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.
Peru: Incan sites and salt harvesting brought to life, “mesmerizing” condors soar in the wild
JUDY ALBRECHT | DECEMBER 3, 2025
We started our two-week trip in Peru in Lima, where we stayed in a beautifully restored 100-year house in the Barranco district, within walking distance of the promenade along the bay where we could see the ocean on one side and fog-catching nets on the mountainside. (Those nets provide a sustainable source of water in in an area that gets less than an inch of rain/year. We had been unaware that Lima was in a dessert!) Highlights in Lima were several excellent meals, and a tour of the Larco Museum with its impressive collection of pre-Columbian pottery. Our guide was obviously an expert with facts at her fingertips.
Our next destination was Cusco and its environs in its spectacular Andes setting. The multiple sites we visited made clear the sophistication and complexity of the Incan society. The trip to Machu Picchu was as good as we were hoping for, especially for Denny, who has dreamed of seeing it since seeing pictures when he was a child. The Incan sites were brought to life by our expert guide. I found the harvesting of salt from the watered terraces in Maras fascinating to watch, and learning that the people of the town are part of a cooperative and not part of a multinational corporation made it more satisfying.
On to the dramatic natural landscape of Colca Canyon and the condors that live there. We saw condors on the first day, but not close and they didn’t seem very impressive in the massive size of the canyon. The second day, they flew nearby and we saw as many as nine at once. Exciting, especially when we figured out that they were looking for corpses, being the scavengers that they are. Nonetheless, it was mesmerizing to watch them soar.
On our drive to and from the Colca Canyon, we saw dozens of beautiful wild vicuna, as well as llamas and alpacas.
Our last stop was in Arequipa, the White City, quite a beautiful city constructed of white volcanic stone and surrounded by four picturesque volcanos. Our guide gave us an alternative reason for the name White City, as a reflection of white-skinned Europeans settled there and became a hub where it was easy to ship goods from inland to Europe.
Read more reviews of Marisol. Or request your own trip.
Kenya and Tanzania: fourth Africa visit includes six camps, visit with “most famous” elephant
JAMES MASI | DECEMBER 2, 2025
Craig, a beloved elderly Big Tusker, gets full-time protection from poachers. Photo: Traveler James Masi
We just returned from our fourth trip to Africa. As with all 4 trips, we used Katie as our planner, and once again, she arranged the perfect trip for us. We were in Kenya and Tanzania from November 1st-22nd, staying at a series of 6 safari camps. Everything about the camps was perfect and the logistics getting to and from the camps also went smoothly. We never have to worry when Katie is involved. We can just enjoy our travel experience to its fullest.
As part of this trip, we had a WOW Moment arranged as a surprise by Katie. We were taken to the headquarters of Big Life Foundation, a non-profit conservation organization which is doing amazing things to protect elephants. We would NEVER have imagined this was possible, but Katie came up with the idea because she knows we support this organization. It was the most wonderful day of our trip and we got to see Craig, the most famous Big Tusker of all.
When we started our trip planning, we knew where we wanted to go and had some ideas of camps where we wanted to stay. But Katie was able to fine-tune our plans with advice about the camps, recommending some others and advising us how long we might want to stay at each. She also advised us about the time of the year to travel, so we had good weather, but were able to avoid the very expensive high season rates. Her personal knowledge of camp facilities and locations is invaluable. She truly cares about our preferences and met our needs 100%. She and the team are excellent at what they do.
Read more reviews of Cherri and Katie. Or request your own trip.
Madagascar: “unspoiled and authentic,” friendly lemurs, romantic dinner under the baobab trees
KATHERINE MONTGOMERY AND GEORGE MURPHY | NOVEMBER 25, 2025
Traveler Katherine Montgomery is the target of lemur affections.
Oct 28-Nov13, 2025
Our travel planner Katie was invaluable! There was a coup just 2 weeks before our departure and she kept us informed and reassured that we would rebook if necessary. I felt very confident with her judgement.
Madagascar is magical! Unspoiled and authentic with warm genuine kind people and adorable lemurs. There is limited infrastructure so road travel is long, necessitating numerous small flights to get around. This is not a problem, just something to be aware of. I loved all of our accommodations, from beautiful cottages on white sand beaches to tents on stilts.
Our WOW Moment was a romantic private dinner under the baobab trees with a clear starry sky at Anjajavy Resort. Absolute perfection!
I used the team for our South Africa/ Botswana trip and the arrangements were also flawless. Thank you Wendy for putting together such an invaluable list!
Read more reviews of Cherri and Katie. Or request your own trip.
Italy: Lake Como villa and boating, pottery- and pasta-making, Ferrari museum (and drive!)
MICHAEL RUMA | NOVEMBER 24, 2025
Sunrise and “jaw-dropping” views over Lake Como. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma
We flew to Rome on September 24, hopped on the Frecciarossa high speed train to Milan before arriving to our Lake Como villa for a fun-filled week with friends, and capped off the trip with a week in Umbria, the green heart of Italy, before returning home October 4.
Pondering how to celebrate a decade birthday milestone, I reached out to Wendy and her Italian afficionado Andrea along with a few of her itinerary experts, Marta, Eleonora, and Giulia, who were quick to answer all my questions. We set up a time to visit to discuss ideas for another perfect itinerary to Italy as the company has been our trusted go-to for two other superb trips. With their expertise and local knowledge, the team proposed an out-of-this-world villa, a beautifully restored hotel, amazing activities, and gracious guides.
After a long day of international travel, we arrived at Villa Molli in the small town of Sala Comacina and simply couldn’t pull ourselves away from the jaw-dropping views from the patio. Taking a moment to enjoy our first glass of Trebbiano, we kicked off a week-long celebration on Lake Como.
Two weeks is a lot to cover in a brief review, so I’ll detail a few of the highlights and surprises along the way. The first surprise included experiencing the heaviest rains in 40 years in Lake Como, but a little rain did not dampen our spirits. We set out on a scenic walking tour of the quiet village, warmed up in the hot tub at the villa, and tasted numerous antipasti at a lakeside bar. With sun breaking through the morning clouds, we ventured by private boat to Villa Balbianiello, onto beautiful Bellagio, enjoyed an enoteca wine tasting, and returned to our villa with an evening boat ride. In the coming days we hiked to Tremezzo, made homemade pasta at a local cooking class, sampled the first crop of porcini, and dined at a Michelin star venue.
Flour power—learning to make pasta from scratch. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma
The first highlight included the opportunity to meet the skilled travel planners, who helped create our spectacular itinerary, over a late lunch in Bellagio. This trip started 6 months prior to departure and involved lots of dreaming, thinking, and hard work done by the team. They have planned several trips for us before and over the years, we have gotten to know each other, but always over virtual calls. So, it was incredibly meaningful to finally meet Marta, Eleonora, and Giulia in person and share some wonderful food and great conversation with them. I look forward to the next time.
The second highlight involves the surprising amount of rainfall during our time on Lake Como and the overwhelming kindness of the Molli family who owns and operates the villa we stayed in for the week. Concerned about how the weather may be affecting our vacation, we were surprised with an invitation to lunch at La Darsena, one of the best spots in Tremezzo, after our hike. We met Ezio, Mariangela, Marcello, Giuliano, and Virginia who each went above and beyond to make our entire time memorable. I cannot thank them enough.
After a wonderful week on Lake Como, we said goodbye to our friends who headed home, while we ventured south to Umbria. On our way, we stopped in Maranello, home to Ferrari headquarters, where we enjoyed lunch at Cavallino prior to a visit to the museum. Filled with images of gleaming red race cars, we made our way to our countryside hotel, Borgo dei Conti. Comfortably settled in our upgraded Terrace suite, we meandered through the stunning grounds of the hotel property and topped off the night with an al fresco dinner by the pool.
Our time in Umbria was filled with Sagrantino wine tasting, sampling torta al testo in Assisi, learning about ancient pottery technique in Deruta, and wandering in sunflower fields. But the highlight of our time began on a sunny morning when I walked out to find a shiny red Ferrari waiting outside along with a professional driving team.
Traveler Michael Ruma fulfills his dream of driving a Ferrari through Italy’s hill towns.
To help celebrate my milestone birthday, the team had helped coordinate a day of driving a Ferrari throughout the mountain towns of Umbria. A childhood dream fulfilled, I can say this day was one of the best days of vacation I have ever experienced. The driving guides provided us an overview of the vehicle, how to put the convertible top down, ensured us of our safety, and took care of us every step of the way. We drove to Todi where we stopped for a morning cappuccino, onto Orvieto to take in the Duomo and lunch, and then sped back to the hotel to relive the winding, adventurous, thrilling day of driving an Italian supercar in Italy.
In the past, I would do my own travel research and do my best to patch together a vacation. With the help of Wendy Perrin and her Trusted Travel Experts, I can consistently rest assured our travel will not only be a vacation, but an experience filled with many memories and new friends…because it truly is the human connection that keeps us traveling.
“Until next time, Italy.” Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
New Zealand: Milford Sound by helicopter, a Fiordland family farm, a traditional Maori welcome
WENDY TUCKER | NOVEMBER 23, 2025
Traveler Wendy Tucker received a powhiri—a Maori welcome—in the forest of Taupo.
We just returned from a two-week trip to New Zealand expertly planned by our team. This was our first trip to New Zealand and we look forward to returning soon. It felt like every day contained a WOW experience! Our travel planners have cultivated very special relationships with unique guides and experiences throughout New Zealand, and we felt truly lucky to be privy to these people and experiences.
Cara from the planning team truly heard how we enjoy traveling and what we look for in a trip. We prefer small boutique lodges, wonderful fresh less formal dining, expert guides that take us off the beaten path, more time in small towns than a big city, and truly feeling like we understand how people live day to day in a country. Cara delivered on all with a bang.
We loved the accommodations she chose. Each provided beautiful views, a peaceful atmosphere, great food and kind hosts passionate about their locale. A favorite was Cabot Lodge in Fiordland which is on a 2000-acre working family farm. The combination of Breidi and Brad (the owners/hosts), the amazing location (close to Doubtful and Milford Sounds) and views, the fantastic food and first-class facilities make this a very special place. We were there for 4 nights and happily could have been there longer. A highlight was a rainy day that we spent touring the farm with Breidi’s dad and then later watching a sheep dog trial. Honestly everywhere Cara chose for us to stay was a 5 star experience, but this one was a 7.
We had so many phenomenal once-in-a-lifetime experiences on this trip. More than one guide told us that they only work with this trip-planning company. Some favorites were our days learning about Maori culture with Delani, a master carver as our host for a traditional powhiri (Maori welcome), and with Tom and Elizabeth at their home on a remote farm to make a Maori hangi meal together. We loved our stellar guides Bard and Beau who with patience, kindness and vast knowledge of the culture, history and natural surroundings took us on drives in remote areas and beautiful walks.
And we keep talking about our helicopter ride out of Milford Sound! It was spectacular and such a special way to see the area we had previously experienced by foot, car and boat! We cannot thank Jean-Michel and Cara and the on the ground team (Hari, Lynn and JoJo) who were so quick to respond and were so helpful.
Read more reviews of Jean-Michel. Or request your own trip.
Newfoundland: hiking Gros Morne Mountain, visiting Fogo Island, seeing the rugged Twilingate coast
BARBARA PALTER | NOVEMBER 22, 2025
Tackling Gros Morne Mountain was a highpoint for traveler Barbara Palter.
Newfoundland is just our favorite place and our third trip with Jill was a charm. As always, we discussed all our various bucket list items and Jill planned accordingly. First off was conquering Gros Morne Mountain. Jill set us up at Neddies Nook, beautiful new cottages overlooking the water in Norris Point. We then travelled to Twillingate on our way to Fogo Island and stayed in the magnificent Hodge Premises Inn. The room there was just beautiful and beyond charming—we didn’t want to leave.
Fogo Island was the pinnacle of all things Newfoundland. The people, the food and the great stories are what makes this Canadian province a true gem. Thanks again Jill for all that you’ve shared with us in your amazing corner of the world.
Read more reviews of Jill. Or request your own trip.
Vietnam and Cambodia: when flooding diverts plans, key sites and meeting locals buoy spirits
NANCY DINAR | NOVEMBER 20, 2025
At the Vietnam Military History Museum, traveler Nancy Dinar and friends met uniformed veterans.
VIETNAM/CAMBODIA — OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 8, 2025
First of all, let me thank my travel planners for all the hard work they put into making our trip such a wonderful adventure. We all know how difficult the situation can become when Mother Nature interferes with all your well-oiled plans. Obviously, we were disappointed not to see Hue, My Son, and Hoi An but feel lucky that we weren’t there when the floods hit. The substitute plans that the team was able to provide for us gave us the opportunity to see things we would have missed otherwise.
Although we had heard the Cu Chi Tunnels were touristy, I was glad we ended up seeing them. Going first thing in the morning, before the bus loads arrived, was key to getting the feeling of what jungle fighting was about. Also, getting to see the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum was a plus, not so much for seeing the body but for seeing how the people revere him.
I loved that our itinerary was balanced among museum visits, food tasting, and the opportunities to meet the people and learn about the cultures. One of the highlights for me was totally unscripted: We were returning from Mr. Kiet’s Ancient House (and an absolutely amazing meal) when we heard music coming from a village house. After our host, Thuy, asked the family if we could see their home, we were greeted by this warm, friendly family, who was enjoying their karaoke and encouraged us to participate. They offered us beer and fruit and we danced with them as they played their karaoke machine. It was a chance to meet and chat (through Thuy and with lots of gestures) and see what life is like.
Another chance meeting, this one at the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi, was where we met two men, wearing their uniforms, who had fought in the war. One of them was wearing a 40-year medal as a member of the Communist Party. They were warm and welcoming and wanted to take photos with us. They were charming.
I also loved our two visits to the Buddhist temples in Cambodia. Hearing the monks chant and allowing us to be part of the morning meditation was especially meaningful.
Although the Ethnology Museum was highly recommended, I found it to be information overload and I had trouble keeping the many ethnic groups straight. I would suggest that future visitors to that museum do a little research before they go.
There were so many fantastic adventures and wonderful learning opportunities in this trip that I could go on and on; but, I would be remiss if I did not rave about each of our hosts and drivers. They were all extremely knowledgeable and we all began to feel like each of them was “family” because of their warmth and caring. They were flexible about our scheduling and listened to what we wanted to do. Our drivers navigated the crazy traffic like pros and got us where we needed to go safely and on time. When my back difficulty flared up, our host “Mike” went out of his way to help me find an acupuncturist and then get me there to have treatments, which truly helped alleviate my pain and allowed me to enjoy the rest of our vacation. Now I have to spend the next month or so pouring over the 2,000 photos I managed to shoot.
Again, let me commend the team for their expertise and for their ability to seamlessly reorganize our trip when Mother Nature threw us such a monkey wrench.
Read more reviews of Sandy and Ethan. Or request your own trip.
Southern Africa: “sophisticated” Cape Town, Victoria Falls infinity pool, four safari camps
JAMES ROBERTSON | NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Cape Town is a mountainous crescent of shoreline when seen by helicopter. Photo: Traveler James Robertson
We just returned from a four-week trip to Southern Africa. Kudos to Julian for the wonderful itinerary and kudos to Wendy for our surprise WOW Moment in Cape Town.cJulian designed two very different trips, which fit together nicely, but which could be separated if you did not have as much time as we did.
The first trip was to Cape Town, Franschhoek, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. The second trip was to safari camps in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa and in the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Savuti region of Chobe Park in Botswana.
Cape Town is a sophisticated international city like San Francisco, Vancouver and Sydney. In addition to the usual experiences of Table Mountain (be sure to get the online skip-the-queue tickets), Cape Point, and the penguins at Boulders Beach, we had a great visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden on the back side of Table Mountain. Our big surprise was a WOW Moment courtesy of Wendy—a helicopter ride over Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Next stop was Franschhoek in the winelands. Franschhoek was settled by French Huguenots in the late 17th century, who brought French viticulture with them. The Franschhoek-Stellenbosch wine region now produces some great wines. Franschhoek reminds me of Healdsburg California 25 years ago. We took a private wine tour the first day. The second day we rode the “Wine Tram,” a hop-on hop-off self-propelled rail car that runs between Franschhoek and several wineries.
Next was Johannesburg. Joburg is a very unique city. It is the commercial capital of Africa and the historical center of the anti-apartheid movement. Too many people experience Joburg as a transfer point between their overseas flights and the small planes to the safari camps. I think the Apartheid Museum is one of the best curated museums in the world. Throw in Constitution Hill, Soweto, and the Sunday Crafts Market and you get a memorable visit.
The food and wine in all three cities are as good as you will find anywhere. We had tasting menus that ranged from farm to table to continental cuisine and fish and shellfish straight out of the cold southern oceans. South African wines have improved dramatically since my first visit 16 years ago.
The final part of the non-safari camp part of the trip was a visit to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls, Niagara Falls and Iguazu Falls are the three great water falls in the world. Victoria Falls is a mile wide with a gorge 300 feet deep and 200 feet wide. We had a full day at the falls. In the morning, we toured the Zimbabwe side and got great views of the falls, including the Devil’s Pool. We then transferred to the Zambia side for a swim in the Devil’s Pool (look it up on YouTube). The Devil’s Pool is a naturally occurring infinity pool at the lip of Victoria Falls, with a yard wide ledge of basalt separating the pool from the abyss. The Devils’ Pool is accessible about four months of the year when the water is lowest. A swim in the Devil’s Pool should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. A sunset cruise on the Zambesi finished the day’s activities!
The second trip was to the Safari Camps. We visited four camps, staying three nights at each camp. That works out to 24 game drives! The camps give you a list to check off which birds and beasts you see on your game drives. We saw at least thirty-five species of mammals and over 110 species of birds. Bring your binoculars!
We saw the “big five” on our first two game drives in Sabi Sands. Pretty quickly you realize there are so many other species of birds and animals that you almost forget about the big five.
The interesting thing is you never know what you will see on a particular game drive. On one drive we saw 20 lions. On another over 20 elephants at a water hole, on another about 15 giraffes lit by the soft evening sun.
Again, thanks to Julian and Wendy for such a memorable trip.
Read more reviews of Julian. Or request your own trip.
Japan: sushi making, hiking the Kiso Valley, harvesting wasabi, biking the back streets of Tokyo
BRUCE TYLOCK | NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Traveler Bruce Tylock and his wife Amy hiking on the Izu Peninsula with a view of Mt. Fuji.
Japan has been on our list of places to go for quite some time. Originally, we had planned to visit Japan in 2020, but the pandemic disrupted our travel, and the trip was cancelled. Five years later, we decided to try again. Wendy matched us up with Andrea and Bernice, and together we planned a 15-day trip. After several Zoom calls and email exchanges, we finalized our travel itinerary. Andrea and Bernice had great suggestions for visiting off-the-beaten-path places we hadn’t considered, such as Kanazawa, the Kiso Valley, and the Izu Peninsula. These turned out to be perfect additions to the itinerary!
I cannot say enough good things about how responsive and organized Andrea and his team were throughout our journey. Our itinerary was available online and via an app, allowing us to stay up to date with any changes or requests in real-time. We received detailed information before our trip on how to efficiently navigate immigration, use the Metro, and observe local customs in Japan. Andrea and Bernice also set up a final call before our trip to help set up our Suica cards on our phones so we would be ready to navigate Japan’s train and subway systems. There was also a WhatsApp chat line set up for us during our trip – this was perfect for handling last-minute requests or misunderstandings. Bernice was especially responsive – emails were answered within 24 hours, and chat requests were answered within minutes.
On to our trip – we visited Tokyo, Kanazawa, Osaka, Kyoto, the Kiso Valley, and the Izu Peninsula. We love good food and enjoy the outdoors, and our itinerary delivered on both fronts. We felt like we were able to see both the tourist highlights of Japan and parts of Japan that would only be experienced by locals.
We had many wonderful experiences on our trip. Some of the highlights included a private tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market followed by a sushi-making class, a bike tour through the back streets of Tokyo, touring the beautiful gardens of Kanazawa followed by a sake tasting, hiking the beautiful Kiso Valley, seeing epic views of Mount Fuji from the Izu Peninsula, and visiting a wasabi farm and harvesting our own wasabi.
The guides and drivers that were selected by Andrea and his team were excellent. They were all very knowledgeable and personable, and they were flexible in accommodating our likes and dislikes, adjusting as necessary on the fly. The hotels and ryokans that Andrea and his team selected for us were great – in good locations for exploring on our own and all very comfortable.
Finally, we want to thank both Wendy and Andrea for putting together a WOW Moment for us that was very memorable. At the end of our trip on the Izu Peninsula, we were treated to a home-cooked dinner with a local family. The family owns an artisanal salt-making business, so we were able to see how the salt was harvested and prepared before dinner. The dinner was excellent, with the local Kinmedai fish (difficult to get even in Japan!) prepared multiple ways. Everything was delicious, and it will be an evening to remember for us.
We would definitely recommend Andrea and his team for anyone planning a trip to Japan.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Rwanda: bird watching, genocide memorial, market tours, and human habituated gorilla groups
TONY-FORD HUTCHINSON | NOVEMBER 17, 2025
Travelers Tony Ford-Hutchinson and his wife Jane at Volcanoes National Park.
A board meeting in Rwanda was the driver for Jane and I to spend a week in Rwanda, with visits to gorilla families being the big draw. Our trip started in the capital, Kigali, with a night at Hemingways Retreat. Our guide was available during the day before he drove up to Nyungwe with the bulk of our luggage, solving the weight limits on the helicopter. We spent some time at the genocide memorial (very moving) and then to get a slice of Rwandan life by touring the main market.
The luxury part of the trip was spending three nights at each of the One and Only lodges, first Nyungwe House next to the Nyungwe National Park, and then at One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, next to Volcanoes National Park. Roads in Rwanda are good but very windy, so we took helicopter transfers from Kigali to Nyungwe and from Nyungwe to Gorilla’s Nest, saving long days of driving. Both hotels are fully inclusive, provide all the trekking gear you need as well as excellent food and wine. Coming in with muddy gear each day and having everything clean and dry the next morning was a great luxury.
Nyungwe is famous for its human habituated chimpanzee groups as well as for outstanding bird watching with many species endemic to the Albertine Rift. A long trek got us close to a group of chimpanzees with the help of the local trackers (unlike gorillas they move around a lot, so the treks are more strenuous). Local guides were able to identify many of the bird species for us (I saw 72 species in all). Gorilla’s Nest is obviously famous for the gorillas. There are many human habituated gorilla groups in the park. They travel at night and do not move much in the mornings when the treks happen. Each morning trackers head out to their location from the previous day and follow the trails to their new location, passing the information back to the groups of up to 8 visitors who are heading into the park with guides and porters. We went on two treks on different days with very different experiences each time. The first group were in a fairly open area, so we got to spend our allocated hour very close to a large family with babies romping around. The second day’s group were in a more dense area of a bamboo forest and moved around much more, but again we were very close to the main group. Both experiences were magical, as you are right on top of the gorillas and they largely ignore you.
A certain degree of physical fitness is needed, given that you may be trekking for two hours or more at altitude (there are many groups of gorillas and they move around a lot). On our last morning we went on a much shorter trek to spend time with a large group of the endangered golden monkeys feeding on bamboo all around us. The trip finished with a three-hour drive to Kigali, with me being dropped off at the Marriot hotel for my meetings and Jane catching an evening flight to London. Thanks to Dan for organizing an excellent trip. These experiences in Rwanda are unique.
Read more reviews of Dan. Or request your own trip.
Morocco: sunset camel ride in the Agafay Desert, bread baked with locals in their home
LAIRD BROADFIELD | NOVEMBER 17, 2025
A village resident bakes bread in her home in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Photo: Traveler Laird Broadfield
We recently returned from a trip to Morocco and we were thoroughly impressed by the quality of the planning and execution. From the outset, the itinerary reflected careful thought and local expertise—a balance of history, culture, landscape, and relaxation.
Our driver Said was with us throughout the journey and proved to be exceptional: always on time, unfailingly polite, and genuinely attentive. His calm professionalism and local insight made traveling between cities and exploring each region both comfortable and effortless.
The team managed every logistical detail smoothly, from airport meet-and-greet to well-paced transfers and excellent local guides. Each hotel was well chosen and distinctive, reflecting the character of its setting. We especially enjoyed the sunset camel ride in the Agafay Desert, a memorable experience that was perfectly timed and beautifully arranged. The variety of activities throughout the trip was impressive—each thoughtfully sequenced, never rushed, and with the right amount of flexibility built in.
What stood out most was how seamlessly everything came together. We never had to think about what came next; it was simply handled. That level of organization allowed us to focus entirely on enjoying the country and its people.
We would not hesitate to recommend the company to anyone looking for a well-orchestrated and personally tailored introduction to this remarkable destination; thanks to the WendyPerrin team for putting us in touch.
Read more reviews of Hicham. Or request your own trip.
Menorca: exploring Spain’s hidden island “gem” from port city restaurants to rugged coast trail
SUSANNAH MANHEIM | NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Having been to the Balearic Islands a few times before, this was our first trip to Menorca and it really is a gem hidden in plain sight. From the charming port city of Ciutadella to the rugged coastline that can be toured at your own pace on the Cami de Cavalls, we had a great trip mixing relaxation with exploration.
Our guide picked out fabulous hotels both in Ciutadella and a little further south near the coast, which offered great restaurants. Be prepared to walk, bike, or even use a horse to get around if you’re anywhere off the main thoroughfare through the middle of the island. This is an ancient land not build for modern vehicles: I’d encourage exploring under your own combustion.
This trip was arranged by WOW List candidates. Here’s what that means.
Falkland Islands: a wildlife cruise with zodiacs to thousands of “must-see” penguin species
HEIDI FIELDING | NOVEMBER 14, 2025
A 4×4 ride over the Falkland landscape revealed wildlife “beyond belief.” Photo: Traveler Heidi Fielding
Tully, our Wendy Perrin recommendation, suggested Atlas Ocean Voyages for a cruise to the Falkland Islands. I hadn’t heard of Atlas, but after checking it out I thought I’d trust their recommendation. I had already traveled to the Antarctic on Silver Seas 11 yrs ago, and was looking for a way to check off my “must see” list of Rockhopper, Macaroni, King Penguins and Black browed Albatrosses. Our planner Cheri suggested a Buenos Aires to Ushuaia cruise October 27-November 9th, that spent most of the time in Falklands. She handled all the nitty gritty of insurances, hotel and even a dinner/Tango event on the last day in Buenos Aires.
The ship holds less than 200 (we had 130), and it is a beautiful ship. My room had a balcony, a shower with 3 different heads, very comfortable bed, and all the amenities of a luxury liner and the most friendly crew and staff possible. I traveled solo but because of the size and design of the dining room, you couldn’t help but meet people easily. The expedition team was amazing. Because of the experience of the Captain, he enabled us to always get zodiac excursions (2 a day) in a safe environment, even though the area was experiencing Drake-like winds and waves. The ship’s stabilizers worked as they should. My goal was to see at least a few of the above wildlife, but instead, I saw THOUSANDS of them! Thanks to Wendy’s WOW Moment, I went on an 8 hr. 4×4 ride over the Falkland landscape to mountain-top rookeries that were beyond belief. Atlas provided the jackets and boots and they were a godsend. The wind, rain, sleet, bright sun, picturesque clouds, every season in one day, so typical in Patagonia.
Most of the lectures were well done and interesting. A few, because of English as a second language, could be improved. The food was excellent. The dinner portions were small, but for me that left more room for a dessert (or two). Services was great, they knew your name and used it.
I wasn’t a fan of the duo that played at the bars, but many people liked them. The few nights where there was entertainment, it consisted of the Cruise Director singing and dancing. If you are looking for a show, this isn’t the cruise, but it was just right for an expedition experience. Also, as a solo traveler, I never felt lonely. There was always someone at Paula’s Pantry or the lounge or the Dome to converse with.
I am very satisfied with Wendy’s recommendation of Tully and with Cheri’s help with handling all the details.
Read more reviews of Mary Jean. Or request your own trip.
London: theater, tiaras at the Cartier Exhibit, amazed by history in the Churchill War Rooms
BARBARA MACE | NOVEMBER 11, 2025
Travelers Barbara and Pat timed their trip to see the Buckingham Palace State Rooms.
Jennifer was invaluable in crafting an itinerary for our travel to London in September. My sister, Pat, and I toured museums and palaces, attended the theatre, toured Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, saw the crown jewels and the Cartier Exhibit, and rode the London Eye. The Cartier exhibit had a tiara room!
Our guide Ben told us of the history throughout the Churchill War Rooms, and we were amazed at its authenticity. We were fortunate to time our trip to see the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, where we also enjoyed an exhibition of the King’s private art collection from his travels. Geoffrey guided us through the Royal Warrant Tour, where we browsed and shopped. Additionally, he took us to a rare book shop; they led us to their very rare book room where we saw first editions from Darwin, Rowling, and many others. All the tours and guides were professional, informative and entertaining. We loved the city, its history, and activities. We had many delicious dinners but especially enjoyed Hutong Shard with a view of the city; it was a whole dining experience!
We highly recommend Jennifer. She was meticulous in planning. She was in touch during our trip but also had a team (Gen and Elda) that was in touch with us daily to handle any issues and prepare us for the next day, which made it so very easy! Our trip happened to be during the tube strike, large protests, and the visit of the US president; however, we avoided any issues. Jen and team were excellent!
We can’t wait for our next travel adventure!
Read more reviews of Jennifer. Or request your own trip.
Spain: architectural highlights with off-the-beaten-path communities, artisans, sherry bodegas
SUSAN AND BRIAN GOSSELIN | NOVEMBER 11, 2025
Traveler Susan Gosselin and her husband found that local experienced enriched their trip.
We recently returned from an amazing two-week trip to the Andalusia region of Spain planned by Iván, and it was a fantastic trip and experience.
We were looking for a trip to Spain to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary, as well as our recent retirements, and after reading the WOW List reviews, Iván seemed to fit the bill for what we were looking for. We’ve generally planned our own trips or used a small group tour operator, but for this trip we wanted to be able to hand off the planning and have an experience tailored just for us. Iván did an excellent job of arranging an itinerary that met our interests of seeing architectural and cultural highlights as well as experiencing great food, beverages, and getting to know locals.
This was our first trip to Spain and we absolutely loved it. The landscape is varied and beautiful, the architecture is amazing (Alhambra, Generalife, Alcazar and Seville Cathedral, Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba), the history is complex and interesting, the food/wine/sherry is delicious, and the people are lovely.
We stayed in Granada, Ronda, Cadiz and Seville, with a final night in Madrid. We also had day trips to the Costa Tropical, the Genal Valley, Antequera, Grazalema, Jerez, Trebujena and Cordoba. In addition to seeing the area highlights, we also really enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path visits with locals and understanding their crafts and fabric of the communities, from the craft rum distillery, sherry brandy bodega, small vineyard, and Iberian pig farm to the chef-prepared private lunches.
It was invaluable to have someone with local knowledge put together an itinerary that really highlights great local experiences. We would not have found or had access to many of these experiences on our own, and those interactions really enriched our trip. There were hidden gems throughout!
The local guides also greatly enhanced our experience, as they were all very knowledgeable in their areas and they were also delightful people to spend time with. We had many good conversations with our guides, both on the itinerary subject of the day as well as general life experiences. It’s clear Iván focuses on selecting guides who are really interested in engaging with guests and sharing the experiences of their country.
And what a treat to have all of logistics taken care of—that helped us be able to just sink in and enjoy the experience. All of the hotels were spot on to what we were looking for and the drivers and their cars were professional, friendly, and comfortable. It was also really nice to have restaurant recommendations for each location. We tried several and all were very good and offered a more local experience than the typical tourist area restaurant.
We also had the pleasure of being able to meet Iván in person and it is clear he has a passion for giving people a genuine experience of Spain and the local communities. He is definitely deserving of being on the WOW List!
When (not if!) we go back to Spain, or Portugal, we will definitely work with Iván.
Read more reviews of Ivan. Or request your own trip.
Greece: Acropolis and island-hopping for “charming” villages, hidden lagoons, volcanic wines
JOE LYLE | NOVEMBER 7, 2025
A view over the rooftops of Ia, a village in Santorini. Photo: Traveler Joe Lyle
Our three-week adventure through Greece this September was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the incredible expertise of Maria’s colleague Olga, who brought our travel vision to life flawlessly. Every detail was thoughtfully curated—from breathtaking stays and private tours to unique local experiences that made us feel like insiders rather than tourists.
Athens – History, Flavor, and Charm
We began in Athens, staying just a short stroll from the Acropolis, surrounded by lively neighborhoods and authentic tavernas. A highlight was our walking culinary tour led by Yannis, a passionate chef and storyteller. We started our morning with aromatic Greek coffee and portokalopita (orange pie) at a cozy café before wandering through local markets and specialty shops to sample cheeses, olives, and pastries. Yannis generously shared cooking tips, cultural insights, and even his secret orange pie recipe!
Visiting the Acropolis in September was a perfect choice—the weather was ideal and the crowds had thinned. Our knowledgeable guide brought ancient Greece to life with fascinating history and anecdotes. After a day of exploration, we treated ourselves to a divine dinner at Makris, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite cuisine and unforgettable rooftop views of the city.
Island-Hopping the Cyclades – Paros, Milos, and Santorini
From Athens, we took the ferry to the Cyclades for a stunning trio of islands that each offered something unique—from sun-bleached villages to crystal-clear waters and world-class wines.
Paros was our first island stop, and we fell in love instantly with the charming village of Naoussa, known for its waterfront dining and boutique-lined streets. Don’t miss a tasting at the Moraitis Winery, where the family shares both their heritage and their delicious vintages. The highlight here was a private full-day cruise exploring Antiparos, Despotiko, and the hidden lagoons of Panteronisia—turquoise waters so vibrant they seemed unreal.
On Milos, our private half-day rib boat cruise revealed dramatic coastlines, sea caves, and the otherworldly beauty of Sarakiniko Beach, where smooth white rock meets impossibly blue sea—a must-see for photographers and dreamers alike. Comparing the island’s wine and cuisine with Paros added a fun, flavorful twist to our experience.
Finally, Santorini was the grand finale. We stayed in Oia at Madronis Luxury Suites, with a beautiful views of the caldera from our room and the restaurants. A private sunset cruise was a wonderful addition. The island’s volcanic wines were a revelation, and tastings at local vineyards offered a deeper appreciation for this unique terroir.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering Greece, September is an ideal time to visit—warm days, gentle breezes, and far fewer crowds. And if you want a trip that’s both seamless and deeply personal, this team is exceptional. From ancient history to island bliss, from Michelin-starred dining to hidden coves, every moment exceeded our expectations.
Read more reviews of Maria. Or request your own trip.
China: Terracotta Warriors, giant pandas, hiking and biking the “breathtaking” Yunnan Provinces
GISELLE AND ALAN WEISSMAN | NOVEMBER 6, 2025
Travelers Giselle and Alan Weissman experienced vibrant local culture brought “vividly to life.”
November 2025
Mei and FangFang from Wild China planned our incredible two-week adventure. Our only must-sees were the Terracotta Warriors and the giant pandas—beyond that, we left the itinerary completely in their hands. They did a phenomenal job weaving together Xi’an (home of the Warriors) and Chengdu (home of the pandas) with breathtaking destinations across the Yunnan Provinces.
We love to stay active, and the trip perfectly reflected that. We hiked, biked, and walked for miles while exploring Xi’an, Dali, Chengdu, Lijiang, and Kunming, taking in stunning scenery and vibrant local culture. The tour guides were outstanding—deeply knowledgeable, engaging, and able to bring both history and contemporary events vividly to life.
We also loved the hotels Mei and FangFang selected: from a historic diplomatic property to a charming boutique and several luxurious five-star stays, each accommodation had its own unique charm and unbeatable location.
Having traveled extensively around the world, we can confidently say that Mei and FangFang delivered a truly world-class experience. We couldn’t recommend them more highly!
Read more reviews of Mei. Or request your own trip.
Sicily: lunch at an almond farm, Mt. Etna with a volcanologist, shopping and cooking with a chef
SALLY SILVERMAN | NOVEMBER 5, 2025
Travelers Sally and Larry Silverman cooking and dining with Chef Maurizio, and his wife and sous chef.
We came to our team late to plan an October trip to Sicily. We had never been, and were not in a position to do much research before the planning started. We reached out and Matteo responded almost immediately. We set up a phone conversation in which he got a sense of how we liked to travel and our interests, and got back to us quickly with a proposed itinerary with lots of options. We talked through the options, and booked.
From the pick-up at the airport in Palermo to the drop-off at the airport in Catania, the trip was pretty perfect. Sicily is stunning, and that would be anybody’s experience. But the places that Matteo planned for us to visit, and the professional, personable guides that he hired to bring those places to life, made the experience incredible.
The itinerary was a perfectly paced blend of culture, history, food, and people. We saw the important ancient temples, but also had dinner in the home of a chef in a small town. We had what turned out to be a most fascinating insight (who would have thought?) into the tuna industry from ancient times. We visited a natural wildlife area and markets, had a family lunch at an almond farm, and walked on Mt. Etna with a volcanologist. We shopped and cooked with a charming chef who was quite the character, then had a private lunch in his Ortigia restaurant.
It felt like every moment of the nine days was special, and these are memories we will hold fondly. Matteo was always readily available and quickly responsive for even the smallest questions we had. I would recommend him and his team in a heartbeat for anyone who wants a very, very special Sicily experience.
Read more reviews of Marcello and Matteo. Or request your own trip.
Japan: traditional kaiseki meal, “authentic” hands-on experiences with drumming, sushi, bonsai
MELISSA HAMES | NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Traveler Melissa Hames and her husband learned to create bonsai trees.
My husband and I recently returned from an extraordinary trip to Japan, planned by Andrea and his team, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From our first conversation, Andrea took the time to truly understand what we hoped to experience in Japan. We were planning a few days before and after an already scheduled group hiking trip, and Andrea provided us with thoughtfully curated options that perfectly matched our interests, including unique cultural experiences and a carefully selected range of hotels to choose from.
Before we even departed, Andrea’s colleague Aurora was in regular contact with us, going far beyond typical travel planning. She provided fascinating background information about Japanese culture and customs, recommended books and films to help us prepare, suggested restaurants for our visit, and shared practical tips for downloading essential apps and tools for navigating Japan. This preparation made us feel confident and excited about our journey.
The company’s proprietary travel app was a game-changer. Our entire itinerary was clearly laid out and easy to reference throughout the trip. Additionally, they set up a WhatsApp group where we could ask questions at any time and receive prompt responses from Andrea’s team. This level of support gave us tremendous peace of mind. Every aspect of our travel, transportation, and accommodations was expertly handled. One memorable example: we were personally assisted to the exact car of our bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo, and upon arrival, our driver was waiting right outside the train door to take us directly to the airport. These thoughtful touches were consistent throughout our journey.
Our time in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka was filled with wonderful experiences that struck the perfect balance between structured activities and free time to explore on our own. Our guide, Yuri, was an absolute delight—knowledgeable, easygoing, and remarkably attuned to our preferences (including finding us a Starbucks each morning!).
The special experiences Andrea arranged were truly memorable: a private traditional Japanese magic performance followed by an authentic multi-course kaiseki meal in a traditional setting; an energetic taiko drumming lesson with a talented instructor; time with a bonsai master, learning the art and creating our own bonsai trees; a rare behind-the-scenes visit to see the iron forgery and craftsman who hand-forges the scissors used by the bonsai master; a tour of Kyoto’s world-class fish market followed by a hands-on sushi making lesson with a trained sushi chef; and a warm welcome at a historic tea room plus a fun and enlightening Japanese calligraphy lesson.
Andrea and the team created a trip that exceeded our expectations in every way. Their attention to detail, cultural expertise, responsive communication, and ability to curate authentic, meaningful experiences made our Japanese adventure truly unforgettable.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
China: seeing the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and spending time with “impressive” locals
MARC KRASS | OCTOBER 31, 2025
Travelers Marc and Sue Krass inside Mr. Liu’s home, a traditional Beijing hutong.
Thanks to your WOW List we engaged your recommended China expert to plan a 4-day tour of Beijing for my wife and me. From the first hour we spent with their CEO Mei Zhang on a Zoom call to define our interests and some mobility issues, we had total trust that this would work well. But the team exceeded our expectations in every respect. Of course we visited the key sights (Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, etc.), but the best parts were meeting two impressive Beijing locals.
One was a 75-year-old man living in one of Beijing’s remaining hutongs who is locally famous as a retired cricket fighting master. Mr. Liu welcomed us into his home where we spent an hour learning about each other and our respective families. He proudly showed us his menagerie including birds he trained to say “Ni hao.”
The other was our extraordinary guide Wilma Wan, who was with us throughout our tour all the way through checking us in at the airport for our flight home. By the end of our first day, Wilma felt like an old friend proudly showing us her hometown. She focused on our wants and needs at every step, including her recommendation for a classic Peking duck dinner and her guidance for negotiating the Silk Market. Wilma also generously shared her personal and family story in response to our questions. Our driver Bei was not only a superb driver in that crazy Beijing traffic, but also was the key to my mobility limitations. He always took us as close to our destinations as possible and was always waiting for us as close to where we were leaving a site as any vehicle could get. We simply could not have anticipated our introduction to Beijing would be as exceptional as it turned out.
Read more reviews of Mei. Or request your own trip.
Japan: art islands and art-making, Shogun and Geisha history, a healing hot springs ryokan
VICKI HOROWITZ | OCTOBER 31, 2025
Travelers Vicki and Peter Horowitz at Nijo Castle in Kyoto.
My dream destination has been Japan. Friends advised going by cruise due to the language barrier and complexity of Japanese writing system. I wanted to be immersed in the country and discover its expanse viscerally and confidently.
Andrea and his team helped us navigate the country seamlessly. We had wonderful guided tours with a private driver one day in each city and enough time on our own. Every recommendation was exactly correct, from the hotels, restaurants, special experiences (woodblock printing, kiln porcelain making, 5th generation and traditional tea ceremony) and the pace of our itinerary. For example, our stay at Beniya Mukayu, a nature-filled serene ryokan with luxurious, healing hot springs, was timed after engaging tour days. Additionally, private transfers, bullet train tickets, Suica card and more all arranged. No worry, enjoy.
We had video conferences with Andrea months before our trip. He asked specific questions to understand our preferences and interests and created “our travel vision,” a personal itinerary that aligned with us both. For example, he integrated my love for art with a special trip to Naoshima and the Art Islands while balancing my husband’s indulgence of my passion without being disinterested.
Andrea’s Guardian Angels, a WhatsApp group, was created on our arrival to address any question or need. We had FUN, enjoyed the most delicious food, strolled beautiful gardens, learned the history of Shintoism, Buddhism, the Emperor and Shoganate, Geisha culture and appreciated the kindness and warmth of the Japanese people.
Andrea, where are we going next? I leave it to you!
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Italy: making (and serving!) gelato, cooking with a chef, sped through Vatican “hidden passages”
BONNIE RASKIN | OCTOBER 31, 2025
My husband and I ONLY/ALWAYS depend on Wendy’s WOW List for all of our big trips. Our recent Italy adventure was our 7th WOW List booking and as always, our high expectations were exceeded. This was my husband’s first trip to Italy, and I hadn’t been since college, decades ago. Andrea and the team—Laura, Sara and Valentina—crafted an extraordinary, individualized itinerary for us start to finish for our two-week trip. We traveled with an itemized daily/evening guide covering all aspects of our trip that was on our phones and printed out as backup. Times for pickup, where to meet our guides and drivers, restaurant reservations and locations and the duration of all activities were readily available. Our guides were also at the ready and eager to share their favorite haunts when we asked for suggestions during our free time.
All of our drivers and guides were professional and personal, all local residents of the areas we visited—Rome, Tuscany/Florence and Venice—and enthusiastically shared their passion and knowledge of their home cities/country with us.
We asked Andrea and team to craft local experiences for us, and they listened. We made gelato at the oldest establishment in Rome and then had the added pleasure of serving it to customers lined up around the block! In Florence we cooked a four-course dinner with a chef at her home and were presented with her own recipe book as a keepsake. My husband is a car guy, and at the Ferrari Museum in Modena we were treated like VIPs.
Italy is crowded and the Vatican extremely so, but our guide Cindy maneuvered us through hidden passages so that we were able to move around with relative ease in addition to seeing rooms not often shared with visitors. Our guide Viola in Florence introduced us to amazing craftspeople in areas off the beaten path, so we were not only able to observe true artisans at work, but also purchase unique handmade items not found along the tourist areas.
We asked for dining experiences that the locals go to—not the tourists—and again the Bellagio team delivered. Same for our lovely hotels in each city—charming, lovingly maintained and staffed with the most gracious hosts.
When you invest significant time, money and enthusiasm in planning your travel, you want experiences that will be wonderful while present but also lasting memories of time well spent. Visiting unexplored places and stepping into new adventures, you often don’t know what you don’t know, and for my husband and me that is where the WOW List becomes a trusted travel Bible. Wendy’s agents are there for you not only in the planning stages but when you’re actually IN the midst of your travel when something might come up where you need additional support and guidance at the ready. We have NEVER felt isolated or without backup from any of Wendy’s specialists. And for us, that is a huge assurance of the utmost travel experiences.
Until our next travel adventure… Ciao and grazie mille!!
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Japan: a “fascinating” agenda favoring history, culture, spirituality, art and gardens
JAN YONKO | OCTOBER 28, 2025
The grounds of Kenrokuen Gardens are filled with bridges, teahouses, and flowers. Photo: Traveler Jan Yonko
We just returned from an absolutely amazing journey to Japan that spanned from October 1-18. It ranks as one of our best trips ever, and we have traveled quite extensively. The people of Japan are so gracious, helpful (they will lead you to your destination, not only point the way!), kind and thoughtful. The food is divine!
In planning this trip with Andrea, we told him that we wanted to experience as much as possible while in country with special emphasis on history, spiritualism, the gardens of Japan, art and culture. We saw and learned about feudal Japan, the Geisha culture and the eventual rise of power of the emperor. In addition, we learned about Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and how the spiritual beliefs have evolved over time. It was fascinating!
Some of the highlights for us included the Tokyo National Museum and Taiko drumming lesson in Tokyo, the Art Islands of Naoshima and Teshima which were extremely beautiful and host interesting and thought-provoking art installations, the Kenrokuen Gardens in Kanazawa, and the town of Kurashiki which is a lovely former merchant town. We loved Kyoto—it is an absolute gem! While there we learned about Zen Buddhism, walked through the Torii gates, and saw the incredibly stunning Golden Palace. However, the highlight for me was a day trip to Mount Koyasan to see the Koyasan Kongobuji Temple, where we were fortunate to receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk and to stroll through the unbelievably beautiful moss-covered Gobyo Mausoleum (notably, a World Heritage Site) dating back to the 12th century and still in use today.
Andrea and his team were extremely responsive to our needs. He and his Guardian Angels provided on the spot and constant support. Our guides were all amazing and were happy to make adjustments to our itinerary to accommodate our requests. We highly recommend Andrea. He and his team will not disappoint!
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
New Zealand: South Island’s rainforests, voluminous waterfalls, hot pool under a full moon
JODI GREENSTEIN | OCTOBER 27, 2025
My mom and I just returned from a dream trip to New Zealand. We’re so grateful for the amazing planning done by our team. Jean-Michel and Felicity took such care to understand our travel preferences and passions prior to booking, and created an incredible itinerary that checked all the boxes. Their amazing team (Lynn, Hari, Josephine) stayed in touch via a WhatsApp chat and were so communicative and supportive throughout, and super responsive with pivots due to weather and other updates we wanted to make. We also had an issue with the car rental and they jumped right on it to help us resolve the mistake made by the rental company.
The highlights were a day with Delani Brown (master wood carver), the walks/hikes between Wanaka and Franz Josef, the Wilderness Nature walk/cruise in Franz Josef, the full moon hot pool experience in Christchurch, and Hokitika Gorge. We spent the majority of the time in the South Island, and are so glad as we loved the variety of terrains and being in the rainforest. And going during the spring (aka rainy season) was actually quite enjoyable as it allowed for the best waterfalls, yet we also had many sunny days as well.
Since it wasn’t high season it was not crowded and easy to get in everywhere and find parking. We’re also glad we just planned for a few hours in Auckland (just the day we were flying back to LA), and not more than that, as we didn’t find it to be nearly as special as every other place we visited. We packed so much into 13 days and wish we had longer, but will absolutely be back! Thank you so very much to the team for taking the best care of us while we visited this stunning country.
Read more reviews of Jean-Michel. Or request your own trip.
Italy: Montefalco wine tasting, Verdi festival, Assissi’s small museum honoring protectors of Jews
MINA MILLER SABRITT | OCTOBER 26, 2025
Travelers Mina Miller and David Sabritt sampled the wines near Montefalco.
For my husband’s milestone 80th birthday trip, we chose to return to Italy and work again with Emanuela. She arranged an extraordinary trip for us in the fall of 2024 and we were confident that she would do so again. Because we know Italy well, her task was not easy. Also, we wanted to be positioned somewhere special for my husband’s birthday, which posed a logistical challenge because of the departure airport and flight schedules. Emanuela came up with wonderful ideas and implemented them to perfection.
In Umbria we spent four nights in the remarkably unspoiled small town of Montefalco, where we were received so warmly that we almost felt like locals by the end of our stay. We used it as a base for exploring the area with our guide Cinzia, whose love for the region and her intimate knowledge of it came through at every moment. There were discoveries we would not have found on our own, like the small museum in Assisi dedicated to the often-neglected story of the local clergy and others who risked their lives to shelter Jews during the Nazi occupation. There were special treats like a truffle hunt, and a tasting at a local wine maker overlooking a panoramic landscape.
Both of us are music and opera lovers, and from our next base in Bologna, we spent a special day focused on the Verdi legacy with Monica, our highly knowledgeable guide who took us behind the scenes of the Verdi Festival in Parma and Busseto, and to Verdi’s birthplace in Roncole. We ended our trip in a magnificent villa just outside Florence, where we celebrated David’s milestone birthday with an intimate wine dinner prepared specially for our preferences. We came home with treasured memories for which we’re very grateful.
Read more reviews of Anna and Emanuela. Or request your own trip.
Bali and Labuan Bajo: “unreal” honeymoon with purification ritual, elephants, and Komodo dragons
MADISON WOOLEY | OCTOBER 26, 2025
Travelers Madison and Brent Wooley during their honeymoon in Bali.
My husband and I (Brent and Madison Wooley) just returned from our incredible honeymoon, flawlessly planned by Chloe and her assistant Andryas. We requested an ambitious itinerary covering Singapore, Bali, and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, and the resulting trip was beyond anything I could have imagined. Our trip took place September 20th to October 4th 2025.
The Planning Process
We initially requested this trip on a very tight two-month timeline. The team rose to the challenge immediately. After meeting with us to gather our interests, they presented a comprehensive, 30+ page slideshow detailing activity options, restaurants, accommodations, and a full itinerary. They were exceptionally accommodating, allowing us to make multiple edits, choose from different luxury accommodations, and even booking our dinner reservations.
After a quick final presentation and a secure payment, they handled all the necessary final details, including visa coordination, last-minute driver contacts, currency exchange information, and vaccine requirements, ensuring all our final questions were answered.
The Trip Experience
This was our first time using a travel expert, and Chloe’s team proved they are exactly that. I could not have planned anything close to how seamless and luxurious this trip was. They arranged private luxury transfers for every leg of the journey, secured the absolute best tour guides, and curated creative adventures paired with fabulous dining.
Singapore
During our full day in Singapore, the crew was phenomenal. They took us to temples, churches, the Botanical Garden, local neighborhoods, lunch, and markets. They served as dedicated photographers and even extended our tour by an hour. We had a wonderful time and truly felt we experienced the city’s highlights during our brief stay.
Bali
Private transportation is a MUST here, and I was incredibly grateful we didn’t have to stress about navigating the island. All our drivers and guides were courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful. We enjoyed a host of unforgettable activities: white water rafting the Ayung River, feeding elephants, a traditional purification ceremony, a Balinese cooking class, and gallivanting in the rice fields, including those iconic massive swings. Visiting the Monkey Forest and learning about the local culture rounded out a perfect stay. Our resort was so amazing, I kept saying I felt like I was staying at the “White Lotus.”
Labuan Bajo
This destination was UNREAL. Again, transportation was seamless, and our initial accommodation was incredible, boasting great restaurants and amazing morning views. The highlight was a 3-day/2-night cruise aboard a beautiful boat (resembling a pirate ship, as requested in our initial meeting). We spent the days snorkeling, hiking, and seeing the famous Komodo dragons. The food was fresh and delicious, and our cabin was spacious. The crew was helpful and captured countless photos and videos for us.
(Note on the boat: While the experience was fun for an adventurous crowd—and there were only nine other guests—I will say the private bathroom was small. If you are not comfortable transitioning from five-star resort luxury to a more basic ship cabin, I would recommend a day trip instead of an overnight cruise.)
I am so thankful we chose this company to plan our honeymoon. We felt special and valued the entire time. Every accommodation surprised us with sweet treats, notes, and gifts for our honeymoon, and every person we worked with was helpful and professional. We HIGHLY recommend Chloe’s team!
This trip was arranged by a WOW List candidate. Here’s what that means.
Spain: varied itinerary with “hidden gems” in Toledo, Andalusia, and Malaga
MINA MILLER SABRITT | OCTOBER 26, 2025
Travelers Mina Miller and David Sabritt in Baeza, Andalusia.
After a memorable adventure that Ivan organized for us last year that included Majorca and the Costa Brava, we turned to him again this September to explore other regions of Spain. It was a short trip of only a week, and Ivan crafted a varied itinerary that made valuable use of every moment – starting with the historic city of Toledo, to the Andalusian towns of Ubeda and Baeza (two small hidden gems that he introduced on a Wendy Perrin zoom talk), to the vibrant coastal city of Malaga.
At each step of the way, Ivan arranged guides who were attuned to our special interests, and who helped us appreciate nuances of local life and history that we would not have discovered on our own. We discovered that the guides and drivers he selected were part of his “Andalusian family” – people that he had worked with for many years. Our accommodations had character and comfort, with ideal locations for wandering by foot.
At every step along the way, we felt Ivan’s personal touch: from his detailed crafting of a personalized itinerary, to his hotel choices and dining recommendations, to his selection of guides and drivers he knew personally, to his availability at all times to respond to our questions throughout the trip.
Read more reviews of Ivan. Or request your own trip.
Berlin, Prague, and Vienna: exploring art, culture, and private time in the Strahov Monastery
ROBIN AND JOSH MADDEN | OCTOBER 25, 2025
Traveler Robin Madden and family enjoyed a private hour in the library of the Strahov Monastery in Prague.
14 Days in Berlin, Prague, and Vienna
Gwen and her team planned a wonderful 14-day journey for us through Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. They truly listened to our preferences around accommodations, pacing, and activities, and crafted an itinerary that worked beautifully for our diverse group—an extended family of five, ranging from our 30s to our 60s. We were originally planning to travel as six, but one of the thirty-somethings had to cancel for work at the last minute. Gwen’s team handled the change seamlessly, rearranging hotels and logistics with just a few weeks’ notice.
In each city, we had a dedicated private guide, and every one of them was exceptional. In Berlin, Daniel—one of the best guides we have ever had—took the time to learn each of our interests and wove them into our days, while also opening doors to stories, places, and history we never would have known to ask about. He painted a vivid portrait of a city that doesn’t shy away from its complex past and evolving identity.
In Prague, we explored art, culture, and especially food with Katka, whose energy and insight brought the city to life. In Vienna, Gerti guided us through museums and neighborhoods with encyclopedic knowledge, warmth, and what felt like a personal connection to everyone in the city.
Throughout the trip, Gwen arranged unique private experiences we never would have had access to on our own—including an unforgettable walk along the roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna with the head guide, and a private hour in the usually off-limits library of the Strahov Monastery in Prague, pictured above. They were two of the many moments that elevated the journey from memorable to extraordinary.
The seamless arrangements, the depth of knowledge of the guides, and the variety of curated and often exclusive experiences made working with Gwen and the team the perfect choice for our family.
Read more reviews of Gwen. Or request your own trip.
Paris: vintage car ride, private Eiffel Tower tour, a “food paradise” of authentic meals
STEVE WILSON | OCTOBER 24, 2025
Retirement trip to Paris August 2025
Jennifer knows how to organize; with the help of Etienne in Paris, all details were covered.
First, the restaurant choices were great, and they kept us away from the tourist places. We enjoyed the food we had hoped for. The bone marrow, the Bresse, classic French fare, etc. One other important item, every restaurant treated us like a special guest, and it had to be because of Etienne making the reservations. There is no other way to have such coincidences while eating at most of these restaurants.
Second, the hotel was fantastic, and the breakfast was exactly as presented on their website, every staff member was courteous and caring. Such a wonderful little hotel. I used the balcony every morning and evening.
Third, we had a private guide for all of the tours. Four tours of art museums, a vintage car ride thru Paris, and a private tour of the Eiffel Tower. We toured all the food districts of Paris, and what a food paradise; took a chocolate cooking class, and a private cooking class where we prepared, cooked, and had the dinner we made. Such a wonderful trip to celebrate my retirement.
Read more reviews of Jennifer. Or request your own trip.
Colorado: scenic railroad, horse-drawn wagon to dinner, national parks amid a “riot of color”
JOE ROTHMAN | OCTOBER 23, 2025
We have recently returned from a 17-day trip to Colorado. Meg not only planned an amazing itinerary which allowed us to see many of the state’s scenic highlights, she also suggested we move up our travel dates a couple of weeks. This enabled us to visit during the height of the Aspen Tree color display. Meg checked daily to ensure all was going smoothly and arranged to meet us and spend some quality time together. Thank you Meg.
For those of you who haven’t been treated to this riot of color, we suggest you put a Colorado trip on your bucket list. Thanks to Meg’s planning, we stayed at some of the best hotels along our route; saw many of the famous landmarks to include Pikes Peak; Garden of the Gods; Black Canyon; Maroon Bells; and, several wonderful and scenic national parks. We enjoyed a full day sightseeing railroad trip between Silverton and Durango and, for our WOW Moment surprise, a special Japanese scotch tasting. Thank you Wendy.
For my birthday celebration we were treated to a private horse-drawn wagon ride up into the
mountains where a special dinner was prepared for us. Great food, drink, staff and scenery. Certainly a memorable evening. And, haven’t even mentioned the many small and wonderful local towns we toured; the fabulous and very expensive real estate we noted nor the Wolf and Wildlife Center; the Million Dollar Highway; the gondola rides up the ski slopes or Mesa National Park and the well-preserved cliff dwellings. Yes, much to see and enjoy.
Read more reviews of Meg. Or request your own trip.
Kenya and Uganda: three camps in Kenya, a Laikipia women’s center, gorilla trekking in Bwindi
DEBORAH WENTE | OCTOBER 22, 2025
Traveler Deborah Wente and friends visited Laikipia in the north as well as Maasai Mara in the south.
Our trip was fantastic. We visited 3 camps in Kenya and had amazing game drives, in fact, we saw the Big Five within the first day in Lewa Wilderness! We then traveled to Laikipia and had the great fortune to see the black leopard that can only be found in that part of Africa (also in Asia). The guides were top notch, the accommodations wonderful and all the logistics were seamless. The planners worked with us to set up a stay at Ewaso Camp, run by a friend that we have known for 17 years. They also accommodated connecting with another friend in Maasai Mara, giving us the opportunity to visit his home and family. The group of 8 women are all still floating from the incredible experiences we had, both animal encounters and cultural interactions.
I have traveled to Kenya before and highly recommend visiting both Lewa/Laikipia in the north, and the Maasai Mara in the south. The experiences and landscape are very different. We were very fortunate to have personal connections and the opportunity to learn more about the Maasai culture. Especially special was the opportunity to interact with a group of women in Laikipia who have a self-help organization. We visited their farm, community center and a traditional home they built. Given the chance, a visit with the Chui Mamas is highly recommended.
After Kenya, 5 of the 8 continued on to Uganda to trek with gorillas. Again, we had an incredible host, and loved our camp, Buhoma Lodge. Favorite staff of the trip. Our gorilla trekking was a dream come true. The first day we were lucky enough to visit the biggest family, a group of 17 including 2 silverbacks and babies. There is negotiation in the morning to decide who goes where; I suspect we had this opportunity thanks to the connections of our planning team. The next day was completely different, but equally amazing. It was a shorter hike into the jungle. These memories are still sinking in.
We had 8 women traveling together for 2 weeks and everything went smoothly. No lost luggage, no missed flights, greeted and guided through the airports, drivers waiting to take us where we needed. I really can’t say enough about how wonderful the trip was.
I have used trip planners from the WOW List many times (over 15) and highly value their expertise and knowledge. They make it very easy to have a special, efficient, memorable trip.
Read more reviews of Cherri and Katie. Or request your own trip.
Greece: cooking in a Paros monastery, hiking and sailing in Santorini, Acropolis with an expert
LAINE ORCUTT | OCTOBER 19, 2025
The group’s sunset cruise along the glowing Santorini cliffs was “pure magic.”
I was pretty anxious about our trip to Greece because we had a large group, 12 people! Ioanna, our Greece-based travel agent, was absolutely exceptional in managing all the different personalities, needs, and budgets. We went in shoulder season, September 26-October 4, 2025.
She suggested a wonderful itinerary: four nights in Paros, three nights in Santorini, and one night in Athens. One of the highlights of our trip was the incredible cooking class she arranged for us in Paros. It was held at a chef’s home inside a 600-year-old monastery with its own little church on the property. She grew her own produce, made her own wine and olive oil, and shared her passion for authentic Greek cuisine—a truly unforgettable experience.
We rented cars one day to explore Paros and loved discovering the island at our own pace. When it was time to move on, we took the ferry to Santorini. Ioanna had booked us in premium class, and despite all of the ferry horror stories we’d heard, our trip was smooth and effortless.
Upon arrival, we went straight to a wine tasting in a 400-year-old wine cellar at our hotel, Vedema. The property was stunning—the perfect contrast to the relaxed beachy vibe of our Paros hotel, Summer Senses. Vedema, tucked away in a charming Santorini village, had a cozy, boutique feel that we loved.
The next day, we tackled the 6.5-mile hike from Fira to Oia. It was challenging but absolutely worth it—the views were breathtaking! On our final evening in Santorini, we took a sunset cruise, and it was pure magic. Watching the cliffs and coastline glow in the evening light was the perfect ending to our time there.
Our last day in Greece was spent in Athens, where we toured the Acropolis with an incredibly knowledgeable guide who went above and beyond to help us navigate the city, our hotel, and dinner plans. Thankfully, Ioanna had organized all of our transfers—and with 12 people, that was no small feat! The private vans were comfortable and luxurious and made getting around effortless.
Overall, Ioanna made what could have been a stressful trip absolutely seamless. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and we felt so well taken care of. I can’t recommend her highly enough for anyone planning a trip to Greece!
Read more reviews of Maria. Or request your own trip.
Italy: Gallipoli, Puglia’s Trulli houses, personal experiences with textile and jewelry artists
CYNTHIA KOUNARIS AND LORRAINE TWOMLEY | OCTOBER 17, 2025
The travelers enjoyed lunch and jewelry-making with artists Isabella and Emilio, above. Photo: Traveler Cynthia Kounaris
Sept 20-Oct 3 2025. Puglia
We just came back from two weeks in Puglia. It was an amazing, unforgettable trip. Huge thanks to Valeria and her stellar team of guides, experts and drivers. Valeria was personable, professional, and very responsive. We were also very lucky to have perfect weather and relatively small crowds. I did not know much about the area before planning the trip with Valeria and she gave us some great ideas for places and experiences.
Some of our favorites: Gallipoli and the wonderful staff at the very lovely Palazzo Presta; our amazing leisurely lunch at Bepi’s masseria; the talented women at the Le Constantine textile factory (where we bought stunning handmade totes); and our delightful visit and lunch with Isabella of Radice Nomade, where we made our own necklaces (with plenty of help!) in their home/workshop. Also, we loved our two street food tours with our very knowledgeable guides (Andrea and Angela in Lecce and Giorgio in Bari)—everything was delicious! And we learned a lot!
Tips:
– We were originally suggested rooms in masserias outside of the historic centers. We much preferred staying in the center so that, after any tour or experience, we could come back to the hotel to relax or change and then easily walk to shops and restaurants. Our town center hotels were great!
– Maximize the experiences! They were the best part.
– One of the main drivers for coming to Puglia was to see the Trulli houses. Ironically, while we were glad to see them, Alberobello was a bit disappointing. Very crowded and “Disney.” We only spent about an hour there and that was enough.
– The planning and timing suggested by our planners was almost perfect. When looking at the schedule, we sometimes thought that there wasn’t enough time in this place or that place… but it turned out it was! The only tweaks we would make is we could have skipped Martina Franca and spent more time (to wander, shop) in Locorotondo (which was adorable!) and more time in Lecce. But, other than that, was pretty much perfect. We had enough scheduled tours, experiences and enough down time.
All in all, a great trip! Thanks to Wendy and the WOW team for excellent curation, as always.
Read more reviews of Antonello. Or request your own trip.
Kenya: four safari camps, knowledgeable guides, respect for wildlife and conservation practices
BARBARA WEINSTEIN | OCTOBER 16, 2025
The Weinstein family with their guide in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Photo: Traveler Andrew Weinstein
Kenya September 13-September 26, 2025
My husband Lew, our adult son Andrew and I recently returned from a fantastic two-week safari trip to Kenya. Our trip included stays at four safari camps, each with its own uniqueness but all united by excellent accommodations, delicious and plentiful meals, professional and kind camp staff, incredibly knowledgeable safari guides, and a respect for the amazing wildlife that surrounded them.
Our active planning began after we completed the questionnaire on the Wendy Perrin website and were connected with Cherri. After a consultation with Cherri, we started working with Katie on her team. Katie listened to us about our goals for our first trip to Africa and then proceeded to develop an exciting itinerary for us with her team.
Little did we know we would have the opportunity to test the value of having an excellent travel specialist before we even arrived in Kenya! Our son’s first flight from the United States was cancelled, which led to a cascading series of travel challenges. He was able to use the emergency contacts provided by Katie to rebook his flights (not once but twice) and made it to Nairobi, “only” 15 hours late. Although his luggage got left behind, it did arrive the next day and through great coordination with the team’s partners on the ground in Kenya (and regular updates to us), we were able to retrieve it from the local airstrip while out on our first day of game drives!
The rest of our trip was flawless and awe-inspiring. Our guides at each of the four camps were excellent sources of information not only about where to observe animals but also about their behaviors. Several of the guides provided great tips about how to frame a photograph and made sure to give our son (the family photographer) enough time to get the shots he wanted. We learned a lot about Kenyan culture from our guides, who were generous in answering our questions and who often spent weeks away from their families in order to work as guides. They showed immense pride in their work and a real concern for the wildlife we encountered and for local conservation practices.
One of the cultural highlights for us was a visit to a Maasai village during a stay in the Maasai Mara. Our guide suggested this excursion and we are so happy he did. Our host at the village was the chief’s son, but we met the chief and village elders. We met women in the village who were responsible for building the residences, mud huts with no electricity, and for creating many crafts. We were impressed to learn that the village had started a school, not only for its own children but for children in other villages in the area.
We had the privilege of visiting one of Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee sanctuaries in the Laikipia area. Her philosophy of treating these animals with respect and understanding was very evident during our tour. We think of how timely our visit was given her passing shortly after we returned home.
We are so grateful to Katie and their partners for creating an unforgettable family vacation for the 3 of us!
Read more reviews of Cherri and Katie. Or request your own trip.
Rome: squeezing an “unbelievable” number of sights and experiences in a short stay
LAINE ORCUTT | OCTOBER 15, 2025
Traveler Laine Orcutt and her husband, Ken, at the Basilica of Santa Maria.
We had an incredible 48 hours (Oct 2025) in Rome, and our trip planner, Jennifer, made every moment count. She managed to fit an unbelievable number of sights and experiences into our short stay.
As soon as we arrived at the airport, we were whisked away by a friendly driver to our hotel, the Villa Spalletti Trivelli (formerly a private residence that has been transformed into a luxurious and uniquely elegant boutique hotel). It was perfectly located right beside the presidential palace and steps from the Trevi Fountain.
After dropping off our luggage, we met our first guide, who took us on a golf cart tour of the city— the perfect way to see Rome while still recovering from jet lag. That evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at one of Jennifer’s restaurant recommendations.
The next morning, we started early with a private tour of the Colosseum. Our guide was exceptional—knowledgeable, engaging, and fluent in English—and he kindly offered to take plenty of photos for us along the way. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch at a popular local restaurant, Italian Osteria, that Jennifer somehow managed to book for us, before meeting the same guide again for an afternoon tour of the Vatican.
While we didn’t get an audience with the Pope, our guide shared fascinating details and stories about Vatican City that we never would have discovered on our own. That evening, we enjoyed one more delicious Italian meal of pasta and pizza before heading to the airport the next morning.
Throughout the trip, Jennifer kept in constant contact, sending detailed daily messages outlining our itinerary pickup times, what to bring, and even suggestions on what to wear. I truly can’t thank Jennifer enough for planning such a seamless, memorable, and beautifully organized Roman getaway.
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Scotland: hiking the Highlands, cooking with foraged ingredients paired with whiskey
JIM SCHLEIF | OCTOBER 15, 2025
Traveler Jim Schleif and friends enjoy the “week’s standout,” a cooking experience with a local food writer.
Rachael curated a trip that fluently blended our love of cooking, hiking, nature, history and whiskey. Here are a few highlights: Day one we were whisked away to the Highlands by our expert native guide, Mungo (at 73 years old he just retired as a mountain climbing guide), to a restored art-filled manor house followed by a catered organic champagne lunch in the hosts’ remote bothy (cabin) overlooking a wild 3,000-acre estate. With hearts set on hiking to visit the Old Man of Storr, Mungo cheerfully guided us all the way on our one bad weather day in driving rain, wind and fog (grateful for internet images). Etched in memory are the wildest Isle of Skye views and hike in the Black Cuillin Mountains along Loch Coruisk.
The week’s standout was a slow, full day Spice and Spirits Tour cooking experience with local and foraged ingredients and paired whiskeys with esteemed chef and food writer Ghillie Basan. Her friendship, stories as a former BBC journalist, and shared gifts of a lifelong fused global cooking background were one of life’s warmest highlights.
Read more reviews of Louise and Rachael. Or request your own trip.
Fiji and New Zealand: “best snorkeling of our lives” on Fiji, inspiring nature and scenic flyover in New Zealand
NANCY TAUBENSLAG | OCTOBER 14, 2025
Aoraki / Mount Cook at dusk framed by the hotel room window. Photo: Traveler Nancy Taubenslag
Trip to Fiji and New Zealand
Our 15-day trip to Fiji and New Zealand was an impressive amalgam, almost flawlessly assembled and executed by our planners Sarah and Sara. We wanted to visit both countries on the same visit, keeping the trip active but not hectic. Our team delivered on all fronts, so that our trip allowed us some of the best snorkeling of our lives in Fiji, then taking us to 3 locations in New Zealand where we could experience a range of inspiring vistas and nature. Though we covered long distances (both by air and with drivers), each day we were able to visit something wonderful, from deserted sand shoals to glaciers to waterfall-covered mountains to the Hobbiton and glowworm caves.
Our team worked with us—on video calls and subsequent email and calls—to craft a personalized trip with great food and interesting, non-stuffy hotels and lodges, as well as allowing us chances to snorkel and hike. In Fiji, the Royal Davui Resort encompasses the entire small island with stunning suites facing clear waters and sunsets. The healthy reef was accessible by a 5-minute walk from our suite, and we went on morning swims with zillions of fish and dozens of species. The resort’s supervised evening snorkel trips to see different fish and phosphorescent corals and trip to outer reefs were also standouts. The resort’s hospitality (and sung greetings) made it easy to make friends with staff and other guests. As our stay progressed, we were increasingly impressed with their attention to detail (our villa was incredibly well designed and built) and attentiveness to our requests, ranging from early access to our villa on check-in day, to assistance with snorkel gear, to food and drink preferences, and specific guidance regarding when and where to snorkel. A bullseye in every dimension, and a perfect start to our adventure!
We had a very different but equally rewarding time in New Zealand. As meticulously planned with the team, we visited Aoraki Mount Cook, Queenstown, and Rotorua, covering the long distances with interesting drivers describing the history and scenery, as well as giving us some insight about what it’s like to live in these different regions. Though the early spring weather was wet and very windy, we were able to experience most of our planned activities, including a scenic flyover flight in a small plane over Milford Sound (with a skilled pilot getting us very close to the mountains!), boat rides to icebergs and to fjords, hikes to vistas and waterfalls, and dark sky star gazing. It’s near impossible to pinpoint a favorite moment since every day held new and varied experiences. Two bird encounters stand out as experiences we would not have had anywhere else: 1. While riding a jetboat in Glenarchy (lots of spins and splashing!) the boat stopped to watch an inquisitive chirping kea checking us out 2. The Rotorua Kiwi hatchery guide regaled us with kiwi trivia and showed us newborn and young kiwis being nurtured and measured so they could be released into the wild to preserve the species. The staff at each place went out of their way for us—at Mount Cook we were helped to take advantage of a last-minute cancellation for a glacier boat trip. In Queenstown, the staff gave us a tip on an outstanding new restaurant, and at Solitaire Lodge in Rotorua, everyone from the kitchen to the front desk to the boat driver provided personal help and camaraderie.
The planners picked very different lodging for us in New Zealand, ranging from a large hotel near the Mount Cook attractions, to a well-positioned Victorian house in Queenstown, to a secluded lodge in Rotorua. They shared several things in common that we had stressed during our planning: amazing views from our bedrooms, warm and helpful staff, and delicious locally-sourced food. The Solitaire Lodge in Rotorua is a standout as one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve ever stayed at, with food and staff to make it a place I didn’t want to leave.
Thanks to our team for arranging the trip and staying on top of our progress throughout the trip. And thanks to Wendy Perrin for the referral.
Read more reviews of Sarah. Or request your own trip.
Switzerland: personalized learning about alphorns, Zermatt history, and particle physics research
ANGELA AND RICHARD NAPOLITANO | OCTOBER 14, 2025
The Napolitano family enjoy their view of the Matterhorn.
Switzerland, September 30-October 9
Angela & Richard Napolitano
Our planner Karolina was totally amazing. So responsive, and put together such special events for us. One was a personal tour of a shop that made Alphorns, in which we met some men who played the instruments, along with learning all about how they make it and what was the history of the instrument. Another tour was with a guide up to the top of Gornergrat Mountain and Cog Railway. The tour guide was so informative and had lived in Zermatt for many years, and had all of the history of the area. We stopped at this amazing lunch spot with a terrific view of the Matterhorn on a beautiful sunny day in the Alps. Our hotels were spectacular also!
Lastly Karolina researched and setup a trip to CERN—CERN stands for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (French: Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire), which it was named after. The organization is an international scientific body that operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, conducting research into the fundamental constituents of matter. My son loved the visit, and the tour was amazing through the facility.
We also LOVED the e-bike tour through Valle-Maggia region of Ascona, Switzerland! That tour guide was amazing.
Loved that we spent time in the Italian, Swiss, German, and French parts of Switzerland, which were all so different and distinct, yet all the same country.
We can’t wait to use your service again on yet another trip in the future!
Read more reviews of Nina. Or request your own trip.
France: a “low key” short trip still hits all the high notes, plus peace of mind in trying times
SALENA KERN | OCTOBER 13, 2025
Traveler Salena Kern in front of the iconic Parisian bookstore.
Paris, September 2025
I wondered if our trip was big enough, “important” enough, for a planner. We had four days in Paris before we got on a barge in Strasbourg, a trip we inherited when a friend fell ill. First, I had to decide that those four days were important to me, and so I contacted Jennifer through the Wendy Perrin website. We talked about my concerns at length and she assured me that she could guide me through this and no trip was insignificant to her. I had no idea of where to stay, and we discussed the pros and cons of each arrondissement and settled on the Left Bank. I was thrilled with our ultimate choice of hotel, the Bel Ami.
Our goal was to keep the trip low-key. Jennifer arranged two walking tours for us, one just an exploration of the neighborhood for just after we arrived. Her team suggested restaurants (we didn’t want anything fancy). And we had a WOW Moment that was the highlight of our short stay, at the Cheese Museum.
We traveled at a precarious time for the world, strikes, shut-downs, you name it. I was so relieved feeling that we had back-up should anything go awry. That’s a priceless feeling.
And tonight, we talk to another trip planner for a trip we hope to take in 2026. I really appreciate knowing Wendy and her team have so thoroughly vetted the people on the WOW List.
Read more reviews of Jennifer. Or request your own trip.
Venice and Slovenia: skipping the crowds to find the Venetian magic, hiking and foraging paths less traveled in the Julian Alps
DIANE BOAS | OCTOBER 13, 2025
Luisa, Claudia, and their team planned a 2-week trip to the Veneto (including Venice) and Slovenia for my husband and I. Countless people had advised us that Venice has been ruined by mobs of tourists, but Luisa recommended hotels, restaurants, and artisan-owned shops in quieter corners of the city. We quickly discovered that the tourists are not in the museums or the churches, and that with guidance from a good planner, Venice is as magical as ever.
Next with Asolo as our base, we explored Marostica, Bassano del Grappa, and other small towns in the foothills of the Dolomites. It rained for several days so instead of walking as planned, our knowledgeable and very enthusiastic driver showed us some of the areas’ classical and modernist architectural masterpieces, including the Brion Tomb designed by Carlo Scarpa, the “Tempio Canoviano” and the Villa Maser by Palladio.
The Julian Alps in Slovenia provided us with a range of experiences from peaceful strolls around Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled to more challenging hikes near Kobarid. A highlight of our time was collecting mushrooms and herbs with a local foraging and culinary expert. After we’d filled his basket, he invited us back to his family’s cabin in the woods and prepared a frittata using all of the ingredients we had gathered. We polished off the meal with a few “cleansing” sips of žganje, the national schnapps.
The small hotels, the cuisine and the people were all fantastic. On most of our walks we hardly encountered anyone, much less tourists. I have been hesitant to write about this trip as I think Slovenia is still a bit of a secret. So please don’t go—but if you must—contact Claudia.
Read more reviews of Claudia. Or request your own trip.
Aitutaki and Australia: swimming with whales, wildlife encounters on Kangaroo Island
LORI SIEGEL | OCTOBER 11, 2025
Traveler Lori Siegel’s travel companion with a young kangaroo. Photo: Lori Siegel
Kleon did a great job planning our trip to Aitutaki Cook Islands and Australia. Swimming with whales was a dream of mine. Kleon suggested Aitutaki and it was the perfect choice! No crowds and easy swimming with whales. I swam with whales 6 times in 2 days and it was an amazing experience.
On to Australia for 3 weeks where we spent time at Lord Howe Island at Capella Lodge. Both the island and the lodge were unique experiences that few Americans take the time to enjoy. Next stop was 10 days in Sydney. Such a wonderful city. We ended the trip at Southern Ocean Lodge in Kangaroo Island for an A+ experience. Kleon was a delight to work with!
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Croatia and Slovenia: visiting oyster farm for lunch, making gnocchi, discovering Kobarid village
PATRICIA MONTAPERTO AND MICHAEL KISKIEL | OCTOBER 10, 2025
Lunch at an oyster farm was a trip highlight. Photo: Traveler Patricia Montaperto
September 18-October 7, 2025
My husband and I had an excellent trip to Croatia and Slovenia arranged through Ala and her team. Every detail went smoothly from hotel check-ins to meeting guides and transfers from one location to another. We loved the hotels with within walking distance of towns in Dubrovnik, Split, Rovinj and Ljubljana. The accommodations were luxurious—spacious with added amenities such as private balconies, one including a plunge pool. We particularly enjoyed the experiences—the visit to the oyster farm with lunch was a highlight. Even though we didn’t find any truffles on our truffle hunt, we learned a lot and enjoyed a terrific lunch. We enjoyed the cooking class—learned how to make gnocchi!
I would never have known about Kobarid or the Nebesa Chalets—truly a remarkable experience—the most beautiful scenery of the trip.
Our local contact person Natasa was great—she was responsive to change our trip to Bled by delaying for 2 hours due to the rain—and this was on the weekend. Thanks so much for taking care of us.
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Greece: well-guided through ancient history and contemporary olive oil in Peloponnese
BILL BASS | OCTOBER 8, 2025
Historian Ilias (right) was well-appreciated as a guide. Photo: Traveler Bill Bass
Mina and team planned a six-day visit in late September 2025 to southern Peloponnese for me following a business trip to Athens. Because I have traveled to Greece several times I asked to stay off the beaten path. And because the business trip was tentative until a month before the trip, Mina’s team worked on short notice.
Mina’s team suggested Peloponnese, a peninsula southwest of Athens and home to Sparta, Athens’ ancient rival. They recommended three nights in Monemvasia, two nights in Nafplio, and the final night back in Athens before catching my plane back to the US. This was a well-designed itinerary with an optimum mix of travel time and down time and didn’t require any airplanes or ferries.
The hotels were excellent, particularly the Kinsterna Hotel in Monemvasia, which had some of the most delightful staff I have encountered in Greece. Mina’s team booked excursions each day (olive oil tasting, wine tasting, visits to ancient sites, visits to small villages). The guides and drivers were uniformly excellent. The olive oil tasting at the Liotrivi family estate was particularly fun and informative. They take their olives seriously in Peloponnese!
While there were some hiccups in the pre-trip logistics (no doubt caused by my short notice of the trip), they were speedily resolved and the logistics during the trip went off without a hitch.
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Ireland: monastery visit, private sheepdog demonstration, whiskey tasting with pub proprietor
DAREN TOBERT | OCTOBER 7, 2025
Traveler Daren Tobert and his companions enjoyed whiskey and far more at O’Loclainn’s.
Sue and Daren Tobert and Anna and Bruce Steingart here. We traveled the Wild Atlantic Way along the west coast of Ireland for 8 days in late August. We began planning our trip in November 2024 with the assistance of Louise. Our only request was to fit in a game of golf at Dooks Golf Course in County Kerry.
Our guide and driver for the trip was the fabulous Kate. She met our every need and was a wealth of history and knowledge. We were met with reasonable weather, intermittent sun, clouds, and a bit of rain, but we had come prepared for the climate. Some trip highlights included a visit to the Clonmacnoise monastery, a private sheepdog demonstration with Tom the farmer, a blustery trip to the Aran islands, a relaxing boat ride past medieval castles with Dux, and a Ring of Kerry beach foraging experience with local fisherman and storyteller, John. Our WOW came through in our whiskey tasting with Mary, the proprietor of O’Loclainn’s pub in Ballyvaughn. She immersed us in stories, flavors, history, and Irish culture!
Read more reviews of Louise and Rachael. Or request your own trip.
Croatia: solo traveler appreciates history, culture, nature, and “exceptional” guides’ enthusiasm
BILL BARTHOLOMAY | OCTOBER 6, 2025
Traveler Bill Bartholomay (right) hikes in Plitvice Lakes National Park with his guide, Mario.
For a solo traveler, the itinerary crafted by Claudia offered a perfect blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. My exceptional guides stood out for their expertise and enthusiasm, making every moment engaging as we explored Croatia’s rich history and diverse cultural influences, including Roman, Greek, Italian, and Turkish elements. The mark these civilizations left on Croatian architecture, cuisine, and traditions remains present today.
Of note is the continuing influence the 1990 war still has upon Croatians’ daily lives. While Croatia enjoys peace and warmly welcomes tourists today, the importance of preserving their cultural heritage and fostering reconciliation among generations was a universal theme throughout my travels.
Walking the walls of Dubrovnik’s old town, e-biking through harvested lavender fields, hiking in breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, strolling through Split’s historical center, and truffle hunting near Rovinj provided many experiences aligned with my interests. Additionally, the free time built into the itinerary by Claudia allowed me sufficient time to pursue other activities and interests, including sampling considerable quantities of simple but fresh cuisine paired with Rakija, Croatia’s ubiquitous fruit-based brandy, swimming in the Adriatic, and attending a “highly spirited” football match between Split and Zagreb.
Traveling through Croatia provided lasting memories. From the warmth and hospitality of its people to the stunning landscapes, diverse architecture, and tasty cuisine, each day afforded an opportunity to explore and appreciate Croatia’s uniqueness. While it was difficult to leave Croatia, the sting of departure was tempered by the fact that I was headed to northern Italy to join my wife, Cathy, and continue the adventure.
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Austria, Slovakia, and Germany: private tour of the Spanish Riding School stables, guided shopping in Vienna, “well-paced” excursions
JEANNIE MULLEN | OCTOBER 2, 2025
Austria’s cemeteries are a stunning homage to its ancestors. Photo: Traveler Jeannie Mullen
Austria/Slovakia Sept 9-21, 2025… Gwen and Adrijana helped me turn a recent trip to see friends in Vienna into a wonderful, well-paced, 12-day trip through much of Austria and its neighboring countries. I had been to Vienna briefly on a river cruise stopover years ago but had never really spent enough time there to appreciate all that that gorgeous city has to offer. Gwen arranged six nights in Vienna touring the city with a wonderful Viennese guide named Peter who, along with his wife Elizabeth, ended up hosting me in their home for delightful dinner one evening (a WOW experience like no other). A historical walking tour, a performance at the Spanish Riding School as well as a private stable tour afterwards, an evening concert in nearby St Anne’s Church, a food tour and my first-ever guided shopping tour (it was so much fun … it will NOT be my last!), were among many of the highlights.
Before leaving Vienna I took a memorable day trip across the border to the old town in Bratislava, Slovakia. I left Vienna by train on day 6, headed for five nights in Salzburg. In addition to touring the Old Town, the mighty fortress, palaces, and gardens of that lovely riverside city, I took 1) a day trip to Berchtesgaden, Germany to visit Obersalzberg, the compound used by Hitler and company during WWII, and 2) a day trip to the very scenic lakeside village of Hallstatt and the Austrian Lakes.
All in all, the trip was well-balanced in terms of pace and activities, and was impeccably planned down to the smallest detail. Thank you Gwen and Andrijana for such a wonderful experience.
Read more reviews of Gwen. Or request your own trip.
Portugal: fascinating tours and storytelling, cooking class, beautiful Cascais coastline
KEITH AND PEGGY COOLEY | OCTOBER 1, 2025
Travelers Keith and Peggy Cooley on a walking tour of Porto.
Historic Portugal, September 20-28. The trip included 3 days in Porto, 3 days in Lisbon and two days traveling between the two cities visiting towns along the way. The story of the kings and queens who ruled through Portugal’s rise and eventual decline, their assassination, a fascist regime, to the current thriving democracy is a fascinating story that is best told by visiting the historical buildings and monuments, seeing the architecture and art while hearing the story told by some of the best tour guides in the world. The heart of the trip was the personal guided tours of Porto and Lisbon. The half-day walking tours of Porto and Lisbon were informative and presented with both engaging detail and wit. Our Lisbon guide also took us to Sintra to see the royal palace and the beautiful coastline and resort of Cascais.
We are a retired couple who remain physically active. Porto and Lisbon are hilly cities, and the walking tours are strenuous. But having our own guide allowed us to control the pace. The tour planner was easy to work with and tried to accommodate all our requests, such as a cooking class.
This trip was arranged by WOW List candidates. Here’s what that means.
Mexico: a transformative and healing week at SHA Wellness Mexico in Cancun
RENEE TILLERY | SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Sunset following a storm brought dramatic hues over the shore (and pool). Photo: Traveler Renee Tillery
I contacted Wendy for help finding someone knowledgeable about wellness and spa retreats. After a particularly stressful period, I wanted a vacation that was healing—both medically and spiritually. Researching online led me to spas that seemed to lean in one of those directions, but not both. What I really needed was something transformative, and Dani was exactly the right person to help me find just that. She listened to my thoughts and used her own experience as a spa goer to help shortlist three options. Dani also got pricing and information on activities at each to help me decide. She even arranged a call with a doctor, which gave me confidence there was flexibility to work around treatments that would not be right for me.
Dani was quick to respond to my questions and when there was a miscommunication in planning my schedule of treatments. My week at SHA Wellness Mexico was the perfect healing experience, and it was not something I would have chosen on my own. Additionally, the pricing she got was a better value than what was available online. SHA was amazing—the staff, service, food, and rooms were all outstanding, as was the location on Cancun’s shores with phenomenal colors at sunrise and sunset. I highly recommend planning a trip with Dani and SHA Mexico.
Read more reviews of Jay and Dani. Or request your own trip.
Japan: “participation activities” a multigenerational win—bonsai, samurai, and swordsmithing
KAY REIBOLDT | SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
A trip highlight: designing swords with a swordsmith. Photo: Traveler Kay Reiboldt
My husband and I told our grandchildren that when they reached 13, they could select a place to visit. Our grandson Porter selected Japan. We decided since it was so very far away, we should take his father with us, so off we went.
I can’t think of a time when a good travel planner was more appreciated, in that Japan is not only so far away, but the language barrier was significant.
The trip surpassed all of our expectations!!! Andrea’s pre-planning combined with on the ground support and our guides made the trip exceptional. They did a great job of ushering us around, and then making changes when we asked for them.
We were only there for 9 days so the schedule was jam packed with all kinds for tours, restaurant reservations, and participation activities. We all loved the Bonsai Experience, the Baseball Game, the Ozawa Sake Brewery Tour in Toyko. The experience at the Ryokan in Kanazawa was all new to us! Learning all about how to be a Samurai was very exciting, but the Soy Sauce tour was very interesting as we all like soy sauce. But the final experience with swordsmithing was truly something we never expected and learned so much—designing and making our very own swords.
Believe it or not, I have left out many experiences, but too numerous to list. Could not have done this without expert planning and good boots on the ground!
Thank you Wendy for the great recommendation of Andrea and his team.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Italy: Bologna cooking class, private peek at a Venice Clock Tower, tastings on tour in Parma
ANNE CAYWOOD | SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Traveler Anne Caywood enjoyed a home-based cooking class in Bologna.
My family and I left a little of our hearts in Italy following the wonderful trip that Maria arranged for us to Ravenna, Venice, Bologna and Parma. All the arrangements, from drivers, transfers, hotels, tours and guides to restaurants went off without a hitch. We made a few changes en route, having to do with restaurants, but only because our eyes were bigger than our stomachs when it came to planning. A cardinal rule of travel is to be flexible.
Ravenna, Bologna, and Parma were unexpected delights. In Ravenna, we dipped our toes in the Adriatic Sea and ate anchovies on toasted brioche with salted butter at a charming seaside restaurant. We followed that with a fascinating tour of this sometimes-overlooked city, which is a treasure dating back to the First Century BCE and boasts the beautiful Byzantine Basilica di San Vitale with its stunning mosaics, not to mention Dante’s tomb.
The beauty of Venice is awe-inspiring. We arrived in the early evening, just as the sun was starting to go down on the fabulous palaces along the Grand Canal, and were spirited to our hotel, a former home to several Doges. For the next few days, we wandered the streets and bridges over the canals as well as being expertly guided to the Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. Spending a little time in St. Mark’s Square people watching is a must. I will never forget the man who danced joyfully in the Square with his dachshund in his arms!
Bologna, home to the oldest university in Europe, is vibrant and delightful, with some of the finest food Italy has to offer and that’s saying a lot.
Parma is home to the annual Verdi festival, which we just missed. It takes place from late September to mid-October.
Both of our hotels, in Venice and Bologna, were well located and comfortably appointed with helpful concierges.
Features of our trip—like a private tour of the Clock Tower in St. Mark’s Square in Venice, a Veneto Vineyard tour and lunch, a cooking class in the home of the incomparable Cristina and her assistant (also Cristina) in Bologna, learning how Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Balsamic Vinegar are made (and tasting each) and the backstage Teatro Reggio tour in Parma made the trip extra special.
I think it can all be summed up by the look on my daughter’s face during the water taxi ride on arrival in Venice. It was her first visit to this enchanting city and, although I wasn’t fast enough to take a photo, I will never forget her enthralled amazement as we floated along the Grand Canal and she didn’t know which way to turn, trying to see as much as she could.
Besides logistics, it takes a lot of planning to accommodate everyone’s interests on a trip like this. We love good food, beautiful art, history, music and nature. That’s a tall order. Getting to travel with your family is special and all I can say is “Brava” to Maria and her team for making our trip such a joy.
Read more reviews of Maria and Brian. Or request your own trip.
Switzerland: cable car to remote dining, lake hike with regal beasts, hands-on watchmaking
SHARON KORNHAUS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
Traveler Sharon Kornhaus and her family with their St. Bernard friends on a lakeview hike.
My husband, Mark, and my college age children and I just got back from Switzerland. We had 12 remarkable days in the French and German regions of this beautiful alpine country. We began our trip in Geneva touring Protestant churches, lakes, and villages and participating in a private cooking lesson with a chef. Our culinary efforts produced a wonderful lunch with local ingredients. Nina’s company listened to our requests to avoid the August vacation crowds around Grindelwald and routed us through the quiet alpine villages of Bettmeralp and Andermatt on our way to Zurich. Our guides took us to small dairy farms to learn about cheese production, secured cable car rides to remote mountain top restaurants, drove us via four-wheel drive to WWII military sites, and took us up close to a windmill installation. A highlight for me was hiking with two St. Bernards to a beautiful overlook of Lake Lucerne.
The last days of our trip were in and around Zurich. We learned about traditional alpine music, toured museums, had a private tour and tasting from a Swiss chocolate company, and visited a watch maker’s shop to try our hands at watch construction. On our last night in Zurich, the team helped my kids obtain tickets to a pop concert while Mark and I enjoyed dinner at a vineyard.
Communication was key to our successful trip. We told our planners about our love of science and engineering, requested time in nature and urban settings, and asked for culinary and cultural insights, and they delivered with some amazing, personal experiences on our trip to Switzerland.
Read more reviews of Nina. Or request your own trip.
Ireland: sheepdogs and guided cycling, hiking cliffs and countryside with poets and historians
BARBARA AND DAVID KATZ | SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
Travelers David and Barbara Katz during a “spectacular” drive around the Dingle peninsula.
We’re just back from a wonderful two-week trip to Ireland, land of raincoats and sunglasses (frequently at the same time), pounding surf below steep cliffs, green fields, sheep and their canine herders, and rainbows—expertly planned by Liz. Outside the cities, we wanted a self-driving, mainly independent trip—which is generally how we like to travel, especially in Europe—with some guided experiences along the way. Liz paid close attention to our interests in easy hiking and cycling, natural landscapes, animals, cultural experiences, and interactions with locals.
Highlights included a private sheep dog demonstration on a mountain farm high above beautiful Killary Fjord in County Galway, where we were greeted with a rainbow arching over the valley below and enjoyed extended conversation—including tea and cookies—with Tom, whose family has been in the business of raising sheep for generations; a delightful, occasionally wet hike across The Burren with Pius, who knew everything about the geology, botany, history and culture of the area—and recited relevant verses of poetry as we walked; views of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher; ducking in and out of music-filled pubs in charming Dingle, and a spectacular drive around the Dingle peninsula; guided cycling away from traffic in Killarney National Park; a drive with Pat around the beautiful Ring of Kerry; a couple of evenings relaxing in charming Killarney town; and a walking tour of lovely Dublin with an enthusiastic historian who provided a rich picture of the history of the city and the Irish Republic.
Accommodations were all lovely, comfortable and roomy with beautiful views, and Liz provided lots of information on interesting stops to make along the way and great local restaurants and pubs for lunches and dinners. Travel info also included direct links to driving routes—and while some of the narrow, winding, shoulderless Irish roads with stone walls on either side were a bit challenging, we got to see beautiful countryside all along the way at our own pace.
Liz was extremely responsive throughout—from initial planning, to finalizing the itinerary, and even as we were traveling and making a couple of last-minute, weather-related adjustments to plans. All in all, a delightful experience, and we would highly recommend Liz to plan an adventure in beautiful Ireland.
Read more reviews of Louise and Rachael. Or request your own trip.
Turkey: “otherworldly” ballooning over Cappadocia, Istanbul’s beauty viewed from Bosphorous
PATTY ARMACOST | SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
Traveler Patty Armacost joined a local family in their kitchen for a cooking lesson.
If we were limited to just a few words they would be, “Amazing, thanks!”
Our group of 4 recently traveled to Istanbul and Cappadocia with Earl. Two of us made a similar trip 15 years ago with Earl, and we are happy to see that Earl’s reputation for fantastic guides continues. Their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm made for one of our best trips in 35 years of travel.
With our guide Riza we spent 5 lovely days in Istanbul, taking in the amazing sites and vibrancy of the city. Riza was flexible with the itinerary, avoiding the crowds but ensuring we didn’t miss anything. It’s hard to pick a favorite experience, but the day spent on the Bosphorus and taking in the city from the water was a highlight.
Pictures do not capture the otherworldliness that is Cappadocia. Our guide Basri, who has lived in the area his entire life, gave us an insider’s view. We were lucky that the weather cooperated for a balloon ride—what a spectacle! Another standout experience was a day spent cooking with a local family. They graciously welcomed us into their home and we learned to make manti—Turkish ravioli!
We would also like to recognize the often-unsung heroes of travel, our drivers Demir and Abdoullah. Always where we needed them, when we needed them, totally professional and unflappable.
Turkey is a magical place, so steeped in history, and we can’t wait to return!
Read more reviews of Earl. Or request your own trip.
Scotland: whisky and the world’s best chocolate truffles, a falcon for your forearm
ADAM AMSTERDAM | SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
Traveler Adam Amsterdam befriends a falcon at The Gleneagles Falconry School.
This was our third trip to Scotland in 12 months, all expertly planned for us by Katie. The main driver of this visit was to help our son move into his flat in Fountainbridge as he just started his post-graduate studies at University of Edinburgh. We again stayed at 100 Princes Street. It truly is our home away from home in Scotland. My earlier reviews give the glowing details about this property and this visit was no exception. Katie arranged a guided tour of the National Portrait Gallery with our favorite Scottish guide, Jill. She is so knowledgeable about so much. Time with her always seem to fly by.
After helping our son settle in we were picked up by our driver and guide, Andie, for five days of exploring the Highlands. The Highlands are spectacular and Andie was delightful. We visited lochs, castles, pubs, villages of historical significance, and local artisan shops and galleries. Andie recommended we visit a chocolate shop in Perthshire that won the Best Chocolate Truffle in the World! We never expected to find award-winning chocolate in the Scottish Highlands but it really was amazing. We also did a great whisky tasting experience at the Oban Distillery.
At Katie’s urging we spent the last two nights of our trip at Gleneagles. Since we aren’t golfers we wondered what we would do at this world-famous property known for its three golf courses. Katie did not steer us wrong! The service is second to none. One morning we did falconry, which I highly recommend! There’s a wonderful spa as well as several restaurants, bars, and shops all on the property. The grounds are beautiful for strolling as well.
We’re very happy that we’ll be taking more trips to Scotland over the next year to visit our son in Edinburgh.
This trip was arranged by WOW List candidates. Here’s what that means.
Africa: test your spice savvy in a Zanzibar market, watch wildebeest with “cold feet” grow brave
MICHAEL MODAK | SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
Traveler Michael Modak spotted a leopard on his last game drive in Maasai Mara. Photo: Michael Modak.
Just back from East Africa (Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya)
My wife and I love being on safari. I have no doubt we would do this annually if there were not so many more things to see and do. And there is no better arranger of a safari itinerary than Julian. We first worked with Julian a few years ago on a month-long itinerary in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Julian did such a great job on working through all the details on that trip that it was an easy decision to have him work out this most recent trip. Having worked with him in the past he had a good sense of our preferences regarding accommodations and activities. He quickly assembled a number of options for camps in Kenya and Tanzania that suited our desires.
We started in Zanzibar as a place to overcome jet lag and visited historical Stone Town and Freddie Mercury’s home. The exhibits at the former slave market were a poignant reminder of a horrific time in world history. A visit to the Jambo Spice Farm was a good way to test our ability to match the smell with the spice. We did not do so well.
Our safari experience took us to Ngorongoro Crater, to southern and northern Serengeti, and 2 camps in Maasai Mara. The game drives were terrific with the variety and quantity probably the most in all of our travels to the area. Especially notable were the number of lions and young cubs in a number of the parks. On one day, we spent the better part of the morning following 3 cheetahs looking for a meal. They had several chances to go after impalas and gazelles but, for some reason, did not go for it. But the major highlight was a massive wildebeest crossing of the Masa River. It was fascinating to watch the wildebeests head to the water like they were going to cross, only to get cold feet time after time. After a few hours of this, a few brave wildebeests took the plunge and thousands followed. This was a once in a lifetime experience.
Each of the lodges that Julian recommended had wonderful accommodations, food that was awesome, and skilled drivers who were skilled at getting close to animals and birds without scaring them off.
We can’t wait to go back!
Read more reviews of Julian. Or request your own trip.
The Faroe Islands: a confirmed “city girl” is won over by fascinating landscapes, hiking, boating
ANN MILLER | SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
Traveler Ann Miller appreciated an itinerary that was equal parts culture and outdoor adventures.
Our trip to the Faroe Islands was an amazing experience. Thanks to Mads for thoughtful planning and our Faroe guides. Mads and his team listened to our opinions and specific “wants” and was able to incorporate them into an itinerary that made sense for us: equal parts outdoor hiking/boating adventures, photography, some culture and ideas for food. In the end, we even got to see the Yarn Rock—totally worth it!
The local Faroes guides were just terrific; friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic about their way of life. Mikjjal was excellent while sharing his insights into local culture, art and history. And he got our sense of humor! A big win. He pivoted nicely when we changed our plans and went the extra mile to offer photography location/suggestions as well as some other off-the-beaten-path ideas for a totally immersive and cultural experience. Did you know that the Faroes have the only roundabout in a tunnel!?
Overall, from Travel Partner #1: “As a confirmed and dyed-in-the-wool city girl and not particularly nature-friendly, I loved every minute of the Faroes experience, from the fascinating landscape to the hiking. OK, even the sheep and puffins! It’s my first time with the WP group and I was impressed; would do another trip, no question.” From Travel Partner #2: More of the adventurer, this trip offered it all. This was my second trip with the WP group and will not be my last.
Read more reviews of Mads. Or request your own trip.
Greece: private Acropolis tour, guided by an archaeologist in Santorini, hands-on pottery session
JONATHAN SCHARFSTEIN | SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
Traveler Jonathan Scharfstein receives private instruction from a master potter.
We just returned from a fantastic trip to Greece organized by Jacoline. From start to finish, Jacoline was an outstanding travel planner. Starting with her initial interview, she got to know what we were interested in, and planned a fantastic trip full of all kinds of unique and special moments. All of the guides she arranged were fantastic.
We spent two nights in Athens and then three nights each on the islands of Sifnos, Naxos, and Santorini. Jacoline was incredibly helpful in guiding us on which islands to visit, organizing a trip to three islands each offering very different landscapes and experiences.
There were so many highlights to this trip, including a private guided tour of the Acropolis, a fantastic private rib boat ride on the Aegean from Sifnos with a visit to an uninhabited island (except for goats), a fantastic private farm cooking experience in Naxos, a private tour with an archaeologist in Santorini, and a private hands-on pottery workshop with a master potter, Andreas. In between sips of wine and Raki, Andreas guided us in making multiple pieces of pottery that he will decorate with the design that we chose, glaze, and finish in his kiln before shipping to us.
In addition to all these experiences, we had a WOW Moment on this trip in Naxos! This was a fantastic private tour of a family-owned olive farm with a delicious olive oil tasting and meal in an olive garden, while being serenaded by a highly accomplished family guitarist.
Jacoline was assisted on this trip by Evan, who managed many of the travel details. Evan was in frequent communication with us leading up to the trip as well as while we were in Greece helping arrange all the little details that go into trip planning. It was great to know that he was managing all the logistics.
Jacoline seemed to be always in the background following our trip and was very helpful in re-organizing the timing of some activities early in the trip—some because of a taxi strike and others because of a slight illness. This kind of backup guidance is invaluable when unexpected issues come up.
To top it all off, the day after we returned, we received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Jacoline and Evan welcoming us home, helping to ease the transition back to “the real world.“
Read more reviews of Jacoline. Or request your own trip.
Japan: one week, three cities, several “unusual experiences”
TRACY SOLOMON | SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Traveler Tracy Solomon enjoyed an intimate shamisen performance by a former Maiko. Photo: Glen Graves
We recently traveled to Japan, for one week. The trip was planned by Andrea and his team. They did a great job! We only had a week available, and it was in September. We went to three cities—Tokyo, Kanazawa and Kyoto. They made all transportation/transfer arrangements, which was incredibly helpful and went smoothly. The guides they set us up with were fabulous. We had several unusual experiences—from tying Bonsai to the method of ceramics repairing with gold (called Kintsugi). Each experience was worthwhile.
We chose the date range, due to other scheduling challenges—it was very hot, which Andrea mentioned it could be, so if you have flexibility, go later! Probably the most unusual was experience was our WOW Moment with a lovely woman playing a musical instrument on a small boat on the river in Kyoto. The boat was run by a man who poled us along, so very peaceful. The young woman used to be a Meiko (a Geisha in training) and it was a treat to talk with her.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Hawaii: “Each day was like opening a gift, with just enough down time to make it relaxing…”
BEVERLY AND MICHAEL MASON | SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
Travelers Beverly and Michael Mason take in the view along the Road to Hana.
Each day of our two-week trip to Hawaii, we found ourselves saying, “Wow, once again Dani and Jen have outdone themselves.” Every adventure was perfectly timed with just the right guide. Our restaurant experiences were fabulous, always with the best table/views. The selection of hotels on each island was just as we’d dreamed—and the room upgrades were a beautiful surprise at each. We couldn’t have asked for a better time, with every detail attended to plus excellent communication along the way. (E.g., Jen noticed an interisland flight had been changed to later in the day, and rebooked us on an earlier one to make the most of our one day at Volcanoes NP). Each day of our two-week trip to Oahu (3), Maui (5), and the Big island (6) was like opening a gift, with just enough down time in each location to make it relaxing as well. We are so grateful to Dani and Jen for their guidance, care, and helping us make memories for a lifetime!
We highly recommend their team. The AXUS app was a plus and all adventures were well described and went off seamlessly. PS, since our first phone call, we have been recommending Dani and Jen and Wendy Perrin’s WOW List to all our friends. So glad I read one of the articles about you in the New York Times!
Read more reviews of Jay and Dani. Or request your own trip.
Sicily: Mt. Etna with a volcanologist, pasta-making with a chef, olive groves and goats at a family farm
BETTY CHANG | SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
Water vapor dissipates from the crater of Mt. Etna at sunrise. Photo: Traveler Betty Chang
SICILY, September 2025
In planning a family trip, we started with a general interest in the culture, history, landscape and food of Sicily. We turned to Wendy Perrin’s WOW List to find someone with deep local expertise to help us make the most of our time together.
Matteo took our fledgling ideas and fashioned them into a wonderful itinerary of memorable experiences—including hiking Mt. Etna with an experienced volcanologist who works at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology tracking eruptions and earthquakes; shopping the food market in Ortigia with an Italian cooking instructor, meeting her favorite vendors before cooking fresh pasta at her food lab; and sampling olive oil and goat cheeses at a family farm amongst the olive groves and goat herd.
Matteo’s team of guides and drivers provided us with access to places and information we could not have experienced on our own. He was there behind the scenes looking out for us, monitoring our trip and stepping in to troubleshoot along the way. When we left a camera behind, his team helped us to get it back. When we ran into a road block on a single lane road up to Erice, he found a work-around with a spectacular tram ride up the mountain. We appreciated his willingness to be flexible when we made adjustments on the go.
Thanks to Wendy and Matteo, we enjoyed a delightful and spectacular WOW Moment—a surprise outdoor dinner at sunset, overlooking the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. We had a detailed planning conversation before setting the itinerary, and as a result, each of Matteo’s recommendations—hotel, experiences, sites, and pacing—turned out to be spot on for our travel group. Thank you Matteo and team for so enriching our trip; we will long enjoy the happy memories of Sicily!
Read more reviews of Marcello and Matteo. Or request your own trip.
Southeast Asia: Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong “reshaped our view of what a scuba diving trip could be…”
JOANNE STARK AND LAIRD BROADFIELD | SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
Travelers Laird Broadfield and Joanne Stark diving with whale sharks in Indonesia.
Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong (July 25 – August 20 2025)
We first worked with Andrea earlier this year after finding him through Wendy Perrin. We had a fantastic trip to Southeast Asia, and asked Andrea to help us with a new trip just two weeks after we returned home. Our first trip to Bali, Thailand, Singapore, and lastly Raja Ampat for Scuba diving exceeded our expectations. Andrea listened to our needs and created an itinerary that we loved. Our private guides were so knowledgeable and friendly; the accommodations and food delightful. But the luxury liveaboard scuba diving boat Andrea introduced us to, ScubasSpa Zen, reshaped our view of what a scuba diving trip could be.
Our latest trip was mainly focused on Scuba diving. We stayed at a couple of resorts on Sulawesi, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Then we went back to Scubaspa Zen for an amazing trip to Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia where we were able to dive with whale sharks, a rare and incredibly special experience.
We needed to fly to Nabire, West Papua New Guinea, to get to the boat. We knew we were flying to an extremely remote area; what we didn’t know was how much we would appreciate the airport “handler” service arranged by Andrea. The air travel options were extremely limited, so we were nervous when our connection dwindled from 90 to 30 minutes. When our plane landed, we were greeted and raced to the head of security, making our connecting flight but with not much time to spare. Although we are good travelers, we are not sure we would have been able to navigate through the airport to our flight in time. We had a similar experience on our return, though this time we were with four of our fellow scuba divers. Every one of them asked for Andrea’s contact information after seeing how we were escorted through the airports—again, with very little time, and with very few announcements in English.
We spent our last few days in Hong Kong joined by Laird’s mother, and where we celebrated a milestone birthday for her.
Andrea created an itinerary that was interesting for all of us, again with superlative guides and drivers. We can’t thank him and his team enough for all they did, resulting in a trip of a lifetime. Having the WhatsApp group to communicate with, having the airport handlers get us to our planes, and having every detail exactly as we hoped is why we will continue to book our travel with Andrea, and would recommend him highly to anyone wanting a superlative Southeast Asia travel experience.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Iceland: “the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation” exploring a glacier, ice cave, volcano
DEBRA HYMAN | SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
Traveler Debra Hyman and her family counted glacier snowmobiling among their “incredible experiences.”
Iceland: August 24-31
My family and I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Iceland, and it exceeded every expectation. Mads’ guidance and recommendations were invaluable, and he helped us create a bucket list itinerary that was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for myself, my husband, our 17-year-old daughter, and our 14-year-old son.
We began at the Sky Lagoon and ended at the Blue Lagoon, with incredible experiences in between: snowmobiling on a glacier, exploring and climbing through the Katla Ice Cave, ATVing on a black sand beach, and hiking to Þríhnúkagígur to explore the inside of the volcano. All of our tour guides were knowledgeable and engaging.
Over the course of the week, we stayed at three amazing hotels: The EDITION in Reykjavík, Torfhús Retreat (where we had our own private geothermal bath!), and Hotel Búðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. While we spent a lot of time in the car traveling to each destination, Mads provided thoughtful stop recommendations (waterfalls, national parks, etc.) that broke up the drives and let us experience the beautiful country.
It was truly a trip we will never forget.
Read more reviews of Mads. Or request your own trip.
Israel: “Joe found activities that made the trip unbelievably meaningful…”
JAMES BRANDT | SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Wendy, we traveled to Israel with our eldest daughter and her family on a trip organized by Joe Yudin late this August. It was incredible and we can’t recommend Joe and his team highly enough. Kathy and I have been to Israel many times (this is our second trip organized by Joe’s team).
The purpose of this trip started off to be to introduce our 8 and 5 year old granddaughters to our homeland, as they had never been before. Of course, given the conflict, our purpose also became to show solidarity with the people.
Joe understood all this. In other words, it would be easy to say that Joe was a hugely knowledgable and friendly guide, that the arrangements were perfect, and that the “with-its” (dinner with Tali Friedman and a barbecue with Tal) were a treat. But Joe understood that the trip was about more.
For starters, he formed super-close relationships with our grandchildren and ran a trip with just the right touch for them, great activities, great cadence, lots of direct attention. But then Joe found activities that made the trip unbelievably meaningful. These included, for example, barbecuing food for injured soldiers and picking potatoes for the underprivileged. Watching the interaction between our grandchildren and the injured soldiers and their families was one of the highlights of our lives.
Kathy and I have traveled in lots of places, often with Wendy Perrin selected guides. They have essentially all been great. But this trip was the best by a lot. And Joe Yudin and his team had everything to do with that. Thank you, thank you, thank, you.
Read more reviews of Joe. Or request your own trip.
Mongolia: camels, herders, gers (yurts), and Manly Sports reflect life in the Gobi Desert
BARBARA SCHOENFELD | SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Traveler Barbara Schoenfeld and her sons, Alex and Gordon, hold up three fingers for Three Camel Lodge.
Two of my sons and I traveled to Mongolia August 18-25, 2025. Jalsa’s colleague Sanjay organized a terrific trip. With only six nights to work with, he crafted a plan anchored around three nights in the Gobi Desert. Jalsa owns Three Camel Lodge, an eco-property where all the guests stay in gers (yurts in English). All excursions, meals and guide are included. Guests are provided with drivers and all-terrain vehicles at their disposal to experience the area. We had wonderful experiences including visiting with herders in their ger, hiking through a vulture valley, riding camels, and attending a Naadam (a competition of Mongolia’s three Manly Sports of archery, wrestling, and horse racing).
Sanjay nimbly navigated the quirky flight schedules between the capital city and the Gobi. Shortly before our trip began, the flights switched from middle of the night to mid-day, which meant reorganizing our time visiting the capital city. He shuffled around our plans for the city, and worked it all in. One of the most special aspects of the plan was that Mo, the superb English-fluent guide, stayed with us throughout the trip—from international arrival to international departure. Drawing on personal experience, he is an excellent interpreter of Mongolian culture, explaining things such as the exchange rate for livestock. Six sheep are worth one racehorse, which will buy a decent used truck. We came away with a sense of appreciation and respect for life in the Gobi Desert.
Read more reviews of Jalsa and Undraa. Or request your own trip.
Japan: “It was beyond serene and more than met my objective as a stopover to get beyond jetlag…”
BARBARA SCHOENFELD | SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Meals were served in a private dining room overlooking a reflecting pool. Photo: Traveler Barbara Schoenfeld
Andrea planned a trip for me to a ryokan in Japan. It took a few rounds, trying different properties. Several were fully booked or only the most expensive category was available. But Andrea persevered and we landed on Gora Karaku in Hakone.
It was perfectly located; a three-minute walk to the Gora train station, which made it convenient to tour the area by train. My room had its own hot tub on an open patio facing a tree-covered mountain. Guests are given several robes, slippers, and pajamas, and are encouraged to lounge around the property in those comfy loose clothes. My meals were served in a private dining room with a sliding door and a wall of windows overlooking a reflecting pool. It was beyond serene and more than met my objective as a stopover to get beyond jetlag before continuing on to Mongolia.
Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.
Africa: “incredible” gorilla trekking in Rwanda, two unique safari camps in Zambia
COLE JENNINGS | SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
“We experienced two totally different families and so each were different.” Photo: Traveler Cole Jennings
We just returned from our 3rd trip to Africa booked by Cherri’s colleagues Katie and Yaqana. They both were always available to answer questions.
We started our trip in Rwanda and then moved to 2 camps in Zambia. Gorilla trekking has been on our bucket list for a long time and it did not disappoint. It was an incredible experience that we will always remember. Katie suggested we spend 2 nights in Kigali before moving to Singita to adjust to the altitude and in case flights didn’t go as planned. We had flight issues and missed the first night and were so glad we had another night to adjust. It was also suggested that we spend two days with the gorillas which was perfect. We experienced two totally different families and so each were different.
Zambia was beautiful and different from other safaris we’ve been on.
Thanks to Cherri’s team for planning another great trip for us.
Read more reviews of Cherri and Katie. Or request your own trip.
Sweden and Norway: blending boats, trains, and a floating sauna in an active itinerary
JOHN BRENNAN | SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
We worked with Leigh to plan our two-week trip to Sweden and Norway. We were traveling with another couple who had very specific desires for level of hotel accommodations and some dietary restrictions. Leigh asked us what we wanted to accomplish and experience on our trip, and then put together an outstanding itinerary that skillfully addressed our varying goals and requests. Leigh was extremely responsive in fine-tuning our itinerary.
They are both very beautiful countries with lots of water, and our trip was an excellent blend of boats, trains and guides to see and experience both cities and the countryside—with both touring and active undertakings.
I would say one of the highlights was our WOW Moment in Oslo—two hours on a floating sauna that circled a number of islands for great views while stopping to allow us to jump into the very chilly water!
The hotel recommendations were all perfect, with another highlight occurring while we ate dinner at a wonderful rustic (but very comfortable) hotel, with our table overlooking a deep fjord, while the Queen of Norway sailed by on her royal yacht!
Read more reviews of Greg and Leigh. Or request your own trip.
Alaska: remote glacier by helicopter and intimate Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, where “everything is personalized”
KEN GERSTEIN | SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
Traveler Ken Gerstein and his wife had an “awe-inspiring” private helicopter ride to a remote glacier.
My wife and I just returned in late August from a terrific trip to Alaska planned by Melissa. Our trip took us to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Seward, Homer and Girdwood, and our activities included: private guided hikes at Denali State Park and Exit Glacier; a flight-seeing tour of Denali by plane with a glacier landing; a boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to see whales, orcas, puffins and other wildlife; and a flight to see bears at Lake Clark National Park. All of the arrangements made for us by Melissa went off without a hitch, and all of the services provided to us (transfers, tours and guides) were absolutely top notch.
One highlight of our trip was our 5-night stay at Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge (KBWL). At KBWL, we had a comfortable cabin with great views, wonderful food, and staff and guides that went above and beyond the call. Our activities there included kayaking, hikes (including a hike to a glacial lake with icebergs), fishing, tide pooling, and wildlife viewing. KBWL has only 5 guest cabins and the staff there (who were all personable and knowledgeable) outnumbers the guests. So everything is personalized for your own interests.
The other highlight was our WOW Moment—a private helicopter tour of the immense glaciers north of Anchorage that included a landing in the middle of a remote glacier. It was an incredible and awe-inspiring experience to stand all alone on a remote glacier surrounded by glacial pools and water flows. The great part about touring by helicopter was that you could see so much more than what is possible by plane since the helicopter can fly low and slow.
Planning our trip with Melissa was easy. She stayed on top of everything prior to our trip and was thus able to get us reservations at better hotels that weren’t initially available.
One final thing to note: We added an additional day to our stay in Anchorage at the beginning of our trip so that we could visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center (where we spent 3 1/2 hours!) and visit the Anchorage Museum. These places are well worth going to if you want to learn about the people and history of Alaska.
Read more reviews of Melissa. Or request your own trip.
France: Burgundy gourmet river barge with new villages each day, biking along the shore
JILL MARGET | SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
Traveler Jill Marget and her family enjoy lunch on the deck of their barge, Saroche.
My family of five adults (all 55-60 years old) just returned from a magnificent week (August 31-September 6, 2025) on a private barge cruising the rivers/canals of Burgundy, France.
A couple years ago, I heard some rumblings about private barge cruises in Europe. I was so intrigued. The possibilities hit all my buttons: a week visiting a rural region in Europe, experiencing the countryside, visiting a different village and/or historical site each day and having the option to bike and/or hike along the barge or into various towns while traveling. But, where to start??
Wendy Perrin’s team to the rescue. I was connected to Ellen and Caroline, heads of a family-owned operation, and according to our barge captain, the foremost experts in the private barge cruising business. Working with them was so helpful! We were introduced to all the different cruise types and boat options. Lots of choices and lots to consider. They answered all our questions and guided us through the entire process, from initial decision-making to final trip prep.
We landed on a wine cruise in Burgundy, France on the barge, Saroche. This choice could not have been better. We are a group of active adults who love food and wine. Saroche delivered!! The barge was beautiful and comfortable with great indoor quarters and exceptional outdoor spaces. Our captain/tour guide/resident sommelier, Jason, was so knowledgeable, fun and professional. And, the boat’s boss and gourmet chef, Dawn, was THE BEST. Each meal was better than the last—spectacular!! Jason and Dawn own the barge and have been in this business for 25-plus years. They know what they are doing!
Working with this team led us to a five-star week of unique and wonderful memories. We are all so grateful!!
Read more reviews of Ellen and Caroline. Or request your own trip.
Norway: “Driving the zig-zagging, switch-backing, jaw-dropping Trollstigen mountain road, which must be seen to be believed…”
MIKE GOLD | SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
A vista (and woolly locals) overlooking “majestic” Hjørundfjord. Photo: Traveler Mike Gold
We had a great trip to Norway during the last week of August 2025. Danny and Thea from Torunn’s team were a pleasure to work with as we planned the adventure. They listened to our ideas, fashioned an exciting and diverse itinerary that matched our tastes—getting off the beaten path and staying close to nature when outside the cities—and were receptive to making changes and tweaks. The itinerary came together in the form of an easy-to-use digital travel guide that we were able to access by mobile app while on the go.
The nine-night adventure took us from Oslo, to the tiny mountain village of Skåbu, to the spectacular fjords and mountains, and ending in the quirky Art Nouveau coastal town of Ålesund. The natural beauty of the country was breathtaking and the engineering behind the incredible roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries was nearly as impressive. One highlight: skipping the famous (but often overcrowded) Geirangerfjord and instead spending two days exploring the majestic Hjørundfjord (via boat and mountain hike). Another: driving the zig-zagging, switch-backing, jaw-dropping Trollstigen mountain road, which must be seen to be believed. We met lovely hosts and guides along the way and will remember this trip fondly.
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Spain: museums, paella-making, motorcycling Barcelona, and walking the Camino de Santiago
LAURA MCCANN | SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
A motorcycle tour of Barcelona was an adventurous trip highlight. Photo: Traveler Laura McCann
Traveled July 31-August 15th
We wanted to take an epic family trip to somewhere we all had never been. Since the youngest just graduated college, we figured it’s now or never to travel as a whole family. I am an artist and always wanted to see the museums of Spain, specifically the Prado. However, we didn’t want to just sight-see and eat our way through Spain. My husband and I love to hike, so we tossed around the idea walking on the Camino de Santiago. The girls begrudgingly agreed, so we configured a trip with 2 big cities on either side of a more rugged, hiking adventure.
Juan was great about listening to what we liked to do, keeping the girls in mind—making compromises with not “too much” hiking or “too many” museums, with fun adventures like a motorcycle tour through Barcelona and a paella-making class with a private chef.
We have never really travelled with guides and were a bit leery of it. However, all of the guides we had were fabulous! Great people and super knowledgeable about their subject. We had a few of them more than once, and we looked forward to seeing them because they were so enjoyable to be around. They also were accommodating to our needs if we wanted to switch something up a bit.
We were booked into gorgeous hotels when possible: in Madrid, The Urso; in Santiago, The NH Collection; and in Barcelona, The One. All beautiful hotels in great locations with great breakfasts. The hotels on the trail were booked more for convenience of where they landed, taking into consideration the miles we needed to walk. What you would expect in a rural town. Small and clean and just fine. Nothing fancy.
All in all, an epic vacation that we will all remember forever as pretty near perfect.
Stand-outs for me were The Prado Museum, The Reina Sophia Museum of Modern Art, and just walking around Madrid, which is gorgeous! The train ride to Santiago and walking through Galicia to get back to Santiago, where we stayed for an extra day on Juan’s recommendation to just take in the gorgeous medieval city that it is. Then a short flight to Barcelona and the motorcycle tour, The Picasso Museum, The Gaudi tour, paella-making, Montserrat, and the Joan Miró museum. So much crammed into 2 weeks. The girls were worn out, but better than sitting on their devices half the day.
Would definitely recommend Juan and Marta for a trip to Spain.
This trip was arranged by a WOW List candidate. Here’s what that means.
Australia: a Great Barrier Reef resort via helicopter, an Aussie Rules footy game, and a Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb
DIANE THORMODSGARD | SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
Traveler Diane Thormodsgard and family cheer at a Melbourne footy game.
We just returned from a 2 1/2 week trip in August, 2025, to Australia with our 12-year-old twin granddaughters and our daughter. We told our grandchildren many years ago they could pick any place in the world for a trip. Australia was their choice even though it was a long way to travel from NY. (We took our grandsons to Dubai 2 years ago.) We started planning the trip in February with Kylie. She designed an absolutely perfect agenda that gave the girls an unforgettable experience with many lifelong memories. Kylie was extremely responsive and had every detail worked out. The guides, drivers and activities she selected were top notch.
Our trip started in Melbourne, where we attended our first Aussie footy game. It was a blast! Thankfully our host, Kieran, was there to escort us and explain the game. The next day Kieran gave us a tour of Melbourne. It included our WOW Moment with Mysterious Al at his art studio, where we all made our own creations. What a nice surprise for everyone!
Traveling to northern Australia included a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, where we had stayed with our children 28 years ago during our first trip to Australia. We learned a lot during our Daintree/Mossman Gorge Indigenous Rainforest Walk with Skip. Our private River Drift experience on rubber rafts with Will was thoroughly enjoyed, as well as relaxing at the Lodge with the beautiful surroundings.
Next we headed to Orpheus Island Resort by helicopter. It is the most beautiful boutique all-inclusive beachfront resort on the Great Barrier Reef. With under 25 guests, the service was unbelievable, including 3 daily gourmet meals and an extremely personable staff. We used the spa, pool, hiking trails, motorized dinghies, kayaks, fishing and snorkeling gear. An evening sunset cruise was gorgeous. The snorkeling trip in the Great Barrier Reef was really special. It’s hard to explain how relaxing and spectacular our stay was at the Resort.
Our last stop was Sydney. Although we had rainy weather the entire time we were there, our full-day harbor (with grilled gourmet lunch) and city tour was a great way to see Sydney. We toured the Sydney Opera House and visited the Taronga Zoo. Our courageous daughter and granddaughters completed the Sydney Bridge Climb in the cold weather and rain, which was another unique experience for them.
The trip was extremely well planned and orchestrated by Kylie for 3 generations traveling together. We experienced a “trip of our lifetime” for all of us, which created lifelong memories. I highly recommend Kylie and her team for your travels in Australia. Thank you for giving us this incredible time together.
Read more reviews of Drew and Kylie. 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.
