Most Memorable Trips We’ve Designed This Past Decade: Sunshine and Ian, South America

Sunshine and Ian in South AmericaMay 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of ActiveTravels. Over the past decade, I’d estimate we’ve designed close to 2,000 trips. Some of those itineraries followed the fall foliage route in New England, others followed the orangutans of Sumatra or the gemstones of Estonia. We’ve designed itineraries to 116 countries and probably all the American states and Canadian provinces. Of those many trips we’ve had the privilege to work on, there were ones that were quite a challenge and incredibly rewarding to design.

When someone calls asking you to plan the first 4 months of their yearlong travel-around-the-world sabbatical, you immediately feel like that kid at the country store with brown paper bag in hand ready to grab as many Red Hots and candy necklaces as possible. Sunshine and Ian would eventually head to Hawaii, Australia, and SE Asia, but my job was simply to focus on the first third of the year in South America, September through December 2018. Peru was by far the most complex nut to crack, with its vast size and diverse terrain. But we managed to get them across the country—Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titikaka, Arequipa/Colca Canyon, Nazca, Trujillo, a yoga retreat in the rainforest outside Tarapoto, and a Treehouse Lodge overlooking the Amazon.

Sunshine and Ian in South AmericaThen it was on to Bolivia to visit La Paz, the drive down the world’s most dangerous road, Yungas Road (40 miles, 11,800-foot descent), the charming college town of Sucre, and the Uyuni Salt Flats. Next up was Ecuador with stays in Quito, Cotopaxi, Otavalo, a weeklong cruise in the Galapagos Islands, and a final stop in Cuenca. Last destination was Colombia to see Bogota, the street art of Medellin, the coffee country of Armenia, a yoga retreat in Santa Marta, and finally resting on the beach of Cartagena. At times, they followed in my footsteps, using the exceptional guide I hired to see the city of Medellin. Other times, I followed in their footsteps, taking the same Abercrombie & Kent trip to Machu Picchu they did a year later. The best trips inspire me and few trips excited me more than this one!

Quick Escape to Portland, Maine

Truffle fries at DuckfatWe love Portland in the off-season to dine at the acclaimed restaurants that are hard to get reservations in summer and to walk our dog, Theo, on the beach of Cape Elizabeth at that pet-friendly gem of a resort, Inn by the Sea. Portland has been making innovative food for the past decade. Just ask our kids who plead with us to stop at Duckfat every time we pass through town just to have another taste of their crispy French fries dipped in truffle ketchup. Fore Street, which led the food revival in town, is consistently nominated by James Beard for Outstanding Restaurant in the national category. Other longtime favorites include Evo and Street & Co. Also check out the fantastic baked goods at Tandem Coffee and Bakery, the deli food at Rose Foods, and the microbrews at nearby Bissell Brothers Brewing Company.

Portland’s 10-Day Carnaval Maine is going on right now at the Eastern Promenade. The winter wonderland features live music, art installations, light shows, a rail jam competition by Sunday River, professional ice and snow sculptures, and Bites and Brews, where award-winning chefs and craft brewers come together to make made-in-Maine pairings. Families looking for kid-friendly activities during school vacation week can visit The L.L. Bean WinterKids Fun Zone where activities include a snowshoe obstacle course, Bean Boot toss, and more. In the evening, the event shifts to popular local and regional bands who will turn up the volume for the adults, like Scott McCreery on Saturday.

Quick Escape to Chicago

Deep Dish Pizza in ChicagoChicago has so many exciting cultural events happening in 2022 we don’t know where to begin. Let’s start with the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre, which in March presents the world premiere of King James, a play by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph that explores basketball star LeBron James’ impact on Cleveland through the eyes of two young sports fans. In April, comedian and storyteller Mike Birbiglia arrives for a four-week run of his new solo show, The Old Man and the Pool, collecting humorous (and serious) tales about life, death and a YMCA pool. May brings two blockbuster art openings, a retrospective of Chicago artist Nick Cave called “Forothremore,” which will bring the artist’s distinctive Soundsuits and an expansive installation of kinetic spinners to the Museum of Contemporary Art on May 14. Fans of post-Impressionist paintings will want to see the Art Institute’s new exhibition devoted to French artist Paul Cezanne, which goes on display May 15.

Stay just off Michigan Avenue, at the relatively new Virgin Chicago or wait until August to stay in the 3rd tallest building in town, a mere 101 stories tall, soon home to the St. Regis. Dine on sublime deep-dish pizza at the longtime family favorite, Lou Malnati’s, or splurge for a memorable meal at chef Grant Aschatz’s Alinea in Lincoln Park. In late summer, be on the lookout for Le Select on North Wells, the latest from Boka Restaurant Group, the company that’s worked with renowned chefs like Stephanie Izard at Girl & the Goat. They’re opening a French bistro with Daniel Rose at the helm. Rose will still run his other project, Le Coucou in New York, the 2017 James Beard winner for Best New Restaurant.

Quick Escape to Nashville

Bringles BBQ NashvilleLive music, fantastic dining, and an easy city to roam has helped pushed Nashville to the top of the wish list for many of our ActiveTravels members. Drop your bags off at the classic Hermitage or more modern Thompson Nashville, soon to be joined by a new Four Seasons come April, and then make your way to Country Music Hall of Fame or the National Museum of African American Music. Also plan a tour at the historic RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print, where you can see decades’ worth of woodblock print posters for bands and performers.

We’re excited to check out Drusie & Darr at the Hermitage, opened by celebrated chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten last month. Also new is Bringle’s Smoking Oasis, a serious BBQ joint by legendary pitmaster Carey Bringle. Walk off your meal at one of Nashville’s famed entertainment districts, where neon lights and music spill into the streets. Lower Broadway, SoBro and Printer’s Alley are brimming with bars like the Listening Room Café, where you can enjoy free live music. Round out your trip with an evening show at one of the iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry House, the celebrated Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Café, the launching pad for many Nashville musical greats.

Quick Escape to San Antonio

San Antonio RiverwalkSan Antonio might be home to the Alamo, but it’s the Riverwalk that lends the city its charm. Take the steps down to this soothing river, shaded by tall cypress, oaks, and willows and you feel transported to a tropical setting just below the busy downtown streets. But the reason I love San Antonio is the fantastic biking. Rent bikes from the Blue Star Bicycling Company at the Blue Star Arts Complex and pedal on the 10-mile-long bike trail called the Mission Reach. It’s not uncommon to find herons, egrets, families of ducks, and turtles lounging in the waters, and colorful wildflowers in full bloom. When the trail ends at Mission Road, you can turn right to visit Mission Concepcion or left to visit Mission San Jose. These early 18th-century Spanish colonial missions are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of a national historic park. I always bring my camera to poke around these impressive buildings and get great shots of the light and shadows reflecting off the walls.

But there’s so much more! Two world class art museums, San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay, one of my favorite botanical gardens in the country, and that dining mecca, The Pearl, that I first described upon its debut in this Washington Post story. Home to the San Antonio branch of the Culinary Institute of America, award-winning restaurants, and a chic boutique hotel built from the remnants of the Pearl Brewery called Hotel Emma, the Pearl is my go-to neighborhood in town. The top restaurant here is Cured, but you better love meat and reserve in advance.

Quick Escape, New Orleans

New OrleansOne of our favorite sections of each ActiveTravels newsletter is the Quick Escape column, where we get to focus on a destination we can easily visit over a 3 to 4-day span. This being February, the shortest month of the year, we decided to revisit some of these short getaways this week and update with topical information. All are ideally suited for a late winter/early spring getaway. First Stop, New Orleans!

All trips to Nola start at the French Quarter to grab beignets at Café Du Monde and then listen to live jazz on Frenchmen Street that evening. But also plan to ride the Streetcar on St. Charles Ave, bike along the estates in the Garden District, and visit the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum and The National WWII Museum. The Museum of Southern Jewish Experience, located in the Warehouse District, opened in early 2021. The museum explores the unique history and culture of Southern Jews: how and when they arrived, which customs they held on to, and how they created new traditions alongside their neighbors in cities large and small across the South.

The Four Seasons New Orleans opened its doors in August 2021. Located on the Riverfront at the foot of Canal Street, the hotel is the latest addition to the city’s luxury accommodations. The property includes two restaurants: Miss River by Chef Alon Shaya (best known for his James Beard award-winning Israeli restaurant, Shaya) and Chemin a La Mer by Chef Donald Link and The Chandelier Bar. Chemin a La Mer offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River. The 238-room Virgin Hotels New Orleans is the latest lifestyle brand to open its doors in the Warehouse District in August 2021.

Top Travel Days of 2021, Every Day in Jamaica

Good Times in JamaicaIt was wonderful to return to the warmth of Jamaica with the family in December after a 3-year absence. Having been to the island over a dozen times, I don’t feel the need to walk up Dunn’s River Falls, see Bob Marley’s boyhood home in Nine Mile, watch the cliff divers jump off the rocks near Rick’s, or raft down the many rivers. Because I’ve already done that many times. No, all I wanted to do was spend time with the family, swimming in the soothing Caribbean waters, walking the beach to spot pelicans, reading the latest Amor Towles novel, playing and usually losing in Rummikub, eating my daily lunch of spicy jerk chicken, and certainly drinking my fair share of rum. It was well-deserved rest and rejuvenation for my weary body and soul.

Thanks for tuning in this week to our annual line-up of favorite travels during the previous year. If you want to see what ActiveTravels is excited about in 2022, please have a look at our latest newsletter.

Top Travel Days of 2021, Day Trip to The Hague from Amsterdam

MC Escher Museum, the HagueBy Lisa Leavitt

I spent 9 days in the Netherlands last October and believe it or not, it wasn’t enough time to see all I wanted to see in that small country! We cruised down sunshine-dappled canals in “saloon” boats, we viewed the international flower auction where millions of the world’s flowers are sold and shipped, we strolled cobblestone streets through small villages, we visited the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum and checked out the fascinating Maastricht region in the south. Each of our nine days were jam-packed with wonderful sights, delicious food and lots of wine and champagne. The Dutch were delighted to see our group of American travel advisors, since the pandemic has been long and difficult for them.

If I had to choose one favorite day on my whirlwind trip, it would be the one where we journeyed to The Hague, one hour southwest of Amsterdam, and the seat of government for the country. Our first stop was at the Mauritshuis Museum, a tiny gem of a place with a magnificent art collection. Our guide was witty and informative and best of all, we could get face to face with such famous paintings as Vermeer’s The Girl with The Pearl Earring, and Fabritius’s Goldfinch. What an absolute joy!

Lunch was next in a former city palace now turned luxury hotel, Hotel des Indes. This hotel opened in 1881 and has hosted such luminaries as Winston Churchill, the Dalai Lama and Josephine Baker. I would love to be at their dinner table! Lunch was sumptuous and delicious and they served us way too much champagne.

Our next stop was just a few steps up the road, thankfully. We were headed to the M.C. Escher Museum, also housed in a former palace, this time for Queen Emma of the Netherlands. Now Escher’s works are displayed throughout this lovely building adding a discordant note to all the opulence. The chandeliers by Dutch sculptor Hans van Bentem adorn many of the galleries and are not to be believed. Madonna saw them while visiting and now has some in her home.

Mesdag Panorama, The HagueYou’d think our day would be complete at this point, but no! Our last stop in The Hague was the Panorama Museum. Here is a circular painting, Europe’s biggest, by Hendrik Willem Mesdag. It’s as if you are standing in a lighthouse and looking 360 degrees out to see the beach, the ocean, the nearby villages. And, we were able to get behind the scenes with a guide. What an amazing day!

I can’t thank the Dutch Travel Advisor enough for arranging this trip for me and other travel advisors. They are true destination experts and showed us the authentic Netherlands with wonderful guides, excellent experiences, providing for me memories I won’t soon forget. ActiveTravels is happy to help recreate this experience for you!

Top Travel Days of 2021, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont

Theo's First Road Trip to Stowe, VermontWhen Vermont finally reopened to Massachusetts residents last May after their long lockdown due to the pandemic, we jumped in the car with our son, Jake, and puppy, Theo, and hit the road. The expansive green grounds of Trapp Family Lodge is the ideal place for a dog to roam. We biked the trails, played Frisbee Golf, and dined on bratwurst, washed down with pilsner at their Bierhall. Then made necessary microbrew pick-ups at the Alchemist and Hill Farmstead and went twice to dog-friendly Wiessner Woods to hike deep in the woods and fill our lungs with the crisp mountain air. It was the perfect quick escape!

Top Travel Days of 2021, Exploring New Brunswick’s Fundy Trail Parkway

Long Bach, Fundy Trail Parkway In September, I had the good fortune to return to New Brunswick, Canada, once the border finally reopened to Americans. 23 years after the Fundy Trail Parkway debuted in 1998, the extension of the 30-kilomter drive to nearby Fundy National Park was finally finished. My friend, Jeff, and I drove some 90 minutes from Saint John to reach the East Gate of the Fundy Trail Parkway. Within five minutes, we were at our first stop, Walton Glen Gorge, where the granite spans some 900 meters wide. We walked the short kilometer walk to the observation tower and soon were staring in awe at Little Salmon River as it surges through the Eye of the Needle.

The waters of the Bay of Fundy were by our side the rest of the day. A series of lookouts soon followed on the left as we peered down at the verdant slopes sliding into the sea, not unlike the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton. It only gets better from here. Long Beach is a marvel to behold, stretching about a third of a mile out to sea at low tide. We walked some 2 kilometers on a loop and it was honestly hard to tear me away from this spot. We found colorful green, gray, and granite pebbles, fantastic rock formations, and ripples of sand on the ocean floor that would be awash in water in a matter of hours. Edward Weston would have a field day here and so would any other photographer.

For lunch, we headed to the Cookhouse for a fantastic turkey sandwich, where the meat is processed by Chef Tracy’s turkey farmer neighbor on bread that was baked that morning. Afterwards, we opted for the insanely good molasses cake and walked around the room peering at the century-old photographs of loggers cutting down the cherished white pine to build tall masts at the shipping port of Saint John. To work off lunch, we strolled across the suspension bridge at Salmon River, where the waters were once teeming with so much salmon you could practically walk across the river. After one last requisite stop at Fuller Falls to see the water cascading down the slick rock into the Bay of Fundy, we arrived at the West Gate and the seaside town of St. Martins, the end of a magical coastal drive.