’Tis the Season for Travel!
It’s that time of year when festive getaways are all the buzz, and this holiday season is a great time to start thinking about next year’s greatest escapes.
Who: A mother and her two teens.
Client Wish List: A warm-weather destination offering nature, adventure, wildlife, and a sense of culture.
Where To: They chose Costa Rica because it checked all the boxes. Wanting a mixture of different experiences, hotels, and geography, WhirlAway selected three unique Costa Rica stays: 1) Pacuare Lodge, known for its immersive rainforest experience, Indigenous cultural experience, waterfall hikes, and amazing white-water rafting. 2) Hacienda Alta Gracia, an Auberge Property and luxury retreat set on a 180-acre estate with the perfect blend of nature, equestrian experiences, and world-class spa treatments. 3) Arenas Del Mar. a luxury eco-resort that combines rainforest and beach. It’s also excellent for wildlife viewing, relaxation, and adventure. Located on the Edge of Manual Antonio National Park, it offers a catamaran and snorkeling tour, the private Manuel Antonio National Park Tour, hiking, wildlife, and private surfing lessons.
The Why: The mother chose to work with WhirlAway for one very simple reason: “You know what we like!” she said.
Who: An adventurous, active couple.
Client Wish List: They always wanted to experience Antarctica, and initially, began planning the trip on their own. They decided to work with WhirlAway for more insider knowledge and expertise in the area.
Where To: The proverbial “polar plunge,” cruising south with Abercrombie & Kent. Not your typical Antarctic cruise, this experience involved venturing off the beaten path, with visits to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The Why: Antarctica topped their lifelong bucket list!
Who: A family of six, including four younger adults, who wanted a warm-weather escape to beat the midwinter blues.
Client Wish List: Warm and relaxing was the order of the day, but with active pursuits (hiking, boating, water sports) on tap, too. Additionally, they wanted to stay in a house rather than a hotel.
Where: They landed on Turks & Caicos because it allowed for a non-stop flight, a private home stay, plus beautiful beaches. Villa Alexis on Chalk Sound was just what they were looking for.
The Why: This family had worked with WhirlAway previously on a family trip, and were confident in a seamless travel experience. They wanted an island that was easy to navigate, and with plenty of dining options. They knew WhirlAway would know how to match what they were looking for in both a destination and accommodation.
Who: A multi-generational group vacation for 10 travelers, including grandparents and their two daughters’ young families (with kids ranging in age from 10 to 18). The grandparents had always wanted to travel to Africa, and decided that now was the perfect time to go.
Client Wish List: One of the daughters follows the Motherchic on Instagram and was interested in a similar safari experience, so she referred her parents to WhirlAway. Comfort, safety, and excellent wildlife viewing were important, as were five-star accommodations.
Where To: South Africa, including a boutique hotel buy-out in Cape Town; Tswalu at Tarkuni villa; and a final stay at Waterside Royal Malewane in Thornybush Private Game Reserve to witness the Big 5. The itinerary was the perfect mix of city and safari, with exclusivity emphasized throughout.
The Why: South Africa is the perfect country to experience as a family. There’s something for everyone, and for grandparents to experience the wonder and awe of safari with their grandkids is truly special. South Africa is also relatively easy to get to, while traveling within the country is also easy. WhirlAway is best known as safari experts, with nearly 20 visits collectively by the team. We know how to execute the trip of a lifetime!
Who: A family of four, including parents and their two college-aged children.
Client Wish List: They requested a short-notice trip to London during Festive season (after Christmas). They wanted to see the typical sites, but with expert local guides who could share authentic stories and lesser-known bits of history. The Churchill War Rooms, “Behind The Glass” (live performers placed inside window-style displays), and a walking food tour of Spitalfields Market were trip highlights.
Where: Central London—a safe, walkable location where the kids could explore on their own. WhirlAway recommended a five-star, luxury boutique hotel for its charm, location, excellent daily breakfast (included, thanks to WhirlAway’s Signature Travel Network partnership), and commitment to exceptional service. They stayed in a two-bedroom suite and were amazed by how special the entire staff made them feel.
The Why: The parents wanted to give the kids a memorable introduction to Europe, starting with London. They found it daunting to plan a short-notice getaway, especially during Festive season, and wanted to make the most of their vacation together. They had never used a travel advisor before and were thrilled to have everything planned for them (hotel, transfers, private guides, insurance, etc). They said their entire experience, from initial consultation to their private transfer home from the US airport, exceeded their expectations. WhirlAway is currently planning their next big family adventure to Italy!
