a savvy 8 year old | HNHO - The Dunlin | Highlight - Tasmania

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

As always, last week’s most popular article is listed below. But by far last week’s most popular link was to this video – on LinkedIn and on instagram. The quote along with it says…

“We have two lives, and the second begins
when we realize we only have one.”
— Confucius

One of you replied to me with a note…

The video just makes me want to quit my job and spend all my time with family and friends. Not sure how to manage that.

I wish I had the answer to that dilemma for you.

But for now, I will continue to help you plan the most fun, active, delicious adventures around the world to ensure you create wonderful memories with your loved ones!

Another fun anecdote one of my friends shared with me this week…

She recently asked her kids…

“Where do you want to go for spring break – the Florida Keys or Arizona?”

Her 8 year old daughter, Chloe, replied “Positano.”

“That wasn’t one of the options. Do you want to go to the Florida Keys or Arizona?”

Chloe: “Positano”

I love an 8 year old who knows what she wants!

Last week’s most popular article was NatGeo’s 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025.

This week’s inspirational articles include women-only active trips, the 12 best places to travel in 2025, new London restaurants, how to choose between Edinburgh or Glasgow and 10 stunning saunas for rejuvenation in Tasmania.

Also articles on Cape Town, Montreal, Everest Base Camp, Greenland, Africa, the Caribbean, Aspen and Vanuatu.

The informational articles include why right now is the best time to renew your passport, how early you should get to the airport and how to crowd-proof your vacation.

For those of you who may need this, a reminder to the article 10 Post-Election Vacation Ideas for Every Emotional Outcome.

Where to next for you?

I’m off to NYC for the Condé Nast Travel Summit. A gathering of travel editors and top specialists to talk about all things travel – including moderated panels and editor-led conversations about trends, issues and innovations. I’m so excited to absorb the most current on-the-ground intel on the people and places worth visiting.

The Summit is capped off with an evening celebration at the Ritz Carlton Nomad of the winners of the Condé Nast 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

My biggest challenge for this trip was being overwhelmed by all of the incredible restaurants I want to eat at while in NYC. I look forward to sharing the ones I loved with you next Wednesday.

Have a wonderful week!

Warmly,

Below:

This week’s highlight – Tasmania
Hot New Hotel Opening – The Dunlin
Inspiration + Information

TASMANIA

“Tasmania, Australia’s smallest state, packs an entire vacation’s worth of attractions into one 26,000 square mile island: wallabies, wombats, the impossibly blue Wineglass Bay and many other enticements that don’t start with “w.”

(They left off wine and whiskey!)

Last week I shared the latest Virtuoso magazine, which was where I saw the quote above.

It encapsulates a bit of Tasmania, but really just a bit. There is so much more!

During my trip to Australia last month we didn’t have time to visit Tasmania. But I knew enough about it to know it was a place that my family would love, and many of you would love too. So I’ve been eagerly awaiting sharing all of these details with you!

I had many conversations with my mate, Emma, while driving in the car or over dinner about all of the adventures to be had in Tasmania and the incredible local guides that introduce you to their friends and favorite places.

I sold myself on a return trip before I even left Australia. While writing up today’s Highlight, I knew I could easily persuade my husband, Jason, on it too.

So yesterday I sent Jason a text…
What is better than flying by private jet for four days of golf including two of the world’s top 100 courses in beautiful, remote places?

I have the answer for you…

Adding in mountain biking in equally stunning remote places. And….
Fly fishing. And…
Wagyu beef. And…
Whiskey tasting.

He loves all of the above.

And there is so much more!

What else is there to do and see in Tasmania?

Active + Adventurous

Walking over swinging bridges and treetop walkways
Mountain biking (and option for multi-day mountain biking trek staying at cozy eco huts)
Golfing with cliff top ocean views (more below)
Hiking the Bay of Fires Coastal Walk
Hiking the famous multi-day Three Capes Track along the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere
Taking a multi-day guided trek from hotel to hotel, with meals made by your guide, a former pastry chef
Kayaking under coastal cliffs
Rock climbing
Exploring caves
Fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout

Relax + Luxuriate

Lounging in floating saunas
Stargazing to see the Aurora Australis
Barefoot beachcombing
Viewing the sunset from Mt. Wellington
Relaxing in the spa of one of Australia’s most exclusive hotels

Culinary + Culture

Tasmania is having a gourmet moment – famous for its crisp sparkling wines, freshly shucked oysters and other local delicacies.

The winner of the 2024 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award is from Tasmania. It marks only the second time in the competition’s 40-year history that a winemaker outside of Champagne has received the award, and the first time ever that it has gone to an Australian winemaker.

Enjoy a farm feast held amidst the rustic charm of a private farm
Take cooking classes – focused on truffles, fresh pasta, vegetarian or baking – all with locally sourced ingredients
Visit family run vineyards with delicious Pinots and Sparkling wine
Taste local craft beers and ciders at James Boag Brewery
Feast on freshly-caught seafood
Explore lighthouses and the sailing museum on Deal Island (population: 2)
Visit Colonial Port Arthur, home to Australia’s most famous former convict settlement
Visit an historic wooden boat building town that still teaches their traditional methods today
Learn about Aboriginal history and European explorers

Wildlife

Set out on a wildlife safari in search of dolphins, whales, wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian devils

Varied landscapes

Wild eucalyptus forests
Coastal cliffs
Sugar white sand beaches
Crystal clear blue bays
Rainforests
Sweeping panoramas
Vast, rugged wilderness

OTT (over the top) experiences

Expedition yacht
Set sail on your floating boutique hotel, an expedition yacht that will take you to unknown places to go beyond your comfort zone, without giving up your creature comforts. Expertly designed by local artisans and celebrated Tasmanian artists, you will feel the sense of place as you drift around the Tasman sea, 1500 miles from New Zealand.

Helicopter
Hop on a helicopter to fly over the spectacular beauty of Cape Pillar, Cape Raoul and Tasman Island. In addition to the awe inspiring rock formations, coastal cliffs and secluded bays, look out for whales, seals and rock climbers.

Make a stop at the open-air museum, the Port Arthur convict settlement, one of the most preserved settlements in Australia to go back in time to learn about the hardships of convict life.

Lastly hop over to an award-winning family-owned vineyard to taste their reserve Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and Sparkling wines, while enjoying a delicious local lunch.

VIP experience for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Enjoy a privileged vantage point on a luxury catamaran for the international competition – the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, held at the end of December each year. It’s been going on for almost 80 years.

Golf
Golf is worth its own mention. Barnbougle Dunes was once a strip of land along the coast of a potato farm on Tasmania’s northeast coast. Now it’s the #1 public course in Australia (#36 in the world). And #2 is right next door – Lost Farm (#23 in the world). If you are a golfer, these courses should be on your list.

📷 Barnbougle Dunes

When is the best time to go?

Tasmania has four distinct seasons.

Our winter/their summer (Dec-Feb) is the most popular time to vitis, especially for active adventures. Known for being warm and dry with comfortable temperatures for being outdoors. There are also many food and culture festivals, allowing you more local cultural experiences.

If you prefer fewer people and a more quiet atmosphere, their shoulder season of spring and fall is a better choice. In April is your chance to see the Turning of the Fagus, when the island’s only deciduous tree changes color.

I love contrasts within a trip – types of accommodates, experiences, landscapes – and Tasmania has that in spades. The water is so clear and the bays and coves so beautiful, pristine and secluded. Contrasted by terrain that can be raw and rugged and the vibrant food, wine and cultural scene of Hobart.

Now is a great time to add Tasmania to your bucket list. If wanting to go during peak season, make sure to begin planning a year in advance.

Reach out to plan your trip to

TASMANIA

🌟 This August, Auberge Resort Collection, The Dunlin opened in South Carolina. The hotel is located on the Kiawah River, about 20 miles from Charleston.

Why visit The Dunlin?

Charming Accommodations: Enjoy cozy cottage-style guest rooms featuring screened-in porches and stunning views of the Kiawah River.
Ideal for So Many Travelers: Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway, a family vacation, a babymoon, honeymoon, special birthday or a girls’ trip, The Dunlin is the perfect destination.
Explore the Outdoors: Discover the local area through farm visits, scenic trail walks, biking, water sports and beautiful beaches. On-site, you can also enjoy tennis and pickleball.
Relax and Unwind: Indulge at the Auberge Spa or take a dip in the riverfront pool, The Cove, complete with relaxing loungers and cabanas.
Southern Delights: Savor delicious meals at Linnette’s, the signature restaurant offering a selection of coastal Lowcountry classics, comforting Southern cuisine and fresh seafood from the local fisherman. Enjoy wood fire-grilled oysters and cocktails at the lobby bar and don’t miss lunch poolside.

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