Discover Wanderlust Travel | October 2025 Newsletter


Monthly Travel Newsletter
Occtober 2025

Hi Reader,

The leaves changing in autumn is my favorite, and I wanted to share a few places you can visit this time of year to take in that beauty (that aren't in New England of course! 😉)

  • Columbia River Gorge, Oregon - More than 50 waterfalls cascade into the Columbia River Gorge, where vibrant autumn foliage can be enjoyed on nearby hikes, river cruises, or scenic flights from Portland through late October.
  • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The Smokies, America’s most visited national park, dazzles in fall with fiery foliage, misty mountain vistas, and scenic drives from Newfound Gap’s peak.
  • Taos, New Mexico - Surrounded by national forests, Taos is a prime base for New Mexico’s golden fall foliage, scenic drives on the Enchanted Circle, and vibrant arts festivals.

For now, I'm off for some rest and relaxation in the tropics but I'll be back next month with more on a destination you want to hear about!


📍Destination Spotlight: Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Tucked along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Nicoya Peninsula offers a restorative escape far from the crowds. Known as one of the world’s five Blue Zones, which are the regions where people live longer, healthier lives, Nicoya combines natural beauty with a laid-back lifestyle and a focus on wellness.

Picture hidden beaches, warm ocean breezes, and vibrant sunsets as you settle into a boutique beachfront bungalow at Nantipa, a boutique eco-hotel surrounded by nature at Lagarta Lodge, or an eco-luxury glamping experience on Isla Chiquita. Days here can be as peaceful or as active as you wish. Unwind by the shore, explore scenic byways, join a cooking class, or simply soak up the region’s restorative rhythm.

Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation, cultural immersion, or soft adventure, Nicoya’s coastal charm and natural splendor make it a perfect destination to unwind and reconnect.


Where Are Clients traveling?

I thought I would share sampling of where my clients are experiencing more on land in the coming months...

Tell me, where do you want to go next?


Ready to Plan Your Next Getaway?

Let’s craft a tailored itinerary with exclusive Virtuoso perks — from VIP experiences to hand-picked accommodations and tours. I'm by your side from start to finish.


Travel Industry News & Updates

✈️

What Does The Government Shutdown Mean For Travel?

Delays at airports, reduced services at national park, and general disruption are expected.

Read more →

🧳

Solo Travelers have - you have spoken!

Riviera Travel will be launching the first river cruise ship dedicated to solo travlers with itineraries on Europe's Rhine, Danube, and Moselle rivers - no single supplements.

Read more →

🌎

Happiest Travel Destination In The World...

This Portuguese city was named the world’s happiest travel destination thanks to its ample sunshine, walkability, green spaces, low noise/light pollution, and healthy dining options.

Read more →


Trusty Travel Tip

Use airport lounges: Even if you're not flying business class, many lounges offer day passes or access through premium credit cards. They often provide free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter space to relax during layovers.

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Carla | Discover Wanderlust Travel

Hi, I'm Carla, an Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in Tampa, Florida. I help busy couples alleviate the stress of researching and planning their well-deserved vacations. By personalizing the travel experience according to my clients' travel style, preferred pace, and goals, I help eliminate decision fatigue. My expertise is in crafting unique and personalized itineraries for Italy first-timers, luxury river-cruises with pre and/or post cruise immersions, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as chasing the Northern Lights and Antarctica or Galápagos expeditions. My clients are adventurous or curious at heart and prefer to travel off-the-beaten path, desire small-group and private touring, and appreciate travel as an essential part of living a full life. I help manage the finer details to avoid hiccups along the way. I'm with you as your advocate from the planning stages, during travel, and until you return home. All you need to do is pack! Subscribe to my monthly travel newsletter for debunked travel myths, packing insights, luxury travel tips, insider details and more.

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