Tag Archives: Ask Wendy Page

Japan: Tokyo temples & towers, post town paths of the samurai in Kiso Valley, green tea tasting in Shizuoka

MICHAEL RUMA | DECEMBER 2, 2024

Michael Ruma at Shizuoka tea fields with tea farmer Takuya Shigeta.

Taking in the Shizuoka tea fields with 15th-generation tea farmer, Takuya Shigeta.

Japan: Until We Meet Again

We flew to Tokyo on October 4 and traveled by bullet train to Kiso, Kyoto, Shizuoka, and by ferry across Suruga Bay to Toi Izu returning home on October 18, 2024. At the top of many published travel lists, Japan ranked highly for us as the travel distance would be equitable for our friends meeting us from Saipan. Leaning on Wendy and her trusted list of trip planners, she put us in touch with Andrea and his colleague, Floriana. We visited virtually to detail interests, ideas, and idiosyncrasies to develop the perfect itinerary. Andrea and Floriana created a journey embarking from Tokyo, traveling by high-speed train to the Kiso Valley, reuniting with our friends in Kyoto, and then parting ways to continue our trip south to the Izu Peninsula curating a selection of superb hotels, excellent drivers, and amazing guides.

Landing late in Tokyo, we made it through immigration and customs and were whisked to the Tokyo Toranomon Edition Hotel. We enjoyed a night cap at the spectacular lobby bar and called it an evening after a long day of international travel. Awakening to a memorable view of Tokyo Tower, we prepared to explore all the offerings of the most populous city in the world.

From temples to towers, sushi to sake, and crowds to calm, Tokyo did not disappoint during our brief three-night stay. We enjoyed our first bullet train experience heading west to Kiso Fukushima. Appreciating the big city, but always attracted to the close connections made spending time in rural locales, we grew excited to settle into a traditional Japanese ryokan for the next few days. At the small inn, we learned to lounge in jinbei and yukata, dined on the delectable daily breakfast and divine dinners, and ventured throughout the countryside with our guide, Sachi.

The highlight of our time in the Kiso Valley is difficult to choose as we hiked to many ethereal shrines and wandered the path of the samurai through post towns, however we will never forget our opportunity to take part in the century’s old tradition of takigyo, meditating under a freezing cold waterfall, and then sharing the same moment with a local family at Shintaki Falls.

Filled with gratitude and innumerable memories, we left the Japanese Alps and traveled to Kyoto to meet our friends. With our intrepid guide, Mina, we navigated the bustling city by bus, taxi, and subway to visit numerous cultural sites with ease. Understandably crowded at times in the most popular spots, we escaped to a serene family temple with a private tea ceremony and contemplated the Zen gardens by Shigemori Mirei.

Over four days in Kyoto, we enjoyed learning history of the Samurai, mastering sword technique, and wide-ranging dining from yakiniku to yakitori. As the saying goes…time flies when you’re having fun…and we sadly had to say goodbye. Our friends headed back to Tokyo, and we traveled south to Shizuoka for the remainder of our trip.

For the last few days of our trip, we asked to get off the beaten path and find a quiet, relaxing place. Andrea and Floriana did not disappoint…coordinating a mountain green tea tasting in Shizuoka, a ferry ride with awe-inspiring views of Mt. Fuji, and a sanctuary stay in a historic mansion in Nishi-Izu.

We spent the remaining days strolling quiet seaside towns, visiting a secluded organic wasabi farm, and soaking in our private onsen.

It is without question…we could never have planned an experience in Japan like this without the assistance of a brilliant travel orchestrator. Enchanting our minds and our senses, we wait patiently for our next journey to Japan.

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Egypt: nighttime hike up Mt. Sinai for sunrise, private time at the Sphinx’s paws, well tipped on tipping

KRISTEN MACLEOD AND PETER ALTHAUSEN | DECEMBER 2, 2024

Kristen MacLeod at Mt Sinai during sunrise.

Traveler Kristen MacLeod Kristen basks in a “spectacular, not to be missed” sunrise at Mt Sinai

Just back from an outstanding two week trip to Egypt (11/6-11/20/2024) through Jim Berkley and his colleague Seema. My husband and I explored all along the Nile River Valley from Cairo south to Aswan and Abu Simbel, including Edfu and Luxor. We even hopped over to Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea for diving and a spectacular, not to be missed, nighttime hike up Mt Sinai for sunrise. First of all, if you have considered Egypt, but are hesitant given the unsettled Middle East, we say, “Just go!” We felt 100% safe the entire time. The Egyptian people are wonderful hosts, and their sophisticated country has too many treasures to be explored in just 2 weeks.

Our trip was absolutely smooth from beginning to end. Jim and Seema’s hotel recommendations and the Nile cruise ship they booked were fantastic and gave us a nice mix of historical properties and a few days of just plain luxury. This turned out to be critical given how fast-paced our itinerary was after over 24 hours of travel to get to Egypt. We had 6 in-country flights in order to fit everything in, and that meant some early days and late evenings. The hotel comfort, quality, location and amenities were spot on. Jim advised us to pay a little extra to travel first class in-country as the large tourist crowds can be overwhelming. Normally, I wouldn’t do that for such short flights, but the few hundred dollars actually made a significant difference given the number of flights we had and how busy it is.

As we have found in previous Wendy trips, the biggest benefit is in how Jim and Seema connected us to spectacular local drivers, guides and Egyptologists through South Sinai Travel. You cannot underestimate how critical that is in a big, busy country where you don’t know the customs, don’t speak the language, and can’t even recognize the alphabet! They were always early to meet us, never late and they are with you all the way through the check in and out procedures at each flight and hotel, even checking you in the day before for your in-country flights.

The highlights of our trip include the midnight hike up Mt Sinai with our Bedouin guide to watch the sunrise in peace with people from all over the world and every religion. The fresh Bedouin bread hot off the griddle and dripping with local honey along with a cup of hot tea fueled through our hike and kept us warm. It’s freezing up at 4am at 6,700 feet! A half day spent in Coptic Cairo quarter was fascinating with incredible architecture and history and peaceful compared to the rest of Cairo. Cairo is crazy, but the energy is very positive and riding through those busy streets is an experience not to be missed! The three major museums are all worth seeing and will make your head ache from trying to process the sophistication of a culture well over 4,000 years old. We paid extra to have private time at the paws of the Sphinx in Giza. It’s hard to describe the awe we felt standing alone at its base. Our Egyptologist, Raymonda, was as excited about it as we were! For us this extra cost was well worth it.

Overall, my husband and I both felt that paying for the private Egyptologists made our time at the very busy tourist sites way more meaningful. The Valley of the Kings and Luxor would not have been half as interesting without our Egyptologist, Mahmoud. Must-dos: The hike up Mt Sinai. Yes, you’ll be tired, but you will never regret it. Take a horse and carriage through the streets of Edfu to the Temple of Horus. It was the only time in my life when I have hit speed bumps while riding in a carriage with cars and motorcycles whizzing past me. You see a lot of Egyptian life when you move more slowly through the streets in an open carriage. Pay for the extra tombs at the Valley of the Kings. They are less crowded and beautifully preserved. Spend at least two nights in Aswan at The Old Cataract Hotel. We aren’t usually ones to rave about a hotel, but the setting and historical colonial elegance combined with the modern amenities make it very special. In fact, the slower pace and friendly, laidback Nubian feel of Aswan is a great addition to a busy trip. Wait to buy your spices and cotton/linen until you are in Aswan. This is where they come from.

Things to be prepared for: Tipping is ubiquitous and expected for everything. Seema advised me on amounts even going so far as to break it down by day and event so that we were ready ahead of time. The Egyptians have experienced 400% inflation since 2011. US dollars were very welcome for larger tips (guide, driver, Egyptologist). Cash is still king in Egypt although the nicer shops and hotels may take credit card. Bring more US cash than you think you will use, and bring some smaller bills. Be prepared for the onslaught of merchants trying to sell you souvenirs at the major tourist sites. It can be overwhelming. Outside of the areas right at the sites, we were not approached at all. Finally, I would like to say how safe I felt as a woman. I was not hassled at all, and I saw no younger tourist women getting hassled. The Egyptians are tolerant, respectful, and like to laugh.

We left feeling like we had made a deep connection to Egypt and its people. This is 100% attributable to the local connections provided by Jim and Seema. We can’t wait to go back and see the Siwa Oasis and Alexandria and journey to Petra. Jim and his crew will be our first call when we start to plan!

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Contact Patricia and Rachael

Argentina: the lakes of Bariloche, and the Perito Moreno glacier, and Peninsula Valdes wildlife

SHEILA AND DAVID CAHNMAN | DECEMBER 1, 2024

David and Sheila Cahnman hiking the Perito Moreno glacier in southwest Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.

Travelers David and Sheila Cahnman hiking the “magnificent” Perito Moreno glacier in southwest Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.

We just completed a wonderful 14 day trip to Argentina planned by Paul & Lucinda. They suggested four different locales that represented Argentinian highlights where we could tour, hike, bike without being too strenuous, and also have time for my passion— sketching. The trip started with four nights in Buenos Aires including a private architecture tour and Jewish sites tour with very knowledgeable guides. I loved the Japanese garden and Rosedal in Palermo. We then went for a few days of sailing, hiking and biking in Bariloche which was very similar to the Bavarian Alps. Not a “must see,” but very pleasant. Next we headed to EOLO resort in El Calafate and the magnificent Perito Moreno glacier. Make sure to spend a full day hiking there!

Our last stop was Peninsula Valdes : Rincon Chico, the 8 bed lodge and conservation area, is a 3 hour drive from the Trelew airport. The 3 days we spent there were a cross between a safari and the Galapagos. We especially enjoyed when our hosts took us four couples to see 600,000 Magellanic penguins nesting on their private property.

Paul and Lucinda’s company communicates through their own app, which listed updates to our itinerary and also boarding passes etc. Two minor glitches in transportation arrival were handled through the app: in one case they negotiated a full refund for late arrival at a tango show, and in the other we received complementary massages. Also was impressed that all our flights throughout the country were direct and did not require a return to Buenos Aires like many other fellow travelers.

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Thailand, Laos & Vietnam: experiencing the elephants, weaving silk, home-cooked meals with Uncles and Aunties

LORI AND JACK ANSALDI | DECEMBER 1, 2024

Floating through Vietnam’s coconut flower groves on a bucket boat.

We planned our trip with Ethan and Sandy—we told them where we wanted to go and they took it from there. They suggested the timetable, flights, sights, hotels, and scheduled the most amazing hosts in each location. Everything was well coordinated and at the same time flexible to our requirements. As we traveled and experienced flight delays or lost luggage, Ethan and Sandy—as well as our local hosts—were on it. They went above and beyond, having a host meet us at arrival in the local Saigon terminal to walk us 10 minutes to the International terminal, confirm we were checked in, and on our way back to the USA. We can’t thank Ethan and Sandy’s company enough. They were terrific to work with from start to finish.

We explored places and people and dealt with traffic and heat. All good and part of the experience. Warm friendly people, exotic temples, superb boutique accommodations, and new food flavors and tastes. We started our trip in Bangkok, flew to Chiang Mai and learned about rescuing the elephants and feeding these incredible loving creatures in Laos, as well as making paper and weaving silk or making a batik. Very hands on.

From there we picked up a Viking River Cruise in Hanoi. Stopped in Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat, sail down the Mekong River and end up in Ho Chi Minh City. Although we saw a lot and enjoyed the river cruise, we preferred the smaller more intimate touring with local hosts.

Some of the most memorable experiences included visiting the Hmong people, meeting our host’s families and being blessed by the Uncles and Aunties, seeing their homes, experiencing their lifestyle, and enjoying a home cooked meal. Some of the best meals. The tour in Hoi An was fabulous. We biked the rice fields, said hello to the water buffalo, learned about farming from an 86-year-old farmer, tilling the dirt, planting the lettuce, watering the plants. Then hopping on a boat, catching fish with nets, and venturing through the coconut flower groves on the bucket boat. So much fun!! And a new appreciation for the people and their hard work.

We’ve traveled many places, but this was the trip of a lifetime. We can’t wait to work with Wendy Perrin again.

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Chile: exploring Rapa Nui’s sites and statues, visiting island of the Birdman competition, laughing with locals

JEANNIE MULLEN | DECEMBER 1, 2024

Local Rapa Nui guide, Martin Hey, and Jeannie Mullen exploring a quiet inlet on the Easter Island.

Traveler Jeannie Mullen and local Rapa Nui guide explore a quiet inlet frequented by Easter Island locals.

Just back from pre-Thanksgiving holiday to Easter Island … this was my third or fourth time using Tom Damon for solo travel trip planning to South America. I was paired with Martin Hey, a fantastic local Rapa Nui guide… a great story teller who wove science, history and Rapa Nui lore into every single day of the trip. This was also my third attempt since the pandemic to try to schedule a trip to this remote island. It did not disappoint. Not only did Martin bring the platforms and statues to life through his storytelling, he also knew how and when to enjoy them with very few if any other groups around. Many times we had the sites to ourselves for extended periods of time. Interspersed with day trips to the local Moai sites were several long hikes and one particular boat trip out to the Birdman competition islands which enabled us to share stories and meet other locals with whom we could share experiences and a good bit of laughter. Importantly, the pacing of the trip enabled me to enjoy my time on the island without being harried or racing from one site to another. Thank you Martin, Tom and Wendy for yet another fantastic trip.

I cannot fail to mention the great lengths to which Tom and his contacts went to make sure that I made my VERY tight return connection in Santiago. LATAM airlines changed the connecting flight time out of Easter Island at the last minute which made my international flight connection in Santiago very risky. If I didn’t make that connection I would not have been able to leave for another 24 hours, which would have resulted in me missing Thanksgiving with my family. Tom arranged RAC concierge service which vastly expedited the 1 1/2 hour immigration line that my fellow passengers reported they endured before making the same connection. So, Tom, I thank you and my family thanks you!

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Nepal: flightseeing Everest with narration by a sherpa, and guided tour of old Kathmandu

CHRISTINE STOLL | NOVEMBER 28, 2024

Christine Stoll and husband in front of a pool at Dusit Thani in Dhulikhel, Nepal.

Travelers Christine Stoll and her husband Don at the Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort in Dhulikhel, Nepal.

In 1996 I went to a presentation by the late David Breashears where he spoke about and showed raw footage of his experience on Mount Everest during the climbing disaster earlier that year. The filming of his eventual summiting became the IMAX movie, Everest. I was captivated. Although I was never a candidate to climb the mountain, it was my goal to see it in person. So, I contacted Sanjay and explained how important this experience was to me. Sanjay was a personal friend of David Breashears, giving me another personal connection and an understanding of how important this was to me.

So, Sanjay crafted a 5-day stay in Nepal for my husband and our friends. We were all on our way to India. He offered 3 options for seeing the mountain. We chose the flightseeing, a 20-passenger plane where everyone has a window seat. He scheduled us on the flight, but arranged the trip so that, if the weather was bad, we could reschedule for any of the other days. As soon as we arrived, we were told that we would be going the next morning as that was the best weather opportunity. At 5:00 A.M the next morning we were seated on the plane with the flight still up-in-the-air. It sure looked cloudy. After sitting on the runway for some time, we finally got the okay to take off. We kept going up through clouds until we finally burst out to a sight I can’t put into words. It was stunning, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping and whatever other superlative you can think of. Sanjay had arranged for us to have a sherpa with us, who had summited Everest. Phula pointed out peaks, routes, and other features to make our time richer. When we finished, he went to breakfast with us. He answered our many, many questions. Phula’s experience was fascinating, and I got a better understanding of the sherpa community and their special connection to the mountain. It took me the rest of the day to “come down off the mountain” and finally catch my breath.

Our other days in Nepal were crafted by Sanjay with equal care. We had a city guide, Arjun, who walked us through old Kathmandu and shared his love of it. The devastation from the 2015 earthquake was still visible, but he was so proud of his country’s rebuilding efforts. The festival of Tihar had just finished, and the city brightly decorated. We went to a Nepalese Welcome Dinner, a small affair with several courses of delicious food and local musicians and dancers. We were definitely made to feel welcome.

Shortly before we left home, Nepal suffered a terrible rainstorm which caused severe flooding. The resort where we were supposed to spend a night suffered severe damage. Sanjay told us he was working on a substitute. What a substitute!! It was a stunning property with eye-popping views at sunrise, sunset, and throughout the day. We were pampered and fed food created by a culinary artist. Nepal is a special place, and Sanjay arranged 5 days to love.

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Belize: a sentimental return visit with Mayan sites, canoeing in caves, and cooking with a local family

ELAINE PATTERSON | NOVEMBER 24, 2024

My husband and I recently contacted Patricia to design a very sentimental return trip to Belize. We had visited in 1978 while in grad school and finally decided to go back, but we wanted help in order to explore all the places and experiences that exist today.

Patricia totally embraced the spirit of this return trip and she designed a fabulous itinerary with time in the Cayo District and beach. Her hotel selection in Cayo was magical (Gaia Riverlodge) with the most stunning setting, staff, and service, and she matched us with a fantastic local guide (Brainard) who spent 5 days with us. He shepherded us through Mayan sites (Caracol and Xunantunich are not to be missed!), canoeing in caves, looking around San Ignacio for sites we would recognize from ‘78, and accompanying us to a memorable cooking experience with a local family. The three of us never stopped talking; he had info and answers on every topic—Mayan history, local culture and politics, farming, food, and forests.

Throughout the trip, Patricia and her team were in touch with us to make sure things were going smoothly. When we rather suddenly realized that going to a beach resort in the middle of Tropical Storm Sara was not our best move, and opted to fly out that morning, her team and Brainard smoothly got us back to the airport.

We had such a wonderful time—and were so charmed by Belize—that we’re already working with Patricia to return later this winter. There’s more to see, we’ll have our beach weekend after all, and we couldn’t be in better hands than with Patricia and her team.

Puglia: olive tasting in the grove, cooking class and pasta-making, embroidery looms in action at a textile factory

VANESSA HULME | NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Alison and Elisa put together a marvelous itinerary for our first trip to Puglia. Although we have traveled extensively in other parts of Italy, we had never been to Puglia and needed both advice and suggestions on how to make the best of the trip. Alison and Elisa excelled on both counts. They really listened to the type of itinerary we wanted, and took into account our likes and dislikes.

From the time we were met at the airport in Bari until we departed 10 days later, everything worked like clockwork. The hotels they suggested suited us perfectly (especially their suggestion that we MUST spend our last few days at Palazzo Margherita—this hotel was so very, very special that we are very happy we didn’t pass on this). In all of the accommodations, we were treated incredibly well; it was obvious their company had relationships with them. Their drivers were excellent—always on time and very professional, and the guides are some of the best we have had on our travels.

There were so many highlights on this trip, it would take ages to list them all, but a few were: a guided tour sampling Bari’s local street food; a visit to Casamassella to visit a textile factory where products are made using the centuries-old hands-on method on embroidery looms; a walk through fields of ancient olive trees (1000+ years old) with an olive oil tasting and incredible lunch prepared especially for us; a cooking class with two excellent chefs where we participated in making the dinner (including a chance to make our own pasta!); an opportunity to see the Puglian countryside as we drove a vintage Fiat 500 for hours, and an evening visit to Alberobello where the trulli houses really came to life.

Our visit to Matera was very insightful as we learned a great deal of the history of the cave dwellings and the people who lived there and their day-to-day lives. Especially interesting were the ancient churches and learning how they were carved into the landscape. This entire complex is truly awe-inspiring. The most special part of this visit was our WOW Moment at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso Le Grotte della Civita! Imagine having an ancient church turned restaurant all to ourselves at lunch, lit only by candlelight, with our own private chef and exquisite food and wine—this really was a WOW+ moment. Thanks, Wendy, for pulling yet another amazing experience out of the hat!

We are so very glad we enlisted Alison and Elisa for this trip. Their knowledge of the area and their relationships with providers in Puglia make this a stellar vacation for us. We would have absolutely no hesitation in utilizing their services again.

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France: exploring wine regions, a private cruise on the Seine, a mix of Michelin-star dining & cozy bistros

JOE LYLE | NOVEMBER 16, 2024

A vineyard-covered hillside in St. Emillion. Photo: Traveler Joe Lyle

We’ve been using Wendy Perrin’s team for our travels over the past decade, and when it came time to plan our first trip to France, we felt confident in choosing the WOW List representative, Philip. Our goal was to explore several wine regions and indulge in great food—and we certainly achieved that. The team listened closely to our wishes and crafted a three-week itinerary that began in Paris, then took us to the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, St. Emilion, Provence, and Burgundy.

We loved being able to stroll through charming villages, and the boutique hotels were perfectly located for us to interact with locals and enjoy the markets. To satisfy our culinary desires, the trip included a wonderful mix of Michelin-starred dining and cozy local bistros. One highlight was Le Cinq—an extraordinary dining experience in Paris. At Resources in Bordeaux, we were thrilled as the chef presented his innovative creations of his choosing, showcasing the freshest local ingredients.

A few standout moments included a cooking class where we shopped at a local market for fresh provisions, and our WOW Moment in the home of a talented pastry chef. We also enjoyed a romantic private cruise down the Seine on a sunny day, which offered a breathtaking view of Paris. A private tour of the Louvre, along with truffle and chocolate tastings, were pure joy and left us in high spirits.

The visits to the wine chateaus were guided by experts and experienced sommeliers. We especially appreciated the opportunity to explore small, boutique wineries and engage in insightful discussions about the different wine regions. We gained a deeper understanding of French wines and the distinctive qualities of each region.

Thanks to Wendy and her WOW List, we had an unforgettable experience that helped us fall even more in love with France.

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Southeast Asia: canoe tour of Phuket, Angor Wat at sunrise, Hanoi by scooter, the limestone mountains of Ha Long Bay

JEFF AND LISA WELLEN | NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Jeff and Lisa Wellen at Maya beach in Thailand.

Travelers Jeff and Lisa Wellen on Thailand’s breathtaking Maya Beach.

What a fantastic and incredible vacation to Southeast Asia thanks to Dan and his entire team. This is the fourth time we have used travel advisors recommended by Wendy and it is the fourth time they have exceeded our expectations.

From the first phone call with Dan and Raphael until the last host helped us get on our plane back home to the States, the entire team was outstanding. During the planning stages, Raphael listened to our needs, made necessary adjustments, and gave us wonderful guidance to ensure the trip was tailored to our needs and desires.

We started our trip in Bangkok with our wonderful host Nemo. Her passion and energy were contagious. She made adjustments based on weather and current events, and blended all of our tours to create one seamless incredible experience. The most significant of those adjustments was she made sure we saw The King’s Royal Barge Procession, which is a significant cultural event in Thailand that takes place on the Chao Phraya River, which was right next to our hotel.

Next we were off to Phuket. The Surin Resort was just outstanding. The views from the hillside resort were awesome and the staff were exceptional. Raphael’s suggestion of the John Grey Sea Canoe tour and the speedboat ride to Phi Phi Islands were great.

We then traveled to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where Vuthy showed us around Angkor Wat and other temples. Angkor Wat at sunrise was an indescribably beautiful experience. The next day we biked through the rice fields and countryside of Cambodia and finished with a private boat ride and picnic lunch on board around Tonlé Sap lake. The temples were awesome but getting out of the city is something you must do if you visit Siem Reap.

Then we were off to Hoi An where Vien showed us a wonderful time in the Old Quarter whether that was eating street food, shopping, or riding around town on scooters. We also did a cooking class where we prepared and cooked a meal, then ate the meal on the side of a beautiful river and finally received a foot and back massage. It was a trifecta of fun.

Finally, we ended our trip in Hanoi where Dat showed us a great time. One of the craziest things we did was ride scooters around Hanoi. An exhilarating experience to say the least. Then we went to Ha Long Bay for a one-night boat trip around the picturesque limestone mountains that rise out of the waters. It was a wonderful way to end our 16 days in Southeast Asia. Another great suggestion from Raphael.

Dan and his team have put together fantastic tours but the best thing was how the hosts made the black and white words on the itinerary pages come alive. His handpicked team of hosts made us feel special from the moment we met to our hugs when saying goodbye.

Finally, I want to thank Wendy, Dan and Raphael for the unforgettable WOW Moment they gave to my wife and me. They arranged a beautiful candle lite dinner on the Surin beach for our 31st wedding anniversary. The hotel staff was amazing, and it is a memory that will last a lifetime and such a fantastic way to celebrate our special day.

Dan and his team showed once again why everybody should use Wendy’s WOW List. THANK YOU!!

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South Pacific: Hong Kong and Singapore, river excursions in Borneo, a Balinese blessing ceremony

BARBARA SCHOENFELD | NOVEMBER 13, 2024

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

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

Andrea organized a fantastic trip across the South Pacific for my husband and me. Over a three-week period, we visited Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Although we approached the consultation with ideas of where we wanted to go, Andrea’s suggestions for itinerary design were considerably better. For example, he advised that we visit Borobudur, near Yogyakarta, in Indonesia. We did, and it was a highlight. It was never on my to-visit list, but I’m so grateful we went. All of the guides he provided were knowledgeable, but of just as much interest to us, were open to sharing their personal perspectives.

We especially appreciated the time he spent on a couple of iterations mapping out the trip. In particular, we wanted to go to Borneo and initially he proposed a short river cruise. We found it unappealing, so he reoriented to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge—with river excursions—a favorite of our trip.

The hotel choices were terrific. Besides being comfortable and super well-run, they were in excellent locations, allowing us to maximize our enjoyment of our unstructured time. One special experience was the Sala Waterfall Temple in Bali. It went beyond most of the Balinese blessing ceremonies because it involved wading in a fresh water spring, led by a guide, stopping at 21 stations to undertake ritual cleansing steps and prayers. It culminates in climbing to a rushing waterfall, where you stick your head under the cascade and scream three times. It’s a surprisingly calming experience.

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

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Sweden: hot springs and saunas, helicopter to private island inn, lobster fishing excursion

ROBYN AND DAN NEEDHAM | NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Aerial view of houses and Pater Noster lighthouse on Hamneskar island, Sweden.

Pater Noster is nestled on the tiny rock lighthouse island Hamneskar.

My husband and I toured Sweden just recently from September 29 through October 6. We started the first 3 nights in Gothenburg, mixing work and vacation. Our trip was planned by Torunn and her company, and we stayed at The Dorsia Hotel to start. A fabulous hotel and one of the best experiences we have ever had. The room was incredible, and the food was awesome from a late-night dinner on the evening of arrival after a long trip to the wonderful breakfasts included in our package.

Early the next morning we met a young amazing artist quickly becoming a Swedish sensation at an arranged private tour of a local art gallery. The next two days we explored the immaculate city of Gothenburg including the old walled city with the Fish Church. Definitely recommend a visit to this city and a tour of Volvo World.

We departed Gothenburg for a one-night stay at Ästad, a wellness hot springs in the country, just an hour by private car. There we enjoyed the various saunas before an amazing dinner experience at Restaurant Ang, a Michelin-rated eatery with food and ambiance unparalleled. It is safe to say a definite top culinary experience for the two of us.

The next morning we departed Ästad by private helicopter to a private island that was once a working lighthouse and now an island getaway inn called Pater Noster. We were greeted with champagne upon landing on the island by the inn manager and amazing staff on the island. The inn has 9 rooms and we shared our one evening with one other amazing couple and the inn’s proprietor. A setting to relax, but also a lighthouse to explore and a seafood dinner enjoyed with new friends. Such an amazing and unique experience.

After eating a fantastic breakfast, we left via a RIB that swiftly took us to town to connect with a 3-hour lobster fishing excursion. After a private car transfer, we spent our last night in a castle room at Nääs Slott.

We definitely recommend visiting Sweden with wonderful people and a most beautiful and amazingly clean country!

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Sicily: small-town visits, personal culinary experiences, lunch at Zio Pippo’s vineyard

TIM TRICHE | NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Tim Triche and his wife at a cooking class in Fontes Episcopi.

The Triche travelers at a “terrific” cooking class at Fontes Episcopi.

Sicily is a special place, the crossroads of history and Western civilization, and the sense of a continuous living history is everywhere. We have been four times now, and will likely return yet again. The possibilities are seemingly endless. The small towns and their people are steeped in that history, the food is unforgettable, landscape rugged and rocky and beautiful, and the freedom to simply soak it all in is perhaps the best part of the trip.

We chose our destinations based on things we had not seen before, and we were not disappointed. We focused on destinations away from the crowds and in the process met wonderful people, both the Sicilians and the guides. The food was amazing, and helping prepare at least three meals in different locations was special. Late Fall is definitely a great time to go; the weather was perfect. Our travel adviser, Laura, and her associates were pretty incredible; they were available at any time and were truly interested in making our trip memorable. There were so many unique destinations she chose based on our interview before the trip that it would be difficult to single out only one, but the way the trip evolved, from small Baroque towns on the southeast coast to the interior and Villa Romana (a spectacular don’t-miss destination) and Agrigento, and finally Taormina and environs was perfect, leading to a crescendo finish.

Each of the luncheons was special in its own right, but the ones at Motta Camastra (with Le Mamme del Borgo) where we prepared the macaroni, and Zio Pippo’s vineyard were something to remember. At his place we enjoyed simple food prepared by his wife and accompanied by his wine. Both are something you don’t forget. These people have been living there for 7,000 years, and it shows in their food, their wine, their engaging friendliness and their homes and land. The entire trip was a treat, but the hidden jewels were the small town visits and sitting down and eating with the local population.

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

Ask Wendy

India: a week in the Golden Triangle, seeing artisans at work, private access to buying uncut gems

GISELLE AND ALAN WEISSMAN | NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Giselle and Alan Weissman standing in front of Taj Mahal in India.

The Weissmans’ week included Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi, as well as off-the-beaten-path places.

Sanjay helped us plan a great weeklong trip to the Golden Triangle in India for November 2024. With his help, we planned a very interesting and efficient trip which included both the standard highlights of these great places (Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi), but also a few off the beaten path places (hidden temples, private block printing at an old factory, watching a street vendor make clay cups on his wheel to sell for people to us at the temple across the street, opening up a jewelry store late at night to buy uncut jems in Jaipur, to name a few). We were worried about not being able to see everything with only a week’s time, but with Sanjay’s help we managed to not only see the main highlights but many other sites we didn’t even know about!

We stayed at fantastic hotels and received excellent service at all of them. Our guide, Garish, was incredible. He knew so much and was able to give us the history and current insight in a very entertaining and engaging way. Our driver, Mr. Singh, was also an expert at dodging traffic and knowing just what routes would be the best. We could not have planned a more wonderful and amazing trip. We highly recommend Sanjay’s company for any trip to India. We plan on using him again to see more of India in the future.

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Italy: Lake Albano, uncrowded Papal gardens, Orvieto’s “precursor to the Sistine Chapel”…

KATHY DECARLO | NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Extra assistance in busy Rome and Venice whisked past the hassles, “worth every penny.”

This was our third trip with Jennifer. The first two were in France and based on the exceptional experience we had with her we asked Jennifer to organize our Rome and Veneto trip. We have been to Italy many times over the past 30 years, so we were looking for ease of travel, unique experiences, and few crowds. Tall order for Rome and Venice/Veneto but Jennifer pulled it off.

We met with Jennifer and Guilia, via Zoom, in January and identified the priorities. Over the next few months and a few more calls we were able to solidify the trip. From the moment we stepped off the plane we were whisked through baggage, immigration, and into our waiting car. That is the peace of mind we needed. Jennifer’s team provided daily texts which helped us with the names, times, and emergency numbers. Great to know you have someone to contact—just in case something goes amiss.

For many years I always wanted to visit the House of Augustus and Livia and Case Romane. The guide took us the back way into the Forum, avoiding crowds and explained in a humorous way the history of early Rome and Augustus. Although I always wanted to visit the Vatican Gardens, Jennifer wisely guided us to the Castel Gandolfo (Pope’s summer palace) with its magnificent and uncrowded Papal Gardens. Seeing the enormous gardens by golf cart was essential—it also allowed us time to walk through the private areas where the Popes meditated. Jennifer also reserved lunch for us at Pagnanelli on Lake Albano. We had a front row view of Lake Albano. The food was amazing. After lunch we toured the neighboring villages and castle. I now understand why the Italians vacation in this area.

Jennifer thought Orvieto would be a good day trip. It was. What a magnificent setting. The guide walked us through the Church with its precursor to the Sistine Chapel. The guide was so amazing he drew a crowd, which he graciously moved away from us. He toured the village with us and took us to another delicious restaurant Jennifer chose for us.

We were staying at the St. Regis Rome, one of our favorite hotels in Rome. We took the train from Rome Termini to Venice Santa Lucia in Executive Class (it costs a bit more but worth every penny). When Jennifer suggested we book a private car and baggage handling, the price seemed a bit expensive. The St. Regis Rome is only 5 minutes from Termini station. But when we arrived at the train station, we understood why it cost some extra money—Termini is crazy busy! And we really did need all that assistance. It was worth every penny.

Venice—our dream come true. Again, we and our luggage were escorted off the train to the water taxi to the Gritti Palace. No stress—just ease and comfort. Our goal in Venice and the Veneto area was to see the area from multiple perspectives and eat. Jennifer selected Sara as our guide. When the concierge at the Gritti Palace told us she was an incredible guide, we knew Jennifer put us with the best person for this trip. The View from the Top (St. Marks Bell Tower, Fondaco dei Tedeschi and San Giorgio Bell Tower) was the perfect way to see Venice and the surrounding islands.

We toured Venice with a side trip to the Aman Hotel—Sara used to work there so we had an insider story. We met the Count whose family owns the Aman villa—only Jennifer could pull that off. The visit to the outer Lagoon islands (Burano, Torcello and San Francesco del Deserto) gave us a good understanding of the history of Venice. The Palladian tour of La Rotonda was so magnificent it was difficult to take all the beauty in—and it is privately owned. Padua, the Scrovegni Chapel, and the Arqua Petrarca gave us a lesson of the power of Venetian families and how they used it to create beauty and knowledge.

Who doesn’t love Verona? What a city. So full of life and young people. And Amarone wine. Jennifer selected all of the restaurants, and the food was delicious—never had to decide where to go to get an outstanding meal.

We ended the trip with the car service and Meet/Greet. Worth every penny.

We cannot wait to plan our fourth trip with Jennifer and her team. Perfect planning. Perfect trip.

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Egypt: Nile cruise on a private dahabiya, Cairo & Luxor “brought to life” by passionate guides

JULIE SILBERMANN | NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Julie Silbermann at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Traveler Julie Silbermann enjoys a four-legged visit to the Pyramids of Giza.

Egypt in October 2024 was our 3rd Wendy Perrin trip and once again we had THE BEST trip planner. Arlene and her team created the trip of a lifetime for us!

We were a group of 5 and from the minute we landed in Cairo until our last minute in Egypt, Arlene and her staff made sure we were always well cared for and kept very busy! We felt safe the entire trip and never worried about our activities. We started in Cairo and had Ahmed as our Egyptologist. There couldn’t have been a more passionate guide who brought ancient Egypt to life for us. He accompanied us to Alexandria and Sakkara as well as ferried us throughout Cairo. We then flew to Luxor and were met by Ramy, our new Egyptologist. Ramy knew absolutely everything about Egypt and was very happy to answer our endless questions. After touring Luxor, Ramy joined us on our 4-night Nile cruise on our private dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan and then flew with us to Abu Simbel and then back to Aswan.

Arlene and her team work with an Egyptian tour group, and they provided excellent representatives to help shepherd us through airports, hotels, etc. In fact, when we had a small hiccup with our Nile cruise, Jim and Arlene and their Egypt tour group solved our issue very quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend Arlene and Jim for your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt!

Our itinerary was packed and we felt like we didn’t miss one tomb, artifact, or old Egyptian rock!

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China: going beyond major historical sites, experiencing culture & history, plus a typhoon

JILL BOERGER | NOVEMBER 6, 2024

My husband and I had a wonderful trip to China planned by Mei’s team. I knew we wanted to see the major historical sites such as the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors, but after a zoom call with Mei, I realized we could really experience China, its history, culture, cuisine, and more. We spent 17 days in China with stops in Beijing, Xian, Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang, and Shanghai. All the guides were terrific and spoke excellent English.

During our stay in Shanghai, a super typhoon hit the city with over 7 inches of rain in 30 hours. Fortunately, our travel planner and guide were able to move some things around on our schedule and found museums to visit while it poured outside.

I would highly recommend Mei and her company for planning a trip to China.

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Japan: waterfall meditation with monks, Japan’s largest stalactite cave, climbing to sacred & sheer Sanbutsuji Temple

LYNN SAVARESE | NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato, Japan.

“Motonosumi Inari Shrine’s 123 brilliant red torii gates to a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan.”

I am forever grateful to Andrea’s team for helping me with designing my dream trip to Japan. Having lived in Japan as a child and had occasion to visit the country several times since, I knew when working with the team that I was asking for a lot in wanting an off-the-beaten path itinerary. For much of the trip I had in mind, I wanted to go where few tourists go and engage in activities that would be a challenge to arrange. I also wanted to compress as much as possible into my two weeks in the country.

Working with me by email and face-to-face zoom calls, the team strove to understand what I wanted while also offering up wonderful suggestions themselves. In virtually every respect, they surpassed my hopes and expectations!

There are almost too many highlights of my customized trip to Japan to even list, let alone describe, but here are a handful:

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

Clinging to ancient tree roots and chains to climb to the top of the sacred Mt. Mitojusan to reach Sanbutsuji Temple, a wooden prayer hall built into the mouth of a cave on a sheer precipice of the mountain and completed in 849. Known as the most dangerous national treasure in Japan, it remains unfathomable how it could have been built on such an inhospitable site.

Climbing the massive sand dunes at the edge of the Sea in Japan in Tottori, and hiking along the beautiful shoreline there.

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

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

Wandering through the Akiyoshi Cave, Japan’s largest stalactite cave, more than 100 meters underground, marveling at the wondrous and mysterious limestone features formed over tens of millions of years.

Rising at dawn to walk out and photograph the Itsukushima Shrine’s massive red torii gate at low tide.

Hiking some of the Hagi Okan trail with an expert guide who not only shared with me some of its important history, but also belted out songs sung by samurai to ready themselves for battle.

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

After a profoundly moving afternoon spent in Hiroshima at the Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park, taking a ferry to the nearby magical island of Miyajima, making it up Mt. Misen for a spectacular view.

Revisiting favorite sites in Kyoto—the Golden and Silver Pavilions and gardens (Kinkaku-ji and Gingaku-ji Temples); the trail of red torii gates up Mt. Inari (Fushimi Inari); the Kiyomizudera Temple with its stunning views; the Sagano Bamboo Forest in nearby Arashiyama; and my all-time favorite: the Ryoan-ji Zen temple and rock garden.

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

A full day of shopping in Tokyo—for local artisanal goods in Aki-Oka Artisan alley; traditional crafts in Ayoyama Square; exceptional kitchenware in “Kitchen Town” (Kappbasji); an unparalleled offering of stationery and calligraphy goods at the legendary Ginza Itoya stationery store; and fine art at galleries in Ginza and Rappongi.

A day trip to Yokohama for a stroll down memory lane, visiting my old home there, as well as the nearby Sankeien Garden where I regularly wandered in my youth and which remains one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and stopping by Kamakura on the way to admire the Great Buddha that I first photographed as a 12-year-old.

Visiting as many waterfalls as possible in the beautiful mountainous region of Nikko, led by a local canyoning guide, as well as some of Nikko’s magnificent World heritage Site shrines and temples.

One can’t expect most travel experts to be willing or able to create such a packed, customized, and unique itinerary. The logistics, careful planning, and creative out-of-the-box thinking required to pull off this dream trip to Japan was truly daunting, with so many advance reservations required to handle all of for my transportation needs, lodging, and activities, and so many guides that had to be lined up!

A huge thank you to the team for managing to make all of this happen for me—seamlessly and without any hitches—and providing me with truly fabulous guides who, for the most part, spoke English with enough fluency to allow for insightful and free-ranging discussions, and who were deeply knowledgeable about the places we visited—their history and enduring significance.

Andrea’s company also arranged for me to stay in a number of truly exquisite lodgings. The Ryokan Otozure outside of Yamaguchi is out-of-this-world sublime, with its exquisitely beautiful architecture and design; its gracious and attentive staff; and the truly fine dining to be had in its restaurant. The small luxury hotel in Kyoto’s Gion district was also enchanting, with beautiful rooms, gracious staff, and a fabulous restaurant. And the newly built Ritz Carlton in Nikko was fantastic as well, with its extraordinary attention to detail in its design, furnishings, and art.

Traveling on my own for most of the trip, I was also especially grateful to the company for keeping me connected with a WhatsApp group of “Guardian Angels”—staff members who were available by text or phone call, 24/7, to answer any questions or concerns I might have, and to help with any arrangements or modifications I might want or need. Happily, these Guardian Angels were invariably responsive and helpful on the few occasions when I reached out to them.

Thanks to the team, my two weeks in Japan were everything I wanted them to be—and so much more!

Read more reviews of Andrea. Or request your own trip.

Southern France & Northern Italy: wine regions, medieval villages, and green verdant hills

JANICE YONKO | NOVEMBER 4, 2024

We recently returned from an incredible journey through much of the southern half of France and northern region of Italy. Jennifer and her team helped us plan a a truly unforgettable 3-week trip that highlighted some of the best wine regions in both countries, along with a great deal of historical sites. We began in Bordeaux at the beautiful Les Sources de Caudalie. Apparently the spring had brought an overabundance of rain which translated into very green and healthy landscapes wherever we went, an unexpected bonus!

Jennifer helped us plan an itinerary that covered the Left Bank and Right Bank regions of Bordeaux with a highlight on St. Emilion, a beautiful medieval town. Next, Jennifer encouraged us to visit the medieval village of Carcassone. We were so happy she did! It is the largest and most heavily fortified medieval village in Europe—very impressive! We also visited Montpellier and the lovely Camargue region known for their indigenous white horses and pink salt, staying at the gorgeous Domaine du Verchant. Our next stop was Provence, including stays at two truly lovely but different hotels, Villa La Coste and La Bastide de Gordes, once again thanks to Jennifer’s encouragement. We enjoyed a lovely and delicious picnic in the forest overlooking an ancient bridge hosted by a burgeoning young chef/farmer, as well as a very interesting tour of the asylum where Van Gogh spent many years of his life.

From Provence, we drove through the beautiful French Alps into the Barolo/Barbaresco region and stayed at the stunning Casa di Langa. We spent our time there discovering the wines of the region among the green verdant hills. Our final stop at Lake Maggiore and Villa Aminta was truly magical! The lake is every bit as beautiful as Lake Como but so much less crowded! The highlight was our day spent on a private boat touring both Isola Madre and Isola Bella. Each island boasted the most amazing private homes (more like museums!) built by the Borromeo family. Each was so incredibly beautiful and well preserved and were surrounded by gorgeous gardens.

Each of the hotels that Jennifer helped us find was unique, luxurious, and welcoming. The restaurants she helped us choose were outstanding! Our drivers and guides were some of the very best we have ever had the pleasure of using. We couldn’t have created the same experience without the help of Jennifer and her dedicated team!

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Barcelona: walking tour of the old town, private cooking class, stained-glass church at sunset

COLE JENNINGS | NOVEMBER 1, 2024

My husband and I recently spent 3 days in Barcelona prior to a cruise. I reached out to Ivan from Wendy’s Wow list, who answered me quickly to set up a call to talk about what we were interested in doing and seeing. We had previously been to Barcelona and so wanted to do different things this trip. Ivan quickly came up with suggestions that we loved.

On the day we arrived Ivan arranged a driver to meet us at the airport. We were quickly taken to our Hotel the El Palace which we loved. That evening we were met with our fabulous guide Nestor. We spent a couple hours on a walking tour of the old town and then went to a couple tapas bars. Nestor truly loves his city and is very knowledgeable about everything in it, we learned so much. The tapas bars were much better than the restaurants I booked on my own. The next morning we were met at our hotel by Chef Ricard for a private cooking class and visit to a local market. The cooking class was so much fun and the food was delicious. I’m looking forward to getting the recipes and trying to cook it ourselves.

Later that afternoon we were meet by Nestor at our hotel to tour Park Güell and the church of La Sagrada Familia. We had previously been to both places, but this time we learned so much more. We arrived at La Sagrada Familia in time for sunset. The church was stunning with all the stained glass windows and the perfect time to go. Nestor then escorted us to the restaurant that I had booked and asked the waiter to make sure we got to Taxi for the return to the hotel. This was on his time and not included in the tour.

On our last day Nestor again met us at the hotel with a driver to tour a family winery in the Penedes wine region. We were treated like royalty and given a wonderful tour. Nestor recommended a great lunch spot in the small town before we headed back to Barcelona. Nestor was a great guide and now friend, and Ivan definitely booked the best of the best for us and handled everything perfectly. He also checked in every day to make sure everything was going as planned and if we were happy. I look forward to booking another tour with him in the future!

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Canadian Rockies: hiking and canoeing, visiting a wolfdog sanctuary, balance of “rustic & luxury”

KAREN WOLFE | OCTOBER 31, 2024

Karen Wolfe and husband at the Canadian Rockies.

Visiting the Canadian Rockies offered “a feeling of immersion being so close to the lake and trails.”

We had such a fantastic time this September visiting the Canadian Rockies, specifically Moraine Lake and Banff (Jasper was closed due to the fires) and are already missing the mountains. We found the guidance from Marc’s company spot on with the accommodations, both of which were perfect for us. Moraine Lake Lodge offered us a feeling of immersion being so close to the lake and trails (canoeing on the lake was our favorite experience overall). We also felt the lodge was very private at the end of the day when most day travelers had left. It was the right balance of rustic and luxury, and we loved being in one of the cabins. It was a good contrast with Fairmont Banff Springs which offered a feeling of grandeur and historical luxury. The vista from our room of the Bow River and mountains was great and we liked exploring the overall hotel and spa. We were happy we chose Moraine over Chateau Lake Louise for a varied experience.

Other highlights:
The private Banff experience with our guides was amazing. I wasn’t sure what to expect with an SUV tour but it exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide, Tony, was so engaging and we saw beautiful spots and the private lunch at the end was special. We loved doing Marble Canyon as part of this experience and Tony also thought it was a great idea to add it to that outing.

The Banff Gondola, Icewalk on the Glacier, Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (unique suggestion from Marc’s team), and hiking within Moraine Lake were all great. It was nice to be met at the airport by Min and bringing us bottles of water and making sure we got settled with our rental car and hotel was a nice touch.

Banff as a mountain town was lovely, we especially liked that it hasn’t been taken over by high end stores and felt like a perfect mountain place.
Using Marc’s travel company took the stress out of the whole experience. They listened to our desires, made great suggestions, were easy to coordinate itinerary changes with, and were super helpful with the details. I’d use them again in a heartbeat.

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Galapagos: easy zodiac, “everything you could want to see” snorkeling, scuba with hammerheads

JUDY CALVERT | OCTOBER 28, 2024

Judy Calvert next to an iguana in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

“We were joking that a Hollywood producer was ahead of us cueing all the birds and animals into position.”

My husband and I did a one-week cruise on the Horizon trimaran, 8 cabins. It was 13-14 guests with equal number of crew. Allie and her company had suggested it, and we are very grateful as it was a great boat, superb crew, a fantastic Naturalist Maria, very good food and excellent itinerary. Snorkeling trips were well organized and fairly easy out/in of the zodiac, and all of the excursions were very good, we saw everything you could want to see—we were joking that a Hollywood producer was ahead of us cueing all the birds and animals into position:

*blue footed boobies, red footed boobies, Nazca boobies, babies of all the above, pelicans, male frigate birds with the red swollen neck on trees and flying and mating ritual, waved albatross and babies and juveniles , marine iquanas on land and under water snorkeling, 2 penquins on a rock, hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks and galapagos sharks while snorkeling, a gazillion sea lions on shore, in water, while snorkeling, tons of mum and pups, huge parrot and king angel fish while snorkeling, large schools of fish, the 2 different types of land iquanas*

The water was cold, around 19C, but the boat had 2.5mm wetsuits which made it perfect. We did a couple of long crossings (7hrs) at night but relatively smooth.

We were supposed to have a full pre-day in Guayaquil with a WOW Moment but due to Hurricane Milton our flight from Miami to GYE was cancelled until the next day. Allie kept in touch with us throughout and ensured everyone knew that we weren’t coming :-(

My husband really wanted to dive, so with Allie’s help, we extended at Puerto Ayora for 3 nights and she hooked us up with a scuba operation and they made arrangements to pick Doug up right from Horizon! Unfortunately, visibility was not the greatest, so even though he got to dive with the Hammerheads, it wasn’t the experience he truly wanted. Weather, what can you do.

Allie was a pleasure to work with. We had an unrealistic expectation/thoughts on Galapagos at first. We were coming at it as a recommended diving/snorkelling destination, so realizing that we can’t do both on a boat— you choose a dive boat OR a tourist/snorkel boat—was an eye opener, but then the compromise of tourist boat and staying on so Doug could dive with the scuba operator. And I was unsure if we were going to enjoy the land excursions—just birds was my thought, try to get photos when they hide in trees and spook easily. We wanted to snorkel with penguins and sea lions (didn’t really happen, just one sea lion). BUT it was actually quite fun each excursion which species we were looking for and how none of them had any fear of humans and you could literally get right in their faces to take photos and watch them. She had great advice to get to GYE 2 days early, obviously helped when Hurricane Milton cancelled our Thursday flight (huge thank you to her for the heads up on what was happening) but Allie got us out on the Friday in time to make our cruise on Saturday.

Overall, great trip, quite a bit of time/work to get there and VERY expensive, but worth it for the overall experience. Horizon was an excellent boat choice and luckily they found Maria, plus we really really enjoyed our other guests! And staying longer in Puerto Ayora was cute.

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Southern Italy: cooking on Capri, warm & welcoming people, “drop-dead views” in Ravello

CARRIE GAYKOWSKI | OCTOBER 27, 2024

Jennifer planned a masterpiece of a trip for my husband and me in southern Italy. We started in Naples and loved every minute of it. We had guides who led us through the city and then to Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius. Both Pompeii and Vesuvius were incredible. We were so glad we didn’t miss these important sites. We also loved Naples! The food was out of this world and the people are warm and welcoming. We toured several churches, but the showstopper was Sansevero Chapel and seeing the Veiled Christ, sculpted by Giuseppe Sanmartino. I am still wondering why I had never heard of this artist before? Our drivers were all pros navigating the chaos of Neopolitan driving and gave us brilliant tips for navigating Naples.

We then ferried to Capri and spent three days. The highlight of our time in Capri was a cooking class with Sabina, owner of Columbus Restaurant in Anacapri, and her 80-year-old aunt, Rosa. They taught us how to make ravioli and Rosa taught us when it is appropriate to say, “Mama Mia,” which is basically all of the time. We thought it could not get better and then Sabina and her husband served us the most incredible lunch. We lost count of the courses. Everything was locally sourced and much of it grown on their farm—all I can say is, “Mama Mia!”

Jennifer arranged a private boat tour of Capri and that was our ticket to Positano. On our way to Positano we docked in Nerano and were shuttled to a delicious restaurant called Maria Grazia. The seafood was incredible and we felt like we were visiting a smaller, quieter Italy.

We spent a few days in Positano and it was bustling and very touristy, and if you haven’t been to the Amalfi coast it is a must-see. However, for us the jewel in the Amalfi crown is Ravello. We loved the small town with its lovely villas and drop-dead views in every direction. In the evenings the piazza was buzzing, but in a pleasant not overbearing way. Our hotel, Palazzo Avino, didn’t have the largest room we visited during our trip, but our balcony views were absolutely incredible as well as the lovely historic hotel and everyone who worked there.

Our vacation went off without a hitch, however our flight leaving Rome to the U.S. was changed to an hour earlier and I didn’t notice the change until the day before we were leaving. I texted Jennifer’s staff and they were able to make arrangements for our driver to pick us up earlier. We were so happy and relieved to have that sort of back up. We never had to worry about a thing!

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Greece: jagged cliffs at Imbros Gorge, harvesting a farm feast, fresh fish by the sea…

NANCY TAUBENSLAG | OCTOBER 23, 2024

The trip to Athens and Crete that we planned with Jacoline greatly exceeded all our expectations. We’ve planned trips on our own and used other trip planners, and feel that she is peerless in her planning techniques, local knowledge/contacts, and ability to connect to the client’s preferences.

We had so many great experiences and hotels that matched our desire to see many aspects of Crete—from cities to countryside to historic sites and museums to watersports and hikes—all without doing our own driving. The connections went off flawlessly. Among the highlights were half a day at an organic farm where we harvested the produce for our meal, learned how to prepare it from the team of one of Crete’s best restaurants, and ate what was one of the best meals of our lives (no exaggeration). Another day, we visited shepherds in the mountains and had a private feast under the stars overlooking the sea, while listening to local musicians.

The private tours of the Acropolis, Mycenae, Knossos, Arkady and local museums were led by guides with PhDs in archeology and tourism with deep knowledge and tolerance for our many questions. Dmitra—the guide in Knossos and Arkady—was a superb storyteller and made the ancient places feel contemporary and relatable. Our Athens food tour by Nikitas skipped the souvlaki joints and touristic stores, taking us to small local vendors to taste unusual honeys, a basement lunch place serving legume stews, lots of local cheeses, and wonderful pastries.

As requested, all our hotels were somewhat quirky but with warm welcomes and high service levels. We tried a lot of food during the trip, including an Athens food tour, an olive oil producer tour and dinner, fine dining in Athens, and fresh fish restaurants by the sea. Crete is definitely a place to feel good about gaining a few pounds.

An example of Jacoline’s thoughtful planning: because there were few scheduled flights between Chania and Athens, we faced a potential 7-hour layover at the Athens airport on our last day. Jacoline arranged a driver to pick us up from the Chania flight and take us to a town near the Athens airport to view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, followed by a seaside fish taverna frequented only by locals. What could have dragged down our holiday ended up a relaxing happy final experience.

All of these planned activities exceeded our expectations. But—we couldn’t have planned for or imagined some special moments of the trip. I believe that the magic of Jacoline’s planning was to allow for and encourage serendipity in our experience, by picking great guides/experiences and pacing the trip well. Our guides, hosts, drivers, and others treated us not as clients but as guests. As such there was a warmth and also an openness to spend a few hours to chat with us about their lives, the Olympics, wind farms, family— you name it. Also, the beauty of the locations made us slow down and disconnect from devices and distractions. I don’t think I will forget sitting on the balcony of our hotel near Chania at dawn, watching the sunlight gradually illuminate the white walls of Chania’s old town. The jagged high cliffs at Imbros Gorge made the climb worth every step. And dozens of other places and moments that I adored….

Thanks to Wendy Perrin for helping us connect to Jacoline, and thanks to Jacoline for an amazing trip!

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Portugal & Salamanca: history and hiking, boat tour in the Duoro Valley, wine & port tastings

MICHAEL BRENNAN | OCTOBER 23, 2024

Our trip planners, Gonçalo and Sofia, did a wonderful job helping us plan a memorable trip to Portugal. During our initial zoom meeting, Gonçalo listened very carefully to our desires for the trip and then crafted an itinerary that hit every single one of our goals, which included history, hiking, wine and port. Our trip also included a quick side trip to Salamanca, Spain to visit old friends.

We started in Lisbon with a rental car in late September, 2024 and toured through central Portugal, visiting Tomar, Belmonte and Coimbra. Our tour guides were all knowledgeable and personable and although we were in some smaller cities or towns, our accommodations were all truly outstanding. We then detoured to Salamanca for 2 days, with another excellent tour guide and accommodations, before heading back west to Portugal through the Duoro Valley, which included a boat tour, several outstanding wine tastings and meals, and visits to some fabulous wineries perched high above the Duoro River with amazing views of the mountains and river valley. We ended our trip in Porto with another interesting tour and port tasting.

Our trip planners were always available to address any questions we had (including on weekends) and resolved any issues quickly and pleasantly. This is why we use Wendy Perrin’s trip planners now for all of our vacations.

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Nova Scotia & PEI: storytellers and lobster rolls, folk art at the National Gallery, Scarecrow Festival in Charlottetown

LYNN WOODHOUSE | OCTOBER 22, 2024

Throughout our trip we drove a rental car which we picked up and returned to the airport in Halifax. This worked out very well. The Muir Hotel in Halifax was lovely and right on the waterfront. Highlights of our time around Halifax included the day trip to Peggy’s Cove, a writer/storyteller at the Immigration Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. In and around Peggy’s Cove was spectacular scenery, including a lighthouse on a rocky shore, and a lovely fishing village full of art. At the National Gallery we greatly enjoyed the exhibit about the life and folk art of Maud Lewis.

The food was delicious—lobster rolls were consumed everywhere. We especially enjoyed the pub where we listened to a great Irish music concert and ate fish bites. While still on Nova Scotia we made our way to the Inn at Bay Fortune for a three-night stay. This was such an unexpected and unique experience! The incredible food, the farm, the firework dinner were all fantastic. We learned so much about sustainable farming. We cannot say enough about the delicious meals at the Inn.

We made our way across the Confederation Bridge, an overwater bridge to Charlottetown, PEI, where we stayed at the Great George Hotel. It was Scarecrow Festival time in Charlottetown, so most streets were lined with creative scarecrows! One exceptional highlight of our time on beautiful PEI was the all day art and culture tour. The tour included the fantastic Island Hill Farm, where we enjoyed learning about farming on the island and a delightful goat walk, the PEI Preserve Company, where we had a spectacular lunch, and the Island Honey Wine Winery. The next day we went to the North Shore where we viewed the beautiful red rock coastline and ate at the delicious Mussel Café—the best lobster rolls of our trip! We also visited the Anne of Green Gables “site of inspiration” where we immersed ourselves in the various settings for the 1908 novel. We enjoyed many delicious restaurants on PEI.

When our trip was coming to a close we again crossed the Confederation Bridge and made our way to the Halifax airport. We all agreed it was a very successful, very well-organized trip. Our trip planners booked great accommodations, made great restaurant recommendations as well as access to multiple stimulating experiences described above. All the travel group personnel were so helpful and so knowledgeable. The trip and the travel planners are highly recommended.

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Cinque Terre & the Italian Riviera: making pesto in Genova, walking Albegna, and “the best ravioli ever eaten”

FRANCESCA DEBIASE | OCTOBER 22, 2024

We wanted to see Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera and were thrilled with the itinerary that was put together by Anna and her team. They really understood our likes (cooking/food, art, history, walking) and dislikes (crowds). We had an amazing experience! Some details:

• All of our drivers were very professional, drove smoothly (as they knew I wasn’t good with all the twists and turns) and on time—a special thank you to Fabio in Alassio!
• Both hotels were fantastic—exactly what we were looking for—great service, rooms, concierge (special thank you to Alex in Alassio), and a gym. We also loved their locations—not too touristy with easy access to all the places we wanted to visit.
• We enjoyed all of the tours and the guides were knowledgeable and nice—they provided fun/interesting information without going into too much detail—including Claudia (she was most fun and had great stories for Santa Margherita, Portofino and Camogli); Valentina (fun cooking class and a beautiful home); Paola (Genova—as well as our pesto making class!), Simona (Albenga and walking tour); Christina Armato (Olive Oil, and her family were amazing and the best ravioli I have ever eaten!); Mario (Cinque Terre, even with the rain, Mario was able to quickly make some changes to the day and ensure we still had some hiking and a nice lunch).
• When planning the trip, we thought we wanted to spend more than one day in Cinque Terre. We were so happy that we listened to Anna as one day was plenty (this area is very touristy and not worth the hype).
• All the restaurant recommendations were great—we ate and drank more than we needed to!
We would do it all again. Thank you again to the team for understanding our needs and planning such a great trip!

France: Burgundy countryside, storytelling at Vézelay Abbey, “charming streets” of Beaune & Dijon

LEAH JACOBS | OCTOBER 21, 2024

Our recent journey through Burgundy was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the excellent service provided by Philip and his outstanding team.

Our adventure began with a bit of a hiccup as our luggage was delayed. However, Nedjma went above and beyond, regularly following up with the airline and keeping us informed. Her dedication ensured our bags were delivered just in time for our transfer from Vault-de-Lugny to Beaune.

In Vézelay, Christopher, our guide, enriched our visit to Vézelay Abbey with his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling. As a member of the local association “Présence à Vézelay,” he had access to the “Visitor’s House,” allowing us a private, early morning visit that was truly special. Our exploration continued at L’Abbaye De Fontenay, where Christopher once again impressed us with his expertise. His passion for the region’s heritage made our visit unforgettable.

In Beaune and Dijon, Alexia guided us through the charming streets and historical landmarks. Her enthusiasm and local knowledge added a unique dimension to our experience, making our time in these cities both educational and delightful.

A special mention goes to David, our driver and guide, who skillfully navigated us through the beautiful Burgundy countryside. As a Burgundy local with expert wine knowledge, he led us to some of the most amazing food and wine experiences, allowing us to savor the true flavors of the region.

Overall, this trip was a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, made exceptional by the dedicated team.

Good to Know:
>> Taxis are limited in Beaune and the surrounding areas, so it’s best to organize your pickups and drop-offs through your hotel or by contacting a local taxi company.
>> Dining and train reservations made by the travel planner incur a fee (currently 25 euros for dining & 15% booking fee for train).
>> If your driver incurs overtime, their time will be billed at the end of your tour.

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Norway: “perfect” restaurants, nights of Northern Lights, sheep & wool farm (a knitter’s “heaven”)

MAGDA KUHN | OCTOBER 21, 2024

Magda Kuhn and friends at Lofoten Wool shop in Lofoten, Norway.

Meeting the owner of a sheep farm—and making purchases in her wool shop—was a “fantastic” surprise.

Our trip to Norway was fabulous. Torstein and his company did a great job of coordinating every detail! The trip planner app on our phones was great and the fact that we could download it and use it when offline. The trip planner truly had all of our reservations and details and more. The hotels, guides and restaurants were perfect! All the activities were perfect for women in their 60s who wanted to take part in activities but not scale mountains.

Our quest was to see the Northern Lights, which we knew was not a definite, but we were fortunate to see many nights of those special lights. Our WOW Moment was truly special, getting to meet the owner of Lofoten Wool and Viking sheep was fantastic. There was a knitter in our group and she was in heaven, not to mention that we had the opportunity to buy some of her things in her shop. The owner of Hattbika Lodge was very secretive and led us to her farm, he never spilled the beans, truly a WOW moment.

There was a hiccup at the end, where the airport hotel in Oslo did not have our room reservations marked as prepaid, but an email & call to the team and all was settled. I would definitely use the company again and recommend to friends. You must keep them on your WOW List.

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Japan: private sushi-making class, coastal hikes, tea plantation visit, cycling the Izu Peninsula

SHELLEY BAKER | OCTOBER 21, 2024

Shelley Baker cycling along the Izu peninsula in Japan.

Traveler Shelley Baker cycling along the Izu coastline.

We enjoyed working with Andrea and his team on our recent trip to Japan. Everything was very well organized and he tailored the trip to our interests. All the properties he selected for us to stay at were terrific. The pace notes and online help from Mathew were invaluable for keeping us on track. We especially enjoyed our outdoor activities like cycling through the back streets of Tokyo and then along the beautiful coastline of the Izu peninsula as well as sea kayaking there. Unfortunately it was quite windy, so our guide decided to adjust the time spent kayaking and take us on some beautiful coastal hikes instead.

A private sushi making class in Ginza was fantastic and was the best sushi of our trip. Our hotel in Shizuoka afforded spectacular views of Mt Fuji which was something we had hoped to see. While we were there we cycled to a tea plantation also with views of Mt Fuji and had a special impromptu museum visit of Rodin’s works which included the Thinker en route. A Samaria experience and a tea with a Meiko in Kyoto were both fun.

We had private guides in Tokyo and Kyoto that helped us get around on the trains and local buses which made us feel more like locals. We had food tours in both Tokyo and Kyoto that allowed us to try some new foods. The Tokyo food tour was a bit disappointing and the best thing we had was a cup of coffee, but the Nishiki food tour in Kyoto was very good. All in all it was a fun ten days.

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Spain: Barcelona’s Gaudí’s architecture, San Sebastian pintxos, Bilbao’s Guggenheim and Pinedes vineyards

KATHY PARTRIDGE | OCTOBER 21, 2024

We’re just back from a marvelous trip to Spain, which included Barcelona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, and the Basque Country. We worked with Pablo, who helped us to design a truly memorable experience. Our initial discussion with Pablo focused on what we wanted to see, and who we are as travelers. Barcelona and Bilbao were already on our list, and Pablo encouraged us to check out San Sebastian, which hadn’t been on our radar screen. That bit of advice added immeasurable value to our trip, as it afforded us a unique opportunity to explore the Basque country and culture.

Within a few days of our initial discussion, Pablo sent us a proposal that included detailed information about various activities and excursions, along with lists of hotel recommendations for both Barcelona and San Sebastian. We pared down the itinerary to include a bit more leisure time—we’re both in our 70s, and reasonably fit, but not marathon runners! We divided our trip into three segments—four nights in the Eixample in Barcelona, five in San Sebastian, and our last three in Barcelona’s Gothic district. We easily chose hotels in Barcelona, but were undecided between two in San Sebastian. Pablo weighed in, and we will be eternally grateful that we took his advice!

Highlights of Barcelona included guided visits to Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces—Park Güell, and Sagrada Familia—at the advice of our guide, we toured Casa Milà on our own, and visited the Amatller chocolate shop around the corner—a great source of gifts for the folks back home. We also enjoyed two tapas walks—the first was part of our WOW Moment, which culminated in an authentic and spirited flamenco performance. (Thanks, Wendy!) Then, after our return from San Sebastian, our hotel in the Gothic district was convenient to the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Picasso Museum, both of which were fabulous and easy to tour on our own, but our crowning experience was an excursion to the Pinedés wine country where we toured a cava cellar and vineyards—in a Land Rover, accompanied by a sommelier!

San Sebastian was absolutely glorious! The view from our room was positively jaw-dropping, and every activity and excursion that Pablo planned was so outstanding that it would be difficult to decide which we liked best. All of the pintxos—in San Sebastian, Hondarribia, and Bilbao—were perfectly delectable, with some resembling tiny works of art. Pablo also arranged a market visit and hands-on cooking experience with the chef at one of San Sebastian’s gastronomic societies. We had a wonderful time tasting samples at the market, learning to prepare classic Basque recipes, including the Gilda pintxo, and feasting on the results of our efforts. Our visits to a sheep farm, where we sampled idiazabal cheese, and to a centuries-old Basque pig farm illustrated the care and dedication of small-batch farmers who strive for and attain excellence in their products.

Our day trip from San Sebastian to Bilbao focused on a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum with a local guide whose knowledge of the museum’s history and its collection were encyclopedic. Despite the fact that we visited on a crowded Saturday, she made the entire experience personal and stress-free, and we rounded out the day with a motor trip around Bilbao and a pintxo lunch at one of the city’s squares.

Throughout our trip, all of the guides and transportation services were top notch. Eskerrik asko (“thank you very much” in Basque) to Pablo and his team!

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Amsterdam, Luxembourg, & Belgium: an outing with a naturalist, Battle of the Bulge tour, private canal cruise

RUTH AND GARY READING | OCTOBER 17, 2024

A private canal cruise in Amsterdam, one special feature of a 35th anniversary trip. Photo: Traveler Ruth Reading.

Working with Tom’s company was an absolute pleasure. Tom assisted us with planning a pre- and post- river cruise itinerary in Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Belgium. This trip was to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary and it went perfectly due to the outstanding planning. Tom worked with us to personalize the itinerary to our specific interests.

All of the tour guides, drivers, transportation and accommodations were excellent. We particularly enjoyed the private canal cruise with a beautiful lunch in Amsterdam, an outing with a naturalist in Vielsalm to see the red deer rutting as we were there in that season, the outdoor Battle of the Bulge tour (not just in a museum) in Bastogne, the culinary tour in Ghent and Bruges enjoying chocolates, cuberdons and waffles, and the private yacht cruise in Ghent followed by a lovely dinner on an outdoor terrace at Auberge Du Pecheur. We also particularly enjoyed our stay in Clervaux at the Le Clervaux Boutique Design Hotel and our time hiking in the local area. The hotel 1898 The Post in Ghent was also wonderful.

Every guide was personable, knowledgeable and delightful to be with. All planned transportation was first class. The company also did status checks with us throughout the trip to make sure that all was going smoothly and to our liking. A very memorable trip made possible by the team! Thank you, Tom, for planning a wonderful trip!

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Japan: serene gardens, shogun palaces, a Buddhist meditation session, a cooking lesson with toro

LISA AND ED BLOCK | OCTOBER 16, 2024

My husband and I just returned from a 2 week trip to Japan planned by Scott Gilman. It was a fascinating and perfectly planned trip by Scott—we started in Tokyo and traveled via private car, express trains, and Shinkansen to Tokyo, Takayama, Shirakawa (after a car ride through the beautiful Japanese “Alps”), Gokayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Nara. The trip was a dream from start to finish with all the connections arranged for us seamlessly: a wonderful, knowledgeable guide, Mihoko, who traveled with us throughout the trip, and fabulous private experiences including participation in a private tea ceremony, a meditation session with a Zen Buddhist priest, a visit to a gold leaf master artisan with a home studio where we met and had tea with his family, a cooking lesson with Kyoko in her Tokyo home which included toro and other Japanese dishes, and a visit to a ryokan with a private onsen. Google translate also helped!

The trip went beautifully from start to finish and Scott as well as his contact on the ground in Japan were available to us for any questions 24/7. The Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, a visit to Matsumoto Castle, and many other serene gardens and shogun and samurai palaces were also included. We returned happy and very satisfied with our experience and Scott’s attention to detail for this trip.

I believe this may be approximately our 8th or 9th trip using Wendy’s travel expert WOW List and we look forward to many more.

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Scotland: Hiking Arthur’s Seat, visiting Stirling Castle, shepherded to Lismore Island

NICOLLE RIPPEON | OCTOBER 15, 2024

Nicolle Rippeon and husband hiking near Glencoe in Scotland’s West Highlands.

An excellent guide for a hike near Glencoe in Scotland’s West Highlands made for “the most fun and rewarding excursion of the entire trip.”

My husband and I have long wanted a trip to Scotland for just the two of us, and we finally took the opportunity while our girls were at sleep away camp. There were a hundred things that we wanted to do, but we narrowed it down so that we could both discover new things and spend time relaxed in the atmosphere and culture of Scotland.

We began our trip in Edinburgh where we wandered for miles and miles around the city’s Royal Mile and Dean’s Village. On a return trip, we would undoubtedly take the trail from Dean’s Village to Leith via the River Leith. The Royal Mile was a wonderful mix of small side streets, pubs, churches, and glorious architecture. I recommend the guided tour as well as walking on one’s own to better hear the stories that the centuries have to tell. Then we had dinner at Heron, which was an exceptional meal.

The next morning we hiked Arthur’s Seat, and I’m so glad we did! It was just the right level of strenuous. On the way there, we passed through a charming old cemetery, and we ended at Hollyroodhouse Palace, just at the bottom of the Royal Mile. We again walked up the Mile, seeing things from a different perspective and doing a little shopping along the way. (Note: I found the widest range of shopping for items Made in Scotland to be available in Edinburgh. We held off on buying too much wanting to see what came on the rest of the trip, and looking back, we should have stocked up there instead.)

That night, we did a food tour, which was wonderful, but quite a bit different than what I had expected. I sort of thought we would be experiencing haggis three ways at each stop. Rather, we had a very thoughtful guide who walked us through how Scotland has been shaped through the centuries by the world of which it is a critical part. It was lovely, and in the end, we did in fact get the haggis!

Our stay in Edinburgh was at Gleneagles Townhouses. A 10 out of 10. Fantastic food, service, and accommodations—I only wish the windows opened to enjoy the cool air.

From Edinburgh, we drove west. Our driver became a fast friend for sure, and having the driver made the entire trip more relaxing as the roads really are that narrow and windy. She recommended a couple of stops on the way out of town, but far and away our favorite part of this drive was the stop at Stirling Castle. We could have spent two days in and around the village. We were running a bit late by the time we left the castle, so we skipped Wallace’s Memorial, which even in retrospect seems like the right call.

One of the places we really dreamed of seeing on this trip was Isle of Skye, and though we did not have time to tour it properly, we did drive a portion of the Island after making our way to Eileen Donan Castle. Though a limited trip, we did feel as though we saw the Island in two ways as it was quite sunny on the way out, and quite cloudy on the way back. The drama of the mountains and valleys was exactly as we pictured it.

We made our way to Glencoe House, which was another exceptional stay. The Scottish weather rolled in as we departed for a guided hike one day. We were incredibly grateful to have the experience and navigational expertise of the guide—without her, we likely would have turned back and not ventured on the trail. With her help, we actually had the most fun and rewarding excursion of the entire trip. The next day, we had a tour of Lismore Island. The experience with the shepherd was fantastic. My only advice would be to ask—can we do that?!? The guides there seemed not quite as used to people who wanted to get out of the car or scramble up a muddy hill. One of the coolest historic spots on the Island was Tirefour Broch, a circular structure built in the Broze Age. There were lots of people walking and biking the Island, which in sunny weather would have been glorious indeed.

While at Glencoe House, we dined at the Loch Leven Seafood Cafe, which I’m so glad we did. It was a 20-minute drive, which our driver was wonderfully accommodating to take us on. The food was incredibly fresh local seafood, the vibe was super casual, and we left very happy. We also had a dinner at the Laroch Restaurant which featured more wild game. It was also delicious and attached to a pub that had an outdoor seating area that was a refreshing way to end the night.

From Glencoe we headed to Glasgow. We didn’t have much time in the city, but we did make sure to dine at Cail Bruich, which was far and away the best meal of the trip. The Glasgow airport is a smaller airport, so if you have an early morning flight, I recommend checking what time the gates open as we waited a little more than half an hour to check in.

We are so glad to have had our first taste of Scotland and look forward to exploring other parts of this gorgeous landscape in the near future.

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Washington: Olympic National Park’s Hoh rainforest, winding Neah Bay trails, lush Hall of Mosses

ROBERT GRABILL | OCTOBER 15, 2024

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

This was our first experience using a trip planner. Overall, it was very good though we learned a lot for next time. And yes, there will be a next time. Sheri, our trip planner did a wonderful job with all of her recommendations.

Our trip was to Olympic National Park—a gorgeous park and area that can be a bit overwhelming. Sheri found us a great vacation rental in the 3 Crabs area of Sequim (pronounced Skwim) for the first half of the trip. It was absolutely lovely—highly recommended and one we would like to return to. The house sat right on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, so we could watch the tides, birds and ships. And Mt. Baker sometimes showed itself, though other times it was shy and hid behind clouds/fog.

We hit the majority of the highlights of Olympic National Park. We hiked along Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent/Marymere Falls, Sol Duc, the Hoh rainforest, Kalaloch and Lake Quinault. Dungeness Spit, while not in the park, was amazing though we hit it late in the day and so didn’t have an opportunity to see it in all of its glory.

We drove out to Neah Bay and spent time in the Makah Museum at the Makah Cultural and Research Center. The museum is a fascinating look back at Makah culture from 500 years ago. We also hiked to the furthest NW corner of the lower 48 via the Cape Flattery trail. A gorgeous view awaited us at the end, though the trail itself wound through beautiful forests. It had rained that day so the trail was a bit rough and wet.

Despite it being the off season (which was a great time to go to the park), the Hoh rainforest was very popular and was the busiest of all the locations we visited in the park. The Hall of Mosses is as impressive as everyone says it is—a must-see! Our only sighting of Roosevelt elk was by the roadside as we were leaving Hoh. They are beautiful animals!

Kalaloch Lodge and the Pacific coast area was another favorite of ours. We spent 2 nights there and even came back the next day to further enjoy its beauty. Our cabin had a great view of the ocean and sunset. It’s a place to absorb the power of nature.

A must-do drive is the loop around Lake Quinault, though drivers must be prepared for rough roads once the pavement ends. (High clearance vehicles only.) However, the route is like a drive-thru Hall of Mosses. Absolutely amazing…

Sheri recommended Cedarbrook Lodge for our last night close to the Seattle airport and that recommendation was spot-on. The hotel is luxurious in a beautiful and unexpected setting. While meals are on the expensive side, they are worth it.

Lessons learned for future trips and using a trip planner:
• Think about your preferred style of travel—go, go, go each day or a more leisurely pace?
• Be as specific about your have-to-haves, wants, and “we ain’t doin’ that!” as much as possible
• Carefully evaluate all recommendations with your trip planner.

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Scotland: trekking Dunadd’s Fortress, greeting Highland Cows, eating “neeps and tatties”

JEANNIE MULLEN | OCTOBER 14, 2024

Jeannie Mullen at Nether Largie Standing Stones in Kilmartin Glen, Scotland.

Traveler Jeannie Mullen in Kilmartin “transported back 3,000 years” among the Nether Largie standing stones.

Returning now from Scotland…. My most recent trip to Scotland was a delightful mix of town and country, art and architecture, lochs and moors, castles and cathedrals, leisurely drives and brisk walks, and…of course food and whiskey. The only other thing that I could have hoped for was to have had more days to spend experiencing all of the above.

Jonathan and Katie put together a terrific itinerary with great hotels and interesting day trips. Solo travel in the off season with a private driver/guide allowed for so many rich and unscripted moments. I was paired with Davie MacLeod, a member of both Clan Cameron and Clan MacCleod. Davie was great company, and told captivating stories that included Scottish history and lore interwoven with his and his in laws’ clan history. He also introduced me to a variety of local Scottish cuisine, including haggis, neeps and tatties, which I fully enjoyed and from which my waistline is currently suffering. Last but not least, I learned a number of colorful local phrases from him that I can’t wait to share back home.

Highlights from the trip include discovering Dean’s Village and the Water of Leigh Walkway in Edinburgh on my own after an unavoidable last minute food tour cancelation, spending an entire day driving around Isle of Skye at our leisure without the usual tourist traffic, eating fresh muscles straight from Loch Fyne, trekking up to Dunadd’s Fortress where kings were taken to be inaugurated with virtually no one else in sight, walking among the Nether Largie standing stones at Kilmartin again without any other foot traffic, spending a morning at GlenEagles working with May, an 16-month-old Harris Hawk in training, and my WOW Moment… meeting face-to-face with those distinctively gorgeous and very chill Heiland Coos (Highland Cows) (thank you Wendy!)

In all, a great experience on a trip which was planned and executed with incredible attention to detail. Thank you again Wendy, Jonathan and Katie.

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South Pacific: overwater bungalows, distillery, vanilla plantation, private catamaran for Bora Bora

JAN HEININGER | OCTOBER 14, 2024

Jan and Jamie Heininger on a balcony overlooking coast of Moorea.

Jan and Jamie enjoying the superb views of sparkling shades of water.

Kleon Howe planned an excellent 2½ week trip for my husband and me to Tahiti for September 2024. We spent time on Moorea, Vahine Island, a private 50-foot catamaran and Bora Bora. On Moorea, Kleon arranged three superb activities for us. We took a hike to Afareaitu waterfall. The guide Kleon had arranged for us was wonderful and, while hiking, we learned much about life and culture on Moorea, family structure (women rule!), and Mooreans’ attachment to the land. A second activity was a marvelous ATV ride to one of Moorea’s highest points with a great view. Finally, we had a superb cooking class provided as a WOW Moment by Wendy. It was just that, indeed. We prefer off-the-beaten path activities that allow us to get beneath the surface of any destination we’re visiting. These activities did that in spades.

Our second stop was tiny Vahine Island off Raiatea Island. Again, Kleon did a great job dealing with all the details. He told us which side of the plane had the seats to get the best view from the air for the flight to Raiatea. My husband had broken his eyeglasses, so after we landed on Raiatea, Kleon’s ground team took us to an optometrist who repaired Jamie’s eyeglasses. The ground team had then arranged a private transfer for us to Vahine Island. Finally, Kleon had booked us into the nine-bungalow resort’s best and largest bungalow with a superb view over a coral garden under sparkling shades of blue water. A pirogue ride got us out into the lagoon inside the outer reef and a class in coconut palm leaf braiding was another activity that gave us insight into how Tahitians creatively live off the land.

Our third segment was four nights on a catamaran with a wonderful captain and cook. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate and we had mostly overcast skies and lots of rain. We still made several interesting stops: a black pearl farm, a vanilla plantation, a distillery, and a culturally important archeological site. Our fourth segment included five nights on Bora Bora. Kleon booked us into Le Bora Bora resort’s largest two-room overwater bungalow at the end of the pontoon. We spent most of our time here enjoying our spacious decks and plunge pool. We did a lot of reading. I did a Jet Ski ride around the lagoon. We ended the trip with a day room in Papeete’s Intercontinental hotel in a nice room in an interesting location with excellent food as we awaited our midnight flight. We could have spent more time there.

Unfortunately, our trip turned out not as we expected although this had nothing to do with Kleon or his arrangements and everything to do with my husband’s insufficient recovery from a leg broken in Paris five months earlier. His stiffness and lack of strength and stamina contributed to two falls in Tahiti, multiple ER visits and stitches. Kleon and his ground team leapt into action and made arrangements we could not have done on our own. He facilitated rapid access to (excellent) medical care. Kleon’s care in crafting our itinerary meant we had qualified and competent people, such as the catamaran cook who wrapped Jamie’s leg in compresses to stop the bleeding, and the manager at Le Bora Bora who provided a wheel chair for him on arrival. Having been through this earlier in the year in Paris with another of Wendy Perrin’s experts, we knew we could rely on Kleon to ensure all our needs were swiftly met. This was another reminder that when you use Wendy’s WOW List experts, they are skilled not only at creating wonderful itineraries and executing them superbly, they are there to handle any problems that arise. That means having access not only to them but to their invariably excellent ground teams.

Jamie’s being banned from all water activities for nearly the entire trip kind of vitiated the point of traveling to the South Pacific. So does climate change that resulted in overcast skies and much rain during what used to be Tahiti’s “dry” season. Coral bleaching hasn’t just affected Australia’s Great Barrier Reef; it’s stripped color from much of French Polynesia’s coral, resulting in less than stellar snorkeling. We are very grateful to Kleon for all the effort and care he put into our trip. We just wish Jamie had recovered enough to heed our orthopedist’s primary rule: “Don’t fall.”

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Egypt: special birthday trip, classic tour of ancient history & monuments

JEFF WESTBROOK | OCTOBER 13, 2024

Jeff Westbrook, Ivy Westbrook, and Tama Hasson at Abu Simbel Temple in Egypt.

Traveler Jeff Westbrook planned a special ancient Egypt itinerary for his wife’s birthday.

I wanted a very special trip for my wife, who has always loved ancient Egypt and was having a big birthday in September. Jim and his team talked me through the trip, and gave me lots of great advice about what to see and do for a classic tour of the land. Seema then took over the precise scheduling and did a terrific job.

In Egypt, the local partners were fantastic, always prompt and attentive, and we had a couple of very experienced Egyptologists to guide us through the monuments and the ancient history. I chose to make my own reservations for air travel within Egypt, in order to save some money. I’m not sure I would do that again as it led to a certain amount of extra work dealing with the airlines and agents in Egypt.

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Southern Africa: Zimbabwe wildlife orphanage & rock paintings, Botswana by helicopter

SARA EDWARDS | OCTOBER 11, 2024

Sara Edwards visiting a woman and her granddaughter in their hut, in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Authentic experiences and personal touches—through art, meaningful conversations, orphaned wildlife—made Edwards’ trip “memorable and profound.”

At sixty-seven and finally retired, I started to plan my dream trip to Africa with my adult daughter. Thanks to Katie and her team, we had a trip of a lifetime. We had one day in Johannesburg with a fantastic guide whose “day job” was as a human rights lawyer. We did highlights, such as Nelson Mandela’s house and the Hector Pieterson Museum, but we also had time to see the many murals and art that adorned the city streets. We stopped at a gentrified factory/laundry converted to art galleries and shops.

Our next stop was Harare, Zimbabwe, where we visited Wild is Life, a wildlife orphanage and rescue and rehabilitation center. Katie arranged a private tour as we were only in Harare for the morning, and the day we were there, the center was closed. The experience was so incredible! We talked with a vet caring for an injured porcupine (due to poaching) and met a pangolin and its beloved caretaker. We fed giraffes and had a delicious high tea surrounded by animals. We also got to go behind the scenes and meet the lions. Every animal there has a story!

We were whisked off to the airport to head to Mana Pools to start safari. Amazing! It’s true; big game does come right up to the deck. We went to sleep to hippos singing and lions in the distance. From Mana Pools, we flew to Bulawayo and the Matapo region. Our private guide, Paul, was a brilliant and kind man. We saw the rhinos on our first evening in the park. We stayed with them, watching and moving with them as they traveled to their watering spot, all while the sun was setting. Paul was an expert on this region of Zimbabwe and the rock paintings scattered through the hills. We visited three different sites, all of which were amazing. Paul was kind in helping me navigate trails and rock steps up to the caves. I am not very fit, and it was hot, but it was so worth it! A highlight was a visit to a village and talking to an older woman and her adult granddaughter in their hut. We had an interpreter to make communication easier. This time was a memorable and profound experience for me. I didn’t want to leave.

Next was Hwange, another adventure on safari that was equally fun. A quick overnight stop at Victoria Falls and off to Botswana for our last stop before heading home. The Okavango Delta was beautiful, and we had a leopard visit at our sundowner party. Amazing! The animals, birds, and people were fantastic in all the areas we visited. We learned so much. We left our last camp by helicopter, only to have a surprise landing in the savannah with champagne. This summary doesn’t do justice to the beauty and depth of our trip. There were many moving pieces, flights, and connections, and everything ran smoothly without a hitch, thanks to Katie and the team. We loved the tipping guide created specifically for our trip.

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Mexico: ruins and village crafts, ballet & wrestling, hot air balloon over Teotihuacan

CATHERINE MATHIS | OCTOBER 11, 2024

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

A well-tailored trip, from a private museum tour to artistic performances and ballooning over Teotihuacan.

Zach and Jose helped us plan the trip. While we had been to Mexico several times, we had not been to Mexico City but had heard great things about it. It was definitely on the list. In addition, we wanted to see one of the smaller cities in the country. After thoughtful conversations about our preferences, we settled on Oaxaca.

Zach and Jose asked us all the right questions: Are you interested in architecture? Yes. Are you foodies? We are. Museums, performances? Yes and yes. They crafted a trip that was well tailored to the kinds of things we like. Because we have traveled with many of Wendy’s WOW List experts, we had a WOW Moment our very first morning—a private tour of Museo de Diego Rivera, which houses his masterpiece “Dreams of a Sunday Afternoon in Almeda Central.” I felt like we were traveling through time, from Mexico’s Indigenous roots to 1947, when the mural was completed. It was a vivid crash course on the country’s layered history, which made the sights we saw later more meaningful.

Early one morning we floated in a hot air balloon over the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan. We spent an evening at the Ballet Folklorico in the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes. One night we went to see Lucha Libre, a wild cross between the World Wrestling Entertainment and Cirque Du Soleil. Amazing athleticism with much encouragement from the wrestlers for audience participation and statements about the profession of their opponents’ mothers.

Near Oaxaca, we visited the archaeological ruins of Monte Albán and Mitla and went to several villages, each of which specialized in a different craft—black pottery, backstrap weaving, and vibrant alebrijes (intricately painted wood carvings).

Food was a big part of this trip. Zach and Jose’s team gave us restaurant recommendations in each city, and we had a ball learning to make tortillas and salsa with an amazing cook who also fed us her chicken mole and stuffed peppers.

We had great guides and drivers, and throughout the trip, Raquel on the team checked in to see how things were going. She was so helpful, making sure we were not in bulkhead seats so we could put our belongings under the seat in front of us when we flew from Oaxaca to Mexico City, and making sure we were in the right place when we were picked up at the airport.

It was a trip filled with history, flavor and fun. Viva la Mexico!

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Portugal: taking a cooking class, mountaintop stargazing, walking Lisbon’s streets & hills

BARBARA PALTER | OCTOBER 9, 2024

Barbara Palter and friends having their WOW Moment - stargazing at a mountain top on the Vagar property in Belmonte, Portugal.

Three couples—friends since high school—enjoy a special stargazing evening in Lisbon.

This is the third trip our group has taken with one of Wendy’s WOW List recommendations. We are three couples, friends since high school, and have been travelling together for the past few years with Wendy. Wendy helped us decide on Portugal and then suggested that we speak to Goncalo. We had a great initial conversation and the planning began. It’s never easy to plan for one couple never mind three! Goncalo’s team rolled with (all of) our constant changes and amendments which ultimately resulted in a fantastic time to Portugal.

Goncalo understood the type of accommodations that we enjoyed and found us some truly special places at The Vagar in Belmonte and Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House in the Douro Valley. Hotel Heritage Avenida Liberdade was a terrific choice in Lisbon; it was very well appointed and perfectly located.

Some highlights included our walk through the market and cooking class in Lisbon with our local foodie guide, wandering the streets and hills of Lisbon, the loveliest staff at The Vagar, and our very special WOW Moment there—stargazing at a mountain top on the hotel property, our flat tire and subsequent rescue by the unbelievably wonderful staff at the Quinta Nova, and the constant ingestion of pastel de nata and gelato at every corner.

Thank you so much to everyone for creating such a great adventure for us.

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Belize: Mayan ruins, jungle and rain forest, and swimming with barracudas

SUSAN CUNNEEN | OCTOBER 8, 2024

First, if you haven’t yet been to Belize, you must go! It is a beautiful country, with many different places to experience, and has some of the nicest people I have ever met in this world. Truly, I cannot wait to return, and soon! This was all made special because of Patricia, who did an outstanding job of asking the right questions about we wanted from the trip, closely listening to our likes/dislikes, and then making suggestions that were perfect for us. She was spot on, from booking us beautiful villas at Chaa Creek in the Cayo District, and then for the beach portion we wanted, Ray Caye, which was such an adventure. I loved that we were able to see Mayan ruins, explore and experience the jungle/rain forest, and then be at an island resort 17 miles off the shoreline. While at Ray Caye, I swam with large turtles, sharks and barracudas. It was a great experience!

On our last night at Chaa Creek, we were surprised by a wonderful WOW moment, which consisted of a wine tasting, done by a local company. The wines were delicious, the charcuterie plate amazing, and most of all, the people that conducted the training were so much fun! We ended up feeling as if we had made new friends, and will never forget that beautiful night.

Again, if you are considering Belize, go (!) and have Patricia and her team do your planning. I have now been to 42 countries outside of the US, and Belize is now one of my favorites!

Australia: sunrise over Kata Tjuṯa, snorkling the Great Barrier Reef, seeing Kangaroo Island rise from the ashes

MARTHA LAZARAKIS | OCTOBER 8, 2024

We spent a glorious month in Australia to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, thanks to the impeccable planning and care of Stuart and Jacki’s team. They were able to incorporate all of our wish list destinations, no small feat in a country that size! We let them know that our priorities were wildlife viewing, culinary experiences and active exploration, and we went through a few draft itineraries before settling on a framework of destinations, durations and dates. Then it was on to choosing specific activities, restaurant reservations, etc, and then Jacki worked her magic. From premier rooms, to chefs table seatings at restaurants, to champagne greetings and surprise turn-in treats, we felt like we were VIPs the entire trip.

We chose September in order to avoid high season crowds. While cold at times and with a couple of days of rain, in general we felt it was a wonderful time. We packed well for 4 seasons and experienced everything, from the warm lush weather in Lizard island, to dry heat in Uluru, to mild and lovely Sydney and Tasmania, drizzly Melbourne and windy and crisp Kangaroo Island. The team arranged for wonderful private guides to see Uluru, the Great Ocean Road, Blue Mountains, and Maria Island on Tasmania. We highly recommend private guiding for these types of destinations, to get that deep education of the history and culture, as well as to find all those elusive creatures we were hoping to see (and did!) Even our airport transfer drivers were interesting and informative! In other locations, such as Lizard Island, Spicers Hidden Vale, Silky Oaks and Kangaroo Island, we had the most wonderful guides who were employed by the lodges. In our view, one of the most important benefits of staying at the resorts recommended by the company is that we had the highest level of expertise and service from all the staff.

We made the decision not to use guides in Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart for city touring. We love wandering cities on foot and exploring shops and attractions on our own, and this was a great change of pace for us for a few days of the trip. All three are very walkable, and have good public transit as well.

Choosing one favorite experience on such an amazing trip is impossible, but to narrow it down to a few: Seeing the sun rise over Kata Tjuṯa and sun set behind Uluru (with delicious private picnics for both). Snorkeling among the corals and fish of the Great Barrier Reef, and learning about the ecology of the reef at a world renowned research facility. Learning about and witnessing the beautiful flora and fauna that are rising from the ashes on Kangaroo Island (and staying at the absolutely stunning, totally rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge). Hiking and seeing all the many amazing creatures who live in Tasmania, and doing an after-hours private tour at the Bonorong animal sanctuary where we got to feed the residents.

One reason among many that we are so grateful for the company occurred after the start of the trip. A few weeks prior to traveling one of us had a minor medical issue which required dietary restrictions going forward. We didn’t even consider how that would be an issue until we arrived in Sydney and started dining out. When we realized that we would frequently be dining at places with limited menus, we asked Jacki to make a couple of calls to let the prix-fixe menu locations know of the situation. She contacted everyone—the private guides providing picnics, the all-inclusive resorts, and every restaurant where we had a reservation. Without exception, every location was not only accommodating, but the meals were all delicious! This would have required us to spend hours of time to do it ourselves, right in the middle of our travels. We can’t express how grateful we are to have used Jacki’s team. It was truly a unique and unparalleled trip for us.

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Spain: Rioja wine country, Toledo’s Jewish Quarter, hiking Camino del Norte

NINA SCHURZ | OCTOBER 7, 2024

Jon and Nina Schurz hiking the Camino Del Norte in Getaria, Spain.

Jon and Nina Schurz walking the Camino Del Norte in Getaria.

We will never plan our own travel again! Working with Pablo for our two-week adventure in Spain this September was a pleasure and we wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, we’ll certainly enlist him again for a future trip to Portugal. We would never have had personal, in depth experience an in-country travel expert offers. We learned so much about Spain, its history and people.

We were travelling to a friend’s son’s wedding in San Sebastian and decided to create a vacation around it. In speaking with Pablo, he understood our desire to have both guided experiences and enough time to venture out on our own. We didn’t want to be too museum-intensive either and he understood the assignment.

From our arrival at the airport in Madrid, we were whisked away to our hotel seamlessly. Day 1 set the foundation for a terrific experience. Our guide in Madrid was so incredibly versed about art (at The Prada) and the history of Madrid and Spain—we wish we’d listened to Pablo’s suggestion of a full day tour. We were THRILLED to learn he’d be our guide for the full day adventure to Toledo the following day. In Toledo, we toured the city in its entirety and focused on the Jewish Quarter. His knowledge was extraordinary and we truly felt like a personal friend.

We took the train to San Sebastian for the wedding—the hotel selected by Pablo was first class, charming and welcoming. Our magical vacation resumed with a guided tour to Biarritz and St. Jean de Luc. Following that, we had another extraordinary guide, Maria, who took us to her home town of Zarautz—invited us into the private dining club she and her husband belong to (!) and hiked with us along a section of the Camino del Norte to the charming town of Getaria. I’ve never experienced such beauty. (For this, you should be in decent physical shape!)

The following morning, we were picked up by our driver and journeyed to Rioja to experience the wine country. The hotel here was the only SLIGHT disappointment of the trip—a hotel too modern for its surroundings that left us feeling cold. It just didn’t fit with the medieval towns. There was nowhere to eat nearby and the hotel’s restaurant was only open for dinner. Our tour of two unique vineyards the following day by an experienced guide—and the special meal she prepared for us—more than made up for the disappointing accommodations.

We then went on to Bilbao for a quick one day stopover and to catch the flight to Barcelona. The hotel was perfect and our guide allowed us to appreciate the Guggenheim more deeply. We finished up with 4 nights in Barcelona—and again had extraordinary experiences cultivated by Pablo. All of our guides throughout the two weeks in Spain were fabulous, easy to be with and eager to please. Our transfers and transportation were seamless and first class. Do not hesitate to enlist Pablo to craft a world class adventure. We can’t wait for our next adventure!

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Normandy, Brittany & Provence: Monet’s gardens, wild bulls and horses, hot air balloon ride

JIM SCHLEIF | OCTOBER 7, 2024

Jim Schleif, his partner and friends on a hot air balloon ride over Luberon, France.

The birthday boy enjoys a hot air balloon ride over the Luberon.

We just returned from an extraordinary trip to Normandy, Brittany and Provence planned by Philip’s team. This was our first WOW trip and a 60th bday trip for me with my partner Bill and our closest friends. I studied and lived in France from ’83-’84 so it was my “Homecoming Birthday Trip.” Every detail was flawless and we had sooo much fun!

We started in Normandy with our guide Herve, an incredible historian. We all had each other in stitches for the three days but also experienced the poignancy of the WWII sights and landing beaches. We saw the beautiful towns of Honfleur, Bayeux and Monet’s gardens in Giverny. We then rented a car and drove to Brittany and did three days there on our own but stayed in the 5-star Hotel Barriere Le Grand in Dinard.

Then off to Provence and the Luberon. Philip’s office helped us secure the most stunning villa, La Mas des Roses, at the base of a charming village, La Coste. Here are some non-stop highlights: wine tasting and private vegetarian catered lunch by organic local chef; a private tour of a Manade in the Camargue with wild horses and bulls and delightful hosts, Estelle and Patrick Laurent and their son (a 4th-generation French cowboy); an after-hours tour of Avignon’s Le Palais des Papes in which a baroque quartet was practicing for an event (we may have been in heaven at that very moment), then wine tasting and dinner at a private Michelin-star chef’s table at La Mirande; a hot-air balloon ride over the Luberon (my favorite); the 2 weeks were topped off with a private chef cooking class by Jonathan Chiri at our villa and a wine tasting “50 Shades of Rose” by the only American sommelier working in France the past 17 years, Kelly McAuliffe. We went out in style (and with a headache)!

I must say 90% of this would never have been possible without Philip’s connections. The wonderful guides and people are all old friends of his and the luxury travel industry is close-knit. What else we loved? The app, all the restaurant suggestions and the concierge list serve! Constantly updated by the minute. Running late? Text the list serve. Change of heart or in the mood for a type of food? Text. Daily check-ins to be sure we were having fun. One guest needed medical attention. They were there immediately for us. We even had coffee with our travel specialist Marion in Aix-en-Provence on the Cours Mirabeau. It was great to meet her in person.

I am so glad the trip itself was remarkable, because the communication during the planning process was really challenging. Sometimes 2-7 weeks would go by before anyone would get back to me on simple details or questions. Ultimately Philip’s team delivered exceptional results, but getting there was not exactly what I expected. Marion admitted this was something she was “actively working to improve.”

That said, the professionalism of this team cannot be underestimated. It may have been the best trip of our lives (and we have been traveling internationally for 30 years). Thank you Marion, Nedjma, Philip and team. You are truly masters of your craft in delivering memories and exceptional experiences.

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Egypt: Nile river boat cruise, and pyramids, tombs, and museum with an Egyptologist

WENDY SHOEMAKER | OCTOBER 6, 2024

Our recent trip to Egypt was outstanding. The planning was excellent with lots of activities, but not too much. We started with 3 wonderful days in Cairo visiting the pyramids, tombs, and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Eman our Egyptologist was outstanding. We also had visits to Abu Simbel and Aswan. Then onto the Oberoi Philae river boat which was really a great experience. Superior service and wonderful food. Spacious & comfy. Loved the sites in Luxor as well as visiting Sharm el Sheikh. The all inclusive Rixos Seagate was a great way to relax and end our vacation. Excellent job all around. Will definitely use them again for another future trip.

Tips:

*Be mindful not to take on too much each day due to the heat and amount of walking on some of the excursions.
*Loved my Lobster alfredo dinner at the Crimson Bar & Grill in Cairo.
*Having reps help with airport transfers very helpful.
*Old Cataract hotel amazing. Oberoi Phalea an outstanding river boat. High security presence throughout our stay made us feel safe.
*Bring lots of small bills ($1, $5 & $10) for tipping.
*The Rixos adult only (18+) hotel might have been a better option than the Seagate which allows kids.
*Late check out on last day at the Rixos was worth the $100 it cost (got another lunch and dinner).
*Many of the facilities are going to QR codes in lieu of paper. ATMs readily available for getting Egyptian money.
*AXUS app very helpful for tracking activities. All the reps, guides & drivers did a great job.

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Africa: thousands of wildebeests, gorillas in Uganda, Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum

LINDA BAILEY | OCTOBER 3, 2024

We saw, heard, tasted, experienced, and learned so much, our senses sometimes went into overload (a good thing). The migration was one of the reasons we chose to visit Africa. Unfortunately, it was not happening because it had rained a couple of days before we arrived; therefore, the wildebeests did not leave as there was plenty of food. However, seeing thousands of wildebeests grazing was a sight to behold. Spending time with the gorillas in Uganda was also a pinch me moment.

The bush camps were tents with screens in place of windows. It was not unusual to see wildlife in the camp, and escorts were required after dark. One evening on the way back to our tent from dinner, the escort pointed out a fresh leopard track on our path. This meant relying on texting to communicate with family in another tent at night. We appreciated the free upgrade to a villa at one of the camps, which made it easier for us to interact with one another.

The transfer to/from some of the bush camps took a bit of coordination – kudos to Julian’s team. The trip, however, was not entirely glitch free, but these incidents were minor. The majority of our guides were outstanding, flexible, personable and have a deep passion for what they do.

The bush meals (imagine a picnic table set up under a lone tree in the vast, open savannah with wildlife grazing nearby) and sundowner (where Maasai staff used sticks to start a campfire to roast a delicious leg of lamb while we sipped our drinks and nibbled on appetizers as the luminous sun dipped below the horizon) were both fun experiences.

While mother nature can put on quite a show in Africa, there is also the ugly side of apartheid, and the displacement of tribes like the Batwa. Tours of Constitution Hall and the Apartheid Museum were heart-wrenching, but are must-visits to fully comprehend the brutality inflicted on its people. Our visit to a Batwa village was a highlight. It was educational and we loved how the people wanted to share their stories.

It was an educational and wonderful adventure. Africa is teeming with wildlife, from mammals, to birds and reptiles. Staying at a bush camp was surreal with the sounds of wildlife surrounding us throughout the day and night. We will never forget the adorable Maasai and Batwa children. Thank you, Julian, Lisa, and Carmella, from the bottom of our hearts.

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Bali, Java & Singapore: great logistical flow, beautifully authentic hotels, guide “became family”

CAROLYN CARPENETI | OCTOBER 3, 2024

Andrea and his team really went out of their way to make sure our trip was “off the beaten path,” which is exactly what we asked. There is no way I would have ever found the beautiful and amazing hotels and special day trips on my own. Each was authentic, no tourists, and the guide we were paired with quickly became family as we explored Bali. During the trip, Andrea and his team were always close by via WhatsApp, which was very reassuring. We visited Bali, Java and Singapore and each destination easily flowed into the next from a logistical perspective. Loved every second!!!

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Italy: Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Naples, and Amalfi…with disabilities

LUCAS NADOLSKIS | OCTOBER 3, 2024

Our trip to Italy began in Rome, and right away we experienced the benefits of hiring Alberto and Martina’s company. Our driver was waiting for us at the airport, helping us seamlessly navigate the busy Rome train station, where we caught our train to Florence. As a traveler with disabilities, hiring a travel planner made all the difference. Our guides met us at our hotel for each tour, and everyone was incredibly accommodating. Martina and Elisa were both easy to reach and always available to address any issues that came up during our trip.

The experiences they curated were truly unique, but I can’t recommend their Positano team enough! Every step in Positano was worth it once we arrived at their stunning spot, overlooking the breathtaking Italian coast.

Additionally, having drivers to take us from our hotels to train stations and tours made the trip so much smoother. Vieri, who drove us through the Tuscan countryside, was particularly attentive and offered numerous tips we wouldn’t have known otherwise.

Overall, the exceptional service provided by Martina, Elisa, and Alberto truly made our trip special, and we can’t wait to return to Italy!

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

Ask Wendy

Mallorca & Catalonia: Chopin’s monastery, Penedès wine, Cadaqués by the sea

MINA MILLER SABRITT | OCTOBER 2, 2024

Mina Miller Sabritt next to a piano in the Chopin Museum, in Mallorca.

Trip highlight: Concert-pianist traveler takes a private tour of the Chopin Museum.

Mallorca had been on our “bucket” list for a special reason. As a concert pianist, I had always wanted to visit the village of Valdemossa and see the monastery where the composer Frédéric Chopin spent a winter and composed several important piano works. In celebration of my milestone birthday and our 47th wedding anniversary, we decided that this was the moment.

We told Ivan that we were not going to Mallorca for the beach and wanted to avoid crowds and mass tourism. We also knew that we would arrive exhausted and wanted a place where we could relax and be pampered at the start of our trip. Ivan found us a magnificent hotel that met all of our needs and more. Our room had the most extraordinary view of the sea.
Ivan planned a Mallorca itinerary that focused on the history and culture of the Island. Our trip to the Chopin Museum was the highlight, and it included the surprise of a private tour and meeting with the museum director that Ivan made a special effort to arrange. We also worked with Ivan to extend our trip with six days in Catalonia, first in the beautiful seaside village of Cadaqués, and then the Penedès cava region.

Ivan was extremely patient, generous, and attentive to our needs. We had originally planned this trip for earlier in the year but needed to postpone it because of unexpected health issues. When we were ready to rebook, Ivan jumped back in immediately. He was flexible when there were last-minute changes that we wanted to make. In the popular Penedès region, he managed to secure excellent hotel accommodations, drivers and guides – not an easy feat for a very busy holiday weekend at peak harvest time.

Throughout the trip, Ivan was in close touch by email. He wanted to ensure our satisfaction at all points. He informed the hotels of our celebration, and on Mallorca we were greeted at our dinner table with beautiful flowers and a bottle of cava.
It was a pleasure working with Ivan. He was a true partner in the planning of our trip and a perfectionist in its execution. No detail was overlooked. He did all possible to ensure our satisfaction at every point along the way. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him and for the experience he was able to create for us. Our trip went beyond all expectations because of Ivan’s care and expert planning.

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Romania: medieval citadels, truffle hunting, and Jewish history

LINDA GREEN | OCTOBER 2, 2024

My husband and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Romania. We spent most of our time in Transylvania, which is both scenic and uniquely interesting. Our major reason for traveling to this part of the world was to visit the city of Cluj, where my husband’s father lived before emigrating to the U.S. in the 1930s, and to see the specific places where he and his family lived.

Our trip planners, Raluca and Malvina, did a great job of incorporating this into our itinerary, and also providing experiences that gave us a deeper appreciation of the overall history of Romania and Transylvania, particularly that of the Jews. We knew little of this history before the trip. It was very moving to visit the few synagogues that have been preserved and to meet the people who take care of them. And it was extremely interesting to tour the medieval citadels and fortified churches that dot Transylvania and to spend time in the mostly preserved traditional Saxon village of Viscri. We felt transported back in time watching the horse drawn carts, geese, goats, sheep and cows that wander through the streets of this picturesque place and we enjoyed the simple but delicious traditional foods that are truly farm to table.

We also loved going truffle hunting and enjoying the truffle pasta dinner prepared for us by our truffle guide, as well as our beautiful horseback ride through lovely meadows and forests. One of our most unusual experiences was visiting the vast and otherworldly salt mine in Turda which we would highly recommend. Throughout our trip, our guide, Paul, provided great information and suggestions that very much enhanced our overall understanding and enjoyment of the various places we visited. And it was great to spend time chatting with the lovely local people we met who provided insights into various aspects of life in this intriguing country. Overall, it was a very worthwhile trip.

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Peru: sunset over the Andes, lodge and spa, archaeological sites, and “Peru flat” hiking…

DAVID DUBOW | OCTOBER 1, 2024

David Dubow and wife at the Inca Trail in Peru.

Hiking the Inca trail was challenging. “We now know what ‘Peru flat’ really means.”

The executive summary—it was great. The flights to and from and in Peru were a breeze. Flight times changed a bit between our initial reservations and the travel dates, but our travel agent kept us updated. Knowing that we had backup in case of major changes was very reassuring. We really appreciated spending a little bit of extra money on premium Latam tickets (AKA first class.) While first-class airplane seating on the short flights between Lima and Cuzco was nothing special, skipping the very long lines at baggage check in the airport because we had premium tickets was extremely nice. That might not be something other travelers would know about and is worth sharing with them. The next time we travel, we will ask specifically about that perk. The travel advisors in Lima and Cuzco were also very helpful.

As we expected, Explora was great, and we feel that it was even better than the ones in Tores del Paine and Atacama. The food was outstanding, with the lone exception of the box “breakfast” they provided us on the morning of departure. In contrast to all of the other sumptuous food, we were surprised that it was a dry deli meat turkey sandwich. All of the staff were gracious, friendly, and very helpful. The explorations were fantastic, challenging, fun, and informative. We wish that Explora would open facilities in other locations around the world.

We really enjoyed our WOW experience—watching the sunset over the Andes Mountains on the Racchi highlands while enjoying gourmet appetizers and champagne, and then relaxing with a great massage at the Explora spa. The transition from Explora to private touring with Ruben was seamless. He contacted us the day before we left the hotel and reviewed all the arrangements executed exactly according to plan. Ruben was an excellent guide, knowledgeable about Peruvian history, and very good at explaining it all. We also felt very safe with him in charge.

The one-day hike on the Inca trail was challenging but well within our physical limits. We now know what “Peru flat” really means. We will share that Ruben was a bit like Speedy Gonzalez on the hike and often was far ahead of us on the trail, waiting up ahead, out of sight, for us to catch up. Perhaps he was giving us time to enjoy walking by ourselves, but it would have been nice to learn about the landscape and flora as we walked. We never felt unsafe or worried about getting lost. We will also share that he occasionally seemed to prefer sitting apart from us (e.g. during an hour-plus delay on the train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo). That was not a problem but was a contrast to the Explora guides, who frequently seemed to seek out personal contact with us.

Our time in Cusco was excellent. We were not expecting to enjoy the city and the historical touring we did there. Ruben was an outstanding guide for the city and the nearby archeological sites we visited. He also had great suggestions for where to eat and drink near our hotel.

In regard to lodgings, Explora was, as expected, fantastic. Everything about it was great: the physical facilities, the people, and, as I mentioned, the food. Thanks to Jordan’s team, we also got a chance to enjoy the spa. The Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes was nice but showed its age around the edges and was on the rustic side compared to our other lodgings. The staff was nice, and the food was well above average. We are not foodies, so we took advantage of the included breakfast and dinner and did not venture out to nearby restaurants. In Cusco, Casa Cartagena was excellent. It was elegant, quiet, and very conveniently located. And the staff went out of their way to be helpful, even going to a nearby restaurant to get us the menu when we couldn’t find it online. We highly recommend this hotel.

Our thanks to everyone at Jordan’s company for crafting another bucket list adventure. We will return to South America again (perhaps Brazil to see Iguazu Falls, or to Ecuador, or Bolivia) and will definitely reach out to you for that.

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Switzerland: traditional bell-making, postcard-worthy scenery, the art of chocolate

DAVID KINSLER | SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Our bespoke two-week journey through Switzerland was nothing short of magical. The adventure began in the vibrant city of Zürich, where we were immediately immersed in the city’s rich cultural history. One of the highlights was the watchmaking demonstration, which gave us an intimate look into Switzerland’s famous craftsmanship. The precision and artistry behind each timepiece were mesmerizing, and it set the perfect tone for the rest of our trip. Exploring Zürich was equally delightful, from its scenic riverfronts to the charming old town brimming with history.

We then ventured by train and back to Appenzell, where we experienced traditional bell-making firsthand. Watching the craftsmen at work was fascinating, and the deep tones of the freshly made bells rang with a timeless beauty. Our visit to a working Swiss farm added a wonderful rustic touch to the trip, giving us a glimpse into the country’s agricultural traditions and sustainable practices. It was a peaceful and enriching contrast to the city’s bustle.
We took a day trip to Bern, where the medieval streets and historic charm of the old city transported us back in time. The Einstein Museum was an unexpected gem—an engaging dive into the life and work of one of the greatest minds in history, all set within the beautiful backdrop of Bern’s cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.

Next, we headed by train to Zermatt, a true hiker’s paradise. The breathtaking views of the Matterhorn were absolutely unforgettable. Every step of our hikes offered postcard-worthy scenery, from pristine alpine lakes to rugged mountain peaks. The air was crisp, the trails well-maintained, and the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps left us in awe. From Zermatt we traveled to Grindenwald and the Lauterbrunnen Valley where the weather was uncooperative but the team quickly made arrangements for us to leave a day early for Lausanne and better weather.

We concluded our adventure in Lucerne, nestled on the serene shores of the lake. The city itself is picture-perfect, with its wooden bridges and waterfront promenades. The highlight here was the chocolate-making workshop, where we indulged our senses and learned the delicate art of Swiss chocolate. Creating our own confections was not only fun but deliciously rewarding—a sweet way to end our incredible journey.

Overall, this bespoke trip through Switzerland perfectly blended urban exploration, cultural immersion, and natural wonders. Each destination offered something unique, and we left with memories to treasure for a lifetime. The itinerary blended a good mixture of countryside and city sites and can through for us when the weather wasn’t cooperating.

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Japan: onsen bathing at a ryokan, forging knives with a swordsmith, making sushi…

EMILY FRIEDMAN | SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Traveler Emily Friedman and family at cooking class in Japan.

A sushi-making class: “an unforgettable family evening, joyous and full of laughter.”

This was our first trip using Wendy’s Wow List travel specialists. I can’t imagine visiting the Far East without her specialist’s guidance. I was overwhelmed with how to plan a trip to a country so diverse, with a language barrier, and we didn’t want to spend every day visiting temples and shrines. Andrea spent a full hour on the phone to understand our interests and wishes, before suggesting an itinerary. We had multiple zoom calls with him to fine-tune our itinerary.

He redirected us to a different city than we thought we wanted to visit, where we experienced one of the three most famous Japanese gardens, and had a class in gold-leaf applique. We were “spoiled” by having guides to/from railways, to/from airports. This was a luxury and a relief. (Most of our guides spoke good English, but be prepared because most people we interacted with do not speak English.)

The Gate Hotel in Tokyo was wonderful: central location, deluxe, great food, English-speaking staff. Excellent accommodations in Kanazawa at the Hyatt, as well. I must mention that I’m a “foodie” and the buffet breakfasts at both hotels were included, and were superb! A third hotel was under renovation, so unfortunately we missed staying at this boutique hotel, but Andrea was quick to find a satisfactory substitution.

I wanted to be able to interact with a Geisha, and he made it happen! This is not an easy thing to arrange. We had a special, 10-course dinner and she joined us and danced for us. An experience not to be missed—a glimpse into one of Japan’s cultural treasures. Andrea arranged for us to travel to the countryside, visit a swordsmith, and make our own knives forged in the fire! The trips to the city markets were a unique experience, and I loved seeing all the different foods and spices. Lastly, Andrea suggested a night in an intimate ryokan, where we experienced onsen bathing and a beautiful multicourse meal with all the local specialties. (Beware, most meals are raw fish (sashimi) or ramen. Research other ethnic restaurants if you don’t want fish for most meals.)

The best family experience Andrea arranged was a cooking class to make sushi, learn about miso, make matcha and mochi. That was an unforgettable family evening, joyous and full of laughter. I’ll add: Andrea’s assistant Giulia was delightful, kind, and “shepherded” us through the trip with humor and grace. Andrea planned a memorable trip, within our budget, and yet ensuring we experienced many of the “flavors” of Japan—the country and the culture. He also arranged days when we could explore on our own, which was something we really wanted. We did not want to be over-scheduled and exhausted.

Andrea loves Japan, and his skill in selecting experiences that are unforgettable and unique to Japan makes him a travel specialist of the highest caliber!

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Sri Lanka: climbing Sigiriya, a one-day safari, relaxing on the beach

LAUREN SCHOR | SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

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

Traveler Lauren with her husband and daughter on a one-day safari in Wilpattu National Park.

Just back from in week in Sri Lanka that we tagged onto a trip to India at the end of August with our teenage daughter and another couple. We originally spoke to Miguel and Nicola about a trip in December, but totally switched gears and planned a last-minute week-long summer trip. Because it’s so remote from the US, and such a geographically diverse country, ideally you’d have at least two weeks to spend here. Sri Lanka is a small country but there are so many regions to see and it takes a lot of time to travel from place to place.

Given we only had a week, we had some tough choices as to which areas we were going to visit—the cultural triangle and ancient ruins, the mountains and tea plantations, the jungle and wildlife, the gorgeous beaches or the cities. Ultimately with a lot of back and forth weighing the pros and cons with Nicola and Miguel, we decided on the cultural triangle and the south coast. I couldn’t imagine going all the way to Sri Lanka and not climbing Sigiriya, the ancient fortress atop a mountain and the most visited place in the country. Plus, we were near one of the national parks and we got to do one day safari! And we knew we wanted to spend time near a beach relaxing because we had also come off a week in India before arriving in Sri Lanka.

We opted to charter a flight to the south coast instead of driving the 8 hours. This area was a great combination of relaxation and culture. Galle Fort is a must visit area-the restaurants, shops and local life is unlike anywhere else in the country. And there were a lot of other activities in the area, like a local cooking class, a mask painting workshop and visiting a cinnamon plantation (who knew that 90% of the worlds cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka)!

Nicola recommended fantastic properties. We loved Ulagalla—we have traveled all over the world and its one of the most special properties we have stayed at. We enjoyed a WOW Moment at Kamantha, a traditional and delicious Sri Lankan meal prepared with indigenous tools in a mud hut. Such a special experience! We also stayed at Mosvold Villa, a newer property right on the Indian Ocean. While I wouldn’t consider it a five-star property, the location could not be beat, and we were adamant about wanting to be on the water (versus at a property like the Aman located inside the fort not on the coast).

Something else to note; we had a driver for our week but each activity and excursion had its own local guide. Sri Lanka is a special country and everywhere we went the people were so welcoming and we kept hearing how they meet so few American travelers. I have a feeling this is going to be a new hot spot destination!

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Denmark: biking, Viking Ship museum, private tour of a working wood furniture factory…

HOWARD WOLFF | SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

A private canal boating excursion was one of many Denmark highlights. Photo: Traveler Howard Wolff

Mads designed a perfect itinerary that delighted two travelers in their 70s and two in their 30s, giving us unforgettable memories from a busy week in Denmark: biking, a private boat ride on the canal, dining with Danes, as well as visits to the Viking Ship Museum, Danish Design Museum, Roskilde Cathedral, HC Museum, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and more.

Since we arrived at 7am after an overnight flight, we were thankful that Mads arranged for early check-in at our hotel, allowing us to take a quick nap before embarking on our 2-1/2 hour bike tour. Our guide Lotte was fascinating and personable; and Dan, our driver throughout the trip, was delightful and very helpful.

Our evening at the beautiful home of the Danish couple Lene and Carsten (sp?) was not only delicious but also engaging—a great conversation and human connection. We’ll remember it fondly.

As an architect, I found our design-themed day to be particularly impactful, and my family members loved it, too. Getting a private tour of a working wood furniture factory, PP Mobler, including a visit to their forest, was very special. A conversation with a young designer at his studio was meaningful, insightful, and enlightening; and our final stop of the day at the Danish Design Museum heightened our awareness and appreciation for Danish ingenuity. After that day, we noticed every chair we sat in!

On a particularly jam-packed day, we decided to skip a visit to the Egeskov Castle and drove straight to the island of Funen after visiting Roskilde, the former capital of Denmark. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum was surprisingly clever and interactive. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art was unique and special.

We really enjoyed our harbor-facing room at 71 Nyhavn in Copenhagen. The hotel was perfectly situated, and the breakfast options were fabulous. Our overnight stay at Falsled Kro was beautiful and indulgent; our breakfast was one of the best we’ve ever had. The rooms were simply elegant and spacious. Arrangements for a late check-out allowed us to enjoy an e-bike ride from the property in the morning, and we loved every minute. Tivoli, with its theme-park vibe, was of more interest to our kids than it was to us, but we had a great time. All in all, a great experience that we are grateful to have had. Thank you.

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Ireland: ruins on every corner, Dromoland Castle, private sheep dog competition…

NIK MINOCHA | SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

We and another couple contacted Jonathan at Celebrated Experiences because our daughters had tickets to see Taylor Swift in Dublin. We spent a wonderful weekend with them in Dublin and sent them home after the concert. We then spent the next week traveling around the southern loop of Ireland. Jonathan and his colleague Katie put together an itinerary that included all of the must-sees but also off the beaten path sites, offering a more authentic experience—and fewer tourists.

Ireland is the Emerald Isle for a reason; the variety of green is unlike anywhere else. Jonathan insisted we use a driver for the week and that was probably the best advice he gave us. Tommy was fantastic! He is an active and self-taught student of Irish history, which is very handy when there are ruins on every corner. He also took the time to learn what we did and did not like and tweaked our itinerary accordingly. His guidance was truly catered to us on a day-by-day basis, even down to tiniest details.

This type of trip calls for a lot of driving. We do wish more physical activity (hikes, paddling) had been included. We should have made sure such activities were added to the itinerary. We just wish we’d had more opportunity to move!

One unexpected highlight was a private sheep dog demonstration at Caherconnell Fort. Who knew there was so much skill and communication between the farmer and the Border Collies? It was a privilege to watch them work together, as they have for generations. We debated keeping this activity in our itinerary and it would have been a big loss if we missed it.

All of the hotels were top notch, but none compared to Dromoland Castle. Everyone should experience a castle at least once, especially one where you can try falconry, clay shooting and archery all in one afternoon. We would not recommend dinner at the castle, but otherwise it was amazing!

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Peru: the Amazon, “scenic” train to Machu Picchu, horseback through villages

LORI BENTLEY | SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Bob, Lori and Hunter Bentley at Machu Picchu, Peru.

Lori Bentley and family took the Vistadome train to the “breathtaking” expanse of Machu Picchu.

Just back from a 60th Birthday trip to Peru. Tom and his team planned a fantastic trip for us. We visited the Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima. The Amazon was amazing, and the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge provided a beautiful atmosphere and guided tours. Next, our guides Alberto and Henry along with driver Igor picked us up in Cusco, for a scenic trip to the Sacred Valley where we stayed at the Sol y Luna Lodge, which was beautiful. Our guides were fantastic and assisted with advice on acclimating to the altitude. We enjoyed a 2 hour horseback ride through villages and farmland. It was by far the best ride I have ever been on!

The Vistadome train to the village of Machu Picchu was very scenic and relaxing. We stayed at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, and the accommodations were fabulous! Of course, visiting Machu Picchu was breathtaking. A walk to the Inca Drawbridge was filled with the surrounding beauty of the area. After Machu Picchu, we flew to Cusco, a charming , historical city. Alberto recommended excellent restaurants, we even tried Cuy (guinea pig). We also enjoyed dinner at the recommended Map Café—the food and service were excellent.

There were so many highlights of the trip, and the guidance and recommendations that we received were so helpful. Grateful for the expertise and planning of Tom, and the service of Alberto, Henry, and Igor. Highly recommend utilizing their services.

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Grand Teton: Old Faithful, great hikes, and a “fantastic” lodge near many trailheads

DEAN NANCE | SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Dean Nance and family in The Teton Range, North America.

Three generations came together to enjoy a hiking trip to Wyoming.

There were five of us, from three generations—Grandfather, Son-in-law, and three Grandsons on our September Tetons trip. We all had a really great time! Melissa organized the trip for us. The Tetons are an incredible experience!

Where to start?

The Jenny Lake Lodge was a fantastic place.
* Great location, right in the middle of the Tetons.
* Wonderful meals, including five course dinners and multiple options for breakfasts.

We enjoyed the tours Melissa arranged for us.
* It was so nice that they were private, meaning that they included only our group.
* The guides were all knowledgeable, flexible, and pleasant to be with. They went to great efforts to find wildlife for us to view, and to do such things as to get us to Old Faithful at a time it was about to erupt.

All five of us particularly enjoyed the hikes that we took on our free days. The fact that Jenny Lake Lodge was near the trailheads of several great hikes was a real plus.

Last, but not least, Melissa was wonderful to work with in planning the trip. We could never have done it without her!

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India: Delhi by rickshaw, spa & arts in Jaipur, sidestepping the rainy season

LAUREN SCHOR | SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Lauren Schor and her daughter in front of Taj Mahal in India.

Happy mom and teen “tagged along on a business trip” and enjoyed the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset.

My teen daughter and I tagged along on a pretty last-minute business trip my husband was taking to India. Victoria put together an amazing itinerary one month before we left and she really nailed it! After our first phone conversation she put together the perfect plan and I made very few changes. It was very clear she understood what I was looking for and how we wanted to spend our time.

We were traveling off-season during monsoons, and while the weather was very hot and very humid, the actual rain barely interfered with our activities. We flew into Delhi and spent two days exploring the city which was a feast for the senses. It was a great intro to India, both overwhelming and mesmerizing. Victoria set up a tour of the old city by rickshaw which Id highly recommend as a memorable and eye-opening experience. We also took a food tour through the winding streets of Delhi which I was very hesitant about for fear of “Delhi belly,” but Victoria assured me they are very careful about the places we would visit and she was right, we were all fine!

My daughter and I then went off on our own to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal at both sunset and sunrise, which were two totally different experiences and both “pinch me” moments! Friends and family at home were very concerned about the two of us traveling in India alone, but we felt completely safe the entire time because we always had someone with us, just one of the reasons a WOW planner is so important.

Our final stop in India was Jaipur. Each city was a 3-4 hour drive from one another, which was an experience in itself passing through villages and seeing the way people live outside of the cities. We spent four days in Jaipur which was the perfect combination of sight seeing, shopping, spa time and cultural experiences. Highlights were a block printing workshop in a village outside of the city, an early morning visit to the old city, getting custom made pajamas, visiting the city palace, and meeting with an astrologer, which was a very unique experience. Our incredible guide Vikram knew all the best spots to take us to and had access to places we would have never known about. We have had a lot of private guides all over the world and Vikram is up there with the best!

We were very happy with all of the hotels Victoria had suggested—Leela Palace in Delhi, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. Victoria really made the most of the one week we had in India. She suggested three very different cities which were the perfect combination for a first-time visitor to India and I can’t wait to go back to visit other parts of the country!

Southern Africa: Botswana camps, Victoria Falls, helicopter ride, & wine tasting…

JOE COCO | SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

We worked with Julian and his company to plan our trip to Africa, specifically Cape Town South Africa, safari in Botswana, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Julian offered great guidance on when to go to optimize for the weather in each country, and when and where to go to ensure a top-notch safari experience, from animals to accommodations. He also provided insightful recommendations to optimize the value for our money.

We arrived in Cape Town on August 19 after taking an extended layover in London to break up the flights and enjoy London. Once in South Africa we stayed at the Four Rosmead, a nice boutique guest house. It’s in a quiet location yet near to excellent restaurants and cafes. The two managers were fantastic. They organized dinner reservations, offered good ideas for things to do, and provided specific safety precautions. Cape Town and the larger peninsula are surrounded by mountains and water, offering spectacular natural scenery. One of the highlights was our guided drive throughout the Cape Peninsula, to Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, visiting the Jackass penguin colony, and driving through Chapmans Peak. Stunning beauty, and we live in the Pacific Northwest and are therefore used to lots of mountains and water.

Another highlight was our “WOW Moment” —a helicopter ride. We started by flying down the coast, alongside and slightly higher than the mountains, then around various parts of the city and suburbs. The ride provided great views and perspective. Cape Town can be windy and still a bit rainy at that time of year, but fortunately we lucked out and had pleasant weather most of the time, and our helicopter flight was smooth. We also did a daylong guided wine tasting tour through Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, the latter of which is a charming little town with boutique hotels and high-end shops and restaurants. It was a pleasant tour, but unless you are really into wine and wine tasting, visiting 2 of the 3 areas may be sufficient.

There were a few hiccups and downsides to our visit in Cape Town. First, a driver from the local Cape Town tour company was supposed to meet us at the airport upon arrival to take us to our guest house, but he was a no-show. We called the company from the airport and they admitted they dropped the ball, apologized, and picked us up within about 20 minutes. That really drove home the importance of having readily available contact information for airport transfers and guides, especially in locales with potential safety issues. Fortunately, Albert, our local guide for the following three days, was very knowledgeable, organized, and prompt. The other issue was that the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, which offers amazing views, was undergoing annual maintenance during our visit. The cable car website (which we looked at only after we arrived), contained a notice that it was shut down from July 15 – September 1, so that was a disappointment. Apparently, the maintenance schedule can vary year-to-year, so check into this before going so you aren’t surprised. Finally, something to be aware of is you need to be more careful about crime than you might be accustomed to. The managers at our guest house emphasized the importance of not walking around the city in the evening and recommended against taking taxis. Instead, use Uber even for very short drives. We found the Ubers to be highly available, reliable, comfortable, and apparently safe. Having said that, we still really enjoyed our visit to Cape Town and the surrounding area.

Our next stop was Botswana for safari, where we spent 6 days at 3 different safari camps: Duke’s East in the Okavango Delta, Sable Alley in Khwai Private Reserve, and Savute Elephant Lodge in the Savute–Chobi National Park. The entire experience was amazing—the animals, landscape, accommodations, people, food, and logistics. We saw an incredible variety of animals, often very close to our open-air Land Cruiser, at the camps, and during a river cruise: lions, leopards, giraffes, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, wild dogs, hyenas, multiple types of antelope, zebra, crocodiles, warthogs, mongooses, monkeys, baboons, ostrich and many other types of birds. Our guides were super knowledgeable, not just about the animals but also the environment, geology, flora and more. The landscape in Botswana is beautiful, in part because it’s so flat, vast and has amazing sunsets. In addition to the safari drivers/guides, the rest of the staff at the 3 locations were all very warm, friendly, and attentive. Despite being literally in the middle of nowhere, accessible only via a propellor plane that lands on a dirt airstrip, and completely isolated from virtually all infrastructure, the food was quite good and the accommodations were fairly plush. The prop plane flights to each camp were professional and reliable. There were also nice touches like stopping our afternoon safari drive at sunset for a sundowner (cocktails and snacks set up by our driver). Being in the middle of a great expanse at sunset, drinking gin & tonic and watching animals come from all directions to visit a watering hole is truly unique. Our time on safari in Botswana was terrific and the highlight of the entire trip!

Our last stop was for 2 days at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where we stayed at the Old Drift Lodge. By this point in the trip, we were getting tired and wanted to go at a slower pace, so we just visited the falls, went on a lovely sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River (a sundowner with cocktails and snacks), and sat on our deck enjoying the view of the Zambezi river across to Zambia. While you can do a safari drive there too, we were a bit safari’d out after 6 days of multiple hours in a Land Cruiser. Fortunately, elephants, warthogs, and mongoose wandered around our lodge (which is outside of town in the national park). The Falls are very impressive and worth visiting when the water is relatively low (when we visited) because you can see more of the geologic features of the falls and only get a little wet from the spray vs completely soaked when the water is high. We went just after sunrise to avoid the crowds and heat, and so we could see rainbows made by the spray and low sun angle. Very cool! We also had lunch at The Lookout Cafe perched above and at the edge of the falls, which offered a great view.

We had a truly wonderful trip!

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Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Zambia: museum tour & cooking class, “Big 5” wildlife from photo hides

NANCY WOLF | SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

Vintage Jaguar in Cape Town, South Africa.

African tours, camps, and safaris kicked off with panache—a surprise pickup in a vintage Jaguar.

Our amazing first safari was thanks to Frankie Janssen, of Cherri’s office. We asked for suggestions on where to go and what time of year, and Frankie suggested a mid-August start, with a trip including Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Zambia because we wanted a place that included water activities.

Frankie planned our WOW Moment—actually a WOW day—for our first full day in Cape Town. She told me to trust her, and she was right. She hit all of the highlights…we were picked up in a vintage Jaguar. Our first stop was the Bo-Kaap area for a tour and Cape Malay cooking class. Then we went for a drive along the coast en route for a private tour of the Zeitz MOCAA, followed by a drive up to the top of Signal Hill for magnificent views, including Table Mountain.

Because we were flying into Zimbabwe from Cape Town, Frankie arranged for us to tour Victoria Falls right from the airport so we didn’t have to cross borders multiple times. The driver she arranged for us was especially helpful in expediting our crossing into Zambia. We stayed in 3 camps and all were first-rate. I told Frankie that I wanted a camp with photo hides and she sent us to Kaingo in South Luangwa National Park. We were fortunate to be there to see the red carmine bee-eaters, with the hide a few feet away from the nesting site. What an incredible sight! They also had an elephant hide and a hippo hide. By the first day at Kaingo, we had already seen the Big 5, as well as a chase of 3 male lions (we saw the white rhino at Tongabezi Lodge near Victoria Falls). We didn’t think there were any animals left to see, other than the wild dogs, but we saw them our first day at Sausage Tree Lodge. We also spotted a porcupine, which we never thought we’d see.

Being on the river at Tongabezi and Sausage Tree was a highlight. We loved the sunrise and sunset cruises, and we even tried our hand at fishing (only caught a turtle and a catfish…no tiger fish). Both Tongabezi and Sausage Tree Camp had special lunches and dinners in unexpected locations that really made the trip extra special. Zambia is a hidden gem. The only issue we had with the planning was our travel from Tongabezi to Kaingo. Because of the flight schedule, we had a 3-hour wait at Lusaka airport and once we landed in Mfuwe, we had a 2 1/2 hour drive to the camp. We didn’t arrive until 8:00 pm (we had started our day with a sunrise cruise, so we were exhausted). Kaingo does communal meals, so we were asked to go directly to dinner. Trying to converse with strangers after such a long trip was not pleasant, plus since we weren’t given the opportunity to put on bug spray, it was the one time I got several bites. Unless there is another way to reach Kaingo, I would not recommend it, despite the excellent photo hides.

Frankie added value to our trip, not only by planning our destinations and helping with activities, but also by securing drivers and VIP meet and greets who made our life easier. The one VIP meet and greet I would not do again, though, is in Cape Town. That added no value.

I’d highly recommend Frankie to plan your next safari!

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England & Scotland: Cotswolds, historic monastery ruins, distilleries, private falconry…

MICHELE BLOCK | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

Michele Block holding a falcon in Helmsdale, Scotland.

Two hours of private falconry was a highlight of Michelle Block’s “soooo memorable” Scotland travels.

THANK YOU Jonathan, Katie, Allyson and your team for planning our trip and our wonderful guides to Bath, Stonehenge, the Cotswolds (5 days, guides—Adgue and Maeve), and Scotland (16 days, Scott and Dave…our men in kilts)!!! It was flawless and soooo memorable. Each guide brought their own personalities and stories to enable us to learn about culture and history. It was fun learning the origin of some of our sayings.

Everything on our bucket list was met with some special additions. For example we opted due to the amount of steps to switch from a castle to visiting the wonderful preserved ruins of the St. Elgin monastery and then visit an abbey to hear the monks saying afternoon vespers, an experience indeed. Our goal of 2 hrs of private falconry and the highland games in Helmsdale (northeast Scotland) were remarkable. The hotels/castle of Glenapp, Isle of Eriska, and the Royal Crescent transplanted you into the world of luxury. Edinburg brought us the Scotsman right in the middle of everything to enjoy the royal mile and fringe fest. The Military Tattoo is a must if you visit in August. Pictures cannot describe the places we were taken, some off the tourist route, to appreciate the highlands and inner and outer Hebrides as well as special areas in southern Scotland, which Scott said is not on the tour guide itineraries (it should be).

We enjoyed going to distilleries which you may not have heard about and of course brought home a bottle. It is wonderful to see that all of the accommodations give accolades to Jonathan’s company. The phone app is great to keep track of where you went and where you are going in addition to helpful tips on tipping. We found the people friendly wherever we went and the hospitality was wonderful and charming. We can’t wait to start planning our vacation to Sicily and Italy with Wendy Perrin for the spring.

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Tanzania & Kenya: beautiful geography, gourmet food, warm hospitality, wildebeest & zebra migration

NANCY RIEGER | SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Nancy Rieger dining outside at Mara Expedition Camp in Kenya.

Traveler Nancy Rieger says spectacular meals at the camp rivaled the finest urban restaurants.

Armand and I sought out Dan’s team for a safari to Tanzania and Kenya because of his excellent reputation. We had a wonderful trip, and were met every step of the way once we landed at our first stop, Arusha, Tanzania.

Dan secured wonderful hotels and camps, beginning with the beguiling Plantation Lodge. The property was stunning, a green Eden, with wonderful food, warm hospitality, and a room that would qualify as a generously sized apartment in Manhattan. Our fabulous and informative guide, Eric, took us to Lake Manyara the first day, and to the Ngorongoro Crater the second. Lake Manyara had beautiful geography, albeit with fewer animals because of recent flooding. The Crater was a revelation. We saw ostriches mating–including the male doing his hilarious approach dance to the female. Also had a lot of time with the babboons, the most entertaining primates around.

Then it was off to Tanzania, and Taasa Lodge. The ride from arport to Taasa brought us smack dab in the middle of the wildebeest/zebra migration. Thousands of animals honking and bleeting, crossing the Sand River. More wildlife sightings than one could imagine: crocs, warthogs nursing their young, vultures fighting over a fly-ridden wildebeest, two lionesses and two cubs with bloody mouths who were just starting to dine on a freshly killed wildebeest. Birds and hippos galore.

The only dampers at Taasa were being given a substandard room with no hot water on our first night (after arriving at 7 pm instead of 5 pm) , a guide who spent 80% of her time talking to her tracker, and a butler who was unfairly given a job he could not do. The lodge manager claimed he wasn’t listening. But he was, and was trying hard. He just needed more training. Still, I would recommend Taasa because of its location, views, and its soups. Just need to make sure about the guide and room butler.

I’ve saved the best for last: Mara Expedition Camp. Dan had highly recommended this camp. It delivered in every single way. Our guide, Clifford, was superb. No roaring around at high speeds, he was patient in seeking out wildlife and was often the first guide to spot a lion, a herd of elephants, hyenas sleeping in the grass like frat boys who had partied too hard the night before, lizards, the golden orb spider, birds of every size, hippos, crocs, I could go on.

The other staff at Mara were exceptional. They made us feel like we had a home in the Mara. Their warm hospitality, their genuineness, kindness, their special surprises that brought even more enchantment to our stay (one: a hot breakfast in the bush alongside a river) , the nature walks around the camp, the gourmet food, Yes, gourmet food that rivals restaurants in New York, London, Paris. A lovely, comfortable, and quiet tent with plenty of light, charging stations, and hot water. We’re going back there again one day with our grandchildren.

Dan made sure we had the time of our lives. He spent time asking us questions before our trip. And he made certain that we were able to see everything that we had hoped for, that we stayed in some of the best accommodations available at our budget, and that we never had any worries. We are also grateful for our WOW Moment. At Mara Expedition, wonderful gifts were in our tent upon arrival. A hat, a stylish neck gaiter, and more. :) We will come back to Dan’s company. Our next trip may be to Rwanda to see the gorillas!

Read more reviews of Dan. Or request your own trip.

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* 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.

This Is WOW: Surprise WOW Moments Described by Real Travelers

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Have you heard of my WOW Moments project? “Wendy’s WOW Moments” are surprise insider experiences that help make a trip extraordinary. WOW List travelers earn them by submitting reviews of their trips. After you take two qualifying trips, we will send you a WOW Moment certificate to redeem on a future qualifying trip. Learn how to get your own surprise in Wendy Wants To Amp Up Your Trip! Then travel vicariously via the WOW Moment reviews below and give yourself something to look forward to!

Norway: “Getting to meet the owner of Lofoten Wool and their Viking sheep was fantastic… “

Meeting the owner of a sheep farm in Norway —and making purchases in her wool shop—was a “fantastic” surprise.

“All the activities were perfect for women in their 60s who wanted to take part in activities but not scale mountains. Our quest was to see the northern lights, which we knew was not a definite, but we were fortunate to see many nights of those special lights.

Our WOW Moment was truly special: getting to meet the owner of Lofoten Wool and their Viking sheep was fantastic. There was a knitter in our group, and she was in heaven, not to mention that we had the opportunity to buy some of her things in her shop. The owner of Hattvika Lodge was very secretive and led us to her farm. He never spilled the beans—truly a WOW Moment. I would definitely use Torunn and Torstein again and recommend them to friends. You must keep them on your WOW List.” —Magda Kuhn

Read more reviews of Norway trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “A sunset aperitivo on a private terrace with a sweeping panorama of the Tuscan landscape from Siena to San Gimignano…”

An autumn landscape in the Chianti region of Tuscany hills in the surroundings of Radda in Chianti.

Chianti region vineyard, Tuscany, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“Emanuela wanted us to stay at very special properties that she knew well and loved. She succeeded in booking us in some of the most amazing hotels and specific rooms in those hotels—a boathouse that was positioned directly over the water of Lake Orta; a historic castle in Guarene that had become a beautiful hotel. For our stay of four days in Liguria at Sestri Levante, her suggestion of a family-run hotel was an excellent choice. The town had genuine character, not completely overtaken by tourists, with families and children out for evening walks and sharing meals outdoors and small locally-owned shops.

On the final evening of our trip, we had our WOW Moment, and it was very special. The castello hotel where we were staying arranged a sunset aperitivo on a private terrace with a sweeping panorama of the Tuscan landscape from Siena to San Gimignano. It was a magical moment—sitting and enjoying the spectacular sunset, drinking sparkling wine and delicious appetizers. And the surprise continued when the chef made a special cake in celebration of my husband’s birthday. What a way to conclude an amazing trip.” —Mina Miller Sabritt

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka: “A traditional and delicious Sri Lankan meal prepared with indigenous tools in a mud hut…”

Traveler Lauren with her husband and daughter on a one-day safari in Wilpattu National Park.

“Given we only had a week, we had some tough choices as to which areas we were going to visit—the cultural triangle and ancient ruins, the mountains and tea plantations, the jungle and wildlife, the gorgeous beaches or the cities. Ultimately, with a lot of back and forth weighing the pros and cons with Miguel and Nicola, we decided on the cultural triangle and the south coast. I couldn’t imagine going all the way to Sri Lanka and not climbing Sigiriya, the ancient fortress atop a mountain and the most visited place in the country. Plus, we were near one of the national parks, and we got to do a one-day safari!

The south coast was a great combination of relaxation and culture. Galle Fort is a must-visit area—the restaurants, shops, and local life is unlike anywhere else in the country. And there were a lot of other activities in the area, like a local cooking class, a mask-painting workshop, and visiting a cinnamon plantation! (Who knew that 90% of the world’s cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka?)

Nicola recommended fantastic properties. We loved Ulagalla—we have traveled all over the world, and it’s one of the most special properties we have stayed at. We enjoyed a WOW Moment at Kamantha, a traditional and delicious Sri Lankan meal prepared with indigenous tools in a mud hut. Such a special experience! We also stayed at Mosvold Villa, a newer property right on the Indian Ocean. While I wouldn’t consider it a five-star property, the location could not be beat, and we were adamant about wanting to be on the water (versus at a property like the Aman located inside the fort, not on the coast).

Sri Lanka is a special country, and everywhere we went the people were so welcoming, and we kept hearing how they meet so few American travelers. I have a feeling this is going to be a new hot spot destination!” —Lauren Schor

Read more reviews of Sri Lanka trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Southern Africa: “For our WOW Moment, we were picked up in a vintage Jaguar…”

African tours, camps, and safaris kicked off with a pickup in a vintage Jaguar.

“We asked for suggestions on where to go and what time of year, and Frankie suggested a mid-August start, with a trip including Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Zambia because we wanted a place that included water activities. For our WOW Moment, we were picked up in a vintage Jaguar. Our first stop was the Bo-Kaap area for a tour and Cape Malay cooking class. Then we went for a drive along the coast en route for a private tour of the Zeitz MOCAA, followed by a drive up to the top of Signal Hill for magnificent views, including Table Mountain.

We stayed in three camps, and all were first-rate. Both Tongabezi and Sausage Tree Camp had special lunches and dinners in unexpected locations that really made the trip extra special. Zambia is a hidden gem.” —Nancy Wolf

Read more reviews of African Safari trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO AFRICA

France: “He had prepared a beautifully laid-out table beneath the shade of a large tree….”

Karen's husband and two grandchildren at their surprise picnic during the WOW Moment in the Provençal countryside, France.

The WOW Moment surprise began when a man on the ancient Roman bridge invited them to a picnic. Photo: Traveler Karen Dalfen

“The trip with our two adolescent grandkids, 16 and 14, started off rather rockily. Our American Airlines flight suffered mechanical problems, which resulted in the flight being cancelled, and thus we missed our first afternoon as well as a delicious dinner in Paris. Fortunately for us, Jennifer took care of the Paris issues, and when we arrived early the next morning, we were able to fully enjoy the day and the rest of the vacation.

Paris was a whirlwind of sights and sounds. We had private tours of The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the trendy district of Marais. We created our own perfume, saw the Dior permanent show (Jennifer was right: It is special), had time to shop, visited the stadium, ate and ate. We had a blast on the sidecars riding through Paris, rain and all!

We traveled to Aix via train. While in Aix, our grandson had his 14th birthday, and as he loves to cook, Jennifer and her team arranged a private five-hour cooking course with a Michelin-star chef and her trusted staff. Our grandkids learned about solar ovens and how to cook using one. They also scoured the garden looking for the right flowers and leaves to put the finishing touches on the food.

Our WOW Moment occurred when we were standing on an ancient Roman bridge and were approached by a young man who invited us to a picnic lunch. He led us to an area where he had prepared a beautifully laid-out table beneath the shade of a large tree facing the ancient bridge and the river. It was so special, so perfectly arranged, so delicious, such a great surprise.” —Karen Dalfen

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

France: “We were picked up and taken on a motorcycle sidecar tour of the Calanques National Park…”

View from balcony at Villa La Coste in Provence, France. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“We traveled with our goddaughters to Paris and onward to Lyon, Antibes, Cassis, and Provence. Unknown to our goddaughters, we had acquired tickets to see Taylor Swift in Lyon months prior. Philip and Neslihan presented us with an itinerary starting in Paris, traveling by train to Lyon, and secured unattainable hotels and the best drivers and guides to ensure we would be able to surprise our goddaughters with their concert tickets.

Upon arrival to Paris, we were met planeside and escorted through immigration and customs, saving us at least two hours in lines. Arriving at the Hotel Grand Powers, we were welcomed like family, offered a quick lunch before our walking tour, and introduced to a beautiful Eiffel Tower suite.

The following morning, we took the high-speed train south to Mâcon. Met by our driver-guide, Sebastian, we made a leisurely drive through Beaujolais, stopping at his family’s centuries-old winery. In Lyon, Sebastian showed off his insider knowledge, whisking us to the back entrance of the Groupama Stadium for the evening concert. The Eras Tour was epic!

In Antibes, our days were spent visiting the Old Town, learning to blow glass from a master artisan, sampling the local absinthe, and dining in many enchanting spots. From Antibes, we moved on to Cassis, with a stop for a tasting of rosé at Château Pradeaux, one of the oldest Bandol vineyards in the region.

View from Cap Canaille in Calanques National Park, in Southern France. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

With our goddaughters headed to Nice for their return flight home, we were surprised by a WOW Moment from Wendy as we were picked up and taken on a motorcycle sidecar tour of the Calanques National Park. Cool breezes and endless views of Cassis from the top of Cap Canaille are seared into our memory, and now we know why the Côte d’Azur has its name.

Relaxed and refreshed from our time by the blue sea, we traveled back north for a few days at Villa La Coste. If one could stay somewhere forever and stare out over vineyards, art, mountain, hills, and the sunset, Villa La Coste is the place.” —Michael Ruma

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Uganda: “My husband commented that he is hard to surprise and to impress, but that this truly was a WOW experience!”

Karen and Rod Baesman enjoying a private dinner for their WOW Moment in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.

Karen and Rod Baesman enjoying a private dinner in the bush.

“My husband and I just returned from a bucket-list trip to Uganda! This is my eighth trip using The WOW List, so I knew we would have excellent accommodations and experiences, but what I most appreciated about working with Cherri and Katie was their guidance in helping me narrow down exactly where we should go.

We spent the first two nights in Kampala. Most tourists just stay in Entebbe, but we wanted to see a larger city and we are so glad we did. We had a full day taking in the city, including visiting a couple of art galleries (we purchased a painting), sampling fried grasshoppers (delicious), walking through a market (the locals were confused by our presence, but my husband is fascinated by markets and is telling everyone about this one), and being consistently astonished at the driving and loads of all the boda-bodas (small motorcycles).

The next three nights were spent in Murchison Falls. We saw too many different types of animals and birds to name them all here, but if you are a birder, you will drool at the fact that we saw a pair of Shoebills on our delta cruise! The Ugandan President’s daughter and her family were staying at our lodge, which made security interesting. One evening, we were doing a game drive and we saw a set-up in the distance that we thought might be for the first daughter and her family because we saw men with guns. It turned out that it was a WOW Moment for the two of us! We watched the sunset and had dinner in the park. Thank you, Wendy Perrin! My husband commented that he is hard to surprise and to impress, but that this truly was a WOW experience!

Karen and Rod Baesman enjoying a private dinner in the bush.

Next we spent two nights in Kibale to trek for chimpanzees. We basically experienced an episode of Chimp Empire (Netflix). We saw chimps in the trees, on the ground, grooming, feeding, pounding on trees, making so much noise, mating, and having a tussle with a black and white Colobus monkey. Next stop was three nights in Mgahinga National Park. We trekked for Golden Monkeys and were rewarded with a large group, including so many young ones that we watched playing for almost the entire hour. That afternoon we visited the Batwa community (tribe displaced from the forest in 1991 to protect the gorilla habitat). Next day was our first gorilla trek. The family we saw has three silverbacks in a group of nine. We were amazed by how close the gorillas came to us. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park we had our final primate experience, a gorilla habituation experience.

While the impetus for the trip was seeing wildlife, we always want to interact with the people of the places we visit. The Ugandan people were just lovely. While most survive by growing their own food and selling what extra they have, we found them to be happy, friendly, and as interested in us as we with them. The employees of the lodges went out of their way to ensure we had everything we could possibly want. The hospitality was above what anyone could expect.” —Karen Baesman

Read more reviews of Uganda trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO UGANDA

Thailand: “One canoe offered us coconuts, and then the other made us special Thai treats—not easy to do while staying balanced on the water…”

A woman on a boat delivers Thai snacks to April Milford and her family on their WOW Moment in Bangkok, Thailand.

A woman delivers Thai snacks to April Milford and her family. Photo: Traveler April Milford

“I recently returned from a family trip to Thailand for my son’s graduation. I worked with Dan and his team. They were amazing and made planning this trip a true pleasure! The highlight of our time in Bangkok was our boat tour through the canals. We had a private longtail boat that took us through the different riverside communities, making several stops to see temples, markets and for lunch.

We were surprised with an incredible WOW Moment when two small canoes pulled up alongside us. At first we didn’t realize they were there specifically for us. One canoe offered us coconuts, and then the other made us special Thai treats—not easy to do while staying balanced on the water—which we were given along with a bottle of champagne. We loved it. Thank you, Wendy!” —April Milford

Read more reviews of Thailand trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THAILAND

Pacific Northwest: “A personal tour with a photographer to get unique photos of Portland where the locals live and eat…”

The Columbia River creates beautiful road-trip scenery in Oregon. Photo: Pixabay

“My husband and I worked with Sheri to create a two-week self-driving tour of the coast of Washington and Oregon. Sheri recommended wonderful lodging options that were beautiful and had very attentive staff. She created an amazingly detailed itinerary with specific driving and ferry directions and important information about where to stop to eat, when to gas up, and options for short detours for a spectacular view or to visit a historical site. The extensive itinerary made the drive seamless and was easy to follow using an app on our phones.

We were fortunate enough to receive a surprise WOW Moment, which was one of the highlights of our trip: a personal tour with a photographer to get unique photos of Portland where the locals live and eat (Food Pods). I would recommend working with Sheri and allowing her to create a truly special trip using her intimate knowledge of the region.” —Jan Rowland

Read more reviews of Pacific Northwest trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “We pulled up to a dock, and there was a musical group founded in 1807 from the village of Lezzeno, waiting on the shore to entertain us…”

Travelers Deb and John Wente in their private boat tour on Lake Como, Itlay.

Deb and John Wente in their private boat on Lake Como.

“We just returned from a trip to northern Italy planned by Andrea. We visited Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Then, our WOW Moment! We pulled up to a dock, and there was a musical group founded in 1807 from the village of Lezzeno, waiting on the shore to entertain us. We even waltzed a bit! One of the members made focaccia and pizza for our snack, and we toasted with sparkling wine. Family and friends of the group waved us off as we got back on our boat. Friends ask me how I find these destinations and experiences, and I explain it is the expertise of the Trusted Travel Experts recommended by Wendy Perrin.” —Deborah Wente

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO EASTERN EUROPE

England: “We spent a day with Ricki Weston, their Executive Chef, foraging in his favorite places & returned to his kitchen where he gave us a lesson…”

England, Cotswolds, Hidcote gardens. Photo: Jonathan Epstein

Hidcote Manor Gardens in the Cotswolds, England. Photo: Jonathan Epstein

“When my husband and I wanted to plan a week in the Cotswolds, we contacted Jonathan and Katie. We explained that we wanted to spend days with cultural activities, hands-on experiences, plus have down-time just to be. The accommodations and itinerary they put together suited us perfectly (thanks, Jonathan, for encouraging us to stay at the Whatley Manor; it is a VERY special place).

From visits to a cheese-making factory, a trip to a brewery that uses the same equipment and techniques it has for hundreds of years, to a tasting at the wonderful Cotswolds Distillery, to visiting Bath and the myriad of beautiful villages in the area, everything worked perfectly.

As if that were not enough, Wendy and Jonathan arranged for an incredible WOW Moment during our stay at Whatley Manor. We spent a day with Ricki Weston, their Executive Chef, foraging in his favorite places and then returned to his kitchen where he gave us a lesson in cooking and even prepared a meal for us. What a special experience!” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of United Kingdom trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ENGLAND

Budapest, Vienna, Prague: “An evening wine tasting floating down the Danube at night…”

Travelers Yehuda and Tammy Schmidt enjoying their WOW Moment during their private Danube cruise in Budapest, Hungary.

Yehuda and Tammy Schmidt during their private Danube cruise in Budapest.

“We are still in a glow from our amazing trip to Eastern Europe. We reached out to Wendy, who matched us with Gwen. Gwen organized the trip of a lifetime! We began in Budapest, a gorgeous city with a very rich history. We absolutely loved our WOW Moment of an evening wine tasting floating down the Danube at night, seeing Budapest’s Parliament and other buildings glowing at night. Simply gorgeous!” —Tammy and Yehuda Schmidt

Read more reviews of Eastern Europe trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “a private lesson making cocktails at Martini & Rossi headquarters…”

Elaine and Gregg Patterson on the rooftop of the Marrone Winery in La Morra, Piedmont, Italy after a lunch in their restaurant and before the private tour of the winery.

Elaine and Gregg Patterson on the rooftop of the Marrone Winery in La Morra, Piedmont, where they had lunch and a private tour.

“We had been to different parts of Italy about a dozen times before we started working with Maria and Brian and quickly learned that they can deliver itineraries and experiences that we could never arrange on our own. (And I say that even though I love doing travel research and have planned dozens of trips for us over 40 years.) For this trip, we gave Maria our wish list of Turin, Piedmont wine region, Genoa, Portofino and Lake Maggiore.

Our WOW Moment—a private lesson making cocktails at Martini & Rossi headquarters near Turin—was completely unexpected and completely fun! We learned so much and have so many unforgettable memories from this trip, thanks to Maria and Brian and their network of exceptional people on the ground.” —Elaine Patterson

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Malta: “It is not currently open to the public due to renovation; it is where Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived…”

The inside of the Palazzo Falson, in Mdina, Malta.

Palazzo Falson, in Mdina, Malta. Photo: Shutterstock

“Damon made arrangements for us to stay in a quieter part of Valletta, and all of our activities were structured to avoid the crowds arriving and departing on two huge cruise ships. Our hotel was in a 16th-century building, with a lovely view of the harbor, friendly staff, and excellent breakfasts. We could walk or take a little dghajsa boat during our free time to visit other parts of the city. We got to contemplate the two Caravaggios at St. John’s Co-Cathedral a bit ahead of the crowd.

Wendy arranged for us to have a unique WOW Moment, touring the Villa Guardamangia with the curator—and it was a WOW! It is not currently open to the public due to renovation; it is where Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived during the early years of their marriage, while Philip was in the Navy. We all loved the TV series The Crown and, of course, were thrilled to be able to visit!

We also loved being able to visit a private palazzo in Mdina, which the owner had not yet opened to the public. We learned about his family history, including a political murder that took place on his balcony, knick-knacks and treasures found in the attic, and what it takes to renovate a home dating back 400 years!

We also loved a private dinner at the Markus Divinus Winery during which the owner told us what is involved in growing grapes and making wine on this relatively small island. My inner nerd was pleased to visit the Hagar Qim, a prehistoric temple built to worship the fertility goddess and, according to UNESCO, the oldest continuously standing structure in the world.” —Stephanie Wright

Read more reviews of Malta trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

China: “We had an amazing dinner prepared and cooked in a private space…”

Emma Jacobs and her husband dining on the Great Wall of China.

“Our trip to China was excellent. We had an amazing dinner prepared and cooked in a private space by a chef and his team, curated by Mei’s office, as our WOW Moment in Beijing. Having a gourmet lunch prepared on the Great Wall was a very special moment. One of a kind!! Shanghai took us by surprise, what a great city with exceptional food. We had a wonderful foodie tour there too.” —Emma Jacobs

Read more reviews of China trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHINA

Ireland: “A private Irish dancing demonstration and lesson…”

The hiking trail at the top of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, Ireland. Behind, the sun plays with the clouds reflected in the sea. - Image

Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park, Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had a fantastic trip to Ireland planned primarily by Katie on Jonathan’s team, who got us to spectacular parts of the country and opened doors we couldn’t have on our own. We focused on the west coast of Ireland mostly along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoyed stunning scenery, excellent food, and welcoming locals.

The true highlight was a private food tour in Galway with Sheena, who highlighted the best of the new Irish culinary scene in the city. The WOW Moment Sheena and Katie arranged was something we never would have thought to do on our own but was amazing. We had a private Irish dancing demonstration and lesson with a highly accomplished dancer and musical accompaniment by an excellent fiddle player. While I can’t say I got any good at Irish dancing, I can say that my wife and I had a blast and can’t wait to go back to Ireland to explore even more.” —Harrison Earl

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ARGENTINA OR CHILE

Argentina: “We delighted in a 7-course-with-Argentinian-wine-pairings gastronomic experience!”

A chef and sommelier guided the travelers through their WOW Moment dinner in a private restaurant, Argentina.

A chef and sommelier guided the Shapiros through their WOW Moment dinner in a private restaurant. Photo: Traveler Andy Shapiro

“We’ve worked with many WOW experts on numerous trips all over the world throughout the years, and if there was a ‘WOW Mount Rushmore,’ Jordan would be on it! In Buenos Aires we were driven to a penthouse apartment to ‘experience’ our WOW Moment that we had earned based on previous WP WOW trips. There, with a private gourmet chef and a sommelier, with the backdrop of a beautiful Buenos Aires night skyline, we delighted in a 7-course-with-Argentinian-wine-pairings gastronomic experience! The sommelier provided a valuable introductory education about Argentinian wines, using maps, which we loved and appreciated. AMAZING!” —Andy and Marci Shapiro

Read more reviews of Argentina and Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

India: “We enjoyed the experience of ‘renewing our vows’ in a different culture…”

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

Michael and Lisa Riggs with new friend Rangmala at the Dera Amer sanctuary.

“As with every WOW List specialist we have worked with over the past five years, we found that Victoria had everything planned and arranged to perfection. The hotels were 5-star, gorgeous, and even historic. At The Imperial in New Delhi, the site of many historic meetings, we enjoyed sitting at the same table Gandhi did!

In Agra, we were surprised by our WOW Moment: an authentic Hindu marriage ceremony for us! We participated in the rituals, learned a lot, and enjoyed the experience of ‘renewing our vows’ in a different culture. Now we will be together for 7 lifetimes, the priest told us. Luckily, we’re good with that.

Our WOW celebration continued with an excellent dinner of Mughal tandoor cuisine, with a traditional Santoor musician, at the highly rated Esphahan restaurant in our hotel, the Oberoi.

It was wedding season in Rajasthan, and it was fun to see things even more ornately decorated than usual, including horses, elephants, vehicles in the streets and our hotel, The Taj Rambagh Palace (a former Jaipur Maharaja’s palace). The elaborate Mughal gardens were the site of a large and lavish wedding reception, all day and into the night. It was fun and interesting to witness.” —Lisa Riggs

Read more reviews of India trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO INDIA

Peru: “We went all over the city, sampling different types of ceviche and learning about this rich Peruvian tradition…”

Ceviche at Amaz Restaurant in Lima, Peru. Photo: Amaz

“Just returned from Chile, Peru, and Bolivia! Recently, Wendy has been recommending South America, and I’m so grateful I took advantage of this. Despite the warm temperatures, there were few tourists, which ensured a really authentic experience. Ashton helped me plan an extended trip to all my desired destinations: Torres Del Paine, the Amazon Basin, Lima, Santiago, Valparaiso, the Atacama, and the Altiplano of Bolivia.

In Lima, Ashton and Wendy arranged a WOW Moment, which was right up my street: a ceviche lesson, tasting, and tour with Marisol. We went all over the city, sampling different types of ceviche and learning about this rich Peruvian tradition.

My favorite aspects of working with one of Wendy’s experts is the ability to customize when/where I’m going, to focus on places that are not overrun with tourists, to meet the local people and see how they live, and to get outside and really feel a part of the stunning landscape. Onwards!” —Milinda Martin

Read more reviews of South America trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA

Belize: “A local family served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. And Patricia met us there for lunch…”

Our travelers Salena and Allen Kern with WOW Lister Patricia Johnson in Belize.

WOW Lister Patricia Johnson joined Salena and Allen Kern for lunch one day.

“My criteria was a direct flight from Newark, warmth, a place we’d never been to with lots to do if we wished, and a Wendy Perrin advisor. It took about a minute to find Belize and Patricia. And we were off…. We climbed ruins, rafted through a cave that should have been a cathedral, and visited an entrepreneurial coffee “factory” amongst other things. Most important to me, however, was that we got to know something about the current economy of this young country and much about its varied cultures.

On our first full day, we were surprised by our WOW Moment. At this most beautiful site, overlooking a series of waterfalls, we were served lunch by a local family (now, Patricia did know that I am a bit of a foodie) who served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. The family has a catering company called U Janal Masewal, Ancient Recipes for a Modern World. That sort of sums up my worldview too. We were happy! And Patricia met us there for lunch. Thank you, Patricia and Wendy.

This lunch opened our eyes to what was happening in the local communities. The Mayan culture isn’t stuck in the past or lost, as it is in Chiapas, Mexico, where I visited last year. The Belizeans are creating a wonderful and mixed culture ripe for all sorts of tourism. Our week in Belize was full of surprises.” —Salena Kern

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO PATAGONIA

Ecuador: “A new species, the ‘Mashpi glass frog,’ which he found for us on a night walk…”

A frog clinging on the traveler's glasses frame.

A Mashpi glass frog clings to a traveler’s glasses frame. Photo: Traveler Robin Madden

“We chose to visit the Amazon and stay at Napo Wildlife Center, and Mashpi Lodge in the Cloud Forest. These two places were chosen due to their commitment to the local communities and preservation of the incredibly biologically diverse ecosystems in which they are each set. Carmen on Jordan’s team put together a seamless experience.

The Napo Wildlife Center is owned and operated by the local community—a rarity in luxury lodges. Mornings started early, 5:30, but oh, the payoff! We saw multiple species of monkeys, more than 40 different birds, caiman, river otters, and a sloth, as well as various snakes and insects. Our WOW Moment occurred while being paddled on the lake at sunset, when chilled wine was served along with gifts of handmade jewelry and a gorgeous bowl made by the local women. Then upon arriving back at the dock, there was a sumptuous spread of food and more wine! Enough to share with many others.

At Mashpi, Fernando was our guide, and he is the ‘frog whisperer.’ He is a biologist who did research there prior to becoming a guide and identified a new species, the ‘Mashpi glass frog,’ which he found for us on a night walk. It was like watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us.” —Robin Madden

Read more reviews of Ecuador trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Chile: “A cooking class and dinner with a chef who hosted us at his home…”

Travelers on a field of lupine during a birdwatching excursion in Chilean Patagonia.

Bill Livingood, Lynn Woodhouse, Sandra Quinn, and Stephen Thomas walk through a field of lupine during a birdwatching excursion in Chilean Patagonia.

“My husband, two friends and I have just returned from our trip to Chilean Patagonia, and once again, we were in the expert hands of Maita and her team. We began with a 3-night stay at the Singular Patagonia, outside of Puerto Natales. What a stunning and unique small hotel in a gorgeous setting overlooking a fjord. With our great guide, we spent literally an entire day hiking through forest, pampa and the wetlands, spotting 41 species of birds…. From there, we drove to Tierra Patagonia, just outside Torres del Paine National Park. Magnificent view from our huge window in our room!!! We saw lots of wildlife, wildflowers, stunning sunsets, and on our last morning, the entire dining room was abuzz when we saw a puma saunter across the property in front of us.

Before our departure for the US, we had an extraordinary WOW Moment: Maita and team had arranged a cooking class and dinner with Tatan, a chef who hosted us at his home overlooking the city and mountains. He was gracious, interesting, and charming. We began with luscious appetizers on the balcony, and moved to the kitchen where he had organized work stations and assignments for each of us as we made ceviche and pisco sours. In addition to having fun, we learned new cooking skills. Gary, our escort to the airport, had to drag us away as we enjoyed our meal and delicious cheesecake on the balcony.” —Sandra Quinn

Read more reviews of Patagonia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Belize: “A private concert with up-and-coming Belizian vocalist Kylon Eiley on our villa patio…”

Turquoise water in the Caribbean Caye Caulker island, Belize.

The Caribbean island of Caye Caulker, Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just back from a wonderful week in Belize with our adult daughters (23 and 25). Patricia, Rachael and their team did a great job. They exemplify why I use your planners—they really listened and planned accordingly, were easy to communicate with, have in-country expertise and contacts (Rachael met us at the airport!), and were able to adjust on the fly. We were looking for a Christmas-week alternative to our typical beach-resort experience where we stay at the hotel and rarely venture out. Instead, we had a 2-bedroom villa in a small hotel right on the lagoon, with day trips tailored to our desires. That first morning when I opened my door and walked 20 steps in my PJs to the completely quiet beach and into the still, clear waters was magical. All alone in paradise. We snorkeled, zip lined, floated on the river, visited a spice farm and learned all about cacao and chocolate. We also relaxed on the beach, ate lots of ceviche, and discovered a new taste for rum.

Rachael planned a lovely WOW Moment—a private concert with up-and-coming Belizian vocalist Kylon Eiley on our villa patio, complete with margaritas….” —Kathryn Barden

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Paris: “Since we couldn’t go to Israel, this was a Jerusalem-Paris dining experience…”

Versailles Palace, Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had three weeks to plan a Paris trip with our adult children after our Israel trip was canceled. Jennifer, a WOW planner through Wendy Perrin, created a trip fit for royalty. We stayed in a gorgeous, boutique hotel in the Marais district and had private car and tour guides for the Louvre, Versailles, Chateau, Jewish and History Tours. We saw the Eiffel Tower with a private tour, the Dior Exhibit at the Foundation, we had an amazing time.

Our WOW Moment started with a car picking us up at noon, taking us to an unknown destination which was a fabulous restaurant, Shabour. The owner told us that since we couldn’t go to Israel, this was a Jerusalem-Paris dining experience. We sat at the bar to watch the chefs prepare a delicious, fun, memorable lunch. It was awesome. We have traveled the world with Wendy Perrin’s WOW List. It is the best way and the only way we travel.” —Adrienne, Phil, Lindsey, Billy Goldberg

Read more reviews of Paris trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand: “A studio visit with Delani Brown, a Maori/Irish wood artist in Taupo…”

Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld birdwatching at the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological park.

“Jean-Michel’s colleague Clare organized five days of interesting, off-the-beaten path experiences in New Zealand. One of the highlights was a private guided tour of Maungatautari, a Sanctuary Mountain. It’s an incredible conservation area where they constructed one of the world’s largest pest-proof fences and succeeded in rejuvenating tree and bird species, especially New Zealand’s endangered kiwis. She also arranged for my husband and me to accompany a Maori leader on a spiritual ceremony greeting the dawn, followed by a visit and discussion about Orakei Marae, his tribal community in the hills near Auckland.

The next day, we spent a fascinating few hours with Mamakan, a botanical artist who led us through her forest restoration project in Parau and then served us an elegant foraged lunch. A highlight of our trip was the Wendy WOW Moment, a studio visit with Delani Brown, a Maori/Irish wood artist in Taupo who produces giant columns and edifices for buildings and public spaces worldwide.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

Read more reviews of New Zealand trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Sicily: “A private dinner at the home of chef Gabriella Garajo…”

The view of Sicily's western coastline and Monte Cofano seen from Erice.

Sicily’s western coastline and Monte Cofano, as seen from Erice. Photo: Traveler Nancy Footer

“I took the advice found in many reviews by previous clients and gave Marcello and Matteo free rein to design the itinerary, and I am so glad I did. I spent my first day in Palermo—such a bustling and exquisite city—seeing all the key historic sites, the waterfront, and the Capo Mercato with Giorgio, a thoroughly charming and expert guide….We traveled next into the hills near Camporeale for a private tour, lunch and tasting at Porta del Vento winery. Marco, the owner, was a generous and engaging host, and I appreciated learning about his wines and his journey to becoming a vintner. It was a treat to see the harvest, learn about the winemaking process and then taste his award-winning wines.

And then, when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, I was surprised with a WOW Moment—a private dinner at the home of chef Gabriella Garajo. The meal was remarkable—contemporary versions of Sicilian classics made with local ingredients served at Gabriella’s dining table set with her family china and silver. It was a perfect finish to a most memorable day.” —Nancy Footer

Read more reviews of Sicily trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Italy: “A cocktail class at the Martini and Rossi headquarters…”

The verdant Barolo wine region in Italy. Photo: Traveler Joe Lyle

“Our trip to Piedmont was excellently planned and executed by Maria and her team. We started in Torino, where the highlights were a chocolate tasting and a tour of the Egyptian Museum (which has the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt). Before leaving Torino, we were treated to a fun WOW Moment: a cocktail class at the Martini and Rossi headquarters outside of Torino.

Then the real fun began as we moved on to the winemaking region of Piedmont, touring its villages, staying in restored castles in Sinio and Guarene, and tasting Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbara and white wines of the region while sampling the regional dishes. One of the many highlights of the trip was truffle hunting. Watching the dog track down truffles was amazing. Unlike the French, Italians don’t use pigs for truffle hunting. Why? Pigs don’t listen, and they eat the truffles.” —Joe Lyle

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “A private cooking demo in the kitchen with chef Anna Barbina…”

Morning seascape of Adriatic sea with the Miramare Castle.

Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jennifer helped us plan a two-week trip to Friuli Venezia Giulia. The area is a melting pot of northern Italian, Austrian and Slovenian cuisines and has great wines (mostly white). Inexplicably, the region doesn’t seem to be on the tourist radar, so of course we decided that this was the place for us! The accommodation Jennifer suggested to us in the Collio was outstanding—just what we were hoping for! The property was lovely, with a spa and walking paths through the surrounding vineyards. After our break in the countryside, we moved on to Udine. A highlight was seeing Tiepolo’s amazing ceiling frescoes.

We also had a WOW Moment while staying in Udine: We had a private cooking demo in the kitchen with chef Anna Barbina and her mother, who serves as her sommelier. Anna made five traditional dishes for us to sample (with wine served by her mother, of course), then we had lunch in her osteria, AB Osteria Contemporanea, where she serves contemporary twists on traditional cooking. Heavenly! Anna and her mother were delightful and couldn’t have been more gracious. FVG was full of beautiful scenery and art, brimming over with fascinating history, and the food and wine were simply spectacular. We’ve had many incredible meals in Italy over the years, but we had more standouts on this trip than any other. If food is your religion, you should make your way to FVG.” —Rachel Webber

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Turkey: “One day we traveled via flat-bottomed boat through the reeds to the Lycian Rock Tombs…”

Sailing the Turquoise Coast on a private gulet.

Anne Hall and her husband and sister sailed the Turquoise Coast on a private gulet. Photo: Traveler Anne Hall

“My husband, sister, and I spent eight days in Turkey. Many thanks to Karen for a unique and amazing trip. After four exceptional days in Istanbul, we flew to Dalaman, where a driver and guide took us to Gocek marina to board the Serenity 70, a lovely two-masted gulet. We three were the only passengers. How do you define perfect? We can’t say enough about the incredible crew (captain, first mate, and chef) and the four days of sailing the southwestern coast of Turkey. We would sail for 2 to 3 hours each day, then anchored at one of the coast’s many bays. Each day we swam in the silky, blue waters and toured an ancient site on land.

One day we traveled via flat-bottomed boat through the reeds to the Lycian Rock Tombs and toured ancient villages. This was my WOW Moment provided by Wendy Perrin (thanks, Wendy!). The old tombs were amazing—like Petra in Jordan. We swam through the ruins of Cleopatra’s bath house and hiked Gemiler Island. Otherwise, we read, napped, or sat up above with the captain while he steered the boat. At the end of the voyage the chef baked a cake for our newly retired sister, which congratulated her in Turkish on the top of the cake, and the whole crew joined us in the celebration.” —Anne Hall

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Croatia: “You arranged to have a gorgeous private sailboat to sail around the Elaphiti Islands…”

Karen Bennett and Donna Praskach’s day on the water included a dip in the Adriatic.

“My girlfriend and I just returned from a most PERFECT and fabulous trip to Croatia that your expert agents designed for us (Sept. 27-Oct. 8, 2023). The specific agent that we worked with, Ala, was just a wealth of knowledge. She arranged cooking classes, wine tastings, walking tours, visiting an oyster farm and having a private oyster and mussel tasting, but still plenty of time to relax and swim in the Adriatic Sea. It really was a trip of a lifetime and one of the most enjoyable trips I’ve taken abroad. And everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, came together without one hiccup happening. Truly, a PERFECT experience.

My friend had used WendyPerrin.com previously and, therefore, we were granted a WOW Moment and, oh my goodness, was it a WOW Moment! Probably the highlight of our trip. You arranged to have a gorgeous private sailboat to sail around the Elaphiti Islands right off the coast of Dubrovnik. What an over-the-top experience that was for us and culminated our trip on the last day. It couldn’t have been more perfect, again, perfect! Thank you, Wendy Perrin, and your incredible team of experts. A trip of a lifetime thanks to you!”—Donna Praskach

Read more reviews of Croatia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Italy: “A romantic dinner for my wife and me on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo…”

A view of Lake Como was key to Adam Amsterdam’s villa vacation and WOW Moment. Photo: Traveler Adam Amsterdam

“We worked with Andrea and her excellent team to rent a wonderful villa for three weeks in Ossuccio, a small comune on the western shore of Lake Como (about 12 miles northeast of the city of Como). Andrea’s team found the perfect villa for us and our two adult children and made all the necessary arrangements with the owner and property manager. They even made sure that any groceries and household items we wanted were ordered and stocked for our arrival. Andrea arranged a cooking class for us in Bellagio with an award-winning celebrity chef. We made beautiful tri-color pasta and feasted on a delicious lunch. Andrea also arranged a boat with an English-speaking captain to take us to several towns along the western and eastern shores of Lake Como where we stopped for lunch, shopping, and gelato.

I also must mention that we had a WOW Moment, which was a romantic dinner for my wife and me on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como and the twinkling lights of Bellagio, all framed by the pre-Alps in the distance.” —Adam Amsterdam

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Canada: “We were treated to a private lobster dinner on the Bay of Fundy…”

East Point Lighthouse on Prince Edward Island. Photo: Traveler Phil Hoch

“We just returned from a trip to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and could not be happier that we chose Jill as our travel expert. Jill was excellent at listening to our thoughts and wishes and crafted a beautiful itinerary that kept us mostly focused on smaller towns and areas for walking/hiking. From St. Andrews to St. Martins, we could not have had a better introduction to the Bay of Fundy and life outside the big cities. Of particular note were our guides. Genny was fabulous in St. Andrews and got us on Ministers Island, which you can only drive to at low tide.

In St. Martins, Mike, Jordan, and Joe from Bay of Fundy Adventures took us hiking/walking, kayaking in the Bay and, best of all, our WOW Moment. We were treated to a private lobster dinner on the Bay of Fundy, watching the tide disappear, with enough scallops, lobster and more to feed us for a week. We tried to eat it all and failed!”—Phil Hoch

Read more reviews of Canada trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Turkey: “Our WOW Moment was extra special—reminiscent of Skyfall on the roof of the Grand Bazaar…”

Tina Hunt and family on the rooftop of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

“If you like to travel and experience diverse culture, food, history, and enjoy meeting welcoming people, then Turkey is not to be missed! We worked with Karen to curate and customize our adventure. We started with a three-day gulet voyage on the Prima Donna. Our chef, Zekai, was a wonder as he quietly turned out fantastic food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Just over-the-top fun. After the relaxing gulet, we did a whirlwind tour of Ephesus, which was not to be missed if you enjoy ancient history and beautiful ruins. Cappadocia was a place of pure joy for us. The fairy landscape with the “mushroom”-capped chimneys and cave churches and dwellings provided a much needed bit of exercise with short hikes. Our sunrise balloon experience was pure early morning magic.

All too soon it was time to head back to Istanbul for our last three nights of our adventure. The history just permeates the entire vibe of the city and feels vibrant and modern while mixing seamlessly into structures that are thousands of years old…. Our WOW Moment was extra special—reminiscent of Skyfall on the roof of the Grand Bazaar. We found ourselves wishing for more time at almost every stop in Turkey and can’t wait to return!” —Tina Hunt

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Portugal: “The surprise was a fantastic candlelight concert in a church courtyard…”

the colorful yellow and red turrets of Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal

The Pena Palace, in Sintra, Portugal, is an outstanding example of the Romanticism style of architecture. Photo: Pixabay

“Goncalo and Sara did a wonderful job planning and executing the details of our trip. We started our trip in the Alentejo region and wish we had had more time to explore! Our next stop was Lisbon, a beautiful and fascinating city, great for exploring and lots of walking up and down hills!

A highlight of our time in Lisbon was a wonderful WOW Moment arranged by Goncalo. We learned of this surprise when we checked into our hotel and received a note instructing us that a driver would pick us up one evening for a surprise and then return us to the hotel after. The surprise was a fantastic candlelight concert in a church courtyard. Wonderful musicians and setting! The guide and driver organized for us to explore Sintra were both terrific and on point in every way—getting to explore Sintra alone before its official opening was a treat.” —Jen Kasoff

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “We were given a special opportunity to be dressed up for the night in the Foligno Quintana traditional costumes for their festival…”

Andrea Phillips and family during their WOW moment in Foligno, Umbria, dressing up in the traditional Quintana festival costumes.

“My family of four, with two teen girls, had a wonderful and action-packed trip to Italy covering Umbria, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan, planned with Maria. Italy was busy with travelers while we were there, but I can honestly say that it did not affect our plans at all, as Maria had it coordinated and timed out so perfectly. This trip was also to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, and Maria had suggested two stops along the way that were very special. Wow, were they ever! Borgo Santo Pietro, a working farm and wellness resort in west Tuscany, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, near Bellagio in Lake Como. Both resorts resembled something out of dream.

We were surprised with our WOW Moment early in this trip. We were given a special opportunity to be dressed up for the night in the Foligno Quintana traditional costumes for their festival later in the week. That was a unique experience and one that we would never have been able to arrange or even be allowed to do without Maria’s network in Italy. Thank you, Wendy and Maria!” –Andrea Phillips

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Turkey: “We also had the pleasure of our most memorable WOW Moment in Datca…”

Travelers Vanessa and Colin Hulme aboard their private yacht on the Turquoise Coast.

“Karen and her team planned an absolutely flawless vacation for my husband and me for 3 days in Istanbul and a 6-day cruise on a gulet along the Turkish coast. Our incredible guide in Istanbul, Sinan, not only showed us the tourist highlights, but out-of-the ordinary places we would never have found on our own. He also introduced us to real Turkish food, even going so far as booking a dinner reservation and pre-ordering a menu that suited us perfectly. From Istanbul, we flew to Bodrum and boarded our private gulet. The crew was professional, accommodating, and went out of their way to make the trip special. The stops were beautiful and the food amazing.

We also had the pleasure of our most memorable WOW Moment in Datca, being the first and only guests at a hotel just prior to the opening! We had the facility to ourselves, were served a gourmet dinner that was overseen by the General Manager and Food Service Manager, and were offered a gorgeous suite for an overnight stay; to say this was very, very special is an understatement. (Thank you, Wendy, Karen and Mustafa.) Karen and those that work with her obviously have an in-depth knowledge of Turkey.” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Iceland: “My favorite part? The WOW Moment at the Blue Lagoon…”

Blue Lagoon, Iceland. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions

“Due to problems with a previous agent, we had our first conversation with Mads two months before our Icelandic adventure was set to begin. It was in the few first minutes that Mads noted that he is turning customers away as Iceland is sold out. Obviously freaking out, he quickly added, for Wendy and Brook VIPs, I have rooms/cars/guides. Across multiple calls, in a week, he hit our budget and planned our trip. It was amazing. What our first agent couldn’t do over six months, Mads did in six days…

This trip was to celebrate my birthday. Mads arranged for dinner at the best restaurant in Reykjavík (a pull I couldn’t make on my own), surprised me with not only birthday gifts, but a full hotel property upgrade AND his insistence of an adventure activity (snowmobiling) gave my wife her favorite part of the trip. My favorite part? The WOW Moment at the Blue Lagoon, thank you Wendy & Brook, never had a floating massage before…drifted to relaxation.” –Eric Hammer

Read more reviews of Iceland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ICELAND

Egypt: “A VIP/behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), not yet open to the public…”

Travelers posing in front of one of Giza pyramids

Beth Nury’s kids got to see the Pyramids without crowds marring their view. Photo: Traveler Beth Nury

“Arlene on Jim’s staff meticulously planned a 17-day adventure for our family of four that began in Egypt. Egypt continues to be an international tourist hot spot, and since we started planning a bit late, few accommodations were available. However, she was able to use her contacts for stays at the Four Seasons Cairo, where we took advantage of the strong USD and had two five-star dinners. Arlene recommended the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile cruise ship, a recently refurbished ship. Her insight paid off—the ship was great! As we sailed down the Nile over four days, we happened to see that our ship was one of the only that had an outdoor balcony, which my husband and I used regularly.

Once back on land in Cairo, we really enjoyed our WOW Moment, a VIP/behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), not yet open to the public. Very few crowds. We then drove over to Giza, where our guide cleverly started our Pyramid/Sphinx tour backwards, avoiding long lines. Our photos were incredible! They look like we had a private tour of Giza, since there are very few tourists in the background.” —Beth Nury

Read more reviews of Egypt trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Ireland: “A wine and cheese tasting in the wine vault of Ashford Castle…”

Nancy and Guy Mazarin enjoying their WOW Moment in the wine vault of Ashford Castle.

“My husband and I just returned from a fabulous two-week vacation in Ireland, spending time at some spectacular locations, particularly Ballyfin and Ashford Castle, where we enjoyed the extensive onsite activities and amenities. The food at Ballyfin and Ashford, as well as the restaurants selected, was delicious and the pubs were as much fun as expected. My husband started drinking Guinness and I tried a different gin every night.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip occurred at Ashford Castle, where we were treated to a special WOW Moment, a wine and cheese tasting in the wine vault of Ashford Castle. Jonathan coordinated our entire trip down to the smallest detail, providing expert advice about where to stay, what to see, and even when to visit.” —Nancy Mazarin

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Morocco: “A camel ride up the dunes with hor d’oeuvres and champagne as the sun set…”

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

“My husband and I recently returned from a superb trip to Morocco planned by Michael. The trip spanned much of the country—from the cities of Marrakesh and Fes to the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the seashore. While we had to drive long distances to cover everything we wanted to see, the time passed quickly as the scenery throughout the country was gorgeous and dramatic. The hotels Michael recommended were each special in their own way (riads in the cities, kasbahs in the mountains and a tent in the desert) and the experiences he planned for us – cooking classes, dinner with a university professor to speak to us about the Sufis, walks through villages, markets and the old cities – were truly special.

Wendy treated us to a WOW Moment in the desert—a camel ride up the dunes with hor d’oeuvres and champagne as the sun set—which was truly WOW! T he country itself is fascinating—and we learned so much about its history, politics, culture and role in the world. We have traveled extensively with Wendy’s experts, and every trip has been great.” —Geri Krauss

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Norway: “We were in Aurland at a farm set in a stunningly beautiful valley…”

Panoramic view of Aurland, Norway.

“We traveled from Oslo to Nesseby, which is past the Arctic Circle near the Russian border, spending 3 nights each in 7 venues. Torunn tailored the trip to our preferences, which lean toward a bit of adventure and agri-tourism. In the north we stayed at a 2-room lodge run by a Sami fisherman and spent a morning crab fishing on his boat and an afternoon on an archaeological walk with his wife. He was an excellent cook and served foods he and his wife had caught, shot, or foraged from the landscape. The next day we toured the area with a Sami reindeer herder. We also spent time on a small island well out in the Atlantic where we kayaked along the seashore to a lighthouse; foraged in Trondheim with a professional forager picking plants for our lunch; visited a dairy near Oslo producing a unique cheese product and advocating a more humane way to treat dairy cattle; and spent 3 nights at a farm with a gourmet chef specializing in dishes featuring fruit and vegetables from the farm.

Our wedding anniversary occurred during the trip and Torunn arranged a WOW Moment for us that was great fun. We were in Aurland at a farm set in a stunningly beautiful valley with steep mountainsides and many waterfalls. We were serenaded by a musician playing a Norwegian Hardanger fiddle, a type of double-strung violin. The venue was a small shelter with a magnificent view, and we toasted ourselves and the trip with homemade pear Kombucha made by the chef. We thoroughly enjoyed it.” —George Stephens

Read more reviews of Norway trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Japan: “Incredible multi-course dinner at the Michelin-star French/Japanese restaurant Motoï…”

Japanese garden with trees, cherry blossoms, and buildings next to the river.

Japanese garden in Heian Shrine, Kyoto, Japan. Photo: Shutterstock

“I wanted a mix of urban and rural life, so Scott made a number of recommendations that would fulfill my desires. Besides vibrant Tokyo and Kyoto, we included a trip through the Japanese Alps, through the Kiso Valley and its enchanting post towns and fairytale villages untouched by time, to the charming towns of Takayama and Kanazawa.

The trip was topped off with a two-day stay in beautiful Hakone. And the WOW Moment! Made even more special by the happy coincidence of Scott being in Kyoto for business. So he was able to join us at the incredible multi-course dinner at the Michelin-star French/Japanese restaurant Motoï, a beautifully atmospheric restaurant with divine food, made extra special by the talented chef visiting us at our table.” —Roseanne Horn

Read more reviews of Japan trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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France: “A tour of the Paris monuments by night in an open-top deux-chevaux…”

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

River Seine in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“We started in the South, staying at the world-renowned Hotel du Cap—unavailable if you try to book it yourself, but available if you have Philip’s team working with you. One of the best, if not the best, hotel we’ve ever stayed at. We spent four days touring Southern France with expert driver-guides arranged by Philip. We enjoyed a personal glass-blowing experience where we made our own sculpture (I can’t believe we were shaping 1,000-degree glass by hand, with only a wet newspaper to insulate us) and ate at some of the best restaurants on the French Riviera. From the South of France, we moved on to Aix-en-Provence, where we stayed for three nights at the superb Villa Gallici, a beautiful hotel tucked into the hillside above Aix with an easy walk into town. From Provence we took the 3-hour bullet-train ride from Aix to Paris. Dinner at the 3-Michelin-star Epicure restaurant—again, arranged by Philip when no reservations were available—was an absolute highlight of the trip.

On our final night in Paris, Wendy surprised us with a WOW Moment—a tour of the Paris monuments by night in an open-top deux-chevaux. What an amazing way to see the city on uncrowded streets and with all of the famous landmarks lit up at night.” —Larry Bridge

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Switzerland: “It was opened especially for us…”

Deb Wente with her husband and the winemaker at the winery overlooking Lake Geneva.

“We just returned from a fabulous trip to Switzerland arranged by Nina and David. There is so much talk of the crowds this summer, but we had many experiences that were intimate and uncrowded…. On our drive from Ascona we arrived to the top of the Gotthard Pass, where we had our WOW Moment. The mountains are hollowed out with tunnels and bunkers from WWII. One bunker has been turned into a hotel/restaurant, La Clavstra. It was opened especially for us for a tour, then a lovely meal 70 meters underground. It was fascinating.

Our next stop was Zermatt, where the skies cleared up for a beautiful view of the Matterhorn. We took the cog railway up to the Gornergrat. Our last stop was Vevey, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Another incredibly special experience awaited us the afternoon of our arrival. We met our guide at our hotel, walked across the street and hopped in a 1966 Riva wooden boat. We drove along the Swiss Riviera, docked, and were driven to a vineyard in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lavaux. Wine and fondue with the winemaker, it was magical.” —Deb Wente

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “WOW does not do justice to the opportunity to meet Marta Cucchia…”

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

Stunning vineyard in the Chianti region in Tuscany. Photo: Shutterstock

“Maria planned an amazing trip for us. We traveled through Umbria and Tuscany with a focus on food, wine, and culture. Montefalco is a charming Umbrian town nestled in the hills with a focus on wine and olive oil. Maria had booked us into a charming hotel and made dinner reservations for our first night. The next day we went truffle hunting and shared perhaps the best meal of the trip with the family. Each of the seven courses were delicious and I could have eaten the entire tray of the homemade onion foccacia.

The next morning was our WOW Moment. WOW does not do justice to the opportunity to meet Marta Cucchia, the great-granddaughter of the founder Giuditta Brozzetti who has carried forward the textile workshops. Working on looms from the 15th century, she provided us with a look into the art of weaving. Her joy in the work and understanding of the complexity and history of this art form was enthralling. This experience set the tone for the remainder of the trip meeting artisans, wine stewards, wine growers, balsamic vinegar artists, parmesan cheese makers, prosciutto ham makers, sculptors, cooks and guides and hoteliers that made us feel welcome. Although it was crowded already in Italy, we always felt as if we had our own private pathways to each activity.” —Lynne Golomb

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia: “Such a beautiful evening on the water seeing the sun go down and having the boat to ourselves…”

The Brando resort, Tahiti. Photo: The Brando

“Our eight days of paradise were stunning, fun, relaxing, and so much more. Kleon listened to all my questions and desires and put together the perfect itinerary. Our WOW Moment in Bora Bora with the sunset cruise was stunning and such a beautiful evening on the water seeing the sun go down and having the boat to ourselves. Our Captain was outstanding!! He sang and made drinks and had snacks for us but, most importantly, he sat and answered all the questions my friends were asking about life in French Polynesia and told us all about his family! He was so sweet and stayed out past all the other boats and we had a wonderful time with him that evening!

One of the treasures we will remember at The Brando is the early wake-up call to see the baby turtles released into the ocean after being born overnight. We were so lucky to be able to see this beautiful and unique experience. One of the biggest things that we all commented on was how wonderful all the local Polynesians were and so genuine and happy to have visitors and talk or help us in any way. ” —Mary Frances

Read more reviews of French Polynesia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Costa Rica: “A multi-hour sea voyage that enabled us to visit with the dolphins…”

Wavy Garza beach inn Costa Rica, surrounded by mountains.

Garza beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“Priscilla planned and executed a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for my multi-generational family. The needs and wants of teenagers, adults, and seniors were all addressed. We saw too many ‘creatures’ to list, including a breaching whale, dolphin pod, sloths, quetzals, trogons, etc. —something for everyone, which isn’t easy, given the age difference and some dietary restrictions. Thanks, Wendy, for the marvelous WOW Moment—a multi-hour sea voyage that enabled us to visit with the dolphins while learning the area’s history from the charming captain.

Priscilla ensured we saw the area highlights yet had sufficient time to just relax and enjoy where we were. I was able to reunite with guides I had first met in the early 90s. Also spoke with the owner of the local coffee company established in 1994 and selling me beans ever since. In thinking about highlights, the hanging bridges at Monteverde and the breaching whale rise to the top of the list, unless you count the smiles of the grandchildren throughout the day… every day. Who says you can’t relive the past? We did!” —Linda and Joe Rothman

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Egypt: “Wendy arranged for a private sunset dinner cruise…”

WOW List traveler Jeannie Mullen and friends enjoying their WOW Moment on the Nile.

“Two friends and I just returned from a private three-week trip to Egypt planned by Jim. We started in Cairo on the Giza plateau with a private tour of the Sphinx, then moved on to the pyramids, temples and tombs that we all see in our dreams when we think of Egypt. Our WOW Moment came in Aswan, after we disembarked from a Nile cruise and checked into the famous Old Cataract Hotel on the Nile. Wendy arranged for a private sunset dinner cruise that night which was just stunning. The crew members were lovely and the scenery was fabulous! Thank you again, Wendy! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that, among the many, many experiences we had, the thing that stood out to each of us the most was the warm and welcoming spirits of the Egyptian people.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Egypt trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Mexico: “A special lunch at Los Danzantes, including our own personal mariachis…”

Palacio de Bellas Artes or Palace of Fine Arts, a famous theater,museum and music venue in Mexico City

The Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was our second time using Zach’s services, this time for travels to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, and, yet again, they excelled. The tours and activities planned in Mexico City (historical city tour, visit to San Angel, Coyoacan, Casa Azul, etc.) were exactly what we wanted. They even arranged a private after-hours visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. We had the entire Museum to ourselves! Wandering through the galleries with an expert was definitely a magical experience and brought the cultures to life. Before leaving Mexico City, we were treated to a WOW Moment with a special lunch at Los Danzantes, including our own personal mariachis (thanks, Wendy).” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Mexico trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Chile: “We had a private stargazing evening, hosted by French astronomer Alain Maury…”

Alain Maury’s SPACE Observatory, Chile. Photo: Barbara Schoenfeld

“Tom designed a Christmas/New Year’s trip to Chile for our family of six. He rose to the challenge of transporting us down and back up half the length of the continent. He organized visits to both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert, securing rooms at Hotel Las Torres in Patagonia and Explora Atacama. Both were excellent choices for their top-notch adventure staff and boutique experience.

And I’m not just saying this because I’m writing a review for Wendy’s WOW List, but the best part of the trip was the Wendy WOW Moment. We had a private stargazing evening, hosted by French astronomer Alain Maury, at his observatory called SPACE (San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations). Above is the photo he took of us in front of one of his telescopes. Plus we have a video he recorded on my son’s cell phone where he described what we were seeing on the Sea of Tranquility on the moon—particularly the smudge where the US Apollo 11 landed.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

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Australia: “On Christmas Day we drove the Great Ocean Road and were completely surprised with a WOW Moment…”

two women in a helicopter flying over the 12 apostles

WOW Moment: A helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. Photo: Jennifer Mann

“We just returned from an Australian holiday trip with our two teenage daughters. Stuart and Jacki put together a phenomenal itinerary with something for everyone! We began our trip in Melbourne. On Christmas Day we drove the Great Ocean Road and were completely surprised with a WOW Moment of a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. It was breathtaking! The next day we drove through the wine country of the Yarra Valley—with tastings, lots of animal sightings, and delicious food—followed by a two-night stay at the Jackalope Hotel in the Mornington Peninsula area, about an hour-and-a-half from Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula was also filled with award-winning wine and food, along with charming little beachside towns….” —Jennifer Mann

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Costa Rica: “Our private table was in a glassed-in small private dining area in the treetops…”

Monteverde, Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“Priscilla did a fabulous job of planning a special family trip for us. In Tortuguero, a highlight was the kayaking trip down an inland waterway and a short detour into a small, seemingly endless series of creeks on the side of the main waterway. It was like going into another world, even in the otherworldliness of the jungle. When our guide asked us all to stop paddling, close our eyes, and just listen to the jungle sounds, it was magical.

We had a special WOW Moment in Monteverde when we were taken to the San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience. Each of the delicious small nine courses represented an area of Costa Rica that was explained to us as it was served. Our private table was in a glassed-in small private dining area in the treetops overlooking the town. We were there at sunset, and the view was amazing.” —Beverly Cameron

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Portugal: “A WOW Moment at Claus Porto, a private workshop that started in Porto in 1887…”

a house and vineyard in Douro Valley, Portugal

Douro Valley, Portugal. Photo: Mike Korn

“Goncalo planned every detail of our Portugal trip to perfection. We started in the Alentejo—which we had not even thought of going to—and it was the perfect place to get over jet lag and recover in a gorgeous hotel and setting. From there we went to Porto, where he planned amazing walking tours and a day trip to the Douro with an incredible winery visit and lunch. We also had a WOW Moment at Claus Porto, a private workshop that started in Porto in 1887, and we had an incredible experience making soap.

After Porto came Lisbon. Goncalo planned our itinerary so that we had stops with tours on the way to each city, and everyone who toured us or drove us around knew so much about Portugal’s history. December was a great time to be in Portugal, and Goncalo made it a truly wonderful experience from the second we landed until we got on the plane to come home. We did not have to think of anything—he already had it all figured out. We can’t wait to go back!” —Jennifer Andrews

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BORA BORA

Bora Bora: “A private sunset cruise and photo shoot…”

Bora Bora. Photo: Traveler Albert Cemel

“The photos and videos we had seen of French Polynesia hardly compare to the breathtaking views and exhilaration you feel when you set foot on these islands. The lagoons around the Tahitian islands are crystal clear and brightened by every shade of blue you can imagine. Kleon has vast experience in the South Pacific islands and made some great recommendations on things we hadn’t even thought of….

Our final stop was Bora Bora, where the view at the airport was like a WOW Moment in and of itself! The dazzling turquoise lagoon, a tiny palm-covered islet in the middle, and the beautiful green shades of the iconic Mount Otemanu in the background, makes for an unforgettable, jaw-dropping scene. In Bora Bora we were fortunate to receive a WOW Moment selected by Wendy Perrin and Kleon. It was a private sunset cruise and photo shoot on a luxurious 21-foot Bayliner named “Love Boat.” It was a beautiful, romantic experience. The captain was a charming man raised on the French Riviera who had moved to Bora Bora 20 years ago and never looked back. We were given a USB key with close to 100 HD photos at the end of our cruise. The photos of my wife and me against beautiful background colors of the setting sun have provided us with wonderful memories of our trip to paradise.” —Al Cemel

Read more reviews of Bora Bora trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Panama: “We were picked up in a Panama school bus—Diablo Rojo—with all the neon lights flashing and the salsa music playing…”

National Theatre of Panama, Casco Antiguo, Panama City. Photo: Shutterstock

“Even though our trip was short notice and over the New Year holidays, Pierre put together a really wonderful and memorable trip for us to Panama. We started out in Panama City, where we were given our WOW Moment—and what a Moment it was! We were picked up in a Panama school bus—Diablo Rojo—with all the neon lights flashing and the salsa music playing! It took us from the hotel to the Historic Old City where we had a great typical Panamanian dinner at a local restaurant, then enjoyed the view from a rooftop bar with a glass of wine. Finally, back to the hotel on Diablo Rojo! What a fun outing!!

On Christmas Day we toured an agro-organic farm called Hacienda Mamecillo, where the family produces all their food organically, as well as a special coffee. It was so interesting and impressive. The meal they served was, honestly, one of the best meals we have ever had—worthy of any fine dining anywhere.” —Sally Boland

Read more reviews of Panama trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Bolivia & Peru: “The unobstructed expanse of the isolated salt flats make star-gazing on the Salar de Uyuni a truly spellbinding experience…”

Salar de Uyuni salt flat during the starry night, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni starry night, Bolivia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our trip was amazing—from visiting the salt flats to checking out a silver mine, boating on Lake Titicaca, visiting cathedrals and museums, eating delicious foods, and meeting wonderful people. We were delighted from start to finish with Marisol and Mark’s exceptional advice and service, and a big thank-you to Wendy for the WOW Moment: The unobstructed expanse of the isolated salt flats make star-gazing on the Salar de Uyuni a truly spellbinding experience, as the full breadth and immensity of the night sky can be observed and appreciated with the telescope provided or with the naked eye. Located at altitude with almost no light pollution thanks to a sparse population, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the best places to stargaze in South America.” —Dominique Tran

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Israel & Jordan: “We were flying simulated F-16 planes…”

Aerial sun set view of Mediterranean Seashore of Tel Aviv, Israel.

Mediterranean Seashore of Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just back from an amazing trip to Israel and Jordan arranged by Joe and Jonathan. We had a WOW Moment on this trip where we were flying simulated F-16 planes—super fun, also very humbling, giving us an even greater respect for our fighter pilots. We had a graffiti tour of Tel Aviv with a very talented artist, as well as a food tour in the souk of Jerusalem. As for Jordan, Petra was beyond incredible. It was quite an experience walking across the Israeli border into no man’s land and then walking to the Jordan border. We were thankful we had our trusted guides on either side of the border to guide us.” —Toni Casamento

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Scotland: “That afternoon was the highlight of our trip…”

St Andrews Cathedral in St. Andrews, Scotland. Photo: Shutterstock

“To plan our 12 days in Scotland, we worked with Jonathan and Katie. Scotland is an incredibly picturesque country, and the people we met there could not have been more welcoming and enjoyable. Highlights included our walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh with Paul, who pointed out architectural details and many things we would have missed on our own that made us understand and appreciate the city even more; St. Andrews, a picture-perfect town with amazing golf, pubs, and restaurants; and our drive through The Great Glen, whose natural awesome beauty was breathtaking. Every hotel we stayed at was amazing, and we were given exceptional treatment while there, no doubt because of the relationships they shared with Jonathan.

We had our WOW Moment in Glasgow at The Pot Still pub, a small homey place with hundreds of whiskies lining the walls. We sat at a table in the back, with locals all around us enjoying drinks with friends. There we were welcomed by Chris, who knew more about whisky than anyone I’d ever met. He spent two-plus hours explaining the intricacies of Scottish whisky, the differences between single malt, single grain, and blends. He told us where the various distilleries are and how the locations and production styles affect taste. And while we listened, we ate haggis pies and tasted a variety of different whiskies. That afternoon was the highlight of our trip and one of the reasons we’re already talking about a return trip to Scotland.” —Cindy Kelly

Read more reviews of Scotland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Greece: “A wonderful dinner cooked by the mama of the house and a Greek dance performance…”

Traditional Greek food, Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jacoline listened to our travel preferences and hit the nail on the head: We focused on activities where we interacted with the locals. First was our WOW Moment: We had a wonderful dinner cooked by the mama of the house and a Greek dance performance which we eventually joined in. We sat in a beautiful courtyard, eating delicious food and enjoying the company of lovely people. The language barrier didn’t interfere with the wonderful evening.

Another highlight was visiting a farm in Kythira. I cooked lunch with Anastasia, and my husband spent the morning with Anastasia’s husband, watering the animals and riding the tractor. Lunch was delicious, and the warmth and kindness of these people so impressed us. I could go on and on describing similar experiences. When we missed our flight from Athens to Santorini and were standing in line hoping to rebook a flight that night, my husband’s phone rang, and it was Jacoline’s team letting us know they had already booked us on another flight. That is why I work with Wendy’s WOW people. They are on top of everything.” —Leslie Goldenberg

Read more reviews of Greece trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO GREECE

Italy: “Two local artisan workshops to see classic Venetian crafts—mosaics in hard stone, and paper marbling…”

Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“We worked with Jennifer to craft a remarkable trip through Italy this September, and she was fantastic! There were 6 of us in our group – my husband and me, another couple we have known for decades, and their 25-year-old daughter and her boyfriend. We began our adventures at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, on the shores of Lake Como. Our first morning was spent in a beautiful classic wooden speedboat, touring the shores of the lake, learning about history, architecture, and celebrity gossip. We had timed tickets to tour Villa Balbianello, had a wonderful lunch at a quiet café, and strolled around Bellagio. (As you can imagine, we had many great meals in Italy, and Jennifer secured dining reservations at several restaurants that we were unable to book on our own.)

It was in Florence that we had our WOW Moment. Late afternoon we were met at the lobby of our hotel, where we discovered we would be visiting two local artisan workshops to see classic Venetian crafts – mosaics in hard stone, and paper marbling – and afterwards have a chance to relax with aperitifs and nibbles while talking with our wonderful guide. It was EXACTLY what I wanted.” —Bonnie Thompson

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Malta: “We had an incredibly beautiful picnic on the water with a solo musician playing guitar…”

colorful boats in Marsaxlokk Harbour, Malta

Marsaxlokk Harbour, Malta. Photo: Exclusively Malta

“Jason was right to have us start in Gozo. The hotel (Cesca Lodge) was a beautifully converted ancient stone building. We were tempted not to go out to dinner, but we pushed ourselves to go out to where Jason had booked us—and are we glad we did!! The owner was amazing…treated us like old friends, and the food was delicious too! It was such a fun night. The next day we had an amazing tour with our private guide of Gozo which included some stunning views of the turquoise water from a hidden cave. Later that evening we had our WOW Moment, which was truly spectacular!! We had an incredibly beautiful picnic on the water with a solo musician playing guitar…some songs which Jason had personally requested that he knew we would like! We watched the sunset while drinking champagne, sitting on blankets and pillows, surrounded by twinkle lights.

The next day we took a private boat transfer to Malta. Along the way we passed Comino Island and the gorgeous waters of the blue lagoon. Jason arranged a picnic basket of food for us on the boat which was such a thoughtful touch…although the water was too rough for us to eat, once we got to the hotel we were certainly grateful to have some food. Our driver had been waiting for us…everything was organized perfectly. The hotel Jason recommended (Iniala) was beautiful and right on the Grand Harbour—an amazing location with a fabulous view. That afternoon we went exploring on our own and had dinner on an incredible rooftop terrace where an opera soloist was singing. Once again, the owner treated us like royalty, as we were guests of Jason’s.” —Elliot Laskin

Read more reviews of Malta trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Germany: “In Berlin, we had the joy of our surprise WOW Moment…”

Aerial view of Berlin skyline with famous TV tower and Spree river in beautiful evening light at sunset in summer, Germany

Berlin, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

“We have just returned from a spectacular two-and-a-half-week trip to Germany. We found a beautiful, diverse country with friendly people and an interesting but complex history. Claudia listened to our needs and desires and addressed them admirably. She contributed great ideas and arranged outstanding driver/guides, hotels, and restaurants. To cover a broad swath of Germany in the time available, we moved every third day. Each time, we regretted leaving our wonderful hotel. Especially memorable were our room in a real castle with a patio overlooking the Rhine River and our balcony overlooking Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles in the Alps.

A variety of special experiences planned by Claudia enhanced our trip. They included visits to the Berlin Wall and Potsdam, castle visits, boat trips on the Rhine and Lake Constance, and a side trip to Strasbourg, France. In Berlin, we had the joy of our surprise WOW Moment, earned after two Wendy Perrin trips. It was a special riverside gourmet dinner followed by a wonderful nighttime cruise on the Spree River. This cruise, with all the city lights and activity, gave us a whole new perspective of Berlin. I could go on and on because we can’t stop talking about this trip.” —William and Lynn Martin

Read more reviews of Germany trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Peru: “A tour of the ‘real’ Lima with a local guide…”

Lima’s Miraflores, Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

“How many different ways can you say the word ‘amazing’??? Marisol and the experts on her staff were the sum of all the ways it can be expressed. One example is upon landing in Lima our first day. One of her team went out at 11pm at night and found and DELIVERED a new knee brace to our hotel, as the one my husband packed had been “misplaced” by the airline. We had an early flight in the morning, so this was nothing short of miraculous. Without this brace, my husband may not have been able to explore Machu Picchu or the other sites planned.

Our WOW Moment was a tour of the ‘real’ Lima with a local guide. We got the scoop of the good, the bad, and the ugly related to the nuances of life in Lima. Not just the tourist façade view of things. The fabulously in-depth tour was capped off with a visit to the Circuito Magico del Agua, a light/laser/fountain show in Lima. The projection show story was the perfect synopsis of all of the history we had learned that day in addition to being beautifully magical! We even convinced our guide to run through the water tunnel with us where we all got drenched! A good laugh is a good laugh in any language! ” —Andrea Reed

Read more reviews of Peru trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Ireland: “Sitting on one of the columns at the Giant’s Causeway sipping Bushmill’s Reserve whiskey gives a new meaning to ‘whiskey on the rocks’…”

Giant's Causeway in a beautiful summer day, Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway on a beautiful summer day, Northern Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Because we were traveling to different cities (Belfast, Dublin, Killarney, Cong and Galway), Jonathan suggested a driver rather than self-driving, and he was so right! Having the pressure of driving removed gave us so much more freedom to explore the areas and enjoy the days. Also, the drivers did not just drive, they provided historical facts, made suggestions of out-of-the-way places to visit, knew the best local places for a pub lunch, the best place to buy a special gift, the place to stop for the best view/photos, etc. Many of our outstanding experiences—a day trip to the Aran Islands, a sheepdog demonstration, a food tour in Galway, etc.—we would not have known about, had it not been for the suggestion of Jonathan and his team.

Thank you, Wendy, for another memorable WOW Moment. Sitting on one of the columns at the Giant’s Causeway sipping Bushmill’s Reserve whiskey gives a new meaning to ‘whiskey on the rocks’. Everyone passing by us was jealous!” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO EGYPT AND JORDAN

Greece: “The e-bike tour that we had there was incredible, especially the sunset—a true WOW Moment!”

Varlaam monastery_Meteora_Greece-cr-Shutterstock

Varlaam monastery, Meteora, Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

“My son and I traveled in Greece together, and Mina’s team did a great job of identifying activities and places of interest for us. The most breathtaking place we went was Meteora, where we got to see, close-up and personal, the monasteries that were built on cliffs and how they functioned. The e-bike tour that we had there was incredible, especially the sunset—a true WOW Moment! On the island of Naxos, on our river walk hike, our guide led us through the backcountry to unique places off the beaten path and showed us old water mills and different plants, wild herbs and vegetables that cover the landscape. Our catamaran day cruise was also an amazing experience, with snorkeling and great food. My son and I are now officially addicted to tzatziki! Thanks so much for helping us plan this once-in-a-lifetime trip together.” —George Powers

Read more reviews of Greece trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Egypt & Jordan: “We felt like Egyptian royalty sailing on our own private yacht on the Nile…”

Photo of a boat sailing down the Nile in Egypt

A sail along the Nile in Egypt. Photo: Billie Cohen

“Jim crafted a mind-blowing three-week journey through Egypt and Jordan for us. Our itinerary was amazing at every turn. Highlights included: In Cairo, walking along the narrow, shop-lined streets of Old Cairo and then the even narrower alleys of the Khan al Khalili. We gained a true feeling of what the city was like in ancient times. In Aswan, we appreciated being able to speak with a local in the Nubian Village and visit his home and learn about a part of Egyptian culture you hear little about. In the Valley of the Kings, the most magnificent tomb was that of Nefertari, where we were the only people inside and our guide was very gracious in allowing us extra time there so that I could take photos of everything! And in Jordan, our guide worked his connections to gain us access to the Petra by Night experience an hour before it officially opened to the public! Walking through the candlelit Siq alone and coming upon the candlelit Treasury, we were awestruck.

Wendy, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for arranging with Jim our very special WOW Moment. Imagine our faces when we were taken to a yacht for a private sunset cruise on the Nile all around Elephantine and other islands. Sunset was magical as the colors of the sky, Nile waters, and surrounding land changed from yellow to golden to pink and then deep purple, followed by the twinkling lights of Aswan as night fell. This glorious sunset experience was followed by a seafood feast on the boat with a private chef. We felt like Egyptian royalty sailing on our own private yacht on the Nile!” —Mary Lou Voytko

Read more reviews of Egypt and Jordan trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Hawaii: “We toasted the beautiful scenery, our gorgeous picnic, the kids below on their surfboards…”

Aerial view of Kualoa Point at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just came back from a three-generation trip to Oahu, Hawaii, which included a WOW Moment. First, your WOW List travel advisor, Dani, was fabulous—she knew just what we were interested in seeing and doing, and planned the trip we wanted around the grandchildren. She made sure we had the best rooms, provided amenities at both resorts, and made this one of the best trips ever!

And now the WOW Moment—I have to say we were all impressed beyond words! We had planned a surfing lesson at Turtle Bay for our two grandchildren at the Jamie O’Brien Surfing School. Dani arranged, on a promontory above where the lesson was taking place, the most sumptuous gourmet picnic we have ever enjoyed, complete with champagne. We toasted the beautiful scenery, our gorgeous picnic, the kids below on their surfboards—and Dani and Wendy Perrin!!!! It was a perfect day, a perfect spot, and we loved every minute of it. But that was not to be all —when the lesson was over, who came out to greet us but Jamie O’Brien himself! Needless to say, we were all dazzled—especially the kids who had been watching this Hawaiian surfing legend on YouTube! This was all perfectly orchestrated—and was a WOW Moment my family will never forget. By the way, my grandkids are now asking when they can be in our next WOW Moment!!!!!” —Nancy Bern

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO KENYA AND RWANDA

Kenya & Rwanda: “We had a private tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservatory Northern White Rhino Project…”

African white rhino, National park of Kenya, Africa

White rhinos in Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

“My main focus for the trip was not just an animal safari, but also to experience the African culture, see the local conservation efforts, witness the labors to preserve endangered species, and incorporate my interest in the work of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall. Dan’s connections with the best local operators and guides made things so much easier. At Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages in Kenya, we had a very private and secluded cottage with a verandah for dining and just relaxing. We received royal treatment from the moment we arrived.

Our WOW Moment was perfect! We had a private tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservatory Northern White Rhino Project, met the two remaining Northern White Rhinos, and learned about the global efforts and cooperation amongst countries to save the species.” —Sue Newton

Read more reviews of Kenya and Rwanda trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Rwanda & Uganda: “Lunch out there at an amazing lodge with rapids rushing all around us…”

Waterside scenery showing the River Nile with lots of greenery on the sides.

The Nile River near Jinja, in Uganda. Photo: Shutterstock

“We travelled to Rwanda and Uganda for the month of January. Cherri did a wonderful job of putting together all the pieces of a complicated multi-country trip with multiple lodgings in both countries. We saw very few other tourists. On safari we rarely saw another Land Rover. The genocide museum in Kigali was empty, as was the art gallery we went to. As for the WOW Moment arranged by Cherri, all I can say is WOW WOW WOW! We flew by private helicopter from Entebbe to Jinja, the beginning of the Nile River, had lunch out there at an amazing lodge with rapids rushing all around us and then returned in time to catch our flight back home.” —Ron Klausner

Read more reviews of Rwanda and Uganda trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO RWANDA AND UGANDA

Italy: “An artist’s studio where she helped us make our own mosaics in her found-object style…”

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

Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My family of six—including four daughters, ages 5 through 11—traveled to Italy and Switzerland in November/December 2021. Maria pulled it all together on relatively short notice. She arranged for great hotels, fun excursions, and private guides in Florence and Zurich who were fantastic with the girls. We had a fantastic time making pizza in Florence, and another major highlight was our WOW Moment. Thank you so much, Wendy, we really enjoyed it! We walked across the river in Florence to a more residential neighborhood and visited an artist’s studio, where she welcomed us and helped us make our own mosaics in her found-object style. While they dried, we enjoyed sandwiches and cake in the cafe. The artist and Elvira (our guide) were so friendly and welcoming it was a real treat to spend the afternoon with them.” —Rebecca Bartlett

Read more reviews of Italy and Switzerland trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Belize: “After we wore ourselves out dancing, we were guided to a beautifully laid table on the beach and served an extraordinary 6-course private dinner…”

Ambergris Caye, Belize. Photo: Absolute Belize

“Patricia planned an excellent itinerary, matched by superior management of all logistics. Our family of five, with our three active teenagers, spent four nights in the jungle, then seven nights at the beach. While based in the jungle, we kept our three teenagers busy with horseback riding, cave tubing and visiting the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. We enjoyed fantastic gourmet meals and even squeezed in some time at the spa and the pool. Then, at the beach, we enjoyed leisurely days at the pool and also snorkeling, fishing, and barbequing on the beach.

The highlight of the itinerary was the unexpected WOW Moment. Knowing that we have a strong interest in learning about local culture, Patricia arranged with the Black&White Garifuna Restaurant to come to our hotel for a private, immersive evening focused on the Garifuna Afro-Caribbean culture. We were treated to a magical singing and dancing performance, and then got dancing lessons and drumming lessons. We also received short, digestible lessons on Garifuna history, language, holidays, and cuisine. After we wore ourselves out dancing, we were guided to a beautifully laid table on the beach and served an extraordinary 6-course private dinner prepared by O Restaurant at Las Terrazas resort. While we dined, the singing and dancing continued. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —Robyn Smyers

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Italy: “We were meeting the Marchesa Elena Torrigiani at her estate and grounds in the middle of Florence!”

Giardini Torrigiani, Florence. Photo: Brian Dore.

“We just returned from a fantastic 3-week trip to Italy that Maria had arranged for us….When we thought it couldn’t get any better in our 3 days in Florence we had a Wendy WOW Moment that was over the top!! We saw that Maria listed “a one of a kind experience” in the early evening. Of course, we tried getting hints from [our guide] Elvira, but she was not sharing anything, until we were almost at our destination and told us that we were meeting the Marchesa Elena Torrigiani at her estate and grounds in the middle of Florence! Her family goes back generations and is considered royalty in Italy. The garden is 17 acres and she personally led us through the gardens and explained all the monuments, trees, etc. The best site on the grounds was a neo gothic tower and walls from the Middle Ages! Elena was so charming and a wonderful host as she told us her interesting family history up to the present. She finally led us to an outside bistro where we had a wonderful dinner. What a way to end the day. Thank you Wendy!” —Sandy Collins

Read more reviews of Italy trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO SAN JOSE DEL CABO

Cabo, Mexico: “We took a private boat to a secluded cove for a private snorkel…”

El Arco, Cabo San Lucas Photo: Roberto Trama Mexico

Boating and fishing in Los Cabos. Photo: Roberto Trama

“We rented a very private home near San Jose del Cabo—with a gorgeous outdoor living space and pool—and felt completely safe. Julie helped us all along the way, including helping us decide to stay closer to San Jose Del Cabo than to the more touristy Cabo San Lucas. That turned out to be a great decision. We were traveling with our small family of three, including our young son. We had a 24/7 concierge named Hector the whole time, and he did a great job with questions about the house, activities, grocery stores, restaurants, and the like.

We were also lucky enough to have a WOW Moment on this trip: We were picked up at our house by our guide, Oscar, who is a lovely man with a great knowledge of the local area, its geology, history, traditions, culture, and food. Oscar took us to the marina in Cabo San Lucas, where we took a private boat to a secluded cove for a private snorkel. We were so happy with the location, especially as we saw how crowded the other snorkel locations were. Oscar helped our 10-year old son learn how to snorkel and helped him spot puffer fish, angel fish, and other cool wildlife. And then Oscar made us the most amazing gourmet lunch on the boat! We had some delicious local fish, sashimi style, and a ridiculously amazing guacamole. He loves food almost as much as I do! To top it off, Oscar helped us find a local fishmonger on the way back. I bought marlin and bonito, both caught that day and cleaned and cut to my specs, with a friendly pelican who enjoyed eating the fish scraps. We grilled the fish over the next two days, and they were amazing! A total home run, and we were so grateful for this outing. Julie, Wendy, and team, a sincere thank-you!” —Chris Kloes

Read more reviews of San Jose del Cabo trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Costa Rica: “We drove to the lake where a boat was waiting. There was a three-piece band and a dance teacher aboard…”

Amazing panoramic view of beautiful nature of Costa Rica with smoking volcano Arenal background. Panorama of volcano Arenal reflected on wonderful picturesque lake, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. Photo: Shutterstock

“My daughters (ages 15 and 16) and I went to Costa Rica, and Irene arranged a trip exactly to my specifications. We had adventure, culture, relaxation, and beautiful accommodations. We enjoyed so many experiences, from hiking to zip lining, an ATV tour, a private cooking class, a chocolate farm tour and tasting….

We also had our WOW Moment, which was really something special. Edgar picked us up in the late afternoon, and we drove to the lake where a boat was waiting. There was a three-piece band and a dance teacher aboard. We were serenaded and taught to dance the salsa. Back on shore, we were taken to the private home of a chef in town. He and his wife prepared a delicious four-course dinner, and we could see the prep, as the kitchen was outside by the table. The food was fantastic. Little did we know that Edgar had been observing our food preferences throughout our trip, and dinner was chosen from his recommendations. So much thought was put into the experience. My daughters and I will remember that night fondly.” —Karyn Sallus

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

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Belize: “We were driven to a pool by a waterfall where lunch had been set up with table and chairs…”

Tiger Fern waterfall in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize.

Tiger Fern waterfall, Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“Patricia could not have been more helpful and we ended up staying in three places. Her first recommendation was Cayo Espanto, a private island with a few luxury villas and with two butlers assigned to each villa. It could not have been a better choice, with great private snorkeling trips, bone fishing and water sports at the island. She then arranged a charter flight on Tropic Air to take us over the Blue Hole (well worth doing) and then to fly us out to Hidden Valley.

A highlight there was a WOW Moment when we were driven to a pool by a waterfall where lunch had been set up with table and chairs, sparkling wine in an ice bucket, a hammock and towels for bathing. We transferred from there via the Mayan site of Caracol to the Lodge at Chaa Creek, a magical place we last visited 25 years ago. It may be more modern, but it is still magical with the same owners who live on site. There Patricia organized a birding trip for us with a local expert, we canoed on the Macal River, lounged in our private plunge pool and hiked throughout the property.” —Tony & Jane Ford-Hutchinson

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THE MALDIVES

The Maldives: “We headed across the atoll to use a drone to try to find whale sharks and manta rays…”

Arial view of an uninhabited, tropical island with lots of trees and turquoise water in Maldives.

Arial view of a tropical island in the Maldives. Photo: Shutterstock

“Justin was fantastic! We planned our eight-day trip to the Maldives to split time between two resorts. He was quite right in discouraging two seaplane-distance resorts, given our short time in the country and the unscheduled nature of seaplanes in the Maldives. His recommendations for restaurants to prioritize at both resorts was spot on, and he was very helpful with plans for scuba, advising on better house reefs, etc.

Our WOW Moment at Gili Lankanfushi was such fun! We and the dive master and two naturalists headed out and we had a fantastic dive. Then we headed across the atoll to use a drone to try to find whale sharks and manta rays. While none were to be found, it was still a blast to watch the naturalists use the drone to hunt for them!” —Kim Prater

Read more reviews of the Maldives trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Hawaii: “A fantastic hike to Pololu Valley and Beach…”

family posing at Pololu Valley with cliffs and ocean in background Big Island Hawaii

Traveler Kathy Gardner and her family hiking Pololu Valley on Hawaii’s Big Island.

“Hawaii expert Dani planned a fabulous vacation to the Big Island for our family and kindly included my sister and her family in our plans/reservations at the almost last minute. We really enjoyed the Fairmont Orchid, which Dani highly recommended. It was perfect for our families (parents and teens). She ensured we had lovely rooms with wonderful views and fantastic, attentive service. Dani recommended a snorkeling trip just for our two families.

Thanks to Wendy, our WOW Moment, a fantastic hike to Pololu Valley and Beach, was delightful. Dani engaged Derek Stuart, of Active Families Hawaii, as a personal guide, including visiting the Waimea Market, a stunning drive to the northeast of the Big Island and the above mentioned hike and picnic on the black sand beach.” —Kathy Gardner

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Belize: “A very special horseback riding morning and WOW Moment overlooking the entire property…”

A river surrounded by the Belizean jungle.

“Patricia was amazing to work with, and her recommendations of the Lodge at Chaa Creek and Belize Sailing Vacations were the perfect combination for our family of five. The experience at Chaa Creek was incredible… from our outing to the ATM caves (one of the most amazing things we’ve ever done) to a very special horseback riding morning and WOW Moment overlooking the entire property along with an outdoor cooking experience, we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

From the jungle, we headed back towards town to meet our catamaran and crew. As new “sailors,” we can’t say enough about this adventure. Our chef, Ellen, fed us better than we could have imagined, all while giving us a taste of local flavor, including conch ceviche and conch fritters. Our captain made the adventure especially fun for our 11-year-old son by allowing him the chance to help onboard the boat with the anchor, fishing rods, etc… ” —Kate Rader

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THE AMERICAN WEST

The U.S. Southwest: “We had more time to go further into the canyon and do more repels and obstacles…”

woman rappelling and rock climbing in Zion national park

Amy Evers rock climbing in Zion National Park.

“Phoenix to Salt Lake City, with so much in between! Melissa put together an amazing trip for my husband and I! We went mountain biking twice and white water rafting. We went on a hot air balloon flight. We hiked in many gorgeous locales. We did a cooking class (the food was out of this world), a sunset tour in the dessert, a UTV tour, a stargazing experience, and jeep tours. We had some time to explore on our own as well. Our two favorite experiences were exploring the very narrow slot canyons in Escalante with a guide that took us off the tourist grid (we didn’t see anyone else!) and canyoneering near Zion. No doubt we are slight adrenaline junkies, but this trip really fulfilled our desires!

We also had a WOW Moment while canyoneering. We thought we were doing a half day trip but it turns out it was an entire day! And we had a photographer with us to take pictures of us all day! I am elated that we had more time to go further into the canyon and do more repels and obstacles. I haven’t seen the pictures yet but I’m guessing they are epic! There was even one small section that got me out of my comfort zone and that is usually what I’m looking for! ” —Amy Evers

Read more reviews of trips in the American West. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Uruguay: “We were serenaded at a private dinner outdoors and then rode back to the barn under the stars…”

Ron Klausner enjoys his WOW Moment in Uruguay.

The Klausners enjoying their WOW Moment in Uruguay.

“For our first stop in Uruguay, Maita sent us to a property north of Punte del Este called Sacromonte. It was heaven. Four cottages in the middle of a vineyard on more than 500 acres. The owner treated us like royalty. A local Belgian-French couple had recently opened a ‘private’ restaurant in their home that we wanted to try, but there was a minimum group size necessary for dinner, so Maita called the next door neighbors, a Canadian couple, to ask if they would join us for dinner. After an incredible meal, the Canadian couple, who live a 10-minute drive away on 1,000 acres, invited us to join them at their recently renovated estancia for coffee the next day. What a great experience!

Our next stop was lunch at the Bodega Garzon, a Francis Mallman restaurant at the top of a hill in the middle of an even greater vineyard. After lunch we then drove to the beach town of Jose Ignacio and stayed at another small, intimate property, Playa Vik. While there we went to a polo match at its sister property, Estancia Vik—our first—and it was spectacular. After the match we ate and drank with the players and exchanged stories; the polo players were from around the world and were all fluent in English and had very interesting personal lives. Our WOW Moment was the following night, back at the Estancia: We took a horseback ride at sunset, played golf on a ‘homemade’ course, were serenaded at a private dinner outdoors and then rode back to the barn under the stars. Magnificent! ” —Ron Klausner

Read more reviews of Uruguay trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO URUGUAY

London: “A private tour and tasting in The Stafford’s amazing wine cellar, which was built in the 17th century…”

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge on a cold, snowy winter day, London, United Kingdom

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge, London. Photo: Shutterstock

“It has become our practice to consult Wendy Perrin’s WOW List whenever we plan a trip. This time our goal was to spend Christmas in London. We spoke with Jonathan about our previous visits to London and our desire to see and do something new. As we had already seen most of the highlights of London, Jonathan suggested other tours we would not have thought of. One was a Charles Dickens walking tour; our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, and we now understand how London during Dickens’ time influenced his writing. Another highlight was a private ‘Behind the Glass’ after-hours tour of the Churchill War Rooms. We had seen the War Rooms before, but nothing can compare with going there in the evening when it’s closed and actually going into the rooms that are not accessible to the public.

Jonathan also executed a surprise “Wendy WOW Moment” for us during our stay. It was a private tour and tasting in The Stafford’s amazing wine cellar, which was built in the 17th century and used as an air raid shelter during WWII! The master sommelier, Gino, gave us the tour and made the experience very special!.” —Susan Ketchum

Read more reviews of London trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO LONDON

Rome: “The food tour in Testaccio was so much fun…”

Gina Melton and her husband enjoying their WOW Moment in Rome, Italy.

“Jennifer’s team provided top-notch, personalized service throughout our week in Rome. The private guides she selected for us were experts in their fields and added so much nuance and color to our personal tours. For example, I have a love of Baroque art, and our art guide was a former art-history academic who specialized in the Baroque period. Not only was Susanna able to really dig in and educate me more about art from this period, but we also did a specialized Caravaggio tour that culminated in visiting an art restoration studio with restorers who had worked on some of the Caravaggios that I had just seen hours before. Being in that studio, up close and personal with the art, was one of the most impactful travel experiences I have ever had—so much so that I was brought to tears.

I also want to thank Wendy and her team for the wonderful WOW Moment in Rome! The food tour in Testaccio was so much fun! We loved trying the Trapizzini (at Trapizzino), and I really enjoyed Mastro. Jason loved meeting the owners of Giolitti. Thank you for making our trip special.” —Gina Melton

Read more reviews of Rome trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ROME

Africa: “A spectacular sunset and sundowners with about a dozen local Masai…”

man and guide looking over view in Africa

Paul Bennett at Sundowner Rock, Africa. Photo: Traveler Catherine Olsen

“We have many vivid memories of Africa, thanks to Cherri. We had one morning in the Southern Serengeti, where the day began with a visit to our Masai guide’s uncle’s traditional boma. We were invited inside his grandmother’s mud-and-dung hut for a tour of her humble home, but only after she’d carefully swept the mud floor and cleared a seat for us on her husband’s simple cot. Her son, who spoke fairly good English, explained why they’d moved up into the hills until the wildebeests and the tourists left the area. We continued for a bush walk through the hills, accompanied by more Masai; the hike culminated with breakfast, cooked over the fire, at a stunning cliff-edge perch overlooking the Rift Valley.

You’d think the day couldn’t get much better, but we still had our WOW Moment ahead of us. In the late afternoon, we were taken to a very special, quite spiritual escarpment called Sundowner Rock. After a spectacular sunset and sundowners with about a dozen local Masai, we were led around the back side of the rock, where a surprise dinner was being cooked for us in a cave over an open fire. Two fires, actually—one with local goat roasting on sticks for the Masai, and the other grilling chicken and beef for us. After we’d all feasted, the Masai sang and danced and entertained themselves (and us) by the campfire, and we reveled in how lucky we all were. It was truly magical. Thank you, Wendy, for a once-in-a-lifetime WOW Moment!” —Paul Bennett and Catherine Olsen

Read more reviews of Africa trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO AFRICA

Romania: “We visited the highest tower at Bran Castle, an area generally off-limits to the public…”

Legendary Bran (Dracula) historical castle of Transylvania, Brasov region, Romania, Eastern Europe

Bran Castle (a.k.a. “Dracula’s Castle”) in Transylvania, Romania. Photo: Shutterstock

“Raluca found us extraordinary accommodations in Romania. She tracked down a private residence in Bucharest where we had a private suite and were treated like personal friends of the family. We had three nights in Brasov in a lovely three-room hotel and four nights in Maremures in our own house on a 70-hectare property. The house was probably 100 years old and had been saved from destruction in the local village, moved to the host’s property, and completely remodeled inside. Raluca even arranged for a cook to come to the house and make us breakfast and dinner—truly special. And Wendy, thanks for the WOW Moment. We really enjoyed getting to visit the highest tower at Bran Castle, an area generally off-limits to the public. Our very experienced guide had never been there.” —George Stephens

Read more reviews of Romania trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ROMANIA

Colombia: “We were surprised with a cooking class at Carmen’s, the best restaurant in Cartagena…”

colorfully painted walls on a block of Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Boris and Marc organized a wonderful itinerary in Colombia that kept me, my husband, and our two teenagers completely engaged. We loved visiting the very different regions of the country and learning about each area’s distinct history and culture. The best part about working with Wendy’s WOW team are the WOW Moments: We were surprised with a cooking class at Carmen’s, the best restaurant in Cartagena. We all enjoyed learning about the local cuisine, preparing, cooking, and ultimately eating what we had prepared! The restaurant was truly lovely, and we won’t forget our time spent there.” —Barbara Palter

Read more reviews of Colombia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO COLOMBIA

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada: “We had an unbelievable meal that lasted the entire evening…”

Inn at Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island.

“Jill planned a fabulous trip for us in the Canadian Maritimes that included an evening of Nova Scotia wines and local specialties at Le Caveau (you haven’t lived until you’ve eaten Brant Lake Wagyu beef), staying at Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island, and dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Panorama at the Cabot Links golf course.

The pièce de résistance was our WOW Moment at The Inn at Bay Fortune on Prince Edward Island, where we had an unbelievable meal that lasted the entire evening. A farmer regaled us with stories about his farm and some of what we would be eating, we had a feast of oysters, and everything was cooked over an open flame! Little did we know there would be another WOW Moment the next morning, when we met the chef carving up a 322-pound tuna in the kitchen. ” —Sonja & Brian Haggert

Read more reviews of Canadian Maritimes trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO THE CANADIAN MARITIMES

Paris: “We were guided to a beautiful shop in a charming neighborhood and into a private room…”

Caves Legrande is one of the oldest wine shops in Paris

Caves Legrande wine shop in Paris. Photo: Caves Legrande

“Jennifer had a great feel for the kind of experience of Paris that my husband and I desired. We had an incredible food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and a private cooking class with a chef who taught us how to prepare the most amazing duck recipes per our request. He also took us food shopping prior to the class; visiting all of the little shops in Paris for bread, cheese, wine, and our duck was a treat! In addition, Jennifer was able to secure some very hard-to-get dinner reservations; we were able to dine everywhere on my wish list.

Lastly, thank you, Wendy, for an incredible WOW Moment! Jennifer arranged our surprise WOW Moment at the oldest wine shop in Paris. We were guided to a beautiful shop in a charming neighborhood and into a private room for a wine tasting with a sommelier who said he was opening bottles that he had actually never been able to taste himself before, as they were that rare. He was thrilled with our WOW Moment too!” —Tina Sarafa

Read more reviews of Paris trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Vienna: “A private tour at the Kunsthistorisches Museum with a curator who gave us special insight into the Klimt brothers’ paintings…”

The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna Austria

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria. Photo: Shutterstock

“Gwen provided excellent recommendations for ways to enjoy our time in Austria. The hotels and guides she selected were amazing, the transportation (train, driver, and rental car) seamless. She even teamed up with Wendy for our WOW Moment in Vienna—a private tour at the Kunsthistorisches Museum with a curator who gave us special insight into the Klimt brothers’ paintings on the Museum’s walls and ceiling. Not only did Julia teach us so much about the history of the works and the artists, but she had high-resolution photos of the works on her tablet that allowed us to zoom in on artistic details that you cannot see with the naked eye. This gave us a completely different perspective; the works of art are even more amazing when you see them through that lens. Thanks to Gwen (and Wendy!), we had a trip we will remember for a lifetime.” — Jennifer Webb

Read more reviews of Austria trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO AUSTRIA

Croatia: “A private boat ride from the new harbor to the old harbor just outside the Ancient Walls…”

Aerial view at famous european travel destination in Croatia, Dubrovnik old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were traveling over Easter and wanted to maximize our time in Croatia. We wanted a mix of history, art, culture, Jewish history, and Game of Thrones—and each of our three guides delivered. Gwen was able to help us secure reservations at the restaurants we wanted, including Michelin-starred Restaurant 360 in Dubrovnik. We also loved her suggestions of Restaurant Dubrovnik and Adriatic Graso in Split — we had amazing meals and service.

While in Dubrovnik we were surprised with our WOW Moment. We had a private boat ride from the new harbor to the old harbor just outside the Ancient Walls of Dubrovnik. We were served wine and charcuterie. Despite the rough waters, Captain Chris gave us a wonderful tour and a new perspective of Dubrovnik. It was such a treat. Croatia is a magical place, and Gwen and her team are there to roll out the red carpet for you.” —Joellen Shelden

Read more reviews of Croatia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CROATIA

Australia: “A seaplane ride over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House…”

seaplane flying over Sydney Harbour with bridge and opera house

A seaplane tour over Sydney Harbour. Photo: Stuart Rigg

“We would use Stuart again—our Australia trip was outstanding and everything went off without a hitch. Great properties, people, and experiences!! We also had our first Wendy Perrin WOW Moment, which happened to be a seaplane ride over Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. This is something that we would not have thought to do ourselves—and we would have missed out big-time! An amazing and fun experience. We even happened to get to travel up the coast a bit because the seaplane company needed to drop some passengers at a small resort destination. The views were stunning and provided a perspective we would not have had without Wendy’s WOW. Thank you, Wendy, for such a magnificent addition to an already outstanding adventure.” —Bill Schierl & Sarena Melotte

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Bali: “It was magnificent and thrilling—and what a surprise!”

Balinese dancer Dewi Aryani performs for travelers during a special presentation

Balinese dancer Dewi Aryani performs for travelers during a special WOW Moment. Photo: Edith Netter

“The WOW Moment that Diane arranged for us in Bali was magnificent and thrilling —and what a surprise! Four days into our trip (so we were still jet lagged), we were invited to a private area of our beautiful hotel to watch something riveting. We quickly forgot our jet lag. It was contemporary Balinese dancing at our doorstep. Dewi Aryani danced for us, and Rucina Ballinger responded to our many questions. We shared stories and learned about Balinese dancing. Dewi even got the two of us on our feet and dancing. Any dances we saw later in the trip could in no way approximate our experience with them. I should add that we had a lovely Balinese ‘tea,’ but the star of the show was Dewi .” —Edy Netter

Read more reviews of Bali trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BALI

Belize: “The entire resort came out to watch and dance with us…”

The Lerner family in Belize.

“We worked with Patricia to plan a special vacation to Belize with our adult children and a girlfriend. We loved literally every minute but, if there is one aspect of the trip that deserves special mention, it is our WOW Moment at Naia Resort in Placencia, on the Caribbean coast. We really didn’t know what to expect as we were escorted down to the beach… until we could hear the beating of the drums and see the flaming bonfire awaiting us at sunset. Richard and his family taught us about the indigenous Garifuna people and their very interesting history and culture. The many dances, including the ‘Go Mommy’ chant for my wife Julie’s birthday, were so much fun. The entire resort came out to watch and dance with us.” —Stephen and Julie Lerner

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

San Diego: “We spent the day riding electric bikes around the quaint residential areas, and then we kayaked out into the Bay…”

The Gill family WOW Moment.

“Our teenagers are still talking about our Southern California paragliding adventure over the beaches and golf course at Torrey Pines and our beach barbeque at Crystal Cove State Park while watching the sunset with our toes in the sand. Sheri was very helpful in recommending and organizing hotel stays at both the new hipster Pendry Hotel in San Diego and the luxurious Pelican Hill Resort outside of Newport Beach. We initially had a little misunderstanding with the resort regarding our room location, but after a short conversation with Sheri, we were quickly upgraded to a room with a much better view (thanks, Sheri). This type of personalized service is the reason we plan most of our trips using Wendy Perrin’s trusted travel experts.

Since this was our third qualifying trip, Wendy surprised us with a WOW Moment—a day of adventure on charming Coronado Island. Our guide for the day picked us up at our hotel for a short ferry ride over to the historic island, where we spent the day riding electric bikes around the quaint residential areas, and then we kayaked out into the Bay. Thanks, Wendy and Sheri, for a very memorable day for all of us!”—Janette Gill

Read more reviews of Southern California trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Chile: “We arrived at a spot in the middle of nowhere and were led by flashlight…”

Atacama desert, Andes, Chile. Photo: Shutterstock

“Maita planned a flawless trip for us to Chile. At the end of long days of hiking we had beautiful meals and fine Chilean wines to celebrate. The Explora lodges in the Atacama Desert and on Easter Island were amazing. And Wendy gave us a WOW Moment in the Atacama. We were picked up at 17:30 by our guide and told to bring a windbreaker and blanket. Then we traveled on gravel roads for what seemed like an hour. Our guide kept us in suspense until the last minute, when we arrived at a spot in the middle of nowhere and were led by flashlight to a table set for two. I felt like we were on the set of a Hollywood movie. We were on the Moon Crater in the Atacama Desert, having a gourmet dinner under the stars. This does not happen in the real world. After a lovely dinner we were treated to an hour of stargazing. The laser point was the only thing that made us feel like we were connected to the 21st century. It was an amazing evening and one we will never forget. Thank you, Wendy.” —Jeanne Lee

Read more reviews of Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHILE

Belize: “Lobster hunting! Those who wanted to went freediving with a spear…”

Snorkeling in the clear water in Belize. Photo: Brook Wilkinson

“Without Patricia’s input, I would never have thought of chartering a catamaran for our trip to Belize. We very much enjoyed traveling along the reef in the boat and loved the snorkeling. The food was delicious! And being able to fish off the back of the boat was an unexpected bonus. And then we could eat what we caught! The stars at night were spectacular.

Our WOW Moment was really cool too. We were in a dinghy on our way to go snorkeling when we saw a plastic bottle floating in the water. I asked if we were going to pick it up, and Captain Dan said no, we’re going lobster hunting! Those who wanted to went freediving with a spear and shot lobsters (it took me five tries). Then Kainie made ceviche and served it with all the fixings and a bottle of Prosecco. It was a really great experience that I’ve been sharing with friends and family.” —Deborah Wente

Read more reviews of Belize trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Paris: “A private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Palais Garnier, the Beaux-Arts Paris opera house…”

interior view of the stage at Palais Garnier, Opera National de Paris France

Palais Garnier, Opera National de Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our trip to France arranged by Jennifer was wonderful. The surprise for my daughter’s birthday on a Seine river cruise was spectacular, and my daughter and grandchildren were shocked—and pleased. Our guided tour of the Eiffel Tower was superb. Our WOW Moment was a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Palais Garnier, the Beaux-Arts Paris opera house—and it was very special for all of us. Jennifer also arranged for a rental car, all hotels, and recommended events and restaurants as we drove from Paris to Strasbourg, Colmar, Dijon, Burgundy and back to Paris. Each hotel she chose was extremely well located.” —Richard Goldin

Read more reviews of France trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Paris: “A secret food adventure with a young chef who brought us to the best specialty shops…”

aerial view of Famous palace Versailles with beautiful gardens and fountains in France

Versailles palace gardens, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“In Paris, it was all about special access, skip the line, and going to the private areas not accessible to the public. Our excellent guide to Versailles, Marie-Ange, is one of a kind. She knows the history and the palace very well, and she got permission for us to enter the “not for the public” sites in the palace. At the Louvre, Jennifer managed to arrange an amazing tour with one of the curators, followed by a secret food adventure—part of our WOW Moment—with a young chef who brought us to the best specialty shops for meat, seafood, chocolate, jam, puff pastry, and macarons. We managed to taste them all in two hours, then go to the Eiffel Tower for another skip-the-line service. Despite the packed itinerary in Paris, we still had a whole day for shopping on our last day.” —Suryo Wibowo

Read more reviews of Paris trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Australia: “The boat ride on the Yarra River gave us an amazing perspective of the city…”

Aerial view of the tip of Mornington Peninsula.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Stuart put together a wonderful month-long visit to Australia for my husband and me, with a great balance of programmed activity and free time. We had a variety of activities—a sailing trip; driving the Great Ocean Road; wonderful, knowledgeable guides for our hikes—but we also had ample time to walk and hike on our own in the national parks and the cities.

I also want to thank Wendy for our WOW Moment in Melbourne. The boat ride on the Yarra River gave us an amazing perspective of the city. It was a very enjoyable addition to our 53rd wedding-anniversary day. Thank you!” —Sandra Southwick

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia, Canada: “A photographer gave us a personal tour of several waterfalls…”

aerial view of Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia

Sonora Resort in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia. Photo: Tim Baker

“My husband and I and our two teenage daughters wanted to go to British Columbia, but to avoid any really crowded areas. Marc suggested we spend a few days in Whistler, then a few days on Sonora Island, and end in Vancouver. He set us up for fun activities in Whistler—RZR cars, white-water rafting, zip lining—and we were treated to a WOW Moment: A photographer gave us a personal tour of several waterfalls, giving us photography tips along the way and taking family photos; although I am the photography buff in the family, he was able to engage the whole family and everyone really enjoyed the experience (thank you, Wendy!).

We then took a seaplane to Sonora Resort, which the entire family agreed was heavenly. So remote, with beautiful scenery and gourmet food. On our eco-adventure tour we were lucky enough to be in the middle of a pod of about 100 dolphins. Finally, in Vancouver, Marc suggested the Fairmont Pacific Rim for us, which also was in a fabulous location. Since we are foodies, he planned a food tour at Granville Island, where there are so many booths that it was helpful to have an expert direct us; the tour allowed us to sample more items in small quantities than we could have done on our own.” —Nancy Wolf

Read more reviews of British Columbia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Australia: “A not-to-be-missed helicopter ride over Uluru and Kata Tjuta…”

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Photo Tourism Australia

“My husband and I spent five weeks in Australia on a spectacular trip planned and executed by Stuart and Debbie. We had long wanted to visit our seventh continent but quickly realized that even with five weeks we couldn’t see the entire country. My top priority was to see The Kimberley, a remote area in northwestern Australia that even many Australians never get to. We could not have had a better trip. That it was topped by one of Wendy’s WOW Moments—a not-to-be-missed helicopter ride over Uluru and Kata Tjuta—is just one more reason why Wendy Perrin’s experts are the best. Wendy’s experts (and we’ve used a lot of them) all share two essential traits—attention to detail in planning and careful execution of arrangements. Where they—and Stuart—are unmatched is in their ability to intuit what their clients want, need and, most important, will delight in. Kudos.” —Jan Heininger

Read more reviews of Australia trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

Shanghai: “We would never have known such an experience exists, nor that it would be so cool…”

The Bund at night, Shanghai, China

“The trip to Beijing and Shanghai that Mei arranged for my wife and me was outstanding. We requested ‘local’ hotels, and they exceeded our expectations; we ended up in areas with few other foreigners. Our food tour was one of our most memorable evenings; eating locally was a cultural plus. In Shanghai, we had the pleasure of receiving our WOW Moment—a motorcycle sidecar tour of the area near the Bund. We would never have known such an experience exists, nor that it would be so cool. The champagne toast on the bridge overlooking the amazing Shanghai skyline was a superb touch.” —Bill Schierl & Sarena Melotte

Read more reviews of China trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHINA

Vancouver and an Alaska cruise: “It truly was a moveable feast…”

Aerial view of Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska. Photo: Shutterstock

“Tom planned a magical trip to Alaska for our multigenerational family that included our 10- and 12-year-old grandsons. He booked us adjoining rooms on Holland America’s Westerdam, which turned out to be an excellent choice and value. He arranged all our shore excursions with a private company. Each excursion was better than the description and a good value compared to what the ship was offering. The helicopter ride to the top of the glacier in Juneau was an otherworldly experience that thrilled every member of our family. Tom even arranged for all six of us to go in one helicopter, which is out of the ordinary. He also recommended a small zodiac tour in Ketchikan; we were divided 3 and 3, with my husband and son each driving a zodiac, following the guide. The best was when the guide waved a dead fish in the air and threw it into the water about 100 feet away where an eagle swooped right over us, picking it up. It then flew the fish back to its nest where we had just seen the fuzzy head of an eaglet. So memorable.

But the absolute best was our WOW Moment. During our three days in Vancouver, we were surprised with a private food tour of Granville Island Market. We sampled salmon with wine, cheese and specialty meats, light-as-air donuts, and much more. It truly was a moveable feast.” —Christine Stoll

Read more reviews of Alaska trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO ALASKA

Easter Island, Chile: “It began with a private guided walk through fields, caves and coastline…”

woman toasting with wine on Easter Island

Eva Strasburger enjoying her WOW Moment on Easter Island.

“I contacted Jordan to organize a surprise birthday trip for my husband to Chile with a focus on Easter Island and stopovers at a Casablanca Valley vineyard and a night in Valparaiso. The trip was hugely successful and my husband was both surprised and delighted. Highlights of the trip were meeting the people who looked after us – all very warm, friendly and knowledgeable, the unexpected surprise experiences along the way, like the graffiti lesson in Valparaiso and Wendy’s fabulous WOW Moment on our trip to Easter Island. It began with a private guided walk through fields, caves and coastline and ended with music, pisco sours, delicious bites, a presentation of a book on Rapa Nui, birthday cake and a sunset overlooking the moais and the ocean. It could not have been more perfect! Thank you for this unforgettable moment and we were wowed.” —Eva Strasburger

Read more reviews of Chile trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A TRIP TO CHILE

There was some rain but then sunshine — I was glad I went anyway even though it was November

Pastel de Nata from traveler's baking class.

These Pastel de Nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, were the delicious outcome of Susan Sullivan’s baking class.

“Goncalo and his team planned a fabulous 7-day trip to Portugal. The trip was arranged at the last minute during a busy season of travel to Portugal, but Goncalo and team pulled together a comprehensive trip. I stayed overnight in Lisbon and Porto — both hotels were excellent choices for location, comfort and service. I did two walking tours of Lisbon and both guides were knowledgeable and personable. It was a great way to discover the City. Next was an enjoyable full-day trip to the beautiful palaces of Sintra and the coast. The following day we headed to Porto and stopped for a tour of one of the oldest universities — Coimbra University and walked the town. In Porto we had an excellent guide for a walking tour of this historic town. I did have a fun, unexpected WOW Moment — a Pastel de Nata baking class! The final day was a trip to the scenic Douro Valley which included a boat trip, winery tour and an exquisite lunch with wine pairings.

Each tour guide and driver was prompt and professional. The trip ran smoothly. There was some rain but then sunshine — I was glad I went anyway even though it was November. I am always happy to use someone on The WOW list to plan my trips. These travel experts have the latest information on hotels, access to guides, advice on places to visit or avoid, restaurants, etc. It would take me hours to plan a trip that would not be up to the trip planned by a specialist. Plus — less stress!” —Susan Sullivan

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. Learn how to get your own WOW Moment. Or use our trip questionnaire (reached via the black button below) to start a WOW trip.

START A ONE-OF-A-KIND TRIP

Wendy Wants To Amp Up Your Trip!

On every third qualifying trip, Wendy will add to your itinerary a surprise WOW Moment. A WOW Moment is an exclusive insider experience that helps make a trip extraordinary. Each WOW Moment is totally different. They vary depending on a huge range of factors, including the country you’re headed to, the timing of your trip, logistics, availability, and more. You can read a sampling of the more over-the-top WOW Moments (those most conducive to editorial coverage) here. Learn which trips qualify, and how the process works, here: Wendy Wants To Amp Up Your Trip!

Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.

Real Connections with Locals: WOW Trip Reviews

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From cooking up regional recipes in a chef’s home to learning old-world crafts in an artisan’s workshop to getting invited to a traditional wedding, there are many ways to meet noteworthy local characters (as well as normal, everyday people) and gain a much deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of the places we explore. Our Trusted Travel Experts shine at making these connections that enrich travel. The reviews below illustrate just a handful of the people you can meet and friends you can make when you have a savvy travel fixer in your corner. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

Romania: truffle hunting (and dining) with a forager guide, talking with caretakers for the synagogues and other “lovely locals”

Targu Mures Jewish synagogue in Romania.

Connecting with locals includes their places of worship, including this synagogue in Targu Mures. Photo: Timothy Baker

“My husband and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Romania. We spent most of our time in Transylvania, which is both scenic and uniquely interesting. Our major reason for traveling to this part of the world was to visit the city of Cluj, where my husband’s father lived before emigrating to the U.S. in the 1930s. Our trip planners, Raluca and Malvina, did a great job of incorporating this into our itinerary and also providing experiences that gave us a deeper appreciation of the overall history of Romania and Transylvania, particularly that of the Jews. It was very moving to visit the few synagogues that have been preserved and to meet the people who take care of them.

And it was extremely interesting to tour the medieval citadels and fortified churches that dot Transylvania and to spend time in the mostly preserved traditional Saxon village of Viscri. We felt transported back in time watching the horse drawn carts, geese, goats, sheep and cows that wander through the streets of this picturesque place, and we enjoyed the simple but delicious traditional foods that are truly farm-to-table. We also loved going truffle hunting and enjoying the truffle pasta dinner prepared for us by our truffle guide, as well as our beautiful horseback ride through lovely meadows and forests. And it was great to spend time chatting with the lovely local people we met who provided insights into various aspects of life in this intriguing country.”—Linda Green

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

START A TRIP TO ROMANIA

Japan: learning to make classic fish dishes In the home of a fisherman’s wife, and exchanging life stories over the meal

“Motonosumi Inari Shrine’s 123 brilliant red torii gates to a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan.”

“I am forever grateful to Andrea for helping me with designing my dream trip to Japan. Having lived in Japan as a child and had occasion to visit the country several times since, I knew that I was asking for a lot in wanting an off-the-beaten-path itinerary. I wanted to go where few tourists go and engage in activities that would be a challenge to arrange. There are almost too many highlights of my customized trip to Japan to even list, let alone describe, but here are a handful:

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

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

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

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

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

A huge thank-you to Andrea’s team for managing to make all of this happen for me.” —Lynn Savarese

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

START A TRIP TO JAPAN

Copenhagen: watching furniture makers and artists at work, Easter dinner in a local home…

Cari Bender and her family with the dinner’s local hosts in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“We just returned from a wonderful trip to Copenhagen to visit our daughter who is studying abroad there. Mads helped us plan a lovely vacation where we got to explore all over the area. We learned about Danish food on a food tour and loved seeing the city from a private boat excursion along the canal.

Our favorite day was the Danish design day! We love Danish design, and Mads arranged for us to have a private tour of a furniture manufacturer and meet some current local artists in their own studio. It was a special and memorable day. My son and I probably took 1,000 photographs, and we all loved learning about the history of prominent furniture design. We had a terrific hotel right in Nyhavn, the famous canal with the colored buildings that was centrally located and super charming.

The other incredibly memorable adventure was Dine with Danes, where we had a truly special evening at the home of a local couple. They prepared a Danish Easter dinner for us—they must have cooked for two days! We simply adored them and we had a wonderful evening together. It was very special.” —Cari Bender

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

START A TRIP TO DENMARK

New Zealand: one-on-one time with Maori artisans…

Maori green jade Koru pendant on wood log.

Maori jade Koru pendant. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just completed an absolutely fabulous month-long trip to New Zealand. With his extensive relationships, especially with the Maori, Jean-Michel crafted a truly unique trip that we would never have been able to create on our own. Besides cruising Milford Sound, we had three major interests for our trip: interacting with Maori to learn about their culture, going to the MacKenzie-designated Dark Sky region to stargaze, and being on a glacier.

Instead of going to touristy places to see the Maori, Jean-Michel set us up with several unbelievable one-on-one days with individual Maori, including Tom Loughlin, who cooked us a fabulous traditional Hangi meal in the ground at his 5,000-acre wilderness cabin; Delani Brown, a famous master carver who creates enormous masterpieces of complexly intricate carved wood scenes of Maori culture; and Bevan Climo, a master pounamu (New Zealand greenstone or jade) carver, who took us to his tribe’s portion of the Arahura River, where I found a lovely piece of greenstone!

For our Dark Sky experience, Jean-Michel arranged for a privately guided astral viewing at the Matuka Lodge in Twizel where we were staying. The stargazing was fabulous, and to not to have to do the 3-hour roundtrip to the St. John’s Observatory was priceless.

As for the glacier, Jean-Michel again came up with an amazing intimate experience in the Whitcombe Valley, instead of the over-touristy Franz Josef Glacier. Matt, our helicopter pilot, came with over 30 years of flying experience and was even the pilot for Tom Cruise when he was filming in the region! Matt created a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with views of numerous glaciers and glacier lakes, highlighted by a landing at a glacier that we walked up to and sat on! Talk about being at the top of the world and having your dream come true!” —Mary Lou Voytko

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

START A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND

Spain: lunch in the private quarters of a castlewith the owner…

Travelers Lorin and Jeremy Seidman with their family met the WOW Lister Virginia Irurita in Madrid, Spain.

Lorin and Jeremy Seidman with their family and WOW Lister Virginia Irurita in Madrid.

“Virginia and her team planned an incredible trip to Spain for our family, with the kind of experiences that we’re quite sure no other travel agent would have had access to. Our teenage kids’ favorite part of the trip was a visit to Almodovar Castle, near Sevilla. The owner of the castle, Eva Morejon, greeted us upon our arrival, and then invited us to have lunch with her in the family’s private quarters of the castle.

We sat in Eva’s dining room enjoying the most delicious authentic Spanish cuisine, which was cooked by her family’s personal chef, while she told us the history of the castle. She then took us on a private tour of the castle, including parts that were used for the filming of Game of Thrones.” —Lorin Seidman

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

START A TRIP TO SPAIN

Norway: lunch with a Sami elder, dogsledding with an Iditarod racer…

Traveler Kathye Faries with a Sami reindeer herder, in the village of Maze, Norway.

Kathye Faries with Johan, a Sami reindeer herder, in the Norwegian village of Maze. Photo: Traveler Jim Braun

“Seeing the Aurora Borealis has been on my bucket list for ages and it was time to make it happen! With Wendy’s help we were connected with Torunn, who planned a terrific 10-day adventure for us in northern Norway in February, 2024. I worked with Karin Andresen on many of the details and Karin did a wonderful job too. My focus was seeing the lights (we saw them twice, yippee!), but the entire trip turned out to be way better than we expected due to the fun activities Torunn and Karin planned for us.

We started in Alta, well north of the Arctic Circle, and stayed at a great property outside of the town in a beautiful setting on the banks of a frozen river. We went snowshoeing (easier than I thought it would be) and ice fishing with Kelle of Glod Explorer, and his husky Bruno. Jim caught an Arctic Char so our lunch was as fresh is it could get! Sitting in a lavvu, around a fire, sipping hot chocolate and eating fresh-caught fish was a real treat. We also took a snowmobile ride at night at Bjornfjeld Mountain Lodge. We were cozy in a beautiful mountaintop glass igloo, cooked our dinner over a fire and looked for the lights. On our last day in Alta we spent several hours dog sledding in the beautiful Finnmark forest and on frozen lakes, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Our guide, Hannah, ran the Iditarod two years ago and was so expert on the trails. We loved our day with her and her dog teams.

While en route to our next destination (we saw moose, reindeer and foxes along the way), we had lunch with Johan, a Sami elder, in the village of Maze. His family has raised and herded reindeer for generations and his sons are poised to take care of the business someday. We learned so much from him about his profession, about the Sami, and got to meet some of his reindeer. Fascinating.

In Karasjok we stayed at one of the most unique, exceptional small properties we’ve ever seen. Every cabin and all of the furniture in each of the 7 cabins has been built by hand from natural materials. This place is a hidden gem, set in the forest and truly magical. On property were 45 Alaskan Huskies who were very friendly and loved “cuddles” from everyone. One of our days was spent with Magrit, a Sami woman who has spent her entire life raising and herding reindeer. We went with her by snowmobile, up high in the mountains, to see and feed some of her family’s herd. We spent time in the forest around a warm fire and she shared stories with us about her life. On our last day there, I went dog sledding with the Alaskan Huskies—it was an exciting ride where the dogs broke a new trail in deep, newly fallen snow on the frozen lake. It was a wonderful experience I will never forget.

The last few days of the trip were spent in Oslo where our expert guide took us to the Nobel Peace Prize Museum (very, very moving), and the National Museum (which houses Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”). We saw several contemporary buildings—the Library and the Opera House—watched some young men run from the sauna and jump into the 32-degree water of the harbor (yikes!); and toured the Vigeland Sculpture Park.

The Aurora was as wondrous as I expected and we were so lucky to see it. Northern Norway is a beautiful part of the world with clean water, clean air, warm and friendly people and so accessible to the outdoors. When we asked local guides (who grew up in Alta and Karasjok) if they ever wanted to move away, their answer was NO!!!! We could understand why.

The trip was so smooth due to Torunn and Karin’s expertise. Prior to and during the trip we made a few itinerary adjustments and all went perfectly. All of the guides and ground transportation services were there when and where they were supposed to be, and the outfitters and lodging choices were a great fit for us. We are so glad we saw the lights but we are also so appreciative of the adventures we experienced on this wonderful, enchanting trip.” —Kathye Faries

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Belize: “A local family served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. And Patricia met us there for lunch…”

WOW Lister Patricia Johnson joined Salena and Allen Kern for lunch one day.

“My criteria was a direct flight from Newark, warmth, a place we’d never been to with lots to do if we wished, and a Wendy Perrin advisor. It took about a minute to find Belize and Patricia. And we were off…. Patricia recommended a few places to stay, and two of the resorts (one in the jungle and the other on the beach) were owned by Francis Ford Coppola. Who knew? Not I, for sure. Well, my husband was an extra in Apocalypse Now many years ago and that was that. He was thrilled to be seeing what Coppola had created in Belize. Both resorts were beautiful but Blancaneaux Lodge was one of the nicest places I have stayed in my life.

We climbed ruins, rafted through a cave that should have been a cathedral, and visited an entrepreneurial coffee “factory” amongst other things. Most important to me, however, was that we got to know something about the current economy of this young country and much about its varied cultures. On our first full day, we were surprised by our WOW Moment. At this most beautiful site, overlooking a series of waterfalls, we were served lunch by a local family (now, Patricia did know that I am a bit of a foodie) who served us a traditional Mayan lunch, nouvelle-style. The family has a catering company called U Janal Masewal, Ancient Recipes for a Modern World. That sort of sums up my worldview too. We were happy! And Patricia met us there for lunch. Thank you, Patricia and Wendy.

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

START A TRIP TO EAST AFRICA

East Africa: hunting with bushmen, visiting a local women’s organization…

Traveler taking a selfie with with local kids during a community visit to the Mukundusi Village in Tanzania.

Traveler Jeannie Mullen snapped a selfie with local kids during a community visit to the Mukundusi Village in Tanzania.

“I just returned from a trip to East Africa planned by Cherri and her team. The lodges and their phenomenal staffs, the wildlife, the guides, the available local activities, the holiday and birthday celebrations along with numerous personal touches…I cannot say enough about the locals that I met and the recurring personal interactions I had.

Normally I schedule every day of a trip down to the minute. Since this trip was so long (and as I get older!) I left some time open in the itinerary in the event that I just needed to chill here and there. Doing so enabled me to schedule some additional, non-game-viewing activities at each location which really enriched my overall experience. Highlights included: Following bushmen on a game hunt (and taste-testing the grilled results!) in Tanzania, participating in an anti-poaching demonstration (I played the poacher and hid out in the bush) at Sirikoi in Kenya, multiple community/village visits, and a visit to an inspiring women’s organization (Ride 4 A Woman) in Uganda.

On New Year’s Eve I was at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania. At the conclusion of a tribal dance ritual at the north lodge, we all followed their torch-lit procession (singing, chanting and dancing the entire way) down to the south lodge where the Maasai then put on a spectacular dance demonstration which told the story of their customs and rituals.” —Jeannie Mullen

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

Italy: fishing and cheesemaking with locals, watching glass artisans at work…

Scenic overlook of the Tyrrhenian Sea along the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“From the moment we were picked up in Rome to the time we were dropped at the airport after 15 days in this beautiful country, we would have changed nothing! The food and wine were incredible, the hotels were spectacular and the guides and their tours were unforgettable. While the trip was overall the most memorable experience of our lifetimes, there are a few things that we cannot go without highlighting:

1. The boat ride along the Amalfi Coast was nothing short of spectacular, and our captain and first mate made it truly enjoyable. Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea is something we will never forget;

2. The cooking class and lunch with Mrs. Luciana and Maria Cristina were so incredibly enjoyable and delicious that we wished we could have stayed forever;

3. Watching Benedetto create his masterpiece of mozzarella and burrata cheese and tasting the delicious virgin olive oils, followed by the private tour of his amazing lemon orchard, was an unforgettable experience.

4. Our visit to Murano and the Vetreria Estevan Rossetto glass factory was inspirational. To see the centuries-old workmanship of glass making and learning the history of this profession was incredible. We actually purchased artworks made by two of the most prominent glass artisans known to Italy, Walter Furan and Amedeo Rossetto. Our guides, Daria and Piero, were so knowledgeable and spent hours teaching us about glass making and the history behind it. Piero is the grandson of Walter Furan, and being able to purchase one of his grandfather’s pieces was truly special.

5. And finally, only to keep this review from being too lengthy, trout fishing with Luca. While I did not catch a monster, the beautiful little brown trout I did catch brought a smile to my face, and the lunch we shared and our time together was terrific.

We would like to thank Wendy, Maria Gabriella, Maria Cristina, our fabulous guides, our amazing drivers, and all of the employees and staff at the hotels in which we stayed for their incredible hospitality. We cannot wait for our next WOW experience.” —Lizzy and Jay Bryan

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START A TRIP TO OMAN AND JORDAN

Oman and Jordan: “It is always good to learn more, have more awareness and to become better global citizens…”

Amy Avers and her husband having coffee and dates with Omani locals.

Amy Evers and her husband talking world politics with Omani locals over coffee and dates.

“Our trip to Oman and Jordan October 14th- Nov. 1st, 2023, was extraordinary! Even with the slight unease regarding the war, while in Oman and Jordan, all was well and safe. There did seem to be some extra military presence in Amman but that didn’t interfere with our trip. We are very happy we did not cancel!

Out trip planner, Daniel, did a wonderful job talking through everything with us ahead of time. He was honest about his thoughts about things that are worth it and that aren’t. Some of the highlights of our trip were:

Oman: Eating and drinking dates and Omani coffee with locals, dinner with a local family in Muscat, learning about the culture, talking with a local at the Grand Mosque to learn more about Islam, swimming and exploring Wadi Shaab and Wadi Bani Khalid, dune bashing in Wahiba Sands, the via ferrata course in Jebel Akhdar, biking down the mountains in Jabel Shams, the random barber shop experience for my husband to get his beard trimmed (hilarious and wonderful cultural experience), and the balcony hike in Jebel Shams.

Jordan: Petra during the day/night and the back door hike in, SCUBA diving the wreck in the Red Sea (not organized by Dan), ‘soft’ canyoning in Wadi Al Mujib, floating in the Dead Sea (so unique and funny!), and discussions about current issues with our guide.

I feel very lucky to have experienced this trip, especially in today’s political climate. It is always good to learn more, have more awareness and to become better global citizens. Thank you!” —Amy Evers

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

Morocco: learning history and culture from scholars and artisans…

Our traveler's guide outside his family home in Tangier's Medina, Morocco.

Milinda Martin’s guide AbdulRahman outside his family home in Tangier’s Medina. Photo: Traveler Milinda Martin

“It had been 20 years since I had visited Morocco, and I have to say, the country is going through such a positive time. People are happy there! The government is building tons of affordable housing, redoing the waterfront areas, and spiffing up all the cities. It’s a good time to visit.

Thanks to Radia and her team, I was able to indulge my desire to learn more about the history of this country, especially the Berber culture, the invasion of the Arabs, and the long history of the Moors and Jews. Radia did not disappoint; all of my guides were experts and very willing to discuss the benefits and challenges of being such a rich land where everyone wants to be. My guide in Tangier, AbdulRahman, was OUTSTANDING. He was born in the Medina and his family still lived there, and he was able to share stories of how Tangier has changed over the centuries with all the invaders. He shared the local delicacies — mint tea and amazing cookies — with me, and we truly felt like friends by the time I moved on to Chefchaouen.

With Radia’s guidance, I visited Casablanca, and the amazing Hassan II mosque, with a Muslim scholar who could really immerse me in the religion, far beyond the 5 pillars. The trip ended in Marrakesh, where I had the most unique experience of learning how to make mosaics. This wasn’t a “tourist activity”; this was a visit to a gentleman’s workshop where we cut the tiles, arranged the mosaics and eventually plastered the mosaics into place. Radia provided a translator because the artist — having mastered this trade 40 years ago — did not speak English.

And I have to give a strong shout-out to my driver, Rachid. Throughout my tour, he was always on time, always kind, always conversational, and a great driver to boot. This is what I like about planning with Wendy Perrin: meeting the people and seeing life like a local. We visited the communal bakery and the hammam, two vital components of life for every Moroccan. I was able to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, obtain early entry to the Majorelle Gardens, and have someone guide me through the mazes of the Medinas. The riad in Marrakesh was truly divine! Unlike other tours that whisk you here and there, in international hotels, where you never meet a local, Radia and her team ensured that I felt like a Moroccan from the very start.” —Milinda Martin

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START A TRIP TO MOROCCO

Norway: meeting a local fisherman, reindeer herder, and even an acclaimed actress

Jeannie Mullen suited up to fish for king crab and halibut with boat captain Albert.

“Just returned from a solo trip to Norway September 11-20, 2023. After my pet sitter bailed on me at the last minute, I reached out to Jan to see what he could do to adjust the 3-week driving itinerary through Norway that he and I had just finalized. Jan was very flexible, gave me several options to choose from and before long we had whittled a 21-day trip down to 10, maintaining the main focus of trip…seeing the northern lights.

I started out at Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge in Alta, above the Arctic Circle in the northern fjords. By day I was entertained with king-crab fishing in Storekorsnes, lunch with and storytelling by a local reindeer herder, a visit to the nearby UNESCO site featuring northern Europe’s largest concentration of petroglyphs (rock art) made by hunter-gathers dating back 2000-7000 years, and a boat ride on the Alta River with Tor, one of the lodge owners. Each night after dinner I was driven to different locations to search for the lights…. It was such a great experience. I had been coached beforehand that not everyone gets to see the lights every night and sometimes not at all over a period of several nights. Fortunately I saw them each of the four nights that I was there and got some great photos. On my last night in Alta I came back early enough to see the lights with a cup of hot chocolate from the warmth of my bed. It was an experience that I will never forget.

I had shared with Jan that I had a very broad range of interests coming into this trip, so the tenor and tempo changed quickly when I arrived back in Oslo. At my request, it was all about art, architecture, history and culture. In a very fun surprise, I was treated to a WOW Moment as I walked out of the elevator my first morning there. Jan knew from our trip-planning discussions that I am involved with a professional theatre company in my hometown and had made arrangements for his sister-in-law, Ingjerd Egeberg, a Norwegian actress (and national treasure), to spend an hour with me prior to the start of my planned day. Over coffee we had a lovely discussion about the theatre and then walked across the street together to the National Theatre for a backstage tour. It was truly delightful! Thank you again, Jan and Wendy! And THEN the day started.… The museums, art, architecture and parks in Oslo were beautiful…the Munch (The Scream) Museum, City Hall, the Opera House, the Deichman Bjorvika (the world’s best new public library), the Nobel Peace Center, the Harbour Promenade in Oslo Fjord, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and the Vigeland Sculpture Park. The next day was spent away from the city at the Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker, one of the most important outdoor sculpture parks for contemporary art.

And then it was time to head home. I cannot say enough about Wendy’s suggestion to use Jan.… His detailed planning, choice of hotels, guides, drivers, and restaurant suggestions were all spot-on. I enjoyed myself so much on this trip that I had Jan plan a 10-day itinerary to Denmark for the fast-approaching Thanksgiving holidays. And next summer I’ll work in the driving portion of the Norway trip that I missed out on this year.” —Jeannie Mullen

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

START A TRIP TO POLAND AND AUSTRIA

Poland & Austria: master classes in amber jewelry, pierogis, Christmas ornaments…

Beautiful Krakow market square, Poland, Europe.

Krakow market square in Poland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Gwen knows we have traveled the world on all seven continents. Many of our trips (at least eighteen) have been curated by Wendy’s trip specialists. Gwen knows we increasingly value experiences over mere sightseeing. This itinerary included many hands-on and personal experiences. In Gdansk, we visited an amber workshop and created our own amber jewelry using the workshop’s professional tools overseen by a friendly jeweler. We took home the two amber pendants we made.

In Warsaw, Gwen had another wonderful special experience for us: a visit with an artisanal nalewka (pronounced na lef ka) producer. This cordial is made in many homes. But this producer elevates the quality to the nth degree. Made of macerated fruits (or flowers or pine shoots or even milk), water, alcohol and sugar, the mixture sits in huge glass jars in his backyard for at least ten months, then matures in huge plastic barrels for at least three years before bottling. While visiting with this fascinating man, we tasted twelve of his varieties. We brought home two bottles and wish we’d brought a lot more.

In Krakow, we had a great lesson on how to make one of Poland’s national foods, pierogis (filled dumplings.) The private class was in the home of the woman who runs the annual Krakow Pierogi Festival. We had such a good time with her that we stayed far beyond our scheduled time.

Also in Krakow, we visited a small workshop that makes hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments. My husband and I each painted our own ornaments with direction from the chief painter. We ended up bringing a dozen or so ornaments home. In Vienna, we had a great food safari that took us off the tourist circuit and introduced us to stores and producers of traditional Viennese foods.” —Jan Heininger

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

Italy: Palio horse race with local family, outing with a truffle hunter and lunch at his farmhouse…

Palio horse race in Italy. Photo: Traveler Jessica Tolmach

“Four special highlights that Maria secured for our group during our Tuscany stay: A spectacularly situated apartment in Siena overlooking the town square for perfect viewing of the wild, medieval, spectacular Palio horse race and dinner with the family who graciously opened their home, shared wine, food and stories of the history of the races over the centuries.

Another highlight was an outing with a truffle hunter and his dog into the hills and woods where the dog found truffles and after we were hosted at their farmhouse overlooking the valley while they served us a multi-course lunch of truffle-focused dishes that were scrumptious, along with their own wines. We also adored a private tour and lunch prepared for us at a little-known but spectacular vineyard in Chianti, with tastings paired with each course.

And, last but not least, we will all remember forever our lunch at an agriturismo farm with a most generous host and chef that happily went on for hours, on a glorious afternoon, on their patio on the edge of their fields, where we were served mind-blowing grilled meats and the best lasagna and tiramisu any of us has ever tasted. My boys wanted to stay and work on the farm and never come home! And I got his grandmother’s recipes!” —Jessica Tolmach

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START A TRIP TO CENTRAL EUROPE

Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland: cooking lesson in the chef’s home, charming family-run inn…

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

“Lisa and I have had a lot of wonderful adventures in our more than 50 years together, but for our 50th wedding anniversary trip to Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Switzerland, the extraordinary planning of Claudia and Luisa took our travel experience to a whole new level. It’s true that Europe was already getting overrun with tourists during our six-week trip, but we rarely felt it because time after time Claudia and Luisa arranged guides and outings that took us away from the crowds and to hidden corners we never would have found on our own.

There are too many highlights to include all of them, but some of our most memorable moments were a gastronomic walking tour of Bologna with Giacomo, a guided E-bike ride along the Appian Way in Rome with Gioia, who spontaneously added in a visit to the multi-layered Church of San Clemente when we expressed interest in it, a guided cable car ride and walk to the top of Anacapri with Melania, and two hikes in the Dolomites with Paola, who revised her plans to reflect our own capacities for strenuous walking (there’s a theme here: nearly all our best guides were women). And that’s just Italy.

In Croatia and Slovenia, we enjoyed a guided walk up Mt. Srd above Dubrovnik, where two women from Piknik Dubrovnik had set up an extraordinary sunset picnic dinner just for us, two guided trips (one by E-bike, the other walking) in the backcountry of the islands of Korcula and Hvar that both included amazing private lunches far from the madding crowds, and an extraordinary tour by the charismatic Mario Bartulovic of his family’s winery and steep-sided vineyard on one of our only rainy days. We nearly cancelled but are so thankful that we didn’t. We also had a food shopping and cooking session with the charming Tatjana Ciciliani at her home in Trojir, near Split.

And the discovery of the trip, for us, was Slovenia, where we dined at the famous Hisa Franko (a 3 1/2-hour, 18-course tasting menu from chef Ana Ros), with a stay at tiny Chalets Nebesa, which is not to be missed if you are anywhere in the area. Four-room Nebesa (reserve far in advance!) is owned and run by Ana’s charming mother, father, sister and brother-in-law, and enjoys an extraordinary view in the Julian Alps over Kobarid, where there are still trenches from the devastating fighting along a front of World War I.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that, with only one or two exceptions, every guide was sensational, just about every accommodation was terrific, and nearly all the reserved dinners were a delight. And that’s not to mention our WOW Moment from Wendy of a lunch and wine tasting at the extraordinary BIBICh Winery, on a day when we traveled from Split to Zadar, right after visiting Krka National Park.

Luisa and Claudia took my idea of following in some of the footsteps of our original honeymoon trip to Europe (10 months on $6,000 in 1973-74 to Italy, Yugoslavia, Austria, Greece, Switzerland and France) and built it into an equally memorable highlight in our lives together. We spent our actual anniversary at a pension in the car-free Fex Valley in the Engadin that was one of the top places we stayed on our honeymoon. Our trip lived up to everything I had been dreaming about since we first thought of the idea more than two years in advance.” —Tom Redburn

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Norway: learning from locals about fishing, reindeer hunting, village life…

Beautiful Nature Norway natural landscape aerial photography. lovatnet lake.

Lovatnet Lake, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

“Torunn quickly grasped our interests, desires, travel style, and preferences. She promised to connect us to ‘the real Norway.’ This came to mean experiencing the spectacular environment, meeting people of all kinds, and learning about the Norwegian way of life.

The people Torunn arranged for us to meet at various venues are special and memorable. They were warm, welcoming, informative, and above all, interesting. Among them is Sven, the entrepreneurial owner of Knutholmen in Kalvag, who works harder to please his clients than anyone we have met. He became an instant friend.

Fjord skipper Roy taught us about commercial fishing and graciously shared much of his life story, helping us learn what growing up in remote Norway is all about. Driver Per delighted in taking us to see a replica Viking ship. Dinner with Edith and Jon at their hilltop ‘summer pasture’ cabin near Oye was a memorable experience filled with stories about Jon’s longtime mink business and special Norwegian delicacies to try, topped off with Edith’s handmade chocolates.

Fjord skipper Daniel took us to his family guest house at Trandal, where we were thrilled by the famous swing and braved deer-burgers and brown cheese ice cream, both delicious. Guide Britt, also an osteopath, was unusually informative and interesting. She took us on a delightful hike, showed us around the Tafjord village where she grew up, described her annual reindeer hunt, and escorted us to a friend’s guest house for a delicious lunch of deer lasagna.

Our hotels were superb and often historical. Without exception, they were situated in gorgeous surroundings and well managed with great service. Remarkable hotel staffers came from all over Norway and beyond. Each hotel was unique and memorable but our favorites were Knutholmen in Kalvag, Hotel Union Oye, and the amazing Storfjord Hotel. As is evident, Torunn did indeed connect us to ‘the real Norway.’ We will long remember this spectacular trip and the special people we met.”—Bill and Lynn Martin

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Northern Ireland & Ireland: making soda bread, helping shear sheep, a lesson in hurling…

Sheep in a green field in Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“It was Jonathan’s strong suggestion that we include Northern Ireland in our itinerary instead of just Ireland, and we are glad that we did. Our experience in Northern Ireland was the soul of our trip, and we could never have understood the country without that experience and the help of our guide for three days while there, Mark Murphy. His authenticity was palpable, in addition to being a consummate professional.

For example, he not only took us through a small Catholic village to watch children learning the Irish sport of hurling on a field surrounded by Irish national flags, but then took out his equipment so we could all give the game a try on an adjacent field. Every experience with Mark was like that, including his lessons on tasting Irish Whiskey at Bushmills and getting me the opportunity to hold the great Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s PGA championship trophy at his home golf club in Belfast!

We also spent a morning at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, making (and eating) delicious soda bread, along with other delectables. Like all the folks we encountered, Tracey was an absolute delight, and we loved getting to go out to the countryside and spend some quality time with people who were so happy to share their lives with us.

We then went on to spend three days in Dublin, staying at a classic property called The Shelbourne. This gorgeous masterpiece offered impeccable service and a perfect location. One of the benefits of working through Jonathan are some small perks offered to you at each of the hotels, and we enjoyed oysters and Guinness in the beautiful lobby bar at the Shelbourne one early evening before heading to dinner.

Galway was our next stop, and we used that as the base for our exploration of the Connemara National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Another absolute highlight of the trip is the Killary Sheep Farm. It’s on an absolutely beautiful fjord, and it’s fascinating to watch the sheepdogs in action and to participate in shearing the wool off the sheep. Tom, a third-generation proprietor, is eager to share his place, and it helps keep the lights on for these family businesses.

Our last stop was Dromoland Castle. At this point we had been on the move constantly for 10 days, and I think it was brilliant planning to let us decompress at this gorgeous castle for a few days before returning home.” —Michael Kelberman

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

Malta and Sardinia: a sixth-generation gilder, a food-market expert, a real Knight of Malta…

The famous arch of Blue Grotto in Malta.

Picnics on isolated cliffs are a Malta highlight, but so are the many people you can meet elsewhere on the Mediterranean island. Photo: Shutterstock

“The nine-day itinerary Jason created for us to Malta and Sardinia in March was crammed with memorable experiences: entrance to the 4000 B.C. Hypogeum underground burial complex (tickets difficult to come by); a fascinating visit with a sixth-generation gilder; the tastiest private tour of a food market I’ve ever been on; a walk in the Sardinian countryside to see the island’s wild four-foot-tall horses; and—my favorite—a fabulous multi-course lunch set up just for us on an isolated cliff in Gozo above the crashing waves.

Jason’s ground teams were as interesting as the sights and scenery—our Malta guide, Martin, is a practicing Knight of Malta whose title goes back generations, as well as a professional photographer and former coach of Australia’s Olympic bobsled team (go figure); our driver there, Mario, is a former comptroller and auditor in addition to being an all-around great guy; guide Paola got her start translating for Tony Ryan when he was setting up his Ryanair empire in Sardinia; Marcello, our driver in Sardinia, had recently returned from the Polish border as a volunteer transporting Ukrainian orphans by bus to safety.

And if you ever want to feel like Bill Gates, now is your moment: Thanks to the VIP service Jason arranges at the airport, you wait in a private lounge before being escorted past the frenzied crowds to a town car on the tarmac that drives you to your plane, all before boarding officially begins.” —Priscilla Eakeley

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Oman: Bedouin women, pottery artisans, wedding prep with an Omani bride, meals in new friends’ homes…

Dhow boat Cruise in Arabian Peninsula, boat on blue water with desert mountains in background

A dhow cruise off the coast of Oman. Photo: Shutterstock

“My friend and I are active 60-plus-year-old women who enjoy traveling and immersing ourselves into the countries that we visit. We don’t want to just see a UNESCO World Heritage Site but want to meet the locals and see how they live—which is what we get when we use Wendy’s WOW List travel specialists.

We flew to Muscat and traveled around Oman for about two weeks. Dan listened to what we wanted to see and experience, and he or his office was with us via email, phone, and/or text every day of our visit. Our guide, Fahad, heard I was a potter and took us to a pottery factory. He took us to his brother’s home for a typical Omani lunch and to see how they live. At this house we met his newborn niece and received the traditional gift of Frankincense. Fahad also took us to his friend’s home who was getting married that evening. We spent a few hours with the women in their traditional garb and experienced their welcome foods… dates, coffee, apples, oranges, chickpeas and other delicacies.

We also went to a local family’s home for another typical Omani meal on the floor and got to speak with their children. The father worked in the Ministry and the wife worked in the travel business setting up trips for Omanis. Quite stimulating conversations!

We visited souqs, fish markets, experienced the dhow-making process, lunched at the Chedi Hotel (a must!), visited mosques, learned about the Frankincense tree, swam in Hawiyat Najm Sink Hole (a must!), drove through wadis, learned about the date trees, photographed wild donkeys, had our feet ‘cleaned’ in the Sink Hole by the little fish, rode camels in the desert, met and dressed like Bedouin women, dune bashed in Wahiba Sands, experienced a sand storm, saw how Kumas are made, played soccer with an eight-year-old, saw goats climb trees, enjoyed a warm herbal compress massage at the Alila Jabal Akhdar (our favorite hotel!), had an impromptu donkey ride, went grocery shopping at the Hypermarket, and snorkeled with sea turtles in the Daymaniyat Islands (a must!).

We felt so welcomed in Oman and felt that the Omani people were kind, interesting and curious about us. It was another WONDERFUL adventure using Wendy’s travel specialists!” —Maureen Ferrari

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START A TRIP TO OMAN

Colombia: a gallery opening with eminent artists, a private cooking class, a salsa dancing lesson…

View of Journalist's Park with Monserrate and the Candelaria district of Bogota, Colombia

Bogota, Colombia, is an easy nonstop flight from New York City. Photo: Shutterstock

“Contrary to what people may think based on past history, Colombia was very safe. Our trip started in Bogota with an easy direct day flight from New York. Three nights there allowed us to explore the city, its food, and the amazing gold museum. Boris arranged a private art tour which included access to a private opening of the works of the famous Colombian artist Jim Amaral, where we met him and his more famous wife Olga de Amaral. For a change in pace, we then spent a night in Villa de Leyva, a national heritage site with a stop in Zipaquira to see the spectacular underground salt cathedral.

Next stop was Medellin, with visits to Comuna 13, with an understanding of conflict and cacao, and a visit to a large orchid collection. Four nights in the coffee country, staying in a wonderful hacienda, allowed us to explore that area, including a rafting trip, a visit to a coffee plantation, and a day out with an excellent birding guide. The final stop was Cartagena, where we stayed in the Casa San Augustin in the middle of the old city; great for walking around the old areas with activities such as a rum and chocolate tasting, a private cooking class in one of the best restaurants, and a salsa dancing lesson. An easy 5-hour direct day flight took us back to New York. Colombia is a country well worth a visit—even though it does not seem to be on the radar screens of many of our acquaintances—and Boris and his team are a great asset for organizing a diverse and interesting trip.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

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START A TRIP TO COLOMBIA

Southeast Asia: being blessed by the family elders in a local home, a sunrise breakfast with saffron-robed monks…

Ancient statues outside South Gate of Angkor Thom at sunset in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sunset at Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from a fabulous three-week-plus trip to Thailand, Laos, Viet Nam, and Cambodia, organized for us by Sandy. While we have traveled a great deal, this trip was among the best, if not THE best, trip we’ve taken. The diversity and specialness of our experiences made it stand out.

Like Napoleon’s army, we travel on our stomachs, and the food we had on this trip was extraordinary. One evening in Laos we went to the home of our guide, who Sandy has worked closely with for years. We helped prepare dinner, were blessed by the family elders in a Baci ceremony for success on our journey, ate the delicious food we had helped cook, and danced and sang with the family. Another night in Cambodia, we ate at a local village restaurant. With travel to Cambodia down due to the pandemic, it’s a great time to visit, and we were the only people at the restaurant. After a foot massage and passion fruit mojito, we were escorted to our table overlooking vibrant green rice fields while being serenaded by lovely music. In Hanoi, we went to Bun Cha Sinh Tu and had the famous soup it’s known for. It was table-pounding good. And our Vespa food tour of Saigon, which Sandy had strongly suggested, was both delicious and terrifying. Driving a motorbike in Saigon should be an Olympic sport, and we just rode!

Our excellent guides in Laos and Viet Nam shared with us the experiences of their families during the War and recounted working with American veterans who returned years later, as well as a reporter who had covered it. These personal and moving stories touched us and helped us better understand the profound effect of the War on the people who lived through it.

In Cambodia, we went to a Buddhist temple at 5:30 in the morning and meditated. Afterward we were showered with lotus petals as part of a blessing ceremony and had breakfast at the monastery as the sun rose. Early one morning in Laos, we gave sticky rice to saffron-robed monks who extended their begging bowls to us. Through this daily ritual, the monks demonstrate their vows of poverty and humility. Our guide took us to a quiet place where her family normally gives alms, avoiding other tourists.

It’s hard to encapsulate all we saw and did because there was so much: seeing the temples of Angkor, kayaking in Halong Bay, boating on the Saigon River, biking through Hoi An. Part of what made this trip so good was the flexibility we had in determining what we would do and not do each day. We had great guidance and suggestions from Sandy, but he emphasized this was our trip. Thoughtful planning and flexibility helped make this the trip of a lifetime.” —Catherine Mathis

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

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Bali: visiting farmers, playing instruments with village musicians…

“Having never been to Indonesia before, we told Diane the types of activities we enjoyed and she devised a custom itinerary that suited us perfectly. We spent an exciting day rafting down the Ayung river in Ubud and enjoyed a scenic guided hike to two beautiful waterfalls in the northern part of the island.

We also enjoyed a visit to a Balinese farming village where we got to sample Balinese cuisine and meet the lovely Balinese people who call this area their home. A highlight we’ll always remember is the live Balinese music and dancing which were performed for our enjoyment. We were shy, to be honest, at first. But by the end of the performance we actually got up there and played the drums and cymbals! These are the types of experiences that make travel so worthwhile. We’ll never forget it—and we have Diane to thank for that!” —Joe McBrine

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

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Belize: meeting fishermen, organic farmers, Mayan artisans at a women’s cooperative…

a fishing guide in Belize poles the boat into position to intercept a school of fish that would have been scared off by the engine.

A fisherman in Belize. Photo: Timothy Baker

“Rachael and Patricia curated a wonderful 17 days for us in Belize. The accommodations were first-rate, beautiful, and serene. At The Lodge at Chaa Creek, no matter where we stood, the view was picture-perfect. Further, at each of the five places we stayed, the service matched the setting. We were treated very well. Trip highlights were the ancient Mayan sites of Tikal and Xunantunich, Che Chem Ha Cave, a visit to the San Antonio Women’s Group Center, and a back street food tour in San Pedro.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we were able to meet, spend time with, and learn from many wonderful people. Gonzo, Andrea, and Calliandra of Che Chem Ha were enchanting. Timotea and the other members of the San Antonio Women’s Group Center were gracious, committed, and knowledgeable. Eder and his father, El Fego, at Xunantunich made us feel welcome and taught us much. Don Eladio took us for an educational and entertaining romp through his organic farm, Victoria taught us much as she prepared our lunch, and her children Christian and Tristan made us part of the family for the day. Axel, Vickie, and Isien of Manta Island Resort were so good to us that, even in the age of Covid, hugs were essential.

And then there were the two anonymous guests (fishermen, we surmised) who ate dinner at the table next to ours two nights in a row at the Copal Tree Lodge. Their almost childlike joy (even choosing the entrée for dinner was an adventure to be savored) underlined for us how fortunate we were to be there at that moment. Rachael and Patricia provided us with many such moments, and for that we are very grateful.” —Richard Ashmore

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

START A TRIP TO NOVA SCOTIA & NEWFOUNDLAND

Canada: townspeople at a fair, musicians and storytellers, a screech-in at a local pub…

Newfoundlanders welcome travelers into their homes (and lighthouses). Photo: Maxxim Vacations

“Jill organized an eight-day trip for four couples, best friends for the last 30 years. It was a trip full of great adventure, hiking, fishing, good food, and fantastic people. In Cape Breton our local guide caught our vibe from the minute she met us and took us to her own town’s annual fair. She introduced us to some of the families there, and we instantly felt the warmth and kindness—we didn’t want to leave!

In Newfoundland, we stayed in Woody Point in Gros Morne National Park. The townspeople were, again, warm and welcoming (a common characteristic in this part of Canada). The local pub, The Merchant Warehouse, had great food, and the owner’s daughter plays her guitar and sings up a storm (don’t miss it). We had our screech-in there as well with the incomparable Aunt Sophie!!! The hikes were unrivalled; accurately marked and well-kept, the unique landscapes and terrain were breathtaking. We will be back to conquer Gros Morne itself!

Finally, we ended our vacation in Corner Brook at the beautiful Hew & Draw Hotel. The highlight here was our time with Darren, who took us out in his dory to his cabin on the water for a dinner of mussels and cod, with an evening tour of the surrounding region by boat. His mom had even baked us an apple pie! The stories he told us of his family and the region were again just part of the local hospitality. We have traveled to many places in the world, and the Canadian Maritimes is indeed a treasure.” —Barbara Palter

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

Mexico City: an expert-led taco tour, meals with private chefs, off-the-beaten-path shopping…

An expert-led taco tour is a must-do in Mexico City. Photo: Shutterstock

“We wanted to explore neighborhoods and culture and avoid crowded museums and other tourist sites. Zach and his team delivered right on point. We were able to visit the historic downtown, stroll through neighborhoods like Roma, Condessa and Polanca in the heart of Mexico City, and visit the district of Coyoacan with the charming Colonia del Carmen neighborhood and village center with our guide Amalia.

If you are a foodie, you will love your options: We had a wonderful taco tour with Frederico and two wonderful meals with private chefs Alfredo and Graciela. Everything was absolutely delicious. Another highlight was a shopping afternoon with Cristina, who took us to wonderful off-the-beaten-path shops where we were able to purchase items we will cherish forever and a beautiful selection of clothing for my wife. We had a wonderful time and will definitely use Zach next time we go to Mexico.” —Susan and Blake Hancock

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

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Ireland: teen boys meeting local teens for outdoor fun and games

Killarney National Park with a scenic tour from Killarney Jaunting Cars.

A jaunting cart ride in Killarney National Park, Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“My friend and I took our four teenage sons on a March spring break trip to Ireland arranged by Jonathan. It was a mix of sightseeing, adventure, and downtime that was perfect for all of us. I can’t speak highly enough about our time with our private driver-guide, Frank. Frank got to know the boys and their interests and went out of his way to add to the itinerary with activities such as Gaelic Games and time with a local club soccer team. Our boys loved getting to spend time with other teens from Ireland.

Some favorite activities were our boat ride in Killarney National Park followed by a seven-mile jaunting cart ride. The Galway food walking tour was a hit for all. While the rest of our group did Gaelic Games, I did a walking tour of Dublin and had a wonderful time learning about Dublin past and present.

This is my second trip that I have done going through your WOW List. Your trip planners make vacations memorable and special. I will never plan a trip without going through Wendy Perrin—and I freely share this advice with others.” —Jennifer Brown

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

Romantic Travel Ideas for an Anniversary Trip, or Any Trip

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Considering what we’ve all been through in the past few years, it feels more important than ever to celebrate joyous milestones. So we’ve collected these unforgettable wedding-anniversary trips enjoyed by your fellow travelers. They all used The WOW List to find the right trip planner who could deliver the maximized experience and VIP treatment that people who are celebrating a special anniversary deserve. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

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47th anniversary in southern Spain and the island of Mallorca: “Our room had the most extraordinary view of the sea…”

View to the sea from Jumeirah Mallorca hotel in Mallorca, Spain.

The panoramic view from the Jumeirah Mallorca in Port de Soller, Mallorca. Photo: Ivan Ricoy

“As a concert pianist, I had always wanted to visit the village of Valdemossa and see the monastery where the composer Frédéric Chopin spent a winter and composed several important piano works. In celebration of my milestone birthday and our 47th wedding anniversary, we decided that this was the moment.

We told Iván that we were not going to Mallorca for the beach and wanted to avoid crowds and mass tourism. We also knew that we would arrive exhausted and wanted a place where we could relax and be pampered at the start of our trip. Iván found us a magnificent hotel that met all of our needs and more. Our room had the most extraordinary view of the sea.

Iván planned a Mallorca itinerary that focused on the history and culture of the island, and six days in Catalonia, first in the beautiful seaside village of Cadaqués, and then the Penedès cava region. In the popular Penedès region, he managed to secure excellent hotel accommodations, drivers and guides—not an easy feat for a very busy holiday weekend at peak harvest time. He informed the hotels of our celebration, and on Mallorca we were greeted at our dinner table with beautiful flowers and a bottle of cava. Our trip went beyond all expectations because of Iván’s care and expert planning.” —Mina Miller Sabritt

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

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25th anniversary in Malta: “A great, relaxing way to experience the Mediterranean…”

Mdina, the old capital of Malta surrounded by nature.

Traveler Tracy Reller called Malta “easy, seamless, and carefree” for their 25th anniversary. Photo: Exclusively Malta

“In one word, our 8-day Malta trip in July was awesome! Our schedule included a lot of activities, but they didn’t feel rushed and were all so interesting. Having drivers show up everywhere felt so indulgent but made things easy, seamless, and carefree—perfect for our 25th anniversary!

Our guide, Matthew, was incredible—so knowledgeable, gracious in answering our many questions, and kind in making any changes on the fly. He’s exactly why I like to use Wendy’s travel experts! We learn so much about the country, its people, history, customs, food from locals that we would never get on our own.

Some of our favorite excursions included exploring Valletta, the private Grand Master’s Palace visit, the Ta Betta wine tasting (wish we could get the wine in the U.S.), exploring Mdina including private palazzo visit, meeting a pastizzi maker in his home, sunset dinner with Charlie (very interesting guy who showed my gardener husband how to graft and propagate trees/bushes), and meeting a pipe organ restorer. Most surprising excursion was ancient Malta—visiting the Hypogeum and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. They were fascinating to see and to think about ancient people building them 1,000 years before the pyramids of Giza!

Do not miss Gozo island when in Malta—it’s quieter, less crowded and fun to explore. Traveling there by sailboat was also a great, relaxing way to experience the Mediterranean and see the islands from a different viewpoint.” —Tracy Reller

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

Italy for 50th anniversary: “treated like royalty” for 10 days

Colorful harbor at Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“As we sit alone on chaise lounges after swimming at the indoor pool at our final hotel (we already lounged at their private beach in total solitude), we are looking out at a cloudless sky and the beautiful blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We have been treated like royalty for 10 days, with wonderful drivers and incredible guides giving us the experience of a lifetime. Although we still enjoy planning our trips sometimes, there is something to be said for having everything done for you by a first-class tour agency. Spoiled? Just a bit!

After speaking with Andrea via Zoom, she planned a wonderful 10 days to Florence, Tuscany and the Cinque Terre for our celebration. She recommended hotels, tours, and restaurants for us to decide upon, as well as guides and drivers to take us around. We wouldn’t change a thing and only wish we had extended the trip a little longer! We loved all the hotels, which were in perfect locations, had wonderful breakfasts, and were planned in the perfect order of the trip. Finding Andrea through The WOW List was easy, and we would absolutely do it again in the future. Thank you for our trip of a lifetime!” —Robin and Warren Levy

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

40th anniversary trip to the Maldives: “Emma arranged for a special anniversary dinner on the beach, with a view of the stunning sunset…”

Barbara Mace and husband Joe at their anniversary dinner on the beach at the Vakkaru Maldives resort during sunset.

Barbara Mace and husband Joe sit down for an anniversary dinner on the beach at the Vakkaru Maldives resort.

“We worked with Justin to plan the trip, and he did a fantastic job. We traveled to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and then took a seaplane to Vakkaru Island and the Vakkaru Maldives resort. While waiting for the seaplane, Vakkaru had a private lounge for its guests. The seaplane was a great experience, taking off from and landing in the water, and we had beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.

At the Vakkaru International Airport (a pier off the island), we were greeted by many, including Emma, our butler, and Patrick Duff, the resort manager. Emma was the Best Butler Ever! Emma greeted us by name, and then took us on a quick tour of the island. Our overwater bungalow was beautiful. In addition to the indoor living room, bedroom, dressing area, and luxurious bath, we had an outdoor living room, outdoor dining room, lounge chairs, and a full-size pool with ocean views. We were also given a bottle of champagne in the room.

Vakkaru is in the Baa Atoll, which has blue holes. These suddenly deeper bodies of water, denoted by the sudden deep blue color, have more and varied aquatic life. There were several blue holes right off the island—so beautiful.

The resort has complimentary bikes for our use; we biked to breakfast every morning! We enjoyed lounging by and luxuriating in our residence pool immensely. Our room had steps to the ocean, which we used for snorkeling.

Emma arranged for a special anniversary dinner at Vakku (the resort’s signature restaurant) on the beach, with a view of the stunning sunset. Emma and Chili (housekeeping) decorated our bed and drew a bath for us in the huge tub that evening. Emma also wished us a happy anniversary in sand art outside our door. There were so many special touches for our stay as well as for our anniversary—we are grateful for the personal service!” —Barbara Mace

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

START A TRIP TO MALDIVES

15th Anniversary trip to Paris: “Only Philip’s office could arrange an over-the-top private river cruise on a Venetian river craft…”

The Eiffel Tower with the river Seine in the front.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“Philip and his team did an outstanding job in planning, delivering and communicating our dream 15th Wedding Anniversary trip. In our initial interview with Philip, he listened to our interests in art, architecture, history, food and wine. From that point, he and his team began to develop an itinerary for us that was everything we dreamed of and more.

We started our 16-day adventure, beginning with Provence, then Lyon, and ending in Paris. In Provence, our personal guide, Cedric, drove us through beautiful countrysides loaded with red poppies, Market Day, beautiful historic hillsides villages and led us through the worlds of Impressionist artists, like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Dora Mar, and a modern art sculptural collection in a vineyard. We visited the best wineries in the region of Chateauneuf du Pape, walked inside the UNESCO Roman aqueduct of Le Pont du Gard, toured small historic villages learning about the impact and historic value.

In Lyon, we were met by Sebastian, our private tour guide for the next two days. We learned besides Lyon being the Food Gastronomy center of the world, the historic importance of Lyon in French history and how the weaving industry and craftsmanship made this city. An unexpected experience was the private time we spent with a craftsman, Philibert Virginie at Maison des Canuts, who took us through the labor-intensive loom weaving of the Renaissance. For our final day, Sebastian took us to his family-owned vineyard and winery in Beaujolais. Here was another WOW moment.

In Paris, for our last night, we had to do the Seine River Cruise. But only Philip’s office could arrange an over-the-top private river cruise on a Venetian River craft. Looking at Paris from the River gave us the full glory of this beautiful city. A bottle of Roederer champagne aboard our tour added the sparkle and the effervescence to enjoy the Eiffel Tower, Alexander Bridge, Notre Dame and Île de la Cité even more. What a great way to end our French adventure.” —Tom Festa

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

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25th Anniversary trip to Panama: “I never would have found this hotel on my own. It is on a private island…”

Bungalow of a private resport in Panama.

An eco-friendly private-island resort, Isla Palenque is on Panama’s Pacific coast. Photo: Isla Palenque

“My husband and I had a fabulous 25th anniversary trip to Panama planned by Pierre. We started out with one night staying in the Old City in Panama City. At Pierre’s suggestion, we stayed at the American Trade hotel. It was fabulous. It was like a throwback in time but with all the modern luxuries. And the location was perfect for exploring the Old City and going out to eat. Pierre arranged a dinner reservation at a nearby restaurant that could accommodate all of my husband’s dietary restrictions. To our surprise, they seated us at a secluded table on a balcony overlooking a plaza.

The next day was on to Isla Palenque. Absolute paradise. Pierre arranged all of the travel, from the car to the airport to the pickup at the airport in David and the boat ride then to Paradise. I never would have found this hotel on my own. I have never been to such a fabulous hotel. It is on a private island. 400 acres. Eight casitas and one villa. There are nearly 50 staff members for less than 20 guests. The water was 85°. The sand was soft as silk. The restaurant was excellent and very accommodating to our dietary restrictions. We went snorkeling, see kayaking, paddle boarding and dolphin watching. We still had plenty of time to do nothing on the private beach.

On the final day we had about 8 hours in Panama City before our evening flight back to the States. Pierre arranged a private guided tour of the Canal and the city. That was also fabulous.” —Randi Maidman

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

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30th Anniversary trip to Antarctica: “When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne…”

Jeff and Lisa Wellen having a ball in Antarctica.

“From the first Zoom call with Ashton and Christine, we knew we were in great hands for our dream trip to Antarctica. On this trip, we were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and I asked if there could be something special I could do to surprise my wife on the trip. They took care of everything. They first surprised us with an anniversary bottle of champagne and a cake at our hotel in Santiago.

One of the things you can do on the ship is sleep in an igloo on the top deck. It was first come, first serve. We were able to get the igloo reserved for one night. When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne and treats. It was so emotional that it brought my wife and I to tears.

The Lindblad Resolution was spectacular, and we are so thankful Ashton pushed us to take this ship. This is their newest ship and we saw every day why this is the best ship to take to the Great White Continent….This ship’s capabilities allowed us to go to the eastern side of the peninsula. Not one of the other sixty ships in the area had the capabilities to do that. It allowed us to sail through the Weddell Sea and see enormous tabular icebergs the size of three or four football stadiums, 100’s of Emperor Penguin chicks, thousands of penguins, pods of killer whales and watched pods of humpbacks eating fifty yards from the ship.” —Jeff Wellen

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

50th Anniversary trip to Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland: “Following in some of the footsteps of our original honeymoon…”

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

“Lisa and I have had a lot of wonderful adventures in our more than 50 years together, but for our 50th wedding anniversary trip to Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Switzerland, the extraordinary planning of Claudia and Luisa took our travel experience to a whole new level. It’s true that Europe was already getting overrun with tourists during our six-week trip, but we rarely felt it because time after time Claudia and Luisa arranged guides and outings that took us away from the crowds and to hidden corners we never would have found on our own.

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that, with only one or two exceptions, every guide was sensational, just about every accommodation was terrific, and nearly all the reserved dinners were a delight. And that’s not to mention our WOW Moment from Wendy of a lunch and wine tasting at the extraordinary BIBICh Winery, on a day when we traveled from Split to Zadar, right after visiting Krka National Park.

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

START A TRIP TO CENTRAL EUROPE

50th Anniversary trip to the Galapagos Islands: “A bouquet of five dozen roses and a bottle of wine…”

Blue-footed Booby on rocks, in Galapagos Islands.

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

“We just returned from Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands celebrating our 50th Anniversary. We shared with Allie our desire to focus on the Galapagos: the variety of wildlife, geography, and culture. The trip was wonderful. Celeste, our mainland guide, met us at the airport and checked us in at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil. Our room, on the executive floor, was decorated with rose petals covering the bed and an assortment of chocolates in celebration of our anniversary (thanks, Allie).

We flew to the Islands and boarded the Endemic, a 16-passenger catamaran with floor to ceiling windows and balconies in each large stateroom. Carlos, a native of the Galapagos Islands, was our terrific naturalist guide. We visited the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolome, Isabella, Fernandina, and Rabida. We snorkeled with marine iguanas, crabs, sharks, penguins, green Pacific turtles, flightless cormorants, and sea lions. We also saw land iguanas, flamingos, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, giant tortoises, pelicans, hawks, frigatebirds and many other endemic species. We took numerous hikes learning about the geology and geography of the Islands and viewing wildlife. Carlos kept us very busy, with four planned activities each day, including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and panga rides. Guests were welcome to stay and relax onboard if they wanted to skip an activity.

Celeste escorted us from the Guayaquil airport to the Hotel del Parque on our return to the mainland. We were greeted in our suite with a bouquet of five dozen roses and a bottle of wine in celebration of our Anniversary (thanks again, Allie). With Allie’s advice and help, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —Scott and Lorna Conroy

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

START A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS

20th Anniversary trip to Italy: “Exploring the gardens and farm…eating the farm-to-table food…all set in a serene oasis in the heart of Tuscany…”

Traveler Andrea Phillips and family enjoying a summer evening in Tuscany during their WOW trip.

“My family of four, with two teen girls, had a wonderful and action-packed trip to Italy in mid to late June covering Umbria, Tuscany, Florence, Bologna, Lake Como and Milan, planned with Maria. We stayed at hotels that were the perfect fit (like the one in Florence that had a rooftop pool to beat the heat!), had the best rooms and locations and such personal service, all due to Maria’s connections. Italy was busy with travelers while we were there, but I can honestly say that it did not affect our plans at all, as Maria had it coordinated and timed out so perfectly.

This trip was also to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and Maria had suggested two stops along the way that were very special. Wow, were they ever! Borgo Santo Pietro, a working farm & wellness resort in west Tuscany, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, near Bellagio in Lake Como. Both resorts resembled something made out of a dream. Beautiful landscapes, amazing service, delicious food, gorgeous rooms, and so many amenities. At Borgo Santo Pietro, you had the feeling of being in a fairy garden wherever you went and around every corner, there was something new to discover. Bicycles & e-bikes, animal-tending sessions, exploring the gardens and farm, tennis courts, the spa & classes, eating the farm-to-table food in their lovely restaurants, all set in a serene oasis in the heart of Tuscany. We did not want to leave!

The other amazing stop was the Hotel Grand Tremezzo, which is a standout feature on any Lake Como ferry ride with its striking architecture, gardens and in-lake floating pool in front, so actually staying there was quite a treat! The inner decor of the hotel and outer gardens were magical and so were the concierges and staff that were always ready to help. We enjoyed the spa, the many pools and casual restaurants and even had a private wakeboarding session one morning on the Lake! That is a memory that will never be forgotten and made this stop my girls’ favorite! Maria also arranged a great private boat tour to visit Bellagio and the famous villas of the lake with a lovely private guide, who had access to go inside the villas and educate us on all of the historic collections and stories. It was fascinating!

We had many other activities that were also highlights. In Umbria, we went canyoning through a roaring mountain river, had an in-depth local cooking class, a gelato-making class, and went truffle hunting with the cutest, yet very talented dogs. In Siena, we had lunch on the exact alleyway where the Mille Miglia Race of Classic Cars were driving through to enter the Il Campo (definitely because of Maria’s connections in Italy!). In Florence, we climbed the Brunelleschi Duomo, took a lively pizza-making class, saw the awe-inspiring David & the Uffizi Gallery, and took a relaxing Arno River boat ride. In Lucca, we rode bikes around the medieval walls where we crossed paths with a special parade of classic Fiat 500’s. In Bologna, we visited one of the world’s oldest universities, and in nearby Maranello, drove Ferraris through the streets of the town where they are made! In Milan, we had the privilege of being able to see the Last Supper, which was breathtaking. Needless to say, we were very busy on this trip!

It was a trip full of variety, which I had specifically asked Maria for when planning this vacation last fall, and she delivered! When we head to Italy again, I will definitely have Maria help me plan our route around the country, but next time, we will stay longer than 3 nights at each stop to really experience the culture and have some more free time to explore on our own!” —Andrea Phillips

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

START AN AFRICAN SAFARI TRIP

50th Anniversary safari: “A bush dinner with an open bonfire and full moon celebrating our anniversary. Local folks came in their native dress, danced and sang…”

Two young lion cubs ( Panthera Leo) looking at the camera, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Two young lion cubs at the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

“To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, we decided we wanted to take our two daughters and their families on an African safari. The trip Daniel planned for us was fantastic. Since we and our daughters live in 3 different U.S. cities, we met in Nairobi and stayed for 2 nights. The accommodations at the House of Waine were outstanding and the staff very accommodating, given two of our arrivals were very late and the 4 grandkids varied in age from 6 to 13. This gave us time to get over some jet lag and see some of Nairobi. We then flew via private charter for 4 nights to a Saruni camp in Samburu, followed by another private charter to a Saruni camp in Maasai Mara for 4 nights, before returning to Nairobi for our flights home.

The staff and guides at the camps were friendly and went out of their way to please us. They had a special celebration for our anniversary at all three locations. They also celebrated one of our son-in-law’s birthdays while we were on the trip with a cake and singing at each location.

Samburu is semi-arid and Maasai Mara lush and green. It was great to see the two different areas and experience the different as well as similar animals in each. Daniel is the one that recommended the two different areas and we are quite happy he did. The pace of the trip which he planned was good; having 4 days at each camp gave us the time to truly experience and appreciate each area.

Our experience suggests that other travelers should pace their trip similar to ours. Two of our international flights were extremely late and having 2 nights in Nairobi before going to the safari camps allowed us to catch our breath. Also spending 4 nights at a camp allows you to settle in and appreciate the uniqueness of the location.

Seeing all the animals with our extended family at each location made this a special travel experience. Some of the most outstanding were seeing the 5 animals unique to the Samburu area, lions along with some cubs, leopards, cheetah, elephants, giraffes and hippos. The sundowners and meals in the bush also were very special times. Of these, the most memorable was having a bush dinner with an open bonfire and full moon celebrating our anniversary. Local folks came in their native dress, danced and sang. They encouraged the kids and adults to participate and we all had a grand time. We would not have had all these wonderful experiences if it had not been for Daniel.” —David Magdanz

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

Norway: “We were serenaded by a musician playing a Norwegian Hardanger fiddle…”

Reine village with traditional red rorbu cottages, fishing boats and high mountains in the background on Lofoten islands in Norway.

Reine village surrounded by high mountains in Lofoten Islands in Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

The next day we toured the area with a Sami reindeer herder. We also spent time on a small island well out in the Atlantic where we kayaked along the seashore to a lighthouse; foraged in Trondheim with a professional forager picking plants for our lunch; visited a dairy near Oslo producing a unique cheese product and advocating a more humane way to treat dairy cattle; and spent 3 nights at a farm with a gourmet chef specializing in dishes featuring fruit and vegetables from the farm. We received very personal treatment from the hosts at our smaller venues and each of them indicated how much they valued their relationship with Torunn.

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

START A TRIP TO FRENCH POLYNESIA

20th Anniversary trip to Tahiti: “No noise other than the wind, the waves, and the coconut trees…”

Rainbow over Tahiti. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“We traveled to Tahiti, visiting three different islands. I had held off on faraway, remote beach destinations for decades under the notion of the value for your money and the ease of travel of Mexico and the Caribbean. But given this trip was meant to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, I threw caution to the winds and went all in.

Getting to Tahiti is not the hard part. The adventure starts as soon as you begin booking your inter-island air travel, boat transfers, a sundry of activities, and actually coordinate all of the above to achieve a relaxing visit to the islands. We did not have to worry about any of this with Kleon at the helm. He asked important questions about our likes and dislikes and then crafted an itinerary which slowly evolved into a spectacular journey with three ever-better chapters in a jaw-dropping beautiful region.

Our first stop was Vahine Island Resort and Spa. With nine acres and only a handful of rooms, this small island stop helped us relax, reset and realize what truly is Tahitian beauty and calm. No noise other than the wind, the waves, and the coconut trees. No thinking about meal choices with simple, but elegant prix fixe dinner menus. No people (there were a few other couples which we visited with over meals and activities), but a private tranquil island where my wife and I watched the sunset on the dock with baby blacktip reef sharks swimming underneath, cracked open fresh coconuts when thirsty, and went paddle boarding in the large bay between Vahine and Tahaa…all alone. The privacy, intimacy, and peace on this island with such a limited number of guests began to open my eyes to why we made the long journey to this beach.

We traveled to Bora Bora next. A water taxi with an impromptu stop to see over a hundred blacktip reef sharks in pristinely clear water was an unexpected highlight during our ride to the airport. No airport security made the trip even better. Upon arrival to Bora Bora, another boat awaited to transfer us to the St. Regis. While significantly more tourists visit this island, the number of hotels and additional guests did not diminish the striking beauty of Mount Otemanu. We enjoyed our over-the-water bungalow immensely, in particular, leaping off the deck into the refreshing turquoise lagoon water. We chose to refresh our diving skills and were incredibly fortunate to have two massive reef mantas swim two feet over our heads while we gazed upward from 40 feet below on the white sand bottom.

Immensely relaxed, in beach mode and thrilled with our first two hotel stays, we topped off our travel with our final nights at the Brando in Tetiaroa. Lunch at your private pool, scuba diving outside amongst a mountain of colorful coral, cocktails at sunset at the bar above the treeline…simply ask and your wish is their command. Getting to the hotel is equally spectacular using a singular private charter which whisked us to and from paradise without a worry and with ease. And for my wife who seems to attract mosquito bites wherever we may be, the hotel has an answer for that as well. Their island scientists eradicated the pest from the island without the use of any chemicals, allowing for outdoor enjoyment unlike any other experience where you may encounter the often annoying bugs. The experience at the Brando can only be described as sublime perfection, where any of your needs or desires instantly come to fruition.

Tahiti is burned into our memories with its unforgettably blue waters, tranquil relaxing days, vivid and abundant sea life and unique island vibes. Now home, we daydream daily of when we will return.” —Michael Ruma

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

25th Anniversary trip to Italy’s Cinque Terre: “All of our dinner reservations included the best tables and the best views…”

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I had a fabulous trip to the Cinque Terre, Italy, for our 25th anniversary.

I had an initial meeting over Zoom with Anna to discuss the purpose of our trip and our style of travel, things we enjoy, etc. and then Anna basically took it from there. She came up with a suggested itinerary which we then discussed and finalized together. I had no idea what to expect and we were WOWED from the moment we arrived. All of our transfers included first-class transportation services, each of our hotels provided a complimentary upgrade along with a welcome gift, and all of our dinner reservations included the best tables and the best views.

We especially loved our two boat days: One included a tour of Portofino and lunch at a restaurant overlooking the cove of San Fruttuoso, and another included a trip to Portovenere and lunch onboard in a beautiful bay. Anna’s advice was spot-on and we felt as though we were in excellent hands. We had the perfect balance of activities and down time and never felt overscheduled.” —Kim Brown

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

START A TRIP TO NORTHERN ITALY

30th Anniversary safari: “At each stop we were made to feel so special, with an incredible ‘sundowner’ experience at Old Drift, along with cakes and celebrations…”

Rainbow over Victoria Falls on Zambezi River, border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A rainbow hangs in the mist from Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our 30th wedding anniversary was coming up, and I landed on an African safari as the perfect way to celebrate. We’ve just returned from this spectacular trip: Four days in Cape Town visiting Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, the Cape of Good Hope, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and of course the Winelands, along with a fantastic lunch at Glen Carlou; two nights at Victoria Falls in the lovely Old Drift Lodge; and six nights in Botswana: two at Savute, two at Camp Moremi, and two at Shinde. All the accommodations were outstanding, and the transport between camps was flawless.

At each stop we were made to feel so special, with an incredible ‘sundowner’ experience at Old Drift, along with cakes and celebrations at each safari camp for our anniversary. It was clear that Julian and team had taken exceptional effort to ensure all the camps were aware of our special event, which was a wonderful surprise that we really appreciated.

This complicated trip was made so easy! While I often plan trips myself, I can highly recommend arranging a trip like this through an expert. Julian’s services took all the stress out and we were left with nothing but fantastic fun and great memories.” —Nancy Megehee

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

START A SAFARI

25th Anniversary trip to Portugal: “They secured one of the few very best rooms with the best view at our resort on the Algarve…”

Beautiful sandy beach near Lagos in Ponta da Piedade, Algarve region, Portugal

A beach near Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve region. Photo: Shutterstock

“Goncalo and his team planned a Portugal trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. They secured one of the few very best rooms with the best view at our resort on the Algarve, which we could not have obtained ourselves. Very few rooms at the very large hotel had ocean views, so this was a big deal (we even had two balconies facing the ocean). All of their recommendations as to where to stay were great and took into account our preferences, which we discussed in a planning call. They planned great activities, like a lovely large private sailboat from Sintra back to Lisbon, a visit to an observatory (at night of course), and a private cruise along the cliffs of the Algarve. We would not have known about the lovely hotel converted from a farming village in the Alentejo if we hadn’t used a Portugal expert, and we wouldn’t have known which towns to visit. We loved the itinerary they planned and will use them again if we return to Portugal!” —Rita Solomon

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

Belize: “While my husband played golf, she arranged a tour for me of the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich…”

The Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. Photo: Absolute Belize

“Patricia is my new best friend. We told her that our trip to Belize was to celebrate our wedding anniversary. She listened to our wants and needs and more than delivered. She suggested that we split our January trip between inland and the coast and set us up with activities that satisfied both of our desires, since they were not necessarily the same.

My husband wanted to play golf, and Patricia made the arrangements for him. She satisfied our interest in culture and history with the Garifuna Cultural immersion. Additionally, while my husband played golf, she arranged a tour for me of the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and a day at the San Antonio Women’s Co-op to learn about the ancient Mayan life. Patricia joined me for my tour of Xunantunich, and my husband was jealous that he didn’t get to meet her in person.

On the coast we both wanted water sports. She arranged two wonderful boat/snorkel adventures for us, and one included a barbecue of freshly caught fish. Yes, my husband had the opportunity to reel in one fish while we were on the boat. I cannot say enough good things about how we were treated by Patricia, our guides, the staff of the hotels that she recommended, and the activities that she arranged.” —Bonnie Warton

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

10th Anniversary trip to Peru: “When we arrived at our picnic, we were amazed to see a canopy tent popped up in a field that overlooked the Andes…”

Peru's Sacred Valley mountains and rivers

A quiet stretch of the Urubamba River, Peru’s Sacred Valley. Photo: Aracari

“Our favorite experience in Peru was on the afternoon of our 10th wedding anniversary. We thought we would be having a simple picnic lunch, but when we arrived at our picnic, we were amazed to see a canopy tent popped up in a field that overlooked the Andes. The table was tastefully decorated with linens, lace, fresh flowers, and local decor pieces. Wow! A three-man cooking team prepared a lovely four-course meal in a separate tent while we sipped wine. There was even a portable toilet in a third small tent! Nothing was overlooked. In fact, during our ten-day trip arranged by Marisol, no detail was left unturned, from our beautiful accommodations to our awesome local guide to the snacks in our vehicle. We had an incredible trip.” —Erica Stanforth

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

START A TRIP TO PERU

30th Anniversary trip to Australia: “Stuart must have told everyone that we were celebrating an anniversary…”

rustic beach bungalow overwater suite at Haggerstone Island resort at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

The remote Haggerstone Island resort at the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Haggerstone Island

“Stuart planned the perfect trip for our 30th wedding anniversary: We spent three weeks in Australia, taking multiple in-country flights and visiting Melbourne, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, Uluru, the Daintree Rainforest, and Sydney. We wanted luxury lodges and unique experiences, and our expectations were exceeded.

Stuart must have told everyone that we were celebrating an anniversary because, at each location, we received not only cards and good wishes but sometimes cakes or champagne or chocolates. But this is what blew us away: In Tasmania, at Saffire Freciynet, we tasted several excellent local gins one evening and commented to the staff on how much we liked them, and when we reached Sydney at the end of the trip, there was a gift of three bottles of gin and a lovely note from Stuart. That is one of the above-and-beyond gestures that made this trip extraordinary.” —Robin and Josh Madden

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

START A TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD

Disney World: “Everyone knew it was our anniversary!”

Happily Ever After fireworks at Disney World. Photo: Disney

“While we take fairly involved adventure vacations (safaris, a dog-sledding expedition, and scuba diving, rafting and trekking trips), none have involved the degree of planning that our recent Disney trip did! Disney World can be overwhelming: To maximize your time there, you need to carefully plan out your schedule for each day and manage restaurant reservations, show times, and Fast Passes.

Michelle’s advice was invaluable in this regard. She took into consideration that this was an adults-only vacation and made great suggestions such as visiting a practically empty and childless Magic Kingdom with an After Dark ticket. She managed to fit in a coveted reservation for Be Our Guest, and her recommendations for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival helped us navigate that fun event. Michelle’s hard work enabled us to have a wonderful anniversary trip—and everyone knew it was our anniversary because Michelle told them!” —Barbara Sheridan

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

2nd Anniversary trip to Spain: “Pablo was able to secure reservations at three Michelin-star restaurants…”

Madrid, Spain. Gran Via, main shopping street at twilight.

Madrid’s Gran Via shopping strip lights up at night. Photo: Shutterstock

“I used Pablo to arrange a celebration trip to Spain—Barcelona, San Sebastian, and Madrid—for my son and his wife for their 2nd wedding anniversary. One of their interests was to try different exclusive restaurants and wineries, and Pablo was able to secure reservations at three Michelin-star restaurants. He arranged tours of boutique-style wineries, including a special wine-tour bike ride in Barcelona. Since my son is a guitar enthusiast, Pablo arranged for a Spanish guitar lesson and also got him into a special Flamenco show. Pablo had the ability to secure unique, private, and culturally enriching activities, allowing my son and daughter-in-law to experience Spanish cuisine and culture in a way that I am sure would not have been possible otherwise.” —Jeffrey Bernfield

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

START A TRIP TO SPAIN

Paris: “I wanted to present her with the diamond ring she never got when we first got together 10 years ago”

River Seine in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“I wanted to make the most of a short trip to Paris to celebrate my wife’s birthday and to present her with the diamond ring she never got when we first got together 10 years ago. Jennifer made a variety of suggestions, and we decided I would surprise my wife with the ring in a renewal proposal aboard a private yacht. I had originally requested a Venetian boat, but at the last minute it had mechanical problems, rendering it unavailable. Jennifer quickly replaced it with Sophia Loren’s private yacht and assured me that the furnishings and seating would be altered to make it more intimate and romantic. The result was spot-on, resulting in the highlight of our trip.” —William Harwayne

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

START A TRIP TO CAPRI AND THE AMALFI COAST

10th Anniversary trip to Italy: “Our private boat captain picked us up in Capri, toured us around the island, let us swim in the grottos, and eventually dropped us off for the rest of our stay in Positano…”

Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I rarely use a travel agent because we love to do the research and plan every detail of our vacations. However, this trip to Capri and the Amalfi Coast was for our 10-year wedding anniversary, so we wanted the ultimate luxury experience without having to worry about anything. Andrea really listened to what we wanted and tailored the trip accordingly. And there wasn’t a minute of it that went by that my husband and I didn’t think, ‘This was worth every penny and more.’ From the knowledgeable drivers to awesome tour guides and boat captains, it was beyond perfect. Our favorite day of the trip, and arguably in our lives, was when our private boat captain picked us up in Capri, toured us around the island, let us swim in the grottos, and eventually dropped us off for the rest of our stay in Positano. The views were stunning, but the captain really made our experience so special. Andrea has the connections with all of the right people, which makes the entire experience unlike any other.” —Meredith Still

Read more reviews of Capri and The Amalfi Coast trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Hawaii: “A sunrise visit to the top of Mt. Haleakalā and a subsequent bike ride down, surfing lessons in Lahaina, a helicopter tour of the Big Island…”

Maui, Hawaii. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority.

“We used Dani’s help to put together our trip to Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a great trip packed with hiking, a sunrise visit to the top of Mt. Haleakalā and a subsequent bike ride down, surfing lessons in Lahaina, and a helicopter tour of the Big Island, including the active volcano. Dani was in constant contact with us throughout, which was greatly appreciated, as we had questions about various things while we were there. We had mentioned this trip was a celebration of our wedding anniversary, and at both of our hotels there was chilled champagne and sweet treats, courtesy of Dani. She even managed to snag us an upgrade to a suite at the Four Seasons Hualalai, which was a pleasant surprise.” —Joseph McBrine

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

START A CRUISE EXPERIENCE

60th Anniversary cruise in the Caribbean: “We were a family of 10 traveling for my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary…”

Idyllic tropical beach with white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky at Antigua island in Caribbean

An empty beach on Antigua. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were a family of 10 traveling for my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. We had first-time cruisers and seasoned cruisers, and we wanted an itinerary that would enable us to spend time together as well as enjoy personal time. For our specific needs, Tom suggested Celebrity Cruises, and we selected an itinerary in the ‘ABC islands’ with several days at sea. Everyone was very happy. Both the sea days and the days in port offered everyone enough sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation options to keep as busy (or not) as we wanted. Some of us went to the beach, while others went to town and sightseeing. We all met for cocktails in the Martini Bar before our family dinner each night. It was a fun and successful cruise for everyone, and my parents especially appreciated the special touches that Tom provided—including champagne, flowers, and a delicious chocolate cake in their cabin.” —Lorraine Victor

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

How to Buy Travel Insurance: What It Covers, When You Need It

19 Replies

This article was first published in 2018. We continually update it, as world circumstances and insurance policies change.

Travel insurance can be confusing—which is why we’ve received countless questions about it from readers. So we’ve created this primer that lays out the basics of travel insurance, including when you need it—and when you don’t.

What is travel insurance?
What does it cover?
Do I really need it?
Don’t I already have it?
How much does it cost?
When should I buy it?
What is “third-party” travel insurance?
My trip planner recommends a specific insurer; should I choose that one?
Should I cover the cost of flights too?
What does it mean if insurance is primary vs. secondary?
I have a medical condition. Will expenses related to that be covered?
How does travel insurance handle Covid?
What if I’m hurt doing an adventure activity?
If I get sick or injured, will insurance pay to get me home?
Can I call off my trip for any reason and still get reimbursed?
What if I want to cancel because of a State Department advisory?
How do I protect myself against a travel company going out of business?
Should I pay for a car-rental upgrade?
Is an annual plan better than a per-trip policy?
Which policy should I buy?

What is travel insurance anyway?

Essentially, travel insurance serves two purposes, both financial. The first is to protect the investment you’ve already made—the cost of your trip—in the event that you need to cancel. The second is to cover future potential costs because of unforeseen events—for example, the cost of medical evacuation, should you get injured during your trip.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance policies cover some or all of the following (“comprehensive” policies cover most or all of these situations):

- Trip cancellation or interruption (if the reason for doing so is one allowed by that policy)
- Medical expenses, and sometimes evacuation (transportation to an appropriate medical facility)
- Expenses related to a trip delay and lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage
- A lump-sum payment if you’re injured or killed while traveling
- Emergency assistance
- Financial default of the travel supplier

A policy kicks in only if your situation fits within its specific conditions (those are the pages of fine print at the back of every policy). You can’t, for instance, get your money back if you decide to cancel because your cousin dies; that’s because most policies cover cancellation due to the death of only certain close family members.

Here are three examples of how travel insurance can help. These are scenarios that a traveler might run into—and ways in which the right travel insurance policy could protect the traveler in each scenario. Remember that every policy’s benefits are different:

Beth is headed to the Caribbean during hurricane season, since she knows that prices are lower at that time of year and that the chance of a storm hitting any particular island is low. But a week before she leaves, Hurricane Peter wreaks havoc at her beachfront resort.
Since Beth purchased an insurance policy with trip-cancellation coverage before the storm was named and her hotel is now uninhabitable, she can cancel the trip and get all of her money back.

Halfway through a hiking trip in the Alps, Joe slips and falls, breaking his ankle.
Joe’s travel insurance policy has a medical expense limit of $10,000, so it covers some—but not all—of his medical bills. Because he can’t continue with his trip, his trip-interruption benefit reimburses him for the unused portion of his prepaid expenses.

While Amy is walking from the train station to her hotel, a thief steals her luggage.
Amy’s insurance covers the value of the items in her luggage, up to her benefit limit of $750. Too bad she didn’t leave that diamond necklace at home, though; her policy will only reimburse up to $500 total for jewelry and electronics.

Do I really need travel insurance?

It depends on whether you’re making large nonrefundable advance payments, and whether you’re concerned about potential medical bills.

Are you reserving rooms at hotels that let you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in, and renting a car that you don’t have to pay for until you show up at the counter? In that case, don’t bother with a comprehensive policy that covers cancellation, since you’re not out-of-pocket for many expenses. (Even so, you may still want medical insurance, which is very affordable; you can get quotes for this coverage by entering $0 as your trip cost when researching policies online—see “Which policy should I buy?” below.)

Or are you prepaying for most of the pricey elements of your trip—hotels, private guides, transportation, a cruise—which often means that your deposit and subsequent payments are nonrefundable? In that case, you probably want travel insurance. When you choose a policy, consider the specific reasons you may end up filing a claim. For instance, most policies will cover Covid-related medical bills, but not all of them will cover the costs of isolating at your destination because you’re sick but not hospitalized.

Don’t I already have insurance?

You might. Some—but not all—medical plans, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, and credit cards offer benefits to travelers. But Medicare, for instance, doesn’t cover members when they are overseas (though some Medigap plans do), and most health plans won’t cover evacuation (meaning, transportation to an adequate medical facility), which can be expensive if you’re somewhere remote. Check with your insurers to see what’s included.

Some premium credit cards include a level of protection. This coverage probably isn’t itself worth the card’s annual fee—but if you already have such a card, you should know what benefits it offers so that you don’t pay for redundant coverage. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve (one of Wendy’s favorite credit cards for travelers) has some good insurance benefits, but with set limits (so, for instance, you can get back only up to $10,000 per traveler and $20,000 per trip if you cancel a trip you paid for with the card—even if your African safari cost your family of four $15,000 per person).

Some travel firms and tour operators also include certain insurance coverage in all of their trips. Don’t waste your money buying coverage that’s already built into the cost of your trip. However, don’t assume that this coverage is comprehensive; depending on your circumstances, you might want to buy an additional policy.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Premiums for a comprehensive policy range from about four to 15 percent of your total trip cost. So if you and your spouse are spending $20,000 total on a week in France, expect to pay $400 to $1,500 per person for travel insurance.

Each premium is calculated based on the length and cost of the trip, where you’re going, and how old you are. For travelers above age 50, policies get significantly more expensive, while children can often be added to a parent’s plan for free: Travelex’s Ultimate plan allows you to add any children under 18 to a parent’s or grandparent’s plan at no additional cost, while most Travel Guard plans include one child under 18 for every paying adult.

At what point during my trip planning should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase your policy as soon as you put down a deposit toward your trip. That’s because certain desirable benefits (e.g., coverage for cancellation because of pre-existing medical conditions, coverage for financial default of the travel supplier, a cancel-for-any-reason upgrade) may kick in only if you buy your policy within 14 days or so of your initial trip payment. This “initial trip payment” is usually defined as the first payment that will go toward your trip cost and could be included in an insurance claim, not the separate planning fee that some travel agents charge.

As a potential cost-savings measure, consider starting out by insuring not the total cost of your trip, but only the amount you have paid so far. Each time you make an additional trip payment, update your insurance with the new trip cost and pay the additional premium. This could save you money if you have to cancel before you’ve fully paid for the trip. Remember to increase your insurance after each trip payment, or you will not be properly insured.

Your premium will be lower if you cover only your nonrefundable costs; however, not covering the full amount of your payment(s) could invalidate coverage for pre-existing conditions. Requirements vary from one insurance provider to the next, so when you calculate the amount of coverage you need, read the policy carefully and also speak with the insurer to confirm you are understanding it correctly.

What is third-party travel insurance?

Some travel companies—cruise lines, tour operators, and the like—sell their own insurance or “protection” policies, whereas third-party insurance is sold by someone other than the travel company that is operating your trip. Third-party policies are usually a better choice: They pay you back in cash rather than trip credits, they can protect you in case the travel company goes out of business, and you can choose the plan with the coverage that best fits your specific circumstances.

My travel planner recommends that I purchase a policy through a specific insurer; should I follow their advice?

Some travel planners, tour companies, and outfitters have relationships with a particular insurance provider. They might push you to buy a certain type of insurance because they’ll earn a commission; on the other hand, their relationship with that insurer could benefit you if you have to file a claim. Wendy has seen many cases where Trusted Travel Experts on The WOW List, thanks to their relationship with a particular insurer, have been able to act as advocates for their travelers and get their claims paid.

Should I cover the cost of my flights too?

That depends. If you have to cancel your trip, you can usually put the cost of any unused airline tickets toward a future flight, sometimes minus a change fee. Calculate how much your premium will increase if you insure your flights; if the difference is less than the airline’s change fee, it’s worth insuring the flights. (You might also want to insure flights on any local carrier that you aren’t likely to fly with again—in which case a credit toward future travel would be worthless.)

What does it mean if a travel medical insurance plan is primary or secondary?

“Primary” means that the plan pays any bills first, without having to go through your home health insurance provider; “secondary” means the plan will only cover whatever you owe after you’ve filed a claim with your health insurance provider. You’ll typically get a bit more coverage per dollar with a secondary plan—but you’ll have to deal with more paperwork if you file a claim.

I have a medical condition. Will expenses related to it be covered?

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage—but some plans will waive that exclusion if you purchase them soon after making the first payment on your trip (generally within 7 to 21 days of that initial deposit). You also usually have to insure the entire nonrefundable cost of your trip, including flights. Without coverage for pre-existing conditions, you’re on the hook for any expenses related to a condition that wasn’t medically stable at the time you booked.

How does travel insurance handle Covid?

Pretty much like any other illness. Most comprehensive policies will cover you if you test positive right before your trip and have to cancel, or if you come down with Covid during your trip and incur medical expenses. If you are sick enough to be hospitalized, a Medjet membership will get you home. If your symptoms are mild, some insurance policies will cover self-isolation costs under your “Trip Delay” benefit. There are often both daily and total limits to this benefit, so you may not be reimbursed for all of your additional hotel, meal, and airfare costs.

What if I’m hurt doing an adventure activity (say, bungee jumping)?

Most policies won’t cover injuries you receive while taking part in certain “hazardous activities”—a category that can include everything from skydiving and rock climbing to scuba diving and heli-skiing. Some plans will allow you to pay a higher premium to cover these activities. (Dive Accident Insurance from the Divers Alert Network, for instance, covers most bills related to scuba-diving accidents.)

Will insurance pay for me to come home if I get sick or injured on the road?

Not usually. Most policies will pay for transportation to what they consider to be the nearest adequate medical facility (such transport is known as medical evacuation)—but that could be thousands of miles from your loved ones and the doctors you trust. If you want to know that you can get home, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage from a company such as Medjet, which arranges and pays for transportation from a hospital in your destination to one back home. For more details, read What Medical Evacuation Coverage Do You Need?

Can I call off my trip for any reason and be reimbursed?

No. Each policy defines the allowable reasons for which you can cancel and get your money back. To cancel your trip because of a terrorist attack, for instance, the attack typically has to happen in a city listed on your itinerary—not just anywhere in the country you’re visiting.

You can purchase additional “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, but it’s pricey, and even then, you’ll generally only be reimbursed 50% to 75% of your trip cost. (It’s also not available in all states, depending on state regulations.) As with pre-existing condition benefits, you usually have to purchase CFAR coverage soon after your initial trip deposit; you also have to insure the total cost of the trip, and you must cancel more than 48 hours prior to your departure. Read more about CFAR coverage in our article “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance: What It Is and How It Works.

What if the State Department issues a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for my destination, and I want to cancel my trip?

Standard travel-insurance policies rarely cover cancellation due to war, border closures, lockdowns, or government travel warnings/advisories. (But also note that the 20 countries currently with a Level 4 advisory are not common travel destinations right now, but rather places like Russia and Afghanistan.) Some insurance providers offer “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage; for the pros and cons of that, read “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance: What It Is and How It Works. If security is a concern, consider a MedjetHorizon membership, which includes access to a Crisis Response Center if at any point during a trip you feel that your safety may be threatened—because of a political incident, terror attack, or other crisis.

How do I protect myself against the travel company I’m working with going out of business?

If you paid by credit card—which we always recommend—your first step should be to file a billing dispute with the credit-card company. The Fair Credit Billing Act stipulates that you are protected against charges for goods or services you do not receive. If you can prove that’s the case, those charges should be credited back to your account.

Some third-party travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation due to financial default of the travel supplier—meaning that an airline, tour operator, cruise line, or other entity ceases operations, leaving you without a trip. Travel insurance usually will not cover you if such a company declares bankruptcy, or if the intermediary you booked your trip through goes out of business. In such scenarios, Cancel For Any Reason coverage is your best defense. As with pre-existing medical conditions, financial default clauses often require that you purchase the insurance soon after making your first payment, and the coverage typically doesn’t start until 10 to 14 days after you’ve purchased the policy. Click here to read more about insurance coverage for financial default.

Here are a couple of examples: Let’s say you’ve booked a Mediterranean cruise and flights to Venice, where you’ll board the ship. The day after paying your initial deposit, you insured the entire purchase with a carrier that protects against financial default. Two days before you’re due to leave, your airline goes belly-up, and all other flights to Venice from your hometown are booked, so you’re unable to make it to the ship. Your insurance provider reimburses you for the costs of your flights and the cruise you missed.

In another scenario, let’s say you’ve booked a trip to see the Pyramids in Egypt. A month after putting down a deposit on the trip, it occurs to you to insure your considerable investment. A few weeks before your departure, your Egypt tour operator ceases operations, and it turns out that none of your in-country arrangements have been confirmed or paid for. Even though your insurance policy covers financial default, it won’t pay out in this case because you didn’t purchase the policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Should I pay for the car-rental upgrade to my comprehensive insurance policy?

Pay attention to when that benefit kicks in; coverage through your rental agency may be better tuned to the likeliest risks in your destination. For instance, when I rented a car in Iceland, my Travelex policy upgrade would cover me only for damage due to collision, vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail, or flood. Hertz’s options, on the other hand, included coverage for damage from gravel or ash—both far more common than vandals in Iceland.

I travel frequently. Is an annual travel-insurance plan a better choice than individual policies for each trip?

Many annual plans do not cover trip cancellation and thus are missing the coverage you want when you have significant nonrefundable expenses. Also keep in mind that annual plans limit you to the same coverage for all of your trips. For example, say you take a few shorter trips a year that cost $5,000, and one large trip that costs $25,000. An annual plan with a trip-cancellation benefit limit of $15,000 means that you’ll be overinsured for your shorter trips, and underinsured for your larger one.

Which policy should I buy?

It would be so easy if one size fit all—but it doesn’t. To know which policy is right for you, think about what keeps you up at night. Are you most concerned about testing positive for Covid a day before your trip? Or about having to fly home early because a loved one there falls ill? Or deciding to cancel your trip because of a terrorist attack at your destination—or even one in an entirely different country?

Several websites allow you to input your details and compare multiple policies at once, narrowing in on which one is right for you: Check out TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip, SquareMouth.com, and, if you just want medical coverage and don’t need cancellation protection, Medical.TravelInsurance.com. Before you purchase any policy, though, it’s important to speak with a representative there first to ensure that you understand what is and isn’t covered—especially for any scenario that has you concerned, like a big project coming up at work just before your trip, or a flare-up of a pre-existing medical condition—and what is needed to file a claim.

The insurance that we’ve received the best traveler feedback about is Travelex’s Ultimate policy. It operates as primary coverage, allows a wide range of reasons to cancel, and, based on the feedback we’ve heard and our own experience, is relatively likely to reimburse you quickly. This policy must be purchased at least 14 days before your trip starts (this is waived for last-minute trips if you are still within 15 days of your first trip payment). Travelex also offers an optional “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade in certain states, which must be bought within two weeks after making your first trip payment.

Transparency disclosure: Medjet is a sponsor of WendyPerrin.com. That’s because Wendy has had a membership herself since her kids were little and believes in it. Travelex Insurance Services pays WendyPerrin.com a referral fee when a policy is purchased through this link. Wendy chooses Travelex because it has generous policies (see above) and good customer service. (Travelex Insurance Services is not related in any way to the defunct currency-exchange business Travelex.) When you use the links in this article for your insurance/assistance purchases, it allows us to continue the rigorous and honest work we do on behalf of consumers, as well as to continue our Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation service. Thank you for your support.

Great Inspiration for A Graduation Trip For Your Favorite Grad

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The gift we can give our graduates—and the gift they’ll give back to us

Graduation trips are among the most popular family trips we see here at WendyPerrin.com, and we agree that an academic achievement deserves to be marked with a fun, memorable (and yes, sometimes even educational) experience. To provide inspiration for your own travels with your favorite grad this year, we’ve looked back at the graduation trips arranged by our WOW List destination experts that have most delighted your fellow travelers. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

START A WOW TRIP FOR YOUR GRAD

Post-diploma diversions in camps and falls in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Quad biking in the Namib desert. Photo: Traveler Julie Heimark

“To celebrate our older son’s high school graduation, we planned a 28-day Southern Africa trip with Julian for July/August 2024. Julian planned a truly amazing trip. Every detail was perfect and seamless. For the entire month, we literally just showed up—whether at a hotel or an air strip or a border crossing—and our guides/fixers took care of it all.

We did Cape Town, three Namibia camps (Little Kulala, Hoanib Skeleton Coast, Serra Cafema), three Botswana camps (Vumbura South, Duba Plains, Selinda) and Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe.

First, Julian guided us to a more modern, design-forward Cape Town hotel (The Silo) that we loved. Second, every camp was unique, and for each camp we said ‘Ah, now we know why Julian selected this one.’ Finally, our particular path, from Cape Town to Namibia to Bots to Vic Falls, allowed the continent to unfold before us.

There is simply not enough space to describe all of the extraordinary experiences. Hiking down sherbet-colored dunes. Lions and elephants and leopards and crocodiles so close you could have touched them. Joining African wild dogs on their hunt. Watching lionesses attempt to take down a buffalo. Sundowning with rhinos. Meeting the Himba people. Every day was a different National Geographic special. And we all agreed that this was one of our best food trips ever (and one of us is pescatarian). This was one of those ‘bucket-list, worth-every-penny’ trips.” —Julie Heimark

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

START A TRIP TO AFRICA

The Galapagos: “The islands are simply breathtaking: pristine, unspoiled, and teeming with wildlife at every turn!”

Travelers Claire, Andrea, Rachel and Dave Phillips bonding with sea lions at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island, Galapagos.

Claire, Andrea, Rachel and Dave Phillips bonding with sea lions at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island. Photo: Gideon Kleinman

“Standing in LAX on a delayed-departure morning with two phones in hand—one connected with the airline agent, and one with Allie—made me realize the true value of having a Trusted Travel Expert. This was our 7th Wendy Perrin trip, but who would have thought that engine trouble on our first flight would make us miss our connecting flight and almost ruin a trip to the Galapagos Islands planned a year in advance?!

Thanks to Allie’s quick thinking, we were rerouted to a different city in Ecuador, on the only available flight over the weekend. She was able to alter our migration cards and flights to ensure we made it for our full 7-night cruise, saving us from missing out on the incredible first stops! And, by securing our trip with travel insurance from Travelex, another Wendy Perrin recommendation, we will also get a good portion of reimbursement back on the services lost and the extra services paid for.

As travelers who love adventures with animals, the Galapagos Islands were an ideal pick for a special trip for our graduating senior. With Allie’s help, we selected to sail on the Endemic. We picked this route for the specific island stops and the types of animals and unique environments we could possibly see.

Andrea Phillips and family next to a giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

The islands are simply breathtaking: pristine, unspoiled, and teeming with wildlife at every turn! You had to carefully watch your step, as baby and adult sea lions, blue-footed boobies nesting with their chicks, and land and marine iguanas sprawled across the pathways, eagerly inviting your admiration. The entire experience felt like stepping into a living, breathing nature documentary!

Without Allie’s expertise in planning our route and saving our trip, our experience wouldn’t have been nearly as incredible. For anyone planning a journey to the Galapagos, know it can be challenging and her advice is invaluable: Allow yourself two to three days (preferably on weekdays) to arrive in Quito or Guayaquil to ensure you catch the limited island flights. Allie is a true Galapagos expert, and we couldn’t imagine trusting anyone else with our adventure. Thanks to her, our trip was unforgettable!” —Andrea Phillips

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

START A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS

Hawaii: “We had a mix of busy days and relaxing days, and Jen made sure we had dinner reservations each night…”

Dad and kids paddleboarding near the North Shore of Oahu. Photo: Traveler Jennifer Cheng

“We decided to take a summer family trip to Hawaii for our son’s graduation. We’re a family of five, and the kids had never been to Hawaii but my husband wanted a city vacation, so I picked Waikiki. It was a busy time of the year for us, and I was overwhelmed with all the choices, so I filled out your trip questionnaire and started the process with Dani and Jen. It was such a relief to not have to research everything and know that I was getting vetted recommendations and a thoughtful itinerary.

Based on what I told them, they recommended the Halekulani, which I marveled at as the right choice every time we returned to the hotel—so beautiful and calm and pampering in the middle of hectic Waikiki. The kids loved all the shopping and food options right outside the hotel, and it was so nice to have a serene homebase with amazing service. Dani and Jen’s booking included room upgrades and daily breakfast for five. I was also able to enjoy the hotel’s morning fitness class a few times.

We had a mix of busy days and relaxing days, and Jen made sure we had dinner reservations each night. The teens took surf lessons, and we did the Kualoa Ranch UTV raptor tour, all arranged by Jen. They also made the arrangements for a fantastic Diamond Head sunrise hike. When we visited the North Shore, we ate at the shrimp trucks and did the Haleiwa stand-up paddleboarding on their recommendations. Overall, a memorable and wonderful family vacation. Everyone loved it. Thank you!” —Jennifer Cheng

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

START A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND

Switzerland: “Our time in Interlaken included a private chocolate-making workshop and the highlight of the trip for my daughter, a hike with St. Bernard dogs…”

Travelers hiking with St. Bernards in Switzerland.

Jennifer, David, Veronica, and Reed Datwyler hiking with St. Bernards.

“My daughter recently graduated from high school. She chose a family trip to Switzerland as a celebration of her accomplishments. My husband and I, along with our 18-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son, had a ten-day trip to three distinct regions of Switzerland. This trip was expertly planned by Nina and Annina.

We flew direct from San Francisco to Zurich. The afternoon of our arrival, we toured the city of Zurich in a tuk-tuk where we were welcomed with chocolate fondue en route. The next day, we took a short train ride to the town of Appenzell, where we visited with a local bell maker who demonstrated the art of forging cow bells. My daughter even got to participate in the forging process!

From Zurich we traveled by train to Interlaken. We stayed in a beautiful wellness hotel right on the water outside of town. Our time in Interlaken included a private chocolate-making workshop and the highlight of the trip for my daughter, a hike with St. Bernard dogs.

The third stop was the Italian region of Switzerland, where we stayed in the town of Ascona. Here we rode E-bikes to a small family-run grotto where we learned to make risotto. We spent another day exploring the Bavona Valley. We enjoyed a hike through the most beautiful terrain we have ever seen. The entire trip was flawless. We will never forget this time together as a family.” —Jennifer Datwyler

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

African safari: “My two children and I celebrated my son’s college graduation by taking a trip for the ages!”

Thomas Casper celebrated his college graduation with a safari. Here, he’s atop Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Traveler Clare Casper

“Just back from South Africa and Botswana! My two children and I celebrated my son’s college graduation by taking a trip for the ages! We worked with Christian from Julian‘s office, who put together an itinerary that included places we had not even considered. Five days in South Africa included the awe-inspiring Grootbos Nature Preserve at the bottom of the continent. We explored ancient caves, went whale watching, hiking and thoroughly enjoyed the unforgettable cuisine at Grootbos! We loved our guide Hosea who gave us such in-depth history and cultural insight on the area. It was a small gesture, but my kids really appreciated Hosea taking them into a local market in Cape Town’s Bo-Kapp neighborhood to enjoy a mid-day snack.

After a day touring and hiking on the magnificent Table Mountain, we set off to Botswana for 6 days at 3 different safari camps. Each camp was in a different ecosystem, which was something we never would have considered and were so appreciative of Christian to plan in that manner. I knew I would see the animals but did not expect to learn so much from the guides at each camp. The magnificent birds were also an unexpected surprise. The delicious food and lovely staff will never be forgotten and really made the trip our favorite so far!

Kudos to Christian for setting up this amazing experience!”—Lynn Casper

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

START A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA AND BOTSWANA

Paris: “Our January trip to Paris was for our daughter’s college graduation. She was interested in fashion, food, and the Louvre…”

The Louvre Museum at night, Paris. Photo: EdiNugraha/Pixabay

“Our January trip to Paris was for our daughter’s college graduation. She was interested in fashion, food, and the Louvre. Let’s start by how incredibly smooth our airport arrival was! Upon exiting the aircraft, we were whisked away by Mohammad, who led us through customs, helped us with our luggage, and delivered us to our driver. I bet we saved two hours not having to wait in the line at customs.

Jennifer, our trip planner, did a great job planning our tours and making our dining reservations! We were very impressed with each tour guide: our private half-day tour of the Louvre could not have been better! We loved our croissant-making class and our chef was fabulous. We were pleasantly surprised with our tour of the Dior museum—so unexpected and maybe one of our most favorite things. We had the museum to ourselves and our guide was fantastic! Jennifer secured a fashion expert who took us to neighborhood boutiques featuring up and coming Parisian designers, and this was a real treat! We loved meeting the shop owners, and we felt like locals shopping for the afternoon.

Each and every restaurant reservation that Jennifer procured provided the best table in the restaurant with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. One of the restaurants surprised us with a sparkler in my daughter’s dessert, which was so fun.” —Kim Brown

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

Norway: “My husband and I wanted to take our four children on a graduation trip to Norway…”

Barbara Lich’s son climbing in Norway’s mountaineering capital of Andelsnes.

Our trip (planned by Torunn and Karin) exceeded expectations! Wow! My husband and I wanted to take our four children on a graduation trip to Norway. When we first talked with Torunn, she listened to what worked for my family in previous trips, what we were looking for (an active trip to see and experience as much as possible). And she delivered!

Our children are ages 25, 22, 18 and 14. When Torunn heard that our daughter is a competitive figure skater and wanted to see sights near the 1994 Olympic venue in Lillehammer, she arranged that we would stop in Lillehammer and even set up bobsledding (!) at the Olympic Training site! That was an experience to remember.

We next enjoyed a beautiful train ride to Andelsnes! Our historic hotel was so beautiful! We felt like we were sitting in the middle of a postcard. Andelsnes is near the most gorgeous mountains and top destination for mountain climbers. Our oldest son is a climber and has earned some certifications for climbing. Karin arranged the most expert mountaineering guide with international certification and amazing demeanor for my oldest son—it was the highlight of his trip. They climbed for 12 hours and the Alpine Hike was one of the most difficult. It was an experience he will never forget… and the lovely staff at Hotel Aak held his dinner for him to enjoy when he returned at 11 pm at night!

In Bergen my daughter and I had a great morning horseback riding! with the most friendly and kind trainer. That afternoon, my husband and children took a 90-minute helicopter tour over Hardangerfjord. My family loved that helicopter experience. Sadly, it was time to depart the next morning. What a beautiful country and special family time! We really loved every minute and would recommend Torunn to everyone.”—Barbara Lich

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

START A TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines: “Taking advantage of the time left before my 18-year-old daughter leaves to start college, the two of us jetted off…”

Traveler Andrea Phillips and daughter Rachel underwater, diving off Balicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines.

Andrea Phillips and daughter Rachel diving off Balicasag Island in the Philippines. Photo: Sander

“Taking advantage of the time left before my 18-year-old daughter leaves to start college, the two of us jetted off on a 10-day scuba diving trip to the Philippines. After in-depth planning with Andrea, an expert on unique travel in Asia, we chose the Dauin coast and Panglao Island, off Bohol, for our trip, as this was an excellent time to visit for great weather and diving conditions. Our goals were simple: level up our scuba certifications, immerse ourselves in welcoming cultures, and, finally, cross off swimming with whale sharks from our bucket list!

Andrea and his team planned it perfectly, starting with a special airport welcome that whisked us from the arrival gate and quickly through a chaotic Manila airport. Our first stop was Atmosphere Resort, where my daughter earned her Advanced Open Water Diver certification under the guidance of their skilled dive masters. We explored local dive spots and Apo Island, a beautiful marine reserve. The relaxing resort was wonderful after diving, with its refreshing pools, delicious food, a sanctuary spa, all while being cared for as a VIP guest by the warm and friendly Filipino staff. It all brought back memories of doing my own AOW certification in Asia 25 years ago.

Moving on to Amorita Resort, we spent our days diving at Balicasag & Pamilacan Islands with another great dive team recommended by Andrea and earned our Enriched Air Diver certifications. Andrea also surprised us by sending an underwater photographer along on our first dive to capture a forever moment on our mother-daughter adventure under the sea. Saving one of the best days for last, our Bohol countryside tour was incredible, from swimming with a group of large whale sharks to cruising on a private Lomboc River boat with live music, hanging out with Tarsier and macaque monkeys, admiring the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol and even enjoying coconut wine at a local’s home. It was a perfect conclusion to our unforgettable journey in the Philippines.

This trip was tailored-made for our needs, combining the best dive resort locations for our goals, avoiding crowded tourist spots for the whale shark encounter, and adding in authentic cultural stops and touches to make each day unforgettable, including celebrating my birthday. Pushing ourselves to try somewhere new, and doing it together, made it even more thrilling.” —Andrea Phillips

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

Switzerland: “We booked a trip with our 18- and 21-year-old children to celebrate graduation and be outdoors as much as possible…”

Andy Shafran and family spelling out OHIO on top of Switzerland’s Mt. Jungfrau during their graduation trip.

“Switzerland was a beautiful country and our active hiking, kayaking, paragliding trip was exactly what we were looking for. We booked a trip with our 18- and 21-year-old children to celebrate graduation and be outdoors as much as possible. Nina and her staff helped us build an itinerary that maximized the experiences and minimized the hassle and travel time. We spent two days in Zurich/Rhine Falls, three days in Grindelwald, and three days in Lucerne. There is so much to do that we felt we could have stayed an extra week just in these three locations.

Our major interest was hiking, and we had a guided tour up Mt. Grindelwald first, which included a gondola ride up and a Trottibike ride down (highly, highly recommended). Then we took the train to the Jungfrau and even though it was pricey for that part of the trip, well worth it for the views and incredible Alpine experience. Thumbs up: Rhine Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, Aare Gorge hike, Lake Brienz kayak trip, and our full-day peak-to-peak hike on Mt. Rigi where we ate lunch at Berghaus Unterstetten on the side of the mountain with incredible views and good food.

All three hotels we stayed in were unique, terrific locations, and have fun quirks, such as the private funicular car that takes you up from Lake Lucerne to the Art Deco Hotel Montana…” —Andy Shafran

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

START A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND

Uzbekistan: “My son was graduating from Harvard’s Kennedy School with a degree in public policy, and his interest is Central Asia…”

Poi Kalon Mosque and Minaret in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Photo: Shutterstock

“My son was graduating from Harvard’s Kennedy School with a degree in public policy, and his interest is Central Asia, so as a graduation present we took him to Uzbekistan. Not only would I recommend Uzbekistan as a travel destination, but I would highly recommend Zulya to anyone planning a trip there. She arranged for a wonderful guide to accompany us throughout the country; our guide stayed with us day and night, shared meals and her culture, and helped us navigate a very foreign language. Zulya even arranged for us to have lunch with her family in Bukhara. It was amazing. Her mother taught my son how to make Plov. The lunch was a true feast, with about 20 family members. After lunch we all got up and danced together. It was an experience my wife, son, daughter-in-law, and I will cherish forever.” —Ron Klausner

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

START A TRIP TO UZBEKISTAN

Portugal: “It was a special trip to celebrate our son’s graduation from college…”

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

The village of Mertola in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was our first trip using a recommended Wendy Perrin trip planner. We travelled to Portugal March 8th—March 15th, 2024. It was a special trip to celebrate our son’s graduation from college. Our trip was planned by Goncalo and Joanna. WOW! What an amazing trip they planned for us. The accommodations that they chose for us were fantastic! Very unique and customer oriented. The destinations and route they planned—from Lisbon to the Alentejo region and the West Region—were perfect. Our driver, Sandru, was amazing and he made sure everything was taken care of when we reached our destinations. (He also knew our itinerary and was always able to answer questions.) Sandru went above and beyond to make our trip very special.

We had a wonderful cooking class and gastronomic tour with Lara in Lisbon and even attended a Benefica Football game. In the Alentejo region we experienced an outstanding lunch with a wine pairing, horseback ride, cork factory and hikes. In the West Region, a full day tour which included Obidos, Nazre, and Alcobaca. The details were taken care of for us, from tours to restaurant reservations, it was the best trip I have ever been on. I can’t wait to plan our next trip with a Wendy Perrin recommended trip planner.” —Lori Bentley

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

START A TRIP TO SCANDINAVIA

Scandinavia: “Will is graduating from high school this spring, and so we let him choose the destination for a family vacation…”

Kate Ogg and son Will see the northern lights from the driveway of their lodge in Alta.

Kate and Will Ogg view the northern lights from their lodge in Alta, Norway. Photo: Traveler Ryan Ogg

“My husband, Ryan Ogg and I (Kate Ogg), and our three children, Will (17), Charlotte (15), and Wyatt (12), went to Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo and Alta, Norway, from December 28 through January 6. Will is graduating from high school this spring, and so we let him choose the destination for a family vacation this year. He wanted to go someplace cold, snowy and dark, where we could do some fun outdoor adventures, and hopefully see the Northern Lights (which we had tried and failed to do in Iceland a couple of years ago).

It was a fantastic trip. Copenhagen was still pretty magical the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and we found some good restaurants despite a few of the ones we had hoped for being closed. We got to see the Christmas lights in Tivoli Gardens and took a ride on a wild roller coaster, wandered with some hot drinks, shopped and just enjoyed the festive vibe. The next day we started the day with a boat ride through the harbor and some of the bigger canals, which gave us a sense of the city’s geography as well as a lot of the architecture.

Oslo was all closed while we were there because it was both Sunday and New Year’s Eve, but a walk through the sculpture garden, to the Fram museum to see a polar expedition ship, and a chance to see the Nobel buildings and then along the harbor was a nice way to spend the day before a fancy dinner at our hotel (The Thief) and a midnight toast on the roof. On New Year’s morning in a snowstorm, we made it to Oslo airport and up to dark Alta. The Sorrisniva Hotel was fully booked by the time we planned our trip (August), so we stayed in a little fishing lodge in the woods, down the driveway from Tristin and Trine Restaurant and past some sled dogs.

It was absolutely charming, and best of all, the very first night as we walked out of our lodge to dinner, the sky lit up with northern lights that continued to brighten and dance until we gave up and went to bed. I credit our very dark spot in the woods for the fantastic viewing. Our adventures in snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, snowshoeing, and king crab fishing all showed us different parts of the landscape and culture in northern Norway, and it was just…magical. We truly loved it.” —Kate Ogg

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

Romania: “Since the trip was last-minute (before my daughter began her new career as a RN), and it was the height of tourist season, we wanted to pick a destination that was less traveled…”

Bran Castle (a.k.a. “Dracula’s Castle”) in Transylvania, Romania. Photo: Shutterstock

“I traveled to Romania on a last-minute graduation trip with my daughter, Amelia, in August 2023. We have done numerous trips with Wendy’s WOW List agents before and knew that finding an agent through Wendy was the only way to go. Even the destination of our trip was inspired by articles written by Wendy.

Since the trip was last-minute (before my daughter began her new career as a RN), and it was the height of tourist season, we wanted to pick a destination that was less traveled. We chose Romania, and Wendy matched us up with Raluca and Ioana. Important to us was connecting with the local people and understanding the country.

Raluca and Ioana set us up with a local guide, Tavi, whose personality matched well with us, which was a good thing since we drove around Romania for 10 days with him. We started in Bucharest, which was great for my daughter to learn what can happen to a country if you vote in a narcissist authoritarian as a leader and to understand what life was like under the latter parts of communist ruling. We had a university history professor give us a tour of an apartment frozen in time from the 1980s under communist rule. We enjoyed wonderful restaurants, an amazing art exhibit, and historical sites in the city.

In Transylvania we enjoyed visiting the Cris Bethlen Castle. It was particularly fun for us since one of our favorite horror movies, The Nun, was shot there. A local man who lives in town jumped in and gave us a detailed tour, including side stories on the actors during the filming. We went on an amazing mountain bike ride (about 20 miles) primarily in the hills and forests with some fun single track as well. The mountain bike guide had helped to build the trails, which will eventually connect a large portion of Transylvania for mountain bike tours.

We saw wonderful fortressed churches and cities throughout our trip, including the beautiful Sighisoara. Always enjoying them without crowds and with a random local who had the keys to let us in the church or describe some interesting tidbit of history through our guide as the interpreter.

We met a local weaver whose family had been doing traditional weaving for generations and who rescued a loom headed for destruction. We enjoyed a visit with a local herbalist whose herb garden was expansive and whose knowledge of remedies was sought out throughout the area. Here we enjoyed a dinner in her home, again understanding her story and her life and sharing ours. We enjoyed seeing the UNESCO site Viscri, supported by King Charles, and enjoyed the views from the fortressed church over the rolling hills.

We moved on to Brasov. Here we had a private tour of Bran Castle and had the opportunity to climb into the highest turret to view the mountain pass that the lookouts would use in centuries past. When we expressed interest in a hike, Tavi took us up a mountainside where he had helped a friend build a cabin. We met one of his friends, a local shepherd, and discussed bears threatening his flock.

Bottom line our visit was filled with unique experiences where we connected with the people of Romania and attempted to understand their stories. Romania is a beautiful, relatively undiscovered country with rich medieval history and more recent history of the rise and fall of communism. It is not as restored as other places in Western Europe, but its beauty, its history, and its people are wonderful to experience. The smaller crowds allow for a much more enjoyable visit than other European countries.”—Theresa Boone

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Japan: “I wanted to take my youngest daughter to Japan to celebrate her high school graduation…”

Kyoto, Japan gardens at Heian Shrine in the spring season. - Image

Heian Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, during cherry blossom season. Photo: Shutterstock

“I wanted to take my youngest daughter to Japan to celebrate her high school graduation. Scott planned a fabulous and varied itinerary, and our guides were fantastic: They were very flexible to accommodate our interests and energy levels and very understanding of how a teenager would like to travel.

Scott arranged several special experiences based on the relationships he has formed. We had a cooking lesson with an amazing woman in her home, a fascinating dinner at a club with geishas, and a calligraphy lesson with an excellent teacher. We both loved Studio Ghibli and the Monkey Park.

Scott’s choice of hotels was wonderful. We slept so well every night, particularly at our ryokan. The Mandarin Oriental serves a fantastic breakfast buffet. The Ritz-Carlton was very luxurious (and yes—we did see Leonardo Di Caprio there). We were particularly fortunate that the cherry blossoms came out when we got there and we got to experience the beauty of the season. Throughout the trip, I was able to sit back and relax and enjoy everything because of Scott’s careful planning and knowledge of Japan. I would absolutely use him again and recommend him. I have been a fan of Wendy’s since her Condé Nast days. This is now my second special trip with her experts, and I plan on more. The level of professionalism is exceptional.” —Patricia Klein

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Austria: “The official occasion for the trip was my son’s graduation from high school and sending him off to music school…”

Mirabell Gardens with the old historic Fortress Hohensalzburg in the background in Salzburg, Austria.

Salzburg, Austria, is Mozart’s birthplace and home to the Salzburg Music Festival. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from a 14-day family trip in Austria planned by Gwen. I can only describe the experience as life-affirming. The official occasion for the trip was my son’s graduation from high school and sending him off to music school in the fall, so we had a heavy musical focus, but there was truly something for everyone in the family. We toured palaces and cathedrals in Vienna, experienced local food, watched the Lipizzaner stallions perform and had a private tour of the stables.

We moved on to the Wachau Valley for wine tasting and breathtaking Danube scenery, then visited the abbeys of Melk and Stift-Admont. In Salzburg, we soaked up the music festival, saw the fortress and countless Sound of Music film locations, attended a Mozart opera, a Vienna Philharmonic concert, and a world-class string quartet. We learned to make apple strudel and Salzburg Nockerl, and visited the charming lake district outside Salzburg. We rounded out our trip with several days in Innsbruck and a final train ride to Munich, where we celebrated my son’s birthday at a beer hall and caught our flight home.

Gwen was helpful and responsive and understood my family’s diverse needs. She steered us away from tourist traps and embraced our interest in some off-the-beaten-path locations. She suggested lovely boutique hotel experiences and guides with extraordinary depth of knowledge of their cities.” —Katherine Stadler

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Italy: “Our eight-day food tour was requested by our 21-year-old son who was graduating from university…”

Bologna, Italy Food store food market showcase full of food in Bologna city in Italy

Bologna’s markets are a great place to learn about the renowned foods of the region. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our eight-day food tour of Italy was requested by our 21-year-old son, who was graduating from university. Milan was the starting point, next was Bologna to learn about the renowned foods of the region, and then a repeat visit to Florence—and we absolutely loved everything Maria planned. The drivers, guides, food tours, wine tasting, cooking class were all impeccable. In Milan, when our guide found out our son loved fashion, she made a call to a fashion designer, and we were able to meet with the designer. We spent an hour-plus speaking with him, trying on his designs, and buying some of his pieces.

In Bologna our guide took us on a delicious food tasting that culminated in copious amounts of prosciutto, hams, cheeses, bread, balsamic vinegar, wine. Our all-day food tour through Parma and Emilia-Romagna was incredible, as was the private wine tasting where we sat in the cellar with the vineyard owner for more than two hours, tasting food and wine pairings. The vineyard owner then asked our driver to detour us through the medieval village of Fontanellato, to view the castle and moat and to indulge in gelato.” —Deb Lurie

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