Discover the Best Fall and Festive Travel Destinations

As the lazy days of summer give way to the busy rhythms of fall, you may find that time starts to speed up. For the seasoned traveler, it’s an opportune time to start booking fall and festive vacations (if only so you can look forward to those times when time slows right back down again).

With prices returning to more sensible levels and promotions aplenty, consider exploring a domestic or North American destination this season. Allow the sea breezes and sandy shores of warm-weather destinations like the Florida Keys or Mexico's Riviera Maya to captivate you once again. Whether revisiting favorite spots or uncovering the charms of a new locale, you're sure to find a beach that beckons.

*1 & 2: Florida Keys & Key West - Monroe County Tourist Development Counil 3. La Valise Tulum | 4. Ik-Kil Cenote, Mexico*

And no one does Thanksgiving quite like a luxury dude ranch – where an all-inclusive experience takes the pressure off mealtimes and outdoor adventures. Montana’s The Ranch at Rock Creek, for example, will turn your family getaway into one you’ll be talking about for years. Or go fly fishing on the Rio Grande with the guides at Vermejo, a grand Ted Turner lodge in northern New Mexico.

If you want to make the Christmas season one to remember why not take in Europe’s outstanding Christmas markets? In Austria, book in advance to explore Salzburg’s exquisite stalls and unique gingerbread. This town is where the carol Silent Night was first written and performed, and expect to hear it often while wandering the Old Town, picturesquely situated under the looming castle overhead.

*1. Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana | 2. Salzburg Christmas Market | 3. Adare Manor, Ireland | 4. Fortnum & Mason, London*

In search of the ultimate holiday shopping experience? Then perhaps the bright lights and extraordinary decorations of London is what you need. Some might say that if you haven’t wandered through Fortnum & Mason’s all dolled up for the holidays then you haven’t yet done Christmas. In Ireland, a hot whisky and cozy pub also set the mood for celebrating. A house party or a live band is never very hard to find, and booking an Irish castle hotel is a terrific way to warm the hearts of your travel group (and take the pressure off holiday prep).

Celebrating close to home or overseas? Let's plan holiday travel now.

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Don't Miss Out on These Global Celebrations

It doesn’t take much to find a reason to travel – a new restaurant overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea? A restored palazzo hotel with views of the Grand Canal in Venice? A chance to nibble Michelin-starred sushi in Tokyo? Sign us up!

But some of the most fun adventures you can have are date-driven to experience the world’s best festivals and events. Booking ahead and planning is key – it’s not easy to find good hotels last-minute for Art Basel Miami in June. Or a walking-distance five-star stay for the Venice Biennale as you ponder big ideas about art, architecture and politics.

*Albuquerque Balloon Festival, New Mexico*

If you love watching hot air balloons, get your group to New Mexico for the jaw dropping, sky-filling display at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in October. Looking for some cowboy culture? Book Calgary’s best suites now to whoop it up at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo in July. The entire city celebrates Stampede, and cowboy hats, boots and plaid shirts are de rigueur (even if you don’t know how to ride a horse).

The world’s most important gathering of classical musicians and singers happens annually at the Salzburg Festival but if you want to join them next summer, talk to us now to book.

If you’re a fan of sports – don’t forget the Olympics. Two top travel destinations are hosting soon: In 2024, the Summer Games are in Paris, ohh la la! And in 2026, Italy hosts its third Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Front row center? Backstage access? How can we make your festival and cultural experience more fun?

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A New Wave of Luxury

Stepping onto a ship that’s just been launched and starting its ocean journeys is quite special. The experiences feels different: There’s a special frisson amongst the crew and guests as everyone explores new terrain together. And the travel-brag opportunities are pretty good too, you’ll end up with stories you’ll dine out on for months.

Designed for the discerning guest, it’s a sparkling example of the best of European design and attention to detail – Explora’s commitment to the environment is notable with no single-use plastics on board and supportive environmental technologies below decks that adapt and change as even better methods develop in the future.

So where does Explora I sail? It’s spending the fall Northern Europe then crossing the Atlantic to winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea. In summer 2024, Explora 1 heads into the Mediterranean. Book one of her repositioning cruises for more incredible days at sea on this brand new ship.

If you want to experience the delights of a new ship, reach out: there are many more to choose from.

Set sail on a new adventure, let’s find you a ship.

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How European Travel is Changing Next Year

If there’s one question travel advisors have been getting more of lately – it’s concerns about the new Visa rules for Europe. Visa-free travel to Europe is ending in January 2024 for Americans and Canadians. (We’re not the only ones, New Zealanders and Australians are affected too.)

The new fee isn’t much – about 7 euros (around $8) and the forms are easily filled out online. Most travelers should get approval quickly, but it could take up to four days or longer. All ages must apply for the visa and once approved the visa is good for multiple entries for up to three years. The new process and fees are an attempt to tighten border security and keep a digital eye on travelers’ comings and goings.

If you’ve already got bookings overseas or hope to make them, give us a call to see how easy it is to ensure your group is visa-ready for 2024.

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