WHERE TO NEXT?
Dear Traveler,
The last month has been full of shoulder season travel – for me and for our clients. Where have we all been going?
COLORADO
I arrived in Colorado in mid-October to beautiful sunny days and blue skies, and… a lot fewer colorful leaves than two weeks before. But with that came almost no crowds – easy to get in popular restaurants, quiet trails. I thoroughly enjoyed my time visiting our daughter Allison – going on long walks and eating at favorite restaurants (the Notorious F.I.G. and the Hamptons pizza at Secret Stash in Crested Butte are my personal favorites). The photo above of Crested Butte wasn’t taken in fall, but it reminded me of my hike from Aspen to Crested Butte this summer so I couldn’t resist sharing it. That hike should be on every active traveler’s bucket list!
AFRICA
We’ve had lots of clients on safari – to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda and some relaxing in Zanzibar. They were spoiled with incredible wildlife sightings and up close encounters with gorillas. Gorillas never mind what the season is – so it’s always a good time to go gorilla trekking.
TUSCANY
Other families rented villas in Tuscany and invited their kids and grandkids to come along. There is nothing better than being in a beautiful location, surrounded by your family – going on adventures, playing games, telling stories, enjoying Italian food and wine and taking cooking classes together. So many more stories created!
FRANCE
Other travelers took a mid-fall honeymoon to Paris and the South of France. Read more about it below (they loved it!).
SWITZERLAND
Others went hiking in Switzerland followed by a cruise up the Rhine. For this couple it was the perfect combination of active and relaxing, eating delicious food and taking an epic train ride on the panoramic train from Interlaken to Montreaux. After staying in three destinations in France, unpacking once on the river cruise was just the respite they needed.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Another adventure was for parents meeting up with their daughter who is studying abroad in New Zealand. It was the perfect excuse for their own trip to New Zealand followed by adventures with their daughter in Australia. (Coming up soon – my just planned trip to New Zealand with our daughter who will be studying abroad in Australia next semester.)
GEORGIA
Jason was in Sea Island where it is peak season for weather but not for crowds. Golfing, clay pigeon shooting, fishing – all fun to do during this time of year.
SPAIN & ITALY
My big (and long) adventure through Mallorca, Sardinia, Puglia and Rome. I’m still catching up on my notes and look forward to sharing more with you about these idyllic fall destinations.
And of course lots of football and tailgating for us. Am I sad that the “best of” fall has passed? Yes, a bit. But I also look forward to winter – reading next to a cozy fire, snowshoeing and skiing on powdery snow (fingers crossed) and some warm weather trips to break up the cold.
Don’t think to confine your travels to peak season. There are so many gems to visit that are even better without the crowds!
The last newsletter’s most popular article was Why Wealthy Americans Are Moving to This New Zealand Golf Resort.
- Side note – one of my favorite things to do on a trip is to ask myself “What if I moved here?” and while out and about traveling I pick out the houses I would want to live in. If they are near a great golf course, the odds of me actually moving there are much higher. The article highlights how NZ has eased up on their golden visa rules so it’s a good time to consider it. This gave me some inspiration for my upcoming trip to New Zealand!
This week’s inspirational articles include tracking lions and elephants by bike in Botswana, winter family vacation ideas to shake up your holiday routine, the 100 most incredible hotels in the world and the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum!
Also articles on Tanzania, Mallorca (I was just there and this is a fun read!), Scotland and Rome.
The informational articles include how to avoid 5 cyber travel scams, dreamy 5* hotel pillows and the best gifts to bring home from your travels.
All is not sunshine and daisies in the travel world right now. Perhaps most relevant and important for many of us as the holidays approach…
Air traffic controllers warn of ‘tipping point’ as U.S. government shutdown drags on.
“Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday during a news briefing in Philadelphia that if the shutdown lasts another week, the FAA will be forced to close more airspace, causing “mass cancellations” because of a lack of air traffic controllers.”
I have kids in college, and like many of you, I treasure the chance to be with them over Thanksgiving. I’m not sure what individual actions we can take to end the shutdown but if you have any ideas, please let me know.
Next up I’m (hopefully) going to see our other two kids at college. It is our son’s fraternity’s dad’s weekend, but I’m crashing. Luckily my daughter and her friends will keep me busy while the dads do dad things. But I will be at the tailgate and Indiana v Wisconsin football game. We are hoping to continue our remarkable (and historically unusual) undefeated streak.
Later this month I’m returning to Kenya! We have clients there right now – they just went on a thrilling horseback riding safari through the bush. I’m beyond excited to be back in my favorite African country. This time I’ll be staying at all new-to-me lodges, going fly camping for the first time and spending a couple of nights sailing on a dhow boat off the coast of Lamu. And maybe even sleeping on the top deck under the stars. I can’t wait!
Returning to a country you know and having completely new experiences is a brilliant idea!
Where to next for you?
Warmly,
- Client love
- This week’s highlight – Le Petit Oyster
- Hot New Hotel Opening – Casa de Calçada
- Inspiration + Information
A newlywed couple, who are friends with one of our clients, contacted me seeking help planning their honeymoon. They envisioned a combination of Paris and/or Rome and the Côte d’Azur. After our Deep Dive conversation, we focused on Paris and Cassis.
Though active travelers, they wanted their honeymoon to combine guided adventures and active experiences with leisure time to explore at their own pace. We struck the perfect balance.
I learned they gravitated toward lesser known museums and craved authentic experiences – “the less touristy the better” – while still wanting to see iconic sites and savor delicious food and wine.
They were seeking off-the-beaten-path spots that revealed the authentic side of each destination. They avoid pretension and prefer casual places without stuffiness.
She practices pilates, so I found her a local studio in Paris. She wanted to shop at local French designers’ boutiques – not the couture brands – the more approachable, everyday brands. With my favorite lifestyle guide accompanying her, she discovered beautiful pieces to bring home.
We arranged a private boat ride on the Seine, a targeted guided visit to the Louvre (before the break-in) and a day exploring Provence—focusing on art, wine tasting, and a memorable lunch.
Working with a first time client is always a learning experience and I’m grateful when they share feedback to help me know their preferences and priorities even more for a future trip. One learning experience for this trip – next time rather than a final solo overnight outside of Paris to fly home on a direct flight, they would stay in Cassis one more night and fly on a one-stop home from Marseilles.
What did they have to say when they returned?…
What were you seeking help with in planning this trip?
Overall direction, thought partnership in making decisions on how to set our time wisely, and wisdom on knowing great guides and vendors.
What went well? What were your favorite and most memorable experiences? Any particular WOW moment or experience?
We loved all our guides. Frances, Béatrice and Marie were incredible. We learned so much about their lives, their culture, and their experience of France. Would highly recommend all of them. Those days were the highlights for sure. Having guides to meet us at the airport etc made the experience even more luxurious and easy. We also loved things we did organically, biking through Paris late at night and seeing the Eiffel tower, walking through different neighborhoods, etc.
We’d love to hear feedback about your guides and excursions.
The best, nothing but amazing things to say. Frances brought us to a smaller vineyard which was much more welcoming and accessible. I would have loved more time shopping and exploring Aix. Had we know the amazing market there, we would have had a picnic at one of the vineyards instead of a formal lunch ( although that was also amazing). The Louvre was so crowded as it always is and Béatrice made it really fun, interesting and playful. She is a great storyteller. Marie brought us to beautiful and original designers and I feel so proud to wear their original pieces back in the states! We also LOVED hiking in Cassis. There were so many hikes at different levels. All beautiful and special. Highly recommend.
Did you have a favorite meal or dining experience?
(see this week’s Highlight below)
If you are so inclined, please provide a testimonial.
Mimi and her team were amazing! So thoughtful and communicative the entire process; even leaving us notes and treats at our arrival to our various hotels. We benefited greatly from her knowledge and wisdom around experiences and the guides she has are great! We would absolutely lean on her again for future travel!
Was there anything that could have been improved? If you have suggestions for how we might be able to make your experience working with us even better next time, please share.
Your team was great, and made our experience even more special. We are grateful we had your expertise!
LE PETIT OYSTER BAR
“The Petite Oyster Bar in Cassis was incredible. One of our favorites.”
Oyster lovers visiting Cassis must stop at Le Petit Oyster Bar. Tucked on a quiet street in town, the terrace beckons on sunny days. There’s nothing better than a leisurely lunch under the warmth of the sun. Non-oyster fans can choose from poké bowls and other fresh options.
Their briny, succulent oysters taste of the sea and pair beautifully with a crisp local white – Chablis or Muscadet.
The warm staff and unpretentious atmosphere capture the relaxed Mediterranean spirit. Le Petit Oyster Bar fills up each day, so reserve ahead.
**TIP: Arrive during happy hour for three oysters and a glass of wine at 10 euros per person.
If you’ve never been to Cassis, you will love this seaside town perched at the base of the soaring Cap Canaille cliffs between Marseille and Toulon. Cassis delivers quintessential Provençal atmosphere, active outdoor adventures and one of the more relaxing spots on the Mediterranean coast.
The town’s winding cobblestone streets descend to a picturesque harbor lined with colorful houses and sidewalk cafés, while just beyond lies hiking in Calanques National Park (bring your bathing suit and take a dip in the refreshing water afterwards).
Whether kayaking the famous Calanques or savoring local wines on a sun-drenched terrace, you will discover an authentic slice of southern France away from the crowded resorts that dominate the Côte d’Azur.
📷 Le Petit Oyster Bar
Reach out to plan your trip to
🌟Casa da Calçada reopened earlier this year in Portugal after an extensive renovation. The building dates to the 16th century and was a palace for the Count of Redondo.
Why visit Casa da Calçada?
- Set in the charming town of Amarante, just an hour from Porto and the Douro Valley, this historic property sits along the Tâmega River and on the Camino de Santiago route.
- Home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Largo do Paço and its own vineyard, which produces wines served at the hotel.
- Relax and rejuvenate at the wellness center and spa, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, ice fountain and gym.
Of course it comes with the usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.
📷 Casa da Calçada
Reach out to plan your visit to
INSPIRATION
7 Winter Family Vacation Ideas to Shake Up Your Holiday Routine, Condé Nast
The Most Underrated Cities in Europe, Condé Nast
The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World in 2026, Fodor’s
7 Teeny European Countries That Demand Your Attention, Fodor’s
ROKI Collection Queenstown opens as luxury hotel and dining destination, The New Zealand Herald
Grand Egyptian Museum has grand opening after 3 decades and more than $1 billion, CBS News
This legendary trail is the best way to explore the Scottish Highlands, National Geographic
SAFARI
Into the Green: How to Experience Tanzania’s Wild Heart Without the Crowds, Virtuoso
In Botswana, Tracking Lions and Elephants—By Bike, AFAR
INFORMATION
Delta and United Are Leaving Other Airlines Behind, NYT
Air traffic controllers warn of ‘tipping point’ as
U.S. government shutdown drags on, NPR
5 cyber travel scams and how to avoid them, Washington Post
The Secrets Behind Dreamy Five-Star Hotel Pillows—and How to Get One for Yourself, WSJ
The Best Gifts to Bring Home From Your Travels, AFAR
(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.)