Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I was listening to a non-travel related podcast this week that discussed the word Sonder. Sonder means that you realize that every human being has a life as complex as your own. When you’re traveling internationally, do you find yourself wondering what life is like for the locals? I recall meeting an elderly man while on a walking tour with a local in Santorini, Greece’s non-touristy area. He didn’t speak English, but his face spoke a thousand words about the life he had lived (see photo below). It’s these special moments that stick with you and make exploring the world so enriching.
To help you experience sonder in 2025, I’m closely monitoring my email for the best of the best promotions for upcoming luxury Black Friday and Travel Tuesday promotions. While it’s important to understand the fine print with any promotion, let me know what interests you and I’ll share the details. Regular readers of this newsletter know that I don’t typically focus on promotions but it’s that time of year so I’ll make an exception!
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday gift, read on for the scoop on three promotions that you’ll need to act quickly to take advantage of …
ICYMI last week, HIDDEN GEM TRAVEL IS GROWING! If you, or someone you know, would like to get into the travel industry, I’ve looking to bring on one or two people to support my growing business. Email me to express interest in learning more.
St. Lucia – Foodie Alert
Cap Maison was admitted to the exclusive “Relais & Chateaux” (a hotel consortium with notable cuisine) and was recently listed in the top resorts in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
FEEL LIKE A CELEBRITY Book Between Friday 29th November and 14th December 2024, and stay between April 1st and December 19th 2025 and enjoy celebrity treatment: You’ll be flown from the international airport by helicopter. You’ll also get accommodation in a One Bedroom Villa Suite with Private Pool, a luxurious 50 minute Massage (2 persons), and a luxury limo for the return to the airport.
Explora Journeys
If you like to visit multiple countries in one trip, eat excellent food, and enjoy top-notch service within an inclusive experience, Explora is a new luxury ocean cruise line that delivers just that! Special anniversary or milestone birthday coming up? This is the ultimate gift for global trips on the water.
Why now? Book before 4 December 2024 to benefit from savings of up to 50% on your journey fare and pay a reduced deposit of only 5%.
Learn more about Explora here: LINK HERE
💎Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re a fan of Formula 1, they have an exclusive trip for Grand Prix de Monaco 2025. It’s one example of their ‘special journey’ options.
Luxe Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos is known for its pristine white sand beaches, water activities, and great dining options. The perfect island with an easy flight from NYC area airports (and others) for sun and sand in the Caribbean.
The fabulous Shore Club in Turks & Caicos is offering a 20% off select 4, 5, and 6 bedroom villas when booked by December 20, 2024. There are blackout dates but if the white sand beaches and stunning blue waters are calling you and your loved ones and friends, let’s talk about the perfect villa for you at this incredible resort property.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: If Turks & Caicios isn’t your ideal destination but you love the idea of a villa experience, let me know. I have access to global options that range from 2 bedrooms to 14+ that offer a range of services. Don’t want a kitchen swap vacation? Grocery shopping, in-villa chefs, and more services can be arranged so the cooks in the family get a vacation too.
Ready to begin 2025 travel planning? Respond to this email or click on the links above or below to get started!
Wishing you amazing travel adventures,
Susan
Travel News You Can Use
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday & Travel Tuesday
You’ll be seeing enticing travel promotions in the window of time from Black Friday through Travel Tuesday. Be sure to read the fine print! These promotions while appealing will have specific terms and conditions and often black out dates. Buyer beware or better yet, reach out to a professional travel advisor before you click pay.
Important reminder about Small Business Saturday (the day after Black Friday) which is a day to support the small businesses — both store-front and those of us who are online without the brick and mortar. For example, my digital storefront is www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com. Your support makes a huge difference to our small businesses!
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.
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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: https://www.virtuoso.com/advis…
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REFERRAL BONUS If you know someone who would benefit from help from a travel expert, forward this email and have them mention your name during their complimentary consultation. You will receive a special perk!
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
Schedule A Complimentary Wanderlist Consultation
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