WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,


Last week I mentioned that I was contemplating a trip with my girls at the end of December (BTW in the travel industry that period is called the "festive" season). I explored options from the Caribbean to Mexico to Costa Rica. At first we were planning for 6 nights, which immediately reduced our options as many places have 7-10-14 night minimums during that timeframe.


But I found a few options that did work and looked at flights (very $$$). The me years ago would have thought about it, put it on the back burner to decide later, looked for more options and taken a while to make a decision.


The new me just decided.


I've seen too many options disappear overnight. Following my own advice - to give myself the gift of a decision. We are going to Punta Mita!


Flights booked.


Hotel booked.


I'll wait a while to book adventures, dinner reservations and spa appointments (but I did put a note in my calendar so I don't forget). And it feels great to have that done!


What's to love about Punta Mita?

  • It is an ideal combination of lots of beautiful hotel and multi-bedroom villa options
  • Incredible restaurants on hotel properties and within the town of Punta Mita
  • Some brand new hotel options including tented camps and treehouses
  • Many accommodations are walkable to town
  • Adventures abound! Surfing, golfing, zip lining, hiking, chartering a boat, watching dolphins and whales frolicking in the sea, riding ATVs and my favorite at the right time of year - releasing baby sea turtles. An absolutely magical experience for kids, teens and adults. My kids will forever remember the first time we helped all of those little guys make it to the water's edge
  • Cultural activities - tequila tastings, cooking classes, tasting tours, painting and ceramics classes
  • Exploring other towns like Sayulita and Rincón de Guayabitos


What else are you and I planning right now?


In the near term many of you are visiting your college kids studying abroad (a great excuse for a trip!), planning surprise birthday getaways and getting ready for spring break trips.


Some of you are planning ahead - winter vacation (which as you now know isn't actually planning ahead too much), into 2024 - spring break, summer and even December and the Paris Olympics.


(Note: for the Olympics and other big sporting events it is often impossible to secure hotel rooms outside of a full package. However, while researching this week, I discovered there are a few hotels where the room can be purchased on its own - keeping in mind the minimum night stay requirement spans the Olympics' dates).


While researching the ideal 2024 winter vacation for one family I was reminded of a favorite Caribbean restaurant, which I selected for this week's Highlight below.


For some trips it's more important to plan ahead - in particular over festive - and even more so if that trip is to the Galapagos, Patagonia, Antarctica, New Zealand or the most sought after warm weather spots.


This week I fielded an inquiry for Patagonia over Christmas 2023. I knew from recently planning my own trip to Patagonia for the beginning of December 2023, availability would be thin. And it was. Two of my favorite lodges are completely sold out, another has two entry level rooms left. It makes it challenging to string together an itinerary over multiple places. And that assumes you can get there on a well-routed flight.


My #1 piece of advice for all travelers (and myself!) continues to be - plan ahead. It is never too early! For Patagonia 2024, starting to plan in the next couple of months is a good idea. The luxury of having your pick of ideal dates, lodges and experiences and then simply relaxing and knowing your trip is booked is priceless!

I read about a new series this week - Restaurants at the End of the World. I haven't watched it yet, so if you do, please let me know how you like it.


You'll see below that Jessie has left her surf town for the fun and vibrant city of Cusco, en route to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.


The INSPO + INFO articles below include lots of travel inspiration...

There's a Condé Nast throwback from 2020 "51 Things in Europe That Every Traveler Needs to Experience" with lots of great experiential ideas. I've done quite a few of them, but there are many more I'd like to do.


A NYT article on seeing the world through kids' eyes - a great read if you travel with your children, an article from Condé Nast on 11 photos that will inspire you to see the world and other articles on Prada’s Uber-Stylish Pop-Up Cafe in London and more articles about Spain, Rome, Japan and Greece. There is inspiration for your next trip everywhere!


Also information including ...

The smartest way to spend your points and how to plan a multigenerational trip with your whole family but leave the drama at home.


This week I also enjoyed reading The Finnish Secret to Happiness? Knowing When You Have Enough. I was drawn by the title, but the multifaceted perspectives were a surprise. America never makes it to the top of the happiness rankings, but there is so much to be happy and grateful for with a small shift in perspective.

Warmly,

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Below:

  • This week's highlight - Baia
  • Hot New Hotel Opening - Peninsula Istanbul
  • Where in the World is Jessie? Cusco, Peru!
  • Inspiration + Information

BAIA

Take a moment to look outside your window.


What's the weather like?


If you live in New England or somewhere like it - it's nothing like summer. The weather of late March/early April are a mixed bag in this part of the world. It may seem like summer should be coming, but more often it feels like winter doesn't want to end. The only snow left is little mounds of blackish white in the shade. The trails are either icy or muddy. And those of us here are ready for warmth and sunshine.


Now instead, imagine sitting in a comfy chair, on a deck with your favorite cocktail in hand (Mezcal margarita on the rocks for me), next to your spouse, just taking in the view of the sunset and sounds of the ocean. You hear the beat of the music playing in the background and know you are exactly where you want to be.


Where are you?


You are at Baia in Barbados.


Baia serves Peruvian-fusion cuisine, with craft cocktails and live entertainment in a laid back, rustic luxurious setting. Their food is inspired by the gastronomical heritage of Latin America (no wonder I picked it).


Guacamole, fish tacos, a raw bar with ceviche and shashimi grade tuna, salmon and mahi mahi, pork belly bites.


Not a snowflake or raindrop in sight.


You have zero complaints in the world. Take a deep breath and absorb your surroundings.


You are in paradise.


Why go to Barbados?


  • Its southern Caribbean location is a great option for throughout our winter
  • Non-stop flights from Boston and NYC
  • Their culture prizes delicious restaurants (there are eight more recommendations on my list)
  • Leatherback turtles glide through the sea and you can swim by them from a responsible distance in the water
  • So many island adventures including horseback riding on the beach, watersports, fishing and simply luxuriating
  • There are a handful of luxury and boutique resorts I love, including the charming, family owned (and very pink) Cobblers Cove, perfect for a romantic getaway


Cobblers Cove offers a complimentary boat trip each day of your stay - to swim with turtles, cruise the coast or waterski.


Sunbath on the off-shore pontoon (photo below).


Or go fishing for barracuda and tuna with a local captain. Paddle boards, kayaks, snorkels, flippers and small sail boats from the Water Sports Hut are included in your stay. And jet skis, fly boards & other motorized water sports can also be organized for you.


If you are looking to try a new island destination, Barbados is a great choice!

Check out the Truvay Travel perks at Cobblers Cove

📷 Baia

📷 Cobbler's Cove

🌟 In February 2023, the Peninsula Istanbul opened in the historic Karaköy district. The waterfront property encompasses four exquisite buildings, three of which are protected historical landmarks from the early 1900's. 


Why visit Peninsula Istanbul?

  • Their elegant, lavish accommodations have views over the Bosphorus Strait and beyond to the rooftops of Istanbul’s Old Town.  All rooms are decorated with original art, modern Turkish design elements, kilim-style carpets and bathrooms clad in Marmara marble. 
  • The hotel is part of a new waterfront revitalization project that includes a promenade, museums, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. The property is also within walking distance of many of Istanbul’s landmarks such as Galata Tower and the Sultanahmet District.  
  • Two distinctive restaurants are on property. The Lobby is a glass-fronted, two story structure overlooking the promenade that was refurbished from Turkey’s first modern cruise terminal in the 1940’s.  Also Gallada's Michelin starred Director Chef, Fatih Tutak, creates sophisticated Turk-Asian cuisine on an expansive rooftop terrace with remarkable views over the Bosphorus. 
  • The spa and wellness center include a 25 meter indoor pool with submerged speakers for underwater music, an outdoor pool with private cabanas, a 24 hour state of the art fitness center, saunas, two hammams, steam rooms and relaxation rooms for men and women.  
  • As a Truvay Travel client, take advantage of one of our favorite perks - Peninsula Time. A program that allows for fully flexible check-in and check-out. You can arrange to have your room ready as early as 6am upon arrival and as late as 10pm on your departure, with no extra charge.  
  • For an over-the-top stay, book the Peninsula Suite, a 5,500 square foot duplex.  It has a private hammam, gym, screening room, multiple balconies and a private rooftop pool, with its own dining and lounge area.


With your credit from booking with Truvay Travel, try a Turkish Delight, the signature cocktail prepared with Sweet Vermouth Aperol, Cherry Liqueur and Rose. Enjoy your cocktails at The Lobby and pair with the signature dish, Roasted Octopus with Wild Thyme, Potato and Romesco Emulsion.

📷 Peninsula Istanbul

Reach out to plan your trip to Istanbul

(For those new to the newsletter, Jessie is our 19 year old daughter on a gap year. She spent the fall exploring Europe and is now adventuring around South America)


After a many more spectacular sunsets during their week-long stay on the beach in Huanchaco, Jessie and Siska left for Cusco. As 19 year old backpackers their trip unfolds moment to moment most of the time. But there are a few key items necessary to plan in advance - Torres del Paine in Patagonia and normally Machu Picchu.


Given Peru is still bouncing back from the political turmoil earlier this year, the girls have been able to take advantage of fewer travelers and secure a last minute, coveted reservation at one of the places I stayed at in October (given the budget differential, this is the only accommodation overlap we will have). She arrives there today, so I'll share more details next week.


As of two days ago there were 41 out of 500 permits left for Saturday to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (my preferred route). During normal times there would have been zero - sold out a couple of months ago.


Like I did, they are loving the bustling pueblo of Cusco - with its variety of restaurants, charming streets, local market and lively atmosphere. There are plenty of steps and steep hills to keep them in physical shape for their upcoming Machu Picchu hike.

They are also both reading the book, The Last Days of the Incas, which I 100% recommend for anyone going to Machu Picchu. It brings the history to life all of the places you will travel on your trip through the Sacred Valley (and would be a great gift idea if you are presenting the trip as a surprise to someone).


Peru is known for its world class cuisine, with two of the world's top restaurants in Lima. That reputation carries over into the Sacred Valley, where even more delicious places await you. Whether you are sitting on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas in Cusco or at my favorite local spot, Tierra Cucina Artesenal, a tiny restaurant in Urumbamba on a quite street with a few charming boutiques.


Now is an ideal time to plan ahead for your trip to Machu Picchu and Peru!

Set up a call to brainstorm ideas for your Peru adventure

INSPIRATION


51 Things in Europe That Every Traveler Needs to Experience,

Condé Nast Traveler (throwback)


Why Your Next Hotel Booking Could Be . . . a Villa Rental, AFAR

More hotels than ever are offering villa rentals that pair ultra-private experiences with resort-style amenities.


Inside Prada’s Uber-Stylish Pop-Up Cafe in Harrods’ London Megastore, Robb Report


Why joy therapy is the new wellness trend you need to try, Condé Nast


Resort Communities Turn to Adventure Sports to Lure New Residents, NYT


The Virtuoso Life: Ballet Dancer Isaac Hernández shares his favorite spots in London, Virtuoso


Seeing the World Through Kids’ Eyes, NYT


A Four Seasons Is Coming to . . . Vatican City?, AFAR


Where Is That?! 11 Photos That Will Inspire You to See the World, Condé Nast


Go On, Take the Kids to Mykonos: Adult Resorts Open Up to Families, NYT


In the Basque Region of Spain: Art, Culture and a Puppy That Blooms, NYT


5 ways to delight in Kobe: from cosmopolitan charms to natural wonders, Wanderlust


INFORMATION


9 Ways to Bring Every Generation but Leave the Family Drama at Home, NYT


Spring travel squeezing airports, airlines as summer surge looms,

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It has been ranging from canceled flights to cabin downgrades to lost luggage, and many times the airlines will not reimburse at all or they refund very minimal amounts.

Read the story of…

Anand Srinivasan was just about to check his baggage for a family spring break trip to Rhode Island, when he discovered the flight had been canceled.

 “All of a sudden it became pure pandemonium in the airport”


The case for cutting your airport arrival time dangerously close,

The Washington Post


The Smartest Ways to Spend Your Points and Miles Right Now, Condé Nast


Get Global Entry Faster, Thanks to This Hack, AFAR


Why Are Passports Taking So Long Right Now?, Condé Nast


(If you aren't able to access an NYT, WSJ or Washington Post article, send me a note and I'll send it to you in a PDF.)

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