Hey fellow travel enthusiasts!

With spring in full swing and summer creeping up fast, the Southeastern US is getting ready to “welcome” the heat and humidity. So far, It's been quite an exciting year for me as I've been on several educational trips in the past few months. In the upcoming newsletters, I'll be sharing the highlights of each trip and dishing out some insider knowledge for all of you! 

So, where have my clients been lately?

• Family trip to Italy, exploring Florence and Rome
• Adventurous journey to Nepal and Bhutan
• Special Hawaiian family birthday celebration at the Four Seasons Ko Olina in Oahu
• London in April (the perfect time with all the flowers in full bloom!)
• Family trip to the Four Seasons Nevis for Fall Break
• A romantic escape to San Antonio
• A coastal sojourn throughout New England
• An exploration through the Tuscan Countryside and Rome
• A Danube riverboat cruise for a lively group
• Solo travel adventure through Italy
• Journey to Paris and the French Riviera
• Honeymoon getaways to Rome and the Amalfi Coast, as well as Santorini and Mykonos
• And last but not least, a Christmas getaway at The Plaza in NYC

Now, let's talk about some travel trends: Destination Dupes. 

Popular destinations are getting overcrowded! After months of being cooped up due to Covid, everyone's itching to travel, leading to a surge in tourism. If you've visited Florence, Rome, Barcelona, London, Dubai, or anywhere in Europe recently, you've probably experienced the crowds firsthand. That's where the emerging trend of destination dupes comes in handy – it's the ultimate hack for experiencing popular spots with fewer crowds and a more authentic vibe.

Let's dive into my top dupes for the year!

🌴     Swap Hawaii for The Azores – Looking for a slice of paradise minus the masses? Enter The Azores! This remote Portuguese archipelago boasts nine volcanic islands teeming with outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes, giving Hawaii a run for its money.

🚤     Swap Lake Como for Lake Maggiore – Love the charm of Lake Como but not the crowds? Meet its equally enchanting counterpart, Lake Maggiore! With its historic architecture, quaint palazzos, and serene shores, this hidden gem offers all the allure of Como minus the hustle and bustle.

🌲     Swap Switzerland for Slovenia – Seeking alpine adventures off the beaten path? Look no further than Slovenia! From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bled to the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps, this European gem packs a punch with its diverse landscapes and outdoor activities.

⛱     Swap Lisbon, Portugal for Palermo, Sicily – Craving coastal vibes with a touch of old-world charm? Palermo is your answer! While it may not boast Lisbon's iconic trolley cars, this Sicilian gem offers quiet cobblestone streets, azure seascapes, and a rich tapestry of culture and history.

🐪 Swap Dubai for Doha, Qatar – For travelers in search of a chic and modern exotic city teeming with entertainment and outdoor adventures but without the hustle and bustle of Dubai, consider Doha. Despite its small size and traditional Bedouin roots, Doha boasts a remarkable appreciation for its heritage alongside infrastructure capable of supporting a population twenty times its current size. Here, where the desert converges with the sea, Doha shines as a gem waiting to be discovered.

On My June Travel Calendar

The first thing people always ask me when we meet up is, “Where in the world are you off to next?” It's practically a running joke among family and friends. I often get teased with remarks like, “Nice to see you're actually home for once…” And it's not entirely unfounded—I do tend to travel quite a bit. But hey, someone has to do the tough job of exploring new destinations to gain insights for planning my clients' trips, right? 😊

June:

• Spending a week on a private catamaran in the British Virgin Islands
• Heading to Austria for the grand opening of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in the lakes region near Salzburg, as well as exploring the glamorous city of Vienna

If you're considering a Fall Break, autumn getaway, or holiday vacation, now is the time to act. As travel continues to surge, waiting too long means fewer choices for accommodations and activities. If you'd like assistance crafting an unforgettable trip, feel free to reach out to me via email or through my website: www.jwdestinations.com

I’d love to help!

Cheers! - Jill