Hi Reader,

Happy New Year! We're wishing you a year of health, happiness, and adventure.

And if adventure is high on your list, the travel trends we're seeing are sure to stoke your wanderlust. Between the United State's 250th birthday, Route 66's 100th birthday, the reopening of California Highway 1, the rise of wellness-focused trips, and cities getting their groove back, this year promises to be great.

Get Your Kicks On Route 66

Historic Route 66 turns 100 this year, meaning it's the perfect time to take this epic road trip. Over 2,500-miles, the route spans from Chicago to Santa Monica and crosses 8 states. While the complete journey takes around two weeks, the California leg is a manageable 300 miles, making it a perfect long weekend road trip.

Start at the Santa Monica Pier before venturing through the classic California vibes of Pasadena, then onto the rugged Mojave desert for citrus, date shakes, and high art.

California Highway 1 Set To Reopen

While California Highway 1 traverses the entire Golden State coastline, our travelers often have the segment from Santa Barbara through Big Sur and onto Carmel at the top of their bucket list. After years of work, this stretch is set to reopen in late March and it's looking to be more in demand than ever.

The ideal trip is 5 to 7 days and includes horseback riding through vineyards, a visit to Hearst Castle, hiking among redwoods, and wandering the region's quaint small towns while soaking in the stunning views. Check out our Big Sur guide for 20 incredible things to do in the area or get in touch for our insider tips.

Wellness Takes The Spotlight

More and more of our clients are interested in slow travel that rewards them with more meaningful experiences and a good dose of self-care. From Hawai'i and California to Italy and France, the locations we specialize in have some of the best wellness properties on the planet. Here's a few we think should be on your radar!

​Rosewood Kona Village on the Big Island blends ancient Hawaiian healing with clifftop views, while Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma pairs vineyard hikes with their legendary spa.

​Castello di Reschio in Umbria offers an 11th-century castle with world-class treatments, and LeFay on Lake Garda has thermal pools overlooking the water. While southern France's Lily of the Valley brings Côte d'Azur glamour to self-care.

We work directly with these properties and can often secure upgrades, spa credits, and perks you won't find booking on your own. Contact us for more information.

Cities Get A Glow Up

With the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics, the North American World Cup, and just the passing of time, some of our favorite cities have gotten their groove back following the pandemic.

With the Winter Olympics set to begin next month, Milan has new transit lines and restored buildings, and post-Olympics is the sweet spot for visiting. Meanwhile, LA and San Francisco are preparing for the 2026 World Cup with fresh energy and new cultural spaces.

And secondary European cities like Toulouse are having their moment too. France's fourth-largest city has pink brick architecture, incredible cassoulet, and proximity to both the Pyrenees and Mediterranean, all without the Paris crowds.

If any of these are calling to you, let's chat. We can help with timing and those little details that turn a good trip into a great one!