Travelers Just Back: Real Reviews That Show The WOW List Works

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.

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New Zealand: private guided rainforest hike, tasting experience on Waiheke Island, twilight kayak to beach BBQ

 KATHY GIANNANGELO | APRIL 27, 2026

Five Perfect Days

With only limited time to spend in New Zealand, I choose to concentrate my five days (April 20-25) in and around Auckland. Sarah and Sara organized my solo trip. It included private transport, stays at The Hotel Britomart in Auckland and The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, along with several tours and activities.

My first tour was with Justine, an excellent guide, who taught me about Auckland while stopping off for tastes of a variety of local food. These included wagyu beef pie, Anzac biscuits, kahawai on sourdough, a variety of chocolate such as Manuka honey and pear and Hokey Pokey, New Zealand whitebait fritter, and Manuka honey.

The next day Tony, my exceptional driver and tour guide, took me out of the city to experience the Waitakere Ranges for a 40-minute walk through the rainforest. Tony joined me for the walk among the giant tree ferns and New Zealand’s famous kauri trees. It was fantastic. After a stroll on a west coast black sand beach, Tony dropped me off at St. Heliers Bay for my twilight kayaking activity with Daniel. Only accessible by private craft, the weather was perfect for the trip to Motukorea Island, where Daniel explained its history. He then cooked up some steaks for our BBQ dinner on the beach. As the sun set, we headed back to St. Heliers Bay with gorgeous views of the city. Daniel provided an amazing experience. I highly recommend kayaking at night for an unforgettable time.

I concluded my trip with a three-day visit to Waiheke Island. While there, Fi took me on a superb sightseeing and tasting tour. With great commentary on Waiheke Island along the way we visited Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi beaches. Our stops included tasting at the Allpress Olive Estate (olive oil), The Heke Brewery (beer, whiskey), and Tantalus Winery (six different wines). More sightseeing followed by an excellent lunch with Fi at Three Seven Two. You couldn’t beat the company and the view of the water was incredible.

Justine, Tony, Daniel, and Fi all made for a fantastic solo five-day trip. A call out also to Ciaran for exceptional service at The Hotel Britomart.

I look forward to returning to New Zealand next year.

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

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Switzerland: making Swiss chocolate, hiking with Saint Bernards, special access to championship hockey

 ANDREA MATHIS | APRIL 25, 2026

Nina and her team planned a spectacular adventure for us in Switzerland. Our trip, inspired by our daughter’s global studies school curriculum, was an educational and adventurous experience for our family of five. We skied in the shadow of the Matterhorn, made chocolate with the experts at Cailler, hiked with Saint Bernards, and explored the gorgeous cities of Lausanne and Zurich.

Our guides were fantastic and tailored our tours to our interests; including an epic surprise moment of meeting a member of the Swiss women’s Olympic ice hockey team, who even let our children try on her bronze medal. We also enjoyed an unforgettable WOW Moment: a behind-the-scenes tour of Swiss Life Arena, followed by watching the Zurich Lions in a championship game from a luxury box. Our trip was thoughtfully designed to help us understand the fascinatingly distinct regions of Switzerland and the people who make it one of our new favorite countries.

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

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Ireland: six couples enjoy great local restaurants, Rory McIlroy’s golf club, a hurling match

JULIE HOLDER | APRIL 23, 2026

Katie planned a 9-day trip for six couples to Ireland and did a great job. The hotel selections were fabulous, with a highlight being our two-night stay at Dromoland Castle, where we did falconry, high tea and ate at the Earl of Thomond Restaurant—service was impeccable and the grounds were fabulous.

Our driver guide, Martin made our trip very special. He got the guys tickets to a hurling match, which was a highlight of the trip for them. He also helped us get into great local restaurants as a group of 12! We were able to visit Holywood Country Club, Rory McIlroy’s home club, the day after his second masters win, and visit the trophy room and pub there. Our visit to the Cliffs of Moher on a beautiful day was another amazing experience for all of us

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

Ask Wendy

Italy: planner turned “scattered ideas” and overly ambitious goals into the trip of a lifetime

MARCUS CONRAD | APRIL 21, 2026

I took a leap last May and booked plane tickets for an Italy adventure with no real plan in mind. I filled out Wendy’s questionnaire and she recommended reaching out to Martina.

After reaching out to Martina and a quick Zoom call to discuss our vision, my wife and I spent the next 10 months eagerly anticipating what turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.

Martina and Sabina (who helped with the details of our trip) took our scattered ideas and overly ambitious travel goals and turned them into a seamless, unforgettable experience. Over 10 days in mid-April, we traveled through Rome, Florence, Tuscany, and Sirmione, with every detail thoughtfully handled. They ensured a truly luxurious experience while helping us avoid crowds, enjoy more intimate moments, and make the most of our time together.

Even when minor hiccups arose—like canceled trains—they were immediately available and ready to help, making sure everything stayed on track.

I can’t recommend Martina and Sabina highly enough for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of planning an international trip. Thanks to their team, this is a journey we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives

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

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Egypt: an intimate Nile dahabiya cruise, personal experiences at a camel market and family farm

TAMARA TSOUTSOURIS | APRIL 20, 2026

My husband Wolfgang and I recently returned from an incredible trip to Egypt. We traveled from April 6 to 18th, 2026. The trip was planned through Jim and his associate, Seema. Everything about this journey was superlative—from the excellent and knowledgeable guides to the gorgeous accommodations. We were taken care of from start to finish—no concerns or worries at any step of the way.

Seema worked closely with us to craft an itinerary that included everything we wanted, and worked within our budget. A highlight of our trip was a cruise on the Nile on the Dahabaya Safiya, an intimate 12 cabin Nile cruiser. We especially appreciated the cultural experiences we were given—not just the typical tourist sites. For example, we visited a camel market during a market day, had breakfast at a local family’s home, and visited a family farm. We also highly recommend splurging on a stay at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan—one feels that one has stepped back in time 100 years. Truly magical.

We could not possibly have had the experience we had without the expert help of Jim and Seema. Traveling in a country where we can neither speak the language nor read it, it was essential to have their expertise and care. We are already talking about our next trip with a WOW List planner!

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

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Italy: cultural conversations across five Sicily cities, invited into winemaker’s home for lunch

CLAUDIA ALSTON | APRIL 18, 2026

We spent 3 weeks in Sicily and WOW!! Thanks to Alberto, Lorenzo and team—this trip was fabulous. Everything was seamless, and any last-minute changes we requested were handled and quickly adjusted for us—I really appreciated the flexibility. All our guides were warm—I felt like I was making new friend—and they had so much information. Any questions we asked were answered, whether it was about ancient or modern history, life today, food, culture. Everyone was open to discussing anything. We stayed in 5 cities, all totally different and wonderful in their own way—Palermo, Marsala, Noto, Ortigia (Siracusa), Taormina. Our driver was great getting us from place to place—always on time, and so accommodating if we needed an extra stop or extra time. Even at the 4am pickup for airport he had a big smile on his face.

Our trip planner made our time a dream. I would never have selected these diverse locations and varied excursions on my own—it took people who knew and loved Sicily to put together the perfect itinerary. We had wine, pistachios, street food, saw ancient sites, reflected on the many influences on the culture and the cities themselves. We had many great moments, but one that stands out is our time at a small winery outside Palermo—just me and my husband, and we were invited into the winemaker’s home for tasting in front of a warm fire, and then they cooked us lunch!

Thanks so much! Can’t wait to return to Sicily!

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

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Scotland: after many Edinburgh visits, “super-knowledgeable” guides still deliver intrigue

ADAM AMSTERDAM | APRIL 18, 2026

We had another great trip to Scotland planned by Katie and her team. With our son studying at University of Edinburgh, we’ve been going to Edinburgh regularly to visit him. And we had another fabulous stay at 100 Princes Street. It really feels like our home away from home at this point. Almost all of the staff from our first visit (November 2024) are still there and still delivering world class service.

We loved our Dean Village and Leith walking tour with Jill, with whom we’ve had several other wonderful guided tours. At this point we feel like we’re walking around Edinburgh with a super-knowledgeable friend. We also had our first visit to Glasgow. Our guide Stuart was fantastic! He is a retired detective (DCI) who spent his career solving crimes in Glasgow. He solved one of the biggest murder cases in Scotland that was the subject of a multi-part documentary in the UK called “Limbs in the Loch” (you can imagine the details).

We’ve already booked our stay at 100 Princes Street for our son’s commencement in November!

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

Ask Wendy

French Polynesia: An escape beyond Tahiti to a private-island paradise

EMMA JACOBS | APRIL 17, 2026

Kleon did an excellent job from start to finish. He’s very through and detail-oriented and we had several Zooms with him leading up to our trip. We were adding on to a cruise that we had already booked that ended in Tahiti, and wanted a few days to just chill at a beautiful resort.

He certainly found us just that. The Brando is in a stunning and very special location on its own island, accessible only by their plane. The resort is beautiful and our beach villa was gorgeous. They certainly had thought of every detail. Kleon handled every transfer expertly and even when I reached out to him from our cruise (which was not booked by him) he was able to find us a private charter for the day. I would highly recommend him as an agent for the South Pacific.

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

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Italy: Rome golf cart tour, Tuscan truffle hunt and lunch, Venice gondola serenade

LAUREN SCHOR | APRIL 15, 2026

Just back from an amazing spring break in Italy planned by Jennifer and Luna, a colleague on her team. My husband and I had both been to Italy multiple times, but not in over 20 years and we were excited to go back and experience Italy together with our 15-year-old daughter. As it was our daughter’s first time, we decided to focus on Rome, Florence and Venice in our eight days. We wanted to see the highlights in each city, experience some memorable activities, and also have time to explore on our own. Jennifer’s team helped us outline the perfect balance of all three along with amazing guides and seamless transfers between cities!

We started our first day in Rome with a golf cart tour of the city, which was a perfect way to see so much in just a few hours and not have to be on our feet after the long night of travel and jet lag. We couldn’t believe how many places we got to in one afternoon—highly recommend this for your first day! We also did private tours of ancient Rome, the Vatican, and a food tour (which was fantastic)! We still had plenty of free time for exploring and shopping on our own. Each afternoon I’d receive a text with the confirmation and details of the plan for the next day, which was really helpful, and if I needed anything it was very easy to text and get a quick reply. For example, we were running late for a few dinner reservations, and Jennifer’s team called to let the restaurants know.

Then it was onto Florence, where we did a walking tour of the city our first afternoon after arriving via train. We have always talked about going truffle hunting, and Jennifer made it happen with a day trip to Tuscany. After finding way more truffles than we expected, we were treated to an amazing truffle-based lunch and wine tasting at a family-run farm and vineyard. We spent the next morning back in Florence doing a private cooking class and we brought our prized truffles along—the chef was very excited and planned our menu around them. We loved that we were able to enjoy the fruits of our labor from the day before! We do cooking classes all around the world, and this was definitely one of our favorites!

After a morning train to Venice, we spent the afternoon seeing the highlights of the city and stopping for the most amazing gelato in a local neighborhood we would have never found on our own. Our tour ended with an incredible WOW Moment. When we arrived for our gondola ride (which we knew about), there were two musicians in our gondola; a guitar player and a singer, along with a chilled bottle of prosecco.

For 45 minutes we rode through the canals of Venice being serenaded while it felt like the entire city was watching us. Tourists on every bridge were filming our gondola and locals even came out of their homes to listen to the music. Clearly this was not an everyday occurrence on the canals of Venice, rather it was something very special and unique just for us. Our ride ended with our arrival to our dinner at Da Ivo, which has their own private canal entrance to the restaurant. That in itself was exciting and special, rather than walking through the front door like most diners. The WOW Moment was a real pinch-me moment, and my daughter joked that we are going to be in thousands of social media posts from all the people who were filming. It’s definitely an experience we will all remember!

On our last day of the trip, we traveled to the islands of Murano to visit a glass-making factory and Burano to see the colorful homes of the fisherman and the traditional lace-making of the island. It was well worth the day trip and both islands were very special.

It’s not always easy to find hotels in Europe that will accommodate a family in one room, but Jennifer and Luna were really helpful in finding us great places to stay with ideal room layouts. We especially loved the new(ish) La Gemma boutique hotel in Florence. Jennifer’s team also made all of our dining reservations for us—food is really important to us when we travel, and I knew where I wanted to eat in each city. When I needed an extra suggestion here and there, they of course came through with amazing places I hadn’t heard of.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, I would highly recommend Jennifer and her team—they helped plan one of our favorite trips we have taken to date!

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

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India: intimate experiences with block printing in a village, and a Hindu astrologer

DAN SPEARS | APRIL 13, 2026

We just returned from an extraordinary trip to India! Victoria put together the perfect itinerary with the perfect guide! My wife, sister and I agreed the trip was a 10 out of 10. It was a fantastic mix of wildlife sightings, cultural experiences, and glimpses into the daily lives of Indian men and women.

However, the highlight of our 11 days in India was spending it with our guide VJ and our driver, Dineesh. VJ is an encyclopedia of knowledge and stories who takes incredible care of his guests, but most importantly, he is a wonderful human being and by the end of the tour we all became close friends. We look forward to repaying him for his hospitality some day when he visits the US. Dineesh is a wonderful, unflappable man who kept us safe despite the chaos and congestion that comes with driving in India.

Victoria did an amazing job of recommending unique experiences that allowed us to really immerse ourselves in the Indian culture, including visiting a historic block printing operation in a small village where we got to make our own blocks prints, as well as a session with an astrologer who made me into a believer! Astrology has been a part of the Hindu culture for hundreds of years. Who knew?

This trip was worth every penny because we experienced India from the comfort of a small, comfortable van where the three of us enjoyed an intimate and personal tour of some spectacular sites. For me the highlight was going on the tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park. What an extraordinary experience seeing a tiger in the wild. We can’t wait to have Victoria plan our next trip to India with VJ and Dineesh!

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

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Seattle and Vancouver: A private, chef-guided experience of Pike Place Market, followed by a cooking class

DANIEL DAVENPORT | APRIL 10, 2026

Melissa planned a wonderful trip for my family to Seattle and Vancouver (Mar 28-Apr 4). She booked some nice hotels with the accommodations we needed and provided a balanced trip itinerary with scheduled activities and time on our own. She was super easy to talk to when planning our trip, and she listened to our preferences and interests.

The Pacific Northwest is beautiful and has a great vibe. We loved being by the water, the indigenous people’s history, the nature, and the food. For Vancouver, we highly recommend the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Aquarium, and Granville market. For Seattle, Pike Place market (of course), Ballard Locks, PacSci, Snoqualmie Falls, and the Space Needle (definitely worth it). There is a lot of stuff we wanted to do but didn’t have time, so we are talking about a return trip.

Our favorite activity that Melissa arranged was a private chef-guided tour of Pike Place followed by a cooking class for lunch. This was fun, educational, and a great way to experience the huge market.

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

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India: Thrilling tiger safari, artisan weaving and printing, joining Jaipur’s Gangaur Festival

MOLLY O’NEILL-EMMI | APRIL 9, 2026

During our recent travels in India, we discovered that nearly anything is possible. Whether it’s tracking Bengal tigers in the wild, learning the art of block printing, or playing an Indian instrument, Victoria and her team will make it happen.

Victoria demonstrated remarkable patience as I flooded her with questions throughout the planning process. Her insightful feedback helped us shape an itinerary that perfectly matched our interests. The trip seamlessly blended cities and villages, crafts and music, textiles and hands-on experiences, as well as nature, all designed to showcase the diversity of India and its people. Victoria and her team granted us access to experiences seldom available to travelers, including a visit to a master weaver in a rural village and a meal at the home of a beloved cook, deeply rooted in family traditions.

Our guide, Harsh, impressed us with his patience, adaptability, resourcefulness, calmness, and kindness. He was eager to learn from us as much as we learned from him. We discussed a wide range of topics, from Hindu beliefs and rituals to castes, cow sanctuaries, family values, politics, and arranged marriages. No subject was off-limits, and we gained valuable insights into Indian culture thanks to Harsh’s openness and expertise.

Our driver, Yuhraj, was equally outstanding. He skillfully navigated all types of roads, deftly avoiding obstacles such as cows, tuk tuks, and motorbikes. We often remarked that we could never drive in India ourselves! Yuhraj always positioned the vehicle for swift departures, ensuring we never got stuck in crowds at popular sites. He remembered our beverage preferences and had them ready each day, displaying a caring and attentive demeanor throughout our three-week journey.

Some of the most memorable moments were spontaneous: walking past a small music shop led to a demonstration of various instruments; mentioning a desire for Chaat Masala prompted Yuhraj to stop at a local market to buy it for us; and on a hot day, Harsh introduced us to kulfi, stopping at a shop where we learned how it’s made and enjoyed this delicious treat. Attending a temple service and witnessing the devotion of worshippers was a moving experience, made even more special when Harsh and Yuhraj gave us garlands to wear proudly throughout the day.

When recent rains brought mosquitoes and affected our planned water activity, Harsh quietly made arrangements for us to attend the annual Gangaur Festival in Jaipur instead. The festival was unforgettable, with fantastic balcony views and insightful explanations of each group of musicians and dancers. We were captivated by the pageantry and the enthusiasm of the locals, grateful for this unexpected change in schedule.

Our wildlife experiences were extraordinary. We saw not just one, but six Bengal tigers, coming extremely close to them as two followed our jeep. At one point, a tiger napped across a dirt road, blocking our path near closing time—an utterly surreal moment. Witnessing tigers in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring. We also visited an elephant sanctuary, feeding two rescued Asian elephants and walking with Lakshmi, a gentle giant. These creatures left a lasting impression, and we hope more will be rescued and allowed to thrive.

We gained firsthand insight into India’s remarkable craft traditions, meeting villagers who produce beautiful dhurries (rugs), learning about hand block printing in a private workshop, and exploring handicraft centers. We met artisans whose families have mastered their crafts over generations, facing challenges to keep these traditions alive.

Victoria and her team provided us with an insider’s perspective on India’s history, spiritual practices, and vibrant culture. We left India with full hearts and a desire to return. We highly recommend Victoria’s team for anyone seeking a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

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

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Spain: vineyard chef’s lunch, flamenco lesson and show, Alhambra and Alcazar tours

PATTY ARMACOST | APRIL 8, 2026

Our group of 14 friends recently spent a week in southern Spain to celebrate my husband’s 70th birthday. The trip, expertly planned by Ivan, was nothing short of magical!

Ivan worked with us to plan a trip that included all the must-see UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as off the beaten track experiences to highlight the local culture, food and wine. It’s hard to pick a favorite site—how to choose between the Alhambra, the Cordoba Great Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcazar, the Seville Cathedral? All amazing to see and enhanced by the excellent guides who helped us understand the complex history of the region.

While the historic sites were enjoyable, Ivan excelled in providing experiences to immerse us in the local culture, which provided some of our favorite moments of the trip. While in Granada we visited a tropical fruit plantation, enjoyed an al fresco lunch at the house of a local chef, and visited a distillery making rum from local sugarcane and aged in sherry casks. In Seville we visited a dance studio for a flamenco lesson, followed by a professional flamenco performance. We also visited the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park and learned about the production of premium Iberico ham—baby pigs are adorable!

We learned about olive oil production at a beautiful farm where the charming owner hosted a tasting of his delicious products, followed by a fantastic lunch in the whitewashed village of Grazalema, where our guide selected some of the best wine of the trip. We ended our tour with a visit to a vineyard that is making white wine with the palomino grape, most often used to make sherry, and then enjoyed a lunch of traditional local food among the barrels, cooked by the winemaker’s chef wife. Ivan surprised us by joining us for lunch and shared more of the history and culture of his home town.

All of the guides were truly exceptional, with deep knowledge, passion and humor, and presenting the information in an engaging way. Arranging a tour for 14 people and moving them is not an easy task, and Ivan made it seamless. Each day Ivan communicated with us to make sure we were enjoying the activities, guides and hotels, and helped with restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Ivan gave us a phenomenal trip, providing authentic experiences that highlighted the culture and traditions of this beautiful part of Spain. We highly recommend Ivan for your Spain adventure!

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

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Paris: Eiffel Tower dining, teen shopping with stylist, Notre-Dame guided tour

DIANE THORMODSGARD | APRIL 8, 2026

My daughter, 13-year-old twin granddaughters and I just returned from a trip to Paris for Spring Break. This is the third trip where we’ve used Jennifer’s team for travel assistance. Once again, we had great recommendations with top notch guides. Although we had been to Paris together in 2023, we had new experiences this trip.

Our top activity was the Teen Shopping Experience. Iza, our stylist, identified preferences quickly and introduced us to different boutique stores. The shopping trip was indeed a success (even for the non-teens).

We were then surprised with our WOW Moment between the shopping experience and dinner at the Eiffel Tower that evening. A makeup artist came to our hotel room and completed makeovers for the twins. They were delighted with the experience.

We also had guided tours of Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Luxembourg Gardens, where the girls played with the sailboats.

The tasting tour in St. Germaine with Andres was amazing. Besides providing us a handwritten list of the stops we made, he also gave us excellent restaurant recommendations. We always book a tasting tour wherever we visit and highly recommend it as a way to learn about the city and country.

I highly recommend Jennifer/Wendy Perrin for travel assistance. Our travel planner, Jennifer’s colleague Etienne, was exceptionally responsive and thorough.

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

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India: Taj Mahal and Golden Triangle, Holi festival in Jaipur, Kerala houseboat stay

SUZY CRABB | APRIL 7, 2026

Victoria and her team planned a trip of a lifetime for us. We were in India for four weeks February 27- March 27 (we started in the UAE for two days and ended in the Maldives for a week, but a different WOW List expert arranged that part). I knew I wanted to see the Golden Triangle including the Taj Mahal, but that was about all I knew. Victoria put together an amazing itinerary—Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, a stay at Dev Shree (a heritage home run by a royal family), Udaiper, Kolkata, a tea estate in Himalayas, Mumbai, and Cochin. From the minute we landed until we left India, we were so well taken care of. It was one of the least stressful trips we have ever taken.

Our hotels were spectacular and service was impeccable. We had the same guide and driver for the first two weeks. Harsh, our guide, was fantastic! He was a wealth of information, enthusiastically answered all of our questions, taught us about the birds and trees of India as well as history/culture/food and religion, and had a great sense of humor. He was also extremely kind to the local people we met we along the way. Our driver Gtoo was fantastic. How he maneuvered in the streets crowded with cows and scooters and no apparent traffic rules was amazing. I really enjoyed the bicycle rickshaw ride in Delhi—our guide was in one right in front of us. We felt extremely safe at all times. Victoria added Jodhpur and Udaipur to the Golden Triangle and they were two of our favorite places. We stayed in palaces and at a boutique penthouse hotel and a night on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala. One of our hotels was the filming location of a James Bond movie (which we watched while staying there, which was really fun).

We ended our trip at a lake resort in Kerala, where we met Indian families who visit there every year. Victoria had given us a list of restaurants and helped us make reservations everywhere, and our drivers would take us to restaurants at night if we were not eating in the hotel. We had some magnificent meals and many of the breakfasts were incredible—with huge buffets as well as cook-to-order both European and Indian breakfast foods. My husband was more adventurous than I was at breakfast, and has become a spicy Dosa fan.

Our guides and drivers in Kolkata, Mumbai and Cochin were also excellent. One of our favorite moments was seeing the Ranakpur Jain Temple. Another memorable experience was celebrating Holi in Jaipur. Our planners arranged for us to participate in this fun and colorful holiday and it was a blast. We happened upon a festival in Mumbai and our excellent guide Ranjana asked if we wanted to get out of the car and go see it—this was one of the highlights for me—everyone was dressed up and celebrating. Another highlight was the Chinese restaurant our guide took us to for lunch in Kolkata—operated by the same family for 80-plus years in a building that looked like it should be condemned—where we had an excellent meal. He also recommended a local place for dinner with some suggested dishes—we went there and had an excellent meal and were the only tourists.

We stayed at a Tea Plantation in the Himalayas, which was a nice break from all of the art and history, and it was a bit cooler, with laundry included. We spent a day in Darjeeling and the clouds parted enough for us to see the highest peak in India—the third highest in the world—from the tea plantation. We are not shoppers, but our guides took us to see many beautiful art processes, textiles and jewelry—and we shopped, so would advise anyone traveling to India to plan on shopping. We had everything shipped home.

Victoria really arranged for us to see so many highlights and to truly feel immersed in the culture of the country. People were very friendly and welcoming everywhere. Victoria and our guides really listened to and understood what interested us. There is not enough room here to describe all of the wonderful and memorable moments of this exceptional trip. I could not imagine seeing a country as diverse and complicated and different from home as India is without Victoria’s knowledge, arrangements and people. I can’t recommend Victoria and her staff highly enough.

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

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Spain: Alhambra history, tapas and flamenco evening, Andalusian cooking class

VIRGINIA SOCOLOF | APRIL 7, 2026

I went to southern Spain with my dear friend Lee Jan 16-23, 2026. We were celebrating our new empty-nester status—it had been 21 years since we travelled together without kids! Pablo put together an amazing itinerary, and despite the chill (and sometimes the rain) we enjoyed the best of Granada, Seville, and the surrounding areas.

Pablo advised us to fly into Malaga and out of Seville, and it was very easy. We stayed at the Hotel Palacio de los Patos in Granada, and we loved its excellent location, super-helpful staff, and spa! Our Alhambra guide Rosa was a great guide to begin the trip, as she really made the history come alive. We visited Ronda on our way to Seville, and Antonio made a convincing case for returning to Ronda for a longer visit, although I’m not sure I am ready for the reportedly very rambunctious Holy Week celebrations. The Hotel Gravina 51 was a perfect home base with a spectacular breakfast spread.

The 2 highlights of our trip were the tapas tour and flamenco show we enjoyed with Pilar, and the market/cooking class with Amelia and Carmen. All of these women were warm, hilarious and welcoming, and we left each of these experiences feeling like we’d made new friends. Our last 2 days were spent in Cordoba and Jerez de la Frontera, both of which were well worth the driving time. Every one of Pablo’s drivers were professional and helpful, and I’m so glad we heeded his advice and skipped the car rental. I would absolutely call on Pablo again!

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

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Morocco: Sahara luxury camp, Skoura oasis, candlelit dining in djellabas, Marrakech sidecars

JULIE HEIMARK | APRIL 6, 2026

My husband, 18-year-old son and I just returned from 12 days in Morocco over spring break. Hicham’s team planned and executed a fantastic journey. The pre-trip planning and communication was very comprehensive. I particularly appreciated the suggested Moroccan reading list and Spotify play list. Nabil in particular was incredibly helpful with our dinner reservations and airline changes. The final itinerary documentation was one of the most comprehensive/easiest to navigate we have ever received. Merci!

That same high level of organization and execution continued once we were in country—we felt incredibly well looked after the entire time. This was our first time (successfully) using fast track immigration services and now we never want to do it any other way. Our guide Abdel was solicitous and informative and made a special effort to engage and encourage my son in practicing his Arabic. A special thanks goes to our driver Mohammad. There were violent rain storms during our visit—much needed after the years of drought—and many of the roads were flooded. Mohammad got us through safely and we were so glad to have him and his calm competency. Only a professional driver could have accomplished what he did. At one point we thought we wouldn’t make it to the next destination due to washed out roads but we weren’t worried because Abdel and Mohammad were on it, making contingency plans and getting us where we needed to be.

Our itinerary was Rabat (Fairmont La Marina), Fes (Riad Fes), Merzouga (Desert Luxury Camp), Skoura (Dar Ahlam), Marrakesh (La Mamounia), and the High Atlas (Kasbah Tamadot).

Dar Ahlam was the highlight of our trip. We followed Wendy’s advice and flew to the Sahara to maximize our time. Hicham’s team recommended driving back to Marrakesh so we could stay at Dar Ahlam. And we are so glad we did! Dar Ahlam is a historic Kasbah in the Skoura oasis. It may not be everyone’s cup of atay b-na’na (mint tea) but we found its quiet luxury magical. One night our dinner was in a room lit by hundreds of candles. The next night we were given djellabas and followed our guide through the mist and moonlight to an ancient storage room, where we dined on couscous amongst drying herbs and spices. We felt like we were in a Dan Brown novel. We can’t wait to return (but now that we have done the drive and seen Benhaddou and Tizi N Tichka, which everyone should do once, I’d fly into Ouarzazate).

La Mamounia in Marrakesh was worth every penny. It’s one of those hotels you fall in love with—no wonder it was Churchill’s favorite. Both the public and private spaces are exquisite.

My son’s favorite experience, besides practicing his Arabic and drinking 20 cups of mint tea a day, was the sidecar motorcycles in Marrakesh. It was unlike anything we had done before and it was exhilarating. We felt like Indiana Jones zipping through the narrow streets of the Medina. When we finished he exclaimed, “That’s the funnest thing I’ve ever done.”

Morocco is such a hospitable and varied country, Marrakesh is our new favorite city, and we can’t wait to return.

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Italy: early Doge’s Palace access in Venice, Chianti vineyards, Lake Como’s beauty

SALLY AND ROGER BELL | APRIL 6, 2026

We just returned from a fantastic 11-day trip to Italy (March 20-31), expertly planned by Jennifer & Giulia. We visited Orvieto, Florence, Cinque Terre, the Chianti wine region, Bologna, Venice, the Valpolicella wine region, Milan & Lake Como. Although we were very busy & covered a lot of territory, each stop, excursion, tour, restaurant reservation, winery visit, etc. was seamless. Everything from airport transfers to boat & train transfers were well planned and effortless. We definitely felt well cared for on every step of the way. We had very knowledgeable and entertaining guides as well as outstanding & professional drivers. Everyone was prompt and professional. Our WOW Moment was extraordinary as we had a private tour of Doge’s Palace in Venice before it even opened to the public. A truly memorable experience! All of our hotels were lovely with wonderful staff & delicious breakfasts.

While we had hoped to avoid the crowds by traveling in March, that wasn’t the case. There were many student groups that were traveling for school trips as well as other travelers. Florence and Venice were very crowded.

Jennifer and her team were personable, responsive, & great to work with. They promptly and kindly addressed our every question and need. We highly recommend them.

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Morocco: Seeing the Blue City, hiking the Atlas Mountains, staying at the Royal Mansour

ELLIOT KARATHANASIS | MARCH 31, 2026

The trip was amazing!! We absolutely LOVED Morocco. We stayed for 10 days which felt like the right amount of time to see the country. Hicham’s colleague Sara planned a wonderful trip, great hotels especially the Royal Mansour and the Kasbah Tamadot. We especially LOVED our driver Mr. Yacine, who was absolutely outstanding on all fronts. Punctual, courteous, kept us well supplied with snacks and coordinated with all of our guides perfectly.

If I had to do it over again not sure we would go to Tangiers, but everything else blew us away—Marrakech, Fes, the Blue City, the Atlas Mountains, and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains with all the snow was incredibly memorable and unique, and the Blue City was like nothing we ever experienced before. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! We also absolutely loved our guide Mohammed in Marrakech. A first-rate historian and intellect.

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Thailand: boating and snorkeling, delicious street food, climbing “sticky” waterfalls

MARY KO | MARCH 29, 2026

We just got back from Thailand and we went to Bangkok, Chang Mai, and Phuket. We were there for 10 days and it was amazing as a family with 3 kids. Bangkok has so much to offer. We missed a few things because of jet lag and I wish we had spent another day there.

We loved the boat rides and the street food! My kids fell in love with Thai tea. Our guide was awesome. Capella was an amazing hotel, not crowded, huge, and the food was delicious. Chang Mai was awesome as well. We loved the temples we explored and the interactive elephant experience. Our guide in Chang Mai was amazing. We decided to pivot from a national park hike to the sticky waterfalls, and we went stand up paddle boarding at a lake. The sticky waterfalls were so cool—my kids ran up them many times. We didn’t go on a longer hike in the mountains as planned because it was 95 degrees. Was amazing!

We loved Trisara in Phuket. We loved the resort/pool and beach there. Everything was fantastic. Was beautiful. We took a day boat ride exploring the islands and swimming and snorkeling. It was a perfect trip for our family.

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Canada: northern lights, hot springs, dog sledding with an Iditarod musher

TINA SARAFA | MARCH 28, 2026

Marc and his team did a wonderful job planning our trip. We contacted Marc with a focus on seeing Northern Lights during this peak time. Marc explained what we know to be true after not seeing them in Iceland: that nature doesn’t always cooperate and we needed to have other things to enjoy in case we didn’t get lights.

His suggestion for lodging in the Yukon was wonderful! A great cozy lodge, intimate in size, interesting guests, excellent food and a variety of great activities. We had a great adventure dog sledding with a past participant of several Iditarod races. We went to hot springs, got an amazing massage, and went to a wonderful nature preserve.

And Marc came through with the most amazing display of Northern Lights we could have imagined! We saw the greens, pinks and purples and a full display of dancing lights. Our trip to the Yukon exceeded our expectations in every way. Marc’s suggestion for the location based on probability of seeing lights and fun day time activities with a wonderful lodge was spot on! Another memorable and amazing trip by Wendy’s WOW List!

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Ecuador: exploring Cotopaxi, the cloud forest, an Amazon rainforest lodge

SARA BENDA | MARCH 25, 2026

We recently returned from an unforgettable adventure in Ecuador. We wanted to see as much of its unique ecosystems as possible, and experience the Ecuadorian culture, in a fairly limited amount of time (9 days), with a sense of security knowing it would run smoothly. Having been on one other WOW trip before, we knew we could entrust Wendy’s crew to get it done.

They definitely accomplished the mission. From exploring Quito and standing on the equator, to hot springs and hiking in the paramo, to the cloud forest, to deep in the Amazon rainforest at an incredible lodge, to the avenue of the volcanos and a hike up past the climber’s hut on Cotopaxi to 16,000 feet and back to Quito! All with guides that taught us so much our heads were spinning.

I wouldn’t change a thing, other than of course we wish we had more time. The most unique experience was the Amazon, and the lodge we were sent to was absolutely top notch, with extremely comfortable accommodations, the best food of the trip, and a naturalist assigned just to us our entire stay. We are thankful to Tom for putting this together, and for our amazing guide, Joanna.

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Malta: after-hours palaces, meeting artisans and winemakers, bocce with locals

ELAINE PATTERSON | MARCH 24, 2026

Malta is magical—and Damon is the magician! My husband and I spent 2 weeks in Malta in March with the help of Damon and his team. We had been attracted to Malta for many years because of its history with multiple civilizations controlling the island and two famous sieges, in Ottoman times and WWII. We zoomed with Damon and immediately knew we were in great hands. His energy and enthusiasm came through the screen, and his detailed questions made us confident that he understood “who we are” and what we’d like. We gave him free rein to come up with an itinerary focusing on experiences and he/his team exceeded our expectations in every way.

Damon created (and executed) a trip that was incredibly creative, personal, and filled with a mix of sights and experiences that we loved. From private after-hours visits to major cathedrals and palaces (with musicians in the background, just for us!), to visits with artists, art restorers, and artisan food/wine makers and farmers, to countryside walks, e-bike rides, and bocce with locals—all fabulous. Every event turned into much more than we imagined, from a private recital in the Theater (with a surprise visit from Damon bearing champagne) to a private tour/dinner in the Inquisitor’s Palace. He matched us to guides and drivers (a million thanks to Martin, Leanne, and Mario) who were wonderful travel companions and through our different experiences, we met a lot of Maltese people, all of whom could not have been more warm and welcoming.

Damon and our guides showed their passion for Malta and for delivering incredible visitor experiences every day. We highly recommend visiting Malta and letting Damon design something equally special for you!

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Norway: northern lights, Sámi culture, husky sledding in the Arctic

KATHERINE SANDERS | MARCH 23, 2026

Our goal was to experience the arctic and hopefully see the Northern Lights as part of a spring break trip with our family. Torunn and team completely delivered. After a couple of days in Oslo to adjust, we traveled far north to the Varanger Peninsula, where we stayed in the breathtaking Varanger Lodge, right on the edge of the Fjord. Everything we ate was either caught or harvested by our host Edgar (or he knew who had), from the freshest of seafood, reindeer and moose, wild berries and jams, and homemade breads. Michelin-quality food in the coziest of settings, plus whale watching, reindeer, and a phenomenal WOW Moment with a local Sami craftswoman who sang traditional songs, taught us crafts, and gave us a gorgeous pair of handmade Sami reindeer mittens.

Edgar’s team also took us up to Vardo, where we joined the town kickoff of its annual snowball fight, the entire town singing and dancing in the sleeting snow to start the event. These are the kinds of experiences we never would have found without the WOW List—personal, impactful, and deeply local while still being spectacular.

We then traveled deep into the arctic pine forest to Engholm Husky Lodge, where we drove husky teams (the most fun ever), spent time meeting a Sami herder and her herd of reindeer on a high plateau, and went nighttime snowshoeing deep onto a mountain where we sat around a bonfire talking with an incredible dog-musher who had recently finished a six-month adventure driving her own team of dogs across the entirety of Finnmark. We felt like we were with close friends in a glorious setting—you cannot even begin to explain it (every cabin was handmade by Sven Engholm, and it’s magical).

We finished up our trip at the cozy Bjornfjell Mountain Lodge, where the team was incredibly warm and gracious, even taking super care of us when we had a medical issue that necessitated treatment plus a canceled flight back. Oh—and Northern Lights? Breathtaking. But in hindsight, the connections we made with people in northern Norway blew them away.

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France: Opera behind the scenes, Champagne tastings, Seine dinner cruise

CHRISTINE STEPHENSON | MARCH 23, 2026

Jennifer and her team knocked it out of the park—again! This is the second time we’ve worked with Jennifer and her team, and I truly cannot recommend them enough.

We had never used Meet and Greet services before this trip, being confident in our ability to navigate airports and usually preferring to splurge elsewhere. Well, let me tell you—being whisked through Immigration, Customs, and Security and on our way to the hotel in no time flat after a long journey was absolutely fantastic.

We’ve been fortunate to visit Paris a couple of times recently, so for this trip we wanted to explore some lesser-known places and experiences. Jennifer and her team delivered fantastic recommendations and struck the perfect balance between time to self-explore and guided tours. While we had visited the Opera House before, we had never taken a tour, assuming we’d already seen what we needed. Jennifer strongly encouraged us to book the Opulent Opera House Tour, and we’re so glad we did—it was phenomenal. I can’t say enough about this experience. We went backstage and even down into the depths of the Opera House basements to see the inner workings—just incredible.

In addition to the Opera House, we explored the Covered Passages with a guide. Once again, we saw things we never would have discovered on our own, and the variety of passages and the history behind each one made for a truly lovely experience. We also took a day trip to Fontainebleau and the charming painters’ village of Barbizon. Another highlight was a foodie tour of the up-and-coming 11th arrondissement—there are some amazing hidden gems to be found there.

All of our guides were incredibly knowledgeable, spoke excellent English, and were extremely accommodating—truly the best of the best.

Jennifer and her team also secured hard-to-get Valentine’s Day dinner reservations for us at Ducasse sur Seine. The meal and service were absolutely excellent. We wanted to do a Seine dinner cruise for Valentine’s Day, and Jennifer assured us this was hands down the best option—and having done a few now, I can confidently say she was right.

We also spent a couple of days in Champagne. Jennifer and her team recommended Domaine Les Crayères and told us we couldn’t miss dinner at their two-Michelin-star restaurant, Le Parc—reservations which they arranged for us. The hotel is beautiful, the staff is absolutely lovely, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Le Parc was our first Michelin-star dining experience, and it was simply divine.

We had a private guide for a day to take us to Champagne houses and into Reims to explore the town and cathedral. When planning, we couldn’t decide between a couple of our favorite Champagne houses and asked if we could visit both. Jennifer said it was possible, but recommended we visit one large house and pair it with a smaller boutique producer. This turned out to be the perfect suggestion. We spent the morning at a house we know and love, and in the afternoon visited a boutique producer where we experienced their passion firsthand. The owner was delightful—teaching us about the grapes, the terroir, their process, and even guiding us through tastings. We were given two blind taste tests where we had to identify both the grape and the soil it was grown in—so much fun.

As I mentioned at the beginning, this is our second time working with Jennifer and her team—and it certainly won’t be our last.

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New Zealand: jet boating and barbecue, volcano heli-tour, hiking and rugby, Māori hāngi meal

CHRISTINE ZUFELT | MARCH 17, 2026

Amazing 3 weeks in New Zealand! Jean-Michel and Cara did a fabulous job of crafting an itinerary that encompassed our various interests—from learning about Maori culture to hiking, trains, boats, botanic gardens and more. We spent almost 3 weeks on both islands. Our favorite experiences? A traditional hangi with Deon Muir, former rugby great, who even lent Brian his signed jersey for a rugby match we were attending that evening. Jet boating with Wilkins River Boats near Wanaka, complete with a delicious private barbecue lunch on a cattle station. Two scenic helicopter rides, especially landing on Mt. Tarawera volcano in Rotorua. Our overnight boat trip on the Fiordland Jewel in Milford Sound. Our private tour of the Spellbound Glowworm Cave in Waitomo.

Honestly though, virtually every experience was great. We didn’t drive ourselves, and it was great to leave the stress to someone else but even nicer to meet more friendly Kiwis.

All of our accommodation was excellent. We asked for a combination of lodges and in-town hotels and the choices were great. We especially loved Hapuku Lodge in Kaikoura (great views and amazing food) and Silverpine Lodge in Wanaka (amazing location, lovely hosts).

I should also mention our on-location team of Hari, Lynn and Josephine. It was reassuring to know that there were people monitoring our trip and making sure it all went smoothly. Even on the last day, as our connecting flight was late, Lynn was watching the situation. This is why I like to use local companies!

Do not hesitate to visit wonderful New Zealand and to use Jean-Michel and crew as your travel organizers!

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Egypt and Jordan: anniversary celebration succeeds with a mix of “must-sees” and “less-visited”

CAROL AND BEN GREENSPAN | MARCH 13, 2026

Our adventure to Egypt and Jordan Feb. 12 to March 4th 2026 was planned and executed 3 weeks before we departed! A seemingly impossible task, but Jim and his talented team created a magical journey for our 30th anniversary. Due to their knowledge and contacts in the region, they planned a personalized trip covering the “must sees” as well as our request for more local and less-visited sites. Our guides would remark that they usually don’t visit several of the special locations we loved.

We were thrilled with our time in Jordan…Petra and Wadi Rum…right until 3 days before the end of our trip, when the war began. The on-the-ground team were helpful in rebooking our cancelled flights among airspace closures. Our guide and driver kept us (mostly) calm and safe.

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India: five “amazing” weeks of temples, safaris, a tea plantation, and Brahmaputra River cruise

LEONARD SHARZER | MARCH 12, 2026

We have just returned from a trip to India to celebrate a milestone birthday. It is hard to find a superlative that actually does justice to the trip and the amazing service by Victoria and everyone on her staff. From the day we began planning the trip a year ago to the day we said good-bye and boarded the plane for home, everything was letter-perfect. The planning, the choice of accommodations, the activities, and the pace of the trip could not have been better, and for a trip that lasted just under 5 weeks, that is saying a lot.

Our guide, Vikram, certainly deserves special mention. He was with us the whole time, and not only does he have a wealth of information about India’s history and current situation, but he was totally attentive to our needs and interests. This was bespoke travel taken to a whole new level.

Our itinerary included visits to Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kolkata and Assam; safaris in Ranthambore and Kaziranga game parks; a stay on a tea plantation, and a 5-day cruise on the Brahmaputra River. We saw Hindu Temples, a Sikh Temple, a Jain Temple, a Mosque, two churches and a synagogue, and witnessed a fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganges.

Every place we stayed knew about our dietary needs and provided my wife with a birthday cake and decorated our rooms for her birthday. We fell in love with India and her people, for which I give credit to Vikram and Diggi, and Victoria and her team.

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Spain: exploring Andalusia’s arts, farms, wineries, and riding horses through olive groves

BRENDA OSBORNE | MARCH 11, 2026

Ivan put together a 7-day trip for my husband and I in February exploring the beautiful region of Andalucia, Spain. We put him to work immediately as all of our flights from the US to Seville were cancelled and we ended up in Malaga at midnight. Ivan sent a private car to drive us to our hotel in Seville overnight. Throughout the week visiting the towns of Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz and Granada, our guides were wonderful and so informative.

We had a surprise WOW Moment in Seville with Silvia, who beautifully handcrafts and paints silk shawls and fans. Another highlight was spending a day in Jerez at a private family farm/winery/ranch. We rode spectacular Andalusian horses through the fields of olive trees, and learned the fascinating history of bullfighting, the family winery, chapel, numerous crops and hunts. The family served us a delicious Spanish lunch and we felt like we were good friends. All week we saw numerous beautiful cathedrals with histories dating back centuries, as well as Flamenco performances and Spanish dressage.

We ended our last day in Ronda, and decided it would be a great place to come back to and spend a week relaxing and exploring the breathtaking surrounding countryside. Thank you Ivan for a wonderful introduction to Andalucia and we can’t wait to come back.

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Antigua: historical tours, hiking Signal Hill, aerial view by helicopter, beach time

JEANNIE MULLEN | MARCH 10, 2026

Antigua, British West Indies – Feb 28. – Mar 10, 2026

Returning today from a 10-day respite on Antigua. After an ice storm followed by a snow storm in early February, I needed a jolt of natural vitamin D. When I asked Wendy who would be best able to put together a Caribbean beach getaway on short notice, she put me in touch with Meg. Even though I knew my options were few, given both the lack of advance planning and location preferences I gave to Meg, she came through for me with dogged determination. I ended up in Antigua for a full 10 days and have been very pleased with my time here.

I’m not a diver nor a snorkeler so on the days that I was not hanging out under a beach umbrella, Meg kept me busy with island excursions, which included historical tours to Antigua National Park, English Harbour and St. John’s, a helicopter tour around the island to see the various military forts, different coastal formations and outlying islands, an art trail to three different island galleries, and an invigorating morning hike up to scenic Signal Hill for a panoramic view of the entire island. All private with a guide/driver. Couple that with fast track arrival and departure services at the airport and it was a breeze from start to finish.

I had a terrific local Antiguan driver, named Sukey, so I learned a lot about the island and island culture just spending time with him. Being very hands on, Meg checked in on me at several points along the way to be sure that all was going as planned. Thank you Meg and Wendy for yet another great escape.

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Thailand: Bangkok by longtail boat, Erawan National Park waterfalls, swimming with elephants

RICHARD AND GAYLE REDIKER | MARCH 7, 2026

Feb 14 thru 19, 2026
Although I have been to Thailand close to 20 times, because of limited time in country, I turned to the WOW List to help us make the most out of our five days. We couldn’t have been more pleased with Dan and his colleague Raphael in Bangkok.

We took our 9 and 12-year-old grandchildren for their first visit to Asia. Due to their school vacation, we could only spend 6 nights in Thailand followed by 4 in Singapore. I knew where I wanted to go, and Raphael arranged a great guide, Ann, a driver, and a very comfortable van for the 6 of us.

Our highlights included:
– A private tour of the backwaters of Bangkok and the palace area in a longtail boat that picked us up at our hotel
– A fantastic cooking class that included a trip to the market to buy the ingredients
– A food tour to Chinatown
– A 3-day trip to the Kanchanaburi area, highlighted by bathing elephants in a river at an elephant sanctuary
– A visit to the unreal Erawan National Park to hike and swim in up to 7 spectacular waterfalls and pools

While I have been to all of these places before, Raphael and Ann made this the easiest trip. They were incredibly flexible as each day unfolded to make sure we didn’t exhaust the grandchildren.

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Canada: hiking, ice fishing and snowmobiling at Blachford Lake, Northern Lights in Yellowknife

ELLEN EISENBERG | MARCH 6, 2026

Destination: Yellowknife and Blachford Lake, NWT Canada
February 15-22, 2026

When I read in Wendy Perrin’s newsletter that WOW List expert Marc had arranged a polar bear viewing experience that also featured the Northern Lights, I said, “Sign me up!” Upon speaking with Marc, we decided that two separate Canadian Northwest Territories experiences might be best. The first, which I just completed, had me seeing the Northern Lights on 5 out of 6 nights. In Yellowknife, I was hosted by a delightful indigenous (Dene) guide, Joe, with whom I exchanged many joyful whoops at seeing the green and pink and white Northern Lights curtain and shoot across the sky.

The next day I set off on a 30-minute ski plane ride to Blachford Lake Lodge, where I stayed for 5 nights in a warm little cabin on the very frozen Blachford lake in crazy-low temps—up to -42 degrees F, with wind chills to -53. It’s true what they say: There is no bad weather, only bad gear! With the right gear (and the nicest staff) provided by the Lodge, I was able to enjoy snowmobiling (and saw a silver fox!), ice fishing, hiking, amazingly delicious meals, and sunsets along with the most amazing Northern Lights on cloudless nights—better than I could have imagined. Next up: viewing polar bears, organized by the same thoughtful team!

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Kenya: Amboseli and Mara safaris, Samburu culture, Maasai culture, Reteti elephant sanctuary

LINDA GREEN | MARCH 4, 2026

My husband and I just returned from an amazing trip to Kenya, planned by Dan and his team. Though we had been to game camps before in both Zambia and Botswana, this trip was a standout. I had told Dan that though we enjoyed game rides, we would like to visit places that were scenic and, more importantly, that would include more exposure to the culture of the local people.

He suggested three locations: Amboseli National Park, the Mara North Conservancy, and the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. The combination placed us in very different types of topographies with different wildlife, and the game camps he suggested in each location were terrific. All of the guides were great and the logistics were seamless. We really enjoyed the Saruni Mara camp, which was entirely staffed by people from the local Maasai community who were very gracious and taught us about the conservancy and their way of life. While there, we had a WOW Moment which consisted of a private dinner set up outside near a bonfire and dancing and singing with a professional group of Maasai performers joined by the staff of Saruni. It was a lot of fun.

As good as the first two camps and locations were, our visit to Sarara Camp in the Namunyak Conservancy was absolutely magical. The conservancy is unique in that it is entirely owned, managed, and staffed by the Samburu tribe, who still largely live as they have for hundreds of years. The camp is very small and the experience is very personal and focused on the Samburu culture. We felt that we really got to know and understand the Samburu people, who are nomadic and are very much involved in conservation. We visited their famous “Singing Wells” and a local manyatta, which gave us a very up-close view of their daily lives. They also manage the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases orphaned elephants and a few other species. It also helps support over 1200 local women who deliver goat milk for the resident elephants.

Our tented cottage was very spacious and lovely with a view of the water hole below so that we saw giraffes, wart hogs, elephants, zebras, buffalo, antelopes and other animals on an almost constant basis from our veranda. The managers and staff were extremely warm and lovely, and the entire visit there was one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had. Dan delivered everything I asked for and more, and we thank him for a truly delightful and memorable experience.

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Belize: Caracol ruins, Barton Creek canoeing, Maya cooking, and cacao farms

MIRIAM MORRIS | MARCH 4, 2026

Wow! We are just back from two glorious weeks in Belize put together by the fantastic Patricia Johnson and her very very good staff. This country has flown under my radar until I read other travelers reviews right here on Wendy Perrin. And that piqued my interest. So very glad it did.

Belize was like a spa for the mind and body. It is a country made up of different cultures, one of which is the Mayan culture. Fascinating to visit the ruins at Caracol and canoe deep into Barton Creek, which holds a big place in the Maya history. (Shout out to Darryl, our wonderful guide, for all of this.) There are beautiful beaches and mountains and jungles. And the food was a revelation. Everything has just been picked or caught before it reaches your plate. This is truly like living on an organic farm with really, really good cooks.

Each hotel that we stayed at was fantastic. But our stay at the Naia Resort in Placencia was simply one of the best experiences of my life. Your own casita right on the beach with a kitchen and an exquisite outdoor shower. My favorite thing was waking up and opening our floor to ceiling curtains and watching the sun rise over the Caribbean and the agoutis play on the sand as we drank coffee and felt so happy just to be.

If you do go to Placencia or Punta Gorda, don’t miss spending the day with Dr. Lyra, who has a doctorate in anthropology and food studies. We spent the morning with a group of Maya women learning how corn becomes masa and masa becomes tortillas. And while we are (very poorly) doing this, we are all talking and sharing our lives with each other. In the afternoon, we went to a cacao farm and learned how cacao beans become chocolate. As a chocolate lover, it was amazing. Not to be missed.

This was our 6th or 7th time using Wendy Perrin’s trip planners. And here is why. When we were about to land in Belize City, we had to be re-routed to Cancun because a plane had a flat tire on the runway and it had to be moved before we landed. We went to Cancun, refueled and were directed back to Belize City. Originally, we were to land and take a small plane to San Pedro. By the time we landed, it was too late to get out and we needed a place to stay along with a planeload of people. I contacted Patricia’s team (thank you to Julianie and Josue) who got us a hotel room and arranged for us to fly out in the morning. Having them made a very stressful situation much much better.

Go and enjoy the beauty of the country and, most especially, the beauty of the people. Easy to get there, hard to leave.

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Costa Rica: Guanacaste ATV adventure, monkey-spotting, clinching a “swimmable” beach hotel

MEGHAN SCHUBERT | MARCH 3, 2026

Priscilla helped me plan a wonderful incentive trip for my husband’s sales team and their guests for 5 days/4 nights to Guanacaste, Costa Rica at the end of February 2026.

From the beginning, I explained to Priscilla that I would need flexibility with booking, including the option to cancel rooms without penalties. I also had specific requests of the hotel: a swimmable beach, breakfast included and plenty of chairs available at the pool (I didn’t want to have to fight for a chair). Priscilla planned a trip to a destination that fulfilled all of this and more.

Priscilla was also able to book all of our transportation to/from the airport (which required multiple vehicles at different times), transportation to/from our excursion, as well as transportation to/from our off-property dinners.

Three things surprised us and made Priscilla a top-notch planner in my mind:

1. When we landed, not only did we have a driver for our group, but we also had a guide who chatted with us about Costa Rica on our drive to the hotel. It was such a great welcome!

2. The bus was stocked not only with drinks and a few snacks per my request, but also with welcome packets that outlined our trip and provided local information. It felt very personal and professional and impressed our guests. Additionally, the bus driver was on the lookout for wildlife, and pulled the bus over the minute monkeys were spotted so we could get a better look with binoculars on hand.

3. Priscilla quoted our initial package with an excursion included. We were thrilled this was in our budget and loved the idea. She provided several options and we were able to choose the one that fit our group best. While actually on the excursion (accompanied once again by our fabulous guide Federico), we stopped in a local beach town for lunch. Great experience!

If using Priscilla, just know that it does typically take 24-48 hours for her to reply. But I assure you that the wait is worth it. Priscilla was thorough and even helped make 2 birthdays on the trip extra special by arranging birthday cakes for our guests delivered to their hotel room!

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Argentina: hiking in Patagonia, kayaking to the Perito Moreno glacier (and seeing it calve)

ELEANOR SHARPE | MARCH 2, 2026

My buddy and I went to Argentine Patagonia in mid Feb. 2026 via Buenos Aires. We could not have been more pleased with the planning and execution. Our trip planner Jordan helped us hone our itinerary so that we spent more nights in the same places instead of being constantly on the move. Our planner also helped us avoid peak season. The hikes and kayaking trips planned for us were superb. Small groups of interesting fellow travelers and excellent guides. Kayaking out to Perito Moreno glacier on Lake Argentina, and watching the glacier calve before our eyes, was a unique and powerful experience.

Our trip planner added value before, during, and after the trip. During our trip, Argentina went on a day-long general strike that resulted in cancelation of a domestic flight. Our planner knew about it before we did, and was proactive in helping us change our flight and hotel plans. Our planner even helped us with related claims on our travel insurance.

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Iceland: ATV above Reykjavik, black sand beaches and waterfalls, “awe-filled” Northern Lights

NICOLLE RIPPEON | MARCH 2, 2026

For years, seeing the Northern Lights has been a dream, and we finally decided to give it a shot in Iceland this winter. Due to scheduling, it ended up as a trip for just me and my 16-year-old daughter. Being the most flexible in the family, we put our trust in the itinerary without a lot of study, so that every day turned out to be a bit of a surprise!

It did not disappoint. We headed straight to the Hvammsvik Hot Springs after an early morning arrival and were completely taken in with the beauty of the place, even dipping a toe in the sea which was near freezing. We explored Reykjavik with a food and history tour and had an adventure with an ATV ride above the city. We loved Reykjavik and could have easily spent another day shopping and exploring all of the restaurants.

Our trip to the countryside was full of stunning vistas and a wonderful stay at the Torfhus Retreat, which has some of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever witnessed. Our room was lovely with a geothermal hot tub right off of the back door, complete with a view of the Icelandic horses in the adjacent field. The first day of touring the Golden Circle included a number of the expected sites of black sand beaches and waterfalls, though it was of course a bit crowded. I asked our amazing guide if there was something a bit further off of the beaten path for our second day, and he completely delivered!

This winter, Iceland had not received much snow, so we headed up into the highlands to see waterfalls and lava fields that are typically inaccessible. We were entirely alone in this otherworldly landscape in complete silence, and it was magical. Rarely does a natural event live up to the hopes you may have set for it, but seeing the lights that night was as special as I could have dreamed. That evening had a very promising forecast, and starting at about 11:30pm, I heard these voices outside saying, “Look, just look, hurry come look!” I threw on my jacket and ran outside, where I became the one repeating in a voice filled with wonder, “Look, just look!!” to my daughter. Soon we heard the other adults across way calling to their children with awe-filled voices. I could have watched the entire night.

Our last day ended with pampering at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, where four hours passed in a blink. We look forward to heading back to Iceland in the summer, where I imagine it to be an entirely different country. The only word of caution I would give to American travelers is that processing at the airport both upon entry and departure take a long while. I’m not usually one to allow for the two to three hours pre-departure, but in our experience, you really did need that much time. I send love and appreciation to Iceland for being truly incredible hosts!

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Spain: Barcelona and Gaudí, Montserrat choir, Dalí Museum and Catalan cooking

JON LEBLANG | MARCH 1, 2026

Barcelona Trip Review — February 2026

We’re experienced, and we’ve always been able to point to something on our trip that could have been better—until now. We just returned from a wonderful five-day trip to Barcelona with our 22-year-old son, planned through Virginia, and we don’t say this lightly: this trip was perfection.

It started before we even set foot in the city. A VIP arrival experience met us as we stepped off the aircraft and whisked us through passport control and straight to our waiting car and driver. After a long transatlantic flight, skipping what would have been at least two hours of standing in line felt like an incredible luxury—and set the tone for everything that followed.

Our driver delivered us to the Alma, a boutique hotel that Virginia highly recommended and one we really enjoyed. Our suite was beautifully appointed with a comfortable seating area, the temperature was always just right, and the complimentary coffee, tea, and cold beverages in the room were a thoughtful touch we came to appreciate each day. But the real star was breakfast. Each morning we lingered over a magnificent spread that fueled us for the day ahead. Every member of our family had a favorite: for one of us it was the olive marmalade (yes, olive marmalade—it sounds unusual but was absolutely delicious), for another it was the gorgeous fresh fruit, and for our son it was the chocolate cake. The quality across the board was outstanding.

Then there were the tours. Our guide was with us for four of our five days, and he was nothing short of superb. Imagine touring with a college professor who happens to be deeply versed in art, architecture, and the full sweep of Barcelona’s history. We don’t think we asked a single question he couldn’t answer, whether it was about a particular artist’s technique, an architectural detail, or a moment in Catalan history.

What made our guide truly exceptional was his ability to weave everything we saw into a coherent, comprehensive story. Each day was carefully planned so we could experience the important sites in real depth without ever feeling rushed. We explored the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, stood in awe inside the Sagrada Família, took in the extraordinary Palau de la Música Catalana, and marveled at La Pedrera. Before this trip, we had only heard of Gaudí in passing—by the end, we had come to genuinely appreciate the breadth and brilliance of his work. Our guide made that transformation possible by helping us understand not just what we were seeing, but the context in which it was created.

At the Picasso Museum, our guide brought the collection to life in a way we never expected. We came to appreciate how remarkably talented Picasso was from a very early age, and how dramatically his style evolved through his formative years. It was like watching an artistic journey unfold room by room.

We also ventured beyond the city to visit the sanctuary of Montserrat, where we were treated to a performance by the Escolania boys’ choir—a truly moving experience in a breathtaking mountain setting. Nearby, we visited the Cripta de la Colonia Güell and its surrounding town, another Gaudí gem. Back in Barcelona, we explored the National Museum of Catalonia and Joan Miró’s Foundation, both of which added new dimensions to our understanding of Catalan art and culture.

Some days we walked, other days we had a driver who seemed to magically appear just when needed. The logistics were seamless throughout—we never once had to think about how to get from one place to another.

We finished our trip with a day in the countryside that turned out to be one of the highlights. We visited the Dalí Museum in Figueres—a must-see that lived up to every expectation—and then made our way to the Empordà region for a cooking experience with an amazing chef and her husband that was truly unforgettable. Set in her home, a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, we spent hours in wonderful conversation while learning to make Catalan specialties: crystal bread with anchovies, a delicious artichoke soup, and other regional dishes. It was one of those experiences where the food, the setting, the company, and the conversation all come together perfectly.

Overall, a perfect experience.

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New Zealand: South Island lodges, remote retreats, cooking class and beautiful gardens

NANCY WOLF | FEBRUARY 26, 2026

What do you do when you want to visit New Zealand for 10 days and are overwhelmed by all the choices of destinations and activities? You contact Sarah and her company! Usually I do a lot of research about our destination and have many suggestions for the travel agent. With Sarah, I needed her to take the lead and plan the entire itinerary.

With the help of Sarah and her associate, Sara, we had a fabulous visit around the South Island. Sarah suggested that we stick to the South Island with our limited time in New Zealand. We hit 4 different locations and never felt rushed. Sarah had us stay at resorts that offered first-class service, delicious meals and beautiful gardens. Most of the locations were fairly remote, so we avoided the very touristy areas such as Queensland. Two of our favorite resorts were The Pihopa Retreat in Nelson and Otahuna Lodge outside of Christchurch. We also loved our stay at Blanket Bay, where we had a King Chalet Suite with the most amazing view of the lake.

If we were planning this trip again, in hindsight, there were minor changes we would make to the itinerary, but overall we were very pleased with the trip. The one activity we would have skipped was the Albatross boat ride. Although it was interesting to see an Albatross, the trip was very touristy feeling…the captain put chum in the water to attract the birds, and overall we didn’t see that many or the big Albatross.

We felt very supported by Sarah’s team, especially when we were panicking the night before our trip when Air New Zealand’s long-haul crew was going on strike the day we were leaving. Air New Zealand’s customer service had very long wait times and Sara was able to contact them locally for us to make sure our flight wasn’t going to be cancelled.

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Egypt: uncrowded Giza Pyramids, Cairo food tour, Nile dahabiya cruise and camel market visit

DEBORAH WENTE | FEBRUARY 24, 2026

Our trip to Egypt was fantastic, one of our best ever. I worked primarily with Seema and she was incredibly responsive to our needs. Our daughter has some health issues so we had to modify our itinerary a bit. Seema coordinated the modifications, and worked with the team to make sure everyone was aware.

We arrived early Saturday morning and headed to GEM a few hours later. We were tired but it was a great introduction to the incredible history of Egypt. That afternoon, a couple of us did a food tour in downtown Cairo. It was wonderful! I’ve done a number of food tours and this was the best ever. The guide was a med student from Cairo and was full of information. The food was all delicious, and it turned out to be the best we had on the entire trip.

The next morning we headed early to the Giza Pyramids. We arrived and were the only people at the viewing platform—unbelievable! We climbed into the Great Pyramid of Khufu and were with just a couple of other people. I have since seen photos of very long lines and large crowds. Our experience was so much more pleasant.

Our WOW Moment was organized by Mina and he did a great job. We went on a sunset cruise on the Nile with snacks and drinks. So special.

We loved the Old Cataract Hotel! Beautiful views over Elephantine Island and the Nile.

One of the most unique experiences was visiting a camel market while on our Nile cruise. The camels are brought from Sudan and sold in the market for meat. Not something we had ever seen before.

We did a 3 night cruise on a dahabiya on the Nile. While not something we would have missed, the accommodations were not as luxurious as our other accommodations. The service was fantastic, the excursions were great, but it is something to be aware of.

Unfortunately, our daughter and her husband had to fly home after the cruise due to health concerns. These are the moments where I was so thankful to have a trip planner. Seema helped make it a relatively seamless process and they both arrived home safely a day later.

Egypt is a remarkable country. It’s hard to believe the civilization has been strong for 1000s of years. We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to visit. The only big crowds we came across were in Luxor but our guide was able to maneuver us to some less crowded areas.

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Italy: Venice cicchetti and wine tour, pasta making, intimate Murano glass experience

TRISHA MORTIER | FEBRUARY 24, 2026

Rome & Venice 2/14-21

Our trip to Italy was absolutely phenomenal. We were thrilled with our destination choices (Rome, Venice, Murano, and beyond), and the timing worked beautifully—even with some weather challenges that were expertly handled. Alberto designed the initial itinerary, and Sabina took over the execution. From the moment we landed, everything was set up and organized. We simply followed the plan and had the most incredible experience.

The value of having a top-tier planner became especially clear when rain was forecasted in Venice on a day filled with outdoor activities. I reached out on Monday, and Sabina proactively rearranged our train schedule, walking tour, and gondola ride so we could take advantage of better weather on Wednesday. It completely changed the outcome of our time there. That level of flexibility and responsiveness made a huge difference.

Seek out private tours if possible—they made all the difference for our family, especially traveling with our 14-year-old daughter. Every tour we had was private (which we didn’t even expect!) and the personalization kept her fully engaged.

The private cicchetti and wine tour in Venice was extraordinary. We visited what appeared to be true local spots—restaurants filled with Venetians rather than tourists—and the food and wine were outstanding. In Rome, the pasta-making class was a major highlight for our daughter.

If I could offer one piece of advice: during the planning phase, make sure you review hotel room types carefully. I wish we had paid more attention to the specific room descriptions and photos upfront, as one hotel ended up not being our favorite. Everything else, however, was excellent.

Our most unique experiences: Our private visit to a glass factory in Murano was unforgettable. We toured the factory and then wandered through the gallery sipping champagne, such a special and intimate experience. It felt exclusive and far from the typical tourist flow. The cicchetti and wine experience in Venice also stood out because it felt like we were being introduced to a hidden side of the city.

Sabina added immense value to our trip. She was incredibly responsive and adaptable. If I wanted to change a restaurant reservation midday based on a recommendation from a local, she handled it immediately. When weather threatened our plans, she restructured our itinerary seamlessly. Every train, tour, hotel, and reservation was managed flawlessly.

The biggest gift was peace of mind. We never had to worry about logistics. Traveling internationally with a teenager can be complicated, but the individualized tours and careful planning made it effortless and enjoyable. We are so thankful for how smoothly everything ran—it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience and create unforgettable family memories.

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Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio, Osa Peninsula, Arenal hikes, whales and sloths, waterfall swims

SHAYNE KERT | FEBRUARY 23, 2026

My husband and I are just back from 13 days in Costa Rica. What a great trip, all carefully planned and seamlessly executed by Irene.

During our first Zoom call Irene asked us about our priorities for the trip, and boy did she deliver! We visited three very different regions of Costa Rica—Manuel Antonio, the Osa Peninsula, and the Arenal Volcano area. Each region was so special. Throughout the trip we saw an incredible mix of wildlife (sloths! monkeys! toucans! whales!) and a variety of landscapes—rainforests and volcanoes to beaches, cloud forests and jungles—all jaw-droppingly beautiful….

We hiked with amazing guides through national parks and private conservancies, swam under a waterfall surrounded by the rainforest (with young crocs not too far away!), snorkeled off Caño Island and enjoyed some r & r on the beach in Manuel Antonio.

I should say that we are seasoned travelers. My husband will tell you that I am always planning a trip somewhere and that it takes a lot to impress me, all of which is true. But the three places that Irene chose for us to stay on this trip… wow, just wow. Each time we arrived at a new place I could not stop smiling. At all three places the grounds and our rooms were gorgeous, the staff members we met were warm and attentive, the food was fresh and yummy, the vibe was chill and relaxed and the views… stunning.

The other thing that made this trip so special was that somehow Irene was able to connect us with drivers and guides who just seemed to “get” us. All of our local guides were knowledgeable, friendly and a pleasure to spend time with, which helped make the trip a great mix of learning, adventure and relaxation.
Thank you Irene for a wonderful vacation!

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Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia: village encounters, Vietnamese cuisine, Hong Kong finale

SALENA KERN | FEBRUARY 22, 2026

We’ve just returned from a month-long trip to Asia that started with the idea that we wanted to go to the Philippines to revisit places that my husband remembered from his stay there 50 years ago, and then travel. Andrea and his team made this trip possible. Andrea’s take from our first conversation was spot-on. We would visit the Philippines and then go on to Vietnam and Cambodia, and finish on a high in a romantic room overlooking the harbor in Hong Kong.

We needed a travel advisor who was detail oriented and sensitive to our needs. We wanted to see a lot, but do it in a relaxed fashion. Many flights were involved and the planning wasn’t easy, but we were in good hands through the planning process and as the trip unfolded.

Many of our days depended on the knowledge and genuine caring of our guides. Most of them spontaneously altered activities as they got to know us and we got to know them. For example, when our guide in Hoi An realized how excited I was by the food in Vietnam, she took us into an alleyway restaurant where her mother supplies the fish oil (the best—as was our lunch there). Our guide in Hong Kong took us to his ancestral village, two streets now surrounded by high rises, where everyone greeted him and us and he showed us where he lived as a child and many of his relatives still live.

I could go on because every day was special. I should mention that our hotels were wonderful, from Raffles in Manila to the Jaya House River Park in Siem Reap, and then that spectacular view at the Regent in Hong Kong. Paulyne from Andrea’s office followed our travels, and we certainly appreciated her efforts as flights were cancelled and/or delayed. I have no idea how she knew our luggage would be there waiting for us when we arrived at an airport, but somehow she did.

Andrea planned our journey so there would be ample time for adventure, relaxation, and reflection. It was just that!

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Egypt: Giza and Luxor, Alexandria and Abydos, Fayoum Oasis and the Valley of the Whales

CRAIG AND STEPHANIE SMITH | FEBRUARY 22, 2026

Egypt Revisited: Hidden Treasures & Timeless Wonders
Jan 31 – Feb 16, 2026

Jim and his team devised a wonderful introductory trip to Egypt for us one year ago. We loved it so much that we wanted more, and we worked with Jim to come up with an Egypt 2.0 trip, which complemented our prior trip. We planned to revisit and dive deeper at some iconic destinations (Giza, Saqqara, Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor) as well as explore some places which were completely new to us (Abydos, Dendera, Bubastis, and Alexandria). Jim suggested that we conclude our trip at the Fayoum Oasis at the relaxing Lazib Inn.

We had a “dream team” in Cairo: Jim’s representative Shady, Egyptologist guide Galal, and driver Islam. All of them are so professional and friendly, and took care of our every want and need. The Grand Egyptian Museum’s King Tut exhibit was amazing! Unfortunately, Craig was feeling ill that day and wasn’t able to attend. But when we had free time in Cairo at the end of the trip, Shady and Galal arranged a return visit to the museum, so that Craig was able to see the treasures after all! This kind of flexibility and personalized service is what makes us come back to Wendy Perrin WOW List trips again and again!

One very special experience that Jim’s team was able to arrange for us was a dinner with a local family in Cairo. Hesham, Maggie, and their three children were delightful. They prepared an amazing dinner of local Egyptian foods and we chatted for hours. It was like talking to old friends even though we had just met! They had a lovely sense of humor and we really connected with them.

Alexandria was wonderful. There was so much to do there, but we just didn’t have time to visit it on our first trip. It was the perfect locale in which to spend a few days during Egypt 2.0: exploring the catacombs, a Roman town, Qaitbay Fort, and the fabulous Greco-Roman Museum.

We have to thank Jim for recommending Fayoum as a place to relax at the end of the trip. The Lazib Inn was a quirky and beautiful boutique hotel. The grounds were meticulously maintained, and there were so many amenities. Everything worked out perfectly. The one day we had bad weather (Friday the 13th, of course!) in the form of a dust storm meant that we couldn’t do the regularly scheduled motorboat ride on the lake, which turned out fine, because that was the day of our WOW Moment.

Our WOW Moment was a Moroccan Bath and Massage at the Lazib Inn Spa. The whole experience took 3.5 hours. It was so relaxing, and our skin felt amazing afterwards. It was the perfect WOW Moment as our trip neared its conclusion.

The next day was Valentine’s Day, and we went to the Valley of the Whales. This place absolutely blew our minds! There is a wonderful museum on-site. It gives you context for what you are about to see in the desert. It felt like we were on another planet with these skeletons just sitting there in the rock and sand. And the whale skeletons have vestigial hands and feet. It is a snapshot of a time when they were evolving from land mammals to sea mammals. It was wild! Definitely a highlight of the Fayoum area…something that has to be seen to be believed!

We had asked the team to make reservations for us for Valentine’s Day dinner at the Lazib Inn. What we hadn’t known was that this would be part 2 of our WOW Moment! When we arrived at the restaurant, they led us outside to a lovely candle lit table for two under a pergola! While we were enjoying our delicious dinner, housekeeping decorated our room with bougainvillea flowers and tea lights. When we arrived back at the room, they delivered a cake to us! The whole experience made our stay in Fayoum quite memorable!

Jim and team put together two amazing trips to Egypt for us in two consecutive years. We are so grateful. Our lifelong dreams of exploring Egypt have finally been fulfilled, and then some. Jim’s expertise was invaluable.

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Belize: touring Mayan ruins, cooking class and riverside yoga, snorkeling at Hol Chan Reserve

TONI WILCOX | FEBRUARY 20, 2026

Belize, February 2026
We just got back from an amazing 3-generation trip to Belize. When I first chose our destination, it was to make sure our 2 teen grandchildren had a trip to remember before the oldest heads off to college. Although I am experienced at planning trips to unfamilliar places for the 6 of us, I hit a wall in trying to find the best of Belize with the time we’d have available—just 5 nights! Patricia delivered exactly what we were looking for, and everything went off seamlessly.

With this itinerary we did activities for everyone to enjoy together, like touring the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, a Mayan cooking class, and snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We also had time to split off for lazy suit-ourselves fun, including hiking to a mountaintop lookout, riverside yoga and meals, and just hanging out in the swimming pool (even a private pool at our first stop!) The best part had to be that the airport transfers weren’t just boring van rides. Our driver/guide Darryl made every moment count, pointing out things on the way and answering a million questions. The 13-minute flight from Belize City to San Pedro on a small plane was a highlight, especially when our granddaughter was assigned the copilot’s seat (no touching the controls though!)

As we all sat at the airport waiting for our homeward flights, we marveled at how much we were able to see without feeling exhausted from our vacation.

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Italy: Rome and Florence holidays, Jubilee visits, early Uffizi access, Bologna cuisine

KATHY AND JOE DECARLO | FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Our dream was to spend the Christmas holidays in our favorite places (Rome and Florence) and also a foodie one (Bologna). So we called Jennifer, who has taken exquisite care of us for our last four trips—two in France and two in Italy. Jennifer understands we have physical limitations. So our goal is to have effortless travel connections and leisurely, fun tours. We know Jennifer understands we prefer to do one short tour a day. And she carefully schedules our trips to accommodate our wishes.

From the moment we arrived in Rome (FCO) we were greeted and whisked through the airport. We never touched a bag. The greeter, baggage handler turned us over to the driver and we were at the hotel within an hour and half of arrival. No stress—such a delightful start to the trip.

If you have never been in Rome in December, you are missing seeing Italians celebrate the holidays. Festive, happy people all around. Decorations everywhere. Very few Americans. Cocktail parties at the hotel were amazing to watch—the Italians dress so beautifully.

For our tours, Jennifer paced them so we had time to just relax and enjoy. We always take the first two days to get settled and accustomed to the time change.

Since this was the Jubilee, we asked Jennifer for a full day tour to see Rome at its best. She provided a car and a very entertaining guide. We have never seen Rome so pristine. And, as Catholics, we also wanted to complete the Holy Door Pilgrimage. When we arrived at St. Peter’s, the Pope’s personal body guard (a friend of our guide) waved us through the line and directly into the basilica. That was impressive! Seeing all of the pilgrims and religious orders in prayer was so humbling. We will never forget that experience.

Onto Florence, and once again Jennifer made sure we were taken to the train station as a VIP. All of our bags were handled and loaded onto the Executive Car and taken off the car in Florence. That was critical to us. We never worried about our bags and enjoyed the train. The car service from/to the hotels was equally easy.

When planning Florence, our hope was to see the Uffizi and its magnificent art without the crowds. My dream came true. The guide and I had an exclusive early entry and were the first people in all of the important rooms. I had the time of my life and still think about that tour almost every day.

We also wanted to see all of the incredible holiday foods in Florence. Wish fulfilled. How in the world can the Florentines bake such exquisite cakes and pastries?

Who doesn’t want to know how people lived in the towers in San Gimignano and Volterra? Because it was December, no one was at the Torre Campatelli, where a patrician family lived in their tower. Amazing. A quiet tour through both cities, seeing all of the special sites without any crowds.

Onto Bologna, so we can best understand all of the food hype. Best mortadella in the world. No where in Italy does mortadella taste like it does in Bologna.

We returned to Rome as effortlessly as we arrived and departed Florence and Bologna.

We did additional tours with Jennifer—all specific to our requirements.

The best part of our return to Rome was meeting Jennifer. She is so much fun!! And the hotel staff loved her dog Sparkle.

Coming home was sad….but we will return to Italy next year with Jennifer managing the experience.

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Vietnam and Cambodia: Angor Wat, Tet celebrations, history and cultural performances

JULIA GREENSTEIN BLEICHER | FEBRUARY 17, 2026

Three couples shared an amazing trip planned by Ethan, Corban and their team. They helped us envision a trip that met all our needs and went beyond fantastic. The trip was a constant wonder and we found both countries and cities we visited distinct and interesting in their own ways. From ancient history, religious history, appreciating the unique governmental roles in everyday life (different from the United States) and the impact of colonization and war in different times, we were constantly engaged in appreciating the areas we visited. Having hosts that grew up in either North or South Vietnam and who shared their very distinct history with us, allowed us to begin to understand their worldview. We planned on a side adventure to Angor Wat and we surprised to find Cambodia to be among the highpoints of our trip.

The culture and food throughout our trip was amazing and different everywhere. We learned so much by interacting with our hosts and the local experiences with craftspeople and dinner hosts were engaging and educational. Our trip included Hanoi, Hai Long Bay (1 night cruise), Hoi An, Hue, Siem Reap, Phenom Pen, a cruise on the MeKong for 3 nights, and Saigon. We benefited in timing our trip leading up to the Tet celebrations so the decorations and atmosphere were extraordinary. None of us believed the flowers and tree decorations everywhere. Being away for 21 days allowed us time to dig into each area’s experiences and not feel rushed. The cultural performances that were added by the planning team were awesome and we all loved the Teh Dar show in Hoi An!

Ethan and Corban added their deep knowledge of the region and helped us plan a maximal experience in each place. They made sure all our distinct needs and wishes were supported throughout and they helped us focus on which places to visit as we made our way around the country. From continents away, they supported us when flights were changed and rearranged our plans in real time and through the 12-hour time difference. We always knew they had our back!

Each hotel and host was amazing and we enjoyed excellent service wherever we went.

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New Zealand: exploring North and South Islands, meeting ranchers, winemakers, and Māori elders

STEPHEN BAJAN | FEBRUARY 13, 2026

When my wife Janis, friends Arch and Nancy and I first met Jean-Michel and his team in connection with our proposed three-week tour of both islands of New Zealand, J-M claimed many personal relationships that would lead to unique experiences throughout our tour. He spoke the truth. By the time our adventure ended we had met sheep station (ranch) owners, winemakers (not tour guides), intimate lodge innkeepers, white water rafting guides, helicopter operators, jet boat company owners, and indigenous Māori elders. All of them had the utmost respect for J-M and his company, and several of them revealed that they only accept reservations from his clients.

But the company is more than J-M and his relationships. He has assembled an outstanding group of planners who were very skilled at designing a bespoke itinerary that matched our significant requirements. J-M’s daughter, Catharina, was our planner, and not only did she create a fabulous itinerary but she monitored our progress through the trip, often chirping in on our regular WhatsApp conversations with the itinerary delivery team. The IDT was always available monitoring weather conditions and being responsive to any changes we required.

Perhaps our most unique experience was being picked up by our helicopter pilot on the front lawn of our Bunker House accommodation and, after circling several Southern Alps glaciers and mountain peaks, landing at the top of a peak with a red hut secured by cables. This structure was the infamous Whisky Hut also known as “A Bad Decision.” Alongside the hut, a golf tee had been set up. After sampling a few drams, the pilot (who did not imbibe) produced several golf clubs from the heli side pod. My golfer-friend, Arch, teed up a few biodegradable golf balls and let them fly, a perfect celebration for his birthday. We then left the Whisky Hut descending 1,800 feet to another hut where the pilot served us a fine lunch of sushi, charcuterie and Veuve Clicquot before continuing our glacier tour and returning to the Bunker House.

In summary, we had other highly-regarded travel planners at our disposal. But all four of us feel honored to have been guided by Jean-Michel and his stellar team.

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Vietnam: well supported while spanning the “very diverse” country with “truly the nicest” people

CONSTANCE ADAMS | FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Have you ever taken a perfect trip? We just did! Thanks to Ethan’s company and the WOW List we just returned from 14 days in Vietnam. This team is so professional and thorough that they have you covered in every detail from packing, currency, traditions, tipping, flights, you name it. We read all the suggestions and we took them to heart and they were all spot-on. You need 14 days to cover the country from Hanoi to Saigon, so don’t cut it short because you don’t want to miss any of it.

This country is very diverse in landscape and climate. The Vietnamese people are truly the nicest we have ever experienced in international travel. This county may surprise you so don’t be afraid to go because Ethan and his team have you covered and leave NOTHING to chance. We were escorted at all times and never in need or waiting or wondering. Our hotels were amazing and our guides were all top-notch. The guides are very knowledgeable and speak very good English, which my husband needs as normally he doesn’t do well with accents, but he didn’t have any troubles. Pack stretchy pants because there is lots of delicious food along the way.

I would never have taken a Vespa food tour on my own but it was a highlight of our trip. Trust this team! This probably sounds too good to be true but it really was the perfect trip.

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Antarctica: penguins and whales, zodiacs and kayaks, hiking and polar plunging

PATTY ARMACOST | FEBRUARY 9, 2026

Antarctic Trip January 18 – 29, 2026
Our group of four just returned from an Antarctic expedition, planned by Ashton and his team. Ashton met with us via Zoom and listened to our thoughts and preferences. His deep knowledge of the Antarctic and the various cruise line options was invaluable. He presented three options, and with his guidance we chose the National Geographic-Lindblad ship Endurance for our expedition.

The trip exceeded all of our expectations! The ship was purpose built for arctic explorations and was very comfortable, with an outstanding crew. The Captain took us further south to avoid most of the other cruise ships visiting the area. Nat Geo prioritizes getting passengers off the ship whenever it is safe, and we had a week filled with zodiac cruising, kayaking, hiking and, of course, a polar plunge! We saw four types of penguins, seals, orcas, humpback whales and many sea birds. The naturalists were all exceptional and shared so much of their passion and knowledge.

We couldn’t be happier with the experience and recommend Ashton and his team for any expedition trip!

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Madagascar and Kenya: Antananarivo biking, rainforest lemur hike, Naboisho walking safari

RACHEL ZIVE AND SAM BARNETT | FEBRUARY 8, 2026

Thanks to Wendy Perrin and Cherri and Katie‘s team, we had the most incredible and memorable honeymoon in Madagascar and Kenya. The trip was perfectly tailored to our interests and goals, and they helped us venture to what felt like the most remote places on earth with ease, comfort, relaxation, and adventure.

The destinations that they picked for us (Anjajavy and Masoala in Madagascar, and Kicheche/Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya) were spectacular, varied, and exactly what we were looking for. The staff at those lodges were incredible, responsive, kind, talented, and highly knowledge. We were able to have the active and adventure-seeking trip that we wanted. Some of the many highlights included cycling in Antananarivo, sea kayaking in Masoala Bay, hiking in primary rainforest with lemurs, and our running and walking safari in the Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya. The flora and fauna were second to none, and in the month that we’ve been home, we are still talking about how much we miss the perfect maritime settings of coastal Madagascar. It was unforgettable.

Doing a trip like this without Cherri and Katie’s team would simply not have been possible. The logistics and expertise required to travel comfortably in Madagascar are daunting, but they made it look effortless. And even when there were issues with our inbound flights, they masterfully helped us troubleshoot, giving us the comfort we needed to travel stress-free and celebrate our new marriage. It was the trip of a lifetime (or two), and there is no way it could have happened without them!

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Paris: cooking with a chef, wine tastings, football stadium tour, and contemporary art

CINDY AND TOM MURPHY | FEBRUARY 8, 2026

My husband and I were curious about trying a quick European getaway, so we chose Paris for five days in February—it’s an easy direct flight from Atlanta, and Tom had never been. For some reason, he’d decided years ago that Paris “wouldn’t be his vibe.” I’m so grateful to our planners Jennifer and Etienne (in Paris) for proving him completely wrong. We’re both total Paris fanatics now and will definitely be back for more quick trips.

We made genuine friends and had the most authentic conversations. From the first smiling face greeting us at the airport, to the warm welcome at our tiny hidden gem of a hotel that immediately felt like home, to the private history guide, sommelier, and chef who now feel like family—every moment was special. Jennifer and Etienne perfectly balanced scheduled activities with downtime. The trip just flowed. On busy exploring days, instead of a restaurant dinner, we’d happily end the evening with a wine and cheese picnic in bed from the market across the street.

Every activity was exactly what we asked for, but elevated beyond our expectations. Tom loved the PSG football stadium tour. Our guide Isabelle took us through Parisian history in a way that far exceeded anything we imagined—we had deep conversations connecting historical events to current politics, analyzing trends, and focusing on the human and emotional side of living through turbulent times. Our evening with sommelier Eric was pure joy.

The absolute highlight? Chef Françoise. Shopping with her at her favorite neighborhood markets, then cooking together in her apartment—that was traveling perfection for us. Connecting over food is so wonderfully human. Laughing, talking about our kids, swapping traditions… that’s the good stuff.

We wrapped up with the Gerhard Richter exhibit at the Foundation Louis Vuitton museum. An excellent choice that fit perfectly into our tight timeframe. The exhibit was extremely well done, and I’m thrilled that Tom now appreciates—and even shares a bit of—my love for contemporary art.

I’m a planner by nature and have always enjoyed crafting family vacations, but working with Jennifer and Etienne has opened my eyes to a whole new level of vacation relaxation. They’ve given us the confidence to travel outside our comfort zone. We both came home energized for our next adventure. We’re officially addicted.

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New Zealand: penguins, Moeraki Boulders and Māori blessings, Abel Tasman hiking, wine tasting

PATRICE LUOMA | FEBRUARY 6, 2026

Jean-Michel’s colleague Gillian was very easy to work with and very efficient. We went back and forth over a couple of days and the whole trip was planned! We had a nice taste of the North Island, South Island, wine, and penguins. Her tours used were professional and personable. We did blue penguins and Moeraki boulders, OPERA penguin and wildlife, Abel Tasman park hike and wine tasting, bike and beer self-guided tour, Waiheke Island wine tasting, Kaikoura kayaking, and others.

Overall, Gillian did a great job understanding what we were looking for and gave us a good experience with a variety of places and activities. We didn’t know enough about what to see and do in New Zealand before planning, and relied on Gillian’s expertise. Our special blessing and sunrise meeting with Māori descendant Dane was a spiritual moment and we believe kept us safe throughout the trip. She also encouraged some self-driving, which turned out to be fun and not so scary. The combination of intra-country flights and driving allowed us to get around efficiently, and the hotels chosen were small boutique hotels that were nice surprises. Good work! We loved it!

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Sri Lanka: jungle birdwatching, tea highlands, Sigiriya Rock and the Pekoe Trail

MATT MILLER | FEBRUARY 6, 2026

January 10-24
We are forever grateful to Miguel and his team (especially Nicola!) for planning and supporting our two-week dream honeymoon to Sri Lanka! We have nothing but great things to say about Miguel and his staff—they are responsive, supportive, unbelievably knowledgeable about and connected with this beautiful country, and ever-reliable. Miguel and his team planned the perfect trip based on our passions and interests, including by setting us up with our driver-guide Ethan, who was a wealth of knowledge on the local customs, food, history, and animals (especially birds for us!), had a wonderful sense of humor, and ensured our trip was safe, fun, flexible, and tailored.

We started our journey with three beautiful days in the cultural triangle, highlighted by a national park elephant safari, a climb up Sigiriya Rock (the 8th wonder of the world!), and bird-watching at our nature resort in the jungle.

We then traveled to the cultural and historical center of Kandy high in the mountains, where we hiked the first stage of the Pekoe Trail, which Miguel cofounded as way to integrate sustainable tourism, local economies, and environmental preservation. The Pekoe Trail is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Sri Lanka!

Next, we arrived in one of the most picturesque places we have ever traveled—the tea highlands—and wished we could have spent even more time there, overlooking the lake, listening to and discovering as many bird species as possible, enjoying the delicious food and relaxing bungalow, and getting to know the people of central Sri Lanka.

Next up was three days of safari in Yala National Park, another stop that we will never forget and hope to return to in the years to come; thanks to Miguel and his team, we stayed at a safari resort that was further off the beaten path, more immersed in the jungle, and away from the crowds in other parts of the park. We were so lucky to be joined by guides who understood our interests and tailored the drives to them (birds!), and we even got to see the elusive sloth bear!

Finally, we spent four relaxing days on the South Coast, sitting by the pool, walking along the beach, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, and enjoying the spa. Miguel understood exactly how to design the trip so that we balanced exploration and adventure with relaxation and cultural immersion.

Every guide that Miguel and team partnered us with, every resort that we stayed at, our driver-guide Ethan, truly every experience was better than we could have imagined or organized ourselves. We are lucky to have traveled the world and visited places that we do not feel urgency to revisit—but thanks to Miguel, Ethan, and the people and places we encountered, Sri Lanka is undoubtably on our Must Revisit list, and we cannot wait for the next opportunity for safari, birdwatching, tropical beach, spicy food, and so much more in this fantastic country.

Thank you to Wendy Perrin and the WOW List for directing us to Miguel and his company. This was paradise and everyone should get a chance to experience it!

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Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia: village life by boat, meeting a monk, dinner at a chef’s home

DEBBIE KASLE | FEBRUARY 4, 2026

We had an incredible time on our trip to Northern Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Ethan planned our trip and did a great job listening to the things we like to do and making that a reality. All the logistics, from drivers, to guides, to visas, etc. was handled for us. Every one of his suggestions (from hotels to activities) was spot on! And when we emailed Ethan with a question in the middle of our trip, he responded back right away.

Now for some trip highlights….in Chiang Mai we did a cooking class with Pea and we met with a monk to learn more about Buddhism and the life of a monk. Both were fun and eye-opening. We took a private boat from Thailand to Laos, observing village life along the way. We weren’t sure if this would be super interesting or a waste of 2 days, but decided to chance it on Ethan’s recommendation. This was definitely a trip highlight! The ride itself was beautiful, relaxing, and it was interesting to see people fishing or panning for gold. But the true value of our local guide was evident when we arrived in the local villages to look around. Our guide kept us away from other visitors, and due to his relationships with people in the villages, we had the most unique experiences. In one village, we joined in a drinking party with a group of women taking a break from the fields. And in another village, we participated in preparing for a ceremony honoring a deceased family member.

Some Laos highlights were the Manda Lao elephant sanctuary, and going to our guide’s house for dinner with his family. We ate traditional foods, were blessed by all his relatives, traded off singing Lao and American songs, and danced together! Our final morning, we woke up early with our guide to “make merit” (give alms) to the monks. Another really authentic experience.

After all these experiences (and so many more), we were ready for some relaxing at Shinta Mani Wild. This was a super splurge for us, but we were so glad we did it! Everything about this place was over the top and amazing…..without feeling at all stuffy or contrived.

Our last trip highlight was our Wendy Perrin WOW Moment—we had a private dinner at a world-renowned Cambodian chef’s home. Chef Nak sat with us during our 5-course dinner and explained how she is traveling around Cambodia (and the world) trying to elevate Cambodian cuisine and culture. It was a really special night!

I would highly recommend visiting these fascinating countries and having Ethan make the arrangements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are WOW List travel experts vetted?

We are constantly vetting and road-testing destination-specific travel specialists who come highly recommended by sophisticated travelers. First, we evaluate these candidates to determine whether they meet our high standard. Then we send travelers their way and monitor those trips closely. If we receive enough stellar feedback, that travel specialist earns a spot on The WOW List. This testing process takes at least a year, more typically two or three.

What’s the difference between The WOW List and a regular travel agent?

Unlike regular travel agents who try to cover the entire world, the specialists on The WOW List are all experts in a particular destination or type of travel. A trip planned by a WOW List expert will be custom-tailored, wisely designed, non-touristy, sophisticated, and hassle-free. It will eliminate inefficiencies, crowds, lines, and other headaches, and get you priority status, insider access, and VIP perks.

How do Trusted Travel Experts enhance cultural experiences?

Trusted Travel Experts create one-of-a-kind trips full of unique cultural experiences thanks to their insider connections. They leverage those relationships to get you behind-closed-doors access, pair you with the best private guides, and introduce you to noteworthy local people and artisans.

If you want insider access and a custom-designed itinerary, here’s how to request your own WOW 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.

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