Category: Family Travel

Costa Rica vs. Belize: Which Luxury Destination Is Best for Your Next Vacation?

Planning a luxury vacation in Central America and deciding between Costa Rica and Belize? You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions travelers ask when choosing between two of the region’s most beautiful and diverse destinations. Both offer a compelling mix of adventure, relaxation, and high-end accommodations. But when it comes to luxury resorts, travel logistics, family-friendliness, and

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The Best Family Beach Resorts for Christmas and New Year’s 2026!

Planning a luxury family vacation for Christmas or New Year’s 2026? The best beach resorts—especially those with spacious suites, kids’ clubs, and festive programming—book up quickly. From the calm, crystal-clear waters of Turks & Caicos to the adventure-filled coast of Costa Rica, these four hand-picked luxury resorts offer the perfect mix of relaxation, family-friendly amenities, and unforgettable holiday experiences. Even

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Summer 2026 Travel Trends: Where to Go & How to Plan Your Luxury Vacation

Hidden Gem Travel Consulting clients are already booking Summer 2026 travel to top destinations across Europe, Asia, and the United States — and now is the time to start planning your own trip. From Italy, France, and Japan to Alaska cruises, Hawaii, and U.S. national parks, demand for luxury travel experiences is high, and the best hotels, guides, and itineraries

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Trip Report: Incredible Japan!

Have you been watching the Winter Olympics in northern Italy? If Italy is on your 2026 travel list, now is the time to start planning — the best luxury hotels, private guides, and unique experiences book well in advance. But today, I’m taking you to Japan — where I spent an unforgettable Thanksgiving trading turkey for sushi. This past fall,

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London & England news for 2025

Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community – and Happy Halloween! 🎃 This newsletter is a treat, not a trick 🙂 I have some news about London! I attended an event hosted by Hyatt Hotels last week and won 4 nights in London! I was there less than a year ago in December, but you can never visit too many times. I’ll be

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I’m here! Follow up to “Guess where I’m headed next”

Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! If you read my last newsletter, you were teased to guess where my next big, ‘bleisure’ trip was. The choices were Japan, Argentina, or New Zealand. If you guessed New Zealand, you were right! Having been to Australia twice (and I LOVED it each time), I’m excited to explore this beautiful Kiwi country and

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Galapagos – now is the time!

Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! We are half way through August with the unofficial last day of summer, Labor Day, in the coming weeks.  The summer flew by for me, and I’m looking forward to the crisp, cool days of the fall season.   One of my favorite partners who specialize in expedition travel by water is Lindblad Expeditions.  In partnership

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Next up – Vietnam!

Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community!  June is off to a fantastic start with my clients spanning the globe this month exploring Hawaii, Japan, and Europe (river cruising, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Greek Islands, Croatia, Scotland, France, and many more).  All itineraries have been carefully curated by me, customized to my clients needs and desires, available in an app on

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Trip Report Part 2 – Just back from Belgium

Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community – and happy April! It feels great to see the signs of a new season at home after being in Europe most of last month. It’s also a crazy busy season for parents of kids in school (plus sports/other activities), and many are longing for the relatively less packed summer schedule. Hidden Gem Travel

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City of Lights & Love

Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I was in the city of lights and love one year ago this month and so am sharing some inspiration you guessed it, about Paris this week.   I’ve written past newsletters about Paris, including how to take a trip this summer for the Olympics.  This week, I’ll be sharing a link to some videos and articles

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Hi, I'm Susan Wilson

I’m the founder of Hidden Gem Travel Consulting. As your personal travel advisor, I craft custom worldwide itineraries that astound and inspire you.

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