New UK entry rules | WTN - Nantipa | Highlight - Sego | Client Q&A - emergency passports

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

First, an important PSA in case you are headed to/through the UK this year…

It may not be a surprise, but I am not immune to flight woes (aka delays, missed connections, cancelled flights, last minute seat changes by the airlines etc).

Over the holidays I had quite a few clients and three of my kids with flight issues. Next week I’ll share some of the stories including a laughable idea I gave my daughter who arrived at her destination at 1am to a snow covered car in open air parking.

I’ve been reading a lot lately. It is my favorite activity during long travels – causing the hours to fly by.

I’m very much still a paper book person – no Kindle for me. Although I do see the merits of a Kindle on a long trip where I might want several books.

Always seeking new book ideas, when I came across GT’s summer reading guide for 2025 my curiosity was piqued, but it also sounded a bit off. It’s not summer yet.

Then I remembered it was an Australian magazine. 🙂

What have I been reading lately?

I just finished a novel set in Cuba, Next Year in Havana, for an upcoming trip. I recommend it whether you are going to Cuba or not.

Twenty years ago a movie was released and I avoided watching it. I don’t love upsetting movies. Since I’m headed to Rwanda next week, I decided it was finally time to watch it. Hotel Rwanda.

It was heartbreaking. And heartwarming.

We’ll be gorilla trekking in Volcanos National Park, which is a deeply impactful experience. We will also be visiting the Rwanda Genocide Memorial which will be very emotional.

I just started the memoir A Thousand Hills to Heaven: Love, Hope, and a Restaurant in Rwanda. It’s about a couple who moved to Rwanda, raised their children and opened a restaurant, then a hotel. I will be staying in their hotel during my trip so I’m eager to get through it before I arrive. I love learning more about places I’ll go and people I’ll meet before I travel!

Last week’s most popular article was 30 Trips to Plan a Year in Advance.

These are the top destinations from that list that our most popular with our clients:

Cruising the Nile in Egypt
Cherry blossom season in Japan
African safari
Hiking Machu Picchu
Gorilla trekking
European Christmas markets
US National Parks
Island hopping Raja Ampat (on my personal list)
Expedition cruise to Antarctica and the Galapagos
Adventures to Alaska and Patagonia

This week’s inspirational articles include the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands, the 50 most hotly anticipated luxury hotel openings of the year, foodie destinations, luxury ryokans in Japan and Vogue’s list of the most charming boutique hotels in the US.

Also articles on Yellowstone, the UK and Botswana.

The informational articles include information on the LA wildfires, what to do if sick or injured abroad and the biggest travel trend for 2025.

I know I share with all of you concern for those affected by the LA wildfires. It is heart wrenching to see what has happened. Many local organizations are helping those in need. I encourage you to find out about ones that might be most touching to you.

We are now starting the busiest planning season in the travel industry. I may be sending shorter newsletters while I’m traveling. But I am so excited to share the details of the safari and gorilla trekking with you.

My plan is to share at least two videos each day about my experience on instagram stories. So if you are interested in knowing what it’s like – both the glamorous and unglamorous parts of getting to and going on safari, follow Truvay Travel here.

Where am I going next?

You already know! Because this is not peak season, I was able to plan gorilla trekking about 8 months in advance.

Where to next for you?

Below:

This week’s highlight – Sego
Where to Next? Nantipa
Client Q&A
Inspiration + Information

SEGO

I’m in the midst of planning a big adventure out West. Moab, Bryce, Zion National Parks and places in between.

Going on a trip is of course about the destination, but also about the people you meet, the things you do and the food you eat. Dining recommendations are always on my list to share with you.

In a little town southeast of Zion called Kanab there is a special restaurant.

Sego.

I once hired their chef/owner to cook the meals for a client’s big 50th birthday party at a villa in Telluride. My partner raved about how great he was – as a cook and a person.

She was right. The clients loved Chef Shon!

His philosophy…Food is about connecting places, flavors, and people.

“Sego’s menu is a powerhouse of one favorite after another. “It’s hard to choose” is an understatement. Lucky for you every single person working in that restaurant is determined to make your experience the one you’re hoping for. You’ll ask for recommendations, and they’ll ask you what kind of experience you’re looking for and base their advice on your response.”
— Utah.com

Some highlights from their menu…

Bone-in prime rib with crispy potato wedges
Artichoke and foraged mushroom toast
Carne asada taco- skirt steak, chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, lime wedge
Local beets, pistachio, smoked feta, arugula and black pepper oil
plus lots of veggie options.

The team…

📷 Sego

A bonus of being in Kanab is the proximity to The Wave, a highly coveted spot with extremely limited access. The US Bureau of Land Management allows only 64 people per day (48 permits granted three months in advance and 16 permits granted one day in advance) into the area.

Demand far exceeds supply.

So of course I want to go!

There are many other beautiful rock formations and hikes in the area so regardless you’ll enjoy spectacular landscapes.

I highly recommend Sego and the Kanab area on your next trip to southern Utah.

🌟 Our family traveled to Costa Rica over the holidays and spent three nights at Nantipa.

Why is Nantipa so special?

Exclusive boutique experience: With just 21 rooms and lots of palm trees and foliage it feels very private. Some rooms feature private plunge pools, outdoor rain showers and breathtaking sunset views.
Unbeatable location: Situated in one of the world’s Blue Zones—regions known for longevity and health—Nantipa offers the perfect setting for rejuvenation. Located in the bohemian surf/yoga town of Santa Teresa, the hotel is just a short walk from shops and restaurants making it convenient to enjoy the vibrant town life – perfect for college kids and 20-somethings.

Do as much or as little as you like:

Surfing paradise: Santa Teresa is a world-renowned surf destination, with consistent and diverse waves that suit all levels.
Beach strolls: Take long walks along the beach (my favorite – late in the day to watch the sunset), watch surfers ride the waves and stop for a bite at beachside restaurants.
Our favorite local spots:
- Kooks: Great for catching live music and watching the college football playoffs
- Katana: A chic Asian fusion spot with a fantastic ambiance
- Gaucha: The place for delicious ice cream, with the Oreo caramel flavor being the our favorite
- Satori: The go-to for sushi, the concierge’s favorite spot

‼️ Don’t miss….yoga classes! Jason and I started our day with morning yoga in an open-air studio.

📷 Nantipa

Reach out to plan your trip to

Costa Rica

Context:

Before the holidays a client’s adult child flew to her parents’ home but accidentally left her passport at her apartment in NYC. With only five days before her international flight, she thought it was enough time to have it sent UPS priority. Her flight was Saturday.

Friday came and no passport had arrived.

I received a text telling me what was going on.

Question:

The questions at this point were…

Can she get an emergency passport in time?
Can she get to a foreign country in the Caribbean without her passport?

Answers:

In any travel crisis – big or small, my first response is to stay calm. I know in the moment things feel like a big deal, but almost always they work out.

If this situations happens to you, you will want to get an emergency passport asap. This entails making an appointment at a US Passport agency. These are not in every state, and appointment availability varies so it’s possible you may need to travel a far distance or even fly to get there.

If you are in this predicament but have a bit more time, reach out to your Congressman. They can often help expedite passports in an emergency.

Re: the question about traveling abroad without your passport. I advise against this. I’ve never heard of a recent example of a “nice” gate agent allowing you to get through security and on the plane without a current passport.

Even if they did, then you will end up in a foreign country and be at the mercy of their immigration officers. And then you have a same issue for the return trip.

On a related note – I always advise clients to have a photo of their passport. If your passport is lost while abroad, this will greatly speed up the process of getting you a new passport. You will need to go to the US Embassy to make it happen.

Moral of the story – remind your kids before coming home from college to put their passport with their luggage so they don’t forget it!