Discover Wanderlust Travel | January 2025 Newsletter

Monthly Travel E-Newsletter
January 2025

Hi Reader, and Happy New Year!

Later this month, I'll be sailing on Virgin Voyages, Valiant Lady. It will be my first sailing on one of their lady ships. I've learned a ton about Richard Branson's sexy ships; I've completed their comprehensive top-tier training, and I am excited to put it to the test and experience it for myself.

Virgin Voyages brands itself as adults-only luxury yacht-style cruising, and I'm looking forward to seeing if it truly lives up to the hype. I've invited my best friend along so we can live it up and enjoy the scene together. Be sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram to catch us in all our kid-free glory!

When planning travel, I always enjoy discovering and learning a bit more about lesser traveled destinations. You know, the cities you might not be quite sure exactly where they are in the world. I appreciate that there are SO many hidden gems outside of the major world cities. This month, I am featuring Kotor, Montenegro, which is nestled on the Adriatic coast between Albania and Bosnia and Herzagovina/Croatia.

🥂 Cheers to a happy and prosperous New Year full of new and exciting adventures!

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro, is certainly a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

The fortified Old Town bears similarities with the one in Dubrovnik, Croatia, but is smaller, less crowded, and more idyllic. The best way to explore this very compact part of town is to allow yourself to get lost in the maze of narrow streets and small squares and to wander around admiring the historic buildings.

A Maze Designed to Confuse Invaders: Kotor's Old Town is renowned for its labyrinthine streets, intentionally designed to bewilder invaders. This medieval layout, with its narrow alleys and hidden squares, invites visitors to wander and discover charming boutiques, cafes, and historical landmarks around every corner.

Sea-to-Table Dining: Kotor offers a rich culinary tradition, heavily influenced by its coastal location. Fresh seafood like mussels, squid, and octopus are staples on menus, often paired with local wines. Don’t miss dishes like “Buzara,” a simple yet flavorful seafood stew, or locally cured prosciutto from nearby Njeguši.

The Bay of Kotor: Considered Europe's Southernmost Fjord: The Bay of Kotor is a breathtaking natural harbor surrounded by towering mountains. This spectacular landscape offers opportunities for sailing, hiking, and photography, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kotor has some real appeal as a travel destination that stands apart from more commonly visited cities. Certainly a unique and rewarding place where there is more to explore!

Featured Sailing:

Windstar's Vatican & Croatian Coastlines Cruise Tour: 8-day cruise from Rome to Venice (or reverse)

Dreaming of Mediterranean coastlines? If you consider yourself a fan of cruising, then you'll want to take a look at this sailing.

Windstar: Vatican & Croatian Coastlines Cruise Tour

What's Included:

8-day cruise from Rome to Venice or reverse
All meals
Dining at specialty restaurants and 24-hour room service
Non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, specialty coffee & tea, and bottled water
Complimentary Watersports Platform equipment & snorkel gear
2 hotel nights at Mascagni Hotel in Rome or similar hotel
All transfers to and from the various included sites
Admission fees to the Colosseum, San Clemente Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel
Activity Level: Moderate

All-inclusive pricing starts at $6,891
(adds Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, and gratuities)

Travel Industry News & Updates

🚨

REAL ID status: Starting May 7, 2025, US travelers will need a REAL ID to fly domestically.

Most new IDs are compliant, but check if yours isn’t. You’ll need proof of identity and a current address to get one. Passports are still valid for both domestic and international travel.

Condé Nast Traveler releases The Best Hotels & Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2025

As they have done for the 31 years, editors have released their global favorites based on their beauty, comfort, or impeccable service.

24 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime travel destinations will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Trusty Travel Tip

For the best rates and airfare schedules, book your air between 2-6 months in advance of travel. Typically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays have lower airfares since these are off-peak days for both business and leisure travelers.

Know a friend who loves to travel and appreciates the value a travel advisor can bring - one who is all in to the details, provides top-tier service, and can offer amenities not available when booking direct?

Please share this newsletter with them!

Contact me when you are ready to stress less and elevate your next travel adventure!

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