Five dream destinations you should be booking now

21 October 2025

Some experiences are too good to leave to chance. The sort of trips where the timing has to be right, the seasons align, and the best places fill up long before most people even think about packing a bag. Planning early isn’t just about being organised, it’s about giving your Travel Counsellor the time to secure the view, the table, the cabin, or the front-row seat that turns a holiday into a story you’ll replay for years.

Here are five destinations that almost insist on being booked over a year in advance to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Five dream destinations you should be booking now

Exploring the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos isn’t just another island chain. It’s the kind of place where tours, boats, and even guesthouses have fixed quotas and legal limits. To properly explore the islands, to snorkel among tortoises, penguins, sea lions, or even see the older volcanoes, you’ll want to pick your cruise ship or lodging earlier than you usually would. Ships fill up quickly, and to respect the rules (and the animals), operators limit how many visitors are out each day. Let your Travel Counsellor know you’re interested, and they can start doing their homework now, and in twelve months, you’ll be ready to dive in without a care in the world.

Kyoto during cherry blossom season, Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season draws visitors from around the world, and it’s easy to see why. When the trees bloom, parks, temples, and riverbanks are blanketed in pale pink. The flip side is that almost everything, like trains, hotels, ryokans, and popular viewing spots, fills up quickly. Many traditional inns only have a handful of rooms, especially those with garden views, and they’re often booked months in advance. Tickets for special evening openings and even dinner reservations can be hard to come by. Planning early gives you a better chance to find those quieter places and enjoy the season without the crowds.

Witnessing the Great Migration, Kenya

There’s nothing quite like watching thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope move across the plains of the Masai Mara. The best time to see it is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources and predators are easier to spot. It’s also when the camps are in full swing - and when availability disappears fast. The most sought-after lodges and small tented camps often book up a year in advance, especially those offering private decks, guided walks, or photography-focused safaris. If you want front-row views of the migration, this is the one to nail down now.

Northern Lights expeditions, Norway

Far above the Arctic Circle, darkness lasts for hours and the sky puts on one of nature’s best shows. Trips to see them, whether on cruises through the fjords or expeditions around Svalbard, run on tight schedules with limited ships and cabins. The prime viewing season is short, and weather windows can change quickly. Demand grows every year, so waiting often means fewer choices or missing out altogether. Planning a year ahead gives you the pick of the best vessels, preferred cabins, and optional experiences like glacier walks, snowshoeing, or dogsledding, which tend to get booked up early.

Parades and parties in Oaxaca, Mexico

The Day of the Dead begins in early November, but the final weeks of October are when Oaxaca starts to come alive. Markets fill with marigolds, families paint altars, and bakeries bring out pan de muerto. It’s the best time to see the build-up before the crowds arrive, and if you stay into November, you can join the festival itself. Parades wind through the streets, candles flicker in cemeteries, and music carries late into the night. By booking well in advance, you can secure a room in one of the city’s small colonial-era hotels or creative guesthouses, which are often full by the time the celebrations begin.

To book your next incredible trip, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

Five unforgettable wildlife encounters in Costa Rica

21 October 2025

If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends adventure, nature, and authenticity, Costa Rica deserves a spot at the top of your list. With its rainforests, striking volcanoes, and pristine coastline, this Central American gem perfectly captures the relaxed pura vida way of life. What truly sets it apart, though, is the extraordinary range of wildlife that calls it home. From sleepy sloths to migrating whales, Costa Rica offers some of the most remarkable animal encounters on Earth. Here are five you won’t want to miss…

Where to stay in Boston: three great hotels for every kind of trip

21 October 2025

Boston is a city where history and modern life sit side by side. You can walk past landmarks from the American Revolution, then grab a coffee at a busy corner café or head to a Red Sox game that evening. It’s compact, easy to get around, and has plenty to see, whether you’re there for a weekend or a longer stay. The city’s hotels reflect that same mix; some have long, storied pasts, while others focus on space and comfort with a more modern feel. Here are three great options that show off the different sides of Boston.

Why Chicago is the USA's greatest city break

20 October 2025

It's official: Chicago is a city that just keeps getting better. For an incredible ninth year in a row, readers of Condé Nast Traveller have named it the ‘Best Big City in the U.S’. As if that wasn't enough, it also scooped the 2025 Travel Noire Award for ‘Best Stateside Vacation’. These accolades confirm what savvy travellers have known for years: Chicago offers a city break experience that’s hard to beat, blending iconic sights with a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. It’s a city of soaring skyscrapers, world-class museums, and a food scene that constantly innovates, making it a perfect destination for any time of year.