2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026

Let’s dream big, plan early, and set that epic trip in motion.

If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.


1. Antarctica: The Ultimate Polar Expedition
Who Will Love It:
Thrill-seeking bucket-listers, milestone travelers, multigenerational families, nature lovers, and those ready to check off their seventh continent.

Why Book Now: There’s limited ship capacity, and the demand continues to rise every year. Plus, wildlife activity is seasonal, so it’s important to consider your timing. Dying to see penguin chicks? December and January are the best months. Peak whale activity? You’ll want to travel in February. 

Our Preferred Luxury Partner: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions provides small-ship agility, veteran naturalists, and National Geographic photographers aboard purpose-built ships, allowing more Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, and access to remote coves. The state-of-the-art expedition ships blend polar performance with refined comfort, featuring outward-facing cabins (many with private balconies), science hubs, luxurious dining spaces, and  exceptional kids programming that combines exploration, education, and hands-on discovery. 

Epic Experience: Take a guided Zodiac excursion, where you’ll encounter Antarctica’s rare wildlife (blue whales, Emperor penguin chics, snow petrels). Back onboard, a National Geographic expert will lead hands-on photography classes, with tips on how to frame the following day’s rare encounters.

Insider Intel: Avoid the legendary “Drake Shake” (the often-rough, multi-hour crossing between South America and Antarctica) on select itineraries with fly-in/fly-out options.


2.  Japan: A Journey of Discovery

Who Will Love It: Couples, culture lovers, foodies, families with teenagers.

Why Book Now: Demand is so high that many companies we work with have been known to stop taking bookings for a period of time. And if you want to visit during cherry blossom season, it’s best to book up to 18 months in advance.

Our Preferred Luxury Partners: The Okura Tokyo blends timeless Japanese elegance with modern luxury, while Amanemu on the Ise-Shima coast features serene rooms, private onsen, and stunning bay views. And we love sending clients on small-group luxury land tours and cruises with Tauck.

Epic Experience: When journeying with Abercrombie & Kent, you’ll stroll through Nagamachi, a former samurai district that flourished during the Edo period (when the powerful Tokugawa shogunate dominated Japan). After, visit a nearby silk-dyeing studio, where artists showcase centuries-old traditional methods.

A Customized Approach: Gain private access to exclusive experiences such as early-morning museum visits and cooking classes with renowned chefs.




3. Africa: The Great Safari & Sea Escape

Who Will Love It:  Couples, honeymooners, multigenerational families.

Why Book Now: Prime safari camps fill quickly—often a year or more in advance—so early reservations ensure the best accommodations and experiences.

Our Preferred Luxury Partners:  An epic safari begins with your luxury basecamp. Tswalu has the lowest guest footprint in South Africa, with three safari camps (translation: endless game viewing). South Africa’s Royal Malewane has four lodges and three private villas—all with their own unique vibe. What’s more, South Africa’s newest six-suite lodge, Masiya’s Camp (named after a legendary tracker) is the idyllic home for a group of friends looking to safari together. If Kenya is calling, Loirien Mara graces the private Partakilat Conservancy in the heart of the Maasai Mara. Two- and three-bedroom villas ensure wellness in the wild, in addition to plenty of game drives, walks (or runs!) in the conservancy, yoga, cooking classes, bike rides, and a rhino sanctuary. Lastly, a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean is practically a must: One&Only Le Saint Géran on Mauritius’ Belle Mare peninsula is home to uber-luxurious suites, world-class dining, and abundant watersports and wellness. 

Epic Experience:  Spend several days on safari, rising early for game drives across sweeping savannahs and tracking the Big Five under the guidance of expert rangers for unforgettable wildlife encounters. 

Not to Miss:  Experience the African bush after dark in a guided, exclusive night drive, or watch the savannah awaken from a hot-air balloon at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.



4. Patagonia: Into the Great Wide Open

Who Will Love It: Adventure-minded luxury travelers drawn to Chile and Argentina’s wild landscapes and refined comfort.

Why Book Now: With a short season and limited inventory at top lodges, the best properties and tours sell out far in advance. With peak season December through February, and shoulder season November and March, we know just when to go to secure coveted accommodations at places like the intimate, 14-villa Awasi resort. 

Our Preferred Luxury Partners: You’ll stay at extraordinary properties like Awasi Patagonia—where private villas, personal guides, and tailor-made 4×4 excursions put you deep into Torres del Paine’s wild heart—and Explora Torres del Paine, an iconic lodge on Lake Pehoé offering over 40 guided explorations, iconic spa and dining experiences, and panoramic views of dramatic peaks. Meanwhile, Tierra Patagonia, EOLO, and The Singular Patagonia blend elegant design with immersive Patagonia discovery.

Epic Experience: If you’re up for a lung-busting adventure rewarded by once-in-a-lifetime views, tackle the 12-mile hike in Chilean Patagonia to the Base of the Towers hike, officially known as the trek to Mirador Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park.

Designed for You: Experience a privately arranged gourmet picnic beside a retreating glacier, complete with local wines and sweeping views of ice and peaks.




5. The Greek Islands: Aegean Dreams by Private Yacht 

Who Will Love It:  Friends traveling together, families, those celebrating milestones.

Why Book Now: The most sought-after yachts and experienced crews are reserved far in advance, so early planning ensures the best vessels and itineraries.

Our Preferred Luxury Partners:  Blu Cove Greece crafts bespoke charter experiences with elegantly appointed motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans paired with professional crews. As a trusted WhirlAway partner, Blu Cove vets the area's top vessels and most seasoned crews, ensuring an incredible time on the water.

Epic Experience:  We’ll help you design a flexible itinerary woven around your interests. Discover iconic Cyclades white-washed cliffs and Ionian grottos, swim and snorkel in hidden coves, drop anchor on quiet beaches, and explore ancient ports by tender.
You’ll Never Forget:
  A pre- or post-sailing stay at   Cape Sounio on the Athenian Riviera, a magical hideaway just 45 minutes outside of Athens. 



6. Australia & New Zealand: The Ultimate Southern Hemisphere Journey

Who Will Love It: Trip-of-a-lifetime retirees, adventurists, oenophiles, and those marking milestone celebrations (like graduations and anniversaries).

Why Book Now: Long-haul journeys benefit most from thoughtful, early planning—especially when the most sought-after lodges and tee times book up far in advance.

Our Preferred Luxury Partners: Extraordinary stays anchor this journey, including Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest, and COMO properties in Australia, along with New Zealand standouts Blanket Bay and the intimate Azur Lodge near Queenstown (this one books up early every year).
Epic Experience
: We like to send you off the beaten track, but a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House is a must. And what better way to do it than by a private yacht to also experience Manly Beach, slicing across Sydney Harbour at golden hour, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge receding behind you. 

Designed For You: Arrive at a remote New Zealand golf course by private helicopter, then linger over a chef-prepared alpine picnic with views of glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks.


April 15, 2026
There’s something extra meaningful about pairing a dream destination with a milestone moment. For WhirlAway’s Denise Booth, that meant finally experiencing Australia alongside her son as they celebrated his graduation from medical school.
April 3, 2026
For the fifth year in a row, WhirlAway Travel’s Jamie Jones has been named a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist—a prestigious honor reserved for advisors with extensive expertise, trusted global connections, and a deep understanding of how to craft truly tailored journeys. It’s a distinction she’s earned through her focus on African safaris and her ability to create meaningful, insider experiences. Jamie’s philosophy is simple: “I have always believed that travel is essential for the future of our world. It connects us to nature, to different cultures, and most importantly to one another.” That approach comes to life on every African safari she curates. And that’s just one reason why she’s so exceptional at what she does. 1. She Knows Safaris Inside & Out Jamie has traveled to Africa more than 15 times over the past 12 years, earning her Signature Travel Network’s Select Safari Specialist designation—an exclusive recognition for highly vetted advisors with “feet on the ground” knowledge and proven expertise in creating luxury, customized African safaris. For Jamie, it’s about so much more than the wildlife: “I continually return because of the people I have met, friendships created, cultures I have learned from, and the peace that fills my soul with every journey.” And through WhirlAway’s Africa Apprentice Program, Jamie also helps train the next generation of safari specialists, providing extensive education and hands-on experience in planning these journeys, ensuring every client benefits from a highly personalized approach.
March 20, 2026
Multi-generational travel is booming—and it’s easy to see why. Families are seeking curated journeys where every generation—from grandparents to grandchildren—can experience the world together, yet on their own terms. At WhirlAway Travel, that means private excursions, seamless logistics, and experiences that let everyone focus on what matters: connection. Denise Booth is one of WhirlAway’s multi-gen travel experts. She leverages her insider access and relationships with global partners to create itineraries perfectly suited for every age and interest. “Travel does not have to be all or nothing,” she says. “We craft experiences that can be enjoyed by each person, from modified activities or alternatives for those who cannot participate.” Here are three recent journeys planned by Denise and the WhirlAway team.
March 11, 2026
Why Japan & Why Now The neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the zen temples of Kyoto, and the restorative calm of mountain onsen towns define this unique journey across time. “It’s a place that feels both ancient and futuristic at once,” Stacey says. Japan also rewards travelers who slow down. For Stacey, early mornings—what the Japanese call the “blue hour”—were especially poignant. Known as the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo, the serene, otherworldly atmosphere is the perfect window for photography in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, capturing the magical light over temple roofs, as locals cycle along rivers, and as shops open their doors. To fully appreciate Japan’s diversity, Stacey recommends giving yourself at least 10 days in the destination (plus two days of travel) and visiting three distinct regions. Stacey’s Takeaway: “Japan is not a place you try to see it all in one trip. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again.”
February 17, 2026
No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!
February 12, 2026
Recently back from an immersive journey through Verona, Venice, and Trieste, WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel discovered a trio of destinations that feel worlds apart yet effortlessly connected. From Shakespearean streets and quaint canals to culture shaped by shifting borders, this is Italy beyond the expected.
January 21, 2026
Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.
December 15, 2025
Nestled in the heel of Italy, these spots have long been Italian favorites and are now drawing travelers from around the world. But visit in the fall or winter, and it still feels like you have them all to yourself. Sara says it was nearly impossible to choose favorites—and she could easily share dozens more—but here are the places and experiences she loved most.
December 15, 2025
In 2025, WhirlAway planned dozens of amazing vacations for the holiday season, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites. Consider this your cheat sheet to the dreamiest destinations, including a sun-kissed sojourn to Costa Rica, a multi-gen escape to South Africa, an Antarctica cruise, and the best of Turks and Caicos, and London. Happy holidays, and even happier travels!
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