Hello First name / friend!

 

I will admit, for my personal travel I used to be a World Class Travel Planning Procrastinator.   I once booked my London hotels as my flight was speeding down the runway… to guess where…London!  I work fast, so I got it done before I lost cell service and the flight attendant caught on that I was NOT in airplane mode.   

 

Because here's the truth: while last minute travel planning can be done, it's not a great idea. Here's why ⤵️

 

❌ The Post Covid travel Boom is still very real.  Last minute booking means last pick of the availability… meaning the great rooms, rates, and more are *poof* gone.   For my cruisers, the smaller luxury ships sailing to popular destinations are often already sold out by now for 2025, and prime cabins are on waitlist for 2026.  Although I am pretty good at clearing waitlists, it is not a card I love to play. 

 

⚠️ Just like hotel rooms, the most desirable activities often book up well in advance, especially for high-demand destinations.   My favorite guide in Lisbon is always fully booked for summer by January! 

 

😱 Pricing and availability aside, planning ahead reduces the stress of the last-minute scramble.  

 

Wondering how far in the future you should be planning?  My ideal window is 6 to 9 months for most trips (though exotic itineraries may require more time!).

 

With that timeline in mind, looking at you  April, May and June. 

 

 

Late April is a fabulous time to travel to a lot of places. It's usually after Spring Break, but before the busy summer season, and the weather is ideal in many places around the world. Here are ideas for places you might consider for a spring itinerary.

 

 

🌺 Island of Kauai: April marks the end of the rainy season on Kauai, but don’t let a few sprinkles deter you—the rain is what makes this island so lush. With fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy views of Waimea Canyon and  sunsets from Poipu Beach.

 

 

🥂 Champagne, France: If your travels aren’t complete without a celebratory toast, the Champagne region of France is the perfect spring escape. Enjoy the crisp April air, glass of bubbly in hand, looking at the rolling vineyards.

 

 

🌷 Istanbul, Turkey: Holland's not the only one with tulips! April is a lovely time to visit the largest city in Turkey, where over 30 million tulips are scattered throughout the city, many of them concentrated in Sultanahmet Square.  And, added bonus, there is a fantastic Six Senses property there, the Kocatas Mansions.    After all things Africa, I am obsessed with Six Senses. 

May opens the door to so many choices across the globe, as the weather warms and crowds start to creep in. As we round the corner to summer 2025, here are the destinations you could consider for a May getaway.

 

 

🍷 Wine Country, California: From the tried-and-true Napa to Sonoma, wine lovers will find no shortage of options.  Sip, shop, and stroll through charming wine country hotspots—and don’t forget to book early if the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience(May 15-18 )  is on your wish list!

 

 

☀️ Sicily, Italy: Want to avoid standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other sweaty tourists at the Trevi Fountain? Skip the usual suspects in Italy and head south to Sicily. By May, you’ll enjoy the perks of the shoulder season—fewer people and stunning weather on this Mediterranean island.  And 2025 is Jubilee in Italy, so Sicily is a great choice to avoid crowds. 

 

 

🦙 Machu Picchu, Peru: May marks the start of the dry season in Peru, making it a great time to tackle the Inca Trail.

 June, the first true month of summertime—when the crowds start to ramp up. But fear not: while June tends to kick off the busy summer travel season, there are still destinations that aren’t yet in full swing! Here are my picks 

 

 

🦞 Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Lobster rolls, Lobster bakes…without baking on the beach. Cape Cod in early June strikes a  balance between “quintessential summer getaway” and “get away from me”  summer crowds.

 

 

🍴 Istria, Croatia:   Already  explored Tuscany and want to skip the Jubilee crowds?  The Istria Peninsula of Croatia is a fantastic alternative. With its abundance of fantastic food,  wines, and rolling vineyards, you’ll feel like you’re in Tuscany.

 

P.S. If you're wondering why Spring Break isn't on this list, it's because you should have planned that yesterday! Reach out right now for Spring Break and beyond, First name / friend ☀️