Hey First name / friend,

 

How's your summer treating you so far? I'm currently preparing to step away from the inbox for a week or so later this month while in Mexico. So this your friendly heads-up that I'll be temporarily out of office, but more importantly, it's your calendar alert for festive season planning.

 

If you're thinking about holiday travel, now is the time to make a move. Let's not wait until the masses are back from summer vacay, back to work, or back to school when everyone's got the same idea.

 

👉 Hot tip: Central America and the Caribbean is where so many of you lean to during festive and prices are bonkers this year. Eye-watering, mortgage-payment-sized daily rates for the unique type of places that I love to send you to. I'm just not seeing the value match this year.

 

So, let's think differently.

 

As your travel advisor, I'm always hunting for the places where your money stretches beautifully. Not cheap (I don't cut corners), but smart.

 

I've got some alternatives to the Caribbean that you may not have considered before. Places where your money goes further, where there's opportunity to combine destinations for longer adventures.

 

Let's jump in...

UAE 🇦🇪 The UAE delivers exceptional family experiences where pristine beaches meet vibrant cities full of cultural districts, bustling souks, and adventures from desert safaris to ancient neighborhoods. Room rates are often half the cost of comparable Caribbean properties this festive season, with crystal-clear Arabian Gulf waters and easy access to everything the emirates offer. Stay: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab (recently named one of the world's most beautiful hotels and I can attest to that) or Madinat Jumeirah.

 

Turkey's West Coast 🇹🇷 When much of the Grecian islands are closed, Turkey's west coast is still there. Check out Alaçatı, an idyllic village beach town on the Aegean Sea with Ottoman charm, stone houses, and rolling vineyards. Stay: Alavya in Alaçatı.

 

Morocco's Mediterranean Side 🇲🇦 The lesser-known Mediterranean side offers a French twist to Moroccan vibes and style with royal elegance and stunning coastal views. Perfect blend of European sophistication and authentic Moroccan hospitality. Stay: Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay or the sister property in Casablanca on the Atlantic Coast.

Red Sea, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast offers some of the world's most pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, paired with cutting-edge sustainable resorts featuring futuristic overwater villas designed by renowned architects. This is serious diving and snorkeling territory with five-thousand-year-old coral gardens and marine life you won't find anywhere else. Better suited to adults. Stay: NUJUMA or Shebara above-water bungalows.

 

Egypt 🇪🇬 Egypt delivers experiences that will leave you speechless - from floating down the Nile on traditional dahabiyas watching ancient temples emerge from the desert to exploring tombs that have stood for millennia. The country excels at accommodating groups with seamless logistics and offers exceptional value regardless of your group size. Stay: Boat on Molouky or Nour El Nil dahabiyas and end at Al Moudira in Luxor (also named one of the world's most beautiful hotels and one of my personal favs).

Swiss Alps 🇨🇭 Six Senses Crans Montana offers ski-in, ski-out access with views from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Colorado locals can use their Epic Pass here (!!) with champagne skiing and luxury mountain wellness experiences. Great for families and extended stays and a gorgeous two-hour train from Geneva. Stay: Six Senses Crans Montana.

 

French Alps 🇫🇷 Les Fermes de Marie in Megève features nine charming alpine farmhouses reassembled in a 4-acre park. Family-run property offers rustic charm with five-star luxury and exceptional Savoyard cuisine in picturesque alpine setting. Stay: Les Fermes de Marie.

 

Arctic Norway 🇳🇴 Sorrisniva, the world's northernmost igloo hotel, is rebuilt each year with 250 tons of ice from the nearby river. Features northern lights hunting, reindeer experiences, and celebrated restaurant in pristine Arctic wilderness (there's also a lodge if you're not into the ice). Stay: Sorrisniva.

 

Virginia 🇺🇸 Mountain magic without jet lag in Virginia's scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Primland Resort offers Christmas tree concierge services, holiday programming, and luxury mountain experiences with outdoor adventures. Stay: Primland Resort in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Nothing's worse than spending serious money only to feel like it wasn't totally worth it. These destinations deliver experiences that match their price point and you'll leave feeling like every penny was well spent. 

 

I didn't come into writing this email intending to go blasting all the fire alarms but, I just don't want you to miss out if a festive trip is on your wishlist for this year.

 

Availability is getting tighter by the week, so if you've got a festive trip on your mind, let's talk. Hop on my calendar below before I disappear to Mexico later this month.