📷 Wilderness
WHERE TO NEXT?
Dear Traveler,
This year has the rare occasion of Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah being on the same day. So merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah to those of you who celebrate!
We never know what weather we will get in New Hampshire for Christmas. Sometimes it’s just too warm – melting snow or worse, rain.
But this year NH has lived up to its best image. White powdery snow, sunny blue sky days and temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
So much of this time of year is about traditions. But some traditions also need to adapt over time…
With no kids home early enough this year, Jason and I opted out of the ‘cut down our own tree’ tradition and purchased a pre-cut one from our local Christmas tree farm.
We’ve kept many other traditions – seeing friends, family and neighbors at annual parties (one was an Alice in Wonderland theme – so creative!), decorating our tree, baking special holiday treats, making our family’s traditional dishes (today is a Welsh dinner of bone-in rib eyes – adapted from roast beef because we decided we like it better – and Yorkshire pudding) and taking our Christmas day walk with Tigger.
We are hoping to fit in skiing and sledding before we head off to Costa Rica!
Last week’s most popular article was 7 family-friendly holidays in the snow that don’t involve skiing.
This week’s inspirational articles include the best place to go in 2025, the most beautiful beaches in the South of France, escaping the cold for places where it’s summer ☀️ RIGHT NOW and romantic destination ideas (Valentine’s Day ❤️ is around the corner).
Also articles on Finland, NYC, Europe and 2025’s biggest food trends.
The informational articles include a fascinating way to predict powder days out West, why travel is getting more expensive and a new rule banning hotels and other travel products from including hidden ‘junk’ fees.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays with your family and friends!
Warmly,
Today and New Years Day expect abbreviated newsletter!
P.S. Reminder – the last year+ of newsletters are now fully searchable (the prior ones are just searchable on the title), so head over to this page and type in a destination you are interested in or a topic to see what’s been written about it.
- Highlight – Touring in Hvar + dinner in an olive grove
- Inspiration + Information
PRIVATE TOURING IN HVAR AND
DINNER IN AN OLIVE GROVE
Lots of Truvay Travelers are going to Croatia in 2025!
Jason and I are planning to take our kids as well (just waiting to know our college kids’ summer work plans). It’s one of my favorite countries that I’ve been to but my family has not and I can’t wait to share it with them.
Croatia is an ideal destination for travelers who love…
- local culinary experiences
- oysters
- truffles
- wine
- culture
- history
- island hopping by private yacht
- beach clubs
- beautiful hikes
- swimming in a clear blue sea
- being active
- adventuring – kayaking, white water rafting, zip lining, canyoning, ATVing
- Game of Thrones
- UNESCO sites
- seeing gorgeous scenery
It’s perfect for families with teens, college kids and young adults.
I have so many favorite experiences in Croatia but today I’ll highlight just one that will likely end up on my family’s itinerary (I’ve done the hike up to Hvar Fortress and highly recommend it!)…
PRIVATE TOURING IN HVAR AND DINNER IN AN OLIVE GROVE
Along with your local guide enjoy a private walking tour of Hvar town, boasting with Mediterranean lushness, rich heritage and glitzy nightlife. In the historic settings admire Venetian-style palaces and grand edifices. Visit the imposing Arsenal and discover Europe’s oldest public theatre, dating from 1612. For breath-taking views go up to Hvar Fortress, a 16th century citadel perched on a hill above the ramparts.
Say goodbye to your guide and continue with your driver to an idyllic setting amidst olive groves of Hvar Island. With a magical sunset backdrop, enjoy a private chef’s table and food & wine pairing dinner. Your chef will take you for an unforgettable dining experience with flavors and sights of Croatia’s most famous island.
While you are on Hvar, I also recommend spending a day on a boat island hopping with a stop at my favorite nearby beach club!
Reach out to plan your trip to
INSPIRATION
The 10 Best Places to Go in 2025, WSJ
The 19 most beautiful beaches in the South of France, Condé Nast
Escape the Cold in These 7 Countries Where It’s Summer Right Now, AFAR
There’s a real winter wonderland in Finland—here’s how to visit, National Geographic
The 11 biggest food trends for 2025, National Geographic
A fashion expert’s insider guide to shopping in New York City, BBC
The 4 Best European Mountain Resorts for Rest and Relaxation, Robb Report
Romantic Getaways in the USA That Are Perfect for Any Couple’s Trip, Vogue
How to Capture the Romance of New York in the Winter—Without the Crowds, WSJ
INFORMATION
How Ridiculous Are You Willing to Look to Get Sleep on a Plane?, WSJ
How to Plan Your “Sick” Powder Days Two Weeks in Advance, Outside
Why is travel getting more expensive? We asked the experts, National Geographic
Hidden ‘Junk’ Fees Must Be Disclosed, F.T.C. Rule Says, NYT
(If you aren’t able to access an NYT or Washington Post article, send me a note and I’ll send it to you in a PDF.)