Try Thailand
"Thailand offers a great bang for your buck. There are some stunning luxury hotels, it has a rich culture, and there are interesting cities, beautiful beaches, and lush, green countryside. The food there is incredible as well." -Rene Prasad
Do research!
"Food is such an important part of travel for me, so I think it’s important to learn about the local specialties and where to try them. It’s also important to know if you need to make dinner reservations. YouTube or TikTok have a lot of great videos, or Context Travel offers pre-trip talks given by experts." -Rene Prasad, founder of Grand Explorations Travel (grandexplorations.com)
Don't delay your adventures
"I'd thought about going to Antartica for a long time, and I’m glad that I did while I was mobile enough to get the most out of the trip. There were some older passengers who didn’t do at least one of the landings because they were not confident enough to maneuver themselves into the zodiac boats. Antarctica is the best "investment" I ever made." -Rene Prasad
Live like a local
"Leave time to explore where you are so that you have a chance to really connect with the destination. Get to know the people who live there, wander through the streets, and visit local markets. One of my favorite things to do is to visit the grocery store or food market wherever I’m traveling to see what is different and what is the same." -Rene Prasad
Save for a safari
"I think once in your life, you have to experience a Safari. The saying goes, 'You can leave Africa, but Africa never leaves you.'" -Ashley Lancer
Go off the beaten path
"[I love to go to] the less visited spots on each continent. For example, I took my family to the Czech Republic last year and cannot tell you how amazing and authentic this country is. In Europe, countries like Slovenia and Montenegro as opposed to Croatia will give you more bang for your buck, but give you a very similar experience. In Central America, try out Belize as opposed to Costa Rica, which has become quite overpriced. And for Italy, instead of going to the Amalfi Coast or Sicily, to get a coastal/beach experience, try out the lesser visited area of Puglia on the east coast." -Ashley Lancer, executive luxury travel designer at VWT by Chase Travel (virtuoso.com)
Sail on a smaller ship
"I always recommend cruises for a multi-generational family. This way if the wife wants to chill by the pool or spa, she can do that while the husband goes into port, the kids are at the kid’s club, and the in-laws are who-knows-where. That being said, some people turn their noses up at cruises unless they like the big ships. Please note there are so many vessels and different companies out there that people don’t realize. [There are lines that offer] 'accessible yachting,' bridging the gap between cruising and private superyachts: Ritz-Carlton Yacht, Four Seasons Yacht, The Orient Express yacht, and the new Aman Yacht which debuts in 2027. This trend offers the perfect blend of privacy, exclusivity, and socializing. What's more, these itineraries prioritize less visited ports and overnight stays, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in each destination." -Ashley Lancer
Invest in a guide
"With all experiences and tours, I recommend booking a knowledge guide, as they will help you skip lines, uncover hidden gems, and provide insider perspectives, saving you time and enhancing your experience. To maximize your trip, look for experiences that go beyond the usual tourist attractions – think food tours with a local, artisan workshops, cooking classes in a local home. These immersive activities offer a deeper connection to the destination." -Ashley Lancer
Italy is always worth it
"Italy tends to satisfy every kind of traveler! A well-planned Italian itinerary can effortlessly blend culture, adventure, relaxation, and incredible food. We love creating multi-destination Italian itineraries which balance shorter stays in major cities with extended visits to coastal areas or countryside escapes. This way some can immerse themselves in history and art, others can indulge in food & wine, while those seeking relaxation can unwind at a spa or explore nature." -Jennifer Terra Halberg
Unplug as much as you can
"If you can, turn off work email. If you can’t resist looking (like me), travel somewhere with zero WiFi (like the Galápagos) so you are forced to decompress." -Jennifer Terra Halberg
Leave room for spontaneity
"Some of the best travel moments happen when you allow yourself to get lost in a charming neighborhood, strike up a conversation with a local, or discover a hidden gem you never knew existed." -Jennifer Terra Halberg, founder and luxury travel advisor at Jen Terra Travels (jenterratravels.com)
Your hotel matters
"I strongly believe in investing in a great hotel experience. Some people think a hotel is just a place to sleep, but I couldn’t disagree more. A well-chosen hotel elevates your trip—it’s your sanctuary after a day of exploring, it sets the tone for your experience, and it offers more than just a room: a welcoming atmosphere, an excellent concierge, a cozy lobby bar, and staff that can make all the difference." -Jennifer Terra Halberg