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Malta: The Mediterranean Islands To See Now, Before the Secret Gets Out

Imagine a magical place where:

there are ancient temples older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids; in fact, they’re the oldest freestanding structures in the world.
there are Blue Grottoes and a Crystal Lagoon.
so many different civilizations and empires have left their mark that the culture, art, and traditions are uniquely fascinating.
you’re still in Europe but it’s warm in winter.
the flight time from Rome or Athens is less than two hours, and English is an official language.

It’s not just a dream. There IS such a place. It’s called Malta. And if it’s not on your radar, it should be.

Wendy Perrin having a picnic on the beach on Gozo Island, Malta.

A private picnic on the Maltese island of Gozo. Photo: Timothy Baker

That’s me on the Maltese island of Gozo last fall. (Yes, Malta still has beach weather in mid-October.) It was my third time in Malta, and each time just keeps getting better. That’s because this trip was arranged by the Malta experts on The WOW List.

Malta may be 8,000 years old and well-known to Europeans, but right now its medieval cities and dramatic coastlines are being “discovered” by everyone else. Tourism in 2024 grew more than 20% over 2023, thanks to an increase in flights and the addition of new cruise-ship piers. The mostly uninhabited island of Comino will be getting a Six Senses resort in 2027! Need I say more? Go now!

Wendy Perrin with a medieval church in the background, in Malta.

Wendy in Mdina, the fortified city that was the island’s former capital. Photo: Timothy Baker

The coast of Gozo. Photo: Timothy Baker

St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Baroque masterpiece in Valletta. Photo: Timothy Baker

MALTA HAS IT ALL: HISTORY, CULTURE, ADVENTURE, AND SUN IN THE OFF-SEASON

In addition to its historic importance and cultural riches, Malta is a place for beach-vacation-style adventures, from quad biking to scuba diving.

Wendy Perrin driving an ATV in Gozo, Malta.

Wendy went quad biking all over the island of Gozo. Photo: Timothy Baker

Timothy Baker scuba diving in Gozo, Malta.

That’s Wendy’s husband, Tim, scuba diving in Gozo in mid-October. Photo: Lotta Partanen

Malta’s got beach and boat weather from March through October. This was the beach scene in mid-October on the island of Gozo:

People swimming and sunbathing on the beach in Gozo, Malta.

In Malta it’s bikini weather through the end of October. Photo: Wendy Perrin

And it’s warm enough for dining al fresco through much of November. This was the evening scene in the capital city of Valletta in mid-October:

View of a busy street and restaurants in Valletta, Malta.

Malta’s capital city of Valletta has a vibrant dining scene. Photo: Wendy Perrin

Malta is even that rare Mediterranean island that’s a great choice for Christmas or spring break. To understand why, read these Malta reviews shared by travelers who arranged their trips the WOW way, including this Christmas review and this spring-break review.

WOW INSIDER EXPERIENCES

Many of you love getting special access to places and people that are normally behind closed doors. If you book through the right Malta expert, there are many such experiences to be had.

Room in Palazzo del Prelato, in Mdina, Malta.

Inside the Palazzo del Prelato. Photo: Timothy Baker

I made a private visit to the Palazzo del Prelato, for instance. It’s a medieval mansion in Mdina that was once home to the prelate of the grand cathedral across the square. The palazzo’s owner, Francis Lanfranco, showed us his private home, which his family has lived in for centuries.

Chapel in Palazzo del Prelato, in Mdina, Malta.

Francis Lanfranco shows us Christian relics in the Palazzo del Prelato’s chapel. Photo: Timothy Baker

From the ancient Christian relics in his chapel (upstairs between the stairway and the dining room) to the Egyptian funerary mask in the parlor, the house is practically a museum…with glorious rooftop views.

I also got to meet sixth-generation gilder and restorer Pierre Darmanin in his studio . If you’re Maltese nobility or a church and you have a gilded treasure that needs restoration, Pierre is probably your go-to.

Restorer Pierre Darmanin in Valletta, Malta.

Sixth-generation gilder and restorer Pierre Darmanin in his studio in Valletta. Photo: Timothy Baker

I loved learning about his disappearing craft and seeing the 17th-century tools passed down from his ancestors. What’s special about experiences like this is the visceral, unforgettable glimpse you get into local people’s lives. It’s living history.

Wendy’s husband with the curator of Ggantija, the world’s oldest freestanding structure. Photo: Wendy Perrin

Even with sites that are open to the public, such as Malta’s 5,600-year-old megalithic temple of Ggantija, it’s special when you can see it through the eyes of the people who know it best. Above is curator Albert Zammit explaining the world’s oldest freestanding structure—yes, older than the Pyramids of Egypt—to my husband.

IT’S THE PEOPLE YOU MEET

The itinerary arranged by our local fixers in Malta introduced us to their friends all over the Maltese islands. As happens on most WOW trips, the WOW fixer’s local friends become your new friends too.

I met Gulinu and Nancy Scicluna, for instance, who taught me how to make pastizzi, a traditional Maltese savory pastry, in their kitchen. Very few people make pastizzi from scratch anymore—it’s just too much work—but Gulinu learned how as a child and still does it that way as a labor of love.

Pastizzi makers Gulinu and Nancy Scicluna ccoking.

Gulinu and Nancy Scicluna in their kitchen, teaching me how to make pastizzi. Photo: Wendy Perrin

I also met Manny Buhagiar at a bocce club on the island of Gozo. Manny grew up in Malta and then spent years working in Manhattan two blocks from where I grew up! Now he’s back in his beloved Gozo. While we traded stories, he taught me how to play bocce (and let me win).

Wendy Perrin talking to Manny Buhagiar in Gozo, Malta.

Meeting Manny Buhagiar over bocce on the island of Gozo. Photo: Timothy Baker

Speaking of meeting people, meet WOW List Malta experts Jason and Damon Camilleri Allan, who surprised us at the airport.

Wendy Perrin with Jason and Damon Camilleri Allan at the airport in Valletta, Malta.

Jason and Damon Camilleri Allan, Malta specialists who make the magic happen. Photo: Timothy Baker

To be recognized as a VIP traveler, with priority status and the other benefits of my WOW way of trip planning—in other words, to get the maximized experience you read about in these reviews —click the black button below and fill out my trip questionnaire. You’ll hear from the experts shortly!

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Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.

Is Nuuk ready for Newark? First-ever direct flights will make Greenland more accessible from the U.S. this summer.

Is Greenland The New Travel Frontier?

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Greenland has been in the news a lot recently, and not just because of geopolitics. This summer, for the first time ever, it will be possible to fly directly there from the U.S. United Airlines is starting twice-weekly nonstop flights from Newark to Greenland’s capital city of Nuuk on June 14.

The news sets intrepid travelers dreaming about a remote, almost mythical land: Spectacular icebergs and cliffs, dramatic mountains and Inuit culture, and a shimmering hologram of northern lights dancing above an ice sheet three times the size of Texas. Nordic countries have experienced growing popularity as summer spots to beat the heat. For some adventurous travelers, Greenland may represent the cold new thing.

But what can visitors really expect to find in Greenland? And how prepared is it for an influx of travelers? Its national tourism authority is already adjusting expectations by sharing why Greenland may not be for you.

Wendy in Kulusuk, Greenland, ten years ago.

Based on Wendy’s experience of Greenland ten years ago, she echoes the tourism authority’s advice: “If you are planning on visiting Greenland, it would be helpful if you were aware of what you’re getting into.”

So we asked Nordic travel experts on The WOW List for the real story on what travelers arriving in June can expect.

“Greenland is not for everyone,” concurs expedition-cruise specialist Ashton Palmer. “From a scenery perspective, it’s spectacular. It can be very beautiful for photography, and it can be appealing to visit a remote place that’s not boiling hot in the summer. The people are welcoming and open to the world. But I would say travelers heading there have to have a specific interest to go to Greenland—not just to see new wildlife and architecture.”

Is Greenland For You?

While there are whales and sea birds galore, land-based wildlife may not be as plentiful as anticipated. With all the ice, there’s little food for large land mammals. And, with settlements scattered around the coasts, there’s little infrastructure. Accommodations are limited, simple and durable. Roads aren’t designed for long scenic drives. Restaurants aren’t omnipresent, and the national dish is seal soup. It’s quiet.

“It’s a place that’s fairly untouched by tourism,” says Palmer. “People often have a romantic view of it, but the reality is quite different, carved out of living in such a harsh environment.”

It’s important to have the right expectations. “Travelers who have been to Rome and London and Greece in the 100-degree summer are excited by the Nordic ‘cool-cation,’” adds Mads Tange Christensen, a Denmark-based expert on The WOW List. “But a lot of people don’t realize you can’t just drive places; almost every place needs to be accessed by boat or helicopter. And Greenland does not have the hotel capability to live up to expectations of more and more high-end travelers.” Which is why many people choose comfy expedition-style ships focused on sightseeing along the coastline.

The logistics of travel to remote places around the globe with limited infrastructure are easier and more rewarding with the right local fixers. And that is especially true of places that don’t lend themselves to traditional drive-by sightseeing.

If you’d like to be connected to an expert for Greenland or other remote locales, we can help; click the button below to get started.

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Cuba: An Opportunity For This Spring

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Over the years, policies around U.S. travelers visiting Cuba have swung back and forth; with a new administration in Washington, we may soon see that pendulum return to the side of greater restrictions—potentially outright bans. If Cuba has been on your list, this winter and spring is a smart time to go.

The next few months offer excellent weather on the island, before the summer heat sets in. And since tourism to Cuba never really rebounded post-Covid, there is still good availability through April, even at the small, privately owned casas particulares with the highest levels of comfort and service available (plus backup generators to keep you powered through any blackouts).

Cuba is not a destination for travelers who expect everything to run like clockwork, and U.S. visitors can’t spend a day lazing at the beach. But curious travelers with a spirit of flexibility have raved to us about the richness of Cuban culture and the openness of Cuban people. And with Cuba’s economy struggling mightily, the money that travelers put directly into local pockets is more impactful than ever.

If you can’t get away until the fall, we know Cuba specialists who are guaranteeing refunds should new U.S. restrictions make travel impossible. It’s also reassuring to know that, during past policy shifts, already-booked trips that met the old rules were still allowed to operate.

Guided by the right Cuba trip-planning expert (and we can recommend the most suitable ones for your specific needs via the button below), you can meet internationally renowned artists in their home studios, enjoy private concerts by award-winning musicians, and cook beside a chef using the highest-quality homegrown and imported ingredients. Of course, these are exactly the kinds of local experiences that the folks on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts arrange around the world.

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Where to Travel in Italy during the Jubilee

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“Should I travel to Italy this year?” It’s a question we’re asked every day. That’s because this is the year of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee, which happens in Rome once every 25 years. Some sources anticipate 35 million visitors to Rome, many of them pilgrims focused on the Vatican and Rome’s other religious sites. The potential impact on WOW-caliber travel in Italy is a conversation I’ve been having with WOW List Italy experts Maria Landers and Brian Dore ever since I visited them last fall in the town in Umbria where they live.

Wendy Perrin, Maria Landers and Brian Dore in Umbria, Italy.

Wendy with Italy insiders Brian Dore and Maria Landers in Foligno, Umbria, last fall.

Maria’s prediction about the impact: “I think it’s going to be a big nothing. The Jubilee is not going to affect what most American travelers do in Rome because pilgrims travel very differently than U.S. travelers do.” Most Jubilee pilgrims travel in groups and come from Europe, which means their trips are relatively short and focused on religious sites, rather than winding itineraries throughout Italy, says Maria. In Rome, they aren’t staying in centrally located four-star and five-star hotels. They’re staying outside the city center, in monasteries, hostels, and two-star hotels. They’re not taking up tables in Rome’s best restaurants; they’re eating in monastery cafeterias and tour-group restaurants with set menus. And they’re coming for designated events at specific sites on specific days—events that aren’t happening every day—so if you’re with a first-rate private guide who knows where the groups will be when and what routes they’ll take around the city, “the crowds are absolutely avoidable,” says Maria.

For travelers with flexible schedules, there are reasons why certain windows of time this year could actually be advantageous. With the huge increase in the number of nonstop flights to Italy in 2025, there are likely to be good airfares and mileage-award seats. Hotel prices in Rome have not increased since last year, says the head of Rome’s hotel association, Giuseppe Roscioli, who also says the forecast for hotel traffic is similar to last year.

Maria thinks this year is actually a good time for Rome–except during holy holidays such as Easter and Christmas due to the Jubilee events planned for those times—because of all the cleaning and repairs that have been done to the Eternal City’s piazzas, facades, and public spaces in preparation for the Jubilee. “The travertine marble of the fountains and other monuments, now restored and cleaned of smog and the wear of time, can now be admired in something close to their original color, the way the artists conceived them and as they were viewed centuries ago,” says Maria. “This is a priceless and unique opportunity.”

Italy is the #1 most-booked country for WOW trips this year. Many of these travelers have been to Rome before and are skipping it this time, focusing instead on Italy’s charming, uncrowded, under-the-radar locales that the vast majority of tourists don’t even know exist. Read on for a sampling of lesser-known delights discovered by your fellow travelers, and if you’d like a personalized trip recommendation, we’re at the black button below.

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UMBRIA AND EMILIA-ROMAGNA: “Although it was crowded in Italy, we always felt as if we had our own private pathways to each activity…”

Street in Old Town Montefalco, Umbria, Italy.

The ancient hill town of Montefalco in Umbria, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I decided to go back to Italy, where we had been a number of times, but wanted to do something different. We contacted several agents who said that we had done so much in Italy that they could not suggest anything. We then contacted Maria and Brian. Maria met with us by Zoom, and we discussed our interests and the kind of trip we wanted. Maria really listened and planned an amazing trip for us. From the moment we were met at the airport and whisked to Montefalco by our driver, it was perfect.

Montefalco is a charming Umbrian town nestled in the hills with a focus on wine and olive oil. We went truffle hunting and shared perhaps the best meal of our trip with the family. Each of the seven courses was delicious, and I could have eaten the entire tray of the homemade onion focaccia.

The next morning was our WOW Moment. WOW does not do justice to the opportunity to meet Marta Cucchia, the great-granddaughter of weaver Giuditta Brozzetti, who has carried forward her 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 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 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. It’s in an old theater that is built like the opera house in Venice. Maria got us perfect seats to see Pagliacci. 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

Read about more under-the-radar finds. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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THE PIEDMONT: “The Piedmont region is completely underrated!!! It has the beauty of Tuscany without the crowds…”

Serralunga d'Alba castle, medieval village in Piedmont, north Italy

The medieval village of Serralunga d’Alba in Italy’s Piedmont region. Photo: Shutterstock

“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 Gaja winery in a local village. Gaja is not open to the public for tours. Andrea used her connections to set up a private tour and tasting for us.

We were also 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, Leesy. 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 truffle slices on top!

Our guide took us to an amazing lunch in a local hilltop village and then dropped us off in the town of Alba, the largest town in the area. We explored Alba on our own and ended up wandering the narrow streets filled with locals for several hours…trying to forget that it was our last day!! Northern Italy was a special area that we can’t wait to go back to again!!” —Jennifer Mann

Read about more unusual locales in Italy. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA: “Inexplicably, the region doesn’t seem to be on the tourist radar, so of course we decided that this was the place for us!”

Morning seascape of Adriatic sea with the Miramare Castle.

Miramare Castle in Trieste, Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. 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!

After two days 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. 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. 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. 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 restaurant, AB Osteria Contemporanea, where she serves contemporary twists on traditional cooking. Heavenly!

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 about other hidden Italian gems. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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LIGURIA: “While very close to the Cinque Terre, we avoided all the crowds associated with it…”

Historical Old town of Sestri Levante in Liguria, Italy.

Sestri Levante in Liguria, Italy, is close to the Cinque Terre but not nearly as crowded. Photo: Shutterstock

“Our first stop recommended by Emanuela was Sestri Levante. We stayed at a fantastic hotel right on the water. The ocean views, the people and the restaurants were wonderful and, while very close to the Cinque Terre, we avoided all the crowds associated with it.

She arranged a great boat and captain, Marco, who took us on a great tour of the Bay of Poets, seeing several fishing villages, some massive yachts, the Italian Naval Academy, great scenery and a stop at Porto Venere. We explored the small town and had an excellent lunch at an oceanfront restaurant. While in Sestri Levante we also had a chance to visit Portofino and had a great lunch at a beach club close to town.” —Jeff Stengel

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

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PUGLIA AND BASILICATA: “We were greeted by the owners and treated like royalty…”

Beautiful town of Alberobello with trulli houses among green plants and flowers, Puglia.

Cone-shaped trulli houses, like these in Alberobello, are Puglia’s signature architecture. Photo: Shutterstock

“Antonello and his team planned experiences that we will never forget. We stayed in a palace with 10 rooms in Lecce, a trulli resort surrounded by the countryside where we were greeted by the owners and treated like royalty, and a cave hotel in Matera where we were wined and dined.

Our guides were top-notch, a marine biologist, an archaeologist and experts in all fields. We had lunch at an olive grove and we were served an exceptional lunch by the farm’s owners. We took a private cooking class in someone’s home!! Our most cherished experience was with a ceramic maker. We not only took a tour of his workshop—he invited us to his home to see his acquired antiquities.” —Janis Marcus

Read more about Puglia and Basilicata. To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Sources of Help in a Travel Medical Emergency

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After our newsletter about your fellow traveler Jamie Reuter—who’s pictured above in Paris, with his daughter and granddaughter, before he fell, broke his leg, and ended up in surgery—many of you wrote in with questions. So I thought you’d appreciate an update from his wife, Jan Heininger (below). It’s fascinating to read her report on French doctors and navigating hospital complications.

When a medical emergency strikes abroad, what are the best sources of help? In my own personal experience—everywhere from Australia to Zimbabwe—the best local recommendations have come from a WOW expert. Indeed, after telling you about my visit to the E.R. in Sydney, one reader wrote in that she had just been in Mendoza, Argentina, with a friend who severely broke her ankle; they had contacted the Argentina-based WOW expert who planned their trip, and she put them in touch with the right orthopedic trauma specialist.

When you’ve arranged a trip on your own—meaning, when there’s no WOW expert to help you—here are other sources to try. I, or people close to me, have used them successfully:

The International Society of Travel Medicine’s Global Clinic Directory.
IAMAT’s (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers) Travel Health Resources.
A top hotel concierge—say, one who belongs to Les Clefs d’Or—for a recommendation of a reliable local doctor.
A premium credit card that offers travel-related emergency assistance, such as the American Express Platinum Card.
Membership in Medjet to get you from the hospital abroad to the hospital back home where you want to be.

Remember: Sometimes the help you need goes beyond getting in to see the right doctor at the right hospital. Sometimes it’s about help with negotiations, paperwork, and rearranging your travel plans. Read on for the conclusion of Jan and Jamie’s Paris saga, as well as a report from a traveler who fell ill in New Zealand, and a review from a couple who needed mobility assistance in Venice—and got it, thus preventing any medical emergency in the first place!

PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP SMARTLY

“While the rest of us were doing these wonderful activities, an ambulance had taken my poor husband—who’d fallen along the Seine just seven hours after our arrival in Paris—to the emergency room…”

Traveler Jan Heininger and her family in Paris, France.

Jan Heininger and family enjoying Paris.

“There were two trips during the ten days my husband and I spent in Paris. The first was a wonderful week of Paris with kids—with grandparents (us), our daughter and son-in-law, and their three kids (ages 2, 3, and 6). The second was my husband breaking his leg/hip on the first day and having to spend the entire time in a Paris hospital.

Jennifer’s role and assistance for both trips was essential: When calamity strikes, you need the kind of assistance that no regular travel agent or group-trip company can provide.

Jennifer knew exactly how to design a trip geared toward introducing three very young children to Paris. While the rest of us were doing these wonderful activities, an ambulance had taken my poor husband, Jamie Reuter—who’d fallen along the Seine just seven hours after our arrival in Paris—to the emergency room. He’d broken his leg badly next to his artificial hip.

Once Jennifer found out, she dispatched her head of French and U.K. operations, Albin Fady-Bonnet, who devoted his already busy week to shepherding us through a very frustrating ten days of dealing with a vastly different medical system from ours. My husband languished in hospital for six days before he finally had surgery.

He was in Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière, France’s best hospital with the best doctors. But, as this was Paris’s trauma hospital (where Princess Diana was taken), my husband kept getting bumped by other, more traumatic cases.

My French is passable, but insufficient for medical nuances. In a medical system where doctors rule all and feel little need to communicate with patients and not at all with their families, I was constantly scrambling to get information, trying to arrange for medical evacuation, setting up matters for our U.S. doctors to operate if necessary when we got back, negotiating with our health insurance company, and dealing with our financial adviser.

There is no way I could have handled it all without the assistance (multiple times daily) of Jennifer and French-speaking Albin, who intervened repeatedly with the hospital on our behalf to get information we could not get ourselves. It involved much more than I’m going into. Suffice it to say, we were the nightmare clients that no one ever wants to be (or have), and Jennifer and Albin handled it with grace and aplomb, rearranging our itinerary at the drop of a hat and getting me a (wonderful) hotel to stay in after the kids departed.

We’ve taken at least twenty trips with Wendy’s experts. For rare glitches, they jump in to fix things immediately. I had confidence that Jennifer, just like every one of Wendy’s carefully vetted specialists, would jump in to do whatever was needed to get us safely home. Even Wendy herself helped out and checked in to see how Jamie was doing.

FYI: Follow Wendy’s advice and get travel insurance. I should have. No one wants to have to put up what I was asked for to medically evacuate my husband: 140,000 Euros in cash, up front. Fortunately, we were able to avoid the medical evacuation route. We flew home five days after the surgery in business class (the only way the French doctors would let him go), with Jennifer having arranged a car and driver and a person who expedited our way with wheelchairs through the airport to the plane.” —Jan Heininger

“During those days I was comforted by how well I was taken care of. This trip was worth every penny I spent…”

Old cozy street in Lucca, Italy. Lucca is a city and comune in Tuscany. It is the capital of the Province of Lucca

Become a regular at a coffee spot—it’s a quick way to feel like you live somewhere and to meet people who really do. Photo: Shutterstock

“EXTRAORDINARY! I am an experienced and, if I say so myself, a super-critical traveler. Maria and her team went beyond my expectations. The guides were inspiring, the drivers wonderful. All fabulously flexible, so if I wanted to change the plan, they could fulfill the new idea.

I told Maria I wanted to focus on food, visits with artisans, small villages, and wanting to stay at least three nights in each location. We had private cooking classes, meetings with a violin maker, textile designer, hunting for truffles, tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Parma ham, various cheeses and seeing how all were made.

I had my own private excursion with Covid mid-way through the trip. The staff joined together to find a second hotel room for my friend, contacted the people who were doing the private tastings to see if they could arrange to do everything outside. Upon checking in to one of the hotels that didn’t have a restaurant, to find they had contacted the manager, who informed me they could provide my meals by picking up food at nearby restaurants. Thankfully, I tested negative after 5 days. But during those days I was comforted by how well I was taken care of. This trip was worth every penny I spent, and I cannot recommend Maria highly enough.” —Ellen Salwen

“My husband found that walking and being active kept the pain level down so he was able to enjoy all but one of the excursions…”

Karen Lindfors and her husband in the Atacama Desert, Chile.

Karen Lindfors and her husband enjoy a river hike in an Atacama red rock canyon.

“We arrived in the Atacama Desert of Chile following a trip to Antarctica. Mark planned our journey to the Atacama, which was supposed to be followed by an overland traversa into Bolivia (more on that later). We stayed at the Explora Atacama Hotel and we cannot say enough about how wonderful it was. We did a wondrous variety of things, from soaking in a private natural hot spring to sliding down sand dunes to doing a river hike in a beautiful red rock canyon. Our visit was capped off with a trip to see the geyser field on the altiplano at 14,000 feet of elevation, which included a breakfast while we watched vicunas roam. Magnificent!
We were only supposed to stay at the Explora Atacama for three nights before journeying into Bolivia, but on our first full day there my husband developed a kidney stone. The hotel staff and our guide could not have been more helpful or kinder. Maureen, the hotel manager, arranged for a doctor to come to the hotel. She also drove us to the pharmacy in San Pedro de Atacama several times. They were in contact with the folks from Aracari who kept track of our situation. My husband found that walking and being active kept the pain level down so he was able to enjoy all but one of the excursions.

Knowing that we were going to be in a remote part of Bolivia at high altitude, we decided it was best to cancel that part of our trip. We returned home, kidney stone and all, after staying at the Explora for five nights. Mark has been very helpful and prompt in getting documents to us so that we can make a claim on our insurance. Three days after we returned home, my husband passed the stone and is pain free. We are so grateful that both Mark’s team and the Explora folks took such good care of us. We would not hesitate to use them in future travels.” —Karen Lindfors

“Unfortunately, during our trip, my husband fell quite ill, and Virginia’s team shone during these challenging times…”

Mary Arzt and her husband Len seized a photo op during the annual Cordoba Fair in Spain.

“After decades-long procrastination, we were finally ready to visit the many places in Spain that had accumulated over the years. Since it would be a complex trip in a new country with several stops, we turned to Wendy’s WOW List for guidance. Virginia created a trip well beyond our already high expectations.

Since both my husband and I are on the older side, we needed to pace ourselves and still see everything we wanted to see. Virginia helped us accomplish this by pacing the trip perfectly, giving us plenty of downtime and moving the trip along when it was time.

Lifetime memories of our trip include the view of the Summer Palace from our room at the Alhambra, the timeless Granada Hammam, the shady garden courtyard outside our room in Cordoba during an otherwise hot afternoon, the overwhelmingly huge Mosque, an amazing three-hour jewel-like lunch in Seville, multiple delicious tapas tours with gracious guides showing us where the locals go, a delightful tutorial on Cervantes in the neighborhood where he lived and worked, seeing Velazquez’ Las Meninas at the Prado in Madrid and Picasso’s multiple deconstructions at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona (!), visiting the amazing Guggenheim in Bilbao, seeing San Sebastian’s bay for the first time, and drinking in Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona—to name just a few.

Unfortunately, during our trip, my husband fell quite ill, and Virginia’s team shone during these challenging times. They helped us get medical service in multiple hotel rooms, navigate the medical system in a foreign country (no small thing), and guided us in the use of our travel insurance policy in order to have him get well as quickly as possible. Their ongoing check-ins and authentic concern helped us feel supported and cared for while we were far away from home. It also allowed my husband to feel better more quickly and get back to enjoying our trip.” —Mary Arzt

“I got the flu and was so sick and had to cancel our 5-day Milford Track hike…”

Milford Sound, in New Zealand from a touristic aircraft.

Milford Sound, in New Zealand. Photo: Shutterstock

“It was so valuable to us to have experienced, proven, on-the-ground travel experts who knew the area, could design an amazing trip and, most importantly, provided support 24/7 when unexpected problems arose. And we unfortunately had three unexpected problems, so we can attest first-hand to how important it is to have proven travel experts on the ground.

The first unexpected problem was a flight cancellation from Canada to New Zealand and the fact that our new available flight added three more days to our trip. Sarah and her colleague Sara worked their magic and were able to extend our stay at the Auckland Hyatt, add activities, adjust our itinerary, and coordinate all logistics, making everything seamless.

Then, when we were in Queenstown, we needed their help again. The night before we were to check out of our hotel, I got the flu and was so sick and had to cancel our 5-day Milford Track hike. We then had no place to stay, no plans, and I was sick. Fortunately, Sarah had booked us into the Hulbert House, a fabulous family-feel boutique hotel with amazing staff who Sarah knew well. Together the manager and Sarah’s team worked on finding us lodging and later let me know Hulbert House had a last-minute cancellation and we could stay right where we were. Hallelujah!

Sarah’s team also put together some ideas of things we might do in Queenstown and surrounding area when I felt better. Which brings me to the third problem we faced and needed assistance. From the list, we decided we should go on the Milford Sound cruise before the weather changed. This was a popular activity. The cruise had room, but all the flights to get there were booked. Sarah’s team worked hard and finally were able to find two different planes, each with one hopper seat left. We were in! The Milford Sound cruise and flight were definitely a highlight of our trip!” —Julie and Jim Clark

“She made it possible for my husband, who walks with a cane, and me to travel around Venice and the lagoon with private boats…”

Narrow canal with bridge in Venice, Italy. Architecture and landmark of Venice. Cozy cityscape of Venice.

Venice now charges an entry fee to day trippers. It’s this empty only in low season or in under-the-radar neighborhoods. Photo: Shutterstock

“Luisa made our trip to Venice extraordinary. We have been to Venice many times, but now we are older and were skeptical that we could manage this trip. She made it possible for my husband, who walks with a cane, and me to travel around Venice and the lagoon with private boats, with a charming captain and a private guide.

Luisa organized a tour of the Museo Fortuny and an amazing artisanal weaving workshop with looms from the 16th century. We saw the Palazzo Grimani (Roman statues in Venice!) and San Giorgio Degli Schiavoni, with its stunning Carpaccios. We requested, and she arranged, a private tour of the Marciana Library. In addition, she arranged amazing dining experiences. Luisa was always available by phone for last-minute changes. Grazie mille for enriching our trip to Venice.” —Ellen Marks

New Entry Requirements For Countries Around the Globe

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Several countries have recently changed their entry requirements—some adding hurdles, others making a visit easier:

The U.K. now requires that U.S. travelers submit an Electronic Travel Authorization before entering the country. The process typically takes up to three business days and costs about $12. (You don’t need an ETA if you are stopping at a U.K. airport between connecting flights, unless you plan to leave the “airside” of the airport and pass through border control.)

Similarly, Israel now requires that U.S. travelers submit an ETA-IL, which costs about $7 and should be requested at least 72 hours before a trip.

China, on the other hand, is making it easier to see a bit of the country on a long layover: U.S. travelers can now spend up to 10 days in China without a visa when they are passing through on their way to a third country or destination (which could be Hong Kong or Taiwan).

The E.U. plans to launch its own travel authorization program, ETIAS, sometime in the second half of 2025. If you’re headed to Europe later this year, subscribe to our newsletter or bookmark this page for updates on when ETIAS will go into effect.

Romania and Bulgaria are now part of the E.U.’s Schengen Area, which allows free movement across member states’ borders.

Wherever in the world you’re headed, always check the U.S. State Department’s website to get up-to-date entry requirements for your destination. And if you’d like help planning your next trip, just ask us: Click on the button below to get started.

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Romantic Travel Ideas for an Anniversary Trip, or Any Trip

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Considering what we’ve all been through in the past few years, it feels more important than ever to celebrate joyous milestones. So we’ve collected these unforgettable wedding-anniversary trips enjoyed by your fellow travelers. They all used The WOW List to find the right trip planner who could deliver the maximized experience and VIP treatment that people who are celebrating a special anniversary deserve. Here’s how to get your own WOW trip.

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30th anniversary in Belize: “We had a fantastic day on a private catamaran to Moho Caye…”

Laurie and Michael Schuftan having a picnic on a beach in Moho Caye, Belize.

Travelers Laurie and Michael Schuftan celebrate their anniversary with a beach BBQ at Moho Caye.

“My husband, Michael, and I had a wonderful time celebrating our 30th anniversary in Belize! With Patricia’s guidance, I opted to spend three nights in the jungle and four nights in the beach area. Our private villa at the Lodge at Chaa Creek was beautifully appointed and set amid the lushness of the jungle. Anniversary wishes, fresh fruit, and a ready-to-hatch butterfly pupa greeted us in the villa.

For the next three days, our driver, David, expertly navigated the very rustic roads to our private jungle cruise on a pontoon boat, tours of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech & Barton Creek Cave, and down to Placencia. He knew people everywhere!

Our home for the last four nights was a gorgeous beachside villa at Naia Resort & Spa. Again, we were greeted with anniversary wishes, flowers and balloons. We had a fantastic day on a private catamaran to Moho Caye, where we snorkeled and our guide Mike and Captain Leo grilled a delicious BBQ lunch on the beach. We found Belize to be an enchanting country, with its diversity of topographies and cultures and very warm, welcoming people.” —Laurie Schuftan

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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47th anniversary in southern Spain and the island of Mallorca: “Our room had the most extraordinary view of the sea…”

View to the sea from Jumeirah Mallorca hotel in Mallorca, Spain.

The panoramic view from the Jumeirah Mallorca in Port de Soller, Mallorca. Photo: Ivan Ricoy

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

We told Iván that we were not going to Mallorca for the beach and wanted to avoid crowds and mass tourism. We also knew that we would arrive exhausted and wanted a place where we could relax and be pampered at the start of our trip. Iván found us a magnificent hotel that met all of our needs and more. Our room had the most extraordinary view of the sea.

Iván planned a Mallorca itinerary that focused on the history and culture of the island, and six days in Catalonia, first in the beautiful seaside village of Cadaqués, and then the Penedès cava region. In the popular Penedès region, he managed to secure excellent hotel accommodations, drivers and guides—not an easy feat for a very busy holiday weekend at peak harvest time. He informed the hotels of our celebration, and on Mallorca we were greeted at our dinner table with beautiful flowers and a bottle of cava. Our trip went beyond all expectations because of Iván’s care and expert planning.” —Mina Miller Sabritt

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

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25th anniversary in Malta: “A great, relaxing way to experience the Mediterranean…”

Mdina, the old capital of Malta surrounded by nature.

Traveler Tracy Reller called Malta “easy, seamless, and carefree” for their 25th anniversary. Photo: Exclusively Malta

“In one word, our 8-day Malta trip in July was awesome! Our schedule included a lot of activities, but they didn’t feel rushed and were all so interesting. Having drivers show up everywhere felt so indulgent but made things easy, seamless, and carefree—perfect for our 25th anniversary!

Our guide, Matthew, was incredible—so knowledgeable, gracious in answering our many questions, and kind in making any changes on the fly. He’s exactly why I like to use Wendy’s travel experts! We learn so much about the country, its people, history, customs, food from locals that we would never get on our own.

Some of our favorite excursions included exploring Valletta, the private Grand Master’s Palace visit, the Ta Betta wine tasting (wish we could get the wine in the U.S.), exploring Mdina including private palazzo visit, meeting a pastizzi maker in his home, sunset dinner with Charlie (very interesting guy who showed my gardener husband how to graft and propagate trees/bushes), and meeting a pipe organ restorer. Most surprising excursion was ancient Malta—visiting the Hypogeum and Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. They were fascinating to see and to think about ancient people building them 1,000 years before the pyramids of Giza!

Do not miss Gozo island when in Malta—it’s quieter, less crowded and fun to explore. Traveling there by sailboat was also a great, relaxing way to experience the Mediterranean and see the islands from a different viewpoint.” —Tracy Reller

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

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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.

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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.

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15th Anniversary trip to Paris: “Only Philip’s office could arrange an over-the-top private river cruise on a Venetian river craft…”

The Eiffel Tower with the river Seine in the front.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Photo: Shutterstock

“Philip and his team did an outstanding job in planning, delivering and communicating our dream 15th Wedding Anniversary trip. In our initial interview with Philip, he listened to our interests in art, architecture, history, food and wine. From that point, he and his team began to develop an itinerary for us that was everything we dreamed of and more.

We started our 16-day adventure, beginning with Provence, then Lyon, and ending in Paris. In Provence, our personal guide, Cedric, drove us through beautiful countrysides loaded with red poppies, Market Day, beautiful historic hillsides villages and led us through the worlds of Impressionist artists, like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Dora Mar, and a modern art sculptural collection in a vineyard. We visited the best wineries in the region of Chateauneuf du Pape, walked inside the UNESCO Roman aqueduct of Le Pont du Gard, toured small historic villages learning about the impact and historic value.

In Lyon, we were met by Sebastian, our private tour guide for the next two days. We learned besides Lyon being the Food Gastronomy center of the world, the historic importance of Lyon in French history and how the weaving industry and craftsmanship made this city. An unexpected experience was the private time we spent with a craftsman, Philibert Virginie at Maison des Canuts, who took us through the labor-intensive loom weaving of the Renaissance. For our final day, Sebastian took us to his family-owned vineyard and winery in Beaujolais. Here was another WOW moment.

In Paris, for our last night, we had to do the Seine River Cruise. But only Philip’s office could arrange an over-the-top private river cruise on a Venetian River craft. Looking at Paris from the River gave us the full glory of this beautiful city. A bottle of Roederer champagne aboard our tour added the sparkle and the effervescence to enjoy the Eiffel Tower, Alexander Bridge, Notre Dame and Île de la Cité even more. What a great way to end our French adventure.” —Tom Festa

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

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25th Anniversary trip to Panama: “I never would have found this hotel on my own. It is on a private island…”

Bungalow of a private resport in Panama.

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

“My husband and I had a fabulous 25th anniversary trip to Panama planned by Pierre. We started out with one night staying in the Old City in Panama City. At Pierre’s suggestion, we stayed at the American Trade hotel. It was fabulous. It was like a throwback in time but with all the modern luxuries. And the location was perfect for exploring the Old City and going out to eat. Pierre arranged a dinner reservation at a nearby restaurant that could accommodate all of my husband’s dietary restrictions. To our surprise, they seated us at a secluded table on a balcony overlooking a plaza.

The next day was on to Isla Palenque. Absolute paradise. Pierre arranged all of the travel, from the car to the airport to the pickup at the airport in David and the boat ride then to Paradise. I never would have found this hotel on my own. I have never been to such a fabulous hotel. It is on a private island. 400 acres. Eight casitas and one villa. There are nearly 50 staff members for less than 20 guests. The water was 85°. The sand was soft as silk. The restaurant was excellent and very accommodating to our dietary restrictions. We went snorkeling, see kayaking, paddle boarding and dolphin watching. We still had plenty of time to do nothing on the private beach.

On the final day we had about 8 hours in Panama City before our evening flight back to the States. Pierre arranged a private guided tour of the Canal and the city. That was also fabulous.” —Randi Maidman

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

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30th Anniversary trip to Antarctica: “When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne…”

Jeff and Lisa Wellen having a ball in Antarctica.

“From the first Zoom call with Ashton and Christine, we knew we were in great hands for our dream trip to Antarctica. On this trip, we were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and I asked if there could be something special I could do to surprise my wife on the trip. They took care of everything. They first surprised us with an anniversary bottle of champagne and a cake at our hotel in Santiago.

One of the things you can do on the ship is sleep in an igloo on the top deck. It was first come, first serve. We were able to get the igloo reserved for one night. When we entered the igloo, the ship’s crew had it decorated with anniversary décor along with champagne and treats. It was so emotional that it brought my wife and I to tears.

The Lindblad Resolution was spectacular, and we are so thankful Ashton pushed us to take this ship. This is their newest ship and we saw every day why this is the best ship to take to the Great White Continent….This ship’s capabilities allowed us to go to the eastern side of the peninsula. Not one of the other sixty ships in the area had the capabilities to do that. It allowed us to sail through the Weddell Sea and see enormous tabular icebergs the size of three or four football stadiums, 100’s of Emperor Penguin chicks, thousands of penguins, pods of killer whales and watched pods of humpbacks eating fifty yards from the ship.” —Jeff Wellen

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

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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.

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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.

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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 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!

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.

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50th Anniversary safari: “A bush dinner with an open bonfire and full moon celebrating our anniversary. Local folks came in their native dress, danced and sang…”

Two young lion cubs ( Panthera Leo) looking at the camera, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Two young lion cubs at the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

“To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, we decided we wanted to take our two daughters and their families on an African safari. The trip Daniel planned for us was fantastic. Since we and our daughters live in 3 different U.S. cities, we met in Nairobi and stayed for 2 nights. The accommodations at the House of Waine were outstanding and the staff very accommodating, given two of our arrivals were very late and the 4 grandkids varied in age from 6 to 13. This gave us time to get over some jet lag and see some of Nairobi. We then flew via private charter for 4 nights to a Saruni camp in Samburu, followed by another private charter to a Saruni camp in Maasai Mara for 4 nights, before returning to Nairobi for our flights home.

The staff and guides at the camps were friendly and went out of their way to please us. They had a special celebration for our anniversary at all three locations. They also celebrated one of our son-in-law’s birthdays while we were on the trip with a cake and singing at each location.

Samburu is semi-arid and Maasai Mara lush and green. It was great to see the two different areas and experience the different as well as similar animals in each. Daniel is the one that recommended the two different areas and we are quite happy he did. The pace of the trip which he planned was good; having 4 days at each camp gave us the time to truly experience and appreciate each area.

Our experience suggests that other travelers should pace their trip similar to ours. Two of our international flights were extremely late and having 2 nights in Nairobi before going to the safari camps allowed us to catch our breath. Also spending 4 nights at a camp allows you to settle in and appreciate the uniqueness of the location.

Seeing all the animals with our extended family at each location made this a special travel experience. Some of the most outstanding were seeing the 5 animals unique to the Samburu area, lions along with some cubs, leopards, cheetah, elephants, giraffes and hippos. The sundowners and meals in the bush also were very special times. Of these, the most memorable was having a bush dinner with an open bonfire and full moon celebrating our anniversary. Local folks came in their native dress, danced and sang. They encouraged the kids and adults to participate and we all had a grand time. We would not have had all these wonderful experiences if it had not been for Daniel.” —David Magdanz

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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

“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. He served the crab we caught in 3 different preparations, each of which was excellent.

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Paris: “I wanted to present her with the diamond ring she never got when we first got together 10 years ago”

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

“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

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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

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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

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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

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Where Everybody’s Traveling in 2025: The Most Popular Countries for WOW Trips

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As you plan your travels for the year ahead, you’d be wise to keep in mind where everybody else is going. These are the most popular countries for 2025 trips already booked the WOW way:

Italy
United Kingdom
Tie: Japan and Norway
France
Spain
South Africa
Vietnam
Botswana
Tie: Cambodia, Chile, New Zealand, Portugal, Zimbabwe
Australia

It’s no surprise that Western Europe is so popular. What’s surprising is how early people have booked 2025 trips there. They’ve learned from the past few years that planning ahead often means gaining access to better, more reasonably priced options.

One reason for Italy’s popularity is that 2025 is the Vatican’s Jubilee Year. Rome is expecting 35 million visitors, many of them pilgrims on group tours who will be focused on visiting the Vatican and Rome’s churches and religious sites. Rome-bound travelers would be wise to avoid crowds and inconveniences by hiring one of the Italy experts on The WOW List to plan and book a savvy itinerary customized to their goals.

Wendy Perrin at the top of Vittorio Emmanuel monument in Rome, Italy.

In Italy, there are always clever ways to escape crowds and get better views, as Wendy did in Rome in October 2024.

Japan, New Zealand, and Australia—three countries that were among the last to reopen post-pandemic—are, two years later, still in high demand. That’s not just because they were off-limits for so long but also because the best experiences and places to stay in these countries tend to book up many months, if not a year or more, in advance.

Our advice: Consider places not on the list above. For instance, since southern Africa is the most popular safari region in 2025, what about East Africa?

Scroll down and click on the articles below—collections of trip reviews from your fellow travelers—to discover smart destination choices for each month in the first half of 2025. We guarantee you will be surprised and wowed by options you’ve never considered. Sicily in January? Paris in February? Morocco during Ramadan? Take it from your fellow travelers who did it and loved it. And if you could use a personalized trip recommendation, we’re at the black button below.

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Apps To Help You Survive Holiday Travel

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Airport delays, flight cancellations, and long waits in the security line are some of the not-so-welcome gifts we get during the holiday season. Though we can’t avoid all holiday travel snafus, we can be prepared because our smartphones are a great resource. Check out this list of apps and other services that can help.

Your airline’s app
Flight status, gate changes, alerts, nearby lounge info, and your mobile boarding pass—you’ll get all of these through your airline’s app.

Tracking flight delays and cancellations
Apps like FlightStats and FlightAware track flight status and can alert you to delays or weather cancellations, sometimes more efficiently than the airline will. If your flight does get cancelled due to a storm and you want to do what I do—which is to find alternate flights that connect in cities that are having no weather issues—they can tell you which large hubs are unaffected by the current weather situation.

An app for monitoring the wait at airport security lines
The line at security used to be one of the most unpredictable pain points in your journey. Luckily, that has changed, because a few apps can now show you what to expect. The TSA’s official MyTSA app shows you estimated wait times, provides tips on what you can and cannot bring through security, and has a handy “Ask TSA” live-chat feature. MiFlight has real-time info crowd-sourced from fellow travelers using the app (available on iPhone only). You can also check the website of the airport; some (like JFK, EWR, and ATL) offer real-time waits at security and customs.

Real-time updates and answers from your airline
X (formerly Twitter) may have its flaws, but following your airline’s feed is typically one of the quickest ways to find out about delays or cancellations. It can also be an effective way to get in touch with an airline rep fast: Direct your question or complaint to the airline’s social media, and they’re incentivized to give you a speedy answer.

Emergency airline assistance
Cranky Concierge isn’t an app—it’s a website and (gasp!) a phone service—but when your flight is canceled or delayed, and you really need to get where you’re going, this is the help you need. Sure, you could choose to spend frustrating hours on the phone with unhelpful airline customer-service centers, trying to reroute your own trip—or you could let the Cranky team handle it. They have knowledge of and access to info you won’t be able to get on your own, and they can research and rebook you with the best possible option while you get a drink at the airport bar. Cranky Concierge’s urgent assistance service starts at $175 and is accessible through the website and via phone (U.S.: 888-747-1011 x9; global: +1-74-200-4200 x9).

Finding an airport lounge
You no longer need to hold special status or specific credit cards to access certain airport lounges—just pay a fee and you’re entitled to all the comfy couches, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks the elite travelers get.

Priority Pass is a lounge subscription service. For an annual membership fee between $99 and $469, Priority Pass grants its members access to over 1,300 airport lounges and experiences worldwide. Some credit cards, such as American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and certain Capital One cards, offer Priority Pass membership as a free perk, so check out your card’s benefits package before signing up.

Navigating the airport
FLIO covers nearly 6,000 airports globally, connecting you with information on the airport you’re in—everything from where to find power outlets to hotels that offer day-use rooms for long layovers. Services featured vary, depending on the airport. A check of services offered at Newark International Airport (EWR) includes details on where to find nursing suites and how to transfer to other New York-area airports. In Chile’s Santiago airport (SCL), you can find lounges and luggage storage. And at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, the app tips you off to baby lounges, an in-airport park, and locations of massage chairs. It’s helpful to know your airport’s IATA code, since airports are listed alphabetically by their three-letter code, and these aren’t always obvious.

A quicker Global Entry experience
Global Entry members can use this app to skip the lines and kiosks at more than 75 airports: Snap a selfie with the app, flash the submission receipt on your phone screen to the Customs and Border Control officer, and you’ll be quickly waved through immigration.

The shortest immigration line without Global Entry
If you don’t have Global Entry, download the Mobile Passport Control app, which allows you to submit necessary customs and immigration paperwork electronically. I’ve seen much shorter lines for app users at the airports that recognize this speedier immigration option.

When you don’t speak the language
When you’re struggling to communicate with a taxi driver, a good translation app can be a godsend. Google Translate lets you speak right into the phone, and then it can translate, out loud, into the selected language. The app’s Google Lens function also decodes written text via your phone’s camera—super-handy for reading menus or museum display panels—and it’s all available offline with dozens of downloadable language dictionaries. Another good option is Apple’s Translate; it features type, voice, or picture translation, like Google, but only offers 17 languages at the moment.

Last-minute hotel stays if your flight is delayed
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, or maybe you didn’t plan at all, and you need a hotel room right now. HotelTonight is made for those times, offering last-minute discounts on hotels of various star levels. The app doesn’t cover every destination in the world, but it does include a lot of big cities and popular travel spots in the U.S. and overseas. One helpful feature is that it sorts urban areas both by neighborhoods and by airports.

Getting to or from the airport, or anywhere else
When you need a ride and you don’t want to drive (or shouldn’t), Uber and Lyft are still the go-to rideshare apps every traveler should have in their phone. Uber is particularly useful in many other countries around the world.

Another alternative to airport taxis
Landing in an airport in an unfamiliar city can be an unsettling experience if ridesharing is banned and you have no idea how reliable or reputable the taxis are. Welcome Pickups contracts with drivers and limo companies in 160 cities worldwide, and you can schedule a transfer from their app or site in seconds. For roughly the price of a local taxi, your driver will meet you at baggage claim or in a specified area and deliver you to your destination. Communication is done within the app, and you can pay by credit card.

Calling and texting for free
Forego costly international calling charges and use WhatsApp to communicate when you’re abroad—both with friends and family back home, and with your private guide or other locals in your destination. With WhatsApp, texts and calls are free anytime your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Restaurant reservations
The last thing a weary traveler wants after a long flight is to have to wander the streets looking for a meal. Google and Apple Maps will show you highly rated restaurants in your area, but I love the ease of the reservation app OpenTable to book a table. Particularly helpful, especially when visiting a new city, is the “near me” function. OpenTable, already well entrenched in the U.S., is expanding its international footprint and now serving countries such as the U.K., India, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, Italy, and beyond. One tip: You will want to establish your free account before you leave home.

Maps and navigation
What makes Maps.me so useful is that it offers complete city and country downloads, perfect for touching down in a foreign country where you don’t want to incur roaming data fees.

Getting around town and beyond
Rome2Rio incorporates public transportation schedules with drive, walk, and even scooter/bike times to give you step-by-step travel options in each format within a clean, clear interface. It’ll even tell you which train car to ride in and what subway exit to take. It’s not just city-focused; you can plan trips between cities, and Rome2Rio will offer recommendations of flights, trains, and buses, along with how much they cost.

Calculating currency conversions
An app like Currency lets you skip the mental math of currency conversions—and it saves the latest conversion rate so that it works offline too.

What other apps have saved you during holiday travel? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Packing Tricks For Flying Home with Holiday Gifts

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Do you ever start a trip with only carry-on luggage but do so much shopping en route that you must check a bag on the return? As just one example, on a Thanksgiving trip that started in the souks of Morocco and ended with Christmas markets and holiday shopping in Austria and Germany, I accumulated so much stuff that flying carry-on-only was no longer possible—certainly not on intra-European flights—and my luggage had to expand.

If you travel with certain types of bags and a few multi-purpose essentials that take up almost no space, it will make it so much easier to transport all those mementos and gifts you pick up along the way.

Here are the five items that have proven most essential to me on countless trips. Consider them the next time you need to pack for a range of climates and activities, and for accumulating stuff as you go:

Three of my packing essentials, laid out on my bed at Royal Mansour in Marrakech, make it easy to pack light.

* A thin, lightweight duffel.
I always pack one of these in my carry-on wheelie. That way, if I collect too much stuff during the trip, I can check the wheelie on the return flight and use the duffel as my carry-on. Many duffels will do, but I happen to have a Le Sportsac Large Weekender I’ve used for at least a decade for this purpose.

* An expandable carry-on wheelie.
If you unzip a special zipper that wraps around my TravelPro 22-inch expandable spinner, it magically yields an extra 44 square inches of width.

* A backpack-style handbag with built-in laptop sleeve.
As female business travelers know, the easiest way to limit your luggage to one carry-on and one personal item is if the personal item is a combination handbag-plus-laptop-case. My Tumi Voyageur Backpack is stylish enough for business meetings yet rugged enough for hikes in the rain, keeps my hands free, and keeps all my electronic accessories safe, sound, and organized.

* An ultralight, compressible parka.
Mine happens to be a North Face ThermoBall Jacket. It keeps me toasty warm in wind, rain, and snow, yet does not overheat, and it compresses to a tiny fraction of its bulk, folding into its own pocket, so I can also use it as a pillow on the plane.

* A warm yet lightweight pashmina shawl.
I bought the one you see in the photo on sale at the Frette shop in Florence, Italy, years ago. It doubles as an airplane blanket and a headscarf in the rain (or if I want to pop into a mosque).

For more essentials, here’s the complete Wendy’s Essential Packing List. What items are key to your packing strategy? Share your answers in the comments below.

How to Use Thanksgiving to Improve Your Summer Vacation

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If you’re gathering with family this Thanksgiving and could use a safe conversation topic, we’ve got a suggestion: If those are the same family and friends you travel with for summer vacation, then while you’re passing the turkey and cranberry sauce, go around the table and ask everyone what sort of travel experience they’re dreaming about for next summer.

Why start thinking about this now? It might feel like summer 2025 is a long way off, but it’s going to be busy out there, especially in Europe. Remember, many people are still catching up on several years without any overseas travel—so it will take awhile to resolve all that pent-up demand. If you can figure out now what sort of experience you and your family would enjoy most, it can save you money and headaches later.

Family summer-vacation options with limited inventory—villas on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, African safaris, Galapagos expeditions—are already surprisingly full. But there are smart alternatives that are on savvy travelers’ radar and do still have plenty of availability, and we’re happy to help you find them and plan for them. So use your Thanksgiving get-together to create a travel wish list for 2025, read our compilations of traveler reviews to brainstorm ideas, then go to The WOW List or our Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation feature to make those wishes come true. By using our WOW approach to trip planning, you can avoid the crowds, minimize logistics, and enjoy WOW trips like these.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Have You Tried This Surprising Way to Beat Jet Lag?

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When travel hands you lemons, make limoncello. Last week in Italy, a train strike forced me and Tim to leave Venice early and seek a Rome airport hotel for an unexpected 18-hour overnight. The usual hotel suspects were sold out, thanks to the train strike, but Italy expert Jennifer Virgilio turned our foiled plans into lemonade: She suggested a country spa retreat in Fiumicino, a 7-minute ride from the airport. We ended up checking out the growing trend of “wellness resorts” and discovering a new way to recover from jet lag.

Like other manor-house resorts near European airports—think the Auberge du Jeu de Pomme and the Château d’Ermenonville, both close to Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport, or Great Fosters and Pennyhill Park, both near London’s Heathrow—the QC Termeroma in Fiumicino is more country oasis than airport-area hotel. This was our room (and you can see more photos on Instagram):

QC Terme Roma hotel room and terrace in Rome, Italy.

This was our patio at the QC Terme resort in Fiumicino. Photo: Timothy Baker

When you’re sleep-deprived, cranky, or achy after an overnight flight and need to stay awake and keep active without taxing your brain too much, pools of water can be a therapeutic way to soothe and reinvigorate yourself—and a massage doesn’t hurt either. The QC Terme group of “wellness destinations” are a modern twist on ancient Roman baths, with a wide array of pools and spa tubs of varying temperatures and massage features. You can also power through jet lag by walking around the estate in the bathrobe and flip-flops they give every guest (below).

Wendy Perrin at QC Terme Roma hotel and spa in Rome, Italy.

The resort and outdoor baths are set in a park with plenty of grounds for strolling. Photo: Timothy Baker

QC Termeroma is not for everyone—it’s like a water park for adults!—but such wellness resorts are increasingly popping up, including near airports, and they might fit the bill when your goal is an afternoon or night of jet-lag recovery before launching into an energetic travel itinerary.

Jennifer also saved the day by informing us of the train strike and rerouting us on an earlier train. To understand more about how WOW List experts can ease your way, read on, and to connect with the right one for your trip goals, click the red button below.

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“The trip was a dream from start to finish, with all the connections arranged for us seamlessly…”

View of Kiyomizu temple at sunset in Kyoto, Japan.

Serene temples, like this one in Kyoto at sunset, were on the itinerary. Photo: Shutterstock

“My husband and I just returned from a two-week trip to Japan planned by Scott. It was a fascinating and perfectly planned trip. 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 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, a visit to Matsumoto Castle, and many other serene gardens and shogun and samurai palaces were also included. 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.” —Lisa and Ed Block

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

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“When you use Wendy’s experts, they are there to handle any problems that arise…”

Jan Heininger on a solo ATV ride on Raiatea, French Polynesia.

Jan Heininger explored the island of Raiatea by ATV.

“Kleon planned an excellent 2½ week trip for my husband and me to Tahiti. We spent time on Moorea, Vahine Island, a private 50-foot catamaran, and Bora Bora.

On Moorea, Kleon arranged superb activities. We took a marvelous ATV ride to one of Moorea’s highest points with a great view and had a superb cooking class provided as a WOW Moment by Wendy. Our second stop was tiny Vahine Island off Raiatea Island. Kleon told us which side of the plane had the seats to get the best view from the air for the flight to Raiatea. He booked us into Vahine’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. Kleon also booked us into Le Bora Bora resort’s largest two-room overwater bungalow at the end of the pontoon.

Unfortunately, my husband had 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. This was another reminder that when you use Wendy’s experts, they are skilled not only at creating wonderful itineraries and executing them superbly, they are there to handle any problems that arise.” —Jan Heininger

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

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“A great example of the value of great trip planners!”

Harbor and the old town walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The walled Old Town of Dubrovnik, and its marina, are a must-see in Croatia. Photo: Timothy Baker

“We traveled to Croatia with a group of nine and had a spectacular time. Ala and Andjela did an expert job of balancing all of our preferences and creating an itinerary to work for everyone. We spent two nights in Split, two nights in Hvar, and three nights in Dubrovnik. Some of the highlights included a bike tour across the island of Hvar and a private boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands. Ala and Andjela helped us make all of our restaurant reservations, and they were ideal, covering a perfect mix of traditional, scenic, and gourmet selections.

We had no major disruptions on the trip, but it was comforting to know that Ala and Andjela were just a phone call away if anything went awry. They were so on top of things they even called us to alert us that our car to dinner would be late due to a traffic accident and arranged with the restaurant for a later arrival. They also delighted us with an upgrade to a private boat transfer instead of the ferry. Overall, we had a wonderful trip and were pleasantly surprised that it went off without a hitch even with such a large group. It was a great example of the value of great trip planners!” —Lisa Powers

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

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“It went perfectly due to the outstanding planning…”

Canal in Amsterdam surrounded by bikes and colored buildings.

There are many canal cruises in Amsterdam, but a private one is a real treat. Photo: Shutterstock

“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.

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 Pêcheur. Tom’s office did status checks with us throughout the trip to make sure that all was going smoothly and to our liking.” —Ruth and Gary Reading

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

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10 Ways to Minimize Holiday Travel Hassles

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It’s that most wonderful time of the year when U.S. airports are jammed, overhead bins crammed, flights delayed, and travel headaches numerous. And this year will be no different. Nerves understandably frazzle when delays hit on a tight travel schedule, so prepare yourself with the following tips, don’t forget your documents, and remember what’s ultimately waiting at your destination: family, friends, and holiday cheer.

1. Download must-have apps.

There are apps that tell you which security line at your airport has the shortest wait time, help you get the assistance you need when your flight plans derail, and more. Here are a few of my favorites.

2. Don’t wrap gifts before you travel with them.

The TSA can ask you to unwrap gifts in your carry-on for examination, slowing down you and everyone else in the security line (and ruining your crisp corner folds). They can unwrap gifts in checked luggage as well. Wrap your gifts when you arrive or send them by mail.

3. Pack so it’s a breeze to get your holiday gifts home.

You may have figured out how to get to Grandma’s with only carry-ons (maybe you ordered all your gifts for your aunts and uncles and cousins online and had them shipped), but what about getting home again with the gifts they give you? Here’s my strategy for bringing home a lot more stuff than you started with.

4. Check in for your flight online 24 hours ahead.

Checking in the day before reduces your chance of getting bumped from an oversold flight and increases your chance of snagging a better seat—one made available 24 hours in advance. That’s when elite-status frequent fliers get upgraded from coach, leaving behind prime empty seats in the forward cabin or exit rows.

5. Leave for the airport earlier than usual.

You know all those drivers you battle with for a parking spot at the mall? You’ll now be battling them on the road to the airport. And in the parking garage. Allow time for being stuck in traffic. Use the predictor function in your favorite navigation app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, etc.) to estimate your travel time and alert you when to leave, based on the current traffic pattern and your desired arrival. And if possible, pre-book a parking spot; we’ve had good experiences with The Parking Spot. If you can’t prebook, some airports offer frequently updated availability reports for their own parking lots.

And: If you’re scheduling a car service or you’re ride-sharing to the airport, add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your start time to account for any traffic delays.

6. Flight delayed? Relax in an airport lounge.

More and more pay-as-you-go independent lounges have been popping up all over the U.S. For $25 to $50 you can escape the circus in the terminal and kick back in comfy armchairs—with Wi-Fi, televisions, and snacks—or even shower or nap. As for club lounges run by airlines, many now sell day passes for $60—and give you access to airline agents who can be more helpful in fixing travel snafus than agents you talk to at the gate or on the phone. LoungeBuddy is an app that helps you find and book lounges in your airport; it’s being retired January 13, 2025, but should still be of use for the upcoming holidays. Priority Pass is among the membership organizations that offer access to lounges; pre-paid packages start at $99 per year (Priority Pass is also offered as a perk with credit cards such as American Express Platinum and Chase’s Sapphire Reserve).

7. Be the first to know if your flight is canceled.

If a storm cancels your flight, you’ll be in a mad race with everyone else to grab what few seats are available on alternate flights. If bad weather is brewing in the days before your trip, sign up for flight status alerts, and also check your airline’s website frequently so that, as soon as the airline announces it’s waiving ticket-change fees, you can take action. Also monitor the airline’s social-media feed; it sometimes provides the quickest updates. Be prepared for anything by downloading essential apps and tools for winter travel.

8. Flight canceled? Look for a storm-free hub to connect in.

FlightStats.com tells you at a glance which airports and airlines are suffering weather-related delays and, just as important, which are not. Note which hubs are having no weather issues (Las Vegas, for instance) and rebook to connect through one of them. (Vegas may not be in the linear path to your final destination, but you could end up at your destination much quicker than if you remain in a snowbound airport. And, if you need to overnight in Vegas, there are inexpensive hotels and frequent flights out.)

9. Don’t waste time waiting on hold.

Rather than phoning the airline’s jammed U.S. customer service line and getting stuck on hold for hours while the few available seats to your destination vaporize, call one of the airline’s English-speaking overseas reservations numbers—say, in England, Germany, Australia, or Singapore. (You’ll find these numbers on the airline’s website.)

Or check your airline’s app. You can often rebook yourself without paying change fees. Initiating a text chat session from the app (if available) will also result in quicker responses. Plus, your frequent-flier status can push you up the queue.

10. Score a free future airline ticket.

‘Tis the season for oversold flights, so there’s a chance you could score a free or discounted ticket by volunteering to take a later plane. Delta and American are among airlines that actually ask flyers to name their own voucher amount when checking bags at their kiosk, so passengers compete with themselves and avoid escalating gate auctions. Another strategy: If you’re willing to volunteer to be delayed for a few hours in exchange for a discounted or free future ticket, consider approaching the gate agent before they have made an announcement, so you’re first on the list of volunteers. But don’t accept a voucher without making yourself aware of all the restrictions (blackout dates, expiration date, etc.) and ensuring you have a confirmed seat on a later flight.

Private Guides: The Essential Ingredient That Can Make or Break a Trip

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There are a lot of people who play a role in making a WOW trip exceptional, but it’s the private local guides who are the linchpin. These on-the-ground fixers bring to life the words on the pages of your itinerary; pivot when weather, crowds, or unexpected events require a change of plans; and open a window to the local culture of the place you’re visiting. (No, I’m not talking about the tour guides you see holding flags and wielding microphones to keep a large group of travelers in line with their scripted dialogue!)

People who think that experienced travelers don’t need a local guide are doing themselves a disservice: It’s only from guides that I’ve learned about a million things in my travels—from the right way to drink mate in Chile to wedding customs in Egypt to reading fortune sticks in Laos (that’s my Laotian private guide, above, showing me around the temple at Vat Phou). My favorite moments with a guide usually happen in the interstitials—say, a conversation about family dynamics or pop culture that transpires while driving between sights or over a meal.

It’s not by chance that the local trip-planning experts on Wendy’s WOW List work with the best guides in the business; each expert has spent considerable time testing—and continually training—local guides in their destination. When they match you to the right guide based on your interest in Portuguese wine or your kid’s fascination with Greek mythology, the result can be magical. But don’t take my word for it: Check out the reviews below from your fellow travelers about their favorite private guides.

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Vietnam: guides like “old friends,” seeing how the locals live

Travelers Mark and Sandra Questad learn how to eat pho in a private home with their guides in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Traveler Sandra Questad eating pho with her husband and new friends.

“It was a dream vacation for us, and to say Dan’s team went above and beyond our expectations would be an understatement. We were given what I would call ‘white-glove treatment’ from the time we landed in Hanoi to the time we departed in Phuket. Our accommodations were just as we hoped…boutique style or luxury, close to town where we can walk and mingle with the locals to experience the food, coffee shops and culture.

Hanoi was wonderful. The two young drivers who joined our guide, my husband, and me and rode motorbikes with us made the trip so memorable. Really great kids! They chatted with us as we rode along, asking questions about our life as they shared about theirs, and they felt like old friends. We stopped by a private home to sample pho with them, and they showed us how to eat it. What a fun cultural experience it was and exactly what we love doing. It gave us a realistic peek into the everyday life of the locals.

In Chiang Mai we were in great hands with Berm. He showed us around his city and brought us to the night market, where we sampled many local culinary delights and tried some exotic fruits. Bangkok was amazing, and we really enjoyed our guide Kei. We loved the private long-tail boat tour on the canals. She showed interesting things along the way and stopped to have us walk along the little alleyways to catch an inside glimpse of life. This is exactly what we love…seeing how the locals live. We stopped as she chatted with an older couple who happened to be her friends’ parents. They invited us into their home, proudly showed us around and offered us fruit from their tree and chilled, cut-up fruit at their table. That was so special!” —Sandra Questad

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

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Morocco: “The most unusual experience we had was having our Berber hiking guide take us into his own home for tea and to meet his wife and young boy…”

Sara Benda and her family riding camels in the Sahara, Morocco.

Sara Benda and family rode camels from their luxury camp in the Sahara.

“Our trip organized by Hicham and Radia was everything we hoped for and more to help us discover the beautiful country of Morocco. Every little detail was arranged to make the whole experience seamless. The lodging and restaurants they chose for us based on our preferences were wonderful, and there is absolutely no way we would have known how to find them otherwise. There were personal touches that went above and beyond, like providing us with Moroccan cash when we arrived, knowing it would be difficult to obtain right away, or always having fresh water bottles and snacks available.

They connected us with fabulous local people. Best of all, they provided us with an absolutely amazing guide, Mustapha, who was with us the entire trip. He provided us such a rich education about the history and culture of Morocco, through his itinerary and guidance, with such a warm personality. He made sure every element of our experience was exactly how we liked it. If that weren’t enough, we were provided with a fantastic driver and very comfortable van for the whole trip as well. The entire experience was flawless and perfect.

There was nothing about our trip we would avoid. Every stop along the way was special and shouldn’t be missed. Casablanca, Fes, camping in the Sahara, Ouarzazate/Benhaddou, Marrakesh, and hiking in the Atlas mountains. I wouldn’t give up any of those experiences.

The most unusual experience we had was having our Berber hiking guide take us into his own home for tea and to meet his wife and young boy. It was precious. The luxury camping in the Sahara was an out-of-this-world experience. This trip was worth every penny. Thank you!” —Sara Benda

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

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Italy: “We truly felt we had the best guides possible in each city…”

Guide Alvise with Sarah Cohen and her husband in Venice, Italy.

Sarah Cohen with her husband and their guide, Alvise, in Venice.

“In addition to Jennifer’s trip planning, the level of guides she used was phenomenal. We had Alvise in Venice who spent the day with us on a land-and-sea tour of Venice and gave us endless suggestions for shopping and sightseeing on our own.

In Florence we had Veronica as our guide. Veronica has a degree in art history, and it felt like we were students in her class as she shared her wealth of knowledge with us. We could’ve listened to her for hours. Florence obviously has ENDLESS treasures to share. Veronica took us to trusted leather makers and jewelers with handmade craftsmanship and honest pricing. She also gave us her cell number to ask other questions while we were in Florence.

Finally, we had Salvatore as our guide in Rome. We did the Ancient Rome Experience and the Vatican tour with him. Salvatore was very knowledgeable and kept a perfect pace for us. He offered to extend our tours to other areas he wanted us to see in Rome. It was above and beyond his job. He also gave us wonderful advice about places to eat lunch and other areas of the city to visit on our own.

All three guides spoke excellent English and were the top guides in the city. It was surprising they all knew each other and spoke highly of Jennifer and Wendy Perrin. We truly felt we had the best guides possible in each city.” —Sarah Cohen

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

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Peru: “An accomplished photographer who identified some fantastic photo ops for us that resulted in many keepers…”

Boy ‘angel’ spouting fire during the parade in Cusco, Peru.

A boy dressed as an angel spouting fire at the parade in Cusco, Peru. Photo: Traveler Tim Triche

“Despite a disastrous beginning due to airline travel delays and cancelled flights, Marisol’s team rose to the occasion and successfully rearranged our itinerary so that, despite over two lost days of travel, we were nonetheless able to do almost everything that was originally scheduled.

Our guides were absolutely top-notch. Claudio accompanied us for most of the trip and was the consummate travel guide—knowledgeable, engaging, experienced, and a truly nice guy. And, an accomplished photographer who identified some fantastic photo ops for us that resulted in many keepers that will enable us to remember this trip for years.

I have done photography as a serious hobby for decades, and another shout-out to Adriana, the photographer who took us around Cusco at the end of our trip. I learned a great deal from her and took some creative photos that would otherwise never have occurred to me.” —Dr. Tim Triche

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

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Disney World: “Water, snacks, ice cream magically appeared, and our wonderful guide would go on the rides with one of the boys if my husband or I didn’t want to…”

Happily Ever After fireworks at Disney World. Photo: Disney

“There were seven of us: me, my husband, my son, his wife, and our three grandsons, ages 4 to 7. Our planner listened carefully about the experience we were looking for. By far the best recommendation and explanation they gave us was about the Disney VIP Guide. While it is very pricey, it made the difference in the trip. We planned on visiting the parks three days of our week-long trip and used the guide for each park day. No lines, no trying to figure out the Lightning Lane passes…. Water, snacks, ice cream magically appeared, and our wonderful guide would go on the rides with one of the boys if my husband or I didn’t want to. We were able to go on every ride we wanted to (some twice) in the course of three days. We got the Park Hopper and, because we were being transferred in their van, there was no time wasted changing parks. We all felt very spoiled!!” —Randi Zoot

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

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Ireland: “When we parted company, I felt that we were saying goodbye to a brother. Brendan is smart, gracious, well-prepared, discreet, funny, full of stories…”

Sheila Morse and husband Dick Smith at Killarney National Park’s Torc Waterfall.

“My initial approach was to downplay the importance of nice hotels, as we intended to spend so little time in our rooms. Thank goodness Jonathan convinced us otherwise. Each of the three hotels reserved for us were not just great places to sleep. The ambiance, breakfasts, locations, special welcomes in each room, staff—all were superb and much appreciated after a full day of exploring and learning.

Windows in our room in the Great Southern Killarney hotel opened onto an inner garden. We thoroughly enjoyed an Irish whisky tasting one evening after dinner.
Mount Juliet near Kilkenny was beautiful! Our ‘windows’ were doors opening into beautiful green spaces. It was lovely to have a delicious cake and local honey waiting for us in the room!
The Dylan Hotel in Dublin was extraordinary! Again, superb breakfasts and drinks on the house one evening. It was within walking distance of every place we wanted to see.

We had naively thought that it was possible to drive far greater distances than the itinerary we finally settled on. Again, Jonathan’s gentle guidance proved wise. We traveled from Shannon to Killarney and ventured out from there for three days, then to Kilkenny for two days, and on to Dublin for three. That, in fact, was a lot to take in.

Weather was the only thing that didn’t synch up with all these extraordinary arrangements. We experienced rainy, cold, blustery winds, and moments of sunshine. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! (See wet slickers and cold noses in the photo!)

Brendan Glynn was our driver/guide for all but Dublin. He met us at Shannon and spent five full days with us. When we parted company, I felt that we were saying goodbye to a brother. Brendan is smart, gracious, well-prepared, discreet, funny, full of stories, and has a vast store of knowledge about everything we were seeing. He’s a fabulous driver. He provided valuable and entirely reliable recommendations throughout our stay. I lost my debit card and could not make satisfactory arrangements to get cash. Brendan allowed me to transfer funds from my bank to his and, in full faith that the transfer would be executed satisfactorily, advanced me Euros.

Brendan took us to Dingle Crystal, a small, seemingly out-of-the-way artisan craft shop where we saw some of the most beautiful crystal designs we’ve ever seen. Despite the fact that this place seems to be on at least a few tour guides’ itineraries, we were made to feel uniquely welcome by Sean Daly, the owner, and his sons. We spent time in the glass cutting room, getting a glimpse of how they ply their craft, and my husband purchased two beautiful whisky-tasting glasses.

During our time in Kilkenny, Brendan was able to arrange with the owner of Jerpoint Park to open up weeks in advance of her scheduled opening date. Maeve gave us a private, guided tour of the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint, a 12th-century settlement that she and her husband found was on land they bought to farm and which they excavated and reclaimed, inch by inch. We learned so much about the time, the confluence of events and landscape, and the special import of that particular location. This particular visit was a high point of our eight days in Ireland!

The drives and views were incredible, all day every day!” —Sheila Morse

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

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Morocco: “With Jamal and Majid at our sides, it felt like we were traveling with friends we had known for a lifetime…”

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 on the rooftop terrace of Essaouira’s Salut Maroc with 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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Provence: “Our guide in Provence was a gem—my whole family loved him and both his hilarious stories and historic insights…”

Virginia Socolof overlooking the French village of Gordes with three generations of women in her family.

“I recently returned from a FABULOUS trip to France with my mother, sister, and 17-year-old daughter. This was a real bucket list item for my mother—she is 80 and wanted to see both Monet’s gardens at Giverny and Provence. Philip and his team planned and executed a wonderful itinerary that perfectly satisfied my mother’s wishes. From the moment we landed in Paris until the day we flew out of Marseille, the drivers, excursions, and hotels exceeded our expectations.

On the day we were going to Giverny ,our van had a flat tire in the middle of the countryside, and within 30 minutes my family was in an Uber called by our heroic guide Paul, headed to Giverny with our tickets and lunch reservation in hand. Paul had the tire repaired and met us after lunch for the rest of our trip to Auvers sur Oise, but we didn’t miss a thing. Giverny was the most eagerly anticipated moment of the trip for my mother, and what could have been a disappointing travel disaster is now one of our funniest trip memories, involving aggressive strawberry buyers and a tiny blue car.

Cedric, our guide in Provence, was a gem—my whole family loved him and both his hilarious stories and historic insights. The Hotel du Pigeonnet in Aix was so very lovely, and Philip’s team also provided us with some wonderful restaurant recommendations and reservations. I began the planning process for this trip with concerns about how we could manage an experience that would make all of us happy and be comfortable enough for my mother, but Philip and his team pulled it off.” —Virginia Socolof

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Romania: “With the help of our guide and driver, we were able to locate both the home of my grandparents and that of my grandfather’s sister!”

The main street in Viscri, Transylvania.

The quiet main street in Viscri, Transylvania. Photo: Tim Baker

“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.

Our first stop in Romania was Arad, and with the help of our guide and driver, we were able to locate both the home of my grandparents and that of my grandfather’s sister! Then 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.

A word about Andrei, our guide. He was wonderful. He laughed over the fact that two of the villages we were visiting, to his knowledge, neither tourists nor locals exactly visited them. ‘No one ever wants to come to these areas. You are the first!’ Andrei meant that comment as a joke, but the reality is that it was true. As a side note, Andrei had a wonderful sense of humor and not only were we learning as we traveled, but he also constantly made us laugh. This made our long vehicle rides traveling from site to site go amazingly fast. We traveled from one end of southern Romania to the other!

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.” —Victoria W. Jones

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Machu Picchu: “His English was impeccable, and his extensive network of contacts made it seem like he knew EVERYONE in Peru…”

Machu Picchu on a cloudy day with mountains in the background.

The right guide means no waiting in lines at Machu Picchu. Photo: Brook Wilkinson

“We just returned from a fabulous 10-day trip to Peru. Allie helped us find probably the best guide in all of Peru! Our guide, Nick, met us in Cusco and was with our group of four the entire trip. His English was impeccable, and his extensive network of contacts made it seem like he knew EVERYONE in Peru, which became a running joke. However, it became central to the success and ease of our trip, as he networked us to the front of lines for access to everything (including the line for buses up and back from Machu Picchu). To Allie’s credit, she had just returned from a trip to Peru a month before we left, had Nick as a tour guide, and personally selected him to be the guide for our trip, for which we cannot thank her enough!” —Julie Olson

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Germany: “You couldn’t have a more caring or kinder person than Uli…”

Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria in a clear sky day.

Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned home from a 16-day trip to Germany. The country is scenically gorgeous, the food is outstanding, as are the wines and beers, but the very best part of Germany are its people. The German people are polite, welcoming, and very helpful. They take pride in what they do, and in their country. It is sparkling clean and safe at all hours of the day and night. My husband and I saw so many young people out late at night having a wonderful time. Overall, it’s a country that has not forgotten its past, good and bad, and looks forward to the future with acceptance and love.

Our driver and guide, Ulrich, was absolutely amazing: an excellent driver, compassionate human being and a gentle giant of a man. I really messed up and left part of my CPAP equipment in the hotel we had last stayed at and did not realize it until I unpacked at the next destination, after we all had said good night to each other. When Uli found out, he drove back to the hotel while we were enjoying a leisurely dinner to retrieve it for me. A 4-hour back-and-forth drive after a day of touring and guiding us, just to make sure I had what I needed. You couldn’t have a more caring or kinder person than Uli.

We had an arrangement for us to visit Neuschwanstein Castle before it opened to the public. This involved pushing me in a wheelchair up a 20-degree incline of about 1,000 feet. Uli never complained or seemed to resent aiding me throughout the trip. Mr. Wonderful for sure!” —Lya Eisenberg

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Newfoundland: “We expected a city tour, but Mike gave us much more than that…”

Gros Morne Western Brook Pond fjord, Newfoundland

Western Brook Pond, a fjord in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. Photo: Maxxim Vacations

“Jill connected us with two local guides who were amazing. We learned so much from them. The first experience was with Mike Edmunds the day after we landed in St John’s. We expected a city tour, but Mike gave us much more than that: an introduction to the culture, the economy, and the ‘language’ of Newfoundland. This single experience set the context for our entire trip.

In Port Rexton a few days later, we had breakfast with Paul Dean, a geologist and former director of the Johnson Geo Center, followed by a guided hike of the Skerwink Trail. Imagine what an experience this was! Paul knows the geology—and the local plants, etc.—of Newfoundland and Labrador first-hand, and was extremely generous in sharing his knowledge with us.

There was so much to see and explore, our three weeks didn’t provide enough time. There are many small, local attractions that address the history, culture, and geology of the specific area that you are visiting.” —Don and Marie Osdale

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Vietnam & Cambodia: “Our guides were fine with things changing on the fly, which is crucial when traveling with small children…”

The clear, blue water of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam.

Cat Ba Island in Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam. Photo: Shutterstock

“We just returned from a 16-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia planned by Ethan and Sandy. My husband and I traveled with our two kids (aged almost 5, and 7.5) and we all had a blast.

Our guides were so dedicated to ensuring we had the best trip possible. They were super flexible and were fine with things changing on the fly, which is crucial when traveling with small children. They also knew all the tricks—in Siem Reap, for example, our guide Dey knew that there were monkeys near one of the temples that liked eating lotus plants, so he stopped at a stand selling lotus plants and got some so the boys could feed the monkeys, which they loved. The two-night cruise through Lan Ha Bay was great (thanks to Ethan for leveraging his connections to get the boat to flex on age requirements for my youngest).

And, while not a highlight, our guide in Hanoi, Mike, was truly wonderful about taking me to the doctor when I woke up on our first day in Vietnam and discovered I had pink eye. The way Ethan and Sandy do their trips, with complete flexibility toward your schedule, is something that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was actually on the trip. Being able to change your plans in-the-moment is so wonderful—and knowing we have a driver and guide for whatever we decide to do was key. We had a few times where the kids (or adults) were exhausted and just wanted to swim or relax—so we pivoted and moved things around, making a lunch a dinner or moving touring to a different day, and it was just so wonderful to have the flexibility and not feel like we had to do something then because it was scheduled and paid for. It truly made it so that every day of our vacation was OUR vacation, and we appreciated that.” —Kim Segal

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Belize & Guatemala: “We had a phenomenal guide with Brainerd—very knowledgeable, warm, and just a lot of fun…”

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

The right local guide knows which of Belize’s beaches you can have to yourself. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had a wonderful trip to Belize and Guatemala planned for us by Patricia. Over the years, we’ve learned that a guide can make or break a trip. We had a phenomenal guide with Brainerd—very knowledgeable, warm, and just a lot of fun. He took loads of photos of us with my phone and his own. He later sent me the ones he took, which I very much appreciated because I make a photo book of all our trips.

We stayed first at the Lodge at Chaa Creek, a 400-acre eco-resort. Lots to do there: visit the butterfly farm, the natural history exhibit, the organic farm; canoe; hike; birdwatch; or sit with a delicious drink and admire the beautiful grounds. We used Chaa Creek as a base from which to explore the Maya ceremonial centers at nearby Xunantunich and Tikal in Guatemala.

The Naia Resort, right on the beach near Placencia, was lovely. We were very happy with our little bungalow, which was about 30 feet from the water. While we were there, Patricia arranged for us to spend time with a group of six Maya sisters who taught us how to cook on an open hearth, weave baskets, and extract the juice from sugar cane. It was fun! We really enjoyed our trip and met people who go to Belize year after year. We can understand why.” —Catherine Mathis

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Egypt: “She naturally struck the right balance between providing us enough information/details and also being helpful with avoiding crowds…”

The Pyramids of Giza. Photo: Jim Berkeley/Destinations & Adventures

My husband and I had such a fabulous time in Egypt, thanks to Jim’s and Arlene’s hard work and guidance. We chose Egypt as a milestone birthday trip for my husband, and the whole trip was truly special. On our first day in Cairo, we saw the Sphinx, Pyramids at Giza, Saqqara, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Eman was our Egyptologist in Cairo, and she was simply wonderful. She naturally struck the right balance between providing us enough information/details and also being helpful with avoiding crowds and finding photo opportunities. Plus, she was just pleasant to be around—it felt like touring Cairo with a family friend. Our first day was so spectacular that I was a little worried no other days would live up to Day 1 (I was wrong).

I loved our two nights in Aswan and REALLY loved the Old Cataract Hotel. For our WOW Moment, we had a sunset dinner on the Nile on a yacht. Abu Simbel completely blew me away. The dahabiya was a great experience. The crew and all other passengers sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to my husband, and it was a lovely celebration. By the time we got to Luxor, I was worried I might be a little underwhelmed by remaining temples and tombs—that was the furthest from the truth. Queen Nefertari’s Tomb was just incredible—my favorite of all the tombs and temples we visited in the Luxor area. I just wish we’d had one more night at the Winter Palace.” —Maeghan Whitehead

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Sicily: “Without the guide’s encouragement, I might not have climbed to the top of the cathedral and taken the outside walkway along the roof…”

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. The following day I ventured out of Palermo with a driver and fantastic guide to visit Monreale Cathedral, a World Heritage Site and truly one of the most spectacular cathedrals I have ever visited. The guide made the visit so memorable: Her knowledge of history, architecture and design was magnificent, and I really appreciated the chance to linger while other visitors were clearly being hustled in and out. Without the guide’s encouragement, I might not have climbed to the top of the cathedral and taken the outside walkway along the roof—the views were beautiful and more than worth the climb.

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.

I spent the remainder of my week in Trapani, a gorgeous seaside city in western Sicily. From my base in Trapani, I spent several hours touring the archeological park at Segesta, including the temple and theater. Valentina, my guide, was so knowledgeable and personable—she really made the history and importance of the site come alive. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Erice—on everyone’s must-see list in western Sicily, as it is situated 2,000 feet above Trapani with panoramic views in all directions. The cathedral, many churches, and castle are not to be missed. Marcello and Matteo arranged a tasting at Maria Grammatico’s famous pastry shop—a dream come true for this lover of sweets! My guide and I spent the remainder of the afternoon touring Trapani, even encountering a wedding at the cathedral.” —Nancy Footer

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Istanbul: “Cenk is a phenomenal guide. He is charming, knowledgeable, fun and warm…”

rainbow umbrellas hover over a street of shops and restaurants in Istanbul turkey

A colorful street scene in Istanbul. Photo: Tim Baker

“The plan was to spend three days in Istanbul following a Ponant cruise in Greece. Midway through the cruise, the anti-Israel and antisemitism demonstrations in Europe caused us to reach out to Karen over our concerns for safety in Istanbul. She outlined what was happening in Turkey and emphasized that we would be okay and that it was business as usual.

Our three days were memorable. Cenk is a phenomenal guide. He is charming, knowledgeable, fun and warm. We enjoyed learning about Turkish history and were surprised at how little we knew. The tourist sites were crowded, but we were able to get in and out without waiting. The shops in the Grand Bazaar were fabulous, and our cooking class was fun and yummy—one of the best organized cooking classes we have taken.” —Debbie Littman

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East Africa: “He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the animals and their habitats…”

A great guide will spot leopards even when they’re lazing up in the trees. Photo: Traveler Dan Friedman

“Dan arranged the trip of a lifetime for me, my wife, and our son and daughter-in-law. It was a private safari in Tanzania and then a few days in Rwanda and Nairobi. Every detail was taken care of—basically all we had to do was show up….

Dan selected great guides for our trip. In Tanzania our guide, Vienney, was with us the entire nine days we were there. He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the animals and their habits. With his deep knowledge, he was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all. Often we were the only safari vehicle at the site. While in the Serengeti we witnessed the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras head east to areas with more water—an amazing sight.

From the Serengeti we flew to Rwanda, where Dan had arranged treks to see the mountain gorillas. The treks are arduous, but very worthwhile. It’s an effort, but once you encounter a gorilla family, the experience will amaze you. Their behavior is so much more human-like than I imagined. This is a breathtaking experience that you will never forget.” —Dan Friedman

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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.

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Ireland for stunning greenery and warm, welcoming locals

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

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.

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

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Belize for idyllic weather and Mayan ruins

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.

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.

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

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

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!

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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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.

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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.

“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

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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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Moving on to Amorita Resort, we spent our days diving at Balicasag & Pamilacan Islands with another great dive team recommended by Andrea and earned our Enriched Air Diver certifications. Andrea also surprised us by sending an underwater photographer along on our first dive to capture a forever moment on our mother-daughter adventure under the sea. Saving one of the best days for last, our Bohol countryside tour was incredible, from swimming with a group of large whale sharks to cruising on a private Lomboc River boat with live music, hanging out with Tarsier and macaque monkeys, admiring the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol and even enjoying coconut wine at a local’s home. It was a perfect conclusion to our unforgettable journey in the Philippines.

This trip was tailored-made for our needs, combining the best dive resort locations for our goals, avoiding crowded tourist spots for the whale shark encounter, and adding in authentic cultural stops and touches to make each day unforgettable, including celebrating my birthday. Pushing ourselves to try somewhere new, and doing it together, made it even more thrilling.” —Andrea Phillips

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How to Buy Travel Insurance: What It Covers, When You Need It

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This article was first published in 2018. We continually update it, as world circumstances and insurance policies change.

Travel insurance can be confusing—which is why we’ve received countless questions about it from readers. So we’ve created this primer that lays out the basics of travel insurance, including when you need it—and when you don’t.

What is travel insurance?
What does it cover?
Do I really need it?
Don’t I already have it?
How much does it cost?
When should I buy it?
What is “third-party” travel insurance?
My trip planner recommends a specific insurer; should I choose that one?
Should I cover the cost of flights too?
What does it mean if insurance is primary vs. secondary?
I have a medical condition. Will expenses related to that be covered?
How does travel insurance handle Covid?
What if I’m hurt doing an adventure activity?
If I get sick or injured, will insurance pay to get me home?
Can I call off my trip for any reason and still get reimbursed?
What if I want to cancel because of a State Department advisory?
How do I protect myself against a travel company going out of business?
Should I pay for a car-rental upgrade?
Is an annual plan better than a per-trip policy?
Which policy should I buy?

What is travel insurance anyway?

Essentially, travel insurance serves two purposes, both financial. The first is to protect the investment you’ve already made—the cost of your trip—in the event that you need to cancel. The second is to cover future potential costs because of unforeseen events—for example, the cost of medical evacuation, should you get injured during your trip.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance policies cover some or all of the following (“comprehensive” policies cover most or all of these situations):

- Trip cancellation or interruption (if the reason for doing so is one allowed by that policy)
- Medical expenses, and sometimes evacuation (transportation to an appropriate medical facility)
- Expenses related to a trip delay and lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage
- A lump-sum payment if you’re injured or killed while traveling
- Emergency assistance
- Financial default of the travel supplier

A policy kicks in only if your situation fits within its specific conditions (those are the pages of fine print at the back of every policy). You can’t, for instance, get your money back if you decide to cancel because your cousin dies; that’s because most policies cover cancellation due to the death of only certain close family members.

Here are three examples of how travel insurance can help. These are scenarios that a traveler might run into—and ways in which the right travel insurance policy could protect the traveler in each scenario. Remember that every policy’s benefits are different:

Beth is headed to the Caribbean during hurricane season, since she knows that prices are lower at that time of year and that the chance of a storm hitting any particular island is low. But a week before she leaves, Hurricane Peter wreaks havoc at her beachfront resort.
Since Beth purchased an insurance policy with trip-cancellation coverage before the storm was named and her hotel is now uninhabitable, she can cancel the trip and get all of her money back.

Halfway through a hiking trip in the Alps, Joe slips and falls, breaking his ankle.
Joe’s travel insurance policy has a medical expense limit of $10,000, so it covers some—but not all—of his medical bills. Because he can’t continue with his trip, his trip-interruption benefit reimburses him for the unused portion of his prepaid expenses.

While Amy is walking from the train station to her hotel, a thief steals her luggage.
Amy’s insurance covers the value of the items in her luggage, up to her benefit limit of $750. Too bad she didn’t leave that diamond necklace at home, though; her policy will only reimburse up to $500 total for jewelry and electronics.

Do I really need travel insurance?

It depends on whether you’re making large nonrefundable advance payments, and whether you’re concerned about potential medical bills.

Are you reserving rooms at hotels that let you cancel up to 24 hours before check-in, and renting a car that you don’t have to pay for until you show up at the counter? In that case, don’t bother with a comprehensive policy that covers cancellation, since you’re not out-of-pocket for many expenses. (Even so, you may still want medical insurance, which is very affordable; you can get quotes for this coverage by entering $0 as your trip cost when researching policies online—see “Which policy should I buy?” below.)

Or are you prepaying for most of the pricey elements of your trip—hotels, private guides, transportation, a cruise—which often means that your deposit and subsequent payments are nonrefundable? In that case, you probably want travel insurance. When you choose a policy, consider the specific reasons you may end up filing a claim. For instance, most policies will cover Covid-related medical bills, but not all of them will cover the costs of isolating at your destination because you’re sick but not hospitalized.

Don’t I already have insurance?

You might. Some—but not all—medical plans, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies, and credit cards offer benefits to travelers. But Medicare, for instance, doesn’t cover members when they are overseas (though some Medigap plans do), and most health plans won’t cover evacuation (meaning, transportation to an adequate medical facility), which can be expensive if you’re somewhere remote. Check with your insurers to see what’s included.

Some premium credit cards include a level of protection. This coverage probably isn’t itself worth the card’s annual fee—but if you already have such a card, you should know what benefits it offers so that you don’t pay for redundant coverage. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve (one of Wendy’s favorite credit cards for travelers) has some good insurance benefits, but with set limits (so, for instance, you can get back only up to $10,000 per traveler and $20,000 per trip if you cancel a trip you paid for with the card—even if your African safari cost your family of four $15,000 per person).

Some travel firms and tour operators also include certain insurance coverage in all of their trips. Don’t waste your money buying coverage that’s already built into the cost of your trip. However, don’t assume that this coverage is comprehensive; depending on your circumstances, you might want to buy an additional policy.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Premiums for a comprehensive policy range from about four to 15 percent of your total trip cost. So if you and your spouse are spending $20,000 total on a week in France, expect to pay $400 to $1,500 per person for travel insurance.

Each premium is calculated based on the length and cost of the trip, where you’re going, and how old you are. For travelers above age 50, policies get significantly more expensive, while children can often be added to a parent’s plan for free: Travelex’s Ultimate plan allows you to add any children under 18 to a parent’s or grandparent’s plan at no additional cost, while most Travel Guard plans include one child under 18 for every paying adult.

At what point during my trip planning should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase your policy as soon as you put down a deposit toward your trip. That’s because certain desirable benefits (e.g., coverage for cancellation because of pre-existing medical conditions, coverage for financial default of the travel supplier, a cancel-for-any-reason upgrade) may kick in only if you buy your policy within 14 days or so of your initial trip payment. This “initial trip payment” is usually defined as the first payment that will go toward your trip cost and could be included in an insurance claim, not the separate planning fee that some travel agents charge.

As a potential cost-savings measure, consider starting out by insuring not the total cost of your trip, but only the amount you have paid so far. Each time you make an additional trip payment, update your insurance with the new trip cost and pay the additional premium. This could save you money if you have to cancel before you’ve fully paid for the trip. Remember to increase your insurance after each trip payment, or you will not be properly insured.

Your premium will be lower if you cover only your nonrefundable costs; however, not covering the full amount of your payment(s) could invalidate coverage for pre-existing conditions. Requirements vary from one insurance provider to the next, so when you calculate the amount of coverage you need, read the policy carefully and also speak with the insurer to confirm you are understanding it correctly.

What is third-party travel insurance?

Some travel companies—cruise lines, tour operators, and the like—sell their own insurance or “protection” policies, whereas third-party insurance is sold by someone other than the travel company that is operating your trip. Third-party policies are usually a better choice: They pay you back in cash rather than trip credits, they can protect you in case the travel company goes out of business, and you can choose the plan with the coverage that best fits your specific circumstances.

My travel planner recommends that I purchase a policy through a specific insurer; should I follow their advice?

Some travel planners, tour companies, and outfitters have relationships with a particular insurance provider. They might push you to buy a certain type of insurance because they’ll earn a commission; on the other hand, their relationship with that insurer could benefit you if you have to file a claim. Wendy has seen many cases where Trusted Travel Experts on The WOW List, thanks to their relationship with a particular insurer, have been able to act as advocates for their travelers and get their claims paid.

Should I cover the cost of my flights too?

That depends. If you have to cancel your trip, you can usually put the cost of any unused airline tickets toward a future flight, sometimes minus a change fee. Calculate how much your premium will increase if you insure your flights; if the difference is less than the airline’s change fee, it’s worth insuring the flights. (You might also want to insure flights on any local carrier that you aren’t likely to fly with again—in which case a credit toward future travel would be worthless.)

What does it mean if a travel medical insurance plan is primary or secondary?

“Primary” means that the plan pays any bills first, without having to go through your home health insurance provider; “secondary” means the plan will only cover whatever you owe after you’ve filed a claim with your health insurance provider. You’ll typically get a bit more coverage per dollar with a secondary plan—but you’ll have to deal with more paperwork if you file a claim.

I have a medical condition. Will expenses related to it be covered?

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage—but some plans will waive that exclusion if you purchase them soon after making the first payment on your trip (generally within 7 to 21 days of that initial deposit). You also usually have to insure the entire nonrefundable cost of your trip, including flights. Without coverage for pre-existing conditions, you’re on the hook for any expenses related to a condition that wasn’t medically stable at the time you booked.

How does travel insurance handle Covid?

Pretty much like any other illness. Most comprehensive policies will cover you if you test positive right before your trip and have to cancel, or if you come down with Covid during your trip and incur medical expenses. If you are sick enough to be hospitalized, a Medjet membership will get you home. If your symptoms are mild, some insurance policies will cover self-isolation costs under your “Trip Delay” benefit. There are often both daily and total limits to this benefit, so you may not be reimbursed for all of your additional hotel, meal, and airfare costs.

What if I’m hurt doing an adventure activity (say, bungee jumping)?

Most policies won’t cover injuries you receive while taking part in certain “hazardous activities”—a category that can include everything from skydiving and rock climbing to scuba diving and heli-skiing. Some plans will allow you to pay a higher premium to cover these activities. (Dive Accident Insurance from the Divers Alert Network, for instance, covers most bills related to scuba-diving accidents.)

Will insurance pay for me to come home if I get sick or injured on the road?

Not usually. Most policies will pay for transportation to what they consider to be the nearest adequate medical facility (such transport is known as medical evacuation)—but that could be thousands of miles from your loved ones and the doctors you trust. If you want to know that you can get home, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage from a company such as Medjet, which arranges and pays for transportation from a hospital in your destination to one back home. For more details, read What Medical Evacuation Coverage Do You Need?

Can I call off my trip for any reason and be reimbursed?

No. Each policy defines the allowable reasons for which you can cancel and get your money back. To cancel your trip because of a terrorist attack, for instance, the attack typically has to happen in a city listed on your itinerary—not just anywhere in the country you’re visiting.

You can purchase additional “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, but it’s pricey, and even then, you’ll generally only be reimbursed 50% to 75% of your trip cost. (It’s also not available in all states, depending on state regulations.) As with pre-existing condition benefits, you usually have to purchase CFAR coverage soon after your initial trip deposit; you also have to insure the total cost of the trip, and you must cancel more than 48 hours prior to your departure. Read more about CFAR coverage in our article “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance: What It Is and How It Works.

What if the State Department issues a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for my destination, and I want to cancel my trip?

Standard travel-insurance policies rarely cover cancellation due to war, border closures, lockdowns, or government travel warnings/advisories. (But also note that the 20 countries currently with a Level 4 advisory are not common travel destinations right now, but rather places like Russia and Afghanistan.) Some insurance providers offer “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage; for the pros and cons of that, read “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance: What It Is and How It Works. If security is a concern, consider a MedjetHorizon membership, which includes access to a Crisis Response Center if at any point during a trip you feel that your safety may be threatened—because of a political incident, terror attack, or other crisis.

How do I protect myself against the travel company I’m working with going out of business?

If you paid by credit card—which we always recommend—your first step should be to file a billing dispute with the credit-card company. The Fair Credit Billing Act stipulates that you are protected against charges for goods or services you do not receive. If you can prove that’s the case, those charges should be credited back to your account.

Some third-party travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation due to financial default of the travel supplier—meaning that an airline, tour operator, cruise line, or other entity ceases operations, leaving you without a trip. Travel insurance usually will not cover you if such a company declares bankruptcy, or if the intermediary you booked your trip through goes out of business. In such scenarios, Cancel For Any Reason coverage is your best defense. As with pre-existing medical conditions, financial default clauses often require that you purchase the insurance soon after making your first payment, and the coverage typically doesn’t start until 10 to 14 days after you’ve purchased the policy. Click here to read more about insurance coverage for financial default.

Here are a couple of examples: Let’s say you’ve booked a Mediterranean cruise and flights to Venice, where you’ll board the ship. The day after paying your initial deposit, you insured the entire purchase with a carrier that protects against financial default. Two days before you’re due to leave, your airline goes belly-up, and all other flights to Venice from your hometown are booked, so you’re unable to make it to the ship. Your insurance provider reimburses you for the costs of your flights and the cruise you missed.

In another scenario, let’s say you’ve booked a trip to see the Pyramids in Egypt. A month after putting down a deposit on the trip, it occurs to you to insure your considerable investment. A few weeks before your departure, your Egypt tour operator ceases operations, and it turns out that none of your in-country arrangements have been confirmed or paid for. Even though your insurance policy covers financial default, it won’t pay out in this case because you didn’t purchase the policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Should I pay for the car-rental upgrade to my comprehensive insurance policy?

Pay attention to when that benefit kicks in; coverage through your rental agency may be better tuned to the likeliest risks in your destination. For instance, when I rented a car in Iceland, my Travelex policy upgrade would cover me only for damage due to collision, vandalism, windstorm, fire, hail, or flood. Hertz’s options, on the other hand, included coverage for damage from gravel or ash—both far more common than vandals in Iceland.

I travel frequently. Is an annual travel-insurance plan a better choice than individual policies for each trip?

Many annual plans do not cover trip cancellation and thus are missing the coverage you want when you have significant nonrefundable expenses. Also keep in mind that annual plans limit you to the same coverage for all of your trips. For example, say you take a few shorter trips a year that cost $5,000, and one large trip that costs $25,000. An annual plan with a trip-cancellation benefit limit of $15,000 means that you’ll be overinsured for your shorter trips, and underinsured for your larger one.

Which policy should I buy?

It would be so easy if one size fit all—but it doesn’t. To know which policy is right for you, think about what keeps you up at night. Are you most concerned about testing positive for Covid a day before your trip? Or about having to fly home early because a loved one there falls ill? Or deciding to cancel your trip because of a terrorist attack at your destination—or even one in an entirely different country?

Several websites allow you to input your details and compare multiple policies at once, narrowing in on which one is right for you: Check out TravelInsurance.com, InsureMyTrip, SquareMouth.com, and, if you just want medical coverage and don’t need cancellation protection, Medical.TravelInsurance.com. Before you purchase any policy, though, it’s important to speak with a representative there first to ensure that you understand what is and isn’t covered—especially for any scenario that has you concerned, like a big project coming up at work just before your trip, or a flare-up of a pre-existing medical condition—and what is needed to file a claim.

The insurance that we’ve received the best traveler feedback about is Travelex’s Ultimate policy. It operates as primary coverage, allows a wide range of reasons to cancel, and, based on the feedback we’ve heard and our own experience, is relatively likely to reimburse you quickly. This policy must be purchased at least 14 days before your trip starts (this is waived for last-minute trips if you are still within 15 days of your first trip payment). Travelex also offers an optional “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade in certain states, which must be bought within two weeks after making your first trip payment.

Transparency disclosure: Medjet is a sponsor of WendyPerrin.com. That’s because Wendy has had a membership herself since her kids were little and believes in it. Travelex Insurance Services pays WendyPerrin.com a referral fee when a policy is purchased through this link. Wendy chooses Travelex because it has generous policies (see above) and good customer service. (Travelex Insurance Services is not related in any way to the defunct currency-exchange business Travelex.) When you use the links in this article for your insurance/assistance purchases, it allows us to continue the rigorous and honest work we do on behalf of consumers, as well as to continue our Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation service. Thank you for your support.

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