The holidays will be here before you know it. While some of the most popular destinations are already booked, there’s still time to reserve some unexpected holiday gems. Give a gift to yourself by letting us handle the travel planning for you (or give a Travel Planning Gift to your friends or loved ones!). From finding the most magical experiences to securing you complimentary value-added benefits at your favorite hotels, we’re here to take the stress out of your holiday planning so you can enjoy the season.

See Venice in a New Light

Venice sparkles with holiday lights during the winter. Photo courtesy of our travel partner, IDI Travel.

Venice takes on a special magic during the holiday season with mists over the canals and lights sparkling in the squares and on bridges…with far fewer tourists and lower price tags!

Stroll through a holiday market with a glass of mulled wine. See why Venice is the city of music with a special tour of the Salla della Musica at Ospedaletto, then enjoy a private music performance while sipping on a cocktail like Venetian nobility. Step into a glass master’s private studio in Murano. Take the kids on a treasure hunt and mask making adventure after you cheer on Santas on gondolas racing in a regatta!

Venice Carnivale-goers in full costume. Photo courtesy of our travel partner, IDI Travel.

From January 27th to February 13th, you can experience Venice at the height of its party season: Carnivale! We can assist you with period costumes, incredible masks and access to a photo session and masquerade balls. Carnivale is peak season for Venice: so you’ll need to book very soon if you want to go in 2024.

Whichever month you choose, the luxury hotel choices in Venice abound: Aman Venice, the St. Regis, and the Belmond’s Cipriani are just a few.

Let it Snow

Fire Garden at the St. Regis Deer Valley. Photo courtesy of the St. Regis.

It’s not too late to book at some incredible mountain resorts that offer more than just skiing. Family fun activities range from taking a sleigh ride under the stars to decorating holiday cookies. Stay stateside at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah, the Montage Big Sky in Montana or the Ritz-Carlton in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado. Or head abroad to Les Airelles Courcheval in France or the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler, Canada.

Exploring an ice cave on a Canadian winter train journey.
Photo courtesy of our travel partner, Canada by Design.

Not a ski family? Take a journey by train through the spectacular Canadian wilderness. You’ll be able to take a walk in an ice cave, experience the dark sky or go dog sledding as part of your adventure. Or opt to travel by train from Montreal to Quebec City where you can explore modern delights to old world charm.

Bring on the Sun

Deck at the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo. Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons.

Exchange the cold for a sunny festive season. The Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, which just opened in November 2022, is off the traditional Mexico tourist route on a private peninsula that is surrounded by jungle. It was named one of the seven most beautiful resorts on Mexico’s Pacific Coast by Architectural Digest and one of the Best New Hotels in the World in the 18th annual Travel & Leisure’s 2023 It List.

Support the Economic Recovery in Maui

Surfers under a rainbow at Ho’okipa Beach Park. Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons Maui.

In the aftermath of the Lahaina fire, you may be wondering if Maui is an option for your travel plans this holiday season. Maui’s Governor is encouraging travelers to choose Maui to help aid in the economic recovery. Many hotels, including the Four Seasons and Andaz in Wailea will contribute part of your hotel fees to the recovery efforts and can help arrange for you to spend some of your vacation time personally volunteering.

BOOKING WITH US

Journeys Unparalleled is a preferred partner for these hotels and experiences, so our clients receive VIP treatment and complimentary amenities when they book with us. For more information about these destinations and others, contact us at info@journeysunparalleled.com.