Looking Back at Where 2025 Took Us
As we step into a new year, we find ourselves reflecting on just how much ground we covered in 2025. Not just miles, but experiences. The kind that come from planning meaningful trips for so many clients with different reasons for traveling and different ideas of what makes a vacation special.
Last year brought us everywhere from the sun-soaked shores of Jamaica and Mexico to the canals of The Netherlands, the vineyards of France, the harbors of Denmark, and the cobblestone streets of Croatia. We planned yacht charters, immersive cultural experiences, barefoot escapes in the Caribbean, and long-haul journeys to exotic places like Thailand. Along the way, we crafted itineraries designed around how our clients like to travel.
What all of it had in common was intention. Travel in 2025 was less about checking boxes and more about choosing experiences that felt right. Slower when needed. More immersive when possible. More personal overall. That mindset is shaping how we look ahead and it leads us straight into the destinations and styles of travel we are most excited about right now.
The Destination We Keep Coming Back To: Croatia
Some destinations leave a mark the first time you visit. Croatia is one of those places for us.
We have been returning to Croatia again and again, both personally and professionally, because it continues to deliver something rare. It is stunning without feeling overdone. Historic without feeling stuck in time. Relaxed, but still vibrant. The kind of place that works beautifully whether you are traveling with a partner, a group of friends, or a small group of like-minded travelers.
In 2024 and 2025, we hosted a private yacht charter along the Dalmatian Coast, sailing aboard the Symphony. Days unfolded with swimming stops in hidden coves, afternoons wandering medieval towns, and evenings spent sharing incredible meals onboard and ashore. It was effortless in the best way, and it reminded us why yacht-style travel in Croatia is such a standout experience.
That is why we have chartered the Symphony again for 2027, this time with a new itinerary sailing from Zadar to Split. This route allows us to explore national parks and lesser-visited islands, enjoy a different rhythm of the coast, and experience Croatia from a fresh perspective while still delivering the comfort and elegance our travelers expect. A yacht vacation in Croatia is perfect for those who want an exceptional experience for friends and family and appreciate small-group travel, beautiful design, great food, and the freedom to explore without constantly repacking.
Croatia continues to earn its place on our short list.
River Cruising Is Having a Moment and We Are Here for It
River cruising is having a moment, and it looks nothing like the outdated image many people still have in mind.
We are seeing a real shift in how travelers view river cruising, especially those who want to experience Europe in a way that feels immersive, stylish, and surprisingly flexible. This is one reason we are loving what Avalon River Cruises is doing right now. The ships have never been more exciting. Sleek design, open spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the scenery into every part of the experience. These are not floating hotels that disconnect you from where you are. They are thoughtfully designed ships that keep you connected to the destination at all times.
What really stands out is how modern river cruising caters to different travel styles and paces. Some days you might want a guided walking tour through a historic city center. Other days you might prefer to explore on your own, linger over coffee, or cycle along the river. Avalon itineraries are designed with that flexibility in mind.
We are also seeing fantastic themed sailings that appeal to a wide range of interests. Wine lovers gravitate toward vineyard-focused itineraries. History lovers appreciate how deeply these routes connect you to the past. Music lovers, art enthusiasts, and seasonal travelers are drawn to sailings built around festivals and Christmas markets.
We will be sharing a full article dedicated entirely to river cruising soon, because there is so much to explore. For now, if river cruising has been on your list, this is the moment to check it off. The experience has evolved, and it is better than ever.
We Still Love Planning Sun and Fun
There is always room for sun and fun! Caribbean and Mexico vacations continue to be some of the most requested trips we plan, and for good reason. There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than an amazing beach day. We appreciate this every time we have the opportunity to escape on a personal trip with our families. There is something about sand and sun that are good for the soul.
Some of our favorite Caribbean spots right now include Jamaica, Antigua, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Each offers a very different kind of island experience. Jamaica brings energy, culture, and incredible warmth from the people who call it home. Antigua charms with its beaches, sailing culture, and relaxed elegance. St. Vincent and the Grenadines feel wonderfully unspoiled, with dramatic landscapes and a quieter, more adventurous rhythm that many travelers are craving.
What has also changed in a big way is how these trips look and feel. All-inclusive resorts have come a very long way from buffet lines and limbo contests on the pool deck. Today’s resorts focus on thoughtful design, elevated dining, wellness, and experiences that feel intentional rather than staged. They are places where doing nothing can feel just as satisfying as doing everything.
And for our clients who prefer an adult’s only island hoping experience Virgin Voyages, Viking, and now Oceania offer stylish, adults-focused itineraries with a completely different energy. These sailings appeal to travelers who love great food, curated experiences, and the ease of waking up somewhere new without sacrificing comfort or atmosphere.
However you define sun and fun, it is no longer a one-note experience. It can be playful or peaceful, social or secluded, familiar or a little unexpected. And when it is done well, it delivers exactly what so many people are looking for right now. Time to unwind, recharge, and enjoy being fully present.
