The World Awaits: My Best Bets for 2022

Anticipating a vacation is almost as sweet as taking that vacation – especially when it’s been planned well in advance by a professional. The first step is to book an appointment with me to sketch out your travel road map. A five-year plan, for example, means a family reunion in the Maldives, a milestone birthday with the gals in Tuscany, or a boys’ trip to St. Andrews, Scotland, for a historic round of golf is made easy. 

While you’re planning into 2023, 2024 and beyond, let’s look at where I can send you in 2022. 

Good Bets for Summer 2022

Why not head back to the culture and excitement of big cities and rediscover the joy of live theatre in New York? Chicago’s architecture is a treat – book the must-do river tour early. Never strolled the Walk of Fame or explored the wild intersection of Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles? It’s just one small corner in a city of "I saw that on TV" landmarks (watch for celebs on hikes in Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park). Let's also consider  Washington, D.C.’s incredible array of museums and historic sites – make history come alive for you and your brood. 

If you’re looking for a long-haul getaway, what about South America? Peru is just entering its dry season with bright, sunny days to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. Or newly opened  Australia? The Southern Hemisphere is enjoying fall and heading into winter – cooler temperatures make it a good time to explore the outback and Western Australia.

Good Bets for Fall 2022

If you’re ready to cruise again, this is the perfect time to book a cabin for fall sailings as so much is available. Italy is always a good idea, and shoulder season is simply less busy with all the same food, wine, and scenery you’re longing to enjoy. The winding streets of Venice are much more fun with fewer crowds, so let’s book that much delayed romantic getaway! Perhaps it’s time to search out those family roots? Hotel availability opens up throughout the U.K. and Ireland in the fall —  get your craicon at your ancestors’ favourite local! And if you’re ready for a long-haul flight, explore Cape Town and drive the Garden Route coastline to explore its beaches and wineries.

Good Bets for 2022 Festive Season 

The bright lights and festive cheer of London in December are a great backdrop to your family plans, and side trips to the Alps are easily reached via Eurostar’s Ski Train. Want something warmer? Israel’s holy sites offer a soul-renewing pilgrimage for many, and make sure to take restorative side trips to the Dead Sea and the ruins of Masada. More travellers are returning to Egypt to explore the Great Pyramids of Giza. Combine a visit to Cairo with river tours along the Nile for a spectacular holiday season. Booking now will help make your festive season merrier this year.

How Far Will Your Sweet Tooth Take You?

Discovering new cuisines in new countries is one of the pleasures of travel. Biting into a freshly made macaron on the Champs-Élysées makes it so much more delicious. For your final course, pass on the cheese plate and sink your teeth into these classic treats in their country of origin.

Quebec: Tarte au sucre, or sugar pie, is a French-Canadian classic. A thickened maple syrup filling on a flaky pie crust is a sweet way to welcome spring. 

France: Chocolate mousse, made the French way (with eggs, no cream), is denser and richer and truly out of this world. C’est magnifique!

New Orleans: Beignet, a deep-fried square doughnut piled high with icing sugar, is best served with strong coffee and eaten in an outdoor café in the French Quarter. Extra napkins, please.

Mexico: Pastel de Tres Leches, or three milk cake, is a dense sponge cake steeped in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It’s decadent, yet light and airy, too.

Portugal: Pastel de nata– the sweet creamy custard nestled in a tart of scorched puff pastry and dusted with cinnamon is one of Portugal’s great gifts to the world.

Jamaica: Rum cake –  more than one bottle of booze is used to bake this dark, luscious fruitcake. Then once it’s out of the oven, more rum is poured on top for good measure. 

Southern Italy: Zeppole –  the deep-fried, bite-sized doughnuts can be savory or sweet. Dough that’s twisted into small shapes is best eaten hot, but also try zeppole filled with pastry cream and chocolate.

England: Eton Mess – dip your silver spoon into a gorgeous mix of crisp meringue, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Enjoy with a strong cuppa.

It’s Time to Start Designing your Dreams 

When I know your plans, I'll make sure you stay in rooms with the best views, snap up the best tee times, and ensure you arrive on the most direct flights since I'll be ready to pounce when airlines release those seats. I'm terrific at helping clients geographically strategize their destination wish list. For example, in those years between big, special trips, I can help clients maximize their travel fund by recommending beach escapes that are affordable.

Multigenerational groups need to work around school schedules – planning ahead means even in a busy season you’ll get the accommodation you are hoping for (Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor, anyone?). 

After two years of delayed milestone trips, travellers around the world are spreading their wings again. Don’t get left behind. Book an appointment to plan out the next five years of dream destinations and make post-pandemic travel part of your new normal.