Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! It still feels like summer, but those of us in the Northeast know that fall is just around the corner. I love the fall but like to enjoy the summer season into September while the temperatures are still warm. Seeing ads for pumpkin spice everything and Halloween decorations in the stores shortly before or shortly after Labor Day weekend doesn’t excite me. Obviously, many people and certainly not the retailers agree with me 😊 How do you feel?
A good number of my clients have trips coming up in the next few months, and I’m guiding them through the options and hoops. So, if YOU have a travel question…
Shoot me a reply email and ask me any travel-related questions.
If I don’t know the answer off the top of my head, I’ll do some research and get back to you!
Sample FAQ topics include the travel restrictions for specific countries, passport renewals, navigating issues with the airlines and airports, pros/cons of travel insurance, the best places to travel in 2022, etc.
This week, I’m focusing on some of my North American travel partners that I met at Virtuoso Travel Week. If you’re thinking about taking a special vacation within North America – the USA, to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Canada, I have some ideas that will inspire your thinking and should be on your travel radar. Of course, I’m here to help you make your vacation dream a reality while saving you from hours down the Google black hole. Read on for the scoop…
Going Warm this Thanksgiving or in 2022!
Those of us living in the Northeast think of Cancun and Riviera Maya for a Mexican vacation. We often overlook incredible Cabo San Lucas on the west coast. Knowing that Cabo is amazing, I was excited to speak to the management of Esperanza, an Auberge Collection and Virtuoso network resort.
With an authentic Mexican style, the resort appeals to both couples and families as they both have their own sections of the 17-acre property. In the middle, there’s a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the Sea of Cortez. There’s good reason that it was voted the #1 resort in Mexico in 2019!
Beyond the resort, there’s much to do in Cabo including whale watching in season, surfing, diving, desert treks, horseback riding on the beach, culinary experiences at a local, organic farm – just a few ideas to inspire you!
Esperanza is 100% booked for Christmas week, but still had availability for Thanksgiving when I spoke to them. Message me if you’re interested so you get the Virtuoso upgrades! Reminder – you can’t VIP yourself 😊
💎 Hidden Gem Tip:  Hidden Gem Travel guests receive daily breakfast for two and other VIP perks at Virtuoso network properties! More info here: Best Of The Best Hotels and Experiences.
NEW on the Seas in 2022!
Love the idea of visiting multiple countries on a yacht with only a couple hundred passengers? The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection has strong appeal for luxury cruise lovers and first-timer cruisers (it’s split in half). It’s an all-inclusive experience where you’ll be amazed by the food and dazzled by the shore excursions!
Every shore excursion offered has a twist to make the experience upgraded and extra-special. For example, the aloe farm tour in Aruba will include a special spa experience and lunch. Sounds amazing to me!
In 2022, cruise the Caribbean in the winter or the Mediterranean in the summer – watersports are available right off the yacht’s platform.Â
NEW Hotel Coming to New York City
Love to be in the know about what’s new in the Big Apple? Here’s the scoop – the Flatiron district will be opening a new luxury hotel in March 2022.  Fifth Avenue Hotel will be the place to be for weekend getaways for people who love old-world décor, renovated historic buildings, and unique experiences   The history of the building is rich from bank robberies to the arrest of Russian royalty.Â
My contact told me that they’ll be offering some hidden gem experiences and will keep me posted! I’ll also be taking a tour in person when they open so stay tuned.Â
Hidden Gem Resorts in the USA
I met with my rep from Noble House Hotels and Resorts which has properties across the USA. With domestic travel super-popular these days, I was very interested to hear their updates. Suffice it to say that if you’re looking for a resort that’s not a major chain/average experience, Noble House Hotels are a perfect option as they have more character.
For example, Gateway Canyons in western Colorado’s desert is one of the coolest resorts you’ll find in the USA! Voted a top domestic resort, Gateway Canyons is a very special experience for all ages. Hiking, horseback riding, hunting for dinosaur bones, relaxing in the spa, and world-class stargazing are all on the offer.
Luckily, it’s also a Virtuoso network property where you’ll stay as a VIP when booked through Hidden Gem Travel. Looking for the beach over the desert? Little Palm Island Resort is in the Florida Keys and newly reopened. It’s like Bali but you’re in Florida – how fab is that?
Ultimate Canada
Personally, I adore Canada and highly encourage my clients to explore it widely. My meeting with the Vancouver Tourism Board left me wanting to return. For my clients, I recommend a three-destination itinerary if they have enough time: Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler. All three destinations are very different and highly worthwhile. Whether you’re into multi-cultures, epic gardens, foodie experiences, outdoor adventure, natural beauty, cycling, whale watching (get my drift?), you’ll love exploring western Canada.
News flash – if you’re interested in eastern Canada and your kids love skiing and winter sports, a brand-new Club Med is opening north of Quebec City in December. Since Club Med operates 13 popular ski resorts in Europe, they know what they’re doing and deliver an incredible all0-inclusive value. Winter’s chill not your thing? The resort will be open year-round! Hidden Gem Travel clients are treated as VIPs at Club Med.
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: To give yourself plenty of time in Victoria, stay overnight at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel or take a floatplane from Vancouver over and take the ferry back.Â
Final note: If you love to dream about travel, then check out the free to use Virtuoso Wanderlist, a cool trip-inspiration platform where you browse, save, and share vacation ideas with others of your choice – including friends, family, and me your travel advisor. The interactive tool lets you create a wish list and plan into the future. It’s like the Netflix for travel!
Inspired? If you’re intrigued about an exotic, dream destination for a future vacation and want to brainstorm, here’s the link to schedule a chat with me www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/contact
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
