I always tell clients that research only gets you so far, and this trip has reminded me exactly why. So far I have visited Stockholm and Warnemunde, with Copenhagen and Oslo still ahead of me, and both stops have already given me stories I will be telling clients for years.
Everyone wants to travel in July. School is out, the weather feels safe, and summer has always been the obvious choice.
It is also, quietly, the worst time to visit most of Europe’s best-known destinations.
Shoulder season sits in the gap between peak summer and the off season, roughly April through early June and September through October. It is the window my most seasoned travelers request again and again, and once you understand why, you will probably ask for it too.
Clients see the finished product. The itinerary document, the confirmed reservations, the trip that unfolds exactly as planned.
What they do not see is everything that happens before that document ever reaches their inbox. So today, I am pulling back the curtain on my actual process, from the first email to the moment you land.
Sarah reached out with a simple message. She and her husband wanted to celebrate their anniversary in Italy, but they had never traveled internationally together and had no idea where to start.
Over the next several months, Sarah asked me almost every question I hear on a regular basis. Her trip ended up being a two week journey through Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, and by the end, she told me she could not imagine having planned it alone.
A great golf trip is not just about the course. It is about the tee time that does not feel rushed, the caddie who knows the greens better than the yardage book, and the dinner reservation waiting after the round. I have planned golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, and some of the finest resorts in the US, and the best ones always have one thing in common. Every detail outside the golf was handled just as carefully as the golf itself.
Everyone knows Paris. Everyone has been to Rome.
And honestly? Everyone is a little tired of fighting the crowds at the Trevi Fountain.
Europe is a continent of jaw-dropping beauty, extraordinary food, and stories that stretch back centuries. But the most memorable experiences? They rarely happen where the tour buses stop.
As a luxury travel advisor, I spend a lot of time steering my clients away from the obvious — and toward the extraordinary. The places that make you catch your breath. The ones you come home raving about, that your friends have never heard of.
Here are five hidden gems that belong on every discerning traveler’s radar this season.
Richard and I were traveling through Bologna and I found the most special farmhouse/cooking class in the countryside of Bologna. The owners were lovely, engaging and we were in awe of the whole experience. A husband-and-wife team running a farm, restaurant, cooking school, and a B&B as well. This secret Bologna experience has stayed on top of our minds every time we think of Italy.
Winter blues got you down? Escape Winter’s Chill with tropical destinations waiting just for you! Trade frosty mornings for warm ocean breezes. Swap heavy coats for light sundresses and shorts. Picture yourself sipping coconut water under swaying palms. December beach vacations create lifetime memories instantly. Many travelers wait too long to book. Resort availability shrinks quickly during holiday seasons. Popular destinations fill months in advance now. The perfect beachfront room needs early planning. Savvy travelers book winter getaways by late summer. This ensures prime locations at better rates. Travel insurance provides peace of mind too. Weather disruptions happen during winter travel seasons. Protecting your vacation investment makes good sense.
The countdown to Magical Winter Escapes begins! Picture twinkling lights reflecting off cobblestone streets. Imagine steaming mulled wine warming cold hands. Feel the excitement buzzing through historic market squares. The UK transforms into a wonderland during winter months. Christmas markets pop up in medieval town centers. Festive cheer spreads from village to city. Children’s eyes widen at dazzling light displays. Every corner becomes a photographer’s dream scene. Winter travelers discover hidden gems across Britain. Local traditions bring history to vibrant life. The perfect getaway awaits your adventurous spirit.
Cambodia’s mystical wonder awaits your curious spirit. Angkor Wat stands tall as history’s silent witness. The massive temple complex tells stories of ancient times. Early morning fog embraces stone faces and towers. Monkeys play among ruins while tourists snap photos. Local guides share legends not found in books. The sunrise over Angkor Wat changes your perspective. Something magical happens when first light touches stone. You’ll find yourself transported to another time. Cambodia’s treasures extend beyond just famous temples. The country offers adventures for every traveler’s taste. Prepare for a journey that transcends typical tourism. Your soul will thank you for experiencing Cambodia’s mystical wonder. The ancient Khmer civilization left remarkable architectural feats. Their story lives on through intricate stone carvings.