Tag Archives: reviews

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.

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!

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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.

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!

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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.

Secrets of Europe: The Spots Most Travelers Miss

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While most visitors to Europe head for the big tourist magnets, we encourage you to focus instead on the lesser-known, charming places where you won’t find the tour-bus crowds. Europe is filled with hidden villages, empty coastlines, and locals-only hangouts—the can’t-miss places that too many uninformed travelers miss. Even in the big cultural capitals, if you arrange your trip through the right sources, you can gain entree to palaces, gardens, galleries, kitchens, and vineyards that are closed to the public but open to you because you know the person with the keys or the clout.

Read the examples below—a compilation that we are continually updating, as new traveler reviews come in—and be surprised by dozens of European experiences you didn’t know about. Here’s how to get your own WOW experience of Europe.

Our location was within a 15-minute drive to another handful of amazing hilltop villages…

Lisa Malecha and family riding horses along the Camargue, France.

Riding horses as a family along the Camargue, while living like a local in a villa overlooking Gordes.

“My husband and I embarked on a trip we had been dreaming about for years—embedding for a couple of weeks in one of France’s many world-renowned wine regions. We picked Provence because we recently did a replant at our vineyard in Northern California with a couple of Rhone varietals, and this was a good opportunity to learn more about these wines at the source.

Our desire was to spend our whole time at one location, within walking distance of a village. Jennifer found us the most amazing villa within walking distance of the iconic French village Gordes, a village built into the rock face of the Vaucluse Mountains, above the Luberon Valley. Jennifer steered us to a villa offering a view of Gordes that you only see in the movies. We walked into the village almost twice daily—for our morning coffees and shopping, and our evening cocktail or meals.

Our location was within a 15-minute drive of another handful of amazing hilltop villages. And only an hour from Marseilles and a touch further to the iconic coastal village of Cassis, where our adult kids and their significant others hiked back into the crystal-clear-blue waters of the Calanques. Followed by an amazing array of bouillabaisse options in the marina.

We hiked from the villa to the Sénanque Abbey and its amazing lavender fields; rode bikes through the Luberon Valley; rode white horses in the Camargue; went wine tasting in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region; went to the Van Gogh museum in Avignon; had a French chef cook for us at the villa; went to a lavender museum and olive oil pressing. We can’t wait to go back! What a magical area with memories of a lifetime created with our family!” —Lisa Malecha

Read more reviews of France trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

In Italy’s crowded cities, these tranquil palazzo hotels are best-kept secrets

Get back to the places you love, when you’re ready. Policies like refundable deposits and no-fee date changes make it easier to think about, and book, future travel.

“Maria helped us plan a three-week trip to Italy in celebration of my 75th birthday. We visited Tuscany, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. Maria’s planning added extra benefit to all aspects of our trip.

We stayed at the Antica Torre Tornabuoni in Florence. Located on the top floors of a historic palazzo, it provided a respite from the crowded streets of Florence. Steps away from the Arno River, we had a beautiful view of the river and surrounding area from our room. In particular, we enjoyed the hotel’s private rooftop decks with expansive views.

In Venice, we stayed at the small, boutique Hotel Londra, located a few steps away from the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Square. We loved going out on the deck of our room, which directly faced the Grand Canal across from one of the main water-taxi sites. While the area was crowded, one could escape the crowds, and it was wonderful to wake up to a quiet, beautiful, water view.

On the Amalfi Coast, we stayed at the Monastero Santa Rosa, a short way outside Amalfi. It has perhaps the most breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Amalfi in the distance. This intimate cliffside hotel was spectacular and provided a tranquil retreat from the crowds in Amalfi and Positano. The staff was outstanding. Another highlight of our trip was an all-day motorized boat trip along the Amalfi coast with Captain Michele. We viewed sea grottos, hidden coves, historic monasteries, forts, watchtowers, and historic villas, including Sophia Loren’s home below the Monastero Santa Rosa.

In Sorrento, we stayed at the Grand Hotel Royal, a grande dame of a hotel with beautiful ocean views and a swimming area by the sea. This hotel, with its expansive interior areas to sit and seaside vistas outside, was a place away from the large walking tours in the old town of Sorrento.” —Alice Pullam

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Mallorca: A slice of Spain in the Mediterranean

Elizabeth Crawford and her family at a waterfront restaurant featured in The Night Manager mini-series in Mallorca, Spain.

Elizabeth Crawford and family at a waterfront restaurant featured in The Night Manager mini-series.

“In Palma de Mallorca, Iván made sure we had a local guide to introduce us to the city. While winding us through the narrow streets, pointing out landmarks and helping us learn our way around, our guide Laura introduced us to local tapas bars and wines. The food was excellent, and we had our favorite wine of the trip in an exclusive wine bar that we would never have been able to get into on our own.

My husband had asked to see the scenic restaurant featured in the film The Night Manager. Much to our surprise, Laura spoke to the restaurant matriarch, and we were able to have lunch in this gorgeous, exclusive setting—yet another restaurant we would never have been able to get into on our own. And, when we finally arrived at our spectacular hotel on the cliffs of Port de Sóller, we felt like movie stars. We reveled in luxurious lounging at our hotel.

Later in the week, Iván arranged for a private sailboat excursion with a very experienced captain for us. We appreciated that we actually sailed—not something you can always count on—along the stunning coastline and loved swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Our trip was spectacular, and Iván succeeded in making it feel personally tailored to us, with local access and expertise that only a WOW specialist can provide.” —Elizabeth Crawford

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

An uncrowded island in one of Italy’s most popular spots

Traveler Jeannie Mullen approaching Isola dei Pescatori by boat, Italy.

Approaching Isola dei Pescatori by boat. Photo: Traveler Jeannie Mullen

“I had a short window of opportunity to squeeze in a trip to Milano and the Lake District in northern Italy recently and turned to Wendy for advice on how best to approach a private trip. Andrea and Creta put together a lovely and well-balanced itinerary that met all of my particulars.

Three days were spent on Lago Maggiore in Stresa, a beautiful lakeside village where every photo fairly jumps into your camera by itself. I met Kate, a local guide, for a tour of two of the three Borromean Islands on Maggiore: Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. The Baroque palace (complete with underground grottos) and Italian gardens on Isola Bella were stunning despite threatening weather.

After a short boat transfer we had Isola dei Pescatori basically to ourselves. It was a lovely and picturesque island, where a small number of fishermen still live and work to supply the local eateries. The small church on the island, the Church of San Vittori, dates back to the 11th century. Headstones in the local cemetery just around the corner had some wonderful stories to tell.

The next day we drove to the opposite side of Lago Maggiore for a walk through the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania. Kate brought Taranto alive with her many stories behind the history and development of the gardens.

This trip, which was planned on short notice at a very busy time during the travel season, turned out to be just the ticket for an 8-day getaway to what has now become my new favorite part of Italy. Last but not least, the fast-track arrival and departure services in Milano were perfect, given the long lines I witnessed at immigration and security.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Idyllic coastline and countryside in Puglia, Italy

View of coastal town Otranto in Puglia, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“We’re a family of four, with two adult daughters in their 20s. We had a fantastic experience in this beautiful and authentic part of Italy. We’ve been to the more classic Italian tourist destinations and to multiple Mediterranean spots in other countries, and we strongly recommend a visit to this less explored region near the heel of the Italian boot.

Alison and Elisa really know Puglia! The boutique hotel in Ostuni (Paragon 700) was perfectly located for exploring the northern part of Puglia, where we stayed for four nights. My wife is a relatively discerning interior designer and loved the Paragon 700. While in Ostuni, we went on an e-bike tour of the countryside through the endless olive groves, past numerous trullis, and visited the towns of Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Alberobello.

On the bike tour, we stopped at a family-run farm, where our girls (and mom and dad!) marveled at the site of a day-old litter of 12 piglets and one-month-old little calves. We experienced mozzarella making, including burrata, and then had an amazing meal—the ultimate farm-to-table experience.

The second part of our Puglia trip was in the south, near Lecce, where we stayed at Masseria Trapana for three nights. Alison and Elisa prepared two experiences for us on this part of the trip which were also fabulous: A private visit to the Duca Carlo Guarini winery, which has been in the same family for nearly 1,000 years—or, 24 generations! The visit to the winery was supposed to last 2 ½ hours, and we were there for more than four hours, including another excellent meal and a tour of the town palace where the adult sons of Don Giovanni (the patriarch who runs the wine business) are building their own winery and wine business.

The day after the winery, we went on a private boat tour of the beautiful coast to see the idyllic Lecce limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lots of little bays and coves for swimming. Fabrizio, the captain of the Tortuga, did a great job taking care of us, including serving a meal which his mother had prepared. The Tortuga is docked in the port of the ancient town of Otranto. Going in and out of Otranto felt like being in a small, undiscovered St. Tropez.” —Mario and Martha Queiroz

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Famous white villages and lesser-known gem in Andalusia, Spain

Aerial evening view of New Bridge over Guadalevin River in Ronda, Andalusia, Spain.

History abounds in Ronda, where a 200-year-old structure earns the name Puente Nuevo, or “New Bridge.” Photo: Shutterstock

“Iván planned a fantastic trip for me and two of my children (ages 14 and 20). We started in Seville, a truly beautiful city to which we all hope to return. Our hotel was beautiful, quiet, with wonderful service, and an easy walk to everywhere we wanted to see. We loved our cooking class with Chef Amelia and also enjoyed learning about local tile and pottery styles and trying out these crafts.

Our next stop was Ronda, a city none of us had even heard of. We were thrilled Iván recommended it! Along the way from Seville to Ronda, we got to see the famous white villages and enjoy a gorgeous hike in the area. Ronda is spectacular. The bridge and old city wowed all of us.

Next we moved on to Cádiz, with a stop at a goat farm and mill (where we got to make our own bread) along the way. Our views of the Atlantic from Cádiz were stunning, and we enjoyed walking around town and along the ocean. A highlight of our time in Cádiz was a trip to a bull and horse farm owned by a young woman whose family has a long history in the bullfighting world. We learned a lot, got to see the bulls and Andalusian horses, and enjoyed a lovely lunch with her. Iván set us up with wonderful guides who smoothed the way and translated for us, when needed. We cannot wait to return to explore more of Andalusia!” —Jane Kasey

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Rich medieval history in Romania

The view of Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania.

Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania. Photo: Tim Baker

“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

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

Athens, Santorini, and Greece’s “beautiful little island” of Sifnos

Authentic buildings and clear water beach in Sifnos island in Greece.

Sifnos island in Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

“We recently returned from a lovely 10-day trip to Greece, which Jacoline and Evan planned for us. Our first stop was Athens. The private tour of the Parthenon was fabulous, as was the E-bike tour of the city. But equally memorable was the view from our hotel. We were traveling with another couple and Jacoline suggested we share the penthouse suite at the Perianth. What an incredible view of the Parthenon, especially in the evening when it was so beautifully illuminated!

We knew we wanted to visit Athens and Santorini but asked Jacoline to pick a third stop. She hit a home run with her selection of Sifnos, a beautiful little island where we took a fun cooking class and enjoyed a half day on a private skippered boat trip on the wonderfully blue Aegean Sea. The scenery was breathtaking. The small hotel Jacoline selected was lovely. The staff was extremely personable and made us feel very special.” —Debbie Grob

Read more reviews of Greece trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, an off-the-radar culinary gem in northeastern Italy

Morning seascape of Adriatic sea with the Miramare Castle.

Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

We had a guided tour on our first full day in Trieste. We learned about the long struggle for control of the city between the Venetian Republic and the Hapsburgs of Austria, and the resulting cosmopolitanism of Trieste. After two days on our own in Trieste, our driver took us to the Collio wine country, with a stop at Miramare Castle on the way.

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. Jennifer helped us with booking and transportation for lunch at a nearby restaurant we had set our hearts on. (Shout out to Stanley Tucci for his Friulian footnote in “Searching for Italy”!) We had our local guide back for a half-day trip to Gorizia, on the Slovenian border. Having discussed our interest in World War I with her, she arranged for us to make a short visit to an Italian war memorial that was nearby. We also spent an amazing day visiting local wine producers and sampling their wares. (Our favorites were Friuliano and Schioppettino!)

After our break in the countryside, we moved on to Udine. There we had another guided tour, learning about the tug of war fought over the area for centuries and the remarkable mix of historical influences at play. A highlight was seeing Tiepolo’s amazing ceiling frescoes. From our base in Udine, we visited the lovely town of Cividale del Friuli, with beautiful Lombard art and architecture, and day-tripped to Kobarid in Slovenia to learn about the Italian front in the First World War. So much of what we know about World War I is focused on Belgium and France. Learning about trench warfare in the mountains was fascinating and a highlight of our trip.

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

Italy’s Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore

Couple enjoying a boat ride on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.

Aimee Reed got a perspective on Lake Maggiore that most travelers miss.

“We had the delightful experience of working with Maria for our recent Italy trip to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday. She and her team delivered above and beyond all of our dreams for this amazing and unforgettable vacation. We were very interested in exploring less populated places, rich with history and local cuisine. We wanted a relaxed pace, time on the water, food and wine experiences.

We flew into Milan, were met by our driver, and traveled to Santa Margherita Ligure. Spent four days exploring the Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the surrounding areas. We spent a full day on the sea in a private luxury boat. Expertly guided tours through the five cities of the Cinque Terre and a sunset dinner in Manarola was the icing on the cake! Spectacular views! Every detail and logistic perfectly planned and executed.

We traveled next to Lake Maggiore where we stayed four nights in the exquisite Villa Amnita. Our local guide, Carolyn, who guided us through the Borromean Islands, was absolutely a joy to be with and extremely knowledgeable in the history of the region, the islands. She accompanied us for two half-day tours and tastings. The quality of the private tours was a standout service! Phenomenal guides who are passionate about their work and focused on delivering the most extraordinary experience. We enjoyed private boating excursions on the lake and even ventured into Switzerland for a day.

The final leg of our journey was spent in fabulous Milan shopping, touring the Duomo and admiring Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” We love Italy and are already thinking of our next trip to Florence, Rome and Tuscany!” —Aimee Reed

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CROATIA, BOSNIA, OR MONTENEGRO

The hidden charms of Croatia, Herzegovina, Montenegro via both land and sea

Aerial view at amazing archipelago in front of town Hvar, Croatia Mediterranean.

Aerial view of the archipelago in Hvar, Croatia. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband, two children (ages 4 and 6) and I just returned from a 2.5-week trip through Croatia, Herzegovina, and Montenegro, coordinated by Ala and her fabulous team. The trip was, in a word, perfection—so thoughtfully planned out and orchestrated, with amazing guides, fabulous restaurant recommendations, and superb on-the-ground service. It was the first large international trip we’ve taken with our two kids, and it ended up surpassing all our expectations. My older child kept exclaiming, ‘Mom, Croatia is paradise!’ They’re not wrong.

Ala did a wonderful job of recommending hotels that were family-friendly, given the constraints she was working with (some areas in Croatia really just don’t have true luxury hotels yet like I am used to). One highlight was the Relais & Chateaux property Maslina, on the island of Hvar, which is a true gem—everyone should splurge and stay there. It’s located a 20-minute walk from Stari Grad (there’s a beautiful paved path that winds along the coast), had exceptional food, great rooms with gorgeous views, a truly attentive staff who took care of everything, and two great pools for the kids to enjoy—along with a kids’ club which my two children loved. While on the island we also had an incredible full-day private boat charter to the Pakleni Islands, fully arranged by Ala, and it was magical—we swam in beautiful azure waters, saw fish (it was my older child’s first time donning goggles to ‘snorkel’ and they loved it!); and took in incredible views. Many times, we were one of only a few boats located in our swimming area.

One of the things our family most appreciated about Ala was her ability to pivot on the fly and suggest plans that would work best for our younger children, as we were not sure what would and wouldn’t work for our kids. In Split, for example, Ala put us in a charming hotel right in the historic palace area, but its size and location meant it lacked the amenities my kids like (think pools, beach access, etc.). When I inquired about a good public beach to visit, knowing my kids would want some beach time on this stop, Ala was quick to help us set up an afternoon at Le Meridien outside of town (and coordinate transportation for us as well)—all on an hour’s notice. While not a traditional activity that most would plan—and not something I would have found on my own—it was perfect for my family, as the kids spent the day being fishes and I spent the afternoon reading a book seaside.

As I mentioned above, this was our first large, multi-country trip with our children and we didn’t know exactly what to expect—we were learning as we went. Ala made herself and her team available at all times—via WhatsApp or phone—to pivot and make changes as I requested. And, while I didn’t expect to, I ended up making multiple change requests! We were able to shift tour start times to better align with our schedule once we ended up on-continent, and we added/subtracted items as we realized what worked best for our family.

On our drive to Herzegovina, Ala was happy to flex our schedule on a day’s notice so that we could stop at Kravica waterfall, where one can swim at the base of the falls—something that our two kids really enjoyed! We bought small nets from the vendor at the base of the waterfall and one of my kids ‘caught’ their first fish—a huge moment for them! Our tour guides flexed their schedules to accommodate our children’s interests. In Mostar we ended up attending a Bosnian Street Food festival one evening, complete with a DJ and a bouncy house (something my kids were thrilled about!) because our guide made sure to mention it to us and show us where it was set up—it wasn’t something we ever would have found on our own.

The level of attention to detail and full-service offerings from Ala and team just made this trip such a dream. Our family had the best time and our two children are already asking to go back.” —Kim Segal

Read more reviews of Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Azores: a quick flight from the east coast for island adventures & a European feel

Lagoa des Sites Cidades on São Miguel Island in the Azores.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island in the Azores. Photo: Traveler Tony Ford-Hutchinson

“For those of us who live on the East Coast of the USA, the Azores are the closest point to somewhere with a European and Portuguese feel. One of our guides (an American ex-pat) described them as a cross between Iceland (they are so volcanic), Ireland (they are so green) and Hawaii (a holiday destination in the middle of an ocean). Our trip with our daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters (aged 9 and 11) started with a direct 5.5 h flight from Newark airport. Flights arrive in San Miguel Island, the most populated, and we spent the first three nights in the luxurious Octant Furnas Hotel in Furnas, The hotel is surrounded by hot springs bringing boiling water to the surface. Highlights there were the food, including preparing and cooking a traditional stew which is buried in the hot ground for several hours, the hotel’s super warm, mineral swimming pool and a hike up a mountain side to Lagoa de Fogo (a lake in a former volcanic cone) followed by a swim on the beach. We then took a short flight to the volcanic Island of Pico famous for its mountain (a former volcano of course) and its outstanding white wine. During 5 nights in Pico, we took two day trips on ferries to the neighboring islands of Faial and Sao Jorge. Highlights were a trip through the lava tubes on Pico, visits to wineries and a hike around the Caldera on Faial. After flying back to San Miguel for our last 3 nights we were driven to our hotel on the Ponta Delgada harbor front (Octant Ponta Delgada). Highlights included a private whale watching trip with great sightings of three female sperm whales (one with a calf), an evening wine and food tasting tour, a morning food tour, a Jeep tour of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades and finally a tour of the tea plantations with an opportunity to make our own ice cream. Throughout the trip we had excellent local food and wine, including ultra-fresh seafood and excellent beef (cows outnumber people on the islands). A 5-hour flight home took us back to Newark with the realization that we still had 5 more islands to explore! Thank you to Goncalo and his co-workers for a great trip that left a multi-generational family very happy.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Locals-only spots in Portugal

The river Guadiana and the village of Mertola, Alentejo Region, Portugal. Photo: Shutterstock

“We wanted to take a family trip for two weeks to Portugal with our two young children, seven and two years old. We asked Goncalo and Joana to plan an authentic, off-the-beaten-path look into the south of Portugal and the Alentejo and Lisbon, and we had a perfect time. Portugal is incredible! And it’s possible to beat the summer crowds.

Everything was planned and executed perfectly from the minute we landed. We loved our day in Sintra and the coast at Azenhas Do Mar with our guide, Luís, and my son loved spending the day with our cooking teacher, Claudia. We loved our apartment at Lumiares in Lisbon and the breakfasts on the rooftop. One of the highlights was our Costa da Caparica beach day at Irmao. We felt like we were one of the only tourists, and it felt like a slice of life for young Lisboans. Joana also got us a reservation at Belcanto, a very special experience for a parents’ night out.

Another highlight of the trip was the people we met and the food at Craveiral Farmhouse. The kids loved to roam on their bikes, and we found our favorite beach and fish shack on the beach on the quiet coastline of Costa Vicentina. We didn’t hear any English at these beaches, and the water and coves were so unique. The most spectacular property we stayed at was Sao Lourenco do Barrocal in the Alentejo. We had such a special time there, with delicious food and hospitality. We are so grateful to Joana for making sure we had large rooms at each of our hotels, giving our family lots of space, and ease of rental car and drivers made everything stress-free. Portugal has quickly become one of our favorite places to visit, and we plan on returning to see more of this beautiful country!” —Gina Schulman

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

A “smaller jewel” in Italy’s Lake District

View of the island Isola San Giulio at the Lake Orta in Italy.

Island Isola San Giulio at the Lake Orta in Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“We worked with Emanuela to plan our trip from Venice to Verona to the Lake Region. We had planned to go to Lake Como or Lake Garda. After our initial zoom call and emails asking about our particular likes and dislikes and goals for our trip, Emanuela suggested we skip the crowds that are visiting Italy this year and instead go to Lake Orta, a smaller jewel of a lake located just west of Lake Maggiore.

The hotel Emanuela recommended was delightful and our tour guides were outstanding. We could never have planned a trip like this on our own, which included tours of historical interest, culinary interest and hiking. We look forward to working with Wendy’s recommended tour planner for our next trip.” —Mike Brennan

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Hydra, Greece: “An island that we never knew existed but that quickly became our favorite…”

Typical white house with flowers on Hydra Island in a sunny day in Greece.

Typical whitewashed houses on Hydra. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jacoline made the most of our short trip and somehow turned every single day into a highlight. I never thought I could say that about a vacation! There were five adults on this trip, and we all had our favorites, which is a credit to her. Jacoline created experiences that we would have never done on our own, like spending time with a wonderful family on their farm, feeding their animals and making Spanakopita as part of a huge feast on their terrace, as well as private wine tours, personal guides to archeological sites, pottery classes, and a private cooking lesson on more amazing Greek food. We loved really getting to meet the people and understanding the culture.

We loved the unique boutique hotels, especially on Hydra, an island that we never knew existed but that quickly became our favorite. We never felt like a ‘tourist’ but more like students in a history class which we found fascinating. We had never heard of this island, but after talking with Jacoline, she booked us in a wonderful mansion-turned-boutique-hotel (Hydrea) that served us breakfast each morning on the terrace overlooking the water/town. Staff was very personable and allowed us to wander the property to look at the historic home. There are no cars or motorcycles, so we enjoyed the peace and quiet, especially after a few days in Athens. If you get a chance, don’t miss this gem!

We left Hydra to spend our last days in Oia (Santorini). Our pace picked back up for a grand finale day, touring vineyards before boarding our own catamaran for a half-day excursion which concluded with chasing the sunset. It was the perfect ending to the perfect vacation!! This was our third trip using Wendy Perrin’s services. We have had great experiences on each trip and they just keep getting better!” —Karrie Evans

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Portugal’s unexplored medieval towns

Cobblestone street decorated with green plants.

Cobblestone street in Portugal. Photo: Shutterstock

“Goncalo and Patricia planned a wonderful and varied 9-day itinerary for us. This was our third trip to Portugal, so we wanted to visit places we had previously missed. After Lisbon we drove to Belmonte and explored the medieval towns of east central Portugal, including Sortelha and Trancoso. This is a beautiful, less traveled part of the country where we were often the only tourists walking the narrow, winding streets and eating our bacalhau (cod stew) besides local families in tiny cafes. We stayed in Belmonte’s Pousada and ate one of the best meals of our trip—an unexpected discovery in a fairly isolated location.

Next we spent three days in the Douro Valley where we enjoyed a private cruise down the Douro river and wine tastings at two Quintas. At Bomfim 1896, Goncalo and Patricia surprised us with a WOW Moment dinner accompanied by wines from the adjacent Quinta. Given the choice of ordering a la carte or giving Chef Pedro Lemos free reign to create whatever inspired him, we chose the latter. The evening was so much fun, as the chef and serving staff brought us a sequence of small plates that were as artistic as they were delicious.

We spent the last two days in Porto, which is charming but in mid-March already overrun with tourists. We look forward to working with Goncalo and Patricia on a trip to the Azores.” —Ruby Sinclair

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The Mediterranean islands of Malta and Sardinia

The famous arch of Blue Grotto in Malta.

The Arch of Blue Grotto in Malta. 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 BC 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

Read more reviews of Malta trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Alta, Norway

Northern Lights in Alta, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

“I first heard about Jan through the Wendy Perrin WOW List. Seeing the Northern Lights was on my bucket list, and Jan helped me plan every detail of the trip. The hotels were excellent, and we received many upgrades. Our hotel in Alta was particularly lovely, and our dinners there were incredible. Knowing how much we wanted to see the Lights, and being disappointed twice before in Iceland, Jan steered us to Alta, in the northernmost part of Norway. He said it would give us the best shot. How right he was! We saw them three out of three nights!

Jan also suggested a visit to the area where the Sami live and herd reindeer. It was the best advice! These indigenous people live the same way their ancestors did, and it was a privilege to spend the day with them. Mathis, a Sami elder, met us and drove us over 30 miles on snowmobiles to watch the Sami move a herd of 2,500+ reindeer to higher terrain. After that, we snowmobiled back to his home, where he had prepared a delicious lunch of salmon and Arctic char. He generously and patiently answered all our questions and made us feel like welcomed guests. Our day with this incredible gentleman was truly the highlight of our trip, and it is an experience that will not be forgotten.” —Judy Wimpfheimer

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Lesser-known treasures of Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jennifer arranged for us to have Veronica as our tour guide while we were in Florence. Veronica was so warm and friendly. She had a fantastic knowledge of the area and was able to explain things in a fun and educational way. A highlight of the trip was a private visit to Palazzo Corsini, where we not only had Veronica’s expertise, but we also had the privilege of Countess Francesca, who grew up and still lives there, conduct the tour. We had such a wonderful afternoon. Another highlight was spending an afternoon visiting with local artisans of Florence. Veronica took us to places which we never would have found on our own.” —Kevin Haney

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Belfast and Derry in Northern Ireland

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

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland. Photo: Shutterstock

“When I told Jonathan that I had recently watched the movie Belfast and loved the Netflix series Derry Girls, he suggested traveling off the beaten path to Northern Ireland. That was excellent advice, as we really felt like we were on an exciting adventure, instead of following a more predictable southern itinerary.

We started our magical two weeks in Dublin, then traveled to Belfast and Derry, where we toured The Murals and learned the sad but interesting history of political and religious conflict. Our hotel in Belfast, the Culloden Estate, upgraded us to a fabulous suite and provided us with tickets to the Titanic Belfast museum (fascinating—don’t miss it!).

On to the Donegal region for perhaps the most awesome sights of our trip during our hike up Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe! We stayed at Lough Eske Castle, another lovely hotel where we were treated like royalty. It truly was a trip of lifetime that would not have been as memorable without the excellent guidance and advice from Jonathan and Katie!” —Karen Davis

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

The Lofoten Islands, Norway

Northern lights explosion on snowy mountain range near coastline at Lofoten islands, Norway

Northern Lights in Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

“When planning our two-week trip to Norway, we had discussed with Jan about cruising vs. driving—and he totally recommended the drive. We are so glad we took his recommendation. We started in Bergen, driving north through the fjords, and had constant awe-inspiring scenery. Jan arranged two different times we would be on the water in a fjord, so we did not miss the feeling of being on a cruise. We spent half a day on a RIB boat—just the two of us and the captain—gliding along the fjord waters.

Then we flew to the Lofoten Islands, where we stayed in a Rorbu in Reine. We had a fun WOW Moment when an excellent halibut dinner was prepared for us in our own room and we were able to enjoy this private time together watching the harbor with a great meal! Thank you for arranging this!! A couple of hours later, we stepped outside to a show of the Northern Lights—right there on our own porch!!

We travel to see the beauty of the world and explore famous sites, but the best part is always when there are opportunities to meet the people who live there and you have the chance to gain insights into their way of life, culture, interests, and way of seeing the world. We always come home feeling enriched from these experiences. Norway is a beautiful country with incredible people. What a pleasure to have been able to share their country for two weeks!” —Sally Boland

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Private access in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

Giardini Torrigiani, Florence. Photo: Brian Dore

“We were a couple of weeks away from travel, with everything paid, when COVID shut everything down. Maria assured us the trip would be waiting for us when we were ready to travel, and she delivered on her promise. Starting in Florence, drivers took us on the scenic route to Montefalco in Umbria, then to Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, ending in Rome by way of Pompeii.

All the tours and activities were enjoyable and informative, but a few stand out. We had a WOW Moment surprise in Florence (Thank you, Wendy!) when we were led along back streets to the Torrigiani Gardens, the largest private garden in city limits in Europe. It’s been owned by the same family for centuries. After a tour of the spectacular grounds, the owner took us to the balcony in his residence and visited with us over wine and a huge assortment of antipasti — a wonderful experience.

On our drive to Umbria, we stopped for lunch and a tour at I Balzini, a small family vineyard and winery. Lunch was served on the patio overlooking the vineyards and gorgeous Tuscan scenery. The wines and food were delicious, and we’re looking forward to the arrival of wine we purchased there. Ristorante Bagni Delfino in Sorrento was special for the lovely sunset view on the water as well as excellent food. We ate well with a fun cooking lesson from Chef Andrea at Locanda Rovicciano in Umbria, a food tour in Rome, and one great restaurant after another. The trip was definitely worth the wait. Maria listened to what we wanted on this trip and gave us the trip we hoped for. Highly recommend!” —Elizabeth Marshall

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.

St. Paul de Vence, Dolceacqua, and other charming villages along the French and Italian Rivieras

Monaco view from tete de chien rock, Provence.

The view from Tête de Chien rock, Monaco. Photo: Philip Haslett

“We wanted to do a road trip around France so we could see as much as we could, while still having a few days in each place to relax. Philip and Evane created a perfect itinerary for us. Philip and Evane advised us on what parts of the trip would be best to drive ourselves vs. which would have lots of traffic or headaches so it would be best to have a driver.

We had a few days in Paris to adjust to the time change before going to Champagne, where they arranged a private visit to Veuve Clicquot. In Lyon, our private guide took us to his family-owned winery in the Beaujolais. Philip and Evane even added the Piedmont region in Italy (since I told them how much my dad loved Italy and us being so close by), filling our time there with lots of Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Then we drove to Nice but stayed in smaller St. Paul de Vence with day trips around to see Eze, Monaco, Antibes, and all the spots along the Riviera.

Philip and Evane mapped out some smaller and cool towns that we could stop at while on our drives and provided great lunch restaurant suggestions at each stop. My dad’s favorite was in Dolceacqua, overlooking one of the bridges that Monet painted, while on our way from Fossano to St Paul de Vence. We are beyond thankful to Wendy for putting us in contact with Philip. It was a trip of a lifetime where it never felt like too much time in each destination, but it will always never be enough!” —Devan Ullman

Read more reviews of France trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Salina and other secrets of Sicily

The coast of Cefalu, Palermo, in Sicily. Photo: Shutterstock

“Marcello understood our desire to engage with local people and visit out-of-the way places that most travelers would miss. Trip highlights included hiking Mt. Etna with a vulcanologist, deepening our understanding of this mysterious, mystical mountain that Sicilians refer to as Mother; wine tasting/pairing with a sommelier expert on Mt. Etna wines, who introduced us to the special quality of wines grown in volcanic soil; a visit to the tuna factory on Favignana and the “Impossible Garden”, a dream realized by a determined woman who envisioned a garden in the midst of the rock quarries; shopping the local market with Maurizio, the entertaining and charismatic chef of Macalle in Ortigia, followed by a cooking class and meal, and many ideas to take home; hiking and sailing on the island of Salina, enjoying lunch where Il Postino was filmed, visiting a local caper farm, and enjoying the outstanding wines of the local vineyards; a visit to a water mill which has been grinding wheat into flour since the 1690s, a process that results in flour naturally low in gluten; and visits to many small, beautiful villages, walking and chatting with the men who congregate in the piazzas, enjoying a meal prepared by Annalisa in her home, gaining insight into their traditional way of life over centuries…

I could go on. Marcello and team created a trip of a lifetime for us. We returned home with a deeper understanding of the Sicilian culture, their love and loyalty to family, a well-deserved pride in their diverse and complex history, and their vision, hopes, and dreams for the future of Sicily.” —Cathy and Rob Unruh

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Before- and after-hours access in Paris

Luxemburg Palace and garden full of flowers in Paris.

Luxemburg Palace and Garden, Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was the fifth time we have used Jennifer for a trip. The highlight was the WOW Moment she arranged for us: a tour of some quintessential gardens in Paris with a local guide, David, who provided us with a fun and educational experience and made sure that we enjoyed this WOW experience. Jennifer also arranged an after-hours tour of The Conciergerie, a before-hours visit to the Louis Vuitton Foundation, a special tour of the Opera House, and a fine tour of the Pinault Collection at the Bourse de Commerce.

One of the great things about Jennifer and her team is that they check in daily to make sure that you are enjoying the experiences they arranged and to see if they can help you with anything. They also make the entire experience go seamlessly, from having an airport greeter to transportation while you are in the city.” —Kevin Haney

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.

Quaint villages of Germany and private access to Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria in a clear sky day.

Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

“Claudia provided a highly personalized Germany itinerary that exceeded all expectations. It was flawless. We traversed Germany both in geography and local culture, from Bavaria in the South to Hamburg in the North. We experienced the highs and lows of Germany’s history, from visiting Dachau concentration camps to the revelry of sharing a bier with locals in Munich during Oktoberfest.

We had a Porsche Carrera convertible with detailed maps and itinerary to visit many quaint villages, castles and churches as we drove from the Alps through the Black Forest and north along the Rhine River Valley. We had a private tour of Neuschwanstein where, along with the guide, we were the only three individuals with the keys to the Disney castle. We ate five-star cuisine. We took a ride to the highest point in Germany at Zugspitze. We slept in castles and strolled a university town. We even spent a day biking with locals in Hamburg. So much to see and do and memories made. Very exquisite.” —Wendy Duchene

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Calabria, the “toe” of southern Italy

Sunset over old famous medieval village Stilo in Calabria. View on church and city. Southern Italy. Europe.

Sunset over the medieval village Stilo in Calabria, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was our first trip to Calabria, and we had no idea what to expect. Jennifer found really great places to visit—lovely villages, unique architecture, and experiences with local food and people. We spent one day on a sailboat enjoying the stunning coastline from Tropea to Capo Vaticano. We visited a Bergamont Farm and drove to the village of Bova where we took in a panoramic view of the ocean and countryside. We visited gorgeous churches in Tropea and grottoes and caves in Pizzo. On our last day, we thought the place we were staying might be too far a drive to the airport (we had a 6:45am flight), so she found us a perfect B&B, close to the airport but in a beautiful remote area. We had the whole place to ourselves and spent our last day relaxing by the pool—a perfect way to end our trip.” —Cindy Kelly

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Ticino, Bellinzona, Rapperswil, and other secrets of Switzerland

View to Lugano city, Lugano lake and Monte San Salvatore from Monte Bre, Ticino, Switzerland - Image

Ticino, Switzerland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Nina did a fantastic job of listening to our preferences to avoid the usual tourist spots and spend time off the beaten path. The hotels she suggested were exceptional. The views from our rooms at Villa Orselina and Coeur des Alpes were amazing, and we truly enjoyed the mountain-hut experience at Guarda Val. The guides they picked for us were great, particularly Anna in Ticino, who led us on a magical walk through the Bavona Valley; Nikki in Zermatt, who was a delight and took us on a great hike and gave us ideas for our next two days of hiking; and Albert in Zurich, who suggested a side trip to Rapperswil that was very enjoyable.

Nina’s suggestion of a first-class Swiss rail pass was excellent: We used it for boat rides in Ascona, Zurich and Lucerne, a bus ride in Ticino, and side train trips to Bellinzona, Lucerne, and Rapperswil. Well worth it! Restaurant suggestions were all excellent, from dinner in the castle in Bellinzona to dinner on the terrace of Sonnmatten in Zermatt. An exceptional trip.” —Gary Reading

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

The Camargue, the Luberon, and the Verdon Gorge in Provence

Leafy town square with fountain in a picturesque village in Provence, France

Saignon, Provence. Photo: Shutterstock

“We requested an active trip in Provence, and Philip created the perfect itinerary for my daughter and me: We went horseback riding in the Camargue region, biking in the Luberon, canoeing in the Verdon Gorge. The local guides Philip arranged for us were amazing, ensuring we experienced the unique and out-of-the-way places known only to locals. They were fun, spontaneous, and adaptable. At a moment’s notice, they would take us up a hill to show us a great view, or walk us to the remote and charming village of Lacoste, or take us to get the best crepes at a place that was underground and accessible only if you know it is there. Each restaurant was more fantastic than the last. Incredible food, breathtaking views. A highlight: Le Petit Café in Oppède-le-Vieux. We also had a cooking class in a private home after picking the ingredients at the weekly market and sampling wines in a local vineyard. We could not have been happier.” —Kimberly Byron

Read more reviews of France trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Secrets of Italy’s Amalfi Coast

Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had two standout experiences on the Amalfi Coast, thanks to Andrea. One was an entire day seeing the coast by sea. We did not know what to expect when we arrived at the wharf—where there were so many tour boats—and were a little confused when a very large, beautiful yacht pulled up. My husband said, ‘You should have seen your face when they held up a sign with our name on it!’ Captain Beni gave us an experience we will never forget, including a stop for a delicious meal at a restaurant high above the sea and accessible only by boat. A perfect day!

The second amazing experience was when our driver was taking us from Positano to Ravello and we were supposed to have a three-hour stop in the town of Amalfi. It was a gray, drizzly day, so our driver asked us if we would rather go to his friend’s winery. The owner gave us a very personal tour and then joined us for a lunch that his wife had prepared. It was so unexpected and right out of a romance movie.” —Carrie Hadden

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Dad Scores! Trips Fathers Say Were a Home Run With the Family

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Looking for a family trip to satisfy a wide range of tastes and interests? The fathers who planned the vacations described below achieved the grand slam of family travel: destinations, activities, and meals that appealed to everyone. These travelers all used The WOW List to find the right trip planner who could deliver the maximized experience and VIP treatment for special interests, special milestones….and the most special of all, bonding experiences and shared memories. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

Wyoming: “The fact that Jenny Lake Lodge was near the trailheads of several great hikes was a real plus…”

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 Tetons trip. Melissa organized the trip for us. The Tetons are an incredible experience!

Where to start? 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 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. We could never have done it without her!” —Dean Nance

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Kenya: celebrating his 70th with his daughters (and many big animals)

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

“I wanted a trip for a lifetime, to celebrate my 70th birthday with my two daughters. Cherri and Frankie planned a ‘perfect’ itinerary based on my list of requirements. They picked three great camps in Kenya, all with slightly different ecosystems, that were all 5-star accommodations. I was blown away with each camp as we arrived, not just for the physical accommodations but the site locations as well. The Kenyan people we met were the nicest people and became family very quickly.

The safari guides that were assigned to us were specifically requested by Cherri and, we found out, were the site’s #1 guides. We saw all of the five big animals, as well as every other one that we set out to see. They knew exactly where to look and their habits to allow us to observe them as closely as possible in their natural habitat. One of the many highlights we experienced was, when visiting a Masai village, our guide saw a goat on the side of the road in the middle of giving birth, so he pulled over, got out of the car and actually delivered the baby, and then got back in the jeep as if nothing happened and continued on.

We finished our trip just relaxing on the beach at Diani, on the Indian Ocean at a stunning resort that topped it all off.” —Andrew Ellish

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Italy: test-driving Ferraris in Maranello, riding Vespas in Rome, rowing batelas in Venice…

Panorama of Roman Forum (Foro Romano) in the Morning, Rome, Italy

Did you know you can tour Rome by Vespa? Photo: Shutterstock

“After an initial discussion of objectives, Maria did an excellent job of planning a balanced trip of cultural sightseeing and fun activities inside, outside and on the water. After the overnight flight to Milan, we literally hit the ground hiking from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, keeping our active boys moving while acclimating to the new time zone. Although a little risky with potential jet lag, this was a highlight hiking through the high serene hills for a couple of hours, with only the sounds of birds and a young wild boar and descending upon Portofino on foot. Portofino was a treat and the next full day at sea on a captained 40-foot boat to swim and visit the coastline at our leisure was awesome! Having lunch and snorkeling at San Fruttuoso was fantastic.

Additional memorable experiences included:

- Visiting the Ferrari museum and test driving Ferraris on the streets of Maranello
- Touring the Accademia sculptures, the Uffizi and cruising the Arno river with a renaioli and our private guide Elvira
- Leisurely driving through Tuscany with our lively driver Francesco, stopping for a wonderful private tour and lunch at a vineyard with its owner Diana
- Staying at a palazzo in Montefalco: Maria was right—this is the balcony of Umbria, and the views are unforgettable!
- Fly fishing (and catching/releasing brown trout!) in tranquil Borgo Cerreto with a very fun guide named Luca
- Sightseeing through ancient Rome—including the Forum, Colosseum and Vatican museums—with very knowledgeable private guides (Valerie) and no lines!
- Riding on the back of Vespas, seeing unique neighborhoods and parks in Roma
- Learning to row a batela in Venice w/ our own rowing instructor and having cicchetti (appetizers) and wine
- Touring and climbing to the top of the Clock Tower in Piazza San Marco

Maria chose excellent hotels for our stays, and the rooftop bar lounge and pool in Florence was a great way to end every fun day. We thought having private guides and transportation (car and water) made the trip much more memorable, as we received personal attention/treatment and allowed for personal interaction with locals to better understand the culture and way of life.” —Mark Mazzatta

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The Swiss Alps: hiking, kayaking, Trottibiking…

Andy Shafran and family spelling “O-H-I-O” (where they’re from) during a private kayak trip on Lake Brienz.

“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

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Belize: Caribbean adventures on land and sea

Travelers Jeremy Silverman and his family taking a selfie in Belize.

Jeremy Silverman’s favorite day in Belize was the day he and his family spent sailing on a private catamaran.

“We had another fantastic family vacation to Belize with expert planning, care and support from Patricia and Rachael. Belize is a beautiful and easy-to-reach destination from our home in Atlanta, with a wide range of activities, both on the water and inland. What stands out most about Belize is the warmth and authenticity of its people and culture. Belize is an incredible melting pot—Belizeans come from a variety of backgrounds, including Mayan, Garifuna, Creole, Mennonite and more, and almost everyone speaks at least three languages (including English). This diversity shows through all aspects of Belizean culture, cuisine, art and perhaps is part of why everyone seems so genuinely welcoming of visitors.

We had a true day-of-days on a catamaran charter to Moho Caye. This was an epic experience and probably a top-ten day of life so far. The boat and crew were amazing, we caught a fish on the way that Captain Jimmy grilled on the beach for lunch, did some great snorkeling at Moho (a picture-perfect tropical island) and had an otherwise spectacular experience.

We stayed at the Naia Resort, which was a great spot for our family of four, including our 20-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter. We rented a three-bedroom private villa right on the beach, with nothing between us and the water other than palm trees and a hammock. The villa provided truly separate living/sleeping/bathing space for me and my wife, our son and daughter, which is key to a great family vacation.

Back in Atlanta, we operate as the unofficial Belizean tourism board and have encouraged several other families to visit and they’ve all been very happy they did.” —Jeremy Silverman

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Chile: contrasting natural beauty in the Atacama Desert and the Lake District

John Strachan and his family cruising on Lago Todos los Santos with Volcán Osorno in the background, Chile.

John Strachan and family cruising Lago Todos los Santos, with Volcán Osorno in the background.

“All we told Tom was that we wanted to go to the Atacama Desert and then somewhere else in Chile where there would be fun, outdoor activities for our kids (10 and 12). Animals would be a bonus. And, in deference to the kids, we didn’t want to spend too much time in cities. We ended up hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, cruising across an Andean lake surrounded by volcanoes, and more.

The Atacama Desert deserves top billing. It’s 40,000 square miles (half the size of Kansas) of the driest desert on earth. It’s harsh, and inhospitable, and why would anyone go there? Because it’s flat-out stunning. The geothermal activity has churned up volcanoes, mountains, salt formations, sand dunes, and rainbows of color. We were surrounded by otherworldly beauty and never saw another human. It was unique and dream-like.

From the desert to the rich forests and crystal pools of Chile’s Lake District. The terrain was stunning, the hotel was ideal, and the activities were abundant—lake cruising, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting. Our family fell in love with the region and were only sorry not to have more time. Wendy’s crew hooked us up with Tom, and this is the second great trip he has planned for us. So huge thanks to both Tom and Team Perrin.” —John Strachan

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New Zealand: fishing, jet boating, flightseeing…

aerial view of Queenstown New Zealand on water

Queenstown, New Zealand, is an adventure mecca for travelers of all ages. Photo: Shutterstock

“My grandfather was in the Dutch Navy and spent time in New Zealand many years ago. He always spoke about how beautiful it was and how it was his favorite place he had ever visited. So when we asked my dad where he would like to go for his 80th birthday, he said New Zealand! We just got back from the most incredible trip planned by Jean-Michel and his team. We were traveling with 6 people from 13 to 80 years old, and Jean-Michel did a great job finding activities that we would all love.

We had only nine days so we stayed on the west coast of the South Island and there was plenty to explore. We started in Te Anu at the Fiordland Lodge and loved the beautiful lodge and surroundings. We hiked, went fishing, and explored Milford Sound by boat. The scenery was beyond breathtaking everywhere we went! Our next stop was Queenstown and we stayed at the historic Eichardt’s Private Hotel. We had a lovely wine tasting day in Central Otago with the best guide and driver (Beau Rapley) and our daughter even went bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. She loved it!! The city of Queenstown & surroundings were great – plenty of walking trails, gardens, gorgeous lake and mountain views. Not to mention great food and wine!

The last place we visited was Wild Earth Lodge in Makarora. It was the most serene and beautiful little inn run from the home of Pete and Janine. They took great care of our whole family & cooked the most delicious meals! We spent our days there hiking to the Blue Pools and having some relaxing down time. We also had our most exciting day—a helicopter tour over Mt Aspiring National Park, a hike through Siberia Valley, and a thrilling jet boat ride back down the Wilkin River. The whole trip was outstanding and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without Jean-Michel.”—Alana Jacobson

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The Amazon rainforest: exploring an ecological wonderland

Amazon Jungles in Cuyabeno National Park, Ecuador.

In the Ecuadorian Amazon , be sure to navigate to the best eco-lodges and local communities. Photo: Shutterstock

“Allie was essential to creating our trip to the Napo Wildlife Center in Ecuador’s Amazonia. She found the right lodge for our family (two kids, both around 10 years old) and got the perfect rooms at a time that was ideal. It was tough because we did not start planning long enough in advance, but Allie’s knowledge of lodges and the region made it possible to get everything lined up in an instant.

Napo Wildlife Center is a world-class lodge owned and run by the small local Añangu Kichwa community. They have committed to using ecotourism to save their community and their corner of the Amazon rainforest. Bottom line: They are knocking it out of the park. I cannot express how impressive their work and commitment is. In 1998, they were a small community, dealing with acute poverty, threatened by development, oil exploration, and the contamination of their water and forest. In that year, with little knowledge or experience in tourism, they decided they’d stave off the despoliation of their corner of the rainforest by starting a five-star ecotourism program. I am just brimming with awe and admiration for the Añangu and what they have accomplished.

The lodge itself was magical. The staff was as friendly and helpful as could be. Really made us feel at home. In the TV room out back where the employees live, my son and I watched the World Cup finals with a bunch of staff and locals who had paddled in for the game. We were welcomed warmly, and we joined in and cheered with (or against) the rest of the crowd.

In hyperdiverse Amazonia, wow did we ever see wildlife. We saw six species of monkeys, and so many parrots, macaws, grebes, flycatchers. We saw snakes, frogs, and crazy-looking crickets. We watched caimans and paiche (400-pound river fish) from the boardwalk in front of our room. All to the spectral drone of howler monkeys in the distance, like a cold north wind gusting outside your door. And Napo Wildlife Center has nearly no biting insects! Magical place. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.” —John Strachan

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The Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo: quad-biking, falconry, bocce ball…

Three generations of Bill Fisher’s family enjoying a gorgeous quad-bike adventure on Gozo. Photo: Bill Fisher

“Our family group of nine just returned from a week-long spring break trip to the Maltese Islands, organized by Damon and Denise. The trip included grandparents, children, and grandchildren ages 16 to 10. The trip was exceptionally well organized due to the time Damon spent prior to the trip determining what our interests were and how to maximize time spent making memories with our grandchildren.

The itinerary was heavy on outdoor activities to keep the grandkids engaged. Our activities included quad-biking on Gozo; a multi-course picnic lunch with wine on a secluded bay, followed by bocce ball with local players; touring the ruins of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples; and an amazing afternoon with the local falconer, who brought an owl, Harris hawk, and Maltese falcon to share with the entire group. We took a private tour of Underground Valletta and a private Dghajsa boat ride across the Valletta harbor for more exploration. We visited a baker and his wife where we made a local pastry called pastizzi, spent time with a local artisan who made musical instruments, visited a honey farm, and ended the day with a visit to a sheep farm where we sampled some delicious cheeses.

We stayed in a beautiful villa in Gozo that included a heated indoor swimming pool! You can imagine how excited the grandkids were when they walked in the front door and saw an indoor pool. Our lodging in Valletta was equally impressive, but in a different way. It was a castle-like structure built in the late 1500s that had been updated to include all the amenities of the current day. Our driver throughout our adventure was Super Mario. He was absolutely delightful! Always on time, always helpful, and always attentive to everyone’s needs, which were often a challenge. The entire experience was exceptional.” —Bill Fisher

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Costa Rica: wildlife, waterfalls, beach R&R

White-Headed Capuchin monkey in Manuel Antonio, the rainforest of Costa Rica.

A white-faced capuchin monkey in Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“My wife and I, along with our three children (elementary, high school, and college age), worked with Priscilla in the planning of a trip to Costa Rica in March. We were able to mix in plenty of activities with some relaxation.

Our first stay was at The Springs Resort and Spa in the Arenal Volcano area. The hotel offered plenty for the children to do beyond swimming. The waterfall rappelling excursion Priscilla recommended was very fun. At the hotel we spotted sloths and toucans, and the view of the volcano from the hotel room was spectacular.

Our next stop was La Paloma Lodge in Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula. The Sunset Rancho offered a fantastic view of the ocean, and the meals were great. Our excursion to Corcovado National Park was a highlight and we were able to see Howler Monkeys and troops of both White-Faced Capuchin and Spider Monkeys. We also saw an arboreal anteater, Coatimundis, and a saltwater crocodile. Priscilla set up a wonderful night tour where we were able to see snakes, frogs, spiders, a scorpion, and even a fleeting glimpse of a Kinkajou. Cocolito Beach by the lodge offered some great waves for boogie boarding and never felt crowded. From beginning to end, Priscilla and the team provided a lot of details/organization so we could just enjoy the trip.” —Nelson Mongiovi

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Morocco: Fascinating sights and feeling “completely safe and pampered”

Argan trees and the goats on the way between Marrakesh and Essaouira in Morocco.

Tree-climbing goats are one of Morocco’s many surprises. Photo: Shutterstock

“This trip was for myself and two daughters, aged 50 and 46. We went the first part of April 2023 during Ramadan. All three of us concluded that the trip was beyond expectation. The weather was perfect this time of year, the Riads were exceptional, the sights were amazing, and the Moroccan people were very warm and welcoming. The trip was paced perfectly, but definitely the highlight for us was our absolutely wonderful guide Mohamed and driver Majid. They were such a pleasure to travel with, always on time, always with a smile or a joke, always with our safety a priority. We felt completely safe and pampered.

Our favorite cities were Fes and Essaouira. The ceramic work and tannery in Fes were especially interesting and dinner at a local host was most enjoyable. The Medina was fascinating. The cooking class was so much fun going to the market with our chef. In Marrakesh we had the honor of being invited to Mohamed’s house to break fast with his lovely family. We learned so much about Islamic architecture and religion, and we were very impressed how our two guides were able to fast all day and still be bright and cheerful without ever complaining.

In Essaouira we got to see the goats climbing the Argon trees and visit a woman’s cooperative where they processed the oil. Also of interest was visiting the old Jewish quarter and the synagogue. Every city and place had interesting things to see. My daughters went home after 10 days, and I went on to Tangier and then took the one-hour ferry over to Spain. We all agreed it was an exceptional trip, and we left with hundreds of photographs and wonderful memories. We would definitely recommend a trip to Morocco arranged by Hicham and Radia, and many thanks to Wendy for the recommendation.”—Leon Malkin

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Switzerland: paragliding, jet boats, canyon swings…

Start of paraglider at Mannlichen top point above Grindelwald, Switzerland. - Image

Paragliding gives you a bird’s-eye view of Grindelwald, Switzerland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Nina created an itinerary that included many excellent suggestions that we were not aware of, even though I had done a fair amount of research on my own to know what Switzerland had to offer. Paragliding in Grindelwald, a canyon swing, a jet boat in Interlaken, a private cave tour, glacier trekking, a helicopter transfer from Jungfraujoch to Gstaad, the Via Ferrata in Mürren-Gimmelwald, the Gorner Gorge adventure in Zermatt….AWESOME! The execution of the trip was flawless: When the helicopter landed in Gstaad in a grassy field, the driver was right there waiting for us. There would have been no way to plan this trip on our own and have everything run as smoothly as it did.” —Travis Schmitt

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Portugal: wining, dining, and bypassing every crowd

Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal

While the kids are in summer camp, dad can go wine-tasting in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Photo: Shutterstock

“We submitted Wendy’s questionnaire and then had a very substantive call with Goncalo to talk about what we particularly enjoyed about prior trips and specific likes and dislikes. Our travel dates were totally inflexible because they were dictated by our kids’ summer camp schedules. This meant we had only one week for Portugal—in peak season. Our goal was to somehow thread the needle between exploring a country we’d never visited, having deep and personal experiences, avoiding tons of crowds, not bouncing around too much, and relaxing. Got it? Goncalo put together an itinerary that fit exactly what we were looking for. He had us stay in three different, small, unique, hotels—Areias do Seixo (on the coast an hour north of Lisbon), Barrocal in the Alentejo, and Santiago de Alfama in Lisbon—and each really enriched our experience of the location.

Our favorite stop was the Alentejo region, and we would highly encourage others to include it in their plans. It’s beautiful, serene, has very special medieval towns, is extremely welcoming to visitors, and is much less visited than Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley. Barrocal, a farm converted into a 5-star hotel, was a phenomenal home base there. Our single favorite experience was visiting Herdade de Esparao winery, where we somehow spent almost six hours on a sweltering 104-degree day. Our private tour was followed by a private tasting and then an amazing five-course lunch with wine pairings. It was probably the best meal we had in Portugal.” —Jeremy Silverman

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Western Canada: “the right mix of adventure, nature, fun, and relaxation”

Turquoise Wedgemount Lake and wild alpine flowers, Whistler, British Columbia Canada

Whistler, British Columbia, is a natural playground that has something for everyone. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of four had an amazing time in Vancouver, Whistler, and Sonora Island, British Columbia. Marc put together an itinerary that met the various wish-list items of everyone in the family, with the right mix of adventure, nature, fun, and relaxation. For an active family there is no end to the amazing experiences that can be had in Whistler, where we particularly enjoyed the zip-line, whitewater rafting, and tree-top adventure course. The second half of the trip was at the Sonora Resort, which was everything Marc said it would be and more. From the hiking to the photography, fishing, eco-tours, and fine dining, it was a wonderful experience and a relaxing time to reconnect as a family.” —Jay Matthews

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Vienna and Prague: a musical journey

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - mathematical hall of the Strahov convent library

Culture-loving dads, don’t miss out on private access to the Strahov Library in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo: Shutterstock

“I told Gwen that our 17-year-old son is passionate about playing piano, particularly the music of Classical- and Romantic-era composers. She asked questions to understand how we like to travel, especially when it came to what would interest our son, and then planned and executed an absolutely amazing trip to Vienna and Prague for us. Our itinerary included visits to Mozart’s and Beethoven’s apartments in Vienna; the cemetery where Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Schönberg are buried; and an exhibit that included one of Mozart’s original manuscripts. In Prague she arranged visits to a collection that included the original score to Beethoven’s third symphony, as well as access to the Strahov Library, which travelers typically only get to view from a distance but where we got to wander among the stacks!” —Adam Amsterdam

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Romania: castles, horses, the royal treatment…

The Corvinesti castle also known as the Hunyad castle, is a Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara (Transylvania), Romania.

Romania’s castles and countryside are eye-popping. 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. Greg, our guide, made adjustments to the itinerary on the fly to accommodate our requests and suggested activities as he came to know us. For example, he arranged a trail ride for our daughter at a horse ranch. 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

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Atlantic Canada: so close, yet a world away

boats in the town Joe Batt's Arm, Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Newfoundland is an enchanting summer escape: Not too hot, and blissfully uncrowded.

“For our three-generation family trip to Atlantic Canada—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland—Jill arranged excursions which we never could have arranged by ourselves and about which my three grandchildren never stop talking. These included a boat trip where we dug for clams, pulled up lobster traps, gathered fresh mussels and oysters, and had a wonderful lobster boil on a secluded beach. Another boat excursion was to islands dark with puffins, murres, razor bills, cormorants and other birds, and a boat tour of coastal resettled communities during which we saw whales. We also had a songfest in a private home with guitar and accordion. And we (and some say this was the best) hiked along the shore with Lori, a chef, who pointed out plants which were edible and then used them to make a sumptuous lunch. The vistas of inland lakes, pine forests, and ocean fronts were magnificent. This was a visit of a lifetime.” —Richard Goldin

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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!

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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.

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.

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 EASTERN EUROPE

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

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 SOUTH AMERICA

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.

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.

START A TRIP TO ECUADOR

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.

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.

START A TRIP TO SICILY

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…”

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.

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.

START A TRIP TO CROATIA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

START A TRIP TO PANAMA

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

Read more reviews of Bolivia and 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.

START A TRIP TO BOLIVIA AND PERU

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

Read more reviews of Israel 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.

START A TRIP TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN

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.

START A TRIP TO SCOTLAND

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.

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.

START A TRIP TO GERMANY

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.

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 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.

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.

START A TRIP TO EGYPT AND JORDAN

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.

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 THE CANADIAN MARITIMES

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

START A ROMANTIC TRIP

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.

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.

START A TRIP TO ANTARCTICA

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.

START A TRIP TO PANAMA

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Best Multigenerational Trips: Reviews from our Travelers

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We see it all the time: Grandparents want to take three generations on a memorable trip—but they don’t know where to go. So we’ve compiled below reviews of our favorite multigenerational trips. Our Trusted Travel Experts know how to negotiate the particular challenges of a group that spans decades: varied interests and activity levels, reduced mobility for some, the logistics of a large group, and more. Here’s what it means to get a WOW trip. If you’re not sure where you want to go, Ask Wendy—we’d be happy to give you a personalized recommendation for your next multigenerational getaway.

START A TRIP THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE

Zambia: “Our time at Sausage Tree Camp was definitely special, with surprise lunches on a sandbar with our feet in the water…”

Tracy Goble and her family enjoying lunch on a sandbar of the Zambezi River, Zambia.

Tracy Goble and family enjoying lunch on a sandbar of the Zambezi River.

“WOW!! We just returned from Zambia and had a fabulous experience planned by Daniel! We normally travel to Zambia for work with a university in Ndola, but this year we brought our oldest kids and grandkids with us.

Our time at Sausage Tree Camp was definitely special, with surprise lunches on a sandbar with our feet in the water, unexpected sundown cocktail parties set up on the river bank, and dinner under the stars one night! The resort is staffed with amazing people who cared for us like family. I would never have found this safari camp by myself, but Daniel knew all about it.

When we left the camp (after seeing so many amazing things, like lionesses eating a water buck, a leopard retrieving a kill out of a tree, fishing on the Zambezi River, two-week-old elephants surrounded by protective parents, and so much more), we headed to Livingstone to experience Victoria Falls! We stayed at the Royal Livingstone Resort, which is an experience every traveler needs in their lifetime!! My favorite place in the world is sitting on the deck by the river at sunset, listening to the nearby Falls thundering, with hippos calling in the distance. The breakfast at the Royal Livingstone is an epic buffet, and most likely you will see zebras and giraffes walking by on the grass. Daniel also arranged for us to visit the nearby park to see White Rhinos. They are heavily protected, but you still get to drive near them, and then get out of the jeep to walk near them for photo ops. What a wild experience! Our trip as a family was a dream come true.” —Tracy Goble

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 AFRICAN SAFARI

France: three weeks, three regions, ages 10-72

Beautiful architecture in Saint Paul de Vence in Provence, south France.

Saint Paul de Vence in Provence, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“One year ago, our family decided they would like to celebrate my special birthday with a family trip to one of our favorite countries, France. Our three generations, ranging from age 10 to 72 and totaling eleven people, would want and need a wide variety of food, activities, and many memorable experiences. Our three weeks were to be spent in three different regions, sharing something special each day together. From previous travel experiences with a wonderful travel agent, we knew this trip would take extensive planning and she referred us to the Wendy Perrin WOW List.

This resulted in an introduction to Philip, who has the experience and the needed wealth of knowledge to plan a fun and enriching time for our family. Our Paris week was perfect, our Burgundy week-long private bateau cruise was perfect, and our week in Provence in a beautiful bastide was perfect. Really, none of us wanted to leave Provence that last morning. Our family loved the days we spent together in France, and three months later we are still talking about the many fantastic experiences, some of the foods and meals served by special chefs along the way, and our fantastic guides and drivers. Our kids summed it up by saying, ‘We feel like we did a ‘bucket list’ experience each and every day.’” —Rose and Steve Cahill

Read more reviews of France trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Caribbean: a private yacht charter delights everyone, from ages 4 to 70+

aerial photo of Tobacco Caye with sailboat and blue green ocean

A chartered catamaran approaches Tobacco Caye, off the coast of Belize. Photo: Absolute Belize

“We are just back from a phenomenal multi-generational family trip to Belize. Patricia had to coordinate a trip that worked for people from ages 4 to 70+. A catamaran charter had not been on my radar, and I had my concerns—having two young children on a boat for five days, in such a small space, seemed like it could go sideways quickly—but Patricia was absolutely right in her recommendation, and it truly was a superb experience.

Eric and Hannah, our captain and first mate, cared for our whole family with such kindness and positivity, and by the end of the trip we felt like we had two new friends. The food Hannah prepared was incredible—I wish I could get her recipes!—and Eric was a superb snorkeling guide. He was very patient with my seven-year-old when he was hesitant to get in the ocean, and then when he knew my seven-year-old was interested in eels, Eric found an eel and coaxed it out of the coral. He also caught fresh lobster for our meal and let my four-year-old help drive the boat. Hannah even offered to watch our younger son onboard so that both my husband and I could go snorkeling at the same time with our older son—we came back to see them playing games together at the table on deck…. Truly above and beyond!

The catamaran itinerary was excellent. They took us to spots where they knew stingrays would appear, so my kids could pet them. On Rendezvous Caye, Eric knew the caretaker, and the caretaker was happy to cut up a fish for us so we could all try feeding the stingrays. At Goff’s Caye, Eric introduced us to Gilroy, who taught my kids how to hunt for hermit crabs—they loved having hermit crab races on the beach. Hannah consistently packed snacks for our excursions, had amazing appetizers and drinks waiting for us upon our return, and was so accommodating of our kids’ limited palates.

It was truly an outstanding trip, flawlessly executed and one of the best values for the money that I can think of in terms of our travels.” —Kim Segal

Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Australia: boating on Sydney Harbor, bridge climb, koalas & kangaroos…

View of Sydney from the Harbour BridgeClimb Australia

Family members daring enough to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge enjoy this view. Photo: Destination NSW

“Stuart and Jacki prepared an amazing itinerary for our trip to Australia in December. Jacki and the driver met us at the Sydney airport on a Sunday morning at 7am—how amazing to be met by the person who made our arrangements! She suggested the Langham Sydney, and we would be using it as a home base, as we went to Uluru (Longitude 131—an amazing hotel that even prepared a bed outside if you wanted to sleep under the stars), back to Sydney, followed by a trip to the Blue Mountains (Spicers Sangoma Retreat), and then a final 5-night stay in Sydney. Our guide in the Blue Mountains was Tim, and he knew every back road and all the locations for a beautiful view. Our WOW Moment was a sunset boat ride with drinks, and the weather was perfect for it.

The children and grandchildren arrived for the last 4 nights, and she planned a great itinerary for all of us, ages 2 to 70: a Christmas carol concert at the Opera House, drivers for everything (the driver even took a video of us from above taking the Bondi Beach walk—all 9 of us), a harbor boat trip with lunch and swimming, the Sydney Bridge Climb, a private tour of the Rocks, an Aussie Backyard Tour at the zoo, and a lovely day in Hobart, visiting Russell Falls and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Our granddaughter needed a doctor, and Jacki provided a list of doctors (outside of regular hours and during the Christmas holiday!) and Tyler (the Langham’s concierge that day) made repeated calls to get us an appointment. Both Jacki and Stuart followed up with her status. The parents were very impressed with Children’s Hospital in Sydney where she was treated, and we went on with our trip. We will be using Stuart and Jacki again for our next trip to Australia—they just made it so easy!” —Denise Staal

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 THE GALAPAGOS OR AMAZON

Galapagos, Andes, Amazon: island wildlife, countryside hacienda, remote eco-lodge…

Travelers and a giant tortoise in the Galapagos.

Lauren Schor and family catch up with a giant tortoise in the Galapagos.

“Allie did an amazing job planning our 13-day multi-generational family trip to Ecuador for Christmas. We started planning almost a year in advance. Most accommodations are smaller, with about 20 rooms total, and I would definitely suggest planning this trip well in advance, as availability dictated the outline of our trip from the beginning of the planning process. And we LOVED all of the places we stayed!

Allie suggested destinations she thought were right for us, based on our travel style and age range. In the Galapagos Islands we opted for a land-based trip rather than a cruise, and although we didn’t get to see as many islands as we would have if we’d stayed on a boat, we were very happy with our choice. We spent four days in the Galapagos (two on land exploring Santa Cruz Island—so much to see and do) and two at sea exploring multiple islands in the archipelago. Allie even arranged for a private family photo shoot on the most beautiful beach!

Next stop was in the Andes mountains back on the mainland at an amazing hacienda where we really got a feel for the culture of the country. After a couple of days here, it was time for the grand finale, the Amazon rainforest. We all thought the Galapagos would be the main highlight of a trip to Ecuador, but the Amazon was just mind-blowing. Allie sent us to the most amazing eco-lodge in a very remote location where we spent three nights. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Ecuador was very unique in that we were able to spend time in the Galapagos, the Andes Mountains and the Amazon all in one trip! Just be aware, we had a lot of very early mornings and very little downtime (naps during transit were common). Some of the excursions can be physically challenging if you don’t have great balance or stamina, especially combined with the strong equator sun. And there is a lot of moving around and time spent traveling from one place to another. However, it was all 100% worth it! Allie planned the trip of a lifetime for our family of eight!” —Lauren Schor

Read more reviews of Galapagos and Amazon trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Kenya: a safari camp all to themselves & beach time on the Indian Ocean

Robin Carlson and family at Instinct of the Mara, a camp that they had all to themselves.

“Julian planned a memorable trip to Kenya for our extended family of 11 people, including grandkids ranging in age from 11 to 17. We planned to arrive in Nairobi a day before we needed to leave for our first camp, to give ourselves a little time to recover from the flights. Although we thought we had plenty of time to make our connection in Amsterdam, a long delay caused us to miss our flight to Nairobi. Because we were expected in Nairobi for a morning visit to the Giraffe Center, I contacted Julian and Lisa to let them know of our arrival changes. They were able to change the Giraffe Center visit to our last day in Kenya instead of the first.

Julian suggested we start at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, so we could see rhinos. It was a perfect start. There was a water hole opposite the tents, so animals were coming and going all day and night. Meals were buffet-style, which provided plenty of options for everyone, including kids and vegetarians.

Then we flew to Instinct of the Mara for four days. We had booked two 2-bedroom suites, as well as a room for my husband and me. We were lucky to arrive in time for the beginning of the Great Migration, which was awe inspiring. Except for one day when we saw a few other vehicles, we were alone among the animals. One evening we had a sundowner with lamb roasted on a spit by the Maasai while we watched the sun set.

Our final stop was Cardamom House on the Indian Ocean. It’s a beautiful, very private spot. We enjoyed relaxing and swimming. I had requested a birthday cake for my granddaughter, and the staff went all out. The chairs were decorated with balloons. They brought cake and ice cream and sang to her. She said: best birthday ever.”—Robin Carlson

Read more reviews of African Safari trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Azores: easy access to volcano hikes, whale watching, lava tubes…

Family hike up the mountain to Lagao do Fogo on São Miguel Island in the Azores.

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and family on a hike to Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel Island in the Azores.

We then took a short flight to the volcanic Island of Pico, famous for its mountain (a former volcano of course) and its outstanding white wine. During 5 nights in Pico, we took two day trips on ferries to the neighboring islands of Faial and Sao Jorge. Highlights were a trip through the lava tubes on Pico, visits to wineries and a hike around the Caldera on Faial. After flying back to San Miguel for our last 3 nights we were driven to our hotel on the Ponta Delgada harbor front (Octant Ponta Delgada). Highlights included a private whale-watching trip with great sightings of three female sperm whales (one with a calf), an evening wine and food tasting tour, a morning food tour, a Jeep tour of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades, and finally a tour of the tea plantations with an opportunity to make our own ice cream.

A 5-hour flight home took us back to Newark with the realization that we still had 5 more islands to explore! Thank you to Goncalo and his co-workers for a great trip that left a multi-generational family very happy.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Switzerland: hiking, rafting and wine tasting with an infant in tow

The Roberts family hiking in Wengen. Photo: Traveler Laura Roberts

“We traveled to Switzerland for 16 days with the help of Ana in Nina’s office. I asked a lot of her because we were traveling with our four grown children, our daughter-in-law, and our 10-month-old granddaughter. She did a great job of finding interesting activities that all eight of us could enjoy! We hiked, had a raclette lunch in a candlelight cave, rafted, mountain biked, wine tasted, and much more! We had three major destinations: Zurich, Wengen and Ascona. Wengen was our favorite—beautiful views of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, accessible only by train and no cars in town.

However, the true highlight was in the mountain near Ascona. There was a local alpine festival for the opening of a cattle-grazing area high in the mountains. Ana arranged for us to go by helicopter and see the local traditions—cheese making, eating polenta and alpine horns. We were the only foreigners there, and the people were very welcoming! We loved this trip!!” —Laura Roberts

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi: city tours, desert adventures, theme parks…

Diane Thormodsgard with her husband and grandsons on a private sunset cruise in Dubai.

“My husband and I took our grandsons (ages 14 and 13) to UAE at the end of July for 10 days. We told our grandchildren many years ago they could pick any place in the world for a trip. Dubai was the choice! Although we were skeptical about going there during the summer when it is very hot, Nicholas designed an itinerary that suited all of us perfectly. He listened to our desire to give the boys an unforgettable experience and delivered.

We started in Dubai with a stay at Atlantis the Palm, including exclusive Imperial Club access, after being met with VIP service at the airport. The boys enjoyed Aquaventure and the pool. We also had a Dubai historical tour, visited Museum of the Future, went to the ‘top of the Burj Khalifa,’ had a helicopter ride, and went on a private sunset palm cruise with a crew of four that provided excellent service.

After leaving Dubai, we ventured to Al Maha, a luxury desert resort. What a great experience in the desert with private pools at each suite (boys had their own Bedouin suite), a desert jeep ride, camel rides, beautiful sunset, early morning falconry presentation for the grandparents, and excellent food. Our only regret is we wished we would have spent more than one night there so we could have enjoyed other activities like archery, more time in the pool and watching the many gazelles and rare Arabian Oryx on the property. As the boys said, ‘this is really cool!’

The next stop was Abu Dhabi, where we stayed at the WB Hotel by Hilton, which is conveniently located near many of the theme parks. After touring Abu Dhabi, which included a tour of the Grand Mosque, we finished our trip with visits to Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World and the recently opened (May) Sea World. All of the parks are covered so the hot weather was not an issue. The new Sea World is absolutely incredible. Ferrari World was the highlight, however, with an individual Ferrari car ride on nearby roads with a professional driver for each grandson.

I would highly recommend Nicholas and staff if you are planning a trip to UAE. It was very obvious he has strong relationships with local service providers and is very knowledgeable about the area. We were definitely able to experience a ‘trip of our lifetime’ for our grandsons and us!”—Diane Thormodsgard

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

START A TRIP TO FRENCH POLYNESIA

French Polynesia: a private catamaran charter and overwater bungalows on Bora Bora

yellow fish underwater in tahaa Island Tahiti

Snorkeling among these fish is a delight at any age. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

“Our family enlisted Kleon to plan our trip to French Polynesia, where we spent a week on a catamaran sailing between the islands and a stop in Bora Bora for several days.

Because there were six of us, and three generations, Kleon suggested a number of activities that would suit us all. We snorkeled with manta rays and sharks, kayaked and paddleboarded. There were also visits to a pearl farm, vanilla farm, and rum factory, all of which we truly enjoyed.

The catamaran was a perfect choice for us. There was a very professional and cordial captain, and Virginie a perfect hostess and incredible cook. Because of them, we enjoyed spending time on the cat just relaxing, reading, snoozing, etc., as much as we enjoyed our excursions.

On Bora Bora, Kleon suggested the Pearl Resort, which suited us fine. We all had overwater bungalows with patios and direct lagoon access. It was also interesting to be able to feed the myriad of fish from an opening at the bottom of the bed! Kleon’s efforts and organization made this trip very easy, seamless, and special for us!” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of French Polynesia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

New Zealand: Family of 6 celebrates dad’s 80th birthday

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

A quiet day on Milford Sound, in Fiordland National Park. Photo: Rob-Suisted/New Zealand Tourism

We just got back from the most incredible trip planned by Jean-Michel and his team. We were traveling with 6 people from 13 to 80 years old, and Jean-Michel did a great job finding activities that we would all love.

We had only 9 days so we stayed on the west coast of the South Island and there was plenty to explore. We started in Te Anu at the Fiordland Lodge and loved the beautiful lodge and surroundings. We hiked, went fishing, and explored Milford Sound by boat. The scenery was beyond breathtaking everywhere we went! Our next stop was Queenstown and we stayed at the historic Eichardt’s Private Hotel. We had a lovely wine tasting day in Central Otago with the best guide and driver (Beau Rapley) and our daughter even went bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. She loved it!! The city of Queenstown & surroundings were great – plenty of walking trails, gardens, gorgeous lake and mountain views. Not to mention great food and wine!

The last place we visited was Wild Earth Lodge in Makarora. It was the most serene and beautiful little inn run from the home of Pete and Janine. They took great care of our whole family & cooked the most delicious meals! We spent our days there hiking to the Blue Pools and having some relaxing down time. We also had our most exciting day – a helicopter tour over Mt Aspiring National Park, a hike through Siberia Valley, and a thrilling jet boat ride back down the Wilkin River. The whole trip was outstanding and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without Jean-Michel.”—Alana Jacobson

Read more reviews of New Zealand trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Malta: private villas and outdoor adventures

William Fisher’s grandchildren making pastizzi in Malta.

Read more reviews of Malta trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Belize: Family of 10 celebrates a 50th anniversary

palm tree and beach overlooking turquoise Caribbean Sea South Water Caye Belize

Clear water and sugary sand are trademarks of Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“To plan for our 50th anniversary family celebration adventure in Belize, Wendy introduced us to Patricia, a native Belizean with a passion for introducing her country to the world. A year of planning with Patricia and Juliannie culminated in a 10-day trip, five days in the jungle and five days on an island. With us were four grandchildren, ages 9-12, so a lot of thought went into making sure we had lots of kid-oriented things to do. We truly wanted to hear lots of ‘WOWs’ from them and we weren’t disappointed.

Imagine four kids flying into Belize City airport and being escorted across the tarmac and realizing they were about to jump into two helicopters and fly to their jungle resort, or their excitement of being whisked from the jungle, via private plane, over to Placencia, then jumping on a boat and arriving on an island? Their reactions when they walked into their luxurious accommodations, complete with plunge pools, were priceless.

Chaa Creek Resort in the jungle didn’t disappoint, upping the ‘WOWs’ to new levels each day. Our butler, Candi, and her trainee Ryan spoiled us with private dinners for 10, breakfast deliveries early in the morning, fresh fruit drinks when we returned from a day of touring, even babysitting so the adults could dine together. At 4:00 a.m. one morning Candi was helping decorate an outdoor pavilion so our granddaughter could have a fun 9th birthday celebration that night. The surprises never stopped, the staff was so generous and kind, the accommodations top-notch, and the food delicious. Our granddaughter with celiac even got special gluten-free desserts every day!

We had a dedicated driver and guide, Darryl, throughout our 5 days of touring the jungle, and when rising water closed the ATM cave tour, Darryl seamlessly changed plans. Darryl introduced us to the Mayan world, helped us explore their temples, took us to a local coffee plantation and to a women’s local co-op where the grandchildren were able to hand-grind coffee beans, fresh corn for our tortillas, and try their hands at ancient pottery making. A trip deep into the jungle delivered us to zip-lining at the end of our cultural immersion day!

Ray Caye Resort beach days were spent in total relaxation mode so snorkeling, jumping off the two-story diving platform, kayaking, canoeing, sailing the Hobie cat, and even scuba diving kept us engaged. But enjoying gourmet meals, sipping drinks around the pool in the near-perfect weather, and playing family volleyball and puzzle games brought us together after far too many years of separation. The island was magical, the staff always ready to help us, anticipating our every need, and on our last night there, they surprised us with a 50th anniversary family meal on the beach. The resort covered the whole island and at one point there were only 16 vacationers on it. Talk about a private and perfect post-pandemic place to be! Leaving ‘paradise’ the last morning was difficult, to say the least!

Patricia ensured that the whole trip worked seamlessly and not once did we have a glitch! She also chose the very best people to support us throughout the trip. We couldn’t have asked for a better family celebration of our 50th!” —Judith Rodwell

Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Morocco: Family of 8 over Christmas/New Year’s

Wendy took her own family on a camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco.

“Radia and her team put together a trip of a lifetime for our multi-generational family of eight. Our 10-day trip to Morocco over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays was one of the best we have ever taken together. It was the perfect combination of cultural experiences, food experiences, sightseeing, shopping and adventure! We spent three nights in Fes, one night in the Sahara, and six nights in Marrakech. Highlights included a hike in the Atlas Mountains, followed by a cooking class at a local Berber family’s home in the mountain village. We also loved the sidecar tour around Marrakech—such a fun and different way to see the city beyond the medina, where most tourists spend all their time.

But everyone’s favorite day of the trip was the time we spent in the Sahara. We felt like we were in the pages of National Geographic as we drove ATVs over the gorgeous sand dunes—so fun and thrilling, with the most unbelievable scenery. And we drove the ATVs right to where our camels were waiting to take us on an unforgettable sunset ride and then on to our luxury tented camp for the evening, where our belongings were waiting for us. It was truly a dream come true.

We also had another surreal experience in the Sahara when we had tea with a nomadic Berber family who lives in tents without electricity or running water. We were able to talk to them and ask them questions about their life (through our guide, who translated for us)—it was a very educational and eye-opening experience, especially for our teenagers. Morocco is a feast for the senses. Even just walking around the medina and souks, the sights, sounds, tastes and smells you will experience will leave a lasting impression on you.” —Lauren Schor

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO PORTUGAL AND SPAIN

Portugal & Spain: 3 generations over Christmas/New Year’s

Michelle Bodine and family in Sao Pedro do Corval, Portugal.

Gonçalo and Patricia were phenomenal with their hotel accommodations, food and restaurant recommendations, tour guides that fit our needs of grandchildren ages 6, 3, 1 1/2 and 3 months, and activities that enriched our trip. The itinerary was just what we wanted! It truly was perfect in every way. There was even flexibility, so if we needed to cancel a restaurant because we were going on a food tour and would not be hungry, we could. The amount of scheduled activities and free time to explore more was perfect.

Gonçalo and Patricia are experts in what they do, and I would trust them again to plan the most satisfying travel experience for my family! They both took the precautions necessary to help us feel safe with Covid and continued to help us along our journey with lost luggage and further restaurant recommendations. We could not have done this trip without our trip planners, Gonçalo and Patricia. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for planning a Christmas to remember forever and ever!” —Michelle Bodine

Read more reviews of Portugal and Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

London: Chelsea Stadium, royal history, museum scavenger hunt for a family of 10

Big Ben Clock in London, United Kingdom.

The right private guide can make London come alive for kids. Photo: Shutterstock

“We recently returned from a trip to London with our family of 10 people that we had planned with Jonathan. We traveled over the Christmas holidays with our children and 4 grandchildren, aged 10-13. Jonathan and Katie’s attention to detail was superb! We stayed at the One Aldywich Hotel in Covent Garden. The hotel was amazing in every way! Our kids each had a 2-bedroom suite to accommodate their families of 4. We arrived the day after Christmas, and the kids had gifts waiting for them in each room with their names on them. The adults all had Christmas stockings filled with treats. All of the rooms were beautiful, and it was a perfect choice for people traveling with families.

Our guide, Alex, was with us for 4 days. He and Olivia, our driver, exceeded all of our expectations. Alex was great with the kids and his scavenger hunt in The British Museum was a real blast! A highlight of the trip was traveling to Hampton Court to learn all about Henry VIII and his six wives. Later that same evening, we went to the theater to see Six, which is about all of the wives. The kids also loved their visit to the Chelsea Stadium. Everything went like clockwork, from our arrival in London to the time we left for home.” —Ellen Weiner

Read more reviews of London trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Norway: Fishing, hiking, RIB boating in the Lofoten Islands…

Reine, Lofoten, Norway. The village of Reine under a sunny, blue sky, with the typical rorbu houses. View from the top

You’re never far from the water in the Lofoten Islands; this is the village of Reine. Photo: Shutterstock

“Part of our Norway trip included three generations: my husband and me, our daughter, and four of our grandchildren. Jan encouraged us to stay at Reine, in the Lofoten Islands. We stayed in Robuer cabins, which were exactly the right fit for the families. Jan set up a full day with a RIB boat, including a shore lunch and a hike to a cave. The next day, he set up a fishing experience and a private chef to come to our room and cook the fish for all of us.

Following the multi-generational portion of our trip, my husband and I cruised from Copenhagen up the west coast of Norway and back to Copenhagen. Jan arranged for private guides to meet us at four different stops on the cruise. These guides were more than happy to tailor the day to our needs. While the ship offered excursions, having the private guides and drivers worked best for us, enhancing the trip with their knowledge and making each destination personal.” —Peggy Schuemann

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 GERMANY AND AUSTRIA

Austria and Germany: Christmas markets and more, to suit ages 9 to 79

Christmas market and decorations in Vienna park next to City Hall (Rathaus), Austria,Vienna.

Kick off the holidays at Vienna Park’s Christmas Market, in Austria. Photo: Shutterstock

“Took a multi-generational family trip to Germany and Austria during the Christmas holiday. Cannot say enough good things about planning a trip with Gwen. She is by far the best we have ever experienced! Our guides — and we had a ton of them — all were fantastic. They were able to provide for and entertain everyone from our 9-year-old son to my 79-year-old mother. This was a special feat in the cold Christmastime chaos!

Gwen had all the right advice — we felt safe and cared for throughout our train and car transfers and adventures. Our initial idea was to see the Christmas markets, but what we got was so much more — the markets were almost an afterthought. She knew where to go — Munich, Salzburg, Vienna — and what to do there. When she heard that we had a 15-year-old car fanatic with us, she made arrangements for a side trip to Stuttgart as well. Just take her advice on where to go, and you won’t be disappointed!” —Theresa Sandoval

Read more reviews of Germany and Austria trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Mexico: private villa in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta beaches, sunsets and scenic ocean views near Bay of Banderas coastline Mexico

Vanessa Hulme and family had a view of Banderas Bay from their private villa. Photo: Shutterstock

“We decided on a family vacation in Mexico for three generations, plus a pre-vacation vacation for my husband and me. The first stop for my husband and me was San Miguel de Allende. While we had initially hesitated to stay at the Rosewood because it was not in the center of town, Zach convinced us this hotel would be excellent, and he was correct. Thanks to him we were upgraded to their Tower Suite, which not only came with an enormous amount of space on two levels, but its own private elevator, three outdoor patios, and two butlers! Everything about this hotel was magical, and we cannot wait to return. The tours Zach arranged in San Miguel were excellent and included a market tour and cooking class with a chef, and an in-depth tour of San Miguel and Guanajuato.

The remainder of our trip was spent in Puerto Vallarta with the entire family. We had very specific requirements for a private villa: directly on the water, large enough so we would all have our own space, fully staffed, close to activities, and located an easy distance from the center of Puerto Vallarta.

Our villa, Casa Demae II, is in a gated complex, and was exquisite and outstanding in every way: spacious bedrooms (all ensuite, and most with balconies) with views of the pool and Banderas Bay, incredible common areas, infinity pool with a swim-up bar, jacuzzi, outdoor dining areas (from where we saw whales most days), streaming services—you name it, it was there! The staff were excellent and always helpful; what a treat to always have, without asking, coffee ready in the morning and (for the adults), margaritas ready in the evening! Our chef was fantastic—we actually cancelled two dinner reservations because the food at the villa was so wonderful. Another very nice touch was simply putting the dirty clothes in the closet basket, and having clean ones reappear that afternoon. This was like having our own private hotel…but better.

As in San Miguel, the activities planned were second to none. Everyone is still talking about the whale watching tour and the day on the private catamaran around Banderas Bay with complete crew and a chef. Also, because we had the benefit of entry to the Beach Club, the staff arranged for us to jet ski, paddleboard, and snorkel only a short distance away. There is no way we could have put together this trip on our own. From the moment my husband and I landed in Guanajuato until the entire family boarded our flight home, absolutely everything was handled efficiently and worked smoothly.” —Vanessa Hulme

Read more reviews of Mexico trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Costa Rica for four active teenagers and mobility-challenged grandparents

Don’t let physical disabilities keep you from having fun in Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were traveling to Costa Rica with ten people, including four active teenagers who are up for any adventure and my father who didn’t want his physical disability to stop the adventure or fun for his grandchildren. Priscilla found us the perfect home on an amazing beach where we could watch the sunset daily and take day trips scuba diving, surfing, and fishing. After five days, we moved to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for the sky walk, zip-lining, and endless hikes. What really made this trip special was the planning that Priscilla did in finding us the perfect naturalist guide, Eddie, as well as the perfect physical therapist, Alonso, to travel with us for the 10 days we were away. Alonso provided my father with the best care possible and had the knowledge and ability to work with him in the pool and help him do things he has not been able to do, like taking short walks on the beach. Having Alonso with us allowed my mom to get the vacation she so needed and took all the daily stress away. As for Eddie, the naturalist guide, from the moment we met him at the airport, he got the kids engaged and interested in learning about Costa Rica. When we were out hiking, he not only helped us find the monkeys, quetzals and sloth, but educated the kids on the Cloud Forest and the environment. It was an amazing trip!” —Kristen Ebner

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ATLANTIC CANADA

Atlantic Canada: A trip “about which my three grandchildren never stop talking”

Joe Batt’s Arm on Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Read more reviews of Atlantic Canada trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

WOW Asia: Reviews from our Travelers

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This is Asia’s moment. As one of the last regions to open after Covid, Asia hasn’t yet seen the tourist crowds that you’ll find once again in Europe. Our travelers were among the vanguard to return to Asia, aided by the local intel of our Trusted Travel Experts. Read on to learn what it’s like to be there now. And here’s what it means to get a WOW trip.

START A WOW TRIP TO ASIA

Vietnam and Cambodia: “Reminded of how simple life can be, and that people everywhere strive to do the best they can…”

Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Photo: Shutterstock

“As neither Vietnam nor Cambodia has recovered to pre-Covid tourism levels, we experienced far fewer crowds, even at Angkor Wat. The locals were gracious and welcoming, even thanking us for making the long journey.

From the onset of planning through execution, Sandy and Ethan delivered every step of the way. Our itinerary combined five-star creature comforts with authentic local experiences. Some of the more noteworthy experiences included:

• Meeting the North Vietnamese fighter pilot who was the first to shoot down an American fighter jet

• Cooking Vietnamese crispy pancakes with a grandmother in her family’s home “restaurant” and then enjoying a multi-course, homemade lunch

• Riding on the back of Vespas through the side streets and back alleys of Saigon, and on the back of motorbikes through villages in the Mekong Delta

• Riding in an ox-cart along a rural road in Cambodia, being greeted with countless smiles and waves from children going about their everyday lives along the route

• Holding a Hero Rat as we gained invaluable insight into the efforts to detect and remove land mines and explosive devices throughout the Cambodian countryside

• Meditating with monks at Phnom Krom Pagoda

Our hosts provided us with invaluable insights into Vietnam’s and Cambodia’s people and culture, both past and present. In so doing, we were reminded of how simple life can be, and that people everywhere strive to do the best they can with what they’ve been given.” —Molly O’Neill-Emmi

Read more reviews of Cambodia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CAMBODIA

India: “She suggested three very different cities which were the perfect combination for a first-time visitor…”

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 I’d 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!

Read more reviews of India trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO UZBEKISTAN

Thailand: “We set foot in Myanmar, Laos and Thailand all on the same day…”

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and his wife Jane having a drink in Bangkok, with Wat Arun aglow in the background.

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane in Bangkok, with Wat Arun aglow in the background.

“A two-day board meeting in Bangkok gave us the opportunity to combine this with a two-week trip to Thailand. We worked with Dan to figure out where to go and decided to start with Bangkok and then spend time in Northern Thailand.

We explored the waterways of Bangkok in a private longboat and drove out to Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital. Other highlights of Bangkok were a foodie’s tour around Chinatown, a cooking experience for Jane while I was in meetings, and dining at two of the top 50 restaurants in the world, Gaggan and Le Du.

We then flew up to Chiang Mai and stayed at the wonderful 137 Pillars House. We drove around in an electric tuk-tuk, ate local specialties in the night market, and went bamboo rafting. We had specifically requested to learn about some of the textile weavings for which Northern Thailand is famous, so Dan arranged for us to go to Studio Naenna to meet Patricia Cheeseman, a renowned textile expert and author, where we had a hands-on experience with tie-dying with natural indigo dye.

Our road trip to Chiang Rai was no ordinary road trip, as we skirted the Myanmar border, stopping at various points including cooking lunch in bamboo containers with the Lahu hill tribe. In Chiang Rai we stayed at Pa Sak Tong (at very off-season rates!) where we had a whole three-bedroom villa to ourselves, complete with exercise room, steam room, and private pool. To look after our every need, we had two excellent cooks, Nid and Kwanjai, and three outstanding butlers, Tai, Benny, and Pleaw. All this on 28 acres looked after by 13 gardeners and overseen by the estate manager, John Dunbar!

Needless to say, we tried to maximize our stay in the villa, although we did make a day trip to the Golden Triangle, where we set foot in Myanmar, Laos and Thailand all on the same day. Another bonus for this location is that the dining experience at Locus Native Food Lab is a short walk from the villa. All in all, an amazing trip, and thank you to Dan and his staff for organizing everything.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

Read more reviews of Thailand trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THAILAND

Uzbekistan: “The idea of the Silk Road always intrigued me, with camel caravans bringing goods from China to Europe and back…”

Traveler Leon Malkin visiting Zulya's parents in their house in Uzbekistan.

Leon Malkin visiting with Zulya’s parents

“This was my seventh trip using Wendy Perrin’s WOW List of travel experts, and they have all been superb experiences. This trip was not different, thanks to the kindness and caring of Zulya. One of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with, she is from Uzbekistan and has firsthand knowledge of this area. One of the highlights of the trip was having lunch with Zulya’s parents and family in Bukhara.

The idea of The Silk Road always intrigued me, with camel caravans bringing goods from China to Europe and back, and the power struggle between Russia and Great Britain for control of this area in the 19th and 20th century. I really didn’t know what to expect of this vast region. I thought I would see camel caravans and a lot of Soviet apartment buildings! What I found were modern cities and all very clean, safe, with warm welcoming people. There were, of course, remnants of Soviet influence, as they were under Soviet control until independence in 1991. I did not have one untoward event.

Outside the cities, the roads were often in need of repair, and one could see the more impoverished towns and homes, but all the people I encountered were very welcoming and friendly. Would highly recommend a visit to this vast, interesting, safe area.” —Leon Malkin

Read more reviews of Uzbekistan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Japan: “We enjoyed learning from the youngest of many generations who have practiced pottery-, candy-, and soba-noodle-making…”

Barbara and Robert Fierman at Senbon Torii in Kyoto.

“Andrea planned the trip of a lifetime for my husband Bob and me and our friends as a joint anniversary celebration. The trip was well-paced and balanced, but also so exciting. Each of our special activities was a blast! My favorites included taiko drumming, where our drumming expert got us to perform a brief but lively routine and then performed for us; having a private tea ceremony with a geisha; and attending a sumo wrestling tournament. We also enjoyed learning from the youngest of many generations who have practiced pottery-, candy-, and soba-noodle-making.

We visited an organic tea farm in Uji where we learned about the industry, picked tea leaves, and were treated to a delicious lunch which included tea leaves prepared tempura-style. We spent a day in Nikko, where we hiked along a massive waterfall to a lake and then visited the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, set in a beautiful forest.

Our overnight on the island of Naoshima provided a glimpse of restored homes turned museums, as well as state-of-the-art museums designed by famed architect Tadao Ando and outdoor installations, including the pumpkin, created by Yauyoi Kusama. Andrea and his team did an amazing job of coordinating the multitude of details this experience involved. We can’t thank him enough.” —Barbara and Robert Fierman

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 THE JAPAN

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

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

Read more reviews of China trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Japan: “A tea ceremony and visit with a bonsai master in Tokyo, a traditional dinner in Kyoto with a Maiko (Geisha in training)…”

A traditional tea ceremony performance in Japan.

A traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Photo: Shutterstock

“When we discovered that neither of our husbands was interested in traveling to Japan, my girlfriend and I decided to go for it. Our travel window was limited to the last two weeks of March, high season for Japan travel, and this was only a month away. The first three travel agents that I spoke to turned me down outright; small group trips were also fully booked. When we were about to give up, Wendy Perrin introduced us to Andrea. Andrea added value to our trip even before we left home, sharing lists of books to read, movies to watch, and insight into the culture. He took the time to get to know our interests, and his enthusiasm for all things Japanese was contagious.

Andrea managed to pull off the impossible — a rich and varied itinerary customized to our taste, drivers and guides (all excellent) when desired, free time when requested, train tickets reserved, even some unusual experiences along the way. He and his team were in constant contact with us via a dedicated WhatsApp group (appropriately called “Guardian Angels in Japan” to check in and keep us updated on the itinerary. We enjoyed sharing pictures and summaries of each day’s adventures with our angels.

There were several moments that Andrea planned — a tea ceremony and visit with a bonsai master in Tokyo, crafting in Kanazawa and Takayama, a traditional dinner in Kyoto with a Maiko (Geisha in training) — that were unexpected highlights. I have traveled with other experts before, but Andrea’s attention to detail was extraordinary.” —Janet Fattal

Read more reviews of the Japan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Vietnam & Cambodia: “The lunch they had prepared for us, hosted by a lovely Cambodian family on their floating dock, was amazingly delicious…”

Traveler Sharon Theroux and her husband were hosted for lunch by a local family in the floating village of Prek Toal near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Sharon Theroux and her husband were hosted for lunch by a local family near Siem Reap.

“My husband and I just returned from our second trip to Southeast Asia, both of them through Sandy and Ethan’s office. Someone once said, ‘We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.’ That couldn’t be more true about our experience. This year, we spent one week in Saigon, followed by one week in Siem Reap.

In Saigon, we stayed at the Majestic Hotel, which was a perfect location on the Saigon river and at the heart of the city. Sandy and Ethan were able to get us the same room on the same floor we had last year, #317, which had an outdoor garden where we had coffee in the morning. So beautiful. The ride up the Saigon river to Can Gio nature reserve provided a well-needed ‘Nature Bath’ while boating through mangroves, hiking through jungles, and feeding crocodiles and monkeys. What a major de-stressor and complete departure from our day-to-day life back home!

Our next leg of the trip was the Jaya House at Siem Reap, which is where we stayed last year. The Jaya House is one of my favorite places on earth. Upon arrival, we met with Christian, the property manager, who made sure we were scheduled for our daily massage. After recently experiencing a running injury, I was very happy to take him up on that offer! Those daily massages really helped me to heal from injury, as well as reduce a year full of stressors from back home.

We took an excursion to the margins of Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Cambodia. On this boat tour, we traveled back in time to see a floating fishing village, where people survive with very little, some without electricity. And yet, the people there smiled and waved at us as they went about their life, and we saw the children happily playing with each other and swimming in the water. I learned that if they could be happy with so little, I don’t need to sweat the small stuff at home. And the lunch they had prepared for us, hosted by a lovely Cambodian family on their floating dock, was amazingly delicious, with a charcuterie that rivaled that from NYC! I would highly recommend traveling to Southeast Asia in general, and with Sandy and Ethan more specifically, if you are looking for a truly authentic, immersive, and life-enhancing experience.” —Sharon Theroux

Read more reviews of Southeast Asia 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: “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…”

Traveler Andrea Phillips and daughter Rachel underwater, diving off Balicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines.

Andrea Phillips and daughter Rachel diving off Balicasag Island. 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 from late March to April. 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 Andrea’s 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.

One of the best aspects of traveling with Andrea was his responsive support team, always just a WhatsApp message away. They swiftly resolved any questions or issues we encountered, such as when there was a mix-up with our room at Amorita, and they went the extra mile to secure a complimentary upgrade for us. Their extensive network within the local communities demonstrated their dedication to ensuring a memorable experience for us.

This trip was tailor-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. Even though initially I had some reservations about taking this trip, as sometimes it’s difficult to find the right time to travel, it ended up being a wonderful experience and one that will hold memories for us that we will always treasure. Pushing ourselves to try somewhere new and doing it together, made it even more thrilling and well worth the efforts, especially with Andrea, Pablo, Lauren, Michael and the rest of the team to support us along the way.” —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.

India: “One of our favorite stops was the Dera Amer camp, an animal sanctuary and home of elephant rescues…”

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. Any glitches were handled and fixed immediately. Most notable, after I left a packing cube with my husband’s polo shirts in the Delhi hotel, Victoria’s team managed to retrieve them and get them to us, via a variety of drivers and tour guides, at a later destination. Meanwhile, our guide Vanch suggested we get some shirts made, which was fun, inexpensive, and quick. A great souvenir from India, whether or not you lose yours.

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.

One of our favorite stops was the Dera Amer camp, an animal sanctuary and home of elephant rescues. We fed and took a walk with Rangmala and her mahout, and she allowed us to pet her and pose for photos.

We saw sunset and sunrise at the Taj Mahal and were thrilled to tour the inside of this monument and many other historic forts, temples, mosques and palaces. It was a beautiful trip to a most interesting country.” —Lisa Riggs

Read more reviews of India trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Southeast Asia: “We were the only ones there, drifting through the lily pads watching the birds and sunset. It was beautiful and peaceful.”

Panorama of ancient stone door and tree roots.

Ta Prohm temple ruins in Angkor, Cambodia. Photo: Shutterstock

“My wife, 22 year-old daughter, and I visited Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The local guides arranged by Sandy and Ethan were knowledgeable, eager to take family pictures for us, and easy to work with as we tweaked some of the details of our itinerary as our trip progressed.

In Chiang Mai we went on a beautiful two-hour hike on the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail in the Doi Inthanon National Park. There was a river with multiple waterfalls along the way. The hike ended at a pretty farm in the hills with water buffalo roaming around, where we had a cup of locally grown coffee and a nice lunch at a small restaurant. Speaking of food, the Khao Soi curry in Chiang Mai was one of our food highlights.

In Laos, our guide had excellent knowledge of Buddhism and relationships with local Buddhist monks, so we spent time with the monks learning about their religion, sitting with the monks as they chanted, and participated in the custom of giving alms (making merit) where we provided the monks with their morning breakfast before sunrise. It was unique and educational. Our guide also hosted us at his family house for a wonderful dinner and Buddhist ceremony attended by numerous members of our guide’s extended family. We visited some villages to see how local farmers and craftspeople live, including talking with women making papadam and men distilling local moonshine, both of which we tasted. We also had a lovely and relaxing and scenic private boat ride down the Mekong river, returning to Luang Prabang from the Pak Ou caves as the sun gradually set.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, we attended the roughly hour-long Phare ‘circus,’ a high-energy, very entertaining, and unique experience, and it’s for a good cause. Of course, we visited the massive ancient Angkor temples, which are incredibly impressive, and each one was different. The Ta Prohm temple with the massive trees growing on it is a must-see. One of our more special moments in Cambodia was when our excellent guide arranged to take us out on two small boats (just a bit bigger than large canoes) on one of the ‘moats’ (really a manmade lake) just before sunset. A local paddler gently moved the boats across the calm waters as our guide mixed gin and tonics for us and provided snacks. We were the only ones there, drifting through the lily pads watching the birds and sunset. It was beautiful and peaceful.” —Joe Coco

Read more reviews of Southeast Asia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Bhutan: “Peaceful, calm, clean, welcoming, safe and fascinating, with people full of warmth…”

Herbal bath with a view at Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan.

An herbal bath with a view at Bhutan’s Gangtey Lodge. Photo: Traveler Wendy Tucker

“My husband and I just returned from a fantastic two-week-plus trip to India and Bhutan. We have been lucky enough to travel to many places, but we both declared at our return that this was our favorite destination. Sanjay planned a perfect trip and we are so grateful to him and his local agencies for their knowledge, punctuality, kindness and seamless handling of everything. When I initially contacted Sanjay, our plan only included Bhutan. There are no flights to Bhutan from the US or Europe—you need to go through India or Thailand. We had never been to India, so Sanjay suggested that we fly into Delhi (one of the cities you can access Bhutan from) and spend a few days to see the Taj Mahal. We were so glad we took his advice.

Overall, we found Bhutan to be peaceful, calm, clean, welcoming, safe and fascinating, with people full of warmth, interest and kindness. We stayed at four incredible properties, each with their own flavor, beauty and charm. My favorite was Gangtey Lodge. Gangtey Lodge was the furthest east we traveled and is high above a beautiful valley. It snowed when we were there, so we enjoyed herbal baths gazing from the tub out over the valley.

We filled our days with visits to fortresses, nunneries, temples and monasteries—we loved them all, although our favorite was Gangtey Goenpa Monastery. We spent almost three hours there participating in a tea ceremony with the monks and discussing Buddhism and life in a monastery with a senior monk.” —Wendy Tucker

Read more reviews of Bhutan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO BHUTAN

India: “The weather was perfect, the guides were flexible and kind, and India is truly a magical place.”

Girls tasting jalebi, a traditional Indian sweet.

Tasting jalebi, an Indian sweet, during a tuk tuk tour. Photo: Traveler Mary Ko

“Our family has been on many trips. We usually use Wendy Perrin’s List because all the companies offer flexibility and we travel with young kids (ages 11, 9, and 5). We went to India February 28th- March 9th, and it was our best family trip to date. I know part of this was because we finally don’t have a kid under 4 with us, but the other part was Victoria—and Narji, our guide. We went to Agra, Jaipur, and Udaipur. There was so much to offer for everyone.

The kids’ favorite parts of the trip were the shopping, the block printing, feeding peacocks at Taj Rambagh, and seeing elephants at the Sanctuary. My husband and I loved the Oberoi hotels, the gems, the Taj Mahal, the love of Western travelers we felt, the tuk tuk ride, the historic sites, and so much more. The weather was perfect, the guides were flexible and kind, and India is truly a magical place. We have already purchased the things needed to try to make our own jalebi, and we loved the tea!!!

We hopped airports a bit to quickly jump cities, and our driver would drive our luggage so we only had a backpack and snacks, making flying headache-free. What I love about Victoria is that we had flexibility with kids—meaning, if we cancelled something because they needed downtime, it was fine, or if we had to change things quickly, it was no big deal. An amazing adventure!!” —Mary Ko

Read more reviews of India trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Sri Lanka: “Wonderful experiences including a cooking class, a mask carving and painting workshop, and visits to a cinnamon plantation and to a tea factory…”

Travelers surrounded by village kids on their Tea Trail hike in Sri Lanka.

Jan Heininger and husband Jamie Reuter meeting village kids on a Tea Trail hike.

“We had a three-week trip to Sri Lanka planned by Miguel. This very interesting trip covered almost the entire country from the Cultural Triangle with its archaeological ruins, cave temples and Buddhist sacred sites, its historic capitals of Anuradhapura and Kandy, its largest national park (Yala) famed for its leopards, its gorgeous Indian Ocean beaches, its colonial past displayed in the Galle Fort, and its myriad of agricultural products, especially tea and cinnamon.

Miguel’s skill in putting our trip together started when he built in an extra day of rest after our arrival. I agreed to add in the day, in spite of not thinking it necessary—until it was. A snowstorm delayed our departure from DC, causing us to miss our connecting flight in Doha. We ended up with a 9-hour airport layover and didn’t get to our hotel until 4 am. We were very grateful to sleep late the next morning and snooze by the pool that afternoon.

Miguel also ensured that we had a flexible schedule. Our driver, Thissa, could say, “Let’s stop and see that bird,” or we could stop and taste a Golden coconut or visit a local market where we were introduced to many unfamiliar vegetables and fruits that are essential elements of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Miguel had us stay in wonderful places, including two Aman resorts on the south coast. At Amanwella, we took one of the best cooking classes we’ve ever had with the Executive Chef. At Amangalla in Galle Fort, we went for a bike ride in the countryside (beware of heat exhaustion), toured the Fort with a terrific local guide, and had a workshop making and painting traditional Sri Lankan masks. Miguel also booked us into Castlereagh, a five-room, former tea plantation manager’s bungalow. We were told to treat it like our home—just tell them what we wanted to eat and when.

We could not have planned this trip by ourselves. Miguel has access to unique experiences. We spent an afternoon in Kandy with an artist and his artist daughter. Miguel directed us to accommodations he knew would meet our not-even-known-to-us needs. The night before we left Sri Lanka, we were lucky to have dinner with Miguel and his lovely wife. It was a treat to meet with and talk to the man who was behind our trip.

What makes Wendy’s trip specialists stand out from the usual run-of-the-mill travel agents is that they—and Miguel—listen carefully to what you’re looking for in a trip. They have access to experiences you could never find on your own and include things you had no idea you wanted and end up delighted you experienced them. The mask my husband carved from a block of balsa wood and the two we painted are off being framed right now and will always be physical reminders of our time in Sri Lanka.” —Jan Heininger

Read more reviews of Sri Lanka trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Southeast Asia: “The diversity of the trip was amazing and included fabulous street food adventures in several of the cities, ringside seats in Bangkok…”

Ingredients in bowl for preparing Vietnamese rice noodles.

A bowl of Vietnamese rice noodles with beef and other ingredients. Photo: Shutterstock

“Just back from our third trip booked through one of Wendy’s fabulous travel arrangers. In this case we worked with Dan for a 3 ½ week itinerary that started and ended in Singapore, with Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Saigon, Hue, Hoi An, and Hanoi in between.

Dan and his team did a great job attending to all of the details, especially the VIP arrival treatment in the many airports we traversed. The diversity of the trip was amazing and included fabulous street food adventures in several of the cities, ringside seats in Bangkok for Muay Thai boxing, a cruise on the Mekong river from Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou caves (with a stop at a whisky distillery whose bottles contained snakes and scorpions—a bit too much for my taste), sunrise at Angkor Wat, incredible acrobats at the Phare circus, thrilling rides in several cities on cyclos, tuk-tuks, and scooters, and various museums and places that are etched in memories of those of us that grew up in the Viet Nam war era. Lots of lessons to be learned from that time.

But perhaps the most interesting part of our visit involved a dinner and musical performance at the Ben Xuan Garden House. When we saw this on the agenda, we thought ok, that could be a nice evening. Well, the host, Camille Huyen, is six generations removed from the emperor and is an incredible artist. She designed the home using bricks from the rubble of the destroyed Imperial Palace area, has her paintings on display throughout the home, and provided vocals alongside some fabulously talented musicians whom she personally selected and developed from the local university. After the performance we were treated to an amazing dinner and wonderful conversation with Camille and Ngo Truong Dinh, her husband and a former banker during their time in Switzerland. This evening was one of the more remarkable events of many years of travel around the world.” —Mike and Marilyn Modak

Read more reviews of Southeast Asia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Sri Lanka: “We saw beautiful Buddha temples…hiked mountains with spectacular views, went on a jeep safari…”

Travelers on Peradeniya Botanical Garden's Avenue of Royal Palms, Sri Lanka.

Pam Greenstein and family on Peradeniya Botanical Garden’s Avenue of Royal Palms.

“We had an incredible vacation to Sri Lanka over the Christmas holidays with our two daughters, ages 21 and 18. We had just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and wanted to do something special with them. We were there for 2.5 weeks and stayed in 9 different boutique hotels. They were all fantastic! Our guide was absolutely outstanding. He added so much to the trip by getting us into various cultural events, restaurants, markets, and experiences. We never had to wait in line! He was also very caring with our girls when they were tired and needed a break. His passion for the country was instrumental in our learning about the culture and history, and eating incredible food.

We saw beautiful Buddha temples, rode the famous train to see the incredible topography, learned all about tea country, hiked mountains with spectacular views, went on a jeep safari and got up close elephants, leopards and water buffalos; rode bikes through rice paddies, had a wonderful massage and sauna, toured a gem mine to see how they make beautiful jewelry, and swam with the sea turtles. The highlight was our farm-to-table cooking class, picking fresh vegetables at the market and then making Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes with local chefs. It was fun and delicious.

We had various anniversary cards, cakes, and champagne when we arrived at our hotels, such a warm and caring gesture from the staff. This was our third trip working with Wendy and her team, and as usual, they did an outstanding job planning every detail.” —Pam Greenstein

Read more reviews of Sri Lanka trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO OMAN AND JORDAN

Thailand: “The stories behind some of the elephants were heartbreaking, but it was good to know that they could live out the rest of their lives being well taken care of.”

The Elephant Nature Park outside Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo: Traveler Bruce Tylock

“With a short lead time of about two weeks due to my last-minute China business travel, we decided to use Wendy Perrin’s travel service. We were matched up with Dan and Obb. We wanted to focus on food, culture and markets. We had a great time experiencing the street food of Bangkok. Thailand street food is amazing. We also loved our longboat tour to see the sights in Bangkok from the river. From the water, we saw the Wat Paknam giant buddha that was incredible.

From there, we were off to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. We loved our guide, Yawan, for this portion of the trip. We loved our hike through the tea and coffee fields in Chiang Rai. Yawan knew all the different types of plants along the way, and it was very interesting to see all the different herbs, fruits, and vegetables growing along the roads. We had a great stop at the Elephant Nature Conservation Sanctuary Park outside of Chiang Mai. The stories behind some of the elephants were heartbreaking, but it was good to know that they could live out the rest of their lives being well taken care of by the staff at the camp.

We were then on to the final leg of our trip in Phuket—and Dan and Obb saved the best activities for last! Our guide, Pong, gave us a great overview of Old Town Phuket and took us out for some delicious food at some local favorite restaurants. The next day was our favorite excursion of the whole trip: The John Gray sea kayak tour. Everywhere we looked was incredibly beautiful, and we will forever remember the night kayaking where we made an offering to the water goddess and got to see the luminescent phytoplankton, which was an amazing sight!

It was tough to follow up the sea kayaking, but we also had a great time at our cooking class the next day. Chef Pui at the Brass Wok was so much fun to talk with about food and restaurants, and she showed us how to make several delicious Thai dishes. I’d always been intimidated by Thai cooking. However, when I arrived back home the following week, I headed to the Asian grocery store for supplies and was able to reproduce the same delicious dishes that Chef Pui taught us to make.

It was very thoughtful that our guides in the different areas communicated with each other so that it felt like the guides already knew us when we arrived. When we told Dao in Bangkok that we were interested in getting some makrut lime leaves to take home with us, she contacted Yawan in Chiang Mai, who gave us a bag of dried lime leaves from the tree at his home.” —Amy and Bruce Tylock

Read more reviews of Thailand trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THAILAND

Oman and Jordan: “All was well and safe…”

Amy Evers and her husband atop a rock arch in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

“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.

Indonesia: “An exceptionally beautiful country, with interesting history, gorgeous art and relics, and incredible food….”

Chris Kloes and her family in East Java, Indonesia, viewing Mount Bromo and its caldera at sunset.

“Our trip to Indonesia vastly exceeded our high expectations! We thought Indonesia was an exceptionally beautiful country, with interesting history, gorgeous art and relics, and incredible food. And the people were unfailingly kind everywhere we went. We are grateful for Diane’s help. She helped shape this trip from the initial concept to the finished itinerary and also deftly managed a curveball along the way. She’s deeply knowledgeable and unflappable, exactly what you want from a travel planner. Highly, highly recommend her!

Our family trip (me, my husband, and my 12-year-old son) was 3 weeks long and had 4 distinct chapters, which flowed very well.

Mt. Bromo
Diane helped us navigate a curveball at a destination we had initially planned to visit after the hotel was hit by lightning and had limited electricity as a result. Diane suggested a couple of alternatives and we decided to change that leg of the trip entirely. We are so glad we did and are so happy we went to Mt. Bromo! The Plataran Bromo was one of the best hotels we’ve stayed at in the world (and we’ve been to fabulous hotels in over 50 countries), both the facility, but especially the exceptional level of service. We met so many kind people there and ate truly delicious food. The staff went over-the-top to help our son, even going as far as to take him horseback riding while we enjoyed a massage. This was definitely our favorite of all of the lovely hotels and places we stayed. Our excursions were also very memorable. I mean, we rode horses across a sea of sand and climbed an active volcano! We especially appreciated the sunset tour of Mt. Bromo and the caldera. We were virtually alone to watch the sunset and had some unparalleled views.

Yogyakarta
Diane connected us to a local guide, Emmanuel, who was amazing. His English was excellent and he had a wealth of interesting info to share with us. We loved the sunrise breakfast at the hotel overlooking Borobudur, and especially appreciated the talk by the local guide who ran the breakfast. That guide had a deep knowledge of Borobudur and shared details about the history and importance of the temple. We also loved visiting the temple — it is truly amazing and so beautiful. We had an excursion and our son really enjoyed learning how to make batik. The people who worked at the batik shop were all very patient and sweet to him as they showed him the multi-step process. Plataran Bromo was again an exceptional property. We lucked into an incredible room, with a private pool overlooking Borobudur. It was incredible to look out as the sun set, the bats dipped in and out of our pool, and the numerous calls to prayer competed in a hypnotic melody. The villa was excellent, with our master bedroom and a comfy large cot in the adjoining room for our son. We enjoyed seeing Yogyakarta, touring the Water Castle and Sultan’s Palace — we took local rickshaws, which was a ton of fun and a great way to see the area.

Gilli Trawangan
Diane helped us with the overview of this island, but we managed most of the details here ourselves, as we had a rental home. We are glad that we stayed at the north end of the island, close to Turtle Beach. It was stunningly beautiful and much quieter than the east side, which is more of a party area. Being able to snorkel at the beach right across from our villa was amazing, and we saw many sea turtles, which was a magical experience.

Lombok
This felt like the most authentic leg of our stay. Diane recommended the gorgeous Hotel Tugu Lombok, which is rich with antiques and local art. We had a magical room, with the private pool overlooking the beach. The location is fairly remote, but we took advantage of the hotel’s bikes to explore the local area. Everyone was so welcoming!! My husband and son took a walk down the beach by the local public beach area, which was cute as they met some local girls who were especially interested in talking with our son. Our local guide was able to help us pivot after we decided we wanted some changes to the planned activities, and we visited a fantastic local market that was only about 1 hour from the Tugu. We also took a cooking class arranged by the hotel, which we all really enjoyed. We cooked local specialties and then ate our creations at a feast of a lunch.

Overall, this was an incredible trip and we highly recommend going to Indonesia and using Diane to help plan your trip!” —Chris Cloes

Read more reviews of Indonesia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Japan: “A cooking class at the home of a chef with an amazing history, visiting a sword maker, and a sake (actually nihonshu) tasting class…”

A traditional onsen ryokan hot spring inn Japanese hotel in the middle of nature.

A traditional onsen ryokan Japanese hotel. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of 6 (mom, dad, and four 20-something kids) recently got home from a 16-day trip in Japan created by Scott’s colleague Jason. Jason helped us shape a trip that worked well for our family and really took into account our interests and preferences. We started in Tokyo with our guide Narumi, who stayed with us for the whole trip. Our guide met us the first day and suggested we go ‘off itinerary’ for a special local event, the Kanda Myojin Shrine Parade, and we watched hundreds of people from many neighborhoods celebrate and dance with their shrines. We also saw all the major sites and had a few special and memorable experiences: our favorites in and near Tokyo were a cooking class at the home of a chef with an amazing history, visiting a sword maker, and a sake (actually nihonshu) tasting class. For the rest of our trip we had fun finding and ordering sakes of different types.

We next visited Kanazawa to see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that were beautiful and interesting and stayed in a fantastic onsen ryokan that gave us a taste of hot-spring bathing and provided more of a Japanese feeling than traditional western hotels. In Kyoto, we visited temples—some with amazing views—a bamboo forest, a building housing 1,000 Buddha statues from the 1200s, and some terrific shrines. We had a Taiko drum class—a real hoot for the whole family—and had a moving and relaxing Zen Buddhism experience. We saw many gorgeous meditative gardens where we could have spent hours. Our daughter also found a ‘Pig Café’ (think ‘Cat Café’ but with little pigs) which was…different and fun.

En route to Kyoto, one of our kids left a phone on the train and our guide did a great job of working the (impressive) Japanese systems for finding and reclaiming lost items—far, far different than it would have been in the U.S. And yes, we got it back three days later before leaving the area.

We specifically requested a stop in Hiroshima, which we found particularly moving and profound and such a testament to the evil of nuclear weapons and resilience of the Japanese people. A local specialty, an Okonomiyaki dinner, was a real treat—never had anything like it. Another favorite location was Naoshima, which was completely Jason’s suggestion. We’d never heard of it. We’ve told several friends about ‘the art islands’ since we’ve been back. We could have easily spent an extra day or two, and the art and experience was truly memorable.” —Andy Kaplan

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Indonesia: “As special as Bali is, Flores Island/Komodo National Park (a 1-hour flight from Bali) was the highlight of the trip for our family.”

Komodo National Park is an island's paradise for diving and exploring. The most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, Nusa Tenggara.

Komodo National Park in Nusa Tenggara. Photo: Shutterstock

“Overall our trip to Bali and Komodo was absolutely amazing, and I can’t thank Diane enough for her guidance in planning. As special as Bali is, Flores Island/Komodo National Park (a 1-hour flight from Bali) was the highlight of the trip for our family. The experience of trekking around Rinca and Komodo Islands to see the Komodo dragons was incredible. And very little trekking needed to view them, really—there were several of the giant lizards cruising the pier and beaches when we arrived by speedboat at Komodo! Later on, snorkeling at a beautiful pink sand beach was literally like diving into the world of Finding Nemo, and we also marveled at the giant fruit bats, emerging from their roost in the mangroves at sunset.

Truly magical and I only wished we had allotted more time to explore this beautiful area, which is about to explode with tourism, given the Indonesian government’s plan to promote the region. Several new hotels are under construction—go now while it’s still somewhat quiet!” —Karen Dalton

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Japan: “Through the Japanese Alps, through the Kiso Valley and its enchanting post towns and fairytale villages untouched by time…”

A small stream turns a motion blurred wooden water wheel next to beautifully restored stone steps on the historic Nakasendo trail in Magome, Kiso Valley.

Japanese buildings and restored stone steps in Nakasendo trail in Magome, Kiso Valley, Japan. Photo: Shutterstock

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.

This trip exceeded my wildest imagination due in great part to Scott’s magnificent knowledge and love of Japan and our incredible guide, Makiko. I feel so fortunate to have found Scott through Wendy. A truly priceless experience.” —Roseanne Horn

Read more reviews of Japan trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: “I flew by helicopter to the even more remote and off-the-radar locations of Preah Vihear and Prasat Banteay Chhmar…”

Aerial view of temple ruins by helicopter. Photo: Jeannie Mullen

“On a lark, and with spot-on advice and counsel from Wendy about where to go on short notice, I booked a trip to Southeast Asia. Wendy put me in touch with Sandy and Ethan and, just as she said they would, they were able to turn on a dime.

I don’t think I’ve been to that many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one single trip, ever. Every planning detail, including Fast Track airport service (where available) for arrivals and departures, was taken care of with great care and attention.

Siem Reap, Cambodia—the place around which the entire trip was planned—was phenomenal. Traipsing in and around the temple complexes and experiencing sunrise at Angkor Wat was a major bucket-list item. Major shout-out to Silen, my guide and Ethan’s friend, for her attention to every detail and working our way into and out of the temple complexes in such a way as to avoid other tourists. She was also a master at pacing the day so as to provide relief from the heat and humidity.

Surpassing those experiences was the day that I flew by helicopter to the even more remote and off-the-radar locations of Preah Vihear and Prasat Banteay Chhmar with Po-Thai Khan, a renowned Cambodian archaeologist. Walking these temple complexes with Thai was one of those pinch-me experiences … he was so interesting, engaging and affirming. And the temples were totally without tourists. Something I will never forget. On the way back to Siem Reap, as we skirted a massive thunderstorm, we flew through a full circle rainbow …how did Wendy manage THAT wow moment?

Thank you so much to Sandy and Ethan, and all of their family and friends in Southeast Asia, for turning a spur-of-the-moment trip idea into a reality for this solo wanderer.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Southeast Asia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi: “What a great experience in the desert with private pools at each suite, a desert jeep ride, camel rides, beautiful sunset…”

Diane Thormodsgard’s grandsons enjoy their private pool at the Al Maha desert resort.

We started in Dubai with a stay at Atlantis the Palm, including exclusive Imperial Club access, after being met with VIP service at the airport. The boys enjoyed Aquaventure and the pool. We also had a Dubai historical tour, visited Museum of the Future, went to the “top of the Burj Khalifa,” had a helicopter ride, and went on a private sunset palm cruise with a crew of four that provided excellent service.

The trip was a nice mix of history, amazing architecture, and entertainment. The guides and drivers were always early, very professional and top-notch. They readily adjusted our tours (like less shopping time) to cater to our interests. Nicholas was available during the trip for any issues or questions we had. He started working with us to plan the trip 7 months before we traveled and never hesitated to make himself available.

I would highly recommend Nicholas and staff if you are planning a trip to UAE. It was very obvious he has strong relationships with local service providers and is very knowledgeable about the area. We were definitely able to experience a “trip of our lifetime” for our grandsons and us!”—Diane Thormodsgard

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

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Thailand and Cambodia: “A way of life that we couldn’t have imagined…”

Floating Market near Bangkok. Photo: Traveler Jeff Lonsinger

“Several friends and I volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After our week there, we wanted to spend more time traveling on our own, so we called Dan. Our instructions were minimal: A leisurely pace with some hiking and biking, and small, beautifully designed hotels.

Taking it from there, Dan and his experience planner, Bank, put together a perfect itinerary with just the right amount of activity. They suggested three nights in Chiang Rai, three nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the last three nights in Bangkok. In northern Thailand, we hiked through coffee and tea plantations, through rice paddies, and cherry orchards. A highlight was a visit to the Royal Villa and Gardens in Doi Tung. Learning about Mae Fah Luang, the princess mother who developed this area, was fascinating as well.

Next it was on to Siem Reap, where we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat, along with several other temples. The town itself was a surprise, with upscale hotels and sophisticated restaurants. We really enjoyed our visit to Theam’s Gallery, where Cambodian artist Lim Muy Theam and apprentices are reestablishing Khmer art and culture.

In Bangkok we stayed at a lovely small hotel right on the Chao Phraya River and within walking distance of the royal palace. We loved our morning bike ride through neighborhoods and temples in an area of the city not often frequented by tourists. In the evening we enjoyed a tour of the local food scene, with many opportunities to try unusual fare! Fermented fish, water beetles, and live shrimp, if you are brave enough! Our last morning was spent at a floating market about an hour outside of Bangkok. This was very touristy, but a lot of fun… a way of life that we couldn’t have imagined! That evening we celebrated our wonderful adventure with drinks and dinner on the 59th floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Dan and Bank created the perfect trip.” —Jeff Lonsinger

Read more reviews of Thailand and Cambodia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Cambodia & Vietnam: Angkor Wat at sunrise, street food tours, even sand worm pancakes…

David Wertheimer and friends at Angkor Wat in Cambodia during their WOW trip

“Our trip to Cambodia and Vietnam from January 21st to February 6th, was spectacular. We started in Phnom Penh, and traveled from there to Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat temple complex, Saigon, Cu Chi, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Andy‘s team prepared our itinerary and arranged for personal guides at each of our stops. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and provided both historical information and personal stories that placed the horrors of the eras of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the U.S. military activities in Vietnam within the context of our visit and our understanding of current life in both nations.

Our guides also provided us with street food tours that allowed us to sample some of the most unusual dishes we’ve ever eaten. (The sand worm pancakes were delicious!) We had postponed our trip for three years because of COVID, and felt safe and comfortable traveling, especially because the tourist crowds are still minimal. There were multiple “wow,” bucket-list moments, including Angkor Wat at sunrise (get there early!) and Ha Long Bay, to name just two of them.” —David Wertheimer

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

Mongolia: photo ops of deserts and steppes, adventures in wildlife spotting…

Ger yurt tents at Three Camel Lodge in Gobi Desert of Mongolia at sunrise

Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert. Photo: Nomadic Expeditions

“What a fantastic trip to Mongolia! As so many other people I knew were fighting the crowds in Europe, Mongolia’s beautiful deserts and steppes were wide open for exploration without the jockeying for position. With my wonderful guide and driver, I spent eight days looping through multiple stunning landscapes on the hunt for photos of wild horse (takhi), Argali sheep, and magnificent birds. Between the nights in the ger by Khustain National Park, the relaxed pace of camping near Ikh Nart, and the wonderful luxury of Three Camel Lodge, I had a fabulous trip and was so grateful to be out in nature after a long pandemic. Mongolia is not for the faint of heart! We did a fair amount of driving, since intra-country flights are not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, but the landscapes were breathtaking and the wildlife spotting was an adventure.” —Katie Stiner

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April Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

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Maybe you’re keen to take part in international spring celebrations—or maybe you want to avoid the crowds that Easter and other April holidays bring to certain destinations. Perhaps your kids have their school break, or you’re seeking a peek of blooms abroad while traveling solo.

Good news: Your fellow travelers have ideas for you that work perfectly in April, from eating your way through Italy’s less-crowded piazzas and having Egypt’s ancient wonders virtually to yourself to getting sporty during the southern hemisphere’s temperate autumn. These trips were all made possible through the knowledge and insider connections of the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts.

You’ll find even more ideas in the April installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here, including amazing ideas for spring break.

Unsure where to go in April? Click the black button below for our help.

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Ireland for stunning greenery and warm, welcoming locals

Connemara National Park, Ireland: The Emerald Isle hits its namesake season in April. 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. Dromoland and Ballynahinch Castles were amazing properties to stay at, and our driver Fergus went out of his way to make us feel welcome in his country and to make sure we were getting the best experience.

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Belize for idyllic weather and Mayan ruins

empty white sand beach with a few green trees and light turquoise water in Belize

It’s not hard to find a secluded beach among Belize’s hundreds of cayes. Photo: Shutterstock

“We travelled to Belize from March 28th to April 4th. Patricia was our customized trip organizer and Dave was our personal, well-educated, and super-friendly guide. Providentially, Dave is a birder and so are we! He was also our travel photo/video journalist. What a gem we found in Dave as he showed us around the Cayo district of Belize. My husband and 2 of our grown children accompanied me on this amazing journey. We stayed at Gaia River Lodge, where the staff were authentically friendly and engaging. Starting with a day of Mayan cultural immersion, we learned so much from local Mayan people about their culture, farming, cooking, artistic, and chocolate-making traditions and were honored to actually use their tools and techniques to try our own hand. The exploration of ancient Mayan ruins was amazing in itself, but added to the sights and climbing was Dave’s knowledge of the ruins, local flora and fauna, and the birds! We spotted toucan and Dave took pictures of Montezuma oropendola with his telephoto lens and shared them with us. We went cave tubing and zip lining and swam in the pools made by the falls.

And this wasn’t all! We then travelled to Ambergris Caye. So sad to say goodbye to Dave. We snorkeled in the beautiful turquoise waters, up close and personal with sea turtles, rays and sharks. We spent a fantastic day fishing and the crew made delicious ceviche and fed us the fish we caught, bbq’ed on a secluded beach. So sad to have to leave.” —Peg Billetter

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Italy for truffle hunting and quieter piazzas

Kathryn's son frolics in the hills of Umbria during their truffle hunt, Italy.

Hunting for truffles brings travelers up and into the hills of Umbria. Photo: Traveler Kathryn Blaze

“I cannot say enough good things about our recent trip to Italy planned by Maria. I traveled with my husband and 9-year-old son to Umbria and Rome during our school spring break.

When Maria recommended making restaurant reservations in the weeks before our trip, I was too overwhelmed to even begin to choose, so I asked her if she could just book for us. We had wonderful meals every night (not a tourist trap in sight), and not having to stress about where to go was priceless.

Also notable was that a number of our (amazing!) guides mentioned that they typically have their own businesses, etc., and they currently will only do tours for Maria—a true testament to her relationships in the area.

We started off with five days in Umbria based out of Montefalco at the Palazzo Bontadosi. We all fell in love with this intimate hotel right on the piazza. It was quiet (but not too quiet), intimate (but not awkwardly so), and we often felt like the only ones there, while still having attentive service whenever we needed it. This was the perfect jumping-off point for daily excursions to the nearby towns of Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Spello and Orvieto.

Standout moments were: (1) A truffle hunt in the hills above Spoleto. We loved getting to hike through the hills of this beautiful farm, trailing behind the truffle dogs. After the hike, we sat down to lunch with the farmers and enjoyed an incredible 6-course meal with food from their farm and local area. (2) A wine tasting and meal at an enoteca in Spello. One of those absolutely perfect evenings (which happened to be my husband’s birthday). We had the place to ourselves, dined outside, a perfect temperature…and a truly incredible menu that paired perfectly with the wine poured for us by a master sommelier and his sommelier son. Unforgettable.

We then moved on to Rome, where we stayed at another lovely hotel, away from the crush of tourists, but just minutes away from the action. We were worried about how our son would handle the Vatican tour, but thank gosh we kept it on the itinerary because the guide was AMAZING. She was so passionate and turned the whole experience into a game to keep him engaged, giving him things to seek out and assigning points when he succeeded. Maria was also able to get us (very hard to come by) soccer tickets for the Rome vs. Lazio derby. We also had an AMAZING walking food tour with the loveliest guide (yet another expert who only does tours for Maria).” —Kathryn Blaze

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The Netherlands for beating peak crowds to the tulips

tulips and windmill at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

With an early start, you can tiptoe through the tulips before the majority of tourists descend on the most popular spots. Photo: Keukenhof Gardens

“The trip Tom designed for us was fabulous. We could describe many examples of superb sights and activities, but here we highlight just one. Our primary initial reason for the trip was to see the spring flowers. Tom’s plan and our driver’s skill got us to Keukenhof a few minutes before it opened. We were among the first few people to enter the park. For almost 90 minutes, we had the park to ourselves (plus a few of our flower-loving friends).

We spent almost three hours there and our souls were filled up. (NOTE: When we left, there was a sea of people entering the park and traffic jams all around the site.) We also had a wonderful morning at La Floralia just outside Brussels. This has been called a mini-Keukenhof, and in some ways it is. However, it is wonderful in its own right.” —Richard Ashmore

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France for a slow sail through Burgundy’s countryside

Barges passing the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy, France.

Enjoy Burgundy and baguettes by barge. Photo: Timothy Baker

“Caroline suggested a week-long cruise in northern Burgundy aboard La Belle Epoque, a 12-passenger barge to ply the inland waterways of wine country. She was spot on. Caroline got me an upgrade to a suite, and I was ready to cast off. Captain Craig, pilot Luke and matelot Brice safely and SLOWLY (at two to four knots) ferried myself and six other vacationers around the farmlands southeast of Paris. Chef Jan and his hostesses, Ola and Emma, kept plying us with wines from the region, cheeses made from the cows we passed on our cruise, and fresh baguettes and croissants every morning (and tasty fish and beef entrees)!!

We visited châteaux, churches, abbeys, and vineyards, sampled (more) local fare, and were entertained by amazing people. Imagine being buzzed by an eagle during a falconry demonstration or dining with the baron and baroness (friends with the former Queen Mother and Diana), tasting their family’s latest champagne vintage!!” —John Bradunas

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Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman for combining city, desert and beach

Lauren Schor and her family riding camels in Dubai.

Lauren Schor and family riding camels in the Empty Quarter outside Dubai.

“Justin planned an amazing spring break week for our family of three. We spent four nights in Dubai and three nights at a beach resort in Oman. There are so many areas to stay in Dubai, but he suggested staying downtown (at the Armani Hotel) because he thought our teenage daughter would like being in close proximity to the Dubai Mall, and he was right!

Justin arranged a private yacht cruise around the harbor, which was amazing, as we got to see so much of the city from the water (vs. sitting in traffic to drive around and see everything). The next day we went on a luxury desert excursion. Having been to the Sahara in Morocco, we were skeptical about doing something so similar, and Justin was confident that it would be a completely different experience than we had in Morocco and again, he was correct! We loved it, definitely one of the highlights of our trip!

We also did a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, which was great! While we could have stayed by the beach here for a few days, Justin instead suggested we take the two-hour drive to the Six Senses resort at Zighy Bay in Oman. Once again, Justin was right! We have traveled a lot all over the world, and this was one of the most special and amazing resorts in the most gorgeous setting that we have ever been to. The resort offers incredible activities such as paragliding, which I would highly recommend—an unforgettable and bucket list experience!

But the biggest thing that Justin helped with was jumping into action when our international flight from the States got canceled at the last minute and we couldn’t get onto another flight for 48 hours. Justin communicated with me over a holiday weekend and at all hours of the night so that we could get everything pushed back by two days on our itinerary, and in the end it was seamless and everything worked out perfectly! A lot of people have asked if we felt safe being in the Middle East and I can say, without hesitation, that we felt 100% safe 100% of the time.” —Lauren Schor

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Italy for hiking, food experiences, and an authentic local scene in the Cinque Terre

Hiking in Cinque Terre while enjoying the beautiful beach view.

Spring is the ideal time to hike above the Cinque Terre. Photo: BeautifuLiguria

“We traveled to Liguria during April. Emanuela planned some wonderful day trips that ran seamlessly. She was able to keep us away from the Easter chaos while experiencing and learning about the region. We stayed in a small town, Sestri Levante, that was beautiful and luxurious without being overstated. It was not American touristy but more local—a small Italian seaside escape with wonderful food options and friendly people. Each night when we came back from our trip it felt like home.

Emanuela planned a mix of food experiences (cooking classes and food tours) with hiking (Cinque Terre) and some informative tours in Florence. We loved our day in Lucca and our tours of the city and food market in Genoa. Emanuela was able to individualize the trip for us and was in contact through to make sure things were going well. She even went out of her way to meet us in Genoa.” —Bonnie Cimring

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Germany and Prague for history and culture without peak-season crowds

Ian and Suzy Crabb on the Charles Bridge in Prague.

“We were in Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden and Prague. It was fantastic and Claudia and Juliet were amazing. They added SO much value to our trip. Claudia personally knows the guides and they were all wonderful. All had personal stories about the history that really made it come alive and touch us. Claudia and Juliet helped us get concert tickets and dinner reservations. I had done this myself for a trip to Spain and having someone else do it was such a relief.

We had so many amazing experiences. We visited two brothers we had hosted who then hosted our children, and we had not seen them for 20 years. Took a train to Braunshweig which Claudia arranged for us. We had a really interesting dinner at CODA in Berlin where every course looks and tastes like a dessert but it’s not. Having a guide in the Palace and Monastery in Prague was invaluable, and Claudia arranged for us to have lunch within the walls with a magnificent view of the city. Touring the Meissen factory was also not on our agenda—a Claudia suggestion—and that day trip (boat down the Elbe to Meissen) was great. Everything went incredibly smoothly and we were SO pleased with our first WOW experience.” —Ian and Suzy Crabb

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Athens for feasts, ancient ruins, & temperate days

What are Greek delicacies to a visitor are everyday foods for a local. Photo: Shutterstock

“The trip Mina prepared for us in Athens was spectacular. Shortly after our arrival in Athens, we were mysteriously picked up at our hotel and driven to a residential area. Imagine our delight when we were greeted by our host, Dionysia, who prepared a meal fit for kings and queens but which represented everyday food in a typical Greek household.

Then we took off to see the Greek ruins outside of Athens. We had an incredible guide who was an encyclopedia of knowledge. We went to the Corinth Canal, Athens’ version of the Suez Canal (fantastic) and then to the Mycenaen ruins, the Great Theatre of Epidaurus and the unforgettable healing center.

The next day we experienced a walking tour to introduce us to the five districts of Athens, did some good shopping at unique places discovered by our guide, and had a tasting tour as well. On our last day we went to the Acropolis, of course, and enjoyed the Parthenon and surrounding ruins, as well as the Acropolis Museum, a sight not to be missed.” —Victoria Jones

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Egypt for smart logistics and savvy guides to avoid heat and crowds

The Sphinx in Giza with no travelers around.

Staying a step ahead of the crowds in Giza with quiet access to the wonders of Egypt. Photo: Billie Cohen

“For spring break in early April, my husband and I took our 8- and 9-year old children to Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel — and then did a spectacular Nile cruise for a few days on a small dahabiya, ending in Luxor. Thanks to Jim‘s great team (and Arlene’s endless patience!) we were able to have the bucket-list family vacation of my dreams! We were taken care of every step of the way, met by kind guides and cool cars that helped us beat the heat while seeing loads of spectacular sites efficiently.

We were grateful to have Max’s assistance navigating the Cairo airport for our domestic flight to Aswan. The Philae temple and the quarry were astonishing. Our day trip down to Abu Simbel was a memory we will all cherish as well — the engineering feat that the Egyptian government & UNESCO accomplished by moving the temples to higher ground was truly an astonishing feat.

Our Nile cruise on a five-cabin dahabiya was beautiful and calm, and a lovely respite. I worried about bugs, but we didn’t have any problems, and the food was delicious! Our favorite temple was the Temple of Horus at Edfu; the Egyptologist on the boat was terrific and really picked up on our kids’ favorite gods and made a point of highlighting them when we’d tour sites, which really brought the temples to life for them.

We were a little trepidatious because it was Ramadan — but we had no problems finding food, nor were we ever in an uncomfortable position eating in front of our guides. We felt safe the whole time, and are eternally grateful for everyone’s kindness!” —Nicole Neily

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Argentina for indigenous cultures, vineyard lunches, and lakeside hiking

Church in the city of Bariloche. Argentina

“Terrific hiking” in Bariloche alongside a glacial lake in the Patagonia region. Photo: Shutterstock

“We chose Bariloche and the Salta region to see a wide range of landscapes, as well as to have exposure to indigenous culture in the Northwest. We stayed four nights in Bariloche and enjoyed terrific hiking and a variety of lake views. We loved staying at the Aldebaran, away from town and in a beautiful setting. Flying north to Salta for 11 nights, we stayed in four different communities (Purmamarca in Jujuy Province, and Salta, Cachi and Cafayate in Salta Province). Although the trip involved some long drives, the scenery was unbelievably gorgeous and the landscapes totally engaging.

We had a fabulous evening in Salta enjoying a local peña (not a typical tourist show); visited three different weavers (including a very special visit at Tejedores Andinos); indulged in three lunches at different vineyards; had other amazing meals and wines in beautiful settings; and visited three museums that are among the most unique we’ve ever seen. Working with Jordan and Krista is an absolute pleasure: They have fabulous local contacts, and each of our two guides greatly enhanced our understanding of Argentina as well as made certain we were always comfortable and pleased with our activities.” —Rhoda Schulzinger

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New Zealand for adventure during the South Island’s mild autumn

Hiking, fishing, and exploring “beyond breathtaking” Milford Sound, in Fiordland National Park. Photo: Rob-Suisted/New Zealand Tourism

“My grandfather was in the Dutch Navy and spent time in New Zealand many years ago. He always spoke about how beautiful it was and how it was his favorite place he had ever visited. So when we asked my dad where he would like to go for his 80th birthday, he said New Zealand! We were traveling with 6 people from 13 to 80 years old, and Jean-Michel did a great job finding activities that we would all love.

We had only 9 days so we stayed on the west coast of the South Island and there was plenty to explore. We started in Te Anu at the Fiordland Lodge and loved the beautiful lodge and surroundings. We hiked, went fishing, and explored Milford Sound by boat. The scenery was beyond breathtaking everywhere we went! Our next stop was Queenstown and we stayed at the historic Eichardt’s Private Hotel. We had a lovely wine-tasting day in Central Otago with the best guide and driver (Beau Rapley) and our daughter even went bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. She loved it!! The city of Queenstown & surroundings were great—plenty of walking trails, gardens, gorgeous lake and mountain views. Not to mention great food and wine!

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Romania for traditional Easter celebrations, spring flowers, and village inns

View from a medieval fortified church in Transylvania.

Staying in the countryside in Transylvania means remote villages and local craftsmen. Photo: Tim Baker

“This was no ordinary touristic trip. After years of genealogical research, my siblings and I planned a trip to those areas where our parental grandparents had roots. With Raluca’s expertise, an itinerary was developed that touched the many towns and villages where our grandparents and great-grandparents were born, lived, worked, and died.

We started our adventure in Hungary in the small town of Aldebro, known to be the Wagner family nest going back to the early 1700s. Raluca made sure we had a good guide, and our visit in Aldebro was unbelievable. By pure luck—and perhaps some divine intervention by my deceased grandparents—we were able to meet up with a real relative of ours!!!

Our first stop in Romania was Arad, and with the help of our guide and driver, we were able to locate both the homes of my grandparents and that of my grandfather’s sister! Then, once again, a fabulous experience occurred. We went to the cemetery to look for my grandfather’s sister’s grave. Our guide, Andrei, was able to talk to the recordkeepers, and they identified the exact location of her grave! It was overgrown, and there was no marker, but it was the right place. Our family of four (all living siblings) brought flowers and candles. (Andrei educated us on the Romanian custom to bring candles and he took us to the marketplace to buy beautiful flowers.) It was a very moving experience for all of us. We had the site cleaned up, removing the overgrown weeds on top covering it. We knew that my grandfather’s sister died alone, her life forever altered by the arrival of communism.

We visited beautiful Timisoara and had the good luck to have Raluca join us. She was phenomenal and so interested in our experiences thus far. She gave us one and a half hours of her time, and what fun we had with her! What a great travel agent choice we made, thanks to Wendy Perrin’s WOW List of travel agents around the world.

Our next incredible experience was in Petrosani and, specifically, Petrila. We had a 1930s picture of my grandfather and my father at a coal mine and wanted to replicate that picture. Alas, the now defunct coal mine was locked, and we could not access the site. There was, however, one man there, and Andrei went to see if we could gain access. While this individual did not have the authority to do so, there was to be a meeting of volunteers with a guest speaker, and if we wanted to wait, we might gain access. Sure enough, men started gathering there, and the head of this group and the guest speaker eventually arrived. They were astounded we had that picture and, of course, allowed us to take pictures there. We were then invited to visit the small museum in what was previously an office building, and the guest speaker insisted on giving us a personal tour. Amazing!

My great grandfather worked for the railroads so, again, Andrei was diligent in taking us to all the sites where my great grandfather had worked and most likely lived. My grandfather was born in one of those buildings!

With the visits to our ancestral sites finished, we then toured many beautiful parts of Transylvania, enjoying great food, amazing castles, and the charming towns of Sibiu, Viscri, and then Brasov on our way to Bucharest. Our long-awaited trip could not have been better. Raluca’s personal attention to every detail was phenomenal.” —Victoria W. Jones

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China for a glimpse of life there post-pandemic

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

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Botswana for verdant landscapes—and attractive pricing—just after the rainy season

The end of rainy season means viewing wildlife during dry, sunny days and cooler nights. Photo: Ryan Damm

“When we arrived at Botswana’s Duba Plains Camp in the afternoon it was clear that we had entered another world and another time. The camp is actually a 5-suite luxurious Relais & Châteaux 1920s African safari-style 81,000-acre private reserve without borders. Each raised platform ‘tent’ has multiple beautifully appointed air-conditioned rooms with a private verandah and plunge pool overlooking the floodplain. We were warmly greeted by the staff with local songs and refreshments and promptly set out on our first evening game drive where we were surrounded by antelope herds, warthogs, hippos, rhinos, and many other beautiful creatures. Plus, we experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets we had ever seen while sharing a glass of wine with our charming, knowledgeable guide Carlos, who grew up in a nearby village.

Over the next three days we were wowed by early morning and evening game drives, and even more so by the hospitality and culinary skills of our hosts. We saw lions every day, not by luck alone, but by the tracking skills of our guide. Each game drive turned into a grand adventure, as if we were in an episode of Storm Chasers, but in our case chasing madly off-road in our tank-like Jeep across bumpy grassland, over bushes, and through muddy marshes to witness the action that our guide knew was about to unfold. One day our guide spotted two new young lions that had entered the reserve looking to take over the pride of the existing lion king. Our guide heard a distant roar from the lion king, as did the two young lions who immediately shifted into high gear in the direction of the roar to go on the attack and meet an uncertain fate. We raced after them the best we could for quite a while until they swam across a river through which we couldn’t pass. Another one of our favorite experiences was doing an evening game drive by boat on a beautiful river lined by papyrus and filled with families of hippos. It got a little scary when we were returning, and the guide astutely spotted the bow wave of an underwater hippo charging us. We quickly zigged and zagged just in time as he surfaced and roared next to us.

One of the most surprising things about Duba Plains Camp was the astoundingly good food. And it wasn’t a matter of the food being better than could be expected in the middle of nowhere. The food was better than could be expected anywhere. The chef had trained at the Culinary Institute in Botswana and produced masterpieces for every meal. Her soups were to die for. Because each of the guests had their own schedule, we ended up dining alone and the chef had to prepare each meal separately. It was very romantic.” —Conrad Ehrlich

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Morocco for “perfect” weather and a local welcome during Ramadan

The arts in Fes were a highlight, with “fascinating” merchants in the Medina. Photo: Tim Baker

“This trip was for myself and two daughters, aged 50 and 46. We went to Morocco in April during Ramadan. All three of us concluded that the trip was beyond expectation. The weather was perfect this time of year, the Riads were exceptional, the sights were amazing, and the Moroccan people were very warm and welcoming. The trip was paced perfectly, but definitely the highlight for us was our absolutely wonderful guide Mohamed and driver Majid. They were such a pleasure to travel with, always on time, always with a smile or a joke, always with our safety a priority.

In Essaouira we got to see the goats climbing the Argan trees and visit a women’s cooperative where they processed the oil. Also of interest was visiting the old Jewish quarter and the synagogue. Every city and place had interesting things to see. We would definitely recommend a trip to Morocco arranged by Hicham and Radia, and many thanks to Wendy for the recommendation.” —Leon Malkin

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The Galapagos for all the animals and sun, but fewer tourists

underwater photo of a sea lion in the Galapagos islands

“We never sought out sea lions because as soon as we hit the water, they found us, swimming within inches of us in circles and loops, trying to get us to play with them.”

“My family of four (two parents, 10yr old, 12yr old) took a one-week Galapagos cruise aboard the Elite. Allie planned the trip. EVERY aspect of the journey was incredible, and none of us wanted to leave.

With Allie’s guidance we chose a small boat (the Elite has a 16-person max). Small boats can be rocky, so she steered us toward a catamaran for more stability, to minimize the risk of seasickness. The water was generally smooth, but on one or two nights with bigger waves, we were very happy to have two hulls, especially while watching how tippy the monohulls were.

We saw blue-footed boobies, courting frigate birds, gulls, Galapagos hawks (hunting and eating marine iguanas!) and more. We encountered a number of Galapagos tortoises in the wild. In the water, on numerous snorkeling activities, we saw more types of reef fish than I could name, from little gobis and half-inch baby puffers up to tuna. Small sharks skimmed the bottom, oblivious of us. Penguins flashed by, within a few feet, as they hunted, and we actually saw them catching fish. We never sought out sea lions because as soon as we hit the water, they found us, swimming within inches of us in circles and loops, trying to get us to play with them. Pods of sea turtles munched on algae as we floated above, swimming so close to us at times that we actually had to struggle to swim away in order not to contact or disturb them. It was simply mind-boggling how many amazing animals we saw up close.

One unexpected aspect of the trip was the beauty of the islands. Had we never stepped ashore, the trip would have been memorable just for the gorgeous islands, striking sunsets, impressive vistas, and stunning beaches. We badly want to go again, bringing aunts, uncles, and cousins to share this exceptional experience.” —John Strachan

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Paris for baking, boating, and sidecar tours before the crowds descend

“A private cruise on the River Seine gave us splendid views…including the Eiffel Tower.” Photo: Shutterstock

“My daughter and I took my 10-year-old twin granddaughters to Paris for their first trip overseas during spring break. Although my daughter and I have both been to Paris many times, Jennifer’s group suggested activities geared to the girls, which included several activities we had never done before.

We did a private walking tour through Montmartre with tastings. Nicolas indulged us in tastings including ‘meringue et de crème fouettés,’ chocolates, crepes, and macarons. Our tour concluded at the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur. A private cruise on the River Seine gave us splendid views of many places, including the Eiffel Tower.

Who would have thought that a private macaron making with a professional chef could be so much fun for everyone! We had plenty of macarons to eat and take back with us. The game at the Louvre was an excellent way to learn about the paintings and artwork by finding hidden clues in them and answering questions.

Finally, the sidecar tour with drivers in sidecar motorcycles gave us a view of Paris from the street. It was an absolute blast!” —Diane Thormodsgard

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The Philippines for ideal weather and diving conditions

Two travelers on a boat about to do a dive.

Andrea Phillips and her daughter diving in the Philippines.

“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.

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

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Sporty Adventures: WOW Trip Reviews

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More and more travelers are discovering the joy of experiencing a new place from the seat of a bicycle (or e-bike), the single-track of a hiking trail, or atop a horse, camel, or ATV. Count on our Trusted Travel Experts to add anything from some gentle countryside ambles to an adrenaline-stoking zip line into your next trip. Here’s what it means to get a WOW trip.

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Whistler for summer peak-to-peak hiking, helicopter flightseeing, and a glacier cave adventure

Traveler Todd Fitzwater hiking in a glacier cave in Whistler, British Columbia.

“Traveled to British Columbia and visited Whistler and Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. Marc created a fantastic trip for us and went above and beyond to make our trip exceptional. We had originally planned on visiting the Lake Louise area, but Marc detected a lack of enthusiasm and asked the question we’ve never been asked: ‘What would be your perfect trip?’ We gave him our answer, and he suggested Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort.

Whistler was fantastic in the summer. Rode the Gondolas, went peak to peak, walked the suspension bridge at the top, hiked and took in the scenic view. The helicopter trip was fantastic, as was the glacier cave adventure. All arranged through Marc’s team.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort was an out-of-this-world experience—floating sauna docks, floating hot tub docks, land-based hot tubs nestled next to a waterfall, water safaris, deep woods hiking, whales, otters, orcas, dolphins, bears and a 5-star restaurant. One dinner was without a doubt Michelin-worthy. Another dinner the dining room prepared the shrimp that I caught. Nine cabins with an eclectic bunch of people. Just a tremendous experience and one I plan on coming back for.” —Todd Fitzwater

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Switzerland: skiing, via ferrata in a gorge…

Traveler Wendy Mueller and son Evan riding the gondola with the Matterhorn in the background on the Swiss Side of Zermatt, Switzerland.

Wendy Mueller and son Evan riding the gondola on the Swiss side of Zermatt, with the Matterhorn in the background.

“I took my son (age 19) to Zermatt for a ski trip the first week of March. I wanted a special mom-and-son trip. I reached out to WendyPerrin.com for a referral to help and was connected with Nina and Simon. They took my wishes and planned an EPIC trip for me. The accommodations were amazing, the ski guide was so good I booked him an additional day, and they added to the itinerary a gorge trip and a special nighttime fondue and another evening tapas tour.

What made it more spectacular were the guides hired. We are very accomplished skiers in the U.S., living in Colorado and Tahoe. We knew Zermatt was a little more complicated of a mountain, with the lifts and the Swiss and Italian sides. They recommended a ski guide, and we are so very happy they did! Made the skiing more efficient and fun! One of the more memorable moments was a walk down into town from the evening fondue, and as we passed through one of the small hamlets, a small white one-room church—like the kind in old western towns—was lit, and our guide noticed my interest so he went over to see if it was open. It was and I was able to make a small donation in the box and light a candle and have a prayer of gratitude. I will remember this forever.

I rarely use travel services, as I do travel a lot and am comfortable booking on my own. However I wanted to have a bonding experience with my son and be stress-free. I feel more connected to my son, as we did activities together without worry. I would definitely recommend Nina and Simon when you want to be taken care of and have special moments. The guides were in direct contact with them, and it appeared to me the relationships are deep and very positive. We were the beneficiaries of those relationships for truly one-of-a-kind experiences.” —Wendy Mueller

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Norway: dogsledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling…

Traveler Jim Braun running his team of dogs in Alta, Norway.

Jim Braun running his team of dogs in Alta, Norway. Photo: Traveler Kathye Faries

“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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Peru: hiking, whitewater rafting, piranha fishing, jungle canopy walks…

The Sacred Valley in Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

“My granddaughter and I just returned from our latest adventure, this time in Peru. This was our third New Year’s adventure organized by Allie, our other two experiences being the Galapagos Islands and Santiago/Easter Island, Chile. This trip’s primary objective was the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We had a great 11 days.

Our base in the Sacred Valley was the Sol y Luna Hotel. Could not have asked for better accommodations. We visited many Inca sites. We also had a day of whitewater rafting. The Urubamba market is open twice a week, so we took the opportunity to shop with the locals. Being the new year, the flowers were aplenty, yellow, a color of note to the Peruvians at New Year. The highlight of the trip was Machu Picchu citadel. Pictures do not do it justice. The vastness of the site in the clouds and the river far below. It was beautiful!

On New Year’s Eve we had good intentions on staying up to ring in the new year, but Allie had other plans, gratefully and thankfully. The next morning we returned very early to the citadel. Allie was able to obtain tickets for Huayna Picchu. Tickets are in a limited number. We were very fortunate, as many people are disappointed when they find out tickets are not available. Allie had procured ours well in advance. My granddaughter climbed Huayna Picchu, also known as ‘the stairs of death,’ an experience she will never forget.

We returned to Cusco for a day, then it was off to the Amazon. Our flight was followed by a 45-minute powered canoe ride to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, an eco lodge and our home for the next three days. We had a riverside cabana on the Madre del Dias River. In the mornings, we could hear howler monkeys and other unknown critters. It was the rainy season, so we had rain and thunderstorms daily. The weather did not hamper our activities, actually the weather was part of the experience. Although we had a twilight boat excursion and jungle canopy walks, our highlight was fishing on Lake Valencia. We went piranha fishing, followed by a shore lunch.

Unfortunately, our time had run out, we had to get back to the States. I said earlier that this was our third New Year’s adventure organized by Allie, which was my favorite. All were unique, different experiences and introduced us to some great people.” —Jim Stock

Read more reviews of Peru trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

New Zealand: kayaking, hiking, off-roading…

Kayaking on the Ahuriri River.

“Our 21-year-old son was studying in Australia. He was going to wrap up his trip in New Zealand. The idea came to us to make it a family holiday and meet him over there. The stars aligned and all schedules allowed it to happen. First off, Jean-Michel responded to our email inquiry immediately, and we were chatting with him 10 minutes later. We tossed ideas around and he assured us we could cover a lot of ground in the 8 days we had.

We saw a lot of the South Island by helicopter, we hiked, we kayaked, went to a mountaintop whisky bar and hot tub, went off-roading, drank lots of wonderful NZ wine and cheese. Our accommodations were fantastic. We have traveled the world, and Jean-Michel and his team are probably the best trip planners we have used to date.” —Susan and Blake Hancock

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Oman and Jordan: biking, dune bashing, via ferrata…

Amy Evers and her husband atop a rock arch in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

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Southern Africa: fishing on Lake Kariba, hiking Namibia’s sand dunes…

Travelers swimming in the Devil's Pool at the top of Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe

Karen Lindfors and Patrick Moore brave the Devil’s Pool at the top of Victoria Falls.

“We had a marvelous, perfectly planned trip to Zimbabwe and Namibia in September. Katie on Cherri’s team designed an itinerary that was varied and had an optimal blend of animal safaris, cultural content, adventure activities and jaw-dropping landscapes. We began our trip with one day in Johannesburg, which we spent in Soweto with a fascinating photojournalist who seemed to know everyone in Kliptown. Following our tour he sent us all of the photos he took during our day with him. Unfortunately, we were there on a day when the Apartheid Museum was closed so we weren’t able to visit.

From Johannesburg we flew to Zimbabwe and stayed at three different safari camps. The first was on the Zambezi River, the highlight of which was a canoe trip on the river amongst the hippos and crocodiles. Our second stop was the stunning Bumi Hills Hotel on the shores of Lake Kariba. There we enjoyed traveling to a local village and visiting an African Bush Camp Foundation school. Other highlights were fishing on the lake, where we caught about 50 bream in a couple of short hours, and a wonderful sunset cruise.

Our third camp in Hwange National Park was in the classic African savannah. 50,000 elephants live there and we marveled at their fascinating behavior at the camp and park-maintained watering holes. We saw many lions up close and even a leopard on multiple occasions. Our sundowners (those gin and tonics were something else we loved) were generally in open areas where we could see herds of animals traversing to the watering holes for their own evening drinks. It was nature on full display.

After our three safari camps we spent a night in Victoria Falls and, at Katie’s suggestion, braved a heart-pounding swim in the Devil’s Pool at the top of Victoria Falls. After a helicopter ride over the Falls, it was on to Namibia and its stunning Sand Sea. The desert was mesmerizing and a photographer’s dream. We drove through the dunes, hiked on them and even took a balloon ride over the desert landscape. Throughout the trip we had fabulous guides who shared so much knowledge with us, both regarding the natural world and all of its creatures, and also their personal stories as well as the history and politics of their nations. The camps were lovely with such hospitable staff members who truly made us feel like welcomed friends. For the first time ever on the last day of a trip, my husband said he wished he could stay longer!” —Karen Lindfors

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Switzerland: hiking in the Alps, kayaking…

Wengen village with the Swiss Alps in the background. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from two magnificent weeks in Switzerland, all planned by Ana on Nina’s team. Switzerland is more beautiful than we even imagined. The amazing itinerary that Ana planned allowed us to do and see so much….and yet we felt relaxed and had time to enjoy everything. Our main goal was to hike in the Alps, but we also wanted to experience the cities, towns and beauty of Switzerland.

We went to Zurich, Zermatt, Kandersteg, Interlaken, Wengen/Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bern and Lucerne. Ana arranged all our wonderful drivers, tour guides and special tours. We covered so much ground and had so many incredible experiences like kayaking on Lake Brienz, a tour of a cheese dairy farm, learning about watch making and a delicious chocolate tasting!

We hiked a total of 8 days of our 14 days, and each hike was better than the next. Hiking in the Alps is truly incredible. Ana even provided hiking trail suggestions for each day. Even though our main goal for the trip was to hike the Alps, we experienced so much more of Switzerland. We are forever grateful.” —Susan and Josh Wieder

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Costa Rica: surfing, rafting, rappelling down waterfalls…

Rio Celeste Waterfall photographed in Costa Rica

Rio Celeste Waterfall, Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“My family of five spent 10 days in Costa Rica at the end of August 2023. Our trip was planned by Irene (and her team) who lives locally in the region. Our trip was an amazing, wonderful family event that we’ll remember for a lifetime. Our family includes three teenage children, so we were looking for adventure. Irene delivered.

We spent 5 days in La Fortuna, residing at the Nayara Tented Camp, in a family tent that easily accommodated the five of us comfortably (no bed sharing for the kids!). The hotel was absolutely magical, and we want to go back. We did a chocolate workshop at Two Little Monkeys, which was a highlight for us, and well worth the drive out of town. Irene organized our excursions to the Hanging Bridges, the zip lines that rip down a mountain, and a canyoning tour that had us rappelling down waterfalls. All were amazing, with the rappelling being the family’s collective favorite. We also had a dedicated driver and larger van that accompanied us for our entire chapter in Arenal (hola Jonathan!), which we highly recommend.

We hopped a short flight and spent the last 5 days in the Manuel Antonio region. The hotel, Arenas del Mar, had a fantastic beach and wonderful restaurant. The wildlife was very active, including the white-faced monkeys that were a permanent fixture on the hotel grounds. For adventure, we got to paddle class III and IV rapids and we had a epic day surfing.

We will partner with Wendy Perrin/Irene Edwards for any future trip to Costa Rica (we will be back). And given the strength of our experience with our Costa Rica adventure, we will certainly turn to Wendy Perrin to help us explore other parts of the world.” —Jason Grapski

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Peru: hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Wiñaywayna ruins along Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

It is magical to approach the ruins of Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca Trail. Photo: Southwind Adventures

“My wife, kids (10 and 12 years old) and I had a fantastic trip to Peru, hiking four days on the Inca Trail, visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Paracas. Wendy put us in touch with Tom, who created a great itinerary, got us lined up with superb guides, and made it so that all went seamlessly.

We were blown away by all that we learned about and saw of the Inca civilization. Their growth and all they accomplished in only a hundred years still has me dumbfounded. Visiting the Sacred Valley, which is in the Cusco region, was a great way to start. The Inca architecture, engineering, farming, food storage, religion, social systems, political systems, communication systems, and on and on…. Every bit of it was jaw-dropping and fascinating.

But for me, what heightened the impact was four days hiking and camping on the Inca Trail. Akin to taking a Nile cruise to see sights that would otherwise be inaccessible, hiking from the sacred valley to Machu Picchu gave us the chance to see not just individual, hard-to-access sites, but even better, to see the connections between them all and get a sense of how the Incas knit it all together—areas with different climates, environments, agriculture, foods, etc. Walking the centuries-old trail and encountering still-standing aqueducts, temples, waystations, and granaries along the way had a profound impact that I do not think would have hit us had we only hopped from site to site by train or car.

Aside from the Inca ruins we saw along the way, the natural beauty was almost overwhelming. Every step through the Andes was breathtaking. Any vantage point on the trail ,whether verdant or dry, could almost move you to tears, it was so gorgeous.

When we got to Machu Picchu late the fourth day… what a reward. Everyone has seen pictures, but to pass through the Gateway of the Sun and see the complex surrounded, even dwarfed, by the dramatic topography around it, well, it leaves me without words just thinking about it.

During the whole trip, the staff was 100% there to help and make sure all went well. For example, I would have expected the drivers to simply do their job and drive, but they went the extra step. They knew all the roads and shortcuts, but also made sure we were comfortable, well fed, and had snacks and water. Whenever we stopped and got out, each of our drivers kept an eye on the kids to make sure they didn’t head in the wrong direction or get swarmed by street vendors. If one of the kids got bored or tired, they were there to take the child back to the bus to rest. And all of it with kindness.

Big thanks to Wendy and team, our TTE Tom, our guide Ronny, and all the on-the-ground staff who blew our minds.” —John Strachan

Read more reviews of Peru trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Switzerland: hiking, rafting, mountain biking…

The Roberts family hiking in Wengen during their WOW Trip to Switzerland. Photo: Traveler Laura Roberts

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Italy: hiking, fly fishing, test-driving Ferraris…

The Forum, Rome, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“After an initial discussion of objectives, Maria did an excellent job of planning a balanced trip of cultural sightseeing and fun activities inside, outside and on the water. Execution was flawless, and it was huge value having a digital personal itinerary (w/ contacts and maps) and Cristina, our local operations manager, a text away for any last-minute needed changes.

After the overnight flight to Milan, we literally hit the ground hiking from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, keeping our active boys moving while acclimating to the new time zone. Although a little risky with potential jet lag, this was a highlight hiking through the high serene hills for a couple of hours, with only the sounds of birds and a young wild boar and descending upon Portofino on foot. Portofino was a treat and the next full day at sea on a captained 40-foot boat to swim and visit the coastline at our leisure was awesome! Having lunch and snorkeling at San Fruttuoso was fantastic.

Additional memorable experiences included:

Visiting the Ferrari museum and test driving Ferraris on the streets of Maranello
Touring the Accademia sculptures, the Uffizi and cruising the Arno with a renaioli and our private guide Elvira
Leisurely driving through Tuscany with our lively driver Francesco, stopping for a wonderful private tour and lunch at a vineyard with its owner Diana
Staying at a palazzo in Montefalco: Maria was right—this is the balcony of Umbria, and the views are unforgettable!
Fly fishing (and catching/releasing brown trout!) in tranquil Borgo Cerreto with a very fun guide named Luca
Sightseeing through ancient Rome—including the Forum, Colosseum and Vatican museums—with very knowledgeable private guides (Valerie) and no lines!
Riding on the back of Vespas, seeing unique neighborhoods and parks in Roma
Learning to row a Batela in Venice w/ our own rowing instructor and having cicchetti (appetizers) and wine
Touring and climbing to the top of the Clock Tower in Piazza San Marco

South of Rome, Sicily and the Lake region are next!” —Mark Mazzatta

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Spain: skateboarding through Barcelona

Sunny day in Barcelona with a view from Park Guell.

View of sunny Barcelona from Park Guell. Photo: Shutterstock

“I recently took my grandson to Barcelona to celebrate his 13th birthday. It was a ton of fun. Pablo and Patricia were so helpful in the planning process. His recommendation for our hotel was great—we had an apartment at the Neri. The street art walk was a highlight. We took a day trip to San Sebastian to explore the Basque country a bit. Gorgeous! My grandson is an avid skateboarder, so he chose Barcelona because it is one of the most skate-friendly cities in the world. He skated all over! A most memorable 10 days!” —Anne Collins

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Switzerland: hiking, kayaking, paragliding…

Andy Shafran and family spelling OHIO during private kayak trip on Lake Brienz.

Read more reviews of Switzerland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Morocco: hiking among Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains

Dades Gorge in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Photo: Shutterstock

“I just came back from 10 days in Morocco. Radia did an excellent job at finding exquisite hotels and providing super guides. Our focus was on hiking in the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. The hiking specialists led us on terrific hikes. In the High Atlas Mountains we hiked from guest house to guest house, through ancient Berber villages and mountain passes. The trip was fascinating, challenging and exhilarating. We also found time to wander the medinas of Fes and Marrakech with local guides. Morocco is an other-worldly experience. I highly recommend a visit here for those curious about non-Western cities or hiking. The people were very kind and welcoming (eg, when hiking through Berber villages we were invited in for dinners and tea by a few local residents). Ten days was not enough to cover all that Morocco offered.”—Robert Berman

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Newfoundland, Canada: hiking, fishing…

Newfoundland scenery. Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

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

Baja, Mexico: scuba, surfing, horseback riding, zip lines…

Sea lions swimming and playing, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Sea lions swimming in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“Baja CA is such an easy destination to get to from Southern CA, so when Zach and his team suggested a Thanksgiving trip for my family of 4, including 2 teen daughters, we jumped on it as we have not explored the other parts of Baja beyond Los Cabos. As up-and-coming areas, we saw the charm of Todos Santos town, hiked along the hills above the ocean and had surf lessons at Los Cerritos.

Next up was La Paz, which has potential to become a wonderful destination, as there are plenty of adventure activities to choose from. We had a few travel hiccups the first few days in Todos Santos and La Paz, but Zach’s travel team of Jose & Amalia worked to make it the best they possibly could. One of our main goals for this trip was to swim with the whale sharks in La Paz, which normally have a very dependable arrival in early November. However they decided not to show up in their regular numbers, so no one could get permits to swim with them in La Paz bay. This was a major disappointment but we had back-up activities planned and ideas ready, which is a useful travel tip for those “planning” on unpredictable animal life interactions. You just never know what will happen, so have something else in mind that will satisfy your travel wishes. We instead went on a sunset sandboarding excursion on the oceanfront dunes one late afternoon, and it was beautiful and remote. We also took a full-day boat trip to scuba dive with friendly, juvenile sea lions, took another dive through a shipwreck and then anchored at a remote beach for a wonderful lunch. These were both exciting excursions that filled the void of the whale sharks’ absence, and having Zach’s connections made it all that much easier.

Our last stop was Grand Velas on the Los Cabos corridor. What a property! The rooms, the views, the service, the spa, the food…it was all amazing! We left the property for a few activities: horseback riding on the beach and in the hills, and a jam-packed adventure up in the mountains with zip lines, rappelling, free-fall jumps, climbing, & polaris vehicle driving; all seamlessly organized by Zach’s team.” —Andrea Phillips

Read more reviews of Mexico trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Belize: hiking, snorkeling, river tubing…

Tiger Fern waterfall, Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“We recently returned from an eight-day trip to Belize planned by Patricia and Julianie. We are a family of four with 17 and 21 year olds. We wanted a mix of activities and relaxation. We wanted to explore Belize but also stay in only one hotel. Snorkeling was our first priority and because we had recently been to Guatemala, seeing Mayan ruins and coffee and chocolate plantations were not important because we did those in Guatemala.

Patricia recommended we stay in the Placencia region at Naia Resort and Spa. It was the perfect location. The rooms are beautiful and well appointed, the staff is very attentive, the beach is very large and the food outstanding. We were able to do both land and water excursions with nothing being more than 45 minutes from Naia. Patricia and Julianie were in constant contact with us during our stay including making some last minute changes to our itinerary due to unexpected rain. In addition to a private, full day snorkeling excursion, we did a tour of the Monkey River, a hike and river tubing in the Jaguar Preserve, and spent a day with a local Garifuna family. We loved every excursion and only wish we could have stayed a few days longer.” —Randi Maidman

Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Chile: heli-hiking, whitewater rafting…

Traveler Jeannie hiking in Chile. Photo: Jeannie Mullen

Our pilot, Benjamin, was great fun and anxious to show us private spots, tucked away in the mountains, that had phenomenal views and absolutely no other foot traffic. What a phenomenal experience. It’s like we had the world to ourselves for the day. This was the third time that I have used Tom for trip planning in South America. He chose terrific properties that offered impeccable service and every possible amenity. Vira Vira, an AndBeyond property, was exquisite.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Chile trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Bali: white-water rafting, hiking…

Ubud, Bali. Photo: Yoan Carle/Flickr

“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.

START A TRIP TO BALI

Australia: 5K and 10K city runs, snorkeling, spearfishing…

boat sailing in water on Sydney Harbour Australia with famous bridge in background

Sailing on Sydney Harbour. Photo: Tourism Australia

“‘Wow’ is not a strong enough word to describe the incredible 19-day journey in Australia we enjoyed, thanks to the wonderful work of Stuart and Jacki. Our primary motivation was to participate in the 10K Sydney Harbour Bridge Run. So our trip started in Sydney at the Pier House, which is just below the south side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which turned out to be a perfect location, near the tourist sites but not in their midst. We then flew to Ayers Rock/Uluru and enjoyed dinner under the stars and the Field of Light show in the desert. Next came Brisbane, Cairns, and the Daintree Rainforest, where we went spearfishing and scalloping on the tidal flats with Brent Walker, a local aborigine, who then took us to his house and cooked the crab he and Susan had speared, as well as the unique flat scallops we had gathered.

The next day we went snorkeling at three sites on the marvelous Great Barrier Reef, which was alive with bright coral and many, many colorful fish. Thoroughly enjoyed the charming crew of the Calypso Blue. We then flew via private four-seater aircraft into the Arnhem Land outback, where we stayed with Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris in quaint cabins and enjoyed seeing aboriginal rock art in its natural state, unmarred by thousands of tourists. What a treat! We also saw an emu with its three babies, wallabies, dingos, and multiple species of exotic birds. We shared tasty meals with other guests, one of whom asked us how we Americans had learned about Davidson’s because few Australians know about it. (We credited Stuart and Jacki.) We finished our trip in Melbourne, where we ran in a 5K race that was part of the Melbourne Marathon Festival. Wendy, Jacki and Stuart, thank you all for our trip of a lifetime!” —John and Susan Mueller

Read more reviews of Australia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Costa Rica: rappelling, zip lining, boating…

Kayaking in Tortuguero National Park. Photo by Sergio Pucci/Courtesy Costa Rica Expeditions.

“We recently returned (July 2022) from an amazing vacation in Costa Rica, which was planned by Priscilla. I traveled with my three adult children (17,19 and 23) and we were looking forward to an out-of-country excursion after staying in the States for an extended period due to Covid.

In my initial phone calls with Priscilla I had mentioned that we wanted to maximize our time in the country (12 days) and visit several different locations. We also love to be active. It was planned to perfection. My only request was to stay at Nayara Tented Camp. Priscilla went out of her way to coordinate the trip around my request. The Tented Camp was wonderful beyond words, it was a nice break of sorts from our busy days and we all loved it, especially the private plunge pool.

We started in Tortuguero, which is a gem on the Caribbean side of the country. We stayed at a river lodge, right in the middle of the rainforest. It was extremely lush and with lots of wildlife sightings. From there we went to Arenal, where we did waterfall rappelling and zip lining. Our rafting was cancelled due to an impending storm. We also did an evening frog tour, which I would highly recommend. Our last stop was the amazingly biodiverse Osa Peninsula, on the Pacific side. We were in awe of all of the wildlife sightings. The mangrove tour was one of the highlights of our trip. We were in the boat for about 4 hours, with constant wildlife sightings. One night we did an evening bug tour, with loads of different bug sightings, another must if you are in the Osa Peninsula. The tours, resorts and activities were planned by Priscilla perfectly.

Priscilla listened to my requests and worked closely with me to coordinate all activities that were suited to our interests. We accomplished our goal of seeing different areas of the country, and getting an amazing introduction to the unbelievable biodiversity of this country. She was a pleasure to work with, extremely responsive, and I would highly recommend her for anyone that is considering a trip to Costa Rica.” —Meg Castineiras

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Costa Rica: hiking, canyoning, ATV tour…

Arenal volcano, Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family (husband, wife, and two college-aged daughters) used Priscilla to plan a trip to Costa Rica. We had a balance between fun activities and down time at the beach, which meant that we stayed in two different places. Our first base was the Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, which boasted large, comfortable rooms with stunning views of the Arenal volcano. From this location, we were able to go canyoning and have several nature hikes with our naturalist, Gustavo. At first I thought that it might be too much of a splurge for us to be accompanied all the time by our own naturalist, but honestly, it was so worth it! He was able to spot sloths (which, obviously, aren’t active enough for us to spot) and so many birds, exotic toucans, even an arboreal snake that we would have simply passed right by without noticing. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we had with him. Our second base was the W Resort at the beach, in first-class accommodations with howler monkeys in the surrounding forest. Every tour arranged by Priscilla was outstanding, from the canyoning to the ATV tour. Gustavo even arranged for us to have a private ATV tour because he saw that the afternoon forecast was looking pretty rainy.” —Claire Leuenberger

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ARGENTINA & CHILE

Argentina & Chile: hiking in Patagonia

Hiking in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. Photo: Explora

“Our trip to Patagonia was incredible. A couple of days in Buenos Aires was a great way to break up the long travel and a treat to explore an interesting, colorful city with our guide, Claudio. Tom’s suggestion to spend four nights on a small ship exploring the glaciers of the Beagle and Drake channel was spot on. We loved adventures in the zodiacs every day, as well as amazing guides and very good food. The highlight of the trip was Torres del Paine. The most beautiful place we’ve ever seen. So glad we stayed at Explora, with the best view in the entire park, fabulous guides to take you hiking, and great food and service!” —Carrie Lazarus

Read more reviews of Argentina and Chile trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Canada: Heli-skiing

Alpine homes at the foot of Whistler Mountain, British Columbia, Canada

Whistler Mountain, British Columbia. Photo: Shutterstock

“This was the most fun vacation we’ve ever had! We started with a phone conversation with Marc to explain our interest in helicopter skiing, combined with fine dining and luxury accommodations. Our biggest concern was that most heli-ski trips appear to involve staying in remote accommodations for a week with a small group of strangers and a common dining room, but no restaurants or other activities on-property for the bad-weather days. Instead, Marc suggested we stay at Whistler-Blackcomb Village in Canada and utilize the Whistler Heli-Skiing company that leaves daily directly from the Village. The best decision we made was to go with his recommendation.

Marc’s staff arranged private transportation to take us from the airport to Whistler and back, and confirmed (and reconfirmed) dinner reservations every night of our trip at the best restaurants. When one of our scheduled heli-ski days got cancelled due to weather, Marc’s staff immediately rescheduled our day to include spa reservations, to ensure we didn’t miss a beat. It was so nice knowing our trip planner was following up all the way through our trip. There was even a surprise cheese board that arrived in our hotel room shortly after arrival with a special note from our trip planners.” —Rachel Bunton

Read more reviews of Canada trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Ecuador: Hiking & horseback riding

Horseback riding at Hacienda Cusin, Ecuador. Photo: Myths and Mountains

“Allie did a great job customizing our Ecuador trip to fit our interests and goals. We started the trip off the beaten path at the Hacienda Zuleta, which was simply fabulous. I love historical inns and, at 400 years old, it hit the mark for me. The hiking and horseback riding were superb, and the staff was incredibly friendly and tried to make everything perfect for the guests. One of my daughters is a skilled rider, and she and her horse guide went out galloping through fields, mountain trails and back roads each day for hours.

The next stop was the Galapagos Islands, which we did via a land-based tour. Again the hotels were unique and charming, with first-rate staff. The wildlife was spectacular, abundant and ruling the land and sea. All of our tours were either private or small-group tours (two families), so we felt our experiences were unique and we were not on a conveyor belt. Everyone we connected with in Ecuador was friendly, interesting and happy to share their paradise with us.” —Stephanie Danforth

Read more reviews of Ecuador trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ECUADOR

Hawaii: surfing, paddleboarding, biking…

Four Seasons Maui. Photo: Four Seasons

“We were unsure which Hawaiian islands we wanted to visit, but Dani asked our family (four adults) so many questions about what we expected and how we wanted to spend our time, and was so well-informed, that we ended up with a fantastic vacation. We decided on the Four Seasons resorts on the islands of Maui and Lanai, which turned out to be perfect choices. Dani arranged all of our activities: surf lessons, paddleboard lessons, skeet shooting, archery. We had dinner reservations ready and were able to just enjoy our days. A highlight was our WOW Moment, biking down Haleakala through sun and clouds. Just a pleasure! Dani also maximized our time by advising us to take the ferry to Lanai, but to fly from Lanai to Maui instead of using the ferry again. Great advice!” —Nancy Stone

Read more reviews of Hawaii trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Switzerland: paragliding, glacier trekking, Via Ferrata…

Paragliding above Grindelwald, Switzerland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Nina created an itinerary that included many excellent suggestions that we were not aware of, even though I had done a fair amount of research on my own to know what Switzerland had to offer. Paragliding in Grindelwald, a Canyon Swing, a Jet Boat in Interlaken, a private cave tour, glacier trekking, a helicopter transfer from Jungfraujoch to Gstaad, the Via Ferrata in Mürren-Gimmelwald, the Gorner Gorge adventure in Zermatt….AWESOME! The execution of the trip was flawless: When the helicopter landed in Gstaad in a grassy field, the driver was right there waiting for us. There would have been no way to plan this trip on our own and have everything run as smoothly as it did.” —Travis Schmitt

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 CALIFORNIA

California: kayaking, paragliding, e-biking…

Kayaking in Southern California. Photo: Janette Gill

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

March Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

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So you’ve got a window of time in March when you can travel, and you have no idea where to go. Not to worry: Your fellow travelers are here to help you find the perfect destination. Read on for reviews of their favorite March trips, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific and from Europe to the Middle East. These adventures were all made possible through the knowledge and insider connections of the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts.

You’ll find even more ideas in the March installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here, including imaginative ideas for spring break.

Unsure where to go in March? Click the black button below for our help.

Italy (including the Amalfi Coast) for shirt-sleeve weather and no crowds

Travelers Dan Gorbett and husband Mike Wellner on a private yacht exploring the Amalfi Coast with Positano in the background, Italy.

Dan Gorbett and husband Mike Wellner exploring the Amalfi Coast by private yacht in March.

“We highly recommend utilizing Andrea for your Italian vacation. My husband and I toured Italy March 16th-March 31st. We started in Rome, then went on to the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Venice, Lake Como and finally flew out of Milan. The true gem of this experience was the local guides. We had an art historian show us around Florence, and our guide who took us to the Murano glass-blowing factories in Venice was part of one of the families of artisans who have been doing glass blowing for hundreds of years.

Another highlight of the trip was the yacht day in Amalfi. They arranged for us to go down the coast to Capri, and then our boat captain and first mate told us about the different aspects of the coast and the people who lived there while enjoying the sun and the water.

In each different area the guides were able to give us recommendations of small mom-and-pop restaurants with truly amazing food. As expected on an Italian vacation, we had the best food and drinks of our lives. The days were never over-planned. There was always time to slow down and enjoy the cities and the meals.

One particularly impressive action by the team was related to our trip home. Our flight home was changed at the last minute, and Andrea’s concierge was able to adjust our morning driver from Lake Como to the Milan airport, and we were picked up at 5 AM on Easter Sunday!” —Dan Gorbett and Mike Wellner

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

START A TRIP TO BELIZE
MORE BELIZE REVIEWS

Belize for better-value Caribbean islands

sharks swimming underwater in Shark Ray Alley in Belize

Shark Ray Alley is one of dozens of crystal-clear snorkeling spots on Belize’s barrier reef. Photo: Absolute Belize

“We travel a lot but generally to the beaten-track destinations, so Belize was a bit exciting and scary when we were planning! But with Patricia’s help it was an amazing trip that was an unforgettable experience for the whole family—everyone (6 people ranging in age from 17 to 60) loved it (which is rare) and Patricia’s help was just invaluable—so thank you!

In Ambergris Caye we stayed at the Alaia—loved this resort and our villa! Obviously the seaweed situation now is unfortunate, but nothing anyone can do and it affects many Caribbean and Mexican destinations. Loved our snorkeling trip—the reef here is amazing! Then we moved on to the jungle and Ka-Ana resort—the rooms were very nice and the people were lovely and the special birthday dinner they put together for two members of our party who had a birthday while there was just amazing! This was our favorite part of the trip. The Caracol and Xunantunich Mayan ruin tours were amazing (lots of monkeys and wildlife too!), but the pontoon boat trip was an amazing highlight—I don’t think the description in the brochure does it justice! We all had the most amazing day.

Finally we stayed in Placencia at Itzana—loved the resort and the villa and the location. Adored the snorkeling trip to that amazing small island (bird something?); such a fun day in the Caribbean. We enjoyed the spice-farm and chocolate-farm tours as well as a Mayan cooking and drumming demonstration. We also all loved the boat tour of the bioluminescent lagoon and are very glad we added it!” —Regina Olshan

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

Morocco for Ramadan, when fewer tourists visit

Rich Rediker and friends on a sunset camel ride in the Sahara.

“Ten of us (five couples in our 60’s and 70’s) just returned from an amazing two weeks in Morocco. While I normally plan these group trips myself, I decided to save time and try using Wendy’s WOW List Morocco recommendation. We were not disappointed. In fact, everything promised turned out to be nicer and better than expected.

The key to a successful trip is a great guide and bus driver, and we had the best in guide Mohamed and driver Khalid. We were promised a 12-seat bus (plus two seats in the front for the driver and guide). Instead, we received a very comfortable 16-seat (plus two) bus, allowing us to spread out.

Our entire trip was during Ramadan, which we thought was a benefit. There were fewer tourists, people didn’t smoke in the crowded medinas, and we participated in delicious Iftar dinners. It was also interesting walking through the markets in the late afternoon, as everyone was scurrying to buy food for their Iftar meal.

On many days, our itinerary said, ‘picnic lunch included.’ This was an amazing understatement, as these lunches were often feasts in unique and incredible locations.

We are active travelers, and our trip used excellent local guides for our activities, including hikes, e-biking, a cooking class, wine tasting, and a gorgeous sunset camel ride in the Sahara. We chose our lodging together, and each place was unique and comfortable without being too expensive. At many riads, the ten of us occupied almost every room, and we had the place to ourselves. Our favorite riad was Dar Rihana in Dades. It is owned by three brothers who are amazing gourmet cooks. After dinner, they led us in local music and dances.” —Richard Rediker

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

START A TRIP TO ENGLAND
MORE ENGLAND REVIEWS

London for historic sights without the crowds

Wynne Wages and her family at Windsor Castle.

“This was our best family vacation by far. My ‘royalist’ daughter was in literal tears when we walked up to Buckingham Palace…and her enthusiasm didn’t wane throughout the entire trip. Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London…so many places were thrilling for her (and for all of us!). When Tanner wanted to go by the Lindo Wing steps, our London guide, Mark, made the time…and made her day! Trey was enthralled with the behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill War Rooms. We all were, actually.

In Oxford, our guide Elizabeth had such grace, knowledge, and love for Oxford. Not only do I want to be her best friend, but I want to be in her book club! Stratford-Upon-Avon was great; unfortunately, Anne Hathaway’s cottage was closed, so we missed going there. But we added a stop to Holy Trinity Church and Shakespeare’s grave, so that eased the pain! Both hotels—the Chesterfield Mayfair in London and the Old Bank in Oxford—were lovely, with perfect locations. Jennifer listened to our desires, planned a wonderful trip which checked all of the boxes for our various family members, and was incredibly patient and kind throughout the entire process.” —Wynne Wages

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

Norway for northern lights by night, reindeer herding and dog sledding by day

Traveler Julie Silbermann feeding reindeer in Norway.

Julie Silbermann spent a day with Sami people and got to help feed their reindeer.

“WOW! What a trip we had to Finnmark in northern Norway! We can’t thank Wendy enough for connecting us with Jan and Miriam for our trip March 7-15. They crafted an exciting trip of one adventure after another. We flew to Alta, which is 400 miles inside the Arctic Circle, and stayed at the Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge. It is remote and incredibly beautiful. We stayed in a room overlooking the river and mountains with floor-to-ceiling windows. We went dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. We even caught Arctic char, which our guide, Kalle, expertly cooked for us inside our warming tent for lunch! We were very lucky to see the Northern Lights on three out of four nights, and Helle knew just where to bring us to see the spectacular light show.

One of our most special expeditions was spending the day with the Sami people, helping them herd and feed their reindeer! We were in the middle of a herd of hundreds of reindeer, watching them and admiring their beauty inside an Arctic wonderland. Just an amazing experience. Big thanks to Trygve Nygard, Kalle, Helle, and Emilie for their special care on our expeditions. Everything was taken care of for us—there wasn’t a detail left to chance.” —Julie Silbermann

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Portugal for medieval villages all to yourself

Imagine a Portuguese town with no other travelers around…. Photo: Shutterstock

“Goncalo and Patricia planned a wonderful and varied 9-day itinerary for us. This was our third trip to Portugal, so we wanted to visit places we had previously missed. After Lisbon we drove to Belmonte and explored the medieval towns of east central Portugal, including Sortelha and Trancoso. This is a beautiful, less traveled part of the country where we were often the only tourists walking the narrow, winding streets and eating our bacalhau (cod stew) besides local families in tiny cafes. We stayed in Belmonte’s Pousada and ate one of the best meals of our trip—an unexpected discovery in a fairly isolated location.

We spent the last two days in Porto, which is charming but in mid-March already overrun with tourists.” —Ruby Sinclair

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Costa Rica for an easy combo of rainforest and beach

Hanging Bridges in cloud forest Monteverde - Costa Rica

A hanging bridge provide a treetop perspective on the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were absolutely thrilled with the spring break trip that Pierre planned for our family. We wanted one place that we could enjoy for a week that offered both a beach and a rainforest experience. Manuel Antonio and the Arenas Del Mar hotel were absolutely perfect for that.

I cannot say enough good things about the hotel. The wildlife sightings there were far and away better than in the national park. There were squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws. iguanas, and two- and three-fingered sloths right outside our doors. But what really set the hotel apart was the staff. I have never visited a place with kinder or more caring staff. At the end of the week our son announced that he would not be leaving and would henceforth be living there.

The activities that Pierre planned for us were perfect (zip-lining, a waterfall hike, surfing lessons), again with guides that could not have been kinder or more accommodating. I’ll never forget our son’s 7th birthday and watching him leap from a platform hundreds of feet in the air to swing on a Tarzan rope while our zip-lining guides sang happy birthday to him.” —Anne Lloyd

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Spain for castles without the crowds

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

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Malta and Sardinia for sunny Mediterranean islands in winter

The arch outside Malta’s Blue Grotto. Photo: Shutterstock

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Switzerland for an “epic” ski trip, complete with fondue

Wendy Mueller and son Evan riding the gondola in Zermatt, with the Matterhorn in the background.

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Scotland for beautiful countryside in March—and surprisingly mild weather

Kinnoull Hill tower ruins, Perth Scotland, overlooking the River Tay on a clear day

Kinnoull Tower overlooks the River Tay, Scotland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Jonathan and Katie planned our March trip to Scotland and England. The weather in early March was surprisingly mild. As a result our itinerary was unaffected and we experienced the full beauty of Scotland. We had a great introduction to the whisky industry during our WOW Moment at The Pot Still in Glasgow. It was a great way to start our journey. Our guide John was a true difference maker, driving us through the country with high-speed Internet available to us for the inevitable interruption.

The hotels we used were all top-notch and we will look forward to returning to Gleneagles to take advantage of all the activities they have to offer. The American Bar at Gleneagles is a must-visit if you are a hotel guest. Our guide in Edinburgh was Val, and she pointed out many out-of-the-way places that truly brought the city to life for us. Neil toured us through Stonehenge and Oxford, providing a lifetime of knowledge about that part of England. Our experiences were greatly enhanced by the services of these people. We were able to see and learn so much more by not wasting time being lost or trying to figure out which side of the road to drive on.” —Robert Hussey

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Mexico City for fantastic food and vibrant neighborhoods

Coyoacan Street in Mexico. 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

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Colombia for a Caribbean getaway with colonial charm

The pool in Casa San Agustín with sun-beds.

The pool at Casa San Agustín, Cartagena. Photo: Casa San Agustin

“We were thrilled with our trip to Cartagena from Boris and his team. (1) Everything went flawlessly, and it really was great to have the same guide and driver every day. (2) The hotel (Casa San Agustin) was the most wonderful hotel we have ever stayed in, with the combination of its history, the service, and the design. (3) The restaurants suggested were the perfect combination of unique and delicious. And (4) everyone we interacted with was kind, welcoming, and eager to answer our questions.

I think Colombia is a very special place that has these characteristics itself, but having Boris and his team made the trip just even more special and easy.” —Anne Lloyd

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Chile for a wine-and-desert alternative to “crowded and expensive Europe”

The Atacama Desert’s clear skies spotlight the Milky Way. Photo: Shutterstock

“We picked Chile to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday. We loved our previous South American trips to Peru and the Galapagos, so we decided to head to Chile instead of crowded and expensive Europe. Jordan put together a one-week trip involving wine tasting and relaxation at Clos Apalta Residence, followed by four days of outdoor explorations in the Atacama Desert.

We had no idea we were in for such a treat at Clos Apalta! Staff is very attentive and meticulous, leaving no details to chance. The accommodation is gorgeous, with a view to die for, overlooking the winery. Visiting the on-site wine cellar was the cherry on top for our stay!

Our four-day stay in San Pedro de Atacama was at Explora Atacama. Visiting the driest place on Earth was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that excited us. Hiking through the canyons and walking through the salt flats reminded us how little of this world we have seen in our lifetime so far. My favorite part was seeing all the flamingos that live in the salt flats, as well as all the wildlife like the vicuñas and vizcachas that thrive in the highlands. The Explora resort had its own telescope for stargazing at night. What a fun experience that was!” —Wenlan Cheng

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Tahiti and Bora Bora for a romantic escape

Overwater bungalow and dock over turquoise water in Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

There’s nothing dreamier than an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora. Photo: Shutterstock

“It was a trip of a lifetime, and Kleon made it happen for us! We went to Taha’a and Bora Bora and had the most relaxing and enjoyable time together because he managed all the details, which allowed us to just focus on each other.

Kleon set up the most romantic, private dinner on the beach, with live Polynesian music. The table was set with linen, flowers, a bottle of champagne chilling, all surrounded by tiki torches. It was picture-perfect.

Kleon’s relationships with French Polynesian locals gave us a unique opportunity to meet many extraordinary people: the family-owned vanilla plantation, the operation of a pearl farm, etc. He also arranged a boat tour around one of the islands. The captain and his first mate were so personable, and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. It was fun listening to them talk about their backgrounds and their knowledge of the area and ocean life. It was a perfect day on a beautiful boat with snorkeling, swimming with sharks, seeing a huge, beautiful manta ray, spinner dolphins who gave us quite a show, and enjoying coconut water and snacks. Kleon shared that it was our anniversary, and the captain surprised us with real wine glasses and a bottle of chilled wine for a truly special day!” —John and Kimberly Redmon

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Japan for quiet moments with locals even in peak season

WOW Listers can arrange a private experience of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Photo: Shutterstock

Andrea managed to pull off the impossible — a rich and varied itinerary customized to our taste, drivers and guides (all excellent) when desired, free time when requested, train tickets reserved, even some unusual experiences along the way. He and his team were in constant contact with us via a dedicated WhatsApp group (appropriately called “Guardian Angels in Japan”) to check in and keep us updated on the itinerary.

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Vietnam and Cambodia in shoulder season (when you can have Angkor Wat to yourself)

Travelers Mike and Lindsay Lanaux during sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Mike and Lindsay Lanaux—and no one else—at Angkor Wat at sunrise.

“After listening to the way that we like to travel, Sandy and Ethan planned a trip that catered to our interests in history, architecture, culture and food. We started in Hanoi where we stayed at the Metropole. We really appreciated the history and architecture of the Metropole, as well as the bunker tour of the hotel. In Hue, we were simply awed by the Imperial Palace and the Tombs of the Emperors. Lunch at the home of a local family was one of the highlights of the trip. It was fascinating to see the kitchen where they cooked and to talk to the host about his family history. It truly was one of the best meals of the trip.

In Hoi An, we loved our hotel situated on the river. Watching the boat traffic at night was magical. We also enjoyed our eco tour where we got to ride bikes through the rice paddies and try farming and fishing Vietnamese style. In Saigon, we loved the rooftop bar at our hotel and the history associated with it. The powerboat ride down the Mekong River to the Cu Chi tunnels was fascinating. But the highlight had to be the nighttime Vespa tour exploring the back alleys of Saigon and eating some great street food.

Ending the trip in Siem Reap was a dream come true. The Jaya House River Park Hotel is an excellent mix of luxury and intimacy. Another rooftop bar and spa treatments every day. Our guide was able to time our sunrise visit to Angkor Wat so well that we thought we had the temple complex to ourselves. But the most outstanding experience was being blessed by a 19-year-old monk at his temple and being able to talk with him afterwards. It was truly an exceptional trip that we will always remember.” —Lindsay Lanaux

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Oman for cultural immersion in the “Pearl of Arabia”

Delicious dishes of traditional omani food served on carpet in traditional restaurant, Oman.

Traditional Omani dishes. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our trip to Oman (March 9 – 20) was an amazing experience. Dan did an amazing job of putting a diverse itinerary together using his knowledge of traveling in the country years ago. He truly nailed it!

Highlight of the trip was immersion into Omani culture through being welcomed into private homes for lunch, dinner and a pre-wedding women’s gathering. A real treat! The Omani folks are welcoming, gracious, a peaceful people and accepting of all cultures and faiths.

The country is beautiful — from the amazingly pristine capital of Muscat with souks, fish, fruit and vegetable markets, to the Grand Mosque and Sultan’s Palace, along with glimpses of his two mega yachts at the Marina, to the mountains with donkeys and goats freely roaming, to the desert with camels — to name just a few of the unique experiences. Always something new to see and locals to meet. And the boat excursion to the Daymaniyat Islands is not to be missed!

Oman is called ‘The Pearl of Arabia.’ So true! A definite bucket-list destination for the adventurous traveler.” —Joanne Henton

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Southern Africa for a high-value, shoulder-season safari

March sees some of the highest water levels over Victoria Falls. Photo: Shutterstock

“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 6 nights in Botswana: 2 nights in Savute, 2 nights in Camp Moremi, and 2 nights in Shinde. Fabulous. 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.” —Nancy Megehee

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January Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

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The wide array of places that are great in January may surprise you. If that’s your time frame for a trip, take inspiration from your fellow travelers’ reviews of their favorite January trips—to locales as varied as Italy (even including Sicily), Scandinavia for the northern lights, Belize for a more affordable Caribbean vacation, Colombia for a sunny getaway for food lovers, Australia (where January is the height of summer), and the list goes on.

These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of January by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts (and those whom we are testing for The WOW List). You’ll find even more ideas in the January installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Unsure where to go in January? Click the black button below for our help.

Italy for art and history in the cultural capitals

To avoid crowds (and take advantage of post-holiday sales) in Florence, go in January. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I had an amazing trip to Italy in January! Jennifer had everything so well planned out it was one of the most stress-free and special trips we have taken. We spent two weeks in Italy, splitting our time in Florence, Milan, and Rome. We specifically chose January because the crowds would be less, and they were. It was the perfect time to go for us. Not hot or crowded.

She gave us ideas of things to see we were not aware of, such as touring the outside of the cathedral in Milan from the top. Touring the Borghese Gallery in Rome. Lunch at the special winery on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius near Pompeii. And touring a private museum in Florence where we saw original drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci and the cartoon by Raphael he did for the School of Athens painting.” —Kim and Kevin Cronin

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Portugal for beautiful landscapes and seascapes (yes, in January!)

Sunset at the Pousada de Sagres on Portugal’s Algarve coast in January. Photo: Traveler Benjamin Lowe

“My husband and I went to Portugal for a week in mid-January, spending two nights in Cascais (near Lisbon), then four nights in Sagres in the Algarve, and the last night in Lisbon. Gonçalo gave us good suggestions of where to go. We told him we were interested in photographing land and seascapes, especially during sunrise and sunsets.

Patricia on Goncalo’s team booked pousadas for us because we like the historic nature of the accommodations and our rooms overlooked the ocean and we could see sunsets from our rooms in Cascais and Sagres. Free breakfasts were included in all our lodgings. She arranged a rental car and accommodated our request for a hybrid car. She also booked a full day of palace and castle tours in Sintra with a private driver and guide. In Lisbon we also did a private half-day walking/food tour, which she arranged.” —Wanchee Lowe

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Costa Rica for a combo of relaxation and outdoor adventure (and cooking lessons!)

Travelers at the cacao workshop at Two Little Monkeys, Costa Rica.

Geralyn, Elise, and Rob Westervelt loved their cacao workshop at Two Little Monkeys.

“My husband and I, both in our 60s, wanted a vacation that combined relaxation with outdoor activities, culture, nature, adventure, and eco-friendly accommodations. We began planning with Irene who asked many questions to customize our trip. Mid-way through planning, we added our 26-year-old daughter to the trip and Irene seamlessly made the adjustments.

We visited three locations during our 8 night stay. This pace allowed just enough time in each location. Our guide, Pablo, and driver, Jenkins, met us at the airport and brought us to our first location, the Arenal Volcano area. Our activities here included a sloth visit, hike up the volcano, and our two favorite experiences, a cooking class with Dona Mara and a cacao workshop at Two Little Monkeys. These are not to be missed!

Irene arranged for transport to our next location, the Senda Monteverde Hotel. We had a night walk and hanging bridges tour. With each activity, we were impressed by the vast knowledge of the guides. My daughter is in her last year of veterinarian school and she had in depth conversations about animals and ecology with many of them. We were also very pleased that every transport was punctual and safe! Our final destination was the beautiful Manuel Antonio area. The plan was to relax here, but we found ourselves hiking, zip lining, and taking a sunset tour of the property!” —Geralyn Westervelt

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Colombia for “a beautiful climate” and a peaceful vibe that’s “far from the world’s chaos”

You’ll find serenity at Hacienda Bambusa in Colombia’s coffee country. Photo: Ryan Damm

“We traveled to Colombia as two couples who were well-traveled and anxious to learn, visit, and immerse ourselves into a new destination. It was snowing here in New York, and Colombia has a beautiful climate. Boris and his team planned us a wonderful trip. We started in Medellin for three nights, where we saw great street art and learned about cacao and the complicated past of this country. We also visited a magnificent orchid and hydrangea farm. From there we moved on to the coffee area, which is lush and peaceful. Bambusa is a small, quaint hacienda where we felt far from the world’s chaos.

On to coastal Cartagena, and the pace quickened with lively streets and great restaurants. We ended in Bogota, where we could have used another two days. Bogota is cosmopolitan and rich in history, art, and great restaurants. We really saw a huge cross-section of Colombia, and the hotels were all different and well-chosen. We felt very safe and educated during our stay, and I would highly recommend Boris to any traveler with a thirst to explore and learn.” —Bobbi Malzman

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Paris for having museums (and chefs and fashion designers) to yourself

The Louvre Museum, Paris. Photo: EdiNugraha/Pixabay

“Our trip to Paris was for our daughter’s college graduation. She was interested in fashion, food, and the Louvre. 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.” —Kim Brown

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Antarctica for otherworldly adventure but with all the creature comforts

Travelers celebrated their arrival in Antarctica with champagne.

Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld celebrated their arrival in Antarctica with champagne.

“We told Ashton that we wanted a small ship with top-notch scientific experts on board. I was hyper-focused on the potential for unpleasantness crossing the Drake Passage. Comfortable cabins and good food wouldn’t hurt. And, we were not very flexible with travel dates.

Ashton quickly produced a short list of recommendations, despite the availability constraints due to the surge in demand for travel to Antarctica. We sailed on the Seabourn Pursuit. It is a luxurious new ship and is outfitted with stabilizers, which softened the rocky ride across the Drake. While in Antarctica, there were two excursions via Zodiacs daily—usually involving a hike on land or an island. They included walking among penguins and seals, floating among jaw-droppingly beautiful sculptural icebergs, traversing the rim of a caldera, and seeing ruins of former explorers and whalers.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

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Belize for a Caribbean vacation that combines jungle, beach, and culture

Travelers Salena and Allen Kern during lunch with their WOW List trip-planning expert Patricia Johnson

“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. And Patricia met us there for lunch.

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Tahiti and Bora Bora for a boat charter and the ultimate beach resort

French Polynesia is great for snorkeling, diving, birding, or just relaxing in a hammock. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of six adult children and a four-year-old grandchild recently returned from a trip to Tahiti (December 29 to January 12) organized by Kleon. Kleon did such a good job getting quotes for various options from chartering a boat to picking out the best resort for our family for the week stay. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui was perfect for this holiday adventure with the entire family. My husband and I added a five-night stay at The Brando, which was an incredible resort, especially for the privacy, the beautiful units, and numerous activities offered there. The most unique travel experience was observing 80 or more baby turtles being released twice during our stay at The Brando.” —Carol Powell

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Peru for adventures at Machu Picchu and in the Amazon

The Sacred Valley in Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

“My granddaughter and I just returned from our third New Year’s adventure organized by Allie. This trip’s primary objective was the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

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Dubai for perfect weather for desert safaris

Bernirene Ramos and friends in Dubai’s Heritage Desert.

“Our group chat was called, ‘Dubai, Here We Are!’ Nick planned my ‘ladies’ trip,’ from accommodation to our daily itinerary. January was the perfect time. It was sunny, low-mid 80s during the day and low 70s in the evening. It was Dubai’s winter season, therefore popular sites were not crowded. We were able to capture great photos without being blocked by others.

We were in Dubai for 7 days and we made every day count. The itinerary was well coordinated to cover all the amazing ‘must-sees’ and still allowed for daily free time. We had to switch our visit to Abu Dhabi to a different day because of a last-minute intel of a private event at the Qasr A Watan. And, we wanted to add a couple of ‘must-sees and photo-ops’ during our trip. Nick was able to rearrange our schedule and coordinate with our tour guides seamlessly. It worked out perfectly. He was accessible 24/7. We were taken care of from the time we disembarked the plane at arrival to the time we departed Dubai. Our drivers were great, tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be around. We did the Heritage Safari Desert trip on our last day. It was the perfect ending to an amazing trip! Thank you Nick!” —Bernirene Ramos

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Norway for the northern lights (plus dogsledding, snowmobiling, and saunas)

Alta, Norway, is one of the best places for spotting the northern lights in January. Photo: Shutterstock

“Truly a trip of a lifetime. My family of 4 (me, my husband and two adult boys) went to Alta where we went dogsledding, snowmobiling, and saw the northern lights. In Oslo we went on a very interesting architecture tour. The highlight was relaxing in the lodge sauna after a day spent snowmobiling and getting called by the lodge staff to come outside to watch the northern lights!

The staff at all of the places Torunn and Mari sent us to were exceptional and would go out of their way to provide assistance. We can’t wait to go back sometime in the summer now and see the same location again.” —Neha Vyas

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Panama for the legendary Canal and an “amazing” private-island resort

An eco-friendly private-island resort, Isla Palenque is located on Panama’s Pacific coast. Photo: Isla Palenque

“Pierre organized a great trip to Panama for us—two 60-plus-year-olds who were looking for some cultural moments as well as some serious relaxation. We started in Panama City and with Pierre’s guidance organized our vacation dates around a fascinating partial transit tour of the Panama Canal, which is only available a few days each week. We also enjoyed our visit to the Embera indigenous village, especially the boat ride to the waterfalls. I was worried that this might be exploitative, but the tours are run by the Embera themselves. Lunch of fish and plantains in a palm leaf was delicious.

Our city tour the next day was hindered by the fact that it was a national holiday, but Pierre’s team came through and organized a hike to the top of Ancon Hill for great views over the city and a visit to the fish market, with lunch. Our hotel, La Compania, in the old city was amazing, and Pierre wisely booked us a courtyard room to avoid the street noise. We loved being in the old city with its restaurants, bars and ambiance.

We then enjoyed the relaxation part of the trip, six nights at the amazing Isla Palenque. This very small resort where everybody knows your name was everything we wanted: peaceful, beautiful, great food and drinks. When we felt the urge to move a bit we went hiking in the rainforest, kayaking and did an island-hopping trip with snorkeling and lunch on a deserted beach that was wonderful.” —Christine Zufelt

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Australia for Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

The Bengtzen family on a private yacht at Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

The Bengtzen family spent a day snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef from a private yacht.

“New Year’s in Australia had been a dream of mine since I was 14. We began in Sydney, where we stayed at the Shangri-La hotel. It gave us an amazing view for the fireworks, which were absolutely incredible. It was perfect for us and our adult kids to watch and not have to fight the crowds.

From Sydney we went to Hayman Island in the Whitsundays islands. This was a one-of -a-kind experience. From here we were able to have a private snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef—both the inner and outer reefs. Restaurants on the island were fantastic, and the beach is heaven. From Hayman we went to Noosa, where we had an incredible experience kayaking on the ocean. The shopping and food were wonderful and gave us a great end to our trip.

None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t found Wendy Perrin and her referral of Stuart. Stuart and Jacki then took our dates, our family info, and planned a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us. I cannot recommend them enough.” —Keri Bengtzen

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Sicily for meeting “wonderful people” over archaeology hikes and culinary experiences

Mt. Etna stands out from a dusting of snow in winter. Photo: Pixabay

“While January might not be the ideal time to visit Sicily (with the weather less than cooperative!), we saw, learned, engaged, and met wonderful people all along the way—from Palermo and surrounding towns Monreale, Castelbuono, Cefalu to Villa Romana del Casale, Agrigento, Testa dell’Acqua, Noto, Siracusa/Ortigia to Mt Etna. More than anything, getting to know Sicilians—over good conversations, culinary experiences, archaeology hikes, tours, food and wine—was the highlight of the entire trip. Marcello’s selection of guides and hosts was superb.

Perhaps the highlight of many highlights was the final day at Mt. Etna guided by Salvo (a volcanologist) followed by our visit to the Santa Maria La Nave Winery for a tour, wine tasting, and lunch hosted by Vera and Carmello. They epitomized the warmth, welcome and pride of purpose we found every day during this first visit to Sicily. We look forward to returning soon to this stunning, fascinating, history-filled island.” —Barbara Gross

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Sri Lanka for an exotic (yet affordable) island with welcoming people and delicious cuisine

Jan Heininger and husband Jamie Reuter meeting village kids on a Tea Trail hike.

Miguel ensured that we had a flexible schedule. Our driver, Thissa, could say, ‘Let’s stop and see that bird,’ or we could stop and taste a Golden coconut or visit a local market where we were introduced to many unfamiliar vegetables and fruits that are essential elements of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Miguel set up wonderful experiences including the cooking class, a mask carving and painting workshop and visits to a cinnamon plantation and to a tea factory. He had us hike a segment of the Tea Trail where we interacted with women tea pickers and with kids and villagers we encountered along the way. The mask my husband carved from a block of balsa wood and the two we painted are off being framed right now and will always be physical reminders of our time in Sri Lanka.” —Jan Heininger

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Chile for Patagonia’s unique nature and wildlife

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. One wall of our room was a window onto the fjord and the activity of so many birds. We loved our bird-watching excursion there. With our great guide, we spent literally the entire day hiking through forest, pampa and the wetlands, spotting 41 species of birds. When we got to the end, and were pretty spent, our guide and driver served wine, water, tea, lentil soup and cheese, sausages and crackers. That certainly refreshed us. We enjoyed an afternoon empanada class and an interesting trek to three different caves. The Singular is definitely worth the stay.

From there, we drove to Tierra Patagonia, just outside Torres del Paine National Park. Magnificent view from our huge window in our room!!! We seized the opportunity for multiple excursions, as well as enjoying massages in the spa, taking a swim, and braving the wind for the outdoor hot tub. 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.

We spent our last night in the Singular Santiago, our second stay there, and it is a lovely hotel in a great location. 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. With Tatan and Gary, we learned more about life in Santiago and Chile. By the end of the evening, we had begun questioning whether this trip, our third to Chile, would be our last, as we learned more about other places and things to do.” —Sandra Quinn

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Finland for the northern lights and other Arctic adventures (ice fishing, dogsledding…)

The cozy and warm Glass House Suite at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Finland.

Between outdoor adventures, Michael Ruma warmed up in his Glass House Suite. Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“My wife said she’d like to see the aurora borealis and, with Wendy’s help, we were quickly introduced to Leigh, who created a delightful week of fun in Finland.

We hopped an easy flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, which lies directly on the latitude of the Arctic Circle. An efficient, private transfer brought us to the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. Met with warm blueberry juice, we checked into our Glass House suite. Our room had a centrally located living room with an enclosed wood-burning stove along with two bathrooms, one of which had our very own dry sauna.

Advised to download the Aurora app, we learned about the KP index which predicts the probability of witnessing the northern lights. Fortunately, after dinner at the hotel, a notification from the app informed us at 9pm the chance was high! Intent on seeing the natural phenomenon, we bundled up and hiked up a trail to a 50-foot observation tower specifically designed for viewing the lights. Finnish myths say the lights are caused when a fox runs across the Arctic landscape whipping up snow from its tail, sparking the lights in the night sky.

Regardless of the cause, we were blessed by an hour display of a gray hazy line emerging in the distance and evolving into a bright green glow right in front of our eyes. As we watched and photographed the sky, the lights blew around us along our walk back to our room.

Our next two days were filled with other Arctic adventures which included an exciting jaunt by snowmobile to learn how to ice fish on a frozen lake and then dog sledding on a snowy day in the beautiful and vast northern Finnish countryside. We concluded our trip with a train ride from Rovaniemi back to Helsinki. On our last day in Helsinki, we splurged and dined at Restaurant Savoy.

We would happily come back to Finland for a future visit either in the winter to take in the unique night sky, but this time much further north, or during the summer to take in the lively and sunny long days in Helsinki filled with so much to see, taste, and do. Delighted by its vast country, small polite population, and compact capital, its seasonally focused food, and its matter-of-fact and kind people. We had such fun in Finland.” —Michael Ruma

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Vietnam and Cambodia for blow-your-mind history, street food, and Angkor Wat at sunrise

It requires careful planning to have Angkor Wat to yourself like this. Photo: Traveler David Wertheimer

“Our trip to Cambodia and Vietnam from January 21st to February 6th was spectacular. We started in Phnom Penh, and traveled from there to Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat temple complex, Saigon, Cu Chi, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Sopisith prepared our itinerary and arranged for personal guides at each of our stops. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and provided both historical information and personal stories that placed the horrors of the eras of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the U.S. military activities in Vietnam within the context of our visit and our understanding of current life in both nations. Our guides also provided us with street food tours that allowed us to sample some of the most unusual dishes we’ve ever eaten. (The sand worm pancakes were delicious!) There were multiple ‘wow,’ bucket-list moments, including Angkor Wat at sunrise (get there early!) and Ha Long Bay, to name just two of them.” —David Wertheimer

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

May Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

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May is a month of opportunity. Foliage is blooming and temperatures rising in so many places, but crowds are not yet at their peak: Vacations for families ruled by school-break weeks have come and gone, and summer travel is still a glimmer on the calendar’s horizon. For travelers with flexibility, Memorial Day holds the potential for a long weekend, creatively expanded.

Read on to see what your fellow travelers have done to make the most of May, from visiting Europe’s growers and artisans to studying archaeology of Cambodia to taking in the tranquility of Tahiti (“no noise other than the wind, the waves and the coconut tree”).

These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of May by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts. You’ll find even more ideas in the May installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

Unsure where to go in May? Click the black button below for our help.

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Switzerland for active outdoor adventures

Andy Shafran and family spelling OHIO during private kayak trip on Lake Brienz

Andy Shafran and family spelling OHIO during a private kayak trip on Lake Brienz.

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.

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Malta for history and archaeology before the busy summer months

Malta’s Blue Grotto of dramatic sea caverns on the south coast. Photo: Shutterstock

“In the fascinating old walled city of Mdina, we stayed at the Xara Palace and had the delightful experience of walking through the streets after dark, when it seemed as though we were the only people in the city.

Damon arranged for us to have a driver and a guide for our entire week in Malta. This was crucial to the success of our trip, as our itinerary was very full. Our guide Pierre is hands-down the best guide we’ve ever had. He is extremely knowledgeable about Malta’s very complex military and political history and is equally well versed in architectural and art history. We simply would not have had as rich an experience in Malta, had we not had the benefit of his wonderful story-telling style of explaining what we were seeing and experiencing.

The food in Malta was great. Everything we saw and did in Malta was interesting and enjoyable. Some of the more unique experiences (lunch in an olive grove with a surprise presentation by a scholar/maker of traditional Maltese musical instruments, a picnic on the beach in Gozo, a visit to a private palazzo hosted by the owner) were possible because of Damon’s personal connections in Malta.” —Samantha Michaels

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Thailand for high to low foodie experiences and off-season rates

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane in Bangkok, with Wat Arun aglow in the background.

Our road trip to Chiang Rai was no ordinary road trip, as we skirted the Myanmar border, stopping at various points including cooking lunch in bamboo containers with the Lahu hill tribe. In Chiang Rai we stayed at Pa Sak Tong (at very off-season rates!) where we had a whole three-bedroom villa to ourselves, complete with exercise room, steam room, and private pool. All this on 28 acres looked after by 13 gardeners and overseen by the estate manager, John Dunbar!

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Turkey for hiking, balloon rides, and a private sailing experience

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 started with a three-day gulet voyage on the Prima Donna. 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. The-8 person gondola was piloted expertly over the otherworldly landscape. Even after seeing photos of how beautiful it could be, in-person was jaw-dropping.

All too soon it was time to head back to Istanbul for our last three nights of our adventure. We typically aren’t much for big cities and were surprised by the playfulness and welcome vibe of Istanbul. Our guide Cenk helped make this very memorable with his quick wit, fast pace, and love of the city. Our foodie tour was a blast, with a mix of local tasty bits, drinks, and followed up with some sweets from one of his favorite shops.

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

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France for Roland-Garros tennis and the beaches of Normandy

Marsha Friedli and her husband at the French Open.

“Magnificent! That is the best word to describe the experiences Jennifer put together! We wanted to visit the beaches of Normandy as my father-in-law was part of the invasion support during WWII, and finish with Paris and the Roland-Garros competition. We also visited Giverny and the Bayeux tapestry museum. Our stay at Château La Chenevière was just lovely.

Even though the weather did not cooperate in Paris—it was mostly light drizzle and cloudy skies—our time at Roland-Garros, center court, was under cover. Excellent seats and transportation arranged by Jennifer. We had tickets for both day and night sessions. Jennifer made our trip into an experience of a lifetime.”—Marsha Friedli

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Eastern Europe for rich history & storybook cities

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

“We are still in a glow from our amazing trip to Eastern Europe. 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!

We traveled by train to Vienna, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where we got a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the oldest libraries in Europe. We visited the Belvedere Palace and Gardens and enjoyed its art collection, including the Gustav Klimt collection. When we arrived at the new ‘Shoah Wall of Names,’ a quartet was playing music. We were very moved.

We love trains, so off we went to Prague by train! We loved storybook Prague, especially behind-the-scenes tours in so many places. Prague has a rich history and beautiful architecture. We toured historic buildings, palaces and libraries as old as any in Europe. Our private guide, Kamila, also took us to the historic sites of Terezin and Lidice, both terribly impacted by World War II. She talked through our emotions with us so we felt heard and understood. It was such a powerful visit. Kamila was able to arrange behind-the-scenes visits and was able to tweak timing to optimize our visit. We loved it!” —Tammy and Yehuda Schmidt

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Japan for traditional lodging and experiences after the cherry-blossom crowds disperse

Onsen ryokan are traditional inns with hot springs bathing. Photo: Shutterstock

We specifically requested a stop in Hiroshima, which we found particularly moving and profound and such a testament to the evil of nuclear weapons and resilience of the Japanese people. Another favorite location was Naoshima, which was completely Jason’s suggestion. We’ve told several friends about ‘the art islands’ since we’ve been back. We could have easily spent an extra day or two, and the art and experience was truly memorable.” —Andy Kaplan

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France for markets and villages with a local feel

The Seine glows at night in Paris. Photo: Shutterstock

“We started in the South, staying at the world-renowned Hôtel du Cap—unavailable if you try to book it yourself, but available if you have Philip’s team working with you. We spent four days touring Southern France with expert driver-guides arranged by Philip, having the opportunity to compare places like Cannes, Nice, and Monaco—all excellent, yet each very unique. 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. The Picasso museum in Antibes, the hilltop villages of Eze and St. Paul de Vence were all amazing experiences.

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. Wonderful tours of Provence, including a stop at the weekly markets in Cucuron (highly recommend!) and St. Remy, along with a Vincent van Gogh tour. Our driver-guides helped us compare and contrast the various villages and markets that were touristy vs. those that were frequented more by the locals—both were great and yet very different. An excellent way to get a feel for the uniqueness of Provence and the people that live there.

From Provence we took the 3-hour bullet-train ride from Aix to Paris, absolutely the best way to travel from the South of France to the North—takes less than half the time that driving would take. 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

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Italy’s countryside with smart planning that avoids the crowds

Tuscany is filled with artisans as well as vineyards. Photo: Shutterstock

“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.

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.

One of the most surprising events was a last-minute opportunity provided by Maria to go to the opera in Parma. My husband, who is not an opera fan, has been telling everyone that one of the highlights was seeing the opera with 280 performers on stage. This may be the highest of compliments for a perfect trip.” —Lynne Golomb

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Egypt for early-bird Giza touring, cruising the Nile

Travelers Jeff and Linda Stengel on camels, near Giza pyramids in Cairo, Egypt.

Travelers Jeff and Linda Stengel in Cairo.

“Jim did a wonderful job of planning a trip that met our preferences for the right amount of history with modern comforts. Our Egyptologist and guide did an amazing job of showing us all the sights while avoiding large crowds. At the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is undergoing a soft opening, we were the first visitors in the complex prior to its opening time and seemed to have the entire place to ourselves for over 30 min.

The best part of Cairo for us was the morning we toured Giza. We entered through the back gate to the Pyramid complex when it was just opening and the vendors were arriving, including a group of at least 50 camels and their handlers. What a spectacular sight to see all these huge animals entering the historic Giza plateau. As we continued inside the gate we were the only people in the area of the Sphinx. Our guide was able to explain the history of the Pyramids and the plateau to us in the shadow of the Sphinx, with no tourists to be seen. From Cairo we flew to Aswan, enroute stopping to visit Abu Simbel. The next day we boarded the Oberoi Zahara for a Nile cruise.

Our last stop was Luxor. The temperature had become unusually high—about 20 degrees above normal—with the high approaching 115 degrees. Thanks to Jim, we had a private guide the entire time who made sure we avoided the hottest part of the day and took well-spaced breaks when we explored all the important sites.

During all of our travels, we felt completely safe. The arrangements made by Jim and his team of operations people, guides and drivers were spot-on and flexible enough to meet any changing conditions.” —Jeff Stengel

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Bolivia & Chile for hiking, wildlife, and the salt flats

Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats are a great place for stargazing. Photo: Shutterstock

“Mark created a 14-day adventure that catered to each of our individual interests from hiking, food, tapestries, and photo opportunities. Our trip would not have been as enjoyable without our amazing drivers—who somehow got us to each of our destinations and who spotted and stopped so we could photograph foxes, llamas, vicunas, guanacos, viscacha, flamingos, ducks, Suri alpacas, and were always on the ready to stop for an armadillo.

It was fascinating to learn about traditional indigenous life not only through food, but by visiting the Tarabuco market, visiting master weavers in their homes, and visiting Elizabeth’s (our Sucre guide) hacienda in Candelaria, where we helped to make a traditional countryside lunch (we are looking forward to making the Sunday soup for our families). We also enjoyed the stunning views of the Uyuni salt flats—we had a delicious lunch alongside a small patch of water with flamingos; hiked a small island; were mesmerized by the reflections on the water at sunset where we enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine and some treats; and were awed at seeing the sky full of stars twinkling over the salt flats!” —Peggy Murphy

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Uzbekistan for high-speed trains to Silk Road gems

Poi Kalon Mosque and Minaret in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

“Eye-catching” mosques and minarets are around every corner in Bukhara. Photo: Shutterstock

“After much planning and two false starts at the beginning of the pandemic, we finally made it to Uzbekistan. Our first stop was Khiva, where we explored what could be best described as a ‘living museum,’ with some of the best-preserved historical architecture. The city is a delight to wander around—with its eye-catching towers, mosques, and medressehs—and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where people still live within the city walls.

Our next stop was Bukhara. Staying in the center of the old town allowed us to explore on foot the many sites and also allowed for breaks to sip green tea in the various caravanserais. In Bukhara we had a WOW Moment when we attended an Uzbek wedding ceremony and participated in the singing and dancing and admired (and tried on) the traditional attire. A wonderful introduction to Uzbek culture!

A high-speed train took us on to Samarkand, the other major gem on the Silk Road, with its famous Registan Square and the mausoleum of Tamarlane. A day trip took us to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Tamarlane and the site of the remains of his giant summer palace. Another high-speed train journey brought us back to Tashkent. This is a very modern city but it has the best food, an extraordinary subway system, and we will never forget seeing from a distance a performance of The Lion King in Uzbek, with a background of pulsating fountains in multiple colors. It was also a great base to head up to the mountains, ride a ski gondola, and see the snow-capped mountains.

Uzbekistan is full of European tourists, but we met very few Americans. More Americans should go to this unique destination.” —Tony and Jane Ford-Hutchinson

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Sicily for food markets and historic ruins

Aquamarine blue waters of sea near Taormina resorts and Etna volcano mount. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

Sicily’s Mt. Etna is the highest Mediterranean island mountain. Photo: Shutterstock

“We spent two full weeks in Sicily, the first near Noto (east) and the second in the southwest (near Menfi). The first week, we had a wide variety of historic, cultural, and food-centered activities in the east near Noto. Matteo kept the geographic range of each day’s activities pretty tight so we were not in the car all day. We enjoyed everything, and sometimes the unexpected delighted. For instance, I had to persuade my husband to do the experience with a chef in Siracusa, where the chef took us through the food market, then we went back to his restaurant and helped him prepare a meal for us. Some of the best activities were out in the countryside, like a visit to a sustainable family farm and lunch of home cooking, and the discussions we had with the farmer about his way of life (through our guide translating).

The second week, we saw various historic and cultural sites in the west, including Agrigento/Valley of the Temples, Trapani, and Salemi, a beautiful small village on a hilltop. We had several relaxation days built into that week. The only place that was crowded was Valley of the Temples, but the ancient temples and ruins were about the best I’ve seen anywhere, including Athens.” —Dana Perry

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Greece for local experiences and island culture

Karrie Evans and family on a private catamaran cruise in Santorini.

“We had the privilege of working with Jacoline on our trip to Greece. Our trip included Athens, Hydra and Santorini. She made the most of our short trip and somehow turned every single day into a highlight. There were 5 adults on this trip and we all had our favorites, which is a credit to her. Jacoline created experiences that we would have never done on our own, like spending time with a wonderful family on their farm feeding their animals and making spanakopita as part of a huge feast on their terrace, as well as private wine tours, personal guides to archeological sites, pottery classes, and a private cooking lesson on more amazing Greek food. We loved really getting to meet the people and understanding the culture. We loved the unique boutique hotels especially on Hydra, an island we never knew existed but quickly became our favorite. We never felt like a ‘tourist’ but more like students in history class which we found fascinating.

Jacoline is also gifted in providing us with balance. We pushed hard upon our arrival in Athens to make the most of the few days we were there before heading off to the island of Hydra. We had never heard of this island but after talking with Jacoline, she booked us in a wonderful mansion-turned-boutique hotel (Hydrea) that served us breakfast each morning on the terrace overlooking the water/town. There are no cars or motorcycles so we enjoyed the peace and quiet, especially after a few days in Athens. If you get a chance, don’t miss this gem!

I didn’t understand what the big deal was about sunsets in Santorini. Now I know!!” —Karrie Evans

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New Zealand for mild, pre-winter hiking, fishing, boating

Milford Sound, in New Zealand from a touristic aircraft.

Epic scenery in Milford Sound. Photo: Shutterstock

“We were traveling with 6 people from 13 to 80 years old, and Jean-Michel did a great job finding activities that we would all love. We had only 9 days so we stayed on the west coast of the South Island and there was plenty to explore. We started in Te Anu at the Fiordland Lodge and loved the beautiful lodge and surroundings. We hiked, went fishing, and explored Milford Sound by boat. The scenery was beyond breathtaking everywhere we went! Our next stop was Queenstown and we stayed at the historic Eichardt’s Private Hotel. We had a lovely wine-tasting day in Central Otago and our daughter even went bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge. She loved it!!

The city of Queenstown & surroundings were great—plenty of walking trails, gardens, gorgeous lake and mountain views. The last place we visited was Wild Earth Lodge in Makarora. It was the most serene and beautiful little inn run from the home of Pete and Janine. They took great care of our whole family & cooked the most delicious meals! We spent our days there hiking to the Blue Pools and having some relaxing down time. We also had our most exciting day—a helicopter tour over Mt Aspiring National Park, a hike through Siberia Valley, and a thrilling jet boat ride back down the Wilkin River.” —Alana Jacobson

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Italy for Puglia’s biking and homemade burrata

The Schoenfeld and Silverman friends biking in Puglia.

“A highlight of our slow and ‘smell the poppies’ week in Puglia was the day we biked and made burrata. We passed by brilliant fields of red flowers and lush grasses on quiet roads. The outfitter supplied us with e-bikes and a van following behind. Couldn’t have been a more delightful afternoon gliding between the trulli houses—the round white limestone structures capped with interlocking stones for roofs. People in Puglia have lived in them for centuries and still do today.

Our route took us to Itria Bonta, an organic dairy farm. There, we watched the owner stretch out the mozzarella he had made hours earlier and stuff it with stracciatella to make balls of burrata. He let us make some too. I can testify that it’s delicious because at the end of the visit we had a ‘snack’ of cheeses, bread, sausage, olives and wine. Everything except the water and the salt was produced on the farm.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

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Morocco for villages, markets, and a camel ride in the dunes

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

“My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Morocco planned by Michael. The trip was superb. To begin with, we had a wonderful guide who stayed with us throughout the two-week-plus trip. He was not only a talented guide—sharing with us his deep knowledge of the country and its culture—but a kind, thoughtful and devout person who truly cared about our enjoyment, well-being and how we experienced Morocco.

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!” —Geri Krauss

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

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Cambodia and Laos for a nearly tourist-free experience in shoulder season

Jeannie Mullen at the Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary near Luang Prabang, Laos.

“On a lark, and with spot-on advice and counsel from Wendy about where to go on short notice, I booked a trip to Southeast Asia. I don’t think I’ve been to that many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one single trip, ever. Siem Reap, Cambodia—the place around which the entire trip was planned—was phenomenal. Traipsing in and around the temple complexes and experiencing sunrise at Angkor Wat was a major bucket-list item. Major shout-out to Silen, my guide and Ethan’s friend, for her attention to every detail and working our way into and out of the temple complexes in such a way as to avoid other tourists. She was also a master at pacing the day so as to provide relief from the heat and humidity.

Surpassing those experiences was the day that I flew by helicopter to the even more remote and off-the-radar locations of Preah Vihear and Prasat Banteay Chhmar with Po-Thai Khan, a renowned Cambodian archaeologist. Walking these temple complexes with Thai was one of those pinch-me experiences… He was so interesting, engaging and affirming. And the temples were totally without tourists. Something I will never forget.” —Jeannie Mullen

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

Spain for flamenco, tapas, and architecture

Ken and Jeryl Rempell with guide, David, in Besalu, touring Spain’s south and east.

“Wendy hooked us up with Iván, specializing in Southern Spain. Iván listened to what our wishes were—to see cultural, historical, and architectural highlights as well as obscure places, enjoy nature, walk a lot, meander, and eat well, and crafted a terrific itinerary that nailed our wishes.

We ought to say by way of an overall description, we have A LOT of energy and love packing a lot into a day, and also don’t mind covering a lot of territory staying in several hotels. We visited Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, Figueres, Besalu, and Gerona. The guides were all just plain terrific. They were professional, knowledgeable, warm, responsive and easy to be with. All were exceptionally educated, with specialties ranging from history and architecture to landscaping and cuisine. We had a terrific variety of experiences—from a sherry bar in Madrid, numerous extraordinary cathedrals and mosques, a flamenco show, tapas bars, Gaudí’s blend of nature and architecture, Dalí’s whimsy, and finally, to a medieval village, to offer just some of what we saw. We loved every moment.” —Kenneth Rempell

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

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Tahitian Islands for tranquil beaches—“wind, waves, and coconut trees”

“This small island stop helped us relax, reset and realize what truly is Tahitian beauty and calm.” Photo: Traveler Michael Ruma

“We traveled to Tahiti, visiting 3 different islands. Our first stop was Vahine Island Resort and Spa. With 9 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.

We travelled to Bora Bora next. 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 overwater 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. We were immediately impressed by the impeccable service, manicured grounds, and natural beauty.

While I had delayed a foray into long distance travel to a beach vacation, I must admit Tahiti is burned into our memories with its unforgettably blue waters, tranquil relaxing days, vivid and abundant sea life and unique island vibes.” —Michael Ruma

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February Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

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If you’re looking to travel in February and wondering where on earth to go, take inspiration from your fellow travelers: Check out their reviews recounting their favorite February trips. Our intrepid travelers have scouted wintry destinations for the northern lights, warm-weather escapes in the southern hemisphere where February is summertime, and close-to-home getaways in Mexico and Costa Rica. These trips were optimized for February by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts.

You’ll find even more ideas in the February installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.

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Norway for the northern lights (and daytime adventures with reindeer)

Northern lights in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

“Seeing the northern lights was on my bucket list, and Jan helped me plan every detail of the trip. The hotels were excellent, and we received many upgrades. Our hotel in Alta was particularly lovely, and our dinners there were incredible. Knowing how much we wanted to see the lights, and being disappointed twice before in Iceland, Jan steered us to Alta, in the northernmost part of Norway. He said it would give us the best shot. How right he was! We saw them three out of three nights!

Much of this is due to the incredible guides Jan arranged. Despite the fact that it was cloudy and snowing the first two nights, our guides looked at all the weather maps and found the area that had the most potential to clear up. It was a real drive, but the clouds disappeared and the lights danced.

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

Cuba for a Caribbean getaway that’s a cultural deep dive

Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba on a sunny day.

The cathedral in Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city. Photo: Shutterstock

“The Wendy Perrin team scores again. Needing expert advice on travel to Cuba, I reached out and they connected me with Rob and Ana, who planned a wonderful trip! I am researching a book that involves Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city, and a less-visited destination than Havana. Ana understood instinctively what I needed, first steering me to an on-the-ground researcher, Alicia Howland, who did much advance work that narrowed my itinerary, and then putting me in the kind and extremely capable hands of Tania Vivar, a peerless guide during my four-day stay. I could not have asked for a better experience, from the first pickup at the Santiago airport to my last poignant goodbye.

Rob and Ana’s team booked me into a lovely private casa in a leafy suburban neighborhood, near the sites I most wanted to see, where the on-site garden provided daily fresh produce in a place where basic foodstuffs are in short supply. My spacious, air-conditioned room with ensuite bath was the perfect refuge at day’s end. Alicia and Tania’s knowledge of the city, and of Cuban history, made my stay so much richer, and Tania’s perfect English made communication a breeze.

Economic conditions in Cuba are grim indeed—especially in the eastern part of the island—but the resilience and fortitude of the Cuban people is inspiring, and so is the country’s rich cultural and social history. I simply could not have asked for more caring or capable shepherds to a destination that can be challenging, especially for a non-Spanish-speaking American. I am everlastingly grateful and cannot recommend Rob and Ana highly enough!” —Todd Purdum

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

Venice and Rome for a romantic Valentine’s Day without Italy’s usual crowds

Marsha Friedli and her husband during their gondola ride in Venice on a foggy day.

Marsha Friedli said the fog during her gondola ride made Venice “beautiful and evocative.”

WOW! A foggy gondola ride with guitar player and singer (part of our WOW Moment) was our introduction to Italy, specifically Venice, on Valentine’s Day. Around every turn, under every bridge, were sites to behold and cause wonder. The heavy fog made Venice so beautiful and evocative. We stayed at the Sina Palazzo Sant’Angelo Venice Hotel on the Grand Canal. Our room balcony was a perfect location to watch the water traffic comings and goings of daily life in Venice.

Another part of our WOW Moment was visiting the 1499 textile weaver, Tessitura Bevilacqua! My background is in textile & clothing so I was extremely surprised and pleased to experience this working factory/museum. Seeing the weavers work and delighting in their skill with the looms. Their patience with me and my many questions!

From Venice we went to Rome via the high speed train—fantastic way to travel! Arrived at the Rome train station where our escort and driver were waiting. So glad Jennifer arranged this as we would not have had an easy time with all the construction closures.

Our hotel for the next 6 nights was Martius Private Suites, just steps from the Pantheon. This was the perfect location as we walked to/from most of our touring sites and wonderful restaurants. A very fun happening was taking a golf-cart tour in Rome! Just a fun way to scoot around and visit some of the sites! We visited the Trevi fountain during its cleaning session. The size is enormous and with it filled with water you don’t really get the scale of the fountain.

Our driver dropped us off at a private Art Restoration experience that Jennifer and her team arranged for us. This was a truly wonderful experience for me to actually see and watch a 15th-century artwork being restored. This was a private experience and we were able to ask as many questions as we wanted and get up close to the work being restored and yes, take pictures! This experience helped me to appreciate the art even more during our visit. Without Jennifer and her contacts we would not have had this truly memorable experience.” —Marsha Friedli

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Brazil for Carnival and Caipirinhas

Sugarloaf Mountain and Botafogo Neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro by Sunset with Full Moon in the Sky

Imagine mixing your own caipirinha at the top of Rio’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. Photo: Shutterstock

“We booked a two-week trip to Brazil with Paul, and he came through big time. The best tour guide we’ve ever had, Lais, met us at the airport on arrival and transported us to the beautiful Hotel Fasano right on Ipanema Beach. We were able to spend two full days on the beach, where we really got a feel for the local culture.

My wife had wanted to see the dancers at Carnival, but we didn’t arrive in Rio until it was over. Somehow Lais pulled off a miracle and found a group that was meeting in a public park and recreating their Carnival performance. It was called a Samba Hangover Dance. We were able to hang out with the locals for a few hours and see the performance up close.

Then we went to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, where we were met by a master craftsman who taught us how to make the best Caipirinhas we had on the entire trip. While in Rio we were able to eat at Garota de Ipanema, the cafe where Vinicius de Moraes originally saw the famous ‘girl from Ipanema’ go by before writing the lyrics to the song. On Paul’s advice, we also went to eat at Aprazivel restaurant in the hills above Rio for a delicious meal in a beautiful restaurant with an amazing view of the city below.

Next, we boarded a plane to Iguassu Falls. We stayed at the Hotel das Cataratas in the national park and only 100 yards from the falls. The hotel is the only one in the park and you often had the viewing areas to yourself. Our guide took us on a tour the next day of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of these gigantic, 2 ½-mile-wide falls. Seeing them was awe-inspiring, but taking a boat ride under them was exhilarating and an experience not to be missed. At Niagara Falls you get misted when taking the boat ride, but at Iguassu you actually go under the falls. It was safe and great fun.

We ended our trip with a stay in the colonial town of Paraty. We’d seen the big city while in Rio, the jungle in Iguassu, and now a peaceful, historical small town in the center of the country. Our stay at Casa Turquesa was magical. It’s a 9-room inn with a beautiful pool and lovely rooms. We enjoyed navigating the original rocky streets while visiting the shops in town. Paul had arranged a day trip on a schooner where we visited several bays and beaches and had lunch at a place that was only accessible by boat. It was a perfect, relaxing way to end our trip.

A final note about safety. In the United States we’d read traveler warnings and received a notice to beware of dengue fever from our government. Some friends were wary of us going to Brazil. In response I’d like to note that we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe for even a minute during our trip. Are there places in the city of Rio that you shouldn’t visit? Of course, just like in New York City. So don’t go there. Your guides will help you with that. I’ve told friends that Rio is like NYC, but with a better view. Even though we’d taken mosquito repellent to avoid getting dengue fever, we only used it once the whole trip and I never saw a mosquito the whole time.” —Ted Embacher

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

Paris for unusual perspectives on the City of Light, from sidecar tours to macaron classes

View over the River Seine, Paris, France

Sunset over the River Seine, Paris. Photo: Bruno Abatti/Unsplash

“My teen daughter and I had a wonderful trip over her February week-long break. Jennifer was full of ideas to interest both of us. The perfume and macaron classes were big hits. We both enjoyed the sidecar tour and didn’t find it scary. I’m so glad we did it.

Jennifer listened carefully to our interests and suggested multiple properties in different areas. We chose Relais Christine for the historic beauty and lively neighborhood. We were pleased with this beautiful property with very kind and fast service.

I LOVED the VIP greeter service Jennifer recommended upon landing. Such a lifesaver, with efficient and speedy shepherding of us through the airport. Our flight to Paris had been delayed the night before and had a change of outbound airport, so it was a little stressful in the lead-up to departure. Landing with someone to take care of us immediately was a treat.” —Jane Kasey

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Mexico for its colonial cities that too many beach-resort-goers miss

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane at Monte Alban, a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Mexico.

Tony Ford-Hutchinson and wife Jane explored Monte Alban, a pre-Columbian archaeological site.

“As our previous trips to Mexico have all been to resort areas, Jane and I realized we really needed to go to Mexico City to understand what the country is all about, including its complicated history.

Zach organized an outstanding trip. We stayed in the boutique hotel Casa Polanco, right in the Polanco neighborhood with restaurants, etc. all within walking distance. Zach was able to snag reservations at top restaurants, including Pujol, which was a short walk from the hotel and lived up to its reputation of being one of the world’s top restaurants. We visited Teotihuacan, the City’s historical center, and Frida Kahlo’s house. We also had a private after-hours tour around the Museum of Anthropology, a climb through Chapultepec Park to the Castle and its museums, and prime seats at a Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) match, followed by drinks and snacks in a Mezcaleria.

Then, in Oaxaca, Zach arranged several private artist studio tours. Many artists have made Oaxaca their home. We walked all around the town, ran into a Carnival procession, and met multiple wedding processions, all unexpected. With so many great restaurants and bars in Oaxaca, what is there not to like!

Finally, we flew to Tijuana and walked across the border from the air terminal (very easy) to meet our son in San Diego. Quite surreal.” —Tony Ford-Hutchinson

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Ecuador for nature’s extravaganza in the rainforest and cloud forest

A Mashpi glass frog clings to the rim of a pair of glasses. Photo: Traveler Robin Madden

“We just returned from a 10-day trip to Ecuador, with our two adult sons and one of their partners, and unlike most, we did not include the Galapagos in the itinerary. 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.

Though remote, the Napo Wildlife Center is both elegant and comfortable. Our experience included a local guide from the indigenous community. The lodge 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.

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. We had the extraordinary luck of witnessing a battle between a wasp and a tarantula. The wasp won, killing the tarantula and depositing her eggs inside to hatch in about 10 days. Fernando videotaped the whole encounter. It was like watching a National Geographic special, but it was right there in front of us.” —Robin Madden

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Egypt for a luxe desert oasis, a Nile cruise, warm and welcoming people…

Jeannie Mullen and friends enjoying a private sunset dinner cruise on the Nile.

An unexpected treat was the tranquility and beauty of an eco-lodge in Siwa, a desert oasis west of Cairo and about 250 miles from the Libyan border. Adrere Almallal is a stunning lodge which offers guests an opportunity to unplug (no electricity and no wifi) and experience the life and pace that the desert affords. The tranquility, the staff, the FOOD, the candlelit rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and the night sky bursting with stars was such a gift. Highlights in Siwa were a trip into town to tour the Temple of the Oracle of Amun and the Spring of Juba (Cleopatra’s pool), a visit to an all-women’s workshop, shopping and sharing tea with the local Siwa merchants, and a 4×4 trip into the desert to ride the dunes, dune surf, hunt for fossils and watch a stunning sunset.

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. Our trip was made all the more special by the lovely Egyptians that we crossed paths with along the way.” —Jeannie Mullen

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Costa Rica for a combo of cloud-forest adventures and beach relaxation

A waterfall in the Nectandra Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

A misty waterfall in the Nectandra Cloud Forest. Photo: Traveler Mary Ann Smith

“Irene could not have planned a better trip for us. Visiting the Nectandra Cloud Forest was magical with the mist and educational with our expert guide, Arturo. It was great to start there to understand the ecological mindset of Costa Rica.

Our time at Nayara Tented Camp was beyond wonderful. Irene had balloons, a card, and a bottle of champagne in the room to celebrate my 80th birthday when we arrived. We also really enjoyed kayaking on Lake Arenal, doing the zip lines over the trees, and the Hanging Bridges Park. Thanks to your seminar on taking photos with cell phones, we got some wonderful pictures of waterfalls, birds, the yellow pit viper, and the red dart frog.

While on the drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, it was very interesting to see the countryside with coffee beans growing and all the tropical plants (under netting) that they grow for export. Upon arrival at Arenas del Mar we enjoyed another lovely room with a beautiful view, plus a great restaurant, a private beach, and great service.

Our white water rafting on the Savegre River was one of our best days. Jesus and Juan were great guides and despite the early questions about being able to do it at our age, they kept saying ‘excellente’ as we went through the rapids. We loved it!

Irene had arranged for us to fly back to San Jose from Quepos rather than driving which was a wonderful way to end the trip with views of the mountain range and 30 minutes of flying versus several hours of driving. It was more than we could have imagined!” —Mary Ann Smith

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Morocco for a sunny, exotic getaway just across the Atlantic

Travelers Craig and Stephanie Smith with their driver and guide having dinner on the rooftop terrace of Essaouira's Salut Maroc, Morocco.

Craig and Stephanie Smith enjoyed a farewell dinner with new friends: private guide Jamal and driver Majid.

“We just returned from an amazing two weeks in Morocco. We told Radia that what was most important to us was to have a stellar guide. We also told her that we have a strong interest in music and would like to incorporate learning about Gnawa music in some way. And we told her that our hotel preference was to stay in riads instead of international chain hotels.

From the moment we were met at the Casablanca airport by our private guide Jamal and private driver Majid, we knew that we were in for an incredible trip. They were both so hospitable! Jamal was incredibly knowledgeable about the culture and history of his country. He was very attentive to all of our needs, and he made us laugh a lot. He made sure that we saw everything on the itinerary and then some.

Majid drove us many miles in a huge loop, from Casablanca to Volubilis, to Fes, to Ifrane, to Merzouga, to Todra Valley, to Dades Gorge, to Skoura, to Marrakech, to Imlil, to Essaouira, and back to Marrakech. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel, and he had a great sense of humor.

We stayed in beautiful riads with a very personal touch and enjoyed all kinds of delicious food. In addition to seeing many historic sites (mosques, synagogues, palaces, medinas, souks, tanneries), we also had adventures. We went for a camel ride and rode ATVs in the desert. We went for a hot air balloon ride outside of Marrakech. We went for a hike in the High Atlas Mountains from Imlil to Armed. One of our favorite activities was the sunset motorcycle sidecar tour of Marrakech, suggested by Radia. We felt like we were in a movie, riding through the Palmerie and the medina in comfortable, roomy, sidecars. A definite must-do!

Another highlight was an impromptu visit to the Todra Valley for lunch at Jamal’s family’s home. We were so honored and humbled to be invited into their home for lively conversation and a delicious lunch. And, to satisfy our musical interest, Radia organized a thoroughly enjoyable private Gnawa music workshop with master musician Najib Soudani in Essaouira.

With Jamal and Majid at our sides, it felt like we were traveling with friends we had known for a lifetime. The itinerary was wonderful, but they made the trip into an experience that we will cherish forever.” —Stephanie and Craig Smith

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India for Rajasthan’s wedding season, lavish palace hotels, ethical elephant sanctuaries…

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

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!

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.

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

New Zealand for unusual summertime experiences far above the crowds…

Travelers Joe Tobin and Mary Lou Voytko on a glacier in Whitcombe Valley, New Zealand.

Joe Tobin and Mary Lou Voytko got to perch on the edge of a glacier in the Whitcombe Valley.

“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

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Thailand and Vietnam for optimal weather and local delicacies…

Vietnamese soup- pho ga in bowl with chicken and rice noodles, mint and cilantro, red onion, chili, bean sprouts and lime on grey background.

Traditional Vietnamese pho makes a hearty breakfast. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from an amazing 12 days in the Far East, visiting both Thailand and Vietnam and including five cities total (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hoi An and Saigon). From the moment we landed to the moment we departed, our trip was flawless. Dan and his team listened to and responded to all of our concerns and suggestions and came up with an itinerary that was right on spot.

The food everywhere was terrific, with a bit more spice in Thailand than Vietnam. We especially enjoyed ‘pho’ for breakfast! All of our local hosts were fluent in English, extremely knowledgeable and overly concerned with making sure we had everything we needed. It was so helpful to have them as we navigated each city, and they showed us all the local favorites, from the markets to stores to food and to the delicious egg and salt coffee that Vietnam is known for.

The highlight of our trip was a visit to the elephant rescue in Chiang Mai. Wow! The project was so well managed and allowed us to spend five hours with the four elephants that have been rescued, including a 6-year-old baby boy elephant. It was a surreal feeling to walk alongside an elephant while feeding them bananas out of our bag and ultimately joining them in a swim in their watering hole. Must do!” —Laura McDermott

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Sri Lanka for tropical landscapes, an exotic culture, and very few other tourists (which makes the local people especially welcoming!)

Sri Lanka’s beautiful—and uncrowded—Cinnamon Country. Photo: Sri Lanka In Style

“There were many highlights of our trip. One of them was a general lack of other tourists, which is bad for the country but was excellent for us. We would highly recommend Sri Lanka as a destination and would encourage others to visit without hesitation. While there was some political unrest there in 2022, we felt perfectly safe at all times.

Our two nights that Miguel and Donovan arranged for us in the high tea country were a definite highlight, as was a fabulous private farewell dinner, arranged even though the venue has a seven-to-eight-month waiting list for reservations.” —John Schroeder

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Dubai and Abu Dhabi for sunny beaches but with skyscrapers, camel treks, dune bashing…

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is a can’t-miss for visitors to Dubai. Photo: BS1920/Pixabay

“We had a wonderful time during our trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi that was planned by Justin. The trip was very professionally arranged, from picking us up at the airport to all activities and transportation. We stayed at Jumeirah Beach hotel, which has beautiful views of the ocean and you can see the Burj Al Arab from it as well. Over the next few days we had our personal guide, who gave us a comprehensive tour of Dubai. We learnt about the city’s Bedouin heritage, bold architecture, Emirati culture, politics/sheiks. We got to see all the major attractions, the gold souk, Atlantis, and of course the Burj Khalifa. The guide had our tickets ready for us, which was nice. It took us 60 seconds in the lift to get to the top of the world’s tallest building. The views from there were spectacular. Once you exit the Burj Khalifa you end up in Dubai Mall (one of the world’s largest shopping malls), so we ended up walking around the mall and ate at the food court. Our kids had to try the McArabia from McDonald’s, which they thought was pretty good.

After a few days in Dubai we went to the desert. The highlight of our trip was the desert/Qasr Al Sarab Resort. It was a magical place, absolutely breathtaking. The desert sand is so soft, fine and has multicolored hues of khaki and orange. We all enjoyed rolling around in the sand dunes, and seeing the magical sunsets. Getting from Dubai to Qasr Al Sarab was flawlessly planned. We had our own private driver who was flexible in case we needed to make stops, as we were traveling with two kids (ages 6 & 7). Arriving there felt like arriving at a Arabian palace, the kind you see in Aladdin. They greeted us with some dates and a yogurt drink which was cooling in the hot weather. The breakfast was amazing, a lavish buffet having a mix of local delights. We enjoyed the dates, local jams, omelettes, and fresh juices. All the excursions were perfectly organized. We went on a camel trek, which was a great experience and felt like something out of a movie. In the evenings we got a chance to have some fine Arabic cuisine set in a beautiful ambiance amidst the desert lit up by lanterns, fire pits and the stars above. Certainly a dream. We dined amidst the desert dunes, a Bedouin set-up of plush carpets and cushions serving lamb, cherry rice, variety of dips/hummus, and breads. Another highlight of our trip was dune bashing. My oldest son loved it and said he would do it again, while my youngest said it was terrible. I would say it was exhilarating, however not for everyone. I would recommend not eating an hour before doing it.

Our next stop was Abu Dhabi. It was a quick two-hour drive from the desert. We only spent a day in Abu Dhabi, and then went back to Dubai. Abu Dhabi’s highlight was the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. We were greeted by our tour guide, who was well prepared. She had an extra head scarf for my wife, as the dress code is very strictly enforced. She was a wealth of information and was able to get us into the mosque the most efficient way. The architecture and design of the mosque is something quite special. It has intricate designs of flowers and geometric designs carved on the walls and exquisite carpets and chandeliers inside. After the mosque our guide gave us a tour of Abu Dhabi. We requested to go to some local markets, as we needed to get some souvenirs. She took us to a quaint market where they had camel key chains, local embroidered pillowcases, Aladdin lamps which my kids loved.” —Adi Derasari

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Bhutan and India for Buddhist enlightenment (plus the Taj Mahal)

An herbal bath with a view at Bhutan’s Gangtey Lodge. Photo: Traveler Wendy Tucker

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African safari for shoulder-season value and animals galore

An elephant in Tarangire Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

An elephant in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. Photo: Carole Henderson from Pixabay

“We had a great trip arranged by Cherri and Katie, to Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking and then to the Serengeti in Tanzania for more wildlife viewing. The experience of being able to get so close to and observe elephants, giraffes, lions, gazelle, zebras, cheetah, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, leopard, hippos, golden and vervet monkeys, not to mention gorillas, in their natural habitat, is incomparable. Also incredible were the gorgeous birds, including storks and flamingos. We were also lucky to see black rhinos both in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater.

The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge was outstanding. The cottages were lovely. A wood-burning fire was lit every evening in our room, and sometimes on very cold mornings as well, by Felicien, our butler, who also brought coffee to the room. He helped us gear up for the gorilla treks, and assisted with hiking boot and leg gaiter removal when we were done. The treks themselves were physically demanding at high altitude but well worth it, and we were completely pampered when we got back to the lodge.

The lodge is community owned, and many staff members are from the nearby village. Felicien gave us a great tour and we were delighted to meet many of the people, including the beekeeper, the doctor/herbalist, and some charming women who showed me how to grind flour from sorghum. Easier than it looks!

We stayed at two different camps in Tanzania and our guides were outstanding. The game drives were amazing and the guides well informed. Our favorite was the Namiri Plains Camp, where you could look out your deck and watch elephants stroll by.” —Lisa Riggs

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Spring Break: Unusual Ideas for an Amazing Family Trip

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You may think that traveling over school holidays means you must tolerate crowds and inflated prices—and that’s true, if you head for a predictable destination like Hawaii or Mexico over spring break. But if you expand your horizons to consider the unexpected, spring can be a brilliant time to travel to places that aren’t in peak season. Our own team follows this advice: We’ve taken our families to Morocco, Namibia, and Southeast Asia during our kids’ spring breaks.

Below you’ll find more firsthand reports of family-friendly trips that were educational, active, and thrilling. These travelers all took advantage of a Trusted Travel Expert’s insider intel and careful planning to make the most of their kids’ limited time away from elementary school, high school, or college. Here’s what it means to get a WOW trip.

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Meeting a daughter studying in Spain: Andalusia’s countryside, Semana Santa in Seville…

A village with white houses and a church surrounded by mountains.

The White Villages of the Genal Valley in Malaga, Spain. Photo: Shutterstock

“My family had a wonderful 17-day trip to Spain planned by Iván. During the planning phase Iván listened closely to my goals for the trip and provided a number of relevant activities that would suit us. Perhaps the most memorable experience we had was a hike between two mountain villages in the Genal Valley. We walked along a path used by local villagers to tend their vegetable gardens and olive groves and ended at the home of a charismatic local chef where we enjoyed a lunch that might have been the best meal on our trip. It was gorgeous scenery and we didn’t encounter a single other tourist.

Another highlight was viewing Seville’s legendary Semana Santa processions from a private balcony. When rain caused delays we enjoyed drinking wine and practicing our Spanish with our gracious hosts. If you are considering a trip to Spain, and especially to Andalusia, you can’t go wrong with Iván. I hope to have reason to use his services again soon.” —Melissa Pollack

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Umbria and Rome: truffle hunting, soccer game, kid-friendly Vatican tour…

The ceiling of Sistine Chapel painted in fresco, Vatican, Rome.

The ceiling of Sistine Chapel in Vatican, Rome. Photo: Shutterstock

“I cannot say enough good things about our recent trip to Italy planned by Maria. I traveled with my husband and 9-year-old son to Umbria and Rome during our school spring break.

When Maria recommended making restaurant reservations in the weeks before our trip, I was too overwhelmed to even begin to choose, so I asked her if she could just book for us. We had wonderful meals every night (not a tourist trap in sight), and not having to stress about where to go was priceless.

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Belize with 6 people ranging in age from 17 to 60: “an unforgettable experience for the whole family”

Xunantunich Mayan ruins. Photo: Absolute Belize

In Ambergris Cay we stayed at the Alaia—loved this resort and our villa! Obviously the seaweed situation now is unfortunate, but nothing anyone can do and it affects many Caribbean and Mexican destinations. Loved our snorkeling trip—the reef here is amazing!

Then we moved on to the jungle and Ka-Ana resort—the rooms were very nice and the people were lovely and the special birthday dinner they put together for two members of our party who had a birthday while there was just amazing! This was our favorite part of the trip. All of the activities with Darryl of Unbelizable Adventures were amazing and we all loved Darryl as a guide—just the right balance for us of adventure and caution, of educating us but not droning on or being boring! The Caracol and Xunantunich Mayan ruin tours were amazing (lots of monkeys and wildlife too!), but the pontoon boat trip was an amazing highlight—I don’t think the description in the brochure does it justice! We all had the most amazing day.

All the flights and arrangements went very smoothly and we had a great trip and loved Belize!”—Regina Olshan

Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Oman with teens: “Varied landscapes, warm/friendly people, interesting culture and very few Americans”

Tracy Reller's daughter with a local little boy during the meal in Oman.

Tracy Reller’s daughter poses with a little boy during dinner in his family’s home.

“Our family (with two 17-year-olds) spent an amazing spring break in Oman! It offers varied landscapes, warm/friendly people, interesting culture and very few Americans. Dan did a great job planning a family trip that included a bit of everything Oman offers. We explored the capital of Muscat, visited mosques/forts/small towns/abandoned towns, snorkeled with turtles, dined with a local family, spent a night at a tent camp in the desert and hiked in wadis and mountains.

Our guide, Fahad, was superb and really added to our trip. We spent a good amount of time driving around the northern part of the country and had many interesting conversations about religion, daily life, challenges of our respective countries, history of Oman and Sultan Qaboos. This is the main reason we use Wendy Perrin and the travel specialists. You get built-in access to locals and closer to the local culture and way of life. Fahad was fine with our eating and drinking in the car despite his fasting during Ramadan and even stopped at grocery stores for us to get mid-day snacks, allowing us to eat despite many restaurants being closed during the day.

Our dinner with a local Omani family gave us a peek into their home life, such as seeing typical sibling interactions, eating on the floor and our teenagers engaging their 4-year-old boy in an amusing game of indoor soccer. We felt very fortunate to be able to share Iftar (fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during Ramadan) while learning about Ramadan, Omani education, family sizes and new foods.” —Tracy Reller

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Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman: city, desert and beach with a teen

Lauren Schor and family ventured into the desert outside Dubai via vintage Land Rovers.

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Malta with grandparents, children, and grandchildren ages 16 to 10

The Fisher Family enjoying a picnic lunch in Malta during their spring break trip.

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The Philippines: mother/daughter scuba diving trip

Andrea Phillips and her daughter on a boat about to do a dive in the Philippines.

Read more reviews of the Philippines trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Poland with teens: WWII history, ancestral roots, gingerbread…

Beautiful Krakow market square, Poland, Europe.

Krakow market square in Poland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our family of four (two boys, 17 and 15) did two weeks from Gdansk to Torun to Warsaw to Krakow. Gwen suggested Torun, a medieval city known for its gingerbread—which we loved and highly recommend. She also encouraged the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, and we are so happy she did—it was one of our favorites. In Warsaw a must-see is the museum POLIN (Jews in Poland). It is hands-down one of the best history museums we have ever visited and a can’t-miss in Warsaw. Gwen arranged a gingerbread-making class in Torun and a pierogi-making class in Krakow—these were both incredibly unique and memorable.

The most special part of our trip was Gwen arranging a driver and guide to take us to the small village two hours east of Krakow to the cemetery where my great-great grandparents were buried—and all we had to go on was an old print with a few sentences of my great-grandfather’s handwriting on the back.

Gwen’s guides made all the difference: At the Solidarity Museum in Gdansk, our guide Kasha shared how she remembered the day martial law was imposed because her son had an earache that day and she had to go out and get medicine—you can’t get that from a wall placard! And at the Schindler Museum in Krakow, Marta was able to navigate us through the throngs (like hundreds!) of people at the entrance. Similarly, at Auschwitz, our guide was able to get us quickly through the crowds and confusion.” —Julie Heimark

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Costa Rica with elementary, high school & college-age kids

White-Headed Capuchin monkey in Manuel Antonio, the rainforest of Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

Our next stop was La Paloma Lodge in Drake Bay, on the Osa Peninsula. The Sunset Rancho offered a fantastic view of the ocean, and the meals were great. Our excursion to Corcovado National Park was a highlight and we were able to see Howler Monkeys and troops of both White Faced Capuchin and Spider Monkeys. We also saw an arboreal anteater, Coatimundis, and a saltwater crocodile. Priscilla set up a wonderful night tour where we were able to see snakes, frogs, spiders, a scorpion, and even a fleeting glimpse of a Kinkajou. Cocolito Beach by the lodge offered some great waves for boogie boarding and never felt crowded. From beginning to end, Priscilla and the team provided a lot of details/organization so we could just enjoy the trip.” —Nelson Mongiovi

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Galapagos: small-boat cruise with a kid-friendly crew

photo of Sea turtle swimming underwater in the Galapagos island

Sea turtle swimming underwater in the Galapagos island. Photo: Shutterstock

We plan 90% of our travel on our own, but with a trip like this, which we thought would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we wanted to be 100% sure we got it right. We are so happy Wendy linked us up with Allie. Allie was essential to helping us sort through the blizzard of options (land-based or boat-based? which of a hundred boats? large or small? monohull or cat? four-day or longer? etc.). She helped us make it perfect. So perfect that maybe it won’t be once-in-a-lifetime.

The reason to go to the Galapagos is the geological and natural history, so I’ll start there. We saw blue-footed boobies, courting frigate birds, gulls, Galapagos hawks (hunting and eating marine iguanas!) and more. We encountered a number of Galapagos tortoises in the wild. In the water, on numerous snorkeling activities, we saw more types of reef fish than I could name, from little gobis and half-inch baby puffers up to tuna. Small sharks skimmed the bottom, oblivious of us. Penguins flashed by, within a few feet, as they hunted, and we actually saw them catching fish. We never sought out sea lions because as soon as we hit the water, they found us, swimming within inches of us in circles and loops, trying to get us to play with them. Pods of sea turtles munched on algae as we floated above, swimming so close to us at times that we actually had to struggle to swim away in order not to contact or disturb them. It was simply mind-boggling how many amazing animals we saw up close.

My 12yr old was captivated by being on a boat and got to know Marcello, the captain, and Rey, the first mate. They let him take the wheel a few times. Both were great with the kids aboard. On the zodiac boats that took us from the Elite to the shore, the guys who drove those boats also let our kids take the helm a couple times. The whole crew was super friendly and seemed committed to sharing their beautiful islands and making sure everyone left having had an extraordinary experience. They all had their specific jobs which they took seriously (it was a boat, after all, so it’s all serious at some point), but when they had time, they stepped outside their appointed roles to help guests or to point out interesting things. For example, one of the crew, Francis, snorkeled whenever he could and did a great job enhancing our experience, pointing out hard-to-spot creatures like sea cucumbers or rays camouflaged on the ocean bottom.

One unexpected aspect of the trip was the beauty of the islands. Had we never stepped ashore, the trip would have been memorable just for the gorgeous islands, striking sunsets, impressive vistas, and stunning beaches. I genuinely cannot think of anything that could be improved upon. We badly want to go again, bringing aunts, uncles, and cousins to share this exceptional experience.” —John Strachan

Read more reviews of Galapagos trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Southern Spain with daughters in college: food tours, an equestrian show, a Real Madrid Femeninos soccer match…

Aerial evening view of New Bridge over the Guadalevin River in Ronda, Andalusia. Photo: Shutterstock

“For the first of two weeks in Spain arranged by Pablo, my wife and my daughter who is about to graduate from college hit Seville, Cordoba, Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda, and Granada. It would be hard to pick a favorite, but the highlights were the bull ring and views in Ronda, the equestrian show and mini food tour in Jerez, the old town in Seville, and the Alhambra in Granada. The hotels were just what we asked Pablo for: small, boutique hotels with charm to spare.

Our second week saw us dropping our oldest at the airport and meeting our youngest, who is studying in Madrid for the spring. The highlight was being able to work with Pablo’s guide Alfonso, who took us through the Prado and through Toledo, El Escorial, and Segovia. Alfonso set us up with reservations at incredible restaurants for lunch in both Toledo and Segovia.

In Madrid we stayed at the Totem Hotel, which was absolutely fabulous. A sneaky favorite for us in Madrid was an unplanned visit to Alfredo di Stéfano stadium to see the Real Madrid Femeninos play a match. Another was an impromptu visit to an Arab bath in the lower part of a privately owned building in Toledo. This was only possible because of Alfonso’s incredible connections. Pablo and his team were great to work with, extremely accommodating, very well connected, and really delivered on what we asked for and more.” —Neil Theberge

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London and Oxford with teens: “Our best family vacation by far”

Wynne Wages and family at Windsor Castle.

“This was our best family vacation by far. My “royalist” daughter was in literal tears when we walked up to Buckingham Palace…and her enthusiasm didn’t wane throughout the entire trip. Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London…so many places were thrilling for her (and for all of us!). When Tanner wanted to go by the Lindo Wing steps, our London guide, Mark, made the time…and made her day! Trey was enthralled with the behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill War Rooms. We all were, actually.

Read more reviews of England trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Egypt: temples & museums for 8- and 9-year-olds

Part of the Mortuary temple of the Queen Hatshepsut (Dayr el-Bahari or Dayr el-Bahri), Western Bank of the Nile

Hatshepsut temple, Egypt. Photo: Shutterstock

“For spring break this year in early April, my husband and I took our 8- and 9-year old children to Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel — and then did a spectacular Nile cruise for a few days on a small dahabiya, ending in Luxor. Thanks to Jim‘s great team (and Arlene’s endless patience!) we were able to have the bucket-list family vacation of my dreams! We were taken care of every step of the way, met by kind guides and cool cars that helped up beat the heat while seeing loads of spectacular sites efficiently.

In Cairo, Max met us at the airport and sped us through security — he was a consummate gentleman. Iman, our guide, was deeply knowledgeable, and her ability to stay one step ahead of the crowds really made the difference when we visited the pyramids and Sphinx — where we had the Sphinx all to ourselves, silent in the morning! When our children faded early on our first day (a combination of much walking and the heat), Iman transitioned smoothly into dropping us off so the kids could rest. It was such a treat to be able to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum before it officially opened to the public — even though all of the spaces weren’t open to viewing, it was a tantalizing peek at a world-class institution.

We were grateful to have Max’s assistance navigating the Cairo airport for our domestic flight to Aswan — and when we arrived in Aswan, to stay at the Old Cataract was mind-blowing. We were in the newer tower of the hotel — it was slightly suboptimal to not have adjoining rooms, but they were on the same floor at least. The Philae temple and the quarry were astonishing. Our day trip down to Abu Simbel was a memory we will all cherish as well — the engineering feat that the Egyptian government & UNESCO accomplished by moving the temples to higher ground was truly an astonishing feat.

Our Nile cruise on a five-cabin dahabiya was beautiful and calm, and a lovely respite. I worried about bugs, but we didn’t have any problems, and the food was delicious — every meal was delicious! Our favorite temple was the Temple of Horus at Edfu; the Egyptologist on the boat was terrific and really picked up on our kids’ favorite gods and made a point of highlighting them when we’d tour sites, which really brought the temples to life for them.

We disembarked at Luxor and went straight to the temple there — the hypostyle hall full of columns is astonishing. From there, we went to the Valley of the Kings, where our guide recommended a set of tombs to visit. It was hottest in Luxor — fortunately the Al Moudira was a luxurious oasis!

After flying back to Cairo, we had an unexpected last day to fill due to an evening flight — so Max’s team stepped in and got us tickets to the mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and King Tut at the Egyptian Museum.

Read more reviews of Egypt trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Ireland with teens: “perfect mix of sightseeing, adventure, and downtime”

Killarney National Park with a scenic tour from Killarney Jaunting Cars.

Horse tour in Killarney National Park. 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 drive-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.

Portugal with teens: unique family-friendly experiences

Lisbon, Portugal skyline with Sao Jorge Castle

Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: Shutterstock

“Gonçalo arranged a two-week tour of Portugal for our family of four over spring break 2022. We spent six days in Lisbon, five days exploring the hilltop Templar castelos of Central Portugal, and then three nights in the Azores. Gonçalo and his team were very responsive and provided great support, and his hotel recommendations were spot on. We loved Hotel Bairro Alto in Lisbon—luxurious, great balcony for drinks and dining, fantastic location. And São Lourenço do Barrocal in the Alentejo is now up there with one of my favorites in the world—think a Portuguese Meadowood. Just an exquisite property, and I’m already dreaming of a return trip there.

Gonçalo planned many unique experiences for us—a graffiti workshop, dinner in a Portuguese home (the best food we ate the entire trip), rail biking outside Mervão (my 16-year-old’s favorite), stargazing in Dark Sky Alqueva (my 14-year-old’s favorite), and guided hiking in the Azores.

For me, the highlight of the trip was a picnic lunch in a nature reserve outside Sintra after braving the hordes at Pena Palace. We spent the most delightful two hours in a sunny, flower-filled meadow sipping vinho verde, enjoying delicious homemade food, and laughing and talking with Lara (the chef and foodie tour guide) and Tiago F. (our walking guide and one of the smartest and most entertaining guys we’ve met), discussing everything from the Oscars to Queirós. I felt like I was experiencing the best of authentic Portugal and its people.” —Julie Heimark

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Northern Italy with teens: private fashion, food, and Ferrari experiences

Pool view looking over the lake and mountains in Villa Balbiano, Lake Como, Italy.

Villa Balbiano, Lake Como, Italy. Photo: IC Bellagio

“For our trip to northern Italy in late March with our teen daughters (14 and 17), Andrea added value by arranging experiences that we would not have known about. First was a private experience with a couture fashion designer in her studio: We learned all about the couture and ready-to-wear markets, along with a crash course on fabrics, materials, etc….We even got to see seamstresses working on one-of-a-kind dresses.

On Lake Como we had an all-day private boat tour, and en route to Bologna we stopped at the Ferrari Museum for a private VIP tour. It was very interesting….even for non-car people! In Bologna a chef/guide met us at the hotel to walk us through the old food markets of Bologna. He taught us all about the local foods while we shopped for ingredients for our private cooking class that afternoon. The chef was entertaining and informative. Most importantly, we made the most amazing homemade pastas and sauces!

Next came Italy’s Piedmont region, best known for wine and truffles. Andrea’s group had recommended a hotel that opened last year called Casa di Langa, located in the hills outside of Alba. This hotel was amazing, and the views from our room were stunning. The Piedmont region is completely underrated!!! It has the beauty of Tuscany without the crowds. My husband is an avid wine collector and had requested a tour of the Gaia winery in a local village. Gaia is not open to the public for tours, but Andrea used her connections to set up a private tour and tasting for us that was definitely a highlight for my husband!

On our last day, we were taken to a private home of two brothers who truffle hunt. After a truffle tutorial, we made our way up into the hills with our truffle hunting dog. It was so exciting to actually find truffles in the ground! We proceeded back to the house for an amazing selection of local cheese, salami and olive oil…..with a generous portion of truffles slices on top! Back in Alba, we wandered the narrow streets filled with locals. Northern Italy was a special area that we can’t wait to go back to!!” —Jennifer Mann

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Egypt, Jordan, Israel: Middle East adventures with teens

With the right strategy, you too can see the Pyramids without crowds marring your view. Photo: Traveler Beth Nury

“Arlene 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 at one of its six restaurants, Riviera. Arlene took a calculated risk and 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. The staff was attentive and friendly and there was a good variety of food. 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, Remunda, 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.

One of our favorite memories was the food tour in Cairo. Our tour guide, Amina, did a great job and took us to some authentic neighborhood spots that locals frequent, like a juice bar that used over 10 fruits indigenous to Egypt. Kudos to her for finding restaurants that were open early (prior to 8:00), during Ramadan!

Following Egypt, we moved on to Jordan for three nights. We specifically requested a stop in Amman so our 18-year-old daughter, who lived there in July 2022 while learning Arabic, could show us her neighborhood and school. We capped our Jordan adventure with a two-day visit to Petra. Petra is worth the hype and has definitely earned its Wonder of the World status. The archaeological park is over 2,500 acres and provides plenty of space and freedom to walk and explore the numerous rock-cut architectural masterpieces.

We finished our Middle East adventure by staying four nights in Israel. We toured Old City Jerusalem by entering through the Jaffa Gate and meandering through the four quarters to see the mix of architecture and learn more about how religious groups lived harmoniously despite different beliefs.

We will never forget the tour of the West Bank. Our tour guide, Daphna, drove us to an area very close to the Israeli military checkpoint where we nervously waited for her friend Iesaa. When he arrived, we quickly hopped into his car and drove away. Iessa gave us an inside tour of the West Bank, highlighted by a tour of Bethlehem/Church of the Nativity. While stuck in traffic, he pointed out some Bansky graffiti and drove us through a refugee camp. He explained the politics, his perspective on the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict and his hope for the future.

Other trip highlights that we would recommend for any future Middle East travel include: day trip to Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings and a caleche ride to see the Temple of Horus at Edfu.”—Beth Nury

Read more reviews of Egypt trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO DUBAI AND ABU DHABI

Dubai & Abu Dhabi: city sights and desert adventures with 6- and 7-year-olds

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is 2,722 feet tall, making it the tallest building in the world—for now. Photo: BS1920/Pixabay

After a few days in Dubai we went to the desert. The highlight of our trip was the desert/Qasr Al Sarab Resort. It was a magical place, absolutely breathtaking. The desert sand is so soft, fine and has multicolored hues of khaki and orange. We all enjoyed rolling around in the sand dunes, and seeing the magical sunsets. Getting from Dubai to Qasr Al Sarab was flawlessly planned. We had our own private driver who was flexible in case we needed to make stops, as we were traveling with two kids (ages 6 & 7). Arriving there felt like arriving at an Arabian palace, the kind you see in Aladdin. They greeted us with some dates and a yogurt drink which was cooling in the hot weather. The breakfast was amazing, a lavish buffet having a mix of local delights. We enjoyed the dates, local jams, omelettes, and fresh juices. All the excursions were prefectly organized. We went on a camel trek, which was a great experience and felt like something out of a movie. In the evenings we got a chance to have some fine Arabic cuisine set in a beautiful ambiance amidst the desert lit up by lanterns, fire pits and the stars above. Certainly a dream. We dined amidst the desert dunes, a Bedouin set-up of plush carpets and cushions serving lamb, cherry rice, variety of dips/hummus, and breads. Another highlight of our trip was dune bashing. My oldest son loved it and said he would do it again, while my youngest said it was terrible. I would say it was exhilarating, however not for everyone. I would recommend not eating an hour before doing it.

Read more reviews of Dubai and Abu Dhabi trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Colombia: cities, coastline, coffee country…

Cartagena de Indias/Colombia, 06/05/2020: The vintage colonials facades of San Diego neighborhood in the heart of walled city

The San Diego neighborhood is lined with colorful facades. Photo: Shutterstock

“Boris and his team were absolutely invaluable in helping us have an unforgettable family trip. We hired them for their pre-trip planning expertise, but what was unexpectedly amazing was being able to truly enjoy our time and not spend part of each day debating what to do, see or eat. This is a huge bonus, especially with a multi-generational family group full of opinionated people. Having a great plan in place allowed us all to actually relax and enjoy our family time pretty much from Day One.

Our tours were amazing, especially the music and art tours in Bogota and Palenque (so beautiful and culturally rich)! Cartagena is incredibly special; we enjoyed soaking it all in. The coffee region was so different—lush, green and peaceful. We adored Casa Medina and Hacienda Bambusa — gorgeous, high-quality, unique hotels with superb staff. If we had it to do over again, we probably shouldn’t have arranged quite so much activity, so that we could have relaxed at our wonderful hotels a bit more.” —Erin Texeira

Read more reviews of Colombia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST

Israel, Jordan, Egypt: 2 weeks with a family of 8

Petra, Jordan. Photo: ChiemSeherin/Pixabay

“We recently travelled to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt with extended family on a trip planned by Dan. It was an amazing trip, and he made all our requests happen despite Passover, Ramadan, and Easter all taking place during our travel. With great planning, we were able to see all the major sites and packed many interesting experiences into our two weeks. Having a private guide and driver took the stress out of managing travel during our family vacation and created an experience where we were able to do and see a lot more than a typical tour. Our guides were truly experts in each region and connected us with friendly locals and great restaurants.

With the situation changing in Israel shortly before our trip, Dan was in contact with the local guides right up to our departure, and proposed alternative locations and timing to ensure we did not experience any disruption. Dan and our guides made sure every border crossing was smooth, airport transfers were easy, and had people waiting for us in each location to ensure we never had to worry.

Highlights of our trip included traveling from Tel Aviv to the Sea of Galilee (Cesarea, Akko, Haifa, Tiberias), time exploring Jerusalem, and time in Bethlehem. We visited Amman and Jerash, stayed in Bubble tents in Wadi Rum, and experienced the wonder of Petra. Finally, we travelled to Egypt where we visited the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, and visited Islamic and Coptic Cairo. Our guides timed each experience so that we missed the crowds, and used their expertise to bring each site to life. I highly recommend working with Dan and his office.”—Amy Johnston

Read more reviews of The Middle East trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Ireland with three teens in late February, with a magical driver/guide

Slea Head, Drive Dingle, Ireland. Photo courtesy Jonathon Epstein

Slea Head, Drive Dingle, Ireland. Photo: Jonathan Epstein

“With three and a half weeks’ notice, Jonathan planned a fabulous 10-day trip to Ireland for our family of two adults and three teens. We stayed two nights in Dublin, and then our fabulous guide, Brendan, picked us up and spent the next eight days driving us around. We spent three nights in Galway and three in Cork. During the days, we explored the countryside and visited both historic landmarks and out-of-the-way finds. Along the way, Brendan charmed us with his unending knowledge of historical facts, local stories, jokes, and quick wit. As Jonathan had predicted, Brendan is now on our Christmas card list!

Each family member loved learning about the rich history and culture of Ireland. Our kids, aged 20, 18, and 14, were the perfect ages for this trip, as there was so much to learn but also a lot of time in the car to see the far-flung rural sites. We were fortunate to attend a Gaelic football game where Brendan, a former player, could explain all the rules. The kids are very into sports, so this was a definite highlight. In all, the itinerary was a perfect mix for all our interests, and the right amount of moving from one hotel to another.

We were aware how much work Jonathan and Brendan did to make sure we were treated as VIPs everywhere we went. Our schedule frequently changed on the fly, due to weather or our wish to stay longer to learn more about a particular place, and Brendan was able to arrange upcoming situations to fit, every time. He could always call ahead to the perfect restaurant to get us right in, and he knew people everywhere we went to pave our way. We received the royal treatment wherever we went, and problems we faced were quickly arranged away.

Each of us are experienced travelers, but we would not have been able to do the volume of planning required to make this trip happen so well and so quickly, or to sit back, relax, and experience all the joys of Ireland while trying to manage the myriad logistics on our own.” —Jarvis Weld

Read more reviews of Ireland trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Oman: local interactions & desert adventures with a 7-year-old

Traditional Omani dishes. Photo: Shutterstock

“We can’t say enough good things about the two-week Oman trip Dan and his team planned for us over spring break. Dan was responsive and thoughtful, putting together a trip that balanced immersion in a completely different culture with enough outdoor adventure for us while not daunting our 7-year-old. From bustling Muscat with an incredible home-stay dinner where our kid spent the night playing and laughing with our hosts’ children, to being way off the grid climbing sand dunes for a technicolor sunset in the desert, and walking through ancient villages in the mountains, it was an unforgettable adventure.

Our guides on the ground were flawless: knowledgeable, kind, and adaptable, with real substantive contacts and knowledge. They set up coffee and dates with a Bedouin family, showed our kiddo how to pet and meet camels, and adjusted plans seamlessly when a sandstorm blew up. Our WOW Moment from Wendy was a special surprise: a glorious five-course dinner under the stars looking over an enormous mountainside canyon. It was an amazing trip and wouldn’t have happened without Dan.” —Katherine Sanders

Read more reviews of Oman trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO OMAN

Spain: Madrid and Andalusia during a semester abroad

The Cathedral in Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz Province, Andalusia. Photo: Shutterstock

“Virginia planned and executed the perfect family trip to Spain at the end of March to visit my son, who was studying for the semester in Madrid. She balanced the itinerary between spending time with my son in Madrid, to see his life there, and traveling throughout Andalusia.

She coordinated a private lunch at a castle with the owner, to learn about the history of the castle and the family that has owned it for generations. Our planned fishing trip in Marbella was cancelled because of the weather, and she adjusted the itinerary so that we could spend more time in Granada to see the Cathedral and tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. All of the transportation between cities was seamless and the drivers were all professional.” —Amy Goldberg

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Belize: beach & jungle with teens

Footbridge over river in tranquil forest in Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

“Patricia crafted a wonderful itinerary for our family of four. She did a great job helping me think through how to spend our week in Belize, and explaining the options for activities and accommodation in various parts of the country. We spent 3 nights in the Cayó district in the west (Mayan sites, caving, canoeing) and 4 nights in Placencia on the beach. Her recommendations were spot-on and the tours/activities she organized were great.

Only regret: I wish we had opted for more activity on some days—there was a lot of sitting during driving, canoeing, small-boat fishing—but it felt important when booking to keep things unstructured. Patricia asked all the right questions along the way. We had a fantastic time!” —Sarah Wigglesworth

Read more reviews of Belize trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Mexico: mother/daughter trip in nature

Sea lions swimming in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“Zach and his wonderful team planned the most outstanding mother-daughter spring break trip to Baja California, Mexico, for my 20-year-old and me. We were interested in a nature-focused experience, spending all of our time on whale watching, sea lions, whale sharks, etc. Zach was so thoughtful, spending a series of phone calls with me figuring out what kind of travelers we were and what kind of experiences would be right. He then proposed the perfect itinerary, including four days in a remote whale-watching camp alongside time in La Paz on private boat excursions to key wildlife sites.

We weren’t excited about spending time in busy Cabo, and he found us an under-the-radar boutique hotel that checked all our boxes (quiet, beautiful, excellent service). The trip was flawlessly executed, thanks to his colleague Carolina’s careful detail work and real-time monitoring. She went out of her way to figure out where we could skip logistics steps and bypass lines. It couldn’t have run more smoothly during a very crowded time in Baja.” —Cate Bradley

Read more reviews of Mexico trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

England: London, the Cotswolds, posh hotels, Harry Potter…

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

“We traveled to London and the Cotswolds in March. Jonathan and his team helped pick the perfect hotels for us: in London, The Goring, and in the Cotswolds, Lucknam Park. Our transfers and all of the details that can be very tedious and annoying were all seamless and we didn’t have any kind of logistical stress during our whole trip.

The tours they chose for us were perfect, and we got guides that were great for our family. We especially loved the Mini Cooper Harry Potter tour, and our tour of Oxford and the Cotswolds. Jonathan helped us organize our days so that each day was special but not overwhelmingly busy. T

he Goring was so charming and English: the bar, breakfast service, and afternoon tea were great, the rooms were beautiful, and the location is great too. In the Cotswolds, Lucknam Park is a beautiful, expansive property. My daughter loves horses, and my son loves being in nature, so it was a great change of pace from London and a relaxing way to end our trip.

This is our second time using Wendy Perrin and it certainly won’t be our last. Before, we always figured with the internet you really don’t need a travel agent. But we have learned that the value-add makes it well worth it. The headaches are removed, the itinerary is thoughtfully organized, and you have access to special experiences you wouldn’t otherwise have.” —Jessica and Steve Martin

Read more reviews of England trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Morocco with three kids, ages 3, 7, and 9

Camel trek through the Sahara Desert, Morocco. Photo: Tim Baker

“Just got back from spring break in Morocco with my three kids (ages 3, 7, and 9). We never could have planned an experience as wonderful as what Hicham and Radia planned for us. We rode camels, went ATVing along the ocean, and my girls love couscous. We loved our private local guide, chosen for us by Hicham and Radia. He has three kids himself and was empathetic to the occasional chaos.

My snake-loving daughter loved the cobras and snakes she was able to hold. My 7-year-old got a fever and cough and our guide helped us find medicine for her. Honestly, it is always an adventure to travel, but with three kids we have to be able to pivot, and pause. Everyone was so helpful and kind. The Four Seasons was perfect for kids. The beach was beautiful. We feel so lucky to have been on this trip!” —Mary Ko

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Portugal with teens: culture, cooking classes, Coasteering…

Pessegueiro Island (or Ilha do Pessegueiro) on the Vincentina Coast, Algarve, Portugal. Photo: Goncalo Correia

“We had a fantastic time in Portugal, in spite of rain throughout the 10-day trip and a once-every-20-year sandstorm that blanketed the country for three days.

Our trip began in Porto, where we stayed in a beautiful hotel within walking distance to shops and good food. We had an amazing cooking class at an estate outside the city that had been in the owner’s family for 18 generations. Next we spent time in the Algarve, where Gonçalo booked us at a wonderful resort on the beach and we spent the afternoons exploring nearby towns.

We spent the end of our trip in Lisbon, where our amazing local guide was able to engage our three teenage girls and keep all of us interested in the history and sights. We took a sailing trip and did an amazing Coasteering activity along the coast that the girls loved. It involved cliff jumping, rock climbing and swimming. We were freezing, but adrenaline kept us going, and the wetsuits helped.

Gonçalo arranged a trip exactly as we requested: some history, some culture, and some active adventure. If only he could have controlled the weather, it would have been a perfect trip.” —Karyn Sallus

Read more reviews of Portugal trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Switzerland with an 8- and 11-year-old

Monte Bre, Ticino, Switzerland. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our Switzerland trip with Philipp and Nina was incredible. They planned a trip that made everyone in our family happy. Not an easy task with an 8- and 11-year-old! We were supposed to take this trip pre-COVID and had to postpone. Philipp worked with us for over a year until we could actually travel. He planned a well-thought-out trip for Spring that really showed us diverse aspects of Switzerland. We could not have asked for a better agent!” —Tara Robertson

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 AUSTRIA OR THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Israel: adventure thrills + connecting a 12- and 15-year-old with local people with a range of perspectives

Paragliding over Masada. Israel.

“Joe listened carefully to the type of travelers we are and the experiences we wished to have in Israel and arranged our itinerary accordingly. Highlights for us were lunch with a Druze family, a visit with a Palestinian family in the West Bank, a briefing in the Golan Heights with an IDF reservist, powered paragliding, Krav Maga class, a Jeep tour, an ATV ride, and our guide Itay’s amazing storytelling at Masada.

Our kids (ages 12 and 15) liked that we incorporated adventurous experiences into our itinerary. Itay connected well with our children (a priority for us) and even called on friends to answer our questions when he knew of someone with specialized knowledge in the area about which we were asking. We learned so much on this trip because of the team’s ability to connect us with people who had different points of view. That gave the trip real value for us.” —Jennifer Milano

Read more reviews of Israel trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ISRAEL

London: private backstage tours, East End neighborhoods not mentioned in any guidebooks…

Evening view of London. Photo: Visit Britain

“My daughter is a huge Harry Potter fan, so we wanted to go to the Warner Brothers Studio outside of London. Admission tickets were sold out when we started our planning, but Wendy’s recommended London specialist was able to secure tickets from a secondary source.

He also got us amazing seats to two requested West End shows and arranged great tours for us that lined up with our interests. We had a private backstage tour of the National Theatre, a place I never would have discovered on my own. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting London. We were surprised at how large the Theatre is and how much actually takes place there—the prop building (including their own wood and metal shops), rehearsals, public education spaces, and several stages.

We also enjoyed a three-hour guided tour of the food, street art, and culture of the East End. Our guide showed us parts of the East End that were not mentioned in any guidebooks that I had reviewed. My friend who lives outside of London and joined us on the tour, and who had been on several of these East End tours, said she saw so many new things.” —Nancy Wolf

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

START A TRIP TO LONDON

Vienna & Prague: trip for a piano-loving teen

The mathematical hall of the Strahov Convent Library, Prague, The Czech Republic. Photo: Shutterstock

Our itinerary included visits to Mozart’s and Beethoven’s apartments in Vienna; the cemetery where Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, and Schönberg are buried; and an exhibit that included one of Mozart’s original manuscripts. In Prague she arranged visits to a collection that included the original score to Beethoven’s third symphony, as well as access to the Strahov Library, which travelers typically only get to view from a distance but where we got to wander among the stacks!” —Adam Amsterdam

Read more reviews of Austria and The Czech Republic trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Costa Rica with four kids, ages 8 to 15

Hot springs in Costa Rica. Photo: Shutterstock

“Traveling as a family of six is not easy! We have four children between the ages of 8 and 15, each more adventurous than the next. We needed a spring break that would keep them entertained but also allow us the leisure time we really needed. Priscilla put together a perfectly balanced vacation for us in Costa Rica. Everyone was happy! She suggested we spend our week in two areas—Arenal (volcano and rainforest) and Manuel Antonio (beach). In Arenal, we swam in thermal hot springs, zip-lined through the rainforest, walked the hanging bridges of the rainforest canopy, and went white-water rafting. In Manuel Antonio, we spent quality time at the beach, surfing, boogie boarding, and relaxing. Priscilla and her team arranged all of our travel details (flights, hotels, activities, transfers to and from), and they really went out of their way to make sure our vacation was memorable. All we had to do was sit back and enjoy!”—Kara Lawler

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Croatia: a mix of history, art, culture, and Game of Thrones

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. We saw and learned so much more than we could have seen on our own. 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

Christmas and New Year’s Trips Loved By Your Fellow Travelers

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These creative and rewarding holiday-time trips have been some of our readers’ favorites…with a little help from our WOW List of top travel specialists. Read on for inspiration for your next holiday getaway. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

START A WOW HOLIDAY TRIP

Caribbean Yacht Charter: “Everyone in my family not only declared this easily our best yacht experience but our best fun-and-sun trip!”

Travelers having dinner on a boat yacht charter.

The Shapiro family aboard their yacht in the British Virgin Islands.

“I reviewed Wendy’s WOW List and saw there was a ‘Yacht Charters’ section but no specific WOW List expert(s) highlighted, only a button to ‘ASK WENDY’ if interested. I emailed Wendy and conveyed what we were thinking. The response was, ‘We do not yet have a yacht WOW expert BUT are currently working with someone who handles different parts of the world for private yacht charters, including the Caribbean/BVI, who we have high hopes for. With that caveat, we will gladly put you in contact with her if you’d like. Her name is Mandy.’ Why not?

Sidebar: I have since learned that there is a rigorous, extensive and extended vetting process for any travel expert who makes The WOW List. Moreover, The WOW List is constantly being evaluated, which is why reviews and honest feedback are so important. I’ve also learned and seen that making The WOW List does not guarantee one will stay on The WOW List. The WOW experts earn (or can lose) their place on The List with every trip. I love this!

I started communicating with Mandy and liked her and was impressed immediately. Mandy’s intelligent questions, professionalism, enthusiasm, very apparent expertise and experience with private yacht charters, detailed and prompt (very important to me) follow-up, really trying to thoroughly understand what we liked and didn’t like from our past yacht experiences, and perhaps most important, what we wanted in our BVI yacht adventure, was all giving me a confidence and comfort level.

This BVI yacht charter was just going to be for our family of four. Based upon our past experiences, we only needed three cabins and a boat ranging in size from 55’ to 80’ would work well. We also felt a total crew of two (captain and chef) would be perfectly fine for our family of four. I wanted a beautiful, upscale, elegant, very comfortable, good size cabins each with a shower and toilet, ideally with good Wi-Fi, well maintained, luxurious boat. I wanted lots of toys—water skiing, 2-person kayak, 2 paddle boards, snorkeling gear, etc. I wanted an experienced, safety-minded captain who on our 7 days’ charter would give us a BVI greatest hits with the islands we visit. Equally important, I wanted an awesome chef!

It was because of Mandy’s private yachting expertise and experience that she knew of an amazing boat and crew that was doing charters in the Bahamas and became aware that they were switching to the BVI for the upcoming season and called me immediately. I loved what I saw and we locked it up immediately and this was 14 months prior to our trip. TIP: I’ve learned finding the right boat and crew and using an excellent yacht broker like Mandy is critical to having a great experience, so give yourself plenty of time to do your research and then lock it up.

My family and I were blown away by this boat and crew! Everything about it was amazing and met or exceeded my criteria! The meals we had on the yacht were some of the best food we’ve had anywhere in the world! This entire 7-day yacht experience from start to finish FAR exceeded all of our expectations! It was absolutely perfect! We all LOVED it! Everyone in my family not only declared this easily our best yacht experience but our best fun-and-sun trip! We will always be grateful to WP and Mandy for making this BVI private yacht trip one of our most memorable family experiences!” —Andy Shapiro

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

Sydney and Tasmania: “We boarded Sydney’s newest super yacht, The Jackson, for a night of dinner and music right in Sydney Harbour…”

The Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline from Milsons Point. Photo: Tourism Australia

“We chose Stuart and Jacki to plan our Tasmanian adventure, but before heading to Tassie, we had an incredible evening enjoying the excitement of a Sydney New Year’s Eve Celebration that could have only been orchestrated by a true professional like Jacki. Jacki made all the arrangements and everything fell into place without even the slightest hitch. That evening, we boarded Sydney’s newest super yacht, The Jackson, for a night of dinner and music right in Sydney Harbour. I mean, seriously, we were front and center for the show. Dinner was a multi-course extravaganza with an open bar and Veuve Clicquot flowing as a live band played. We first were treated to the 9 pm family fireworks show and then witnessed the grand finale (I should say great beginning of 2024) as the most amazing fireworks we’ve ever seen exploded above us. We fell into bed in the wee hours of 1 January 2024, but were up again before long to catch a flight to Tasmania.

There we picked up our rental vehicle and began our six-day adventure around the island. We are confident that we saw places we would never have known existed without Jacki’s detailed plan. Jacki handled all our dinner reservations, and you can believe me when I say that we had some mighty fine food and wine, as well as super fun wine tastings. We even had a vodka tasting of vodka distilled from sheep whey. Our adventure ended in Hobart, where we had an excellent tour guide. Our fellow travelers had never used a member of Wendy Perrin’s WOW List but they quickly declared Jay, our guide, as the best guide they had ever had on any tour.

There is no way that we could have planned our incredible Australian adventure without the help of an experienced professional. When people tell me that they like to “discover places themselves” and don’t want help planning a trip, I think about how misguided this approach to travel is and how much they are missing, but some people firmly hold onto this idea and can’t be swayed. Too bad for them. We’ve had the most memorable trips with the help of The WOW List.” —Ruth Anne Lawson

Read more reviews of Australia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Sri Lanka: “We saw beautiful Buddha temples…hiked mountains with spectacular views, went on a jeep safari…”

Travelers taking a photo with the elephants on a safari in Sri Lanka.

Pam Greenstein and family saw elephants on their Sri Lanka safari.

Read more reviews of Sri Lanka trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Peru: “We visited many Inca sites. We also had a day of whitewater rafting. The Urubamba market is open twice a week, so we took the opportunity to shop with the locals.”

The Sacred Valley in Peru. Photo: Shutterstock

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 EASTERN EUROPE

Eastern Europe: “Our final day in Krakow was spent making pierogi with Marta in her home.”

The Nury family learn how to make pierogi. Photo: Traveler Doug Nury

“The current state of our world is disheartening. Our March 2023 travels (arranged by a Wendy Perrin WOW List agent) took us to Israel as tourists, never imagining that seven months later, Israel would be at war with Gaza. Since October 7, our family regularly discusses the conversations we had with our two tour guides, Daphne (Israel) and Isla (West Bank) about the conflict and how both of them want a peaceful but fair solution. Through our vast international travel experiences, our family has learned to seek as many perspectives as possible, particularly from non-US citizens on domestic and international issues. As a result, we jumped at the opportunity for Gwen to plan an Eastern European trip over Christmas, not only to enjoy the Christmas traditions and markets, but also to hear the views of Europeans very close to the Ukrainian/Russian conflict.

Gwen’s tour guides were the best part of our trip. During our first four days in Budapest, Julia explained to us the devastating history of the Jewish population and how close to 500,000 citizens were murdered during WWII. She also arranged an enjoyable boat tour (the boat had heat!) on the chilly Danube, pointing out architectural landmarks on the Buda and Pest side, while cruising on the river.

In Prague, our guide Christina spent the rainy morning with us inside the Strahov Monastery, an active monastery that houses the largest collection of Bibles in the world, and gave us a VIP tour of its two main halls, the Philosophical and Theological halls. In Poland, we toured Auschwitz privately with Wojtek Smolen, a tour guide with over 30 years of experience who had two family members imprisoned at the concentration camp. His narration and walking tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau was fact-based, with no political slant. The things I saw that day—the massive size and scope of the concentration camp, the vast piles of victims’ strands of hair, abandoned shoes and suitcases on display—will forever be tattooed on my brain.

Following Auschwitz, we drove back to Krakow and met Julie at the Krakow History Museum, which is located at Oscar Schindler’s factory, for a tour of Krakow before, during and after the Nazi occupation. The museum is well done and definitely worth visiting. Our final day in Krakow was spent making pierogi with Marta in her home. While rolling out dough, adding the fillings and pinching the pierogi before dropping it into the boiling water, she told us how she housed eight Ukrainians for two months at the onset of the war and is concerned about the conflict due to the proximity of Poland to Ukraine.

My husband and I hope that this trip punctuated the importance of visiting historical relics and learning from experts at the site about past events instead of watching a YouTube video for our teenagers (ages 19 and 16). It’s also essential to engage with people worldwide to gain insight on their perspective of US leadership and diplomacy.” —Beth Nury

Read more reviews of Eastern Europe trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Galapagos, Andes, Amazon: “Allie even arranged for a private family photo shoot on the most beautiful beach!”

Lauren Schor and family catch up with a giant tortoise in the Galapagos.

“Allie did an amazing job planning our 13-day multi-generational family trip to Ecuador for Christmas 2023. We started planning almost a year in advance. Most accommodations are smaller, with about 20 rooms total, and I would definitely suggest planning this trip well in advance, as availability dictated the outline of our trip from the beginning of the planning process. And we LOVED all of the places we stayed!

Read more reviews of Galapagos and Amazon trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS OR AMAZON

Norway & Copenhagen: “We got to see the Christmas lights in Tivoli Gardens and took a ride on a wild roller coaster, wandered with some hot drinks…”

Kate Ogg and son Will see the northern lights from the driveway of their lodge in Alta.

Kate Ogg and son Will see the northern lights just outside 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

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START A TRIP TO SCANDINAVIA

Panama: “We stayed in the old part of Panama City—very charming and beautifully decorated for the holidays.”

Casco Viejo of Panama City. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband, 21-year-old son, and I had a fabulous time in Panama, organized by Pierre and his team. We were late in planning the trip for the week after Christmas but Pierre was able to help us with the right recommendations and accommodations. We stayed in the old part of Panama City—very charming and beautifully decorated for the holidays. Seeing the Panama Canal was the highlight of the trip for us—an absolute must-do for anyone visiting. We could not visit the private exhibit halls because they were unexpectedly closed, due to no fault of Pierre’s, but he was kind enough to treat us to a dinner to make up for it. We also visited monkey island (taking a boat next to big ships in the canal was awesome) and the sloth sanctuary.

We visited Boquete in the mountains for 3 nights and absolutely loved it. It still retains the charm of cloud forests without the commercialization of Costa Rica’s Monteverde. Highlights there included an adventurous 4×4 jeep ride to the top of Baru Volcano for sunrise and seeing both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, a fun cooking experience with the chef of Ngadri restaurant, hanging bridges, and tour of a coffee plantation.

We celebrated New Year’s in Panama City at one of the rooftop restaurants with great music and an excellent multi-course dinner and Champagne. Very memorable. All 3 of us really enjoyed Panama and look forward to going back again.” —Tina Hunt

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START A TRIP TO PANAMA

Egypt: “On our last night of the cruise, we went sand surfing in Aswan. It was a blast!”

Travelers on a camel ride near the Pyramids of Giza.

Ashley Point and her family on a camel ride near the Pyramids of Giza.

“Wow! What an amazing trip. We just returned from Egypt. Jim, Glenda, and their team did an extraordinary job planning our 2-week trip. Our family of 5, including 3 kids aged 6-11 years old, started in Cairo with the Pyramids of Giza (including camel and ATV rides around the pyramids). Our guide, Eman Shawky Mahmoud, was wonderful. She is pursuing her PhD in archaeology and knows everything about Egypt. Our 11-year-old had just completed ancient history and he asked so many questions and she answered them all. For three days we toured pyramids, museums, etc. We all enjoyed climbing into two pyramids. We also did a Bellies en Route walking food tour. It was wonderful to see and taste the city with the help of a local. We stayed in connecting rooms at the Four Seasons. The food, service and rooms were top-notch.

After 4 days we flew to Luxor and met with our second guide, Bishoy George. He has two children and knew how to accommodate our needs when the kids were tired. He too is an expert on the history and culture of Egypt. We stayed at the Winter Palace. It was beautiful. The kids woke up Christmas morning to stockings filled with candy and gifts from the hotel!

After two nights, we boarded the M/S Farah and cruised the Nile. This smaller boat (120 passengers) was perfect for our family. The pool was a nice distraction after a long day of touring. They offered to make special meals for the kids, but they weren’t needed because the kids loved all of the dishes served. The staff on the Farah were the best, with their towel creations each night, ice cream every afternoon, and very clean accommodations. George met us at each port and showed us around each city. He answered all of our questions about the history, culture, politics, and people of Egypt. On our last night of the cruise, we went sand surfing in Aswan. It was a blast! The next day we flew to Abu Simbel, then back to Cairo to enjoy two more days with Eman at the GEM and Islamic Cairo.

Jim addressed all of our safety concerns, but we trusted that he knew Egypt best, and he did. We never felt unsafe. The Egyptians were kind and friendly and happy to share their beautiful country with us. We are already booking our next trip with a WOW planner!” —Ashley Point

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Paris: “A trip fit for royalty…”

The Palace of Versailles. Photo: Shutterstock

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.

Jennifer and staff were in touch with us daily. They helped with dinner ideas and anything we needed or asked for. We had a concierge service at the airport on both ends, making it easy to maneuver. I can’t say enough about Jennifer and her staff who gave us a perfect trip in such a short period of time. 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. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Australia: “We were able to have a private snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef—both the inner and outer reefs…”

The Bengtzen family spent a day snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef from a private yacht.

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Belize: “We were looking for a Christmas-week alternative to our typical beach-resort experience where we stay at the hotel and rarely venture out.”

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

Everything they planned was just what we asked for. 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.

The snorkeling guides were really great and considerate, especially to those who were bit anxious. The guide made sure we saw the sharks and turtles. On our second snorkel day, we saw a jeweled damselfish, and that alone was worth the trip. How that can exist in nature is amazing. And the corals were spectacular. Rachael had insisted that we add that second half-day snorkel to our trip, and I was glad she did.

As Belize is an English-speaking country, that made it very easy to communicate with everyone. We also enjoyed learning from our guides and drivers about the different cultures. Everyone we interacted with was kind and keen to make sure we were happy.” —Kathryn Barden

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Colombia: “On our final day, we visited the very vibrant, and exciting, Comuna 13, where urban art and music are thriving.”

Sliding in Medellin's hilly Comuna 13 neighborhood.

Lynn Herrick’s son tries out a slide in Medellin’s hilly Comuna 13 neighborhood. Photo: Traveler Lynn Herrick

“This was a family trip with my three college-aged kids and my husband. So, we wanted a bit of history, a bit of adventure, a bit of culture and a lot of fun. Our trip started in Cartagena with the best tour guide ever, Will. Not only was Will’s dad the mayor of Cartagena, so we got to visit town hall, but he quickly got to know each of us and tailored our tours to our personalities. The kids even scheduled a secret outing with him to surprise me with emerald earrings for my birthday!

In Cartagena we ate street food we would have never tried, learned salsa dancing, took a cooking class with a cantankerous French chef and made the best ceviche ever, went canoeing in the mangroves, learned to drum with a local group, and participated in a rum and cacao tasting. We also fell in love with this hot, romantic, beautiful Caribbean town.

Next on the itinerary was the coffee region. We visited the Wax Palm trees, zip-lined, rafted, and spent a special morning at a coffee plantation. We all loved learning about the coffee industry in Colombia, enjoyed the delicious lunch that was served, and agreed the organic coffee was special.

We spent our last three nights in Medellin. While we learned about Colombia’s violent history throughout the trip, this was our opportunity to visit the countryside and hear from farmers how both the left-wing guerrillas and right-wing paramilitaries imposed themselves on the farming communities and how many fled to Medellin during this time. The next day in Medellin, we took the cable cars to visit the barrio and see how those who escaped the civil war in the countryside built homes into the hills and created new communities. On our final day, we visited the very vibrant, and exciting, Comuna 13, where urban art and music are thriving. Throughout Colombia we ate the most delicious food, fruits and drinks. We will be craving coconut lemonade for a long time!” —Lynn Herrick

Read more reviews of Colombia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Malta: “The island itself was gorgeous, with dramatic views, romantic vistas and stunning architecture.”

Ancient walls and streets of Valetta, the capital of Malta. Photo: Shutterstock

Valletta, Malta. Photo: Shutterstock

“My girlfriend and I travelled to Malta for eight days from after Christmas through the New Year. Quite simply the trip was extraordinary, and we cannot recommend Malta, and Damon and his team, more highly. Malta is an extraordinary place, with magnificent history, art, culture, food, scenery and people. To start with, Damon spent a significant amount of time prior to the trip working iteratively with us to plan the itinerary based on various ideas he proposed and what we wanted to do. He really distinguished himself with his ability to figure out from our conversations exactly the kind of experiences and touring we wanted to do. He gave equal time, thought and care to the choice of lodging and restaurants. Our guide executed the plan wonderfully, making it even better as we got to know one another. Her knowledge of the history and culture of Malta gave us a real window into the lives of the Maltese people past and present. We had a number of truly extraordinary experiences, such as making a local delicacy and having lunch at an olive grove, a private tour of St. John’s Cathedral including viewing the stunning Caravaggio by ourselves, meeting a restorer of 18th-century organs and 16th-century art and seeing their work, dinner with some of the current Knights of Malta, touring a private home in the magical walled city of Mdina and an ATV tour followed by a private seaside picnic in Gozo. The highlight of the trip for me was exploring World War II in Malta, including a private visit with a remarkable local collector of World War II artifacts, a private tour of the Lascaris War Rooms and seeing the tunnels and chambers in which the Maltese sheltered during the Axis bombings. Our guide also spent time showing us and providing us with valuable perspective on other Maltese sights such as the Hypogeum and megalithic temples, which are older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. The island itself was gorgeous, with dramatic views, romantic vistas and stunning architecture. We were particularly glad to be there during the bustling holiday season where many Maltese were celebrating and even saw the local Eurovision winner perform on New Year’s Eve.”—Larry Neubauer

Read more reviews of Malta trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Australia & New Zealand: “A helicopter tour, kayaking, a day at a 36,000-hectare sheep station (including an elegant lunch with the owners)…”

Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef.

“Our family of four, parents and two daughters in their 20s, traveled to Australia and New Zealand for 3+ weeks. Quite frankly, it would have been impossible to put together such a wonderful trip without the guidance, counseling, and bookings of our travel consultants. Everything went without a hitch, which is saying a lot for an almost-four-week itinerary.

We had initially thought we would only visit Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, but Stuart and Jacki persuaded us to tour Queensland and the rain forests, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, fly to Uluru to ride camels and experience the deep Outback, and take tours out of the cities to spots we know most tourists miss. The same held true in New Zealand, where Sarah and Sara staged a helicopter tour, kayaking, a day at a 36,000-hectare sheep station (including an elegant lunch with the owners at their home on the station), and a three-night stay at a beautiful two-bedroom cottage on a private estate winery on the North Island. We are most appreciative.” —Nancy Brooks

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 PORTUGAL AND SPAIN

Portugal & Spain: “A Christmas to remember forever and ever!”

Sao Pedro do Corval, Portugal. Photo: Michelle Bodine

“Our family just returned from the most magical and well-planned trip to Portugal and Spain for Christmas and New Year’s! We were thrilled to have traveled at this time of year, and especially in Europe where the Christmas lights, trees and markets made it even better. We took our four children and their spouses and four grandchildren, so fourteen all together. Wendy lined us up with the perfect people to help us plan and then succeed on a 14-day excursion with 14 people, big and small, in Portugal and Spain. Gonçalo and Patrícia were phenomenal with their hotel accommodations, food and restaurant recommendations, tour guides that fit our needs of grandchildren ages 6, 3, 1 1/2 and 3 months, and activities that enriched our trip. The itinerary was just what we wanted! It truly was perfect in every way. There was even flexibility, so if we needed to cancel a restaurant because we were going on a food tour and would not be hungry, we could. The amount of scheduled activities and free time to explore more was perfect. Gonçalo and Patricia are experts in what they do, and I would trust them again to plan the most satisfying travel experience for my family! We could not have done this trip without them. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for planning a Christmas to remember forever and ever!” —Michelle Bodine

Read more reviews of Portugal and Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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

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

He pretty much had to plan three trips because we originated in San Francisco, New York, and New England, and we had three different time frames. He and his staff handled the transportation logistics smoothly. 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

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 ARGENTINA

Argentina: “We saw such varied things, from the sun-kissed vineyards of Mendoza to the grand colonial architecture in Salta…”

vineyards with snow-capped mountains in background Mendoza Argentina

The Andes and vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. Photo: Shutterstock

“Maita and Florencia gave us a truly memorable week in Argentina that began 4 hours after the World Cup-winning soccer team arrived home at EZE airport! I had many concerns about traveling over the Christmas holiday: the crowds, extra expense and pent-up travel demand from Covid. Despite all these obstacles, we had 4 great internal flights that Florencia booked and checked us in for all along the way, 5 terrific hotels and our guides were superlative. We saw such varied things, from the sun-kissed vineyards of Mendoza to the grand colonial architecture in Salta to the whole area around Purmamarca, a real discovery area for us. Ending at Iguassu falls was just perfect. We had to throw Maita and team some curve balls at the last minute: such as securing my husband and his 80-year-old mother last-minute back-up plane reservations and transfers from Ushuaia to meet me in BA on 12/20. They were able to help them on the run. We just loved our trip and we can’t wait to go back and discover more of remarkable Argentina! Next time: Lake district, glaciers and Patagonia! And maybe even more Purmamarca!

Travelers really should book all the internal air through Maita. The Aerolineas site does not work from the USA. Also, the private driver for crossing over to the Brazil side of Iguassu Falls is a must, the crowds were crazy there and we could not wait to get back to the relative calm of the Argentina side. Our driver Alex did a great job in tough conditions. Staying at the Melia right there is worth the extra money times 10!”—Mary Laronge

Read more reviews of Argentina trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Turkey: “It was chilly but the sun was shining. In addition, there weren’t large crowds even at the most frequently visited sites.”

garden restaurant at Four Seasons Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey overlooking mosque

The Four Seasons Sultanahmet, Turkey. Photo: Four Seasons

“Karen and her team did an excellent job planning our trip to Turkey. Every transfer and tour pick-up was prompt. The drivers and guides were excellent. We loved the hotels—The Four Seasons on the Bosporus was elegant and comfortable and the view spectacular.

Late December/early January turned out to be a great time to travel to Turkey. It was chilly (although luckily for us, it was a few degrees above normal, at least in Istanbul) but the sun was shining. In addition, there weren’t large crowds even at the most frequently visited sites.

We enjoyed the restaurants that Karen recommended, and appreciate that she switched restaurants between two evenings to avoid a traffic jam due to a soccer game being played along the route from our hotel to one restaurant. The tour plan was perfect and we maximized our time sightseeing. I would definitely recommend Karen to anyone going to Turkey.” —Susan Sullivan

Read more reviews of Turkey trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Chile: “Our pilot, Benjamin, was great fun and anxious to show us private spots, tucked away in the mountains, that had phenomenal views and absolutely no other foot traffic.”

Traveler Jeannie on a helicopter ride in Chile’s Lake District.

“Tom planned a fantastic two-week holiday hiking trip to a part of Chile that I had never been to, the Lake District south of Santiago—an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Of the many activities offered —hiking, floating, white water rafting, cultural visits, among others—I would say that the heli-hiking in Pucon with my guide, Patricio Garrido, who is also a professional photographer, was a standout. Our pilot, Benjamin, was great fun and anxious to show us private spots, tucked away in the mountains, that had phenomenal views and absolutely no other foot traffic. What a phenomenal experience. It’s like we had the world to ourselves for the day. This was the third time that I have used Tom for trip planning in South America. He chose terrific properties that offered impeccable service and every possible amenity. Vira Vira, an AndBeyond property, was exquisite.” —Jeannie Mullen

Read more reviews of Chile trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Mexico: “We were upgraded to their Tower Suite, which not only came with an enormous amount of space on two levels, but its own private elevator…”

Colorful buildings in San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

“When we decided on a family vacation in Mexico for three generations, plus a pre-vacation vacation for my husband and me, we wanted to make sure we navigated all the ins and outs while feeling safe and still having fun. Zach and his colleagues came through on both counts.

The first stop for my husband and me was San Miguel de Allende. While we had initially hesitated to stay at the Rosewood because it was not in the center of town, Zach convinced us this hotel would be excellent, and he was correct. Thanks to him we were upgraded to their Tower Suite, which not only came with an enormous amount of space on two levels, but its own private elevator, three outdoor patios, and two butlers! Everything about this hotel was magical, and we cannot wait to return. The tours Zach arranged in San Miguel were excellent and included a market tour and cooking class with a chef, and an in-depth tour of San Miguel and Guanajuato. (Zach had difficulty convincing us to spend the time on the day tour of Guanajuato, but we are so glad he did; it is a lovely, interesting city, and we were sorry we had not allocated an extra day or two to explore there.)

The remainder of our trip was spent in Puerto Vallarta with the entire family. We had mentioned to Zach that we wanted a private villa. We also had very specific requirements for the villa: directly on the water, large enough so we would all have our own space, fully staffed (and the staff vaccinated), close to activities, and located an easy distance from the center of Puerto Vallarta. Our villa, Casa Demae II, is in a gated complex, and was exquisite and outstanding in every way: spacious bedrooms (all ensuite, and most with balconies) with views of the pool and Banderas Bay, incredible common areas, infinity pool with a swim-up bar, jacuzzi, outdoor dining areas (from where we saw whales most days), streaming services—you name it, it was there! The staff were excellent and always helpful; what a treat to always have, without asking, coffee ready in the morning and (for the adults), margaritas ready in the evening! Our chef was fantastic—we actually cancelled two dinner reservations because the food at the villa was so wonderful. Another very nice touch was simply putting the dirty clothes in the closet basket, and having clean ones reappear that afternoon. This was like having our own private hotel…but better.

Read more reviews of Mexico trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Costa Rica: “The highlights for us were rappelling down multiple waterfalls, a wave runner/snorkeling experience, and a zipline…”

Costa Rica is full of natural wonders. Photo: Shutterstock

“The trip was with our two college-age children, and the highlights for us were rappelling down multiple waterfalls, a wave runner/snorkeling experience, and a zipline tour next to the Arenal volcano. All of the hotels we stayed at had amazing staff that not only were so kind and engaging, it just added to the trip. Pierre coordinated all of our transportation, which alleviated any potential stress with getting to our various locations. Thank you for making our trip spectacular!” —Julie Kelly

Read more reviews of Costa Rica trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

London: “There was even a small Christmas tree in our room…”

Christmas in London. Photo: visitlondon.com

“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. Although we had been to London several times, we know that the holidays can be a challenge due to closures on the holiday. We spoke with Jonathan about our previous visits to London and our desire to see and do something new. We had a hotel in mind that we had stayed in before, but Jonathan strongly advised us to select another hotel, The Stafford, and we are so happy we took his advice. It is a much smaller hotel than the one we were thinking of, and that proved to be a big factor in feeling like we were ‘going home’ at the end of each day of touring London. The hotel staff treated us royally, and the hotel was decorated beautifully for the holidays; there was even a small Christmas tree in our room. As we had already seen most of the highlights of London on previous visits, 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. These are experiences we would not have discovered on our own. 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! Jonathan certainly added value to our holiday, and, given the short time frame of the trip, planned the perfect amount of activity while also allowing us plenty of time to explore London on our own and walk about enjoying the beauty of the lights and the amazing window displays and decorations everywhere.” —Susan Ketchum Philbrick

Read more reviews of England 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 ANTARCTICA

Antarctica: “It was the best trip we ever had…”

Gentoo penguins in Antarctica. Photo: Jennifer Santoyo

“Ashton planned the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica for us! It was my last continent, and I cried when I arrived and cried when it was over. I had thought I wanted to fly over the Drake Passage because I was terrified of getting seasick, but I’m really happy I listened to Ashton. He said that flying over the Drake can mean delays on either side because of weather, and unless you have flexibility in your schedule, it’s not advisable. He highly recommended a ship that has the best stabilizers to handle the Drake, has excellent naturalist guides, and would work for my 17-year-old. Also, my husband wasn’t as excited about Antarctica as I was and preferred more luxurious accommodations than the fly trips offer. So we kind of had to agree on the trade-off to make the trip happen: my bucket list vs. Marty’s desire to be more comfortable on a nicer boat. Ashton was perfect in assessing what everyone wanted. Marty now agrees it was the best trip we ever had, and we all want to come back on the longer trip, which would include South Georgia Island, where the king penguins are. I will also use Ashton again for the North Pole, hopefully soon.” —Tina Sarafa

Read more reviews of Antarctica trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

African safari: “We learned so much about nature and the wild from all our guides…”

A cheetah in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Photo: Wilderness Safaris/Dana Allen

“We did an absolutely incredible three-week trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana from late December through mid-January. Julian listened to what we wanted and curated a wonderful itinerary with beautiful lodges, stunning game drives, very knowledgeable guides, impeccable service, and delicious food and drinks. And of course the stars of the trip were all the amazing animals.

We started in South Africa at Makweti Lodge, which is stunning and has just five suites. The staff couldn’t have been more warm and welcoming, always making sure we were having a great time. We also spent a few days in Cape Town and the neighboring wine region—gorgeous, with so much history and beauty! Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe was so majestic even at a fraction of its full flow. We visited three camps in Botswana, each unique and amazing. Seeing elephants, hippos and all kinds of antelope right next to the lodges was super cool. The Okavango Delta is not to be missed, even during the rainy season. Camp Shinde was another one of our favorite camps, with top-notch service and gem viewing. The Desert and Delta Safari went above and beyond, flying us from one camp to another via helicopter twice because the bush planes couldn’t reach some locations because of the heavy rains. It was an unexpected and very special treat—twice!” —Tina Hunt

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 AFRICAN SAFARI

Italy: “In Florence we visited a noble family estate and cooked a five-course meal…”

The Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“Italy can be overwhelming because there is so much to do, see, and eat, but Maria planned a spectacular trip to Florence, Bologna, and Rome for me, my teenagers, and my fiancé over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday. In Florence we visited a noble family estate and cooked a five-course meal (and learned how to make tortelloni) with the family chef, had a tour of the wine cellar, and joined one of the family members for lunch. We learned of the family’s wing of art at the Uffizi, which we visited the next day. Meeting people who have a direct hand in the life and culture of Italy was special. In Rome, our food lovers’ adventure on Vespas with Toni was a complete standout. My 6′ 4″ son was mortified to ride on the Vespa—and got over that fear in one minute. We were a team of five Vespas! Don’t mess with us! As for Bologna, I am a dental surgeon and am really glad Maria recommended visiting the Teatro Medica at the University of Bologna with my kids. I am sure there is no way I could’ve arranged such a trip.” —Wendy Halpern

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A SMALL-SHIP EXPEDITION CRUISE TRIP

The Galapagos Islands: “If you like to snorkel, this trip will top anything you have done…”

A sea turtle swimming in the Galapagos. Photo: Shutterstock

“Ashton did an incredible job helping us plan our vacation of a lifetime to the Galapagos to celebrate our Dad’s 75th Birthday (and my 50th!). We can’t believe that all fifteen of us made it and were so grateful to Ashton. We spent eight days aboard a sturdy and very comfortable catamaran that sleeps 16 passengers across eight passenger cabins. The ship has a crew of ten that provided amazing service. It was incredible to have the entire boat to ourselves. With no internet onboard, we spent real quality time relaxing together. My dad claims he spent more time with his grandkids on this trip than over the past 15 years combined!

We walked on young lava around volcanoes, hiked up mountains, kayaked in caves, saw tons and tons and tons of all sorts of iguanas, swam on deserted white-sand beaches, watched octopus in tide pools, walked next to giant land tortoises, and saw lots and lots of blue-footed boobies. Several of us are certified SCUBA divers and were a little upset before we got there that we wouldn’t be diving on this trip but, I have to say, the snorkels we did on this trip were more spectacular that any dives I have ever done, anywhere. We had penguins nibbling our fins, watched sea turtles noshing underwater and sea lions performing acrobatics in front of us—every single day. We saw rays and whales and sharks and eels and tons of colorful fish and starfish the size of hubcaps. If you like to snorkel, this trip will top anything you have done, I guarantee it!” —Colleen Grazioso

Read more reviews of small-ship expedition cruises. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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.

START A ONE-OF-A-KIND TRIP

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

Read more reviews of New Zealand trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

Spain: lunch in the private quarters of a castlewith the owner…

Lorin and Jeremy Seidman with their family and WOW Lister Virginia Irurita in Madrid.

Read more reviews of Spain trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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.

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

Read more reviews of Morocco trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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…

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

Read more reviews of Italy trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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.

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.

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

Read more reviews of Norway trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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…

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.

Read more reviews of Malta and Sardinia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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

Read more reviews of Oman trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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

Read more reviews of Colombia trips. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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Ireland: teen boys meeting local teens for outdoor fun and games

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.

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