us.
Upon arrival, we toured the Casablanca mosque, then we were driven to Fez by way of a mind-blowingly amazing private lunch stop at a winery. We toured Fez for 2 days, then onto Marrakech by way of seaside Rabat (with a wonderful rooftop lunch and a stop at the sea to watch the waves crashing on the cliffs). We had 4 full days in Marrakech, then 2 nights in the Atlas Mountains, before flying back home from Marrakesh. We avoided big hotels, preferring the traditional Moroccan riad accommodations. Every morning Mustafa would review our schedule with us, and every evening he would remind us of what we needed to be prepared for the following day—this was JOYOUS for this “retired” planner-in-charge!
Experiences:
We did a beautiful, interesting hike in the Atlas mountains, as I love hiking! My husband had a hip issue, so they provided a mule for him to ride as we hiked. He said she was more comfortable and sure-footed than a horse, and he really enjoyed it! We had a perky, interesting local guide and visited a humble home in a tiny village, which felt very special. At the top of the hike, he had lunch ready for us on a jaw-droppingly beautiful patio facing the snowy peaks.
Although we didn’t know what to expect, we trusted Sara and agreed to the Marrakech sidecar tour. SO MUCH FUN with amazing surprises included—JUST DO IT!
We learned that the hot air balloon industry now supports hundreds of farming families that have lost their crops due to the droughts—their fields have become landing pads, and they work for the balloon companies. We were happy to support them by taking a beautiful sunrise flight, followed by breakfast. The planners set us up in a much smaller balloon basket (8 guests total) than some of the other companies (12-15 people!); details matter!
We took a cooking class from a professional chef who taught us both cooking and culture. We had a great time with the family that provides the class, and I bought my own tagine at a ceramic store to recreate the meal back home.
In general, we found Moroccan people to be very kind and helpful, not only to tourists, but also caring for local disadvantaged people, as well as the many stray cats. It seems to be built into the culture to be kind, and we found that quite endearing.
Thanks to WendyPerrin.com and our planners, this was a flawless trip. We are definitely using WP for the next adventure!
Read more reviews of Hicham. Or request your own trip.
* Although we have compiled and reviewed these reviews for trip planners to earn a spot on The WOW List, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or truthfulness of the reviews we receive and cannot assure that all travelers will have the same experience.
