inspiring ideas for new non-stops to Europe | WTN - Chem Chem Lodge

The partial set up of our surprise bush breakfast under a baobab tree at Chem Chem.

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

There’s a lot going on in my life this week, so just a brief hello and enjoy some fun inspiration below…

The March/April 2025 Virtuoso magazine is now out. In it read about adventures to:

Bodrum, Turkey
Liguria, Italy
China, Alaska, Maine, the Maldives and many more.

Click the picture below to read the online version

This week I was excited to see United’s announcement that starting in May they are launching five new nonstop flights from their hub in NYC to these European destinations:

• Nuuk, Greenland
• Palermo, Italy
• Bilbao, Spain
• Faro, Portugal
• Madeira Island, Portugal

They said it’s “the largest international expansion in our history.” **

If you are like me and love an overseas non-stop flight – sometimes so much so that it inspires you to go to a specific destination – consider this a sign to visit one of these.

My top reasons to go to each one:

Nuuk, Greenland

I’ve never been to Greenland, but if I were to go to Greenland I would go for hiking, adventuring on the water by boat or kayak to see whales and puffins, cod fishing and outdoor summer concerts.

Being so far north the temperatures are generally in the mid 50s, but you also get the midnight sun – so you can be out adventuring late in the night. A polar plunge is a must do. As is taking your daily catch to a local restaurant where the chef will prepare it for your dinner.

There is also an opportunity to go out on a full day adventure in search of the walruses in Davis Strait. If you have a die-hard golfer among you, get out on the local 9 hole course – so you can say you’ve played golf in Greenland.

Palermo, Italy

Sicily is a perfect destination to extend your summer. The weather stays beautiful into the fall, there are culinary, cultural and active experiences, wineries, archeological sites, yacht charters to explore caves and swim in the sea, beach clubs to relax under an umbrella with a cocktail in hand.

If you plan a bit longer trip with time for the east coast you’ll find the location of White Lotus season 2 and the beautiful Isola Bella where we spent the most fun day at a beach club with our teenagers.

Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao has the Guggenheim Museum – just walking by it from the outside is an impressive site. And it’s the gateway to San Sebastian, the foodie capital of Spain and one of the foodie capitals of Europe.

This area is also home to a hotel that was built around a Michelin star restaurant. I visited last year. The views are over the top incredible, as is the entire property. An absolute surprise and delight to experience.

Faro, Portugal

This airport gives you such convenient access direct to the Algarve, an idyllic summer beach and water destination. One of my favorite Portugal resorts is close by. It books up far in advance, so it’s only an option if you plan ahead. But there are lots of other lovely choices.

Go hiking on the coast, visit some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, explore spectacular caves, surf or horseback ride.

Madeira Island, Portugal

Madeira is mountainous and full of hiking opportunities and other active adventures. If you aren’t up for a big hike, take a cable car up to stunning views. Or if you are like me – hike up and take the cable car down.

There are a variety of hotels and resorts. One of which has a swimming pool that is continuously filled with ocean seawater. And as Madeira is also home to fútbol superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, if you have soccer loving kids, get them out playing soccer while you are there.

** And three new nonstop routes from Washington Dulles, including their first‍-‍ever flight to Dakar, Senegal, and new seasonal nonstop flights to Nice, France, and Venice, Italy.

Last week’s most popular article was This Hotel Has More Than 30 Hiking Trails — Plus More Epic Stays for Adventurers.

This week’s inspirational articles include Richard Branson’s growing empire of ultra-exclusive properties, 12 under-the-radar-destinations and cherry blossom destinations in the US.

Also articles on Zambia, Kenya, Spain, the Arctic, Paris and Bolivia.

The informational articles include the US airports with the most delays, award travel and texting TSA with travel questions.

I’m having lots of family time this week with my kids and my parents. Where to next for you?

Below:

Where to Next? Chem Chem Lodge
Inspiration + Information

🌟 Today I am highlighting another special lodge from my recent trip to Tanzania and Kenya – Chem Chem. Their lodges are located in a beautiful part of Tanzania, near the famous Tarangire National Park.

Why is Chem Chem so special?

The lodges offer luxurious tented suites that blend the experience of being in the wild with high-end comforts. The tents are spacious, elegantly designed and provide a perfect balance of adventure and comfort, all while being set in the natural environment.
Also on the property are Forest Chem Chem, offering a more intimate, off the beaten path experience deeper in the bush and Little Chem Chem, located in a private corner of the property and excellent for families and small groups.
Chem Chem’s motto is “a refined oasis with a calm energy that embodies the slow safari.” The property and experience is meant to be tranquil, calm and encourage reflection.

Do as much or as little as you like:

The lodge offers game drives that allow guests to view a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions (we saw some of the tree climbing lions while there) and an array of bird species. The Tarangire ecosystem is known for its large elephant population, and Chem Chem Lodge provides exclusive access to this region.
It’s not just about safaris at Chem Chem. The lodge also promotes relaxation and wellness with pools, stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere—ideal for guests seeking a rejuvenating escape.
Engage with the local Maasai culture. Guests can participate in community projects or experience cultural interactions, providing a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage. Attend a Maasai blessing ceremony or enjoy a nature walk with a Maasai guide.

‼️Don’t miss…. the scenic helicopter excursion. Explore unreachable destinations and see the region from above, from the Ngorongoro Crater to the flamingo flocks in the lakes.