Happy Thursday and New Year’s Eve Hidden Gem Travel community!
The new (and better) year is only a few hours away. Personally, I’m thrilled to say goodbye to 2020 and excited to dream about what the new year will bring in terms of good news for travel.
Before we move on, one final but important reminder…
Quick + Final Reminder:
Looking for one last charitable deduction for 2020?
Join me on Facebook in the virtual Holiday Sip & Shop event in December benefiting Circle of Care.
Circle of Care provides “emotional and financial assistance to children and families, from day of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, with programs and services that meet the unique and challenging needs of pediatric cancer treatment.”
How can you help support small businesses AND a worthy nonprofit? It couldn’t be easier:
- Follow the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AnnualHolidaySipandShop and share it with your friends and family – thank you from all of us!!
As I draft this newsletter, I’m listening to a 2020 year-in-review show which inspires me to make 2021 the year of positive, happy experiences. Thus, the annual question of the New Year’s resolution arises:
Have you made a list of resolutions for 2021?
If so, what’s on your list? If your list includes travel, read on for 4 travel tips for your New Year’s resolutions …
Wanderlist = Your Travel Wish List
On my shortlist of New Year’s resolutions is traveling more and better as soon as the world reopens.
If you have the same wish, then this year of newsletters will inspire and inform your dreams! I encourage you to formalize your list by creating a Wanderlist. It’s new, fun, and free!
What’s a Wanderlist? It’s a travel plan that you create that prioritizes your travel dreams (both destinations and experiences).
My motto – if you have travel dreams, you need a travel plan. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/wanderlisthgtc
I was recently quoted in the Fairfield and Westchester County Business Journals about Wanderlist. See page 12: http://bit.ly/ArticleWanderlist.
Side note – Thanks goes to Karen Sackowitz who is the Director of Content for the Journals. She is also the owner of an amazing local business called Your Stories Ink. Cherished memories are captured and transformed into a beautiful custom keepsake book. The book is a perfect gift for the passionate traveler any time of year.
There’s also a more robust version of Wanderlist which includes a full plan of destinations and experiences most desired by your family or travel group. Email me to learn more.
Me – I made my Wanderlist with my family for 2021, and we’re working on 2022 and beyond!
Travel+Leisure’s #1 destination for 2021 is ITALY
My heart goes out to Italy and the millions of people who missed out on a dream Italian vacation in 2020.
Italy is a place where you can have new and different experiences every time you visit. From the iconic cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice to lesser known but equally fascinating places like Puglia and Vieste, Italy delivers for each type of traveler.
I know that I’ll be designing unique, customized itineraries to Italy for many travelers in the Hidden Gem Travel community. Once the world reopens in earnest, availability will rapidly dwindle. I recommend planning now to travel later!
Me – I’ll be in Italy later next year!! Excited would be a gross understatement.
Wellness Travel – 2 resolution checks in 1
The most common type of New Year’s resolution is improving one’s health. Due to this fact, I recommend adding a wellness-themed vacation to your Wanderlist.
Wellness vacations are a huge, growing travel trend, and many options are found in the US and abroad. These vacations aren’t just about losing weight. Goals can include increasing fitness and activity levels, kickstarting a lifestyle reset, improving nutrition, and enhancing mental and spiritual health.
Destinations for wellness vacations are often stunningly beautiful. For example, if the beach calls you, you can head to St. Lucia or Mexico. Want to be nestled in majestic mountainscapes? The Swiss Alps or closer Massachusetts Berkshires offer incredible wellness resorts. The Arizona desert also offers beautiful wellness resort options. These are just a few ideas!
Wellness vacations are tailored to families, couples, friend groups, and solo travelers. More to come on this topic in a January newsletter.
Me – I’ll be heading back to the new Miraval in Massachusetts’s Berkshire Mountains in 2021, because I loved it so much this past summer. Virtuoso perks included!!
The year of travel insurance
In 2021, the interest in travel insurance will explode. To conclude this newsletter of 4 travel tips for your New Year’s resolutions, I need to address this relatively dull but important aspect of travel.
Travel insurance is a tricky purchase. What’s covered? What’s not covered? What are the best insurance companies? Why shouldn’t I rely on the coverage provided by my credit card company?
Luckily, you have me as your go-to for travel insurance plans that provide maximum coverage for the best price. Offering travel insurance from reputable companies is a valuable component of the service I offer to my clients. Note – I’m not an insurance agent but have colleagues who are experts who will inform your purchase decision.
Me – I always purchase travel insurance for my big trips… learned that lesson 😊
Inspired? What do you think about these 4 travel tips for your New Year’s resolutions? If you’d like more details, email me back to schedule a call to discuss. Here’s the direct link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting/45min
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Many 2020 trips have already been rolled into late 2021, and there’s huge pent-up demand for new travel both domestic and international. The time to plan is now!
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
