the Midwest | HNHO - Quinta do Paral, The Wine Hotel | Highlight - Kimberleys, Top End & Kakadu

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

Sitting on the edge of our seats under a blue sky, 75 degree sunny day we watched as the Nebraska football team was crushed by Indiana. IU, who started the year projected to come in 17th out of 18 teams in their conference, won 56-7 and is now 7-0. We are hoping the starting quarterback’s injury is not going to have an impact on the rest of the season.

It may not have been the World Cup or Super Bowl, but it was exciting!

IU is my undergrad alma mater and since before I attended, there has not been a season like this one. The students are over the moon enthusiastic and the energy on campus is electric! It is reminding me of the Cubs incredible 2016 season that ended in winning the World Series. Ok perhaps that’s a bit dramatic – but everyone loves an underdog story (other than perhaps Nebraska at the moment).

Jason and I spent the weekend tailgating, enjoying time with our kids, their friends and friends’ parents, watching the game with my brother and sister-in-law, going on walks, enjoying the spectacular fall weather and seeing an impromptu performance by John Mellencamp when a statue honoring him was unveiled.

After visiting our kids, I flew to Chicago for the Kellogg Global Women’s Conference. I was lucky to stay with my dear friends, reunite with classmates, meet fascinating women from as far as Palestine to Korea and watch speakers, including Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX, former CEO of Pepsi, Indra Nooyi and so many other accomplished women. More to come in the final day today.

Not all travel has to be big bucket list vacations to be special. Sometimes it’s the visit to see our kids at college, spending quality time with family, expanding your mind from a speaker, catching up with college friends, making new friends and cozying up in familiar places. To me, these trips are just as special.

Last week’s most popular article was a tie between Stanley Tucci Traveled the World in Search of Great Meals—These Were His Favorites and 61 unique travel experiences you need to try (so many good ones!).

This week’s inspirational articles include where to eat in Madrid, the ultrarich descend on Paris, Sydney’s best happy hours and 8 destinations for shoulder season.

Also articles on New Zealand, Colombia, Ireland, Sydney, Switzerland, the Caribbean, Italy and Canada.

The informational articles include Vogue’s post-election vacation ideas for every emotional outcome, vacationing with friends who have different financial means, answers to the most confusing rental car questions and some insights on where Prince Harry and Meghan might be buying their next home.

I’m off for a quick walk around Evanston and then to my first session of the day.

Where to next for you?

Have a wonderful week!

Warmly,

Below:

This week’s highlight – OTBP Australia – The Kimberleys, Top End & Kakadu
Hot New Hotel Opening – Quinta do Paral, The Wine Hotel
Inspiration + Information

THE KIMBERLEYS, TOP END & KAKADU

Where is the best place to see crocodiles in Australia?

A client asked me this question. The answer…

Anywhere in the Top End or Kimberley. These regions are ideal habitats for both saltwater and freshwater crocs. Freshies are the little guys and usually not aggressive whereas the Salties are the big fellas you want to stay well clear of.

There are parks around the country with crocs but, as always, we think the best way to see wildlife is in the wild (and from a distance!).

You will get the opportunity to safely see crocs on just about every lodge experience that we include in your itinerary in this part of Australia.

You will also see wildlife and landscapes are other-worldy. You are in an adventurer’s playground. Scenery like the photos below are viewed from a helicopter or plane (necessary to get to the remote areas).

Why would you want to go these parts?

I’m here to tell you why!

First, a bit of a geography lesson…

The Kimberleys is an area spread between Western Australia and Northern Territory. Close by is Kakadu National Park, which is considered within the “Top End” of the Northern Territory.

This area is special not only because it has immense landscape diversity – red deserts to beautiful islands to coastal areas to inland waterways, but also because there is so much to do and the guides that we have for you are salt of the earth locals with deep roots and fascinating stories.

One of the guides we have in Kakadu is considered one of the most characterful and authentic guides in the country. He grew up on a remote station within what is now part of Kakadu National Park. His stories, sharing of the local lore and knowledge of the wildlife will captivate you.

Near, but just outside of Kakadu, is a place with more incredible guides and access to some of the best rock art in the country. It is only for the adventurous as the accommodations are more basic. But the focus is on the outdoor adventures and it’s worth the compromise.

I love giving you an idea of the breadth of experiences available in a destination, so you know the possibilities. Below is a list of places to visit and experiences to have throughout these remote areas:

Swimming in natural, pristine waterholes (the non-croc filled ones!)
Exploring national parks with privileged access to aboriginal cultural sites, millennia old rock art and wildlife encounters
Connecting with nature, your family and the history of the place through a local Aboriginal guide
Seeing wildlife – wallabies, dingoes, wild buffalo, so many birds, fish and the omnipresent crocodiles
Heli fishing
Heli pub crawls
Fishing for the elusive barramundi
Raw, authentic and vast terrain (some good stats about Kakadu’s size and scope here)
Adrenaline pumping adventures with authentic Aussie cowboys. Join them to help muster wild bulls or push a mob of cattle up through the floodplain.
Drifting along a river lined with mangroves and fig trees while surrounded by red cliffs towering over you
Relaxing by your lodge pool
Enjoying sundowners
4WD, buggy and airboat tours
Yachting by waterfalls and immense cliffs

The accommodations in these remote areas are lodges, resorts and yachts focused on the experiences available around you. They exist so that you can explore the natural surroundings and connect with the people whose ancestors have lived on this land for tens of thousands of years.

What are the accommodations like?
Small. Intimate. Exclusive. Hard to reach.

Places like:

Remote working cattle stations
Safari glamping tents
All inclusive beachfront resorts
Luxury yachts and catamarans

Unlike Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback, these areas of Australia are less known and that makes them even more special.

How much time do you need?

I’d suggest a minimum of three nights. Four even better.

Just be sure to plan ahead – for the right time of year and because the lodges are so small, they fill up quickly.

Reach out to plan your trip to

AUSTRALIA

🌟 In June 2024, Quinta do Paral, The Wine Hotel opened in the heart of Alentejo in Portugal.

Why visit Qunita do Paral?

Stunning Estate: Set within a breathtaking landscape of lush gardens, sparkling waterfalls, and endless vineyards, Quinta do Paral offers a range of accommodations, including contemporary rooms, spacious apartments, terrace suites, and a charming four-bedroom manor house.
Vineyard Experience: As a working vineyard, guests can dive into the winemaking process with opportunities for tastings and tours led by the winemaker or head sommelier, providing an authentic insight into the art of winemaking.
Outdoor Adventures: The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and biking, inviting you to explore its natural beauty. You can also discover the rich culture, cuisine, and traditions of the region just beyond the property.
Culinary Delights: The hotel features three unique dining experiences. The Wine Restaurant highlights local, seasonal ingredients paired with exquisite wines. The Estate Lounge offers a cozy atmosphere by the pool for light meals, while The Grape Rooftop serves delicious appetizers and fine wines against a stunning skyline view of the vineyard.

Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.