We wish all our clients and partners a very happy New Year and we hope 2025 (and beyond) will involve some life-changing travel for you and your family.
I thought this might be good timing to provide a quick and honest breakdown of when you should be planning trips for the next 18 months based on the premise that you will experience exactly what you want.
- Spring Break 2025 - NOW
- Early Summer travel to popular European destinations - NOW
- Australia/New Zealand for Winter 2025/26 NOW
- Any African trip for 2025 - NOW
- Alaska cruise for 2025 - NOW
- Early Summer travel to under-the-radar European destinations - by March 2025
- Japan for Spring 2025 - too late unfortunately, plan now for 2026
- Rest of SE Asia - plan at least 3 months ahead of travel
- South America - plan at least 3 months ahead of travel
- Antarctica expedition cruises for 2025/26 season - by March 2025
- European Christmas Market river cruises - by April 2025
Our annual Top 10 Photos list for 2024 follows in calendar order.
1. U2 The Sphere, Las Vegas
The Sphere managed to advance the concert experience by a magnitude that is hard to explain. If your favorite band or performer announce dates here, then you should really try to get there for the experience.
Helen and I enjoyed a fantastic Vegas weekend back in February, focused on this concert and some wonderful dining reservations, and of course Vegas has so much to offer.
2. Ghent, Belgium
Back in March, 5 of the team enjoyed an on-board symposium with an Amsterdam to Belgium roundtrip. As well as inhaling even more luxury travel knowledge and making new connections with suppliers, we also saw the sights.
Ghent at night was lit up so gorgeously and even though this was a rainy evening, it's beauty just seemed to be enhanced.
3. Marloes Sands, Wales
Our early July family trip to Wales surprised me more than anything this year. In what is considered peak summer dates for European travel, we found the beach above almost totally deserted on a delightful Sunday morning. Moral of the story...there are many destinations worldwide where you can enjoy culture, great food and history AWAY from the crowds.
4. British Bird of Prey Centre, Wales
This was a fantastic family experience near Carmarthen on our Wales trip, and we have a lot of shots of owls, eagles and hawks.
This white tailed eagle I snapped has a 7-foot wingspan to give you some idea of the scale.
5. Arenal, Costa Rica
This photo of Arenal Volcano in mid September was taken from Tabacon Resort. It's not that often that the top of the volcano has a clear view, so we were a little lucky. This personal trip was also taken "off-season" and we enjoyed 3 destinations within the country with a distinct lack of crowds.
6. Arenal, Costa Rica
Our sloth search with a private guide also proved successful and they really are (at a distance) the cutest beings ever!
7. Piran, Slovenia
In late September, 5 of the team headed to Slovenia for a full immersion in the country we rate so highly as an alternative to Italy, if you want similar experiences but again without the crowds. The photo was taken on our first night in-country and we were so relaxed as we enjoyed a perfect sunset and a little drink.
From left to right are team members... Kendall, Sara, Kristin and Shanna
8. Hotel Milka, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Just 90 minutes from the Slovenian coast are the Slovenian/Austrian Alps. The 6-bedroom Hotel Milka in Kranjska Gora was one of the calmest, most serene refuges I have ever experienced.
Waking up with this mug of coffee on my hotel balcony with this view...yes!
9. Caruso, a Belmond Property, Amalfi Coast
After Slovenia, and heading in to October, 3 of us extended our trip by making a long overdue research trip to the Amalfi Coast. Hotel highlight of the itinerary was undoubtedly the Belmond property, Caruso, set in Ravello. The photo is of our site inspection there. We learned that Ravello is THE destination if you want to enjoy the Amalfi Coast without the crowds, which is not an easy task.
10. Mural Mile, St Louis MO
A quick family weekend in November to visit our daughter Maisie, led me to taking lots of shots along the amazing Mural Mile. The street art in this photo really struck me, and I am thankful that the ceasefire request I presume it is referring to just came to fruition in Israel.
From our family to yours, Happy New Year & may you have an incredible 2025!
If you're ready to start planning your 2025 (or beyond) adventure, let us know by clicking the link below. We can't wait to create an unforgettable travel experience for you, giving you memories that will last a lifetime.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
