Happy New Year and New Decade! Forbes, Travel+Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and others have published their ‘Best Places to Travel in 2020’ lists. These lists are perfect for inspiration, but it’s easy to get dazzled and lose perspective on what’s most important to you, becoming a victim of “Shiny Object Syndrome”.
The best place to travel in 2020 is a destination that is aligned with your personal wanderlist and travel preferences. That’s where I come in to help you sort through the endless options.
In a two-part newsletter series, I will inspire you with a few ideas for where to travel in 2020 that may not be on your radar and are hidden gems. I’ll also explain how using a Virtuoso travel consultant (as opposed to a traditional travel agent) can vastly increase the value of your trip and elevate your overall experience.
Perhaps start with what you love to do– are you an avid cyclist, sports fanatic, tech junkie or food+wine aficionado? What is your child’s favorite subject in school or passion outside of school? Personal interests and passions can take on a new dimension through travel.
Here are examples of three diverse, “hidden gem” destinations that appeal to a variety of interests for 2020:
Golfers and British outdoor activity enthusiasts of all ages – Limerick, Ireland
*Best for golfers and outdoor-loving families. Ideal for a family heritage trip or reunion and golf groups.
Recently reopened 840-acre Adare Manor is only 30 minutes from Shannon airport but feels like a world of its own. World-famous golf architect Tom Fazio has designed an incredible golf course at Adare Manor, which is primed to become one of the continent’s finest courses. Specializing in local immersion and outdoor activities such as fishing, falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting. Adare Manor also offers a state-of-the-art La Mer spa, swimming pool with relaxation area and a cinema.
Exclusive Virtuoso amenities (only when booked with a Virtuoso Travel Advisor):
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary valet parking
- Complimentary full Irish breakfast
- Afternoon Tea for Two once during your stay, served in the Gallery
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Gorgeous beach, amazing marine life, be active and relax – Grand Cayman
*Best for families who love being right on the beach and want loads of water activities.
Located on Grand Cayman’s 7-mile beach, Conde Nast Traveler’s top-rated Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa offers beautiful grounds, Camp Seafire for the kids, an expansive wellness program and spa and three restaurants.
Exclusive Virtuoso amenities (only when booked with a Virtuoso Travel Advisor):
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary Daily Buffet Breakfast for two per bedroom at AVE Restaurant during breakfast hours
- $100 USD equivalent Resort credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Welcome amenity with welcome card from resort’s GM
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Experience multiple destinations and unpack once – global itineraries!
*Best for couples wanting cultural immersion, fantastic cuisine and very little schlepping.
Award-winning Azamara is known for authentic destination experiences and the friendly, club-like feeling onboard its three 700-passenger ships. With late or overnight stays on more than half of all port visits, Azamara guests enjoy richer local experiences. Enjoy complimentary “AzAmazing Evenings” on almost every voyage. These unique evening events highlight the best of local culture and cuisine in stunning settings. Perhaps it will be an evening of French wines, cuisine, and music at the gorgeous Le Hall de la Bourse in Bordeaux or a garden party under the stars at Villa Rufolo on the Amalfi Coast. Golfers can also experience some of the world’s best courses through Azamara’s relationship with Perry Golf.
Virtuoso Voyages sailings offer added benefits including onboard credits, special dinners, and excursions. How about Athens, the Greek Islands, and Turkey in a week? One of the many itineraries offered in 2020. Book by the end of February 2020, and you may be able to receive a 40% discount, depending upon the itinerary and date of sail!
Part Two – Getting the Best Value for your Investment
In part two of this series (next Thursday’s newsletter), I will be doing a deep dive into how and why using a Virtuoso Travel Advisor can elevate your trip and increase the value of your travel investment.
If you’d like more information on the above destinations, simply book a complimentary consultation with me by replying to this email or calling/texting 203.247.3396.
Hidden Gem Tip: If you’re interested in a Virtuoso network partner property or supplier, you will leave amenities on the table if you book yourself or via a traditional travel agent. My goal is to make sure that doesn’t happen to you! Note we can also secure some of the amenities with non-Virtuoso partners through our other networks. Bottom line – reach out to me to check before you book.
Warmly,
Susan
