Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! We’re almost halfway through 2025 – can you believe it? Clients are spanning the globe this summer while also thinking about future travel.
Some trips are best planned 6+months in advance or longer. This timing is on my mind for clients looking to travel to extra-special places in 2026. This month, I’ll focus on some of those places starting with African safaris.
One key value of working with an experienced travel advisor for your African safari is the support you receive from me and my local partners. This newsletter outlines the timeline and highlights the support you will receive for your safari adventure.
Read on for the scoop for a step-by-step timeline on what happens (and when) from safari dream to departure…
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: I hope you enjoy a few of my MANY photos from my safari in Tanzania which was life-changing!
Six to Twelve Months Before Travel
12+ Months Before: The Dream Begins
You’re going to AFRICA for safari! You’ve decided, and now it’s time to bring your dream to life. To make it truly unforgettable, it helps to know what’s ahead. The adventure begins from the moment you reach out to me…
What happens now:
- You reach out and we hop on a call to explore your vision for your trip.
- We will talk dates, group size, travel style, budget, and must-sees (wildlife, culture, landscapes, etc.).
- Ideal travel windows are discussed based on your goals (Great Migration? Fewer crowds? Safari+Wine?).
- Do you prefer traveling with a small group or on your own?
- After our call, I’ll start creating the perfect itinerary for you to review.
9-12 Months Before: Locking in the Magic
At this stage, things shift from dream to plan.
What happens now:
- We finalize your itinerary and reserve the lodges, guides, and experiences you won’t want to miss. The best options often book up a year in advance.
- International flights are explored (we guide you through the options).
- A deposit is made to secure your place and set the adventure in motion.
- You will receive confirmation emails, with login information to your personal Resource Page that has all of the helpful documents, tips, and guides we have created throughout the years to help you prepare for your trip.
6 Months Before: Preparing the Details
You’re in the “this is really happening!” phase.
What happens now:
- You will fill out a client preference form to gather finer relevant details about you and your traveling group. This helps us notify the lodges about specifics, such as what you like to drink and if you have any allergies, etc.
- We send visa info and information about health/travel documents.
- Final balances are usually due around this time.
2 Months to Departure
2 Months Before: Countdown Mode
You can practically hear the elephants already 🙂 !!
What happens now:
- You will receive helpful emails with packing lists, tipping guides, reading recommendations, and pointing you to specific information on the Resource Page to help you prepare.
- We check in about final logistics: dietary needs, passport expiration, insurance, etc.
- Outfit planning, gear checks, and photography questions? We’re here for all of it.
2 Weeks – 1 Month Before: Final Touches
The anticipation builds—and we help make it smooth.
What happens now:
- We will schedule a pre-travel call to review your itinerary and answer your questions that you haven’t already asked.
- We re-confirm all your flights, transfers, and lodging one final time.
- You receive contact info for your in-country hosts and guides, and a customized tipping guide.
- You will be added to a Whatsapp group with your client concierge to help ensure you always have someone available to help you if you have any questions.
Departure Day: You’re Off!
You’ve prepped. You’re packed. Now it’s time to surrender to the journey and let Africa show you what it’s always had waiting.
We will be with you every step of the way, to answer any questions, hear the stories, and see the photos! We can’t wait to hear all about it.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: When we talk about Africa, we often highlight the amazing wildlife, the breathtaking sunsets, and the stunning landscapes. And yes—those things are extraordinary. But what truly stays with you, what burrows deep into your heart and lingers long after you return home, are the people.
Priceless Memories!
From the moment you arrive, you’re not treated like a guest—you’re welcomed like family. There’s an immediate warmth, a deep sense of care that feels different than what most of us are used to. It’s not just about service; it’s about connection.
If you’d like to receive my booklet on the range of African safaris to help you decide which is right for you, simply reply to this email.
To travel is to live… here’s to 2025 being an unforgettable and amazing year for new travel adventures! Let’s go…
Susan
About Hidden Gem Travel Consulting
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting was founded by Susan Wilson. After decades of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, she opened her own travel business which is affiliated with Virtuoso – the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel.
Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that elevate your escape and speak to what will wow everyone on the trip.
It’s the best way to travel – a vacation that allows you to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving you access to perks, amenities, and experiences that are “ungoogleable.”
Enriching. Experiential. Effortless. Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is your trusted travel advisor.
Official affiliations include: Virtuoso, Forbes Travel Guide, ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), Four Seasons Hotels and more global hotels and resorts.
SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Virtuoso Wanderlist Specialist
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is proud to be one of the first travel businesses to be certified in Virtuoso Wanderlist, a unique and exclusive consulting service designed to turn travel dreams into reality through the creation of a strategic plan – called a travel portfolio. Much like wealth advisors manage investment portfolios, Wanderlist Advisors manage an equally important asset – our leisure time. Wanderlist marries “Netflix-style” technology with the deep expertise of a travel advisor. Wanderlist helps families live a life filled with anticipation and special memories.
Schedule A Complimentary Wanderlist Consultation
Friends Know Best 💙
The best trips often come from the best recommendations.
If you’ve enjoyed working with me (and/or reading this newsletter), I’d love for you to share the experience! If you know someone who would appreciate expert guidance for their next adventure, send them my way via email, phone or whatever is easiest for you.
AND when you see a post in your local community Facebook pages asking for a trusted travel professional, feel free to share my email (susan@hiddengemtravelconsulting.com) or if it’s easy, link to the website so they can check me out (www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com). I am often found this way 😊
And as always, I appreciate you being a part of the Hidden Gem Travel community and a valued client!
PARTNERSHIPS
About Hidden Gem Travel Consulting
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting was founded by Susan Wilson. After decades of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, she opened her own travel business which is affiliated with Virtuoso – the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel.
Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that elevate your escape and speak to what will wow everyone on the trip.
It’s a new way to travel – a vacation that allows you to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving you access to perks, amenities, and experiences that are “ungoogleable.”
Enriching. Experiential. Effortless. Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is your trusted travel advisor.
SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Hidden Gem Travel clients get some fab perks at many premium and luxury hotels around the world!
Want to book a hotel on your own and get upgrades and perks? Follow this link:
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Virtuoso Wanderlist Specialist
Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is proud to be one of the first travel businesses to be certified in Virtuoso Wanderlist, a unique and exclusive consulting service designed to turn travel dreams into reality through the creation of a strategic plan – called a travel portfolio.
Much like wealth advisors manage investment portfolios, Wanderlist Advisors manage an equally important asset – our leisure time. Wanderlist marries “Netflix-style” technology with the deep expertise of a travel advisor. Wanderlist helps families live a life filled with anticipation and special memories.
Take a peek here: https://bit.ly/wanderlisthgtc
